SXU awarded $5M for capital improvements to Robert and Mary Rita Murphy Stump Library

Grant awarded by the Illinois Board of Education

Chicago (June 24, 2010) The Illinois Board of Higher Education, at its June 21 meeting, approved a $5 million grant for capital improvements to Saint Xavier University’s Robert and Mary Rita Murphy Stump Library. The grant, awarded under the IBHE Independent Colleges Capital Program, is funded by sales of “Build Illinois” bonds issued by the State of Illinois. The formula for distribution for funding to private institutions was determined by the Federation of Independent Illinois Colleges and Universities.

“The funding makes possible the renovation and expansion of The Robert and Mary Rita Murphy Stump Library, a vital resource to the University and surrounding community,” said Saint Xavier University President Christine M. Wiseman, J.D. “We wish to thank IBHE and FIICU for recognizing the need and the value of our library capital improvement efforts, and for providing the means to help us achieve them.”

The renovations will create a user-centered, service-rich dynamic learning environment that is more than 50 percent larger than the current facilities. There will be new library space on the first floor of the Warde Academic Center with improved facilities for technical services staff, significantly increased study space, an Instructional Design Center, a training lab, an instructional lab, a Student Media Center and a coffee venue.

Saint Xavier may receive 25 percent of those grant funds (approximately $1.237 million) within the coming weeks. Sixty-four of the 83 eligible private colleges and universities in Illinois completed the application. Saint Xavier was one of 11 to receive the maximum $5 million base grant.
The Robert and Mary Rita Murphy Stump Library is dedicated to providing access to information resources, facilitating their use in the learning process and reinforcing the University values of academic integrity and lifelong learning.

For more information about The Robert and Mary Rita Murphy Stump Library, contact Library Director Mark Vargas at vargas@sxu.edu or (773) 298-3350.


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

SXU releases Spring 2010 Dean’s List

Chicago (June 21, 2010) Saint Xavier University has announced the Dean’s List of students for the Spring 2010 semester. The Dean’s List recognizes full-time students who have completed a minimum of 15 credit hours at Saint Xavier and have maintained a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.75 out of 4.0. Students must be enrolled for a minimum of 12 credit hours during the given semester and have earned a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.75.

Addison
Ioannis Karakozis, senior, business administration

Alsip
Samantha Dietel, senior, English
Meghan Lambert, senior, education
Rachael Lang, senior, art
Dominic Paguio, junior, biology
Michelle Paulsen, senior, accounting

Berwyn
Terence Bonadonna, senior, communication
Zachary Clements, senior, accounting

Blue Island
Kathryn James, senior, English
Angela Mendoza, senior, psychology
Lauren Podgorak, senior, education

Bolingbrook
Karimah Boyce, senior, communication science and disorders
Joanna Janulis, junior, education

Bridgeview
Bob Bednarz, junior, biology

Burbank
Wioleta Baczynski, senior, accounting
Dominik Bydlon, senior, computer science
Kinga Cachro junior, psychology
Massoud Joudeh, senior, marketing/finance
Agnieszka Kacka, junior, psychology
Krystin Koscicki, junior, nursing
Barbara Kulikowski, senior, education
Ursula Radwanski, senior, computer studies
Christine Sansone, senior, psychology
Danielle Wilbur, senior, Spanish/secondary education

Burr Ridge
Kenneth Hagen, junior, management

Chicago
Vanessa Adeniyi, junior, management
Jane Barclay, senior, liberal studies
Mary Bruckner, senior, business administration
Martina Buttilgero, senior, nursing
Kelly Ciurej, sophomore, graphic design
Cheryl Collins, senior, professional studies
Katelyn Delaney, senior, education
Thuy Do, junior, education
Robert Driscoll, senior, accounting
Kristin Duewerth, sophomore, nursing
Susan Ganta, senior, accounting
Kathryn Gleeson, junior, nursing
Oleksandr Grechko, senior, biology
Najeeb Haddad, senior, religious studies/philosophy
Cathy Hornik, junior, biology
Antonique Johnson, junior, liberal studies
Amanda Jones, senior, accounting
Matthew Kobel, senior, political science
Amanda Lally, senior, nursing
Matthew Lopez, sophomore, business administration
Kristen Marshall, junior, education
Nancy Martinez, senior, education
Janice McClain, junior, psychology
Jean McKenna, senior, sociology
Bianca Monzon, sophomore, undeclared
Carolyn Morris, senior, psychology
Petra Pham, sophomore, nursing
Matthew Polick, senior, history
Sarah Rakauskas, senior, religious studies/sociology
Tracey Rewers, senior, education
Yenisse Roman, senior, business administration
Esmeralda Sanchez, junior, Spanish/communication science and disorders
Angelica Sanchez, senior, biology
Kristina Scholberg, sophomore, nursing
Melanie Sell, senior, education
Brook Stafford, sophomore, communication science and disorders
Teresa Suchorabski, senior, international business/marketing
Grazyna Urbanczyk, senior, math
Matthew Van Etten, junior, psychology
Marissa Vojnovich, freshman, communication science and disorders

Chicago Ridge
Romana Amato, senior, English
Kendra Blank, senior, English/secondary education
Natalie Zakarzecka, junior, political science

Crestwood
Joseph Meier, senior, accounting

Darien
Allison Liwanag, freshman, communication science and disorders

Dekalb
Dale MacKay, senior, nursing

Downers Grove
Adam Jablonowski, junior, political science
Erin Sebo, junior, nursing

Elmhurst
Stuart Watson, junior, biology/secondary education

Evergreen Park
Amanda Harris, junior, education
Patrick Higgins, junior, biology
Kevin Kelly, junior, communications
Bethany Orlowski, sophomore, graphic design
Patrick Seiter, junior, computer science
David Weidman, senior, international business

Frankfort
Madelyn Bloomsenior, education
Sandy Canino, senior, English
Mindy Swaney, senior, biology/secondary education

Gilberts
Crystal Contreras, sophomore, math/international studies

Hickory Hills
Kathryn Chambers, junior, psychology
Amy Lindemann, senior, education
Marcella Russo, senior, philosophy
Jinan Shillo, junior, education
Anna Sroka, senior, biology

Highland Park
Kristin Barber, senior, nursing

Homer Glen
Amanda Primozic, junior, nursing

Hometown
Christopher Buettner, senior, biology
Frank Kenny, Jr., senior, biology

Joliet
Alexandra Barone, senior, marketing/management

LaGrange Park
Ashley August, junior, math/secondary education

Lake Villa
Olivia Gonzalez, freshman, communications

Lansing
John Noonan, junior, sociology

Lemont
Lauren Dentzman, senior, psychology
Melissa Doornbos, senior, communications
Colleen O'Hara, sophomore, nursing

Machesney Park
Jana Knezovic, sophomore, social science/secondary education

Metamora
Amanda Wessel, junior, biology

Mokena
Anthony Bara, sophomore, history/secondary education
Patricia Cupit, senior, social science/secondary education
Brittany Cuthbert, freshman, undeclared
Katrina Neubauer, senior, psychology

Monee
Jennifer Schumacher, senior, business administration

Mount Prospect
Joanna Stawarz, junior, nursing

New Lenox
Justine Kudla, sophomore, art
Christopher Nunkovich, senior, professional studies

Oak Forest
Alyssa Gage, junior, biology
Benjamin Noffke, junior, biology/chemistry
Amy Poull, senior, English/secondary education
Rafael Reyes, senior, finance
Lisa Vondrak, sophomore, math/secondary education

Oak Lawn
Julie Adams, senior, marketing
Maha Barakat, sophomore, psychology/English
Ashley Butterfield, senior, psychology
Fiona Connaghan, senior, education
Stephanie Cummings, senior, communication science and disorders
James Cunningham, senior, management
Matthew Erickson, senior, math
Donald Galvin, senior, psychology
Jordan Groll, senior, graphic design
Christina Guillen, senior, education
Mary Beth McCormick, senior, education
Sophia Mirza, freshman, education
Katherine Mulcahy, senior, nursing
Angeline Nalepa, senior, sociology
Rana Nino, senior, psychology/education
Rifah Odeh, senior, English
Deena Rostom, junior, biology
Jake Shelpman, junior, biology
Jennifer Thiel, senior, English
Chau Truong, junior, chemistry/biology
Meghan Walsh, sophomore, communication science and disorders
Nicholas Wroblewski, senior, management

O’Fallon
Rebecca Pehle, junior, hospitality management

Orland Park
Dominic Catalano, sophomore, psychology
John Donahue, junior, history/secondary education
Caitlyn Fetta, junior, art/secondary education
Angela Helwich, senior, graphic design
Laura Kostovich, senior, biology
Keith Sonneveld, senior, biology
Jennifer Tiess, junior, criminal justice
Kristine Wagner, junior, education

Palos Heights
Michael Boyle, senior, criminal justice
Dana Eppley, senior, communication science and disorders
Jillian Greenwald, senior, marketing
Samantha Koranda, junior, education
Eman Diab, senior, accounting
Kinga Maciusiak, senior, biology

Park Ridge
Michelle Tourtillott, junior, political science

Richton Park
Stephen Zahradnik, senior, social science

Rockford
Barbara Roman, junior, education

Roscoe
Michael Prosser, junior, business administration

St. Charles
Rebekah Ruettiger, senior, psychology

Tinley Park
Carol Bradtke, senior, professional studies
Michele Brown, junior, education
Paul Bushno, Jr., junior, finance/accounting
James Casillas, senior, music performance
Matthew Cavanaugh, sophomore, communications
Gina De Vivo, senior, English
Brittany Jones, junior, psychology
Stacy Konow, senior, nursing
Kristina Lubke, junior, nursing
Danielle Malloy, senior, English
Joanne Sakellaropoulos, senior, biology
Chelsea Steuber, senior, education
Sarah Thompson, junior, psychology
Ashley Wojdyla, sophomore, math

Waukegan
Alicia Ivy, senior, sociology

Willow Springs
Danuta Ogrodny, senior, communication science and disorders
Pranvera Rexhepi, junior, education

Woodridge
Ben Johnson, junior, finance

Worth
Jennifer Dalla Betta, junior, English
Samantha Grice, senior, education
Alisha Kats, junior, nursing
Lindsey Okeefe, sophomore, nursing
Kristianne Puhr, senior, education
Judith Vendegna, senior, nursing

Weaver, Ala.
Kelley Lindsey, junior, communication/political science

Crown Point, Ind.
Christopher Batty, senior, math

Elkhart, Ind.
Morgan West, freshman, marketing/management

Huntington, Ind.
Nicholas Wilcox, senior, psychology

La Porte, Ind.
Kyle Mossman, sophomore, history

Muenster, Ind.
Megan Paradzinski, senior, history

Overland Park, Kan.
Brianna Stingley, junior, psychology

Commerce Township, Mich.
Bruxhilda Lumaj, junior, communications

Dowagiac, Mich.
Lori Key, junior, computer science

Grand Rapids, Mich.
Madeline Lyons, junior, communication science and disorders

Lake Orion, Mich.
Ashley Shugar, junior, nursing

Minneapolis, Minn.
Jasmine Rayman-Kinney, senior, psychology/sociology

Saint Louis, Miss.
Michela Stucco, junior, education

Lincoln, Neb.
Jamie Reed, sophomore, biology

Mogadore, Ohio
Kendall Steinle, senior, English

Sylvania, Ohio
Austin Landry, senior, international business

Richrdson, Tex.
Megan Ryan, senior, international business

Hortonville, Wis.
Ryan Bain, junior, chemistry

Monroe, Wis.
Marissa Young, junior, biology

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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

SXU instructor/alumnus receives Presidential Math and Science Teachers Award

Jason J. Crean of Woodridge to be honored at White House ceremony, received $10,000 grant

Chicago (June 18, 2010) President Barack Obama recently named Saint Xavier University Adjunct Lecturer of Biology Jason J. Crean a recipient of the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching.

The annual award honors the best pre-college-level science and mathematics teachers across the country. Crean will receive his award at a Washington, D.C. ceremony later this year, which includes several days of educational and celebratory events and visit with members of Congress and science agency leaders. The award also includes a $10,000 grant to be used.

Crean, a Woodridge resident, received both his bachelor’s degree in biology (1996) and his master’s degree in education (2001) from SXU. He is a biology teacher at Lyons Township High School and does research/service work for the Brookfield Zoo Conservation Biology Department’s Genetics Lab.

Crean won the National Association of Biology Teachers’ 2009 Ecology/Environmental Science Teaching Award and the 2009 Dug, Chemical, and Associated Technologies Association “Making a Difference” Award sponsored by the National Science Teachers Association.

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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

SXU joins Institute for Fraud Prevention’s Research Consortium of Universities

IFP recognizes SXU’s Center for the Study of Fraud and Corruption

Chicago (June 17, 2010) Saint Xavier University recently was named to the Institute for Fraud Prevention’s Research Consortium of Universities at the IFP’s biannual meeting in Washington, D.C.

SXU was named to the Consortium in recognition of the Graham School of Management’s Center for the Study of Fraud and Corruption’s contributions to anti-fraud research and education. The IFP comprises leading fraud examination academics and practitioners and Consortium schools represent academic institutions at the forefront of fraud examination research and education.

“In an era when fraud, identity theft and white collar crime are sharply on the rise, it is imperative that dedicated academic institutions and researchers join together to combat emergent criminal activities,” said William J. Kresse, Director and chief architect of the financial fraud examination and management graduate program and Graham School of Management Associate Professor.

The IFP is a voluntary association of organizations and researchers dedicated to fraud detection, deterrence and prevention, with an orientation towards multi-disciplinary research and education. The IFP supports research with funding, guidance and data, and by providing independent, non-partisan expertise on anti-fraud policies and procedures. The IFP is dedicated to assembling a world class community of anti-fraud experts, conducting research into fraud in all its forms, supporting fraud-related education at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, and sharing the results of its sponsored research.

Founded by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners, the IFP is supported by its Contributing and Intellectual Partners including the Federal Bureau of Investigations, the U.S. Government Accountability Office, the U.S. Postal Inspectors, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, FinCEN, the National White-Collar Crime Center, the Council of Better Business Bureaus, Deloitte, Grant Thornton and BNP Paribus. The IFP is housed at West Virginia University.

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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

SXU to host Community Job Search Workshop

Get resume reviews and advice about networking, interviewing, job hunting

Chicago (June 16, 2010) Saint Xavier University’s Department of Career Services will host a Community Job Search Workshop from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tues., June 29 in the Andrew Conference Center at SXU’s Chicago campus, 3700 W. 103rd St.

The workshop is free and open to the public, but pre-registration is strongly encouraged. The event includes a welcome reception and two hour-long workshops: Networking and Job Search at 6:30 p.m. and Interviewing at 7:45 p.m. Additionally, SXU staff members will be on hand to answer questions or provide resume reviews.

For more information or to pre-register, please contact Director of Career Services Jean Riordan at (773) 298-3131 or riordan@sxu.edu.

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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

Ten SXU professors granted tenure

Chicago (June 11, 2010) Ten Saint Xavier University faculty members recently were granted tenure.

The following faculty members were promoted to associate professor with tenure:
• Kristine Florczak, Ph.D., School of Nursing
• Monica Gavino, Ph.D., Graham School of Management
• Anne George, Ph.D., School of Education
• James Kusik, MLIS, Associate Librarian, The Robert and Mary Rita Murphy Stump Library
• Maureen Schmitt, M.S., Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders
• Kathleen Watland, Ed.D., Graham School of Management
• Liang Zhao, Ph.D., School of Education

The following faculty members were granted tenure:
• Pamela Klick, M.A., Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders
• Renee Robinson, Ph.D., Department of Communication
• Earl Thomas, Ed.D., School of Education

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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

Spirit of America marching band to perform July 3 and 4 at SXU

Music, dance and marching show begins at 8 p.m.

Chicago June 11, 2010) The Spirit of America marching band will perform on Sat., July 3 and Sun., July 4 at Saint Xavier University’s Chicago campus, 3700 W. 103rd St., Chicago. Watch video of a Spirit of America performance.

The event is free and open to the public.

Spirit of America is a field band, marching band, winter percussion unit, fife and drum corps and wind ensemble. SXU’s Bruce R. Deaton Memorial Field will be transformed into a giant stage for the show. The show, titled “Exploration!,” combines music, dance, marching, costumes and lights. The performance features inspiring music from Copland, Rachmaninoff and the hit Broadway musical “Wicked,” as well as themes from “Shrek,” “Rudy” and more.

Spirit of America also will host free workshops for Chicago band students on Sat., July 3 at the University.

For more information, please contact the Department of Music at (773) 298-3421.

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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

SXU Chef heads to the White House for “Let’s Move!” anti-childhood obesity campaign

Chef Michael Smith volunteers to help local schools create healthier menus

Chicago (June 8, 2010) Saint Xavier University Senior Executive Chef Michael Smith recently attended the “Chefs Move to Schools” program kick-off, a branch of First Lady Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move! anti-childhood obesity campaign, at the White House.

Smith volunteered for the program, which pairs chefs with local schools to help create healthier menus and teach children about nutrition, but has not yet been matched with a school. Let’s Move! aims to support parents, provide healthier food in schools, help kids be more physically active, and make healthy, affordable food available in every part of the country.

Smith, a Chicago resident, said the program is important because it teaches children how to make healthy lifestyle choices for themselves.

“It’s one of the best causes I’ve heard in a long time,” Smith said. “I’ve been trying to make an impact in healthy eating, and it’s so hard to change young adults’ eating habits that it’s like hitting your head against the wall. The initiative to start with children and show them healthy lifestyle choices is a great idea.”

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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

SXU Chef heads to the White House for “Let’s Move!” anti-childhood obesity campaign

Chef Michael Smith volunteers to help local schools create healthier menus

Chicago (June 3, 2010) Saint Xavier University Senior Executive Chef Michael Smith will attend the “Chefs Move to Schools” program kick-off, a branch of First Lady Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move! anti-childhood obesity campaign, on Fri., June 4 at the White House.

Smith volunteered for the program, which pairs chefs with local schools to help create healthier menus and teach children about nutrition, but has not yet been matched with a school. Let’s Move! aims to support parents, provide healthier food in schools, help kids be more physically active, and make healthy, affordable food available in every part of the country.

Smith, a Chicago resident, said the program is important because it teaches children how to make healthy lifestyle choices for themselves.

“It’s one of the best causes I’ve heard in a long time,” Smith said. “I’ve been trying to make an impact in healthy eating, and it’s so hard to change young adults’ eating habits that it’s like hitting your head against the wall. The initiative to start with children and show them healthy lifestyle choices is a great idea.”

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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

SXU service trip travels to Belize

Nine SXU volunteers built a home for needy people

Chicago June 2, 2010) Nine Saint Xavier University students and staff recently traveled to Belize with a Sister of Mercy to help build a home for needy people as part of the Third International Mercy Service Trip.

In accord with the University’s mission and core values of providing service to those in need, the group volunteered with the Building for Change program through Hand in Hand Ministries in Belize City to build a basic 16x16 home for a woman and her mother who previously were residing in an uninhabitable structure. The group also volunteered to work with local children affected by HIV at Hand in Hand’s Outreach Center and learned about Belize’s social, economic and political climate.

"My visit to Belize was a life-changing experience,” said graduate student Danelle Schuch of Oak Lawn. “We had an opportunity to work with an amazing organization, Hand in Hand Ministries, to make a real difference in someone's life. It was all worth it and I would do it again in a heartbeat."

The trip also visited Sisters of Mercy at Saint Catherine’s Academy in Belize City, the Mayan temples at Altun Ha and the island of Cave Caulker for snorkeling. Additionally, the group took time for daily prayer and reflection about their experiences, how it affected their faith and what they learned.

The following students attended the trip: Tara Becker, freshman, Burbank; Lauren Hennessy, sophomore, Orland Park; Kayla Jacobs, sophomore, Sterling; Julie Keller, sophomore, New Lenox; Alejandra Reyes, junior, Blue Island; Danelle Schuch, graduate student, Oak Lawn; and Jessica Usher, sophomore, Chicago. Also in attendance were SXU staff members Esther Sanborn and Brian Kelley and Sister of Mercy Sr. Kathleen McClelland.

SXU’s Office of Mission and Heritage sponsored the trip. For more information, please contact Sr. Joy Clough in the Office of Mission and Heritage at (773) 298-3981 or clough@sxu.edu.

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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