SXU professor chosen for distinguished national fellowship award

Karen Benjamin, Ph.D. named National Academy of Education/Spencer Postdoctoral Fellow

Chicago (May 27, 2010) Saint Xavier University assistant professor of history Karen Benjamin, Ph.D. has been chosen to be a 2010-11 National Academy of Education/Spencer Postdoctoral Fellow.

The fellowship program supports early career scholars working in critical areas of education research. This nonresidential postdoctoral fellowship funds proposals that make significant scholarly contributions to the field of education. Fellows take the equivalent of one year’s teaching leave during the fellowship term. Benjamin’s fellowship award of $55,000 is intended to assist with salary replacement and research expenses for the fellowship period. The fellowship selection committee chose twenty fellows from a competitive pool of one-hundred sixty applications from scholars of education nationwide.

Benjamin’s graduated with a Ph.D. in History and Educational Policy Studies from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2007. Her research and teaching interests include 20th century U.S. history, the historical construction of race, the history of American education, the history of the U.S. South, and grassroots reform movements. Her current research project, titled “Suburbanizing Jim Crow: The Impact of School Policy on Residential Segregation,” developed from a case study of a 1920s school building program in Raleigh, North Carolina that continues to shape the city’s racially segregated housing patterns to this day.

“I will use my time off from teaching for research-related travel before beginning the manuscript which will pull together my findings,” said Benjamin. “I am hoping to have a book contract by the end of next year and a completed book manuscript soon thereafter.”

“We congratulate Dr. Benjamin on her selection for this prestigious fellowship,” said SXU College of Arts and Sciences Dean Kathleen Alaimo, Ph.D. “This award affirms her scholarly work at Saint Xavier and allows her a dynamic opportunity to develop it further.”

The fellowships are administered by the National Academy of Education, an honorary educational society. They are funded by a grant to the Academy from the Spencer Foundation. Now in its twenty-fourth year, the fellowship program has more than 600 alumni who include many of the strongest education researchers in the field today.

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Jay Foot, Executive Director of Media Relations
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Video Alert! Watch Prof. James Aman, Ph.D., discuss possible Goolgle "Street View" privacy violations on CBS 2 News at 10

Chicago (May 27, 2010) CBS 2 News Reporter Mike Parker interviewed Associate Professor of Computer Science James Aman, Ph.D., for a report on possible Google "Street View" privacy violations. The segment aired on CBS 2 News at 10 on May 26.




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Jay Foot, Executive Director of Media Relations
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WXAV 88.3 FM to broadcast 2010 Windy City ThunderBolts season

SXU’s student-run radio station will air 55 regular season games

Chicago May , 2010) Saint Xavier University’s student-run radio station WXAV 88.3 FM will broadcast the Windy City ThunderBolts baseball team’s 2010 season. Broadcasts of the Crestwood-based Frontier League team’s games also will be available via WXAV’s Web site.

WXAV will air 55 regular season games this year with SXU alumnus Terry Bonadonna ’10 as the play-by-play announcer. The ThunderBolts, who were 2007 and 2008 Frontier League Champions, open their season against the Kalamazoo Kings at 7:05 p.m. on Thurs., May 20.
“I’m very excited about our partnership this season,” said ThunderBolts General Manager Mike Lucas. “We’re looking forward to bringing in Terry Bonadonna and happy to offer him the position for this season and beyond.”

“I think it’s a great opportunity for both Saint Xavier and the team to get some exposure, as well as a great opportunity for SXU students to get some professional experience broadcasting games,” Bonadonna said. “I couldn’t be happier with the way things turned out.”

For a complete listing of games being broadcast on WXAV, please visit WXAV’s Web site and click the “Sports” link.

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Jay Foot, Executive Director of Media Relations
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New SXU president Christine M. Wiseman, J.D. presides over 2010 spring commencement

More than 850 students receiving diplomas

Chicago (May 17, 2010) Saint Xavier University’s new president Christine M. Wiseman, J.D. presided over the University’s 2010 Spring Commencement on May 16 at the Chicago campus, 3700 W. 103^rd St. More than 850 students received their diplomas.

“I congratulate our Saint Xavier graduates who have worked so diligently and successfully to reach this milestone in their lives,” said Wiseman.

The Rev. Michael M. Boland, administrator, president and CEO of the Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago and 1982 Saint Xavier alumnus, gave the Undergraduate Commencement speech. Jeanette Rodriguez, Ph.D, chair of Theology and Religious Studies at Seattle University, delivered the Graduate Commencement speech.

Boland, Rodriguez and 1974 Saint Xavier alumnus Larry R. Rogers, Sr. received honorary degrees. Rogers is a partner at Power, Rogers and Smith, P.C. and previously was president of the Cook County Bar Association and the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association.

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Saint Xavier University appoints Vice President of Business and Finance

Raymond P. Catania begins May 24, 2010

Chicago May 13, 2010) Saint Xavier University is pleased to announce the appointment of Raymond P. Catania as Vice President of Business and Finance, effective May 24, 2010. Catania, who was selected after a national search, will serve as the University’s chief financial officer. He will be a member of the President’s Cabinet and will report to President Christine M. Wiseman, J.D.

“Mr. Catania’s extensive experience in both higher education and corporate environments makes him the ideal choice to direct and advance Saint Xavier’s business and financial affairs,” said Wiseman.

Catania most recently was Director of Academic Business Operations at Loyola University, and previously worked as business manager in Loyola’s School of Business Administration and the Office of the Provost. Prior to that, he worked as Manager of Accounting/Finance at Bank of America Equity Partners, Gas Accounting Manager at Peoples Energy Services Corporation, controller at FRM Management, LLC, Assistant Controller/Accounting Manager at Amtrak, Senior Accountant and Financial Analyst at Natural Gas Pipeline Company of America, and Staff Accountant and Assistant Auditor at Peat Marwick.
Catania is a CPA and a CFP, and holds an MBA in financial management from DePaul University and a B.B.A. in accountancy from Loyola University.

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Jay Foot, Executive Director of Media Relations
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SXU Alum appointed FEMA Regional Administrator

Andrew Velasquez III cites his Graham School of Management MBA

Chicago May 13, 2010) Saint Xavier University alumnus Andrew Velasquez III was appointed regional administrator of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency on May 10 by President Barack Obama.

Velasquez, who graduated from Saint Xavier University’s Graham School of Management with an MBA in 2002, will oversee a six-state region including Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio and Wisconsin.

“I had a great learning experience at SXU,” said Velasquez. "The flexibility of the MBA program offered through the Chicago Police Department's training academy enabled me to meet the challenges of a demanding work schedule while receiving a quality education.”

Read the FEMA release.

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Jay Foot, Executive Director of Media Relations
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SXU announces 2010 Spring Commencement speakers

The Rev. Michael M. Boland ’82 and Jeanette Rodriguez, Ph.D

Chicago May 11, 2010) Saint Xavier University has announced the speakers for its 2010 Spring Commencement on May 16 in the Shannon Center at the Chicago campus, 3700 W. 103rd St.

The Rev. Michael M. Boland ’82, administrator, president and CEO of the Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago, will give the Undergraduate Commencement speech and Jeanette Rodriguez, Ph.D, chair of Theology and Religious Studies at Seattle University, will deliver the Graduate Commencement speech.

Boland is a Saint Xavier alumnus who has been administrator, president and CEO of the Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago since 1997. He has several other roles in the Archdiocese, including Director of Human Services and membership on the Cardinal’s Cabinet. He sits on dozens of boards, including Catholic Charities USA and CARITAS – Archdiocese of Mexico City. In addition to a Bachelor of Arts in business administration from Saint Xavier, Boland also holds a Bachelor of Science in Sacred Arts and a Master of Divinity in Theology from University of St. Mary of the Lake/Mundelein University and a Master of Social Work from Loyola University Chicago.

Rodriguez has been chair of Seattle University’s Department of Theology and Religious Studies since 2005, and previously from 1997 to 2003. She was a founding director of the Center for the Study of Justice in Society from 2001 to 2004. She is a prolific writer, having published dozens of works about U.S. Hispanic theology, theology of liberation, cultural memory, justice and peace education and other topics. She holds a Ph.D in religion and the personality sciences from Graduate Theological Union, a Master of Arts in counseling education from the University of Guam, a Master of Arts in religion from Fordham University and a Bachelor of Arts in religious studies from Queens College.

Boland, Rodriguez and 1974 Saint Xavier alumnus Larry R. Rogers, Sr. will receive honorary degrees. Rogers is a partner at Power, Rogers and Smith, P.C. and previously was president of the Cook County Bar Association and the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association.

Saint Xavier University’s new president Christine M. Wiseman, J.D. will oversee the ceremonies. The Undergraduate Ceremony begins at 10 a.m. and the Graduate Ceremony begins at 3 p.m.


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Jay Foot, Executive Director of Media Relations
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New SXU president Christine M. Wiseman, J.D. to lead 2010 Commencement ceremonies

Class of 2010 graduates May 16

Chicago May 10, 2010) Saint Xavier University President Christine M. Wiseman, J.D., who took office on May 1, will confer diplomas to the graduating class of 2010 on Sun., May 16 in the Shannon Center at the University’s Chicago campus, 3700 West 103rd Street.

“I congratulate our Saint Xavier graduates who have worked so diligently and successfully to reach this milestone in their lives,” said Wiseman.

Wiseman is the 19th president of the University, which is the 19th Ward’s largest employer, and soon will be a Southland resident.

With a Bachelor of Arts and Juris Doctorate from Marquette University, Wiseman has spent nearly 30 highly successful years in Catholic higher education, most recently serving as Provost and Professor of Law at Loyola University of Chicago. Before joining Loyola in 2007, Wiseman served as Vice President for Academic Affairs and Professor of Law at Creighton University and as an administrator and Law Professor at Marquette University. Prior to her academic career, Wiseman served as an Assistant Wisconsin Attorney General with the Criminal Appeals Division and a law clerk for the United States District Court, Eastern District of Wisconsin.

For more information or to schedule an interview with Wiseman, please contact Executive Director of Media Relations Jay Foot at (773) 298-3937 or foot@sxu.edu.

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Jay Foot, Executive Director of Media Relations
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SXU Office of University Relations wins prestigious Golden Trumpet award

Winning entry: “Saint Xavier University Cougars Football”

Saint Xavier Golden Trumpet Award winners (L to R) – Robert Tenczar, Vice President of University Relations, Jay Foot, Executive Director of Media Relations, Rob Huizenga, Sports Information Director, Richard Ducat, Assistant Director of Media Relations.

Chicago May 10, 2010) The Publicity Club of Chicago’s 2010 Golden Trumpet Awards program named Saint Xavier University’s Office of University Relations and its Media Relations Department a Golden Trumpet winner at its 51st Annual Golden Trumpet Awards Luncheon on Fri., May 7 at the Palmer House Hilton in Chicago. The Golden Trumpet Awards is the premier awards competition for Chicago’s public relations and communications professionals. The coveted awards are presented for excellence in planning, creativity and execution in 22 categories.

Saint Xavier’s winning entry is “Saint Xavier University Cougars Football” in the “Video News Releases and Films” category. The entry was a compilation of comprehensive Chicago TV News coverage originating from video highlights of SXU’s Cougars football team from its historic 2009 season. The Cougars finished 13-1 overall, sweeping through the regular season with a perfect 11-0 mark for the first time in team history and were ranked as high as No. 4 in the NAIA’s weekly Top 25 Poll, according to the SXU Athletics Department’s Sports Information Office

“We are sincerely grateful for the strong working relationships that we have with all the Chicago television stations,” said Jay Foot, executive director of Media Relations.

“The Golden Trumpet Awards is the most prestigious of its kind in the Midwest,” said Robert Tenczar, vice president of University Relations. “We are pleased to accept this distinguished award and grateful to the Publicity Club of Chicago for this honor.”

According to the Publicity Club of Chicago Web site, “The Golden Trumpet Awards vividly demonstrate that the creativity and innovative programming by Chicago and Midwest public relations professionals lead the nation in inspired work and enviable results.”

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Jay Foot, Executive Director of Media Relations
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SXU graduating seniors commissioned to faith-based community service

Commit to Mercy Volunteer Corps and Archdiocese of Chicago for one year

Chicago May 5, 2010) In the “spirit of mercy” tradition for which Saint Xavier University is renowned, three graduating seniors recently committed to total immersion one-year community service efforts with non-profit organizations via the Mercy Volunteer Corps and the Archdiocese of Chicago.


(L to R) Patricia Smith, Mark Piper and Regina Byrnes Commissioned at student Mass.

Regina Byrnes of Streamwood, Ill., Mark Piper of Stoughton, Wis., and Patricia Smith of Markham, Ill., will live a simple in-community lifestyle at their ministry sites where they will work and pray together with the people they serve. The three graduating seniors were commissioned to the Mercy Volunteer Corps and service to the Archdiocese by the University at its final Sunday evening student Mass, celebrated by Fr. Robert Barry, O.P., on May 2 at McDonough Chapel. They were commissioned by Fr. Barry, Director of Campus Ministry Esther Sanborn and by Director of MercyCare at Saint Xavier Sister Mary Loftus, R.S.M.

“This thoughtful commitment by Regina, Mark and Patricia is a response to the Gospel call to give one’s energy to extending the message of Jesus in today’s age,” said Loftus. “We are so grateful for young people such as these, who are willing to serve and who exemplify the mercy spirit that is at the core of Saint Xavier University.”
Byrnes, Piper and Smith will graduate from Saint Xavier during commencement ceremonies on May 16 at the Shannon Center, 3700 West 103rd St. Their volunteer service work begins in the fall, following an orientation retreat.

• Byrnes, a nursing major, will graduate with a Bachelor of Science in nursing degree from the Saint Xavier School of Nursing. She will go to St. Mary’s Community and Health Centers, a Sisters of Mercy ministry that provides a variety of community services in Savannah, Ga.
• Piper, a political science and pastoral ministry double major, will graduate with a Bachelor of Arts degree from the Saint Xavier College of Arts and Sciences. He will serve at Amate House, an Archdiocese of Chicago ministry where participants help at parishes and schools in the city and participate in a formation program that encourages them to understand and explore the link between Christian faith and service.
• Smith, a sociology and religious studies double major will graduate with a Bachelor of Arts degree from the Saint Xavier College of Arts and Sciences and serve with Project H.O.M.E. a Sisters of Mercy ministry that works with homeless people in Philadelphia, Pa.

“I've always wanted to do some type of mission work, especially after helping people in the nation of Belize, which was another Mercy Volunteer Corps service project that I participated in last year,” said Byrnes. “Service work just makes sense to me.”
"I'm looking forward to moving on from Saint Xavier,” said Piper. “I will be taking the core values with me, in particular that of service, and also the mission statement that seems to have left an indelible mark on my character, as I am looking forward to serving the common good, as wisely and compassionately as I know how."

“Religious Studies courses have encouraged me to carefully consider my own Catholic tradition and the deeper understanding of the call to Christian discipleship” said Smith. “This understanding has been greatly influenced by the University’s Catholic and Mercy heritage, which inspires students to recognize the sacredness and dignity of every human person and to serve humbly and compassionately.”

Mercy volunteers serve in education, health care and social services in 12 U.S. cities plus international locations. For more information, visit the Mercy Volunteer Corps Web site or contact Sister Mary Loftus, R.S.M. at Saint Xavier MercyCare at loftus@sxu.edu or (773) 298-3125.


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Jay Foot, Executive Director of Media Relations
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foot@sxu.edu

Team SXU raises $1,881 at Run to Remember 5k Walk/Run

Event benefits Chicago Police Memorial Foundation

Chicago May 5, 2010) Saint Xavier University’s Team SXU raised $1,881 at the 6th Annual Run to Remember 5k Walk/Run, the second most donations of any qualified team. The Run to Remember benefits the Chicago Police Memorial Foundation, which provides support and assistance to the families of Chicago police officers killed or catastrophically injured in the line of duty.

(L to R) Gary Watland, Leslie Watland, Brian Lynch, Sean Watland, Kathleen Watland, William Kresse, James Brodzinski, Tolulope Bewaji, Anne Brennan, Indranil Ghosh, Larry Meneghini, Renee Robinson, Robert Weierman, Leslie Petty.

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FOR MORE INFORMATION

Jay Foot, Executive Director of Media Relations
O: (773) 298-3937
C: (773) 617-3632
foot@sxu.edu