Holocaust survivor and Catholic bishop to be honored at SXU's 2011 Winter Commencement

Sidney Finkel and the Most Reverend Moses B. Anderson will attend Dec. 17 ceremony

Chicago (Dec. 6, 2011) Saint Xavier University is pleased to announce that Holocaust survivor, speaker, and author Sidney Finkel will deliver the University's 2011 Winter Commencement address on Sat., Dec. 17. Finkel and the Most Reverend Moses B. Anderson, S.S.E., '68, retired Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Detroit, will receive honorary degrees at the ceremony, which will take place at 10 a.m. in the Shannon Center at the University's Chicago campus, 3700 W. 103rd St.

Finkel is one of the few living Holocaust survivors. At the age of seven in 1939, Finkel's family was separated and he was taken to the Buchenwald concentration camp where he was forced to work as a slave laborer. He learned to survive on his own until his liberation in 1945, when he and 700 other Jewish children found refuge in England. He began speaking of his lost childhood to the horrors of the Holocaust only within the past 20 years. Once he began to share his testimony, he discovered telling the story brought healing. Finkel in 2006 published his memoir, "Sevek and the Holocaust: The Boy Who Refused to Die," which is used in classrooms across the country. A full accounting of Finkel’s exceptional public service is located on his website, www.holocaustspeaker.com.

Bishop Anderson is a member of the Society of Saint Edmund and served as Auxiliary Bishop of Detroit from 1983 until he retired in 2004. He was appointed to serve Region One within the Archdiocese, which included 63 churches, 250 priests, three colleges, a university, a hospital, a boy's home and several schools. In 1992, he also was appointed pastor of Precious Blood Parish in Detroit in addition to his other responsibilities.

Bishop Anderson began a landmark interracial tutorial program at Saint Catherine's Parish in Elizabeth City, N.C., where he served as pastor from 1961 to 1964, and was an advocate of educational and civil rights issues for young African-Americans with the New York-Vermont Youth Project. He holds a B.A. in philosophy and an M.S. in sociology from Saint Michael's College and an M.A. in theology from Saint Xavier University. He received the Shield of Saint Xavier, SXU's highest honor, in 1997.

For more information about SXU's 2011 Winter Commencement, please visit www.sxu.edu, keyword: commencement or contact commencement@sxu.edu.

-SXU-

Media Contact:
Karla Thomas, Executive Director of Media Relations
(773) 298-3937 or kthomas@sxu.edu

SXU raises more than $28,000 for study abroad scholarship named for beloved alum

Study abroad scholarship commemorates life of Angelo Bonadonna, Jr. '08

Chicago (Dec. 1, 2011) Saint Xavier University and the surrounding community recently raised more than $28,000 to support a new scholarship named for a beloved deceased alumnus.

The Angelo Bonadonna, Jr. Study Abroad Scholarship provides SXU students with the opportunity to receive support for study abroad programs. A benefit to endow the scholarship was held earlier this year at Gilhooley's Grande Saloon and the first scholarship is expected to be awarded for the Fall 2012 semester.

Angelo Bonadonna, Jr. ’08 was a dynamic young man who was deeply involved in the SXU community. He was an honors student in psychology and communications, and was commended with a 2007 Illinois Student Laureate Award by the Lincoln Academy of Illinois. He was passionate about broadcasting and producing programs for SXU’s student-run radio station WXAV and received many accolades, including the 2007 Illinois Broadcast Association “Best Sports Broadcast” award. Angelo loved adventure and traveled across the world, including Europe, Africa, India and Mexico. He passed away in Thailand, where he was working as a teacher.

The University extends a heartfelt thank you to the benefit planning committee and to the individuals and corporations who helped support the benefit, including: April Showers Candle Designs, Bartolini's, Beth Bellantuono, Cake Poppery, Cavatappi Restaurant, Chartwells, Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Cooper's Hawk Winery and Restaurant, Couture Hair and Nail Salon, Direct Mobile, Dr. Stephen Adams, Fantastic Sam's, Gilhooley's Grande Saloon, Gina Pantone and Annie Kelly, Jill Kempner, Hog Wild, Intelligentsia Coffee, Kate and Marty Kelly, Kenwood Liquors, Lia Sophia, Lindy's Chili, Marotte's Bar and Grill, Nora Gawlik, Now Healing, Oak Lawn Florist, Oak Lawn Hilton, Palermo's, Papa Joe's, Rosebud, Sheila Kendryna, Smoke's Club, South Side Irish Imports, Stars and Stripes Chicago, Suzanne Kendryna, Tom Kinasz, Valarie Matera, Wagner's Seafood, Whitney's Restaurant, Windy City ThunderBolts, and Wojo's.

Learn more about the Angelo Bonadonna, Jr. Study Abroad Scholarship or make a donation at http://angelofund.org.

-SXU-

Media Contact:
Karla Thomas, Executive Director of Media Relations
(773) 298-3937 or kthomas@sxu.edu

SXU's Service Through Action Team volunteers at Greater Chicago Food Depository

Students and alumni assisted in packing almost 800 boxes of food for local families

Chicago (Dec. 1, 2011) Saint Xavier University's Service Through Action Team once again brought alumni and students together to combat hunger in the community. Nearly 20 S.T.A.T. members recently visited the Greater Chicago Food Depository to package nearly 800 boxes of goods for some of Cook County's less fortunate families.

S.T.A.T. volunteers worked alongside Depository staff members as well as other volunteers to pack boxes of food supplies containing enough provisions to feed a family of four to five people for four days.

“I am always happy to give back to the community,” said alumnus Glen Rylko ’03, ’06, of Oak Lawn, a frequent supporter of S.T.A.T. initiatives. “With so many people in need, I can’t wait for the next S.T.A.T. project.”

S.T.A.T. also has prepared and donated more than 3,500 bagged lunches to local shelters since its inception in December, 2009.

For more information about S.T.A.T. and its upcoming service projects, please contact The Office of Alumni and Parent Relations at (773) 298-3316 or alumni@sxu.edu.

-SXU-

Media Contact:
Karla Thomas, Executive Director of Media Relations
(773) 298-3937 or kthomas@sxu.edu

SXU closes out Fall 2011 concert season with Christmas performances

Chicago (Nov. 30, 2011) Saint Xavier University's Department of Music will close its Fall 2011 concert series with two special Christmas performances. The concerts are free for all SXU faculty, staff, and students with an ID. General admission is $6 and $5 for seniors and visiting students. All concerts will be held at the Chicago campus, 3700 W. 103rd St. For more information, contact Annette Adamus in the Department of Music at (773) 298-3421 or adamus@sxu.edu.

Alumnae Vocal Recital – Andrea Caruso and Kojelyte Johnson '09
7:30 p.m., Thurs., Dec. 1 in McGuire Hall in the Warde Academic Center

Flute Choir – Christmas Concert
7:30 p.m., Fri., Dec. 2 in McGuire Hall in the Warde Academic Center

Wind Ensemble and University Orchestra – “Sleigh Ride”
7:30 p.m. on Sat., Dec. 3 in the Rehearsal/Performance Space in the Warde Academic Center

-SXU-

Media Contact:
Karla Thomas, Executive Director of Media Relations
(773) 298-3937 or kthomas@sxu.edu

SXU to host lecture by foremost scholar on Sisters of Mercy founder Catherine McAuley

Sister Mary Sullivan will speak at 6:30 p.m. on Thurs., Dec. 1

Chicago (Nov. 23, 2011) Saint Xavier University will host Sister Mary Sullivan, RSM, Ph.D., for a lecture titled “Mercifulness Today: Catherine McAuley’s Vision” at 6:30 p.m. on Thurs., Dec. 1 as part of the University's Catholic Colloquium series. This event is free and open to the public and will be held in the Butler Reception Room, located in the Warde Academic Center at the Chicago campus, 3700 W. 103rd St.

Sister Sullivan is today's foremost scholar on Sisters of Mercy founder Catherine McAuley and will share some of her discoveries about the life, leadership and legacy of the woman who insisted that “Mercy [is] the principal path pointed out by Jesus Christ to those who are desirous of following him.”

Sister Sullivan is professor emerita of language and literature and dean emerita of the College of Liberal Arts at the Rochester Institute of Technology. With a doctoral degree in English from the University of Notre Dame and a master’s in theology from the University of London, Sister Sullivan has authored or edited several books and numerous articles about Catherine McAuley and the early Sisters of Mercy. Her forthcoming biography, "The Path of Mercy: The Life of Catherine McAuley," caps years of research on the relevance of the Mercy founder’s emphasis on compassion in both its spiritual and practical dimensions.

The Catholic Colloquium series is sponsored by the Office for University Mission and Heritage. It honors the responsibilities of a Catholic university to its many constituents and illustrates how Catholic universities are resources for examining contemporary civic and social questions.

For additional information, please contact the Office for University Mission and Heritage at (773) 298-3981 or mareska@sxu.edu.

-SXU-

Media Contact:
Karla Thomas, Executive Director of Media Relations
(773) 298-3937 or kthomas@sxu.edu

SXU raises more than $2,400 to fight breast cancer at first Zumbathon

Dance/exercise event raised money for Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation

Chicago (Nov. 7, 2011) More than 150 people recently danced and exercised to help fight breast cancer at Saint Xavier University's first Zumbathon fundraiser. SXU students, staff and community members raised more than $2,400 for the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, and eight breast cancer survivors were honored at this event.

Zumba is a Latin-inspired fitness program involving dance and aerobic elements that incorporates hip-hop, samba, salsa, merengue, mambo, and martial arts, as well as Bollywood and belly dance moves.

Zumbathon was organized by Kelly Mihalik, Jennifer Kjos-Quinlan and Jessica Thiel with the help of the Student Activities Board, the Student Government Association, the Student Nurse Association and University Housing Staff. For more information about Zumbathon, please contact Kelly Mihalik at mihalik.k01@mymail.sxu.edu.

-SXU-

Media Contact:
Karla Thomas, Executive Director of Media Relations
(773) 298-3937 or kthomas@sxu.edu

SXU to screen Pixar's animated classic "Toy Story" at 7 p.m. on Tues., Nov. 15

Free event is part of 2011-12 film series, "Animation: The Art of Film"

Chicago (Nov. 3, 2011) Saint Xavier University will screen the 1995 animated classic "Toy Story" at 7 p.m. on Tues., Nov. 15 in McGuire Hall, located in the Warde Academic Center at the University's Chicago campus, 3700 W. 103rd St. The event, which is free and open to the public, is part of SXU's 2011-12 film series, "Animation: The Art of Film."

Directed by John Lasseter, "Toy Story" is Pixar's first feature film and also the first feature film to be created entirely with computer-generated imagery (CGI). It tells the tale of Woody, a cowboy doll who leads a group of toys that come to life when humans aren't around. When their owner Andy gets a new Buzz Lightyear action figure, Woody is consumed with jealousy and hatches a scheme to get rid of the newcomer. But Woody and Buzz get lost when the plan goes awry, and must pass through the toy-destroying Sid Phillips to get back to Andy.

Upcoming films in the series include "Howl's Moving Castle" on Feb. 21, "Waltz with Bashir" on March 20, and "The Triplets of Belleville" on April 10.

For more information, visit www.sxu.edu, keyword: film series or contact Film Series Director Alison Fraunhar at fraunhar@sxu.edu or (773) 298-3083.

-SXU-

Media Contact:
Karla Thomas, Executive Director of Media Relations
(773) 298-3937 or kthomas@sxu.edu

SXU to host the work of artist Barbara Blacharczyk

"Formation and Flux: Drawings from the Water and Shell Series" will be displayed through Nov. 29

Chicago (Nov. 1, 2011) Saint Xavier University will host an art exhibit featuring the work of Barbara Blacharczyk from Wed., Nov. 2 to Tues., Nov. 29. The exhibit, titled "Formation and Flux: Drawings from the Water and Shell Series," includes pencil, charcoal and ink drawings and will be on display in the SXU Gallery, located in the Warde Academic Center at the Chicago campus, 3700 W. 103rd St. The exhibit also includes an artist's lecture and reception at 3:30 p.m. on Nov. 2 in the Gallery.

The exhibit features drawings from Blacharczyk's "Weaving Waters" and "Formation of Shells" series. Blacharczyk describes "Weaving Waters" as "a visual expression of the transience experienced when interacting with the powerful force of water" that was inspired by a visit to Chicago's Garfield Park Conservatory. She said the "Formation of Shells" series "captures the energy of creation" and that the "rendering of transparency accelerates the slow process of shell formation into one moment in time."

The SXU Gallery is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday and Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Tuesday and Thursday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday and 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, and will be closed from Nov. 23 to Nov. 27. For more information, please contact the Gallery at (773) 298-3081.

-SXU-

Media Contact:
Karla Thomas, Executive Director of Media Relations
(773) 298-3937 or kthomas@sxu.edu

SXU to honor James and Patricia Morris with the Shield of Saint Xavier at 27th Annual President's Scholarship Ball

SXU will bestow its highest honor on two of the University's most generous donors on Sat., March 24

Chicago (Oct. 28, 2011) James A. and Patricia A. Morris '83, Ph.D., will receive the Shield of Saint Xavier at the 27th Annual Saint Xavier University President’s Scholarship Ball on Saturday, March 24, 2012, at the Hilton Chicago, 720 S. Michigan Ave. The Shield is awarded annually to individuals nominated by the University community and chosen by its Board of Trustees.

“The Shield of Saint Xavier is our University’s highest honor, awarded to recognize outstanding people for their enduring support of Saint Xavier’s mission of academic excellence and social concern,” said President Christine M. Wiseman, J.D.”Jim and Trish Morris are among the most fervent supporters and generous donors in University history, and we are deeply pleased to bestow this honor upon them."

The Morrises have a long and distinguished history with SXU. The Smith-Morris Quadrangle in the Chicago campus is named in their honor. They have made significant annual monetary gifts to underwrite and sponsor the Shield of Saint Xavier for the past eight years, given generously to the annual fund, and created a culture of giving among students through their matching support of the annual Class Gift program for the last 11 years. They have also created a legacy gift to Saint Xavier University.

Additionally, the Morrises have chaired the President’s Club and the President’s Scholarship Ball in the past. Patricia served on the Board of Trustees from 2001 to 2010 and was vice chair from 2007 to 2010.

The President’s Scholarship Ball has raised millions of dollars for the Presidential Scholarship Program, which provides financial support to Saint Xavier’s most deserving students. This gala event is open to the public and will be co-chaired by SXU Board of Trustees Chairman John T. Costello and Sally Clair. For more information or to make a reservation, please contact (773) 298-3748 or visit www.sxu.edu, keyword: ball.

Media interested in attending the Ball should contact Karla Thomas at (773) 298-3937 or kthomas@sxu.edu.


-SXU-

Media Contact:
Karla Thomas, Executive Director of Media Relations
(773) 298-3937 or kthomas@sxu.edu

Video Alert - SXU and WGN-TV partner to honor outstanding Chicago-area teachers with Teacher of the Month program

Watch video of Michael Low of Little Village Lawndale High School



Chicago (Oct. 27, 2011) Saint Xavier University has partnered with WGN-TV Chicago to highlight the Teacher of the Month program, which honors educators who make a difference in their communities. Watch video of English literature and Japanese teacher Michael Low of Little Village Lawndale High School, 3120 S. Kostner Ave., Chicago, being honored as the second Teacher of the Month. Teachers of the Month also will appear on the SXU and WGN-TV websites.

The program recognizes outstanding kindergarten, elementary, junior high, high school, vocational, and special education teachers in Chicagoland and northwest Indiana. One teacher will be selected each month through June 2012 for a total of 10 honorees. Teachers of the Month are chosen based on educational achievements in the classroom, community contributions and innovativeness of the program/techniques used by the teacher. Each Teacher of the Month is featured on the WGN-TV news and will receive a certificate of recognition. Additionally, each Teacher of the Month will receive a $1,000 donation from SXU to purchase school supplies for his or her classroom.

Read more information about the Teacher of the Month program here. Nominate a teacher on WGN-TV's website here.

-SXU-

Media Contact:
Karla Thomas, Executive Director of Media Relations
(773) 298-3937 or kthomas@sxu.edu

Obama adviser Robert Gibbs speaks to nearly 1,000 at SXU

Former White House press secretary discussed major issues such as economic crisis and Deepwater Horizon oil spill

Chicago (Oct. 26, 2011) Nearly 1,000 people listened to longtime adviser to President Barack Obama and former White House press secretary Robert Gibbs' inside perspective on the economic crisis, the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, the changing media landscape, and the 2012 presidential race at Saint Xavier University's Voices and Visions Speaker Series on Oct. 20.

Gibbs has been an adviser and strategist to the President since the early days of Obama's 2004 Senate race and most recently served as White House press secretary. He participated in an exclusive classroom question and answer session with SXU students before his lecture, in which he discussed the many challenges he and the rest of the White House staff members faced.

Gibbs predicted Obama will face a close race in 2012, but will win a second term. He did not name his pick for a Republican candidate, but said the president is in "a good position politically." He recalled dealing with some of the most notable public relations challenges during his time at the White House, such as the fallout from the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, unflattering comments made by a top general about Obama in a Rolling Stone magazine article, and the media's focus on the politics of health care reform rather than what was in the legislation.

Gibbs also discussed America's recent foreign policy successes, offering special insight on the Arab Spring on the very day former Libyan dictator Moammar Gadhafi was killed.

"The president deserves an enormous amount of credit for the way we've gone about executing the operations in Libya," he said. "We proved that the United States does not have to put tens of thousands of boots on the ground, that we can build coalitions that spread ... across a group of allies, yet still keep up the pressure on bad people like Gadhafi."

“We were thrilled to see so many people in attendance at this year’s Voices and Visions Speaker Series,” said Robert Tenczar, Vice President of University Relations for Saint Xavier University. "We believe the wide range of interest in this program is due to the diverse political, ideological, historical, and gender-based experiences of our many speakers. This vital program is a valuable learning experience for students outside of the classroom and is in keeping with many of the Universities core values including respect, excellence, compassion, hospitality and learning for life.”

Gibbs joined Obama's 2004 U.S. Senate campaign as communications director in 2004 and held the same title at the onset of the 2008 presidential campaign until becoming Senior Strategist for Communications and Message during the general election. During the four years of intense campaigning and close contact, Gibbs became an integral part of Obama's team. According to The New York Times, Gibbs advised Obama on politics, strategy and messaging, and spent more time with him than any other adviser. Gibbs assumed the role of the Obama administration’s press secretary on January 20, 2009.

Gibbs also served as press secretary of John Kerry's 2004 presidential campaign and previously specialized in Senate campaigns, having served as communications director for the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee and for four individual Senate campaigns. Gibbs also was the press secretary of Representative Bob Etheridge.

The SXU Voices and Visions Speaker Series is sponsored by University Relations and in part by the Student Government Association. Past speakers include the Hon. Madeleine Albright, Gen. Colin Powell, Nobel Laureate Elie Wiesel, Former United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan, and Cokie Roberts. For more information about the event, please contact the Office of Special Events at (773) 298-3748 or specialevents@sxu.edu.

-SXU-

Media Contact:
Karla Thomas, Executive Director of Media Relations
(773) 298-3937 or kthomas@sxu.edu

Seminar to offer professional, personal and spiritual resources for families dealing with autism on Nov. 5

“Faith Renewed: Studying Autism, Finding Humility” with autism expert Prof. Sandra Burkhardt

Chicago (Oct. 26, 2011) Autism expert and Saint Xavier University Professor of Psychology Sandra Burkhardt, Ph.D., ABPP, will lead a seminar geared toward families of people with autism from 9:30 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. on Sat., Nov. 5 at the Mercy Convent/Cramer Room at 3659 W. 99th St., just east of Mother McAuley High School. The event is free and open to the public.

Burkhardt will lead the discussion titled “Faith Renewed: Studying Autism, Finding Humility." The event will give an overview of “Project Respect,” a Mercy-inspired community outreach program for families of persons with autism spectrum disorders, as well as professional, personal and spiritual resources to help families address the condition.

Burkhardt is a Fellow of the Academy of Clinical Psychology and was the first woman in Illinois to receive national specialty board certification in clinical child and adolescent psychology. Burkhardt received the Mary Pottery Humanitarian Award in 2007 for her work on behalf of families of persons with autism spectrum disorders.

This event is part of the "Growing in Wisdom, Age and Grace: Monthly Experiences in Spiritual Growth" spiritual ministry outreach series, put forth by the Sisters of Mercy and Mercy Associates. The program is motivated by the desire to seek fullness of life at every age, to develop a wide and spiritually grounded perspective animated by the Gospel of Jesus and the passionate, practical spirituality of Sisters of Mercy founder Catherine McAuley. The next event is "Catherine McAuley's Christian Beliefs and Motivations" with Sr. Mary C. Sullivan, dean emerita of the College of Liberal Arts at the Rochester Institute of Technology on Sat., Dec. 3.

For more information, please contact Avis Clendenen at clendenen@sxu.edu.

-SXU-

Media Contact:
Karla Thomas, Executive Director of Media Relations
(773) 298-3937 or kthomas@sxu.edu

SXU hosts Alumnae Voice Recital and book signing on Oct. 29

~Michelle Gliottoni-Rodriguez '02 will sing and sign copies of her first novel "Opera Macabre"~

Chicago (Oct. 24, 2011) Saint Xavier University's Department of Music will host "An Alumnae Voice Recital" at 7:30 p.m. on Sat., Oct. 29 in McGuire Hall, located in the Warde Academic Center at the Chicago campus, 3700 W. 103rd St. The recital will include performances by soprano Gliottoni-Rodriguez, soprano Kojelyte Johnson '02, accompanist Monica Kropidlowski, and clarinetist Lara Ochoa-Regan '99. They will perform works by Mozart, Schubert, Verdi and other composers. Michelle Gliottoni-Rodriguez '02 also will host a signing of her first book, a Gothic romance titled Opera Macabre, in the lobby immediately following her performance.

Gliottoni-Rodriguez earned a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance from SXU in 2002. She has appeared in numerous musical theatre works and has won various musical awards, including Semi-Finalist at the National Association of Teachers of Singing competition and third place in the Josephine Lipuma Vocal Scholarship Competition. She also is an avid writer and published her first novel, Opera Macabre, earlier this year.

Johnson received her Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance from Indiana University – South Bend in 2009 and is currently an SXU student. She has sung with the Saint Xavier University Orchestra, the Southwest Symphony Orchestra, the Saint Xavier University Women of Distinction chorus, the Saint Xavier University Chorale, and currently sings as a member of Saint Xavier’s Alumni Opera in an Hour productions. She studied opera in the Czech Republic and her vocal studies took her to France, Austria, and Italy.

For more information, contact (773) 298-3421 or visit www.sxu.edu, keyword: music.

-SXU-

Media Contact:
Karla Thomas, Executive Director of Media Relations
(773) 298-3937 or kthomas@sxu.edu

Explore the ethical issues in end-of-life care with nationally recognized bioethicist Daniel Sulmasy at SXU on Nov. 2

“Beyond Death Panels: Ethical Issues in Care at the End of Life" is part of SXU's Squeaky Weal Lecture Series

Chicago (Oct. 24, 2011) Physician and nationally recognized bioethicist Dr. Daniel Sulmasy will address the complicated and controversial topic of end-of-life health care as part of Saint Xavier University's Squeaky Weal Lecture Series. Sulmasy's lecture, titled “Beyond Death Panels: Ethical Issues in Care at the End of Life," is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. on Wed., Nov. 2 in the Butler Reception Room, located in the Warde Academic Center at the Chicago campus, 3700 W. 103rd St. The event is free and open to the public.

Sulmasy is a practicing physician, a bioethicist, and a Franciscan friar. He is the associate director of the MacLean School of Clinical Medical Ethics at the University of Chicago and was selected by President Obama to be on the Presidential Commission for the Study of Bioethical Issues. He holds a Ph.D. in philosophy and authored a book titled A Balm for Gilead: Meditations on Spirituality and the Healing Arts.

The Squeaky Weal Lecture Series is a series of discussions on religion’s role in civic decision making, designed to promote thought and discourse for religious and ethical decision making on public issues. The series is sponsored by SXU's Center for Religion and Public Discourse and this lecture is co-sponsored by the School of Nursing.

For more information, please contact the Center for Religion and Public Discourse at (773) 298-3981 or mareska@sxu.edu, or visit www.sxu.edu, keyword: squeaky weal.

-SXU-

Media Contact:
Karla Thomas, Executive Director of Media Relations
(773) 298-3937 or kthomas@sxu.edu

Congresswoman Judy Biggert tours SXU's new state-of-the-art learning center

STEM Learning Center aims to improve area teachers' knowledge of science, technology, engineering and mathematics

Chicago (Oct. 19, 2011) Congresswoman Judy Biggert (IL-13) recently toured Saint Xavier University's new state-of-the-art learning center designed to improve south suburban teachers' knowledge in science and math at SXU's Orland Park campus, 18230 Orland Parkway.

In 2009, Biggert helped to secure federal support for the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Learning Center and for partnerships between SXU and schools in Chicago's south suburbs. The STEM Center provides hands-on science, math and technology programs designed to increase teachers' knowledge and skills in these areas. SXU School of Education staff will conduct site visits to schools in order to assess current and future progress and needs, and provide support and programming to teachers and administrators throughout the region.

“Our high-tech economy demands that our students have superior math and science skills,” said Biggert, a senior member on the House Education and the Workforce Committee as well as the Space, Science and Technology Committee. “Saint Xavier’s STEM Education Center meets a critical need in our community to ensure that public and private schools in suburban Chicago have trained, well-qualified STEM teachers, and that our students have the resources and the inspiration to pursue careers in these fields."

A $500,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Education covered 100 percent of the cost of developing the STEM Center and operating it for its first two years.

For more information about SXU's STEM Learning Center, please contact the School of Education at (773) 298-3200 or visit www.sxu.edu, keyword: stem.

-SXU-

Media Contact:
Karla Thomas, Executive Director of Media Relations
(773) 298-3937 or kthomas@sxu.edu

Congresswoman Judy Biggert tours SXU's new state-of-the-art learning center

STEM Learning Center aims to improve area teachers' knowledge of science, technology, engineering and mathematics

Congresswoman Judy Biggert (left) watches a demonstration of an experiment using an iPad at SXU's STEM Learning Center.

Chicago (Oct. 19, 2011) Congresswoman Judy Biggert (IL-13) recently toured Saint Xavier University's new state-of-the-art learning center designed to improve south suburban teachers' knowledge in science and math at SXU's Orland Park campus, 18230 Orland Parkway.

In 2009, Biggert helped to secure federal support for the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Learning Center and for partnerships between SXU and schools in Chicago's south suburbs. The STEM Center provides hands-on science, math and technology programs designed to increase teachers' knowledge and skills in these areas. SXU School of Education staff will conduct site visits to schools in order to assess current and future progress and needs, and provide support and programming to teachers and administrators throughout the region.

“Our high-tech economy demands that our students have superior math and science skills,” said Biggert, a senior member on the House Education and the Workforce Committee as well as the Space, Science and Technology Committee. “Saint Xavier’s STEM Education Center meets a critical need in our community to ensure that public and private schools in suburban Chicago have trained, well-qualified STEM teachers, and that our students have the resources and the inspiration to pursue careers in these fields."

A $500,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Education covered 100 percent of the cost of developing the STEM Center and operating it for its first two years.

For more information about SXU's STEM Learning Center, please contact the School of Education at (773) 298-3200 or visit www.sxu.edu, keyword: stem.

-SXU-

Media Contact:
Karla Thomas, Executive Director of Media Relations
(773) 298-3937 or kthomas@sxu.edu

SXU dedicates new nursing lab and endowed scholarship named for alumna

Mary Kay '44 and Charles E. Schmidt Lifespan Learning Lab made possible by generous donation

(L to R) President Christine M. Wiseman, J.D., Charles E. Schmidt and School of Nursing Dean Gloria Jacobson, R.N., Ph.D., outside the newly dedicated Schmidt Lifespan Learning Lab.

Chicago (Oct. 18, 2011) The Saint Xavier University community recently celebrated the dedication of the Mary Kay ’44 and Charles E. Schmidt Lifespan Learning Lab in the School of Nursing. More than 150 of Charles and Mary Kay Schmidt’s family and friends gathered at McDonough Chapel for a liturgy in honor of Mr. and Mrs. Schmidt on Oct. 9. Following the liturgy, nursing students escorted guests to the School of Nursing for the special dedication and blessing of the new Lifespan Learning Lab.

President Christine M. Wiseman, J.D. was delighted to accept a $100,000 gift in March, 2011 from Charles E. Schmidt, widower of Mary Kay Millea Schmidt ’44, for the naming of the lab. This important addition to SXU's Nursing Resource Center will help students develop and refine their skills in a controlled environment. It features special equipment to simulate caring for infants, children and adults, as well as rooms to support gerontology coursework and prepare students for community health clinical experiences. The gift also provides for an endowed scholarship in memory of Mary Kay.

Mary Kay, a proud nursing alumna, died in 2010. Mr. Schmidt was pleased to honor the memory of his beloved Mary Kay with this generous gift to the University.

For more information about the School of Nursing, please contact (773) 298-3701 or visit www.sxu.edu, keyword: nursing.


-SXU-

Media Contact:
Karla Thomas, Executive Director of Media Relations
(773) 298-3937 or kthomas@sxu.edu

See the restored version of German sci-fi classic film "Metropolis" at SXU

6:30 p.m. on Thurs., Nov. 10 in McGuire Hall

Chicago (Oct. 14, 2011) Saint Xavier University will host a screening of the restored version of the German classic sci-fi film Metropolis from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Thurs., Nov. 10 in McGuire Hall, located in the Warde Academic Center at the Chicago campus, 3700 W. 103rd St.

Directed by Fritz Lang, the 1927 classic film about a futuristic urban dystopia is widely regarded as one of the greatest movies ever made. It was the most expensive silent film ever made and the special effects are still spectacular more than eighty years later. Metropolis was cut substantially after its German premiere, and much footage was lost as time passed. In 2008, about thirty minutes of lost footage was found in Argentina. The F. W. Murnau Foundation spent two years completely restoring the film, putting the scenes in the proper order with the correct soundtrack and at the right speed. The restored Metropolis was first shown in Berlin in February 2010, and Roger Ebert called it "the film event of the year." The Music Box Theater hosted the Chicago premiere later that year.

This event is sponsored by SXU's Robert and Mary Rita Murphy Stump Library. For more information, visit www.sxu.edu, keyword: library or contact Library Director Mark Vargas at (773) 298-3352.


-SXU-

Media Contact:
Karla Thomas, Executive Director of Media Relations
(773) 298-3937 or kthomas@sxu.edu

Get info about Medicare, social security and more at Senior Fair on Oct. 17 at SXU

Congressman Dan Lipinski (IL-3) will address attendees

Chicago (Oct. 14, 2011) Senior citizens can get assistance from government agencies and area businesses about a variety of issues at Congressman Dan Lipinski's (IL-3) Senior Fair from 10 a.m. to noon on Mon., Oct. 17 at Saint Xavier University's Chicago campus, 3700 W. 103rd St. More than 300 people are expected to attend this event.

The Senior Fair offers a one-stop shop for area residents to get information on issues such as Medicare, cell phone programs for seniors, public transportation, Secretary of State services, social security and more. Lipinski also will attend the fair and give a speech.

The following vendors are scheduled to attend the fair: the Regional Transportation Authority, Walgreen's, Archer Pharmacy, State Treasurer's Office, Secretary of State's Office, the Illinois Attorney General's Office, Reverse Mortgage, A Touch of Grace Hospice, Senior Suites of Garfield Ridge, Humana, Cook County Clerk's Office, Cook County Sherriff's Office, Wellcare Health Plans, Mutual of Omaha, American Cancer Society, Home Instead, Walden and Reed, Comfort Keepers, Citizens Utility Board, Patient Circle of Care, Illinois Health Connect, Shaklee, Spring Leaf, and The British Home.

For more information, please contact the Shannon Center at (773) 298-3101.


-SXU-

Media Contact:
Karla Thomas, Executive Director of Media Relations
(773) 298-3937 or kthomas@sxu.edu

Financial Planning Association of Illinois – South Suburban Council donates more than $1,000 to SXU student scholarship

Scholarship named in honor of beloved former business instructor Jim McCabe

(L to R) Financial Planning Association of Illinois – South Suburban Council President Lori Barone, CFP, SXU President Christine M. Wiseman, J.D., and SXU Senior Associate Director for Leadership Giving Jill Roggeveen with a generous donation from the FPA to the Jim McCabe Scholarship.

Chicago (Oct. 13, 2011) Saint Xavier University is pleased to announce a recent $1,096 donation from the Financial Planning Association of Illinois – South Suburban Council (FPA) to a scholarship for business students.

President Christine M. Wiseman, J.D. personally accepted the check for the Jim McCabe Scholarship, created in honor of beloved former Graham School of Management professor Jim McCabe, during a recent FPA meeting. The group made another $1,000 gift to the fund in August. To date, SXU has raised nearly $19,000 of the $20,000 minimum endowment goal. Once endowed, the Jim McCabe Scholarship will become the second endowed scholarship available for business students.

McCabe worked at SXU for more than 25 years before passing away from cancer in 2010. He dedicated himself to serving students as an instructor in the management and financial fraud examination programs, and served as assistant director of graduate and registered programs. He also was active in the FPA and founded its South Suburban Council.

"We appreciate Financial Planning Association of Illinois' generous support of this worthy cause, which honors Jim McCabe's memory and lays the foundation for future generations of business students," said Vice President for University Advancement Steven Murphy, Ed.D.

For more information or to donate to the McCabe Scholarship, please contact Jill Roggeveen in the Office for University Advancement at (773) 298-3317.


-SXU-

Media Contact:
Karla Thomas, Executive Director of Media Relations
(773) 298-3937 or kthomas@sxu.edu

Explore the connection between ancient Roman gladiators and NASCAR at SXU on Nov. 3

"Bread and Circuses: Truth and Fiction in the Ancient Gladiator and Chariot Arena" with Western Illinois University Professor Lee Brice

Chicago (Oct. 13, 2011) What do ancient Roman gladiators and NASCAR have in common? Find out at "Bread and Circuses: Truth and Fiction in the Ancient Gladiator and Chariot Arena" with Western Illinois University (WIU) Associate Professor of History Lee L. Brice from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Thurs., Nov. 3 in the Bishop Quarter Room.

Gladiators fighting to the death in the Coliseum remains one of our most prevalent images associated with ancient Rome. Like many modern sports, the ancient arena drew huge crowds. Yet critics dismissed these events as “bread and circuses” created to distract the masses, and similar criticisms are leveled against TV and modern entertainment such as professional wrestling and NASCAR. This illustrated presentation considers the reality of gladiators and chariot-racing and the value of drawing connections to modern entertainment.

Brice holds a Ph.D. in history from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. His primary area of research concerns mutinies in the Roman army, but he also maintains a study of the coins of Greek Corinth. He was a Tytus Fellow at the University of Cincinnati, and received WIU's "Outstanding First-Year Experience Teacher" award. His publications include articles on the Roman army as a peace-keeping force, the treatment of the Roman army in the HBO/BBC TV series Rome, Octavian Caesar and the Roman army, and a forthcoming article examining the Athenian invasion of Sicily in 415 BCE. In addition to his articles, Brice is co-editor of Recent Directions in the Military History of the Ancient World.

This program is made possible in part by an award from the Illinois Humanities Council, the National Endowment for the Humanities, and the Illinois General Assembly. For more information, contact SXU's Robert and Mary Rita Murphy Stump Library at (773) 298-3350 or visit www.sxu.edu, keyword: library.


-SXU-

Media Contact:
Karla Thomas, Executive Director of Media Relations
(773) 298-3937 or kthomas@sxu.edu

Celebrate creative broadcasting by listening to WXAV 88.3FM today on College Radio Day

WXAV Station Manager Peter Kreten co-founded international event recognizing this unique form of media

Celebrate creative broadcasting by listening to Saint Xavier University's student-run radio station WXAV 88.3FM on the first College Radio Day, Tues., Oct. 11.

The event aims to raise greater awareness of North America's many college radio stations, said WXAV Station Manager and event co-founder Peter Kreten. More than 300 stations from 44 states and three countries have signed up to participate in the event, including Northwestern University, Southern Illinois University, DePaul University, Loyola University and North Central College.

WXAV's theme for the day is "Past, Present and Future." Scott Lucas, of the groups Local H and Scott Lucas & The Married Men, will give a special in-studio interview and acoustic performance. The station will feature a day of music from college radio giants such as R.E.M., The Pixies, Talking Heads, Arcade Fire, The Shins, The Libertines, Shayfer James, Murder by Death, NewVillagers, and William Elliott Whitmore. Additionally, WXAV will air a three-part documentary called "College Radio: Its Past, Present and Future" as well as a documentary about the founding of WXAV and its history.

"College radio is one of the last remaining bastions of creative programming that's free from the restrictions of commercial viability," Kreten said. "It offers unique, fearless programming that play unsigned, local and independent artists on a regular basis."

For more information, visit the College Radio Day website or contact WXAV at (773) 298-3375.

-SXU-

Media Contact:
Karla Thomas, Executive Director of Media Relations
(773) 298-3937 or kthomas@sxu.edu

Learn fun and helpful fitness facts at SXU's first 2011-12 John T. Farrell, Sr. Forum on Tues., Oct. 18

Join fitness expert Nancy Norkiewicz for "Fitness Facts, Fallacies and Fit-tastic Foods"

Chicago (Oct. 11, 2011) Learn fun and helpful fitness facts on Tues., Oct. 18 at the first lecture in the 2011-12 John T. Farrell, Sr. Forum series, hosted by Saint Xavier University's Renaissance Academy.

Fitness expert Nancy Norkiewicz will present "Fitness Facts, Fallacies and Fit-tastic Foods" from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Butler Reception Room, located in the Warde Academic Center at SXU's Chicago campus, 3700 W. 103rd St. This event is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be served.

Norkiewicz said the easy-to-understand presentation will explore simple exercises, how to use exercise equipment and nutrition issues in a non-intimidating manner.

"It's fun, easy, affordable things people can do to make a difference in their health and fitness," Norkiewicz said.

A physical fitness instructor at Moraine Valley Community College, Norkiewicz previously served as a coach, personal trainer, group fitness instructor, and corporate fitness programmer. She also was a columnist for the Southtown Star for almost ten years.

The forum is named in honor of John T. Farrell Sr., a senior economic research analyst and deputy branch chief for the Central Intelligence Agency from 1952 to 1979. Farrell and his wife, Lucille, were facilitators at the Renaissance Academy, teaching a class called “Inside Washington” and a writing workshop. After his death in 1994, Lucille gave a contribution to fund the speaker’s bureau in his name.

The Renaissance Academy is designed with the goal of providing intellectual growth, enrichment and fellowship. This collegial association encourages development of new interests and is part of the Saint Xavier University's community outreach program. The courses are interactive and are enriched by the active participation and fellowship of the participants. Members consist of retired and semi-retired men and women interested in pursuing life-long learning opportunities.

For more information, please contact Kathleen Fassl at (773) 233-3770.


-SXU-

Media Contact:
Karla Thomas, Executive Director of Media Relations
(773) 298-3937 or kthomas@sxu.edu

SXU celebrates grand re-opening of Robert and Mary Rita Murphy Stump Library

Area elected officials attended ribbon-cutting ceremony at state-of-the-art facility

(L to R) State Sen. Edward Maloney (D-18th), Mary Rita Stump, Robert Stump, President Christine M. Wiseman, J.D., State Rep. Kelly Burke (D-36th), and Chicago Ald. Matt O'Shea (19th) at the grand re-opening of SXU's Robert and Mary Rita Murphy Stump Library.

Chicago (Oct. 10, 2011) Saint Xavier University celebrated the grand re-opening of its newly renovated Robert and Mary Rita Murphy Stump Library on Mon., Oct. 3 at its Chicago campus, 3700 W. 103rd St.

Library staff and student workers offered guided tours of the new state-of-the art learning facility. Renovations include a remodeled reading room with new furniture, lighting, millwork, improved wireless connectivity, windows to the group study rooms, a raised ADA-compatible floor with power outlets every ten feet and additional computers. The lobby has a new help desk, lighting and millwork. Other renovations include a new entranceway to the group study rooms, new touchscreen scanners, copiers and printers, and enhanced lighting in the compact shelving area.

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. It was named in honor of Robert and Mary Rita Stump, whose philanthropic spirit and affection for Saint Xavier University include real estate for the Orland Park campus and financial gifts. Robert and Mary Rita Stump also were honored with Doctor of Public Service degrees, honoris causa, during the 2009 undergraduate commencement ceremony. They exemplify the mission and core values of Saint Xavier University, and the University is honored by their historic support.

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.


-SXU-

Media Contact:
Karla Thomas, Executive Director of Media Relations
(773) 298-3937 or kthomas@sxu.edu

Prospective students: Learn about SXU at Fall Campus Visit Day

Get info about programs, campus life, scholarships, financial aid and more on Oct. 16

Chicago (Oct. 6, 2011) Are you considering attending college? If so, join us at the Fall Campus Visit Day to learn more about Saint Xavier University (SXU). Prospective students can learn about academic programs, campus life, scholarship opportunities, financial aid options and much more. SXU’s Fall Campus Visit Day will be held on Sunday, Oct. 16 from 9 a.m. to noon. Register online here.

Visitors will have the opportunity to speak with faculty, staff, and students to discover the many reasons why U.S. News and World Report ranks Saint Xavier University in the top 25 percent of Midwestern universities in its category. The day begins with a check-in and breakfast from 9 to 9:30 a.m. at the Shannon Center, and welcome remarks will follow from 9:30 to 10 a.m. Afterwards, visitors can enjoy several information sessions from 10 a.m. to noon, including:

• Foundations of Excellence: Quality Academic Programs
• Teaching and Learning: A Student-Centered Approach
• Getting Involved: Life Outside the Classroom
• Affordability and SXU: Understanding the Financial Aid Process

Please R.S.V.P. here by Tues., Oct. 11. For more information, contact the Office of Admission at (800) 462-9288 or admission@sxu.edu.

-SXU-

Media Contact:
Karla Thomas, Executive Director of Media Relations
(773) 298-3937 or kthomas@sxu.edu

Tickets still available for Obama adviser Robert Gibbs’ lecture at SXU

Former White House press secretary will speak on Thurs., Oct. 20

Chicago (Oct. 6, 2011) Tickets are still available to see longtime adviser to President Barack Obama and former White House press secretary Robert Gibbs at Saint Xavier University. Gibbs will speak at 7 p.m. on Thurs., Oct. 20 in the Shannon Center at the University’s Chicago campus, 3700 W. 103rd St., as part of SXU's Voices and Visions Speaker Series.

General admission tickets are $20 plus service charge. A limited number of $200 priority tickets are available, which include priority seating and admission to an exclusive post-lecture wine and cheese reception with Gibbs. Tickets may be purchased online at www.sxu.edu,, keyword: voices or by calling (866) 468-3401.

Gibbs has been an adviser and strategist to the President since the early days of Obama's 2004 Senate race and most recently served as White House press secretary. Gibbs is one of Obama's masterminds and he can speak with great authority and accuracy from a White House insider's perspective on many issues that have crossed the President's desk. His leadership of Obama's campaigns makes him a valuable commentator on the upcoming 2012 elections.

Gibbs joined Obama's 2004 U.S. Senate campaign as communications director in 2004 and held the same title at the onset of the 2008 presidential campaign until becoming Senior Strategist for Communications and Message during the general election. During the four years of intense campaigning and close contact, Gibbs became an integral part of Obama's team. According to The New York Times, Gibbs advised Obama on politics, strategy and messaging, and spent more time with him than any other adviser. Gibbs assumed the role of the Obama administration’s press secretary on January 20, 2009.

Gibbs also served as press secretary of John Kerry's 2004 presidential campaign and previously specialized in Senate campaigns, having served as communications director for the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee and for four individual Senate campaigns. Gibbs also was the press secretary of Representative Bob Etheridge.

Prior to his lecture, Gibbs will participate in an exclusive classroom discussion with select SXU students.

The SXU Voices and Visions Speaker Series is sponsored by University Relations and in part by the Student Government Association. For more information about the event, please contact the Office of Special Events at (773) 298-3748 or specialevents@sxu.edu.

Media interested in interviewing Gibbs should contact Executive Director of Media Relations Karla Thomas at (773) 298-3937 or kthomas@sxu.edu.

-SXU-

Media Contact:
Karla Thomas, Executive Director of Media Relations
(773) 298-3937 or kthomas@sxu.edu

Learn about the Daley family's rise to power at 6:30 p.m. on Thurs., Oct. 13 at SXU

"The Daleys of Chicago: An American Family" with Columbia College Professor Dominic Pacyga, Ph.D.


Chicago (Oct. 5, 2011) Learn more about the Daley family's rise to political power and their role in shaping Chicago from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Thurs., Oct.13 at Saint Xavier University. Dominic Pacyga, Ph.D., of Columbia College will present "The Daleys of Chicago: An American Family" in the Bishop Quarter Room, located in the Warde Academic Center at SXU's Chicago campus, 3700 W. 103rd St. This event is free and open to the public.

During the past 50 years, no other family has influenced an American city like the Daleys have in Chicago. Rising out of Chicago's intensely working-class, multi-ethnic Bridgeport neighborhood, the Daley’s came to national prominence. With the possible exceptions of the Kennedy, Clinton and Bush families, no other family has had as great an influence on the national political stage. Pacyga's presentation will examine the rise of the Daley family and explore how their Catholic working-class culture influenced them, as well as the four Daley brothers' roles as inheritors of the family's political fortunes.

Pacyga is a professor of history in the Department of Humanities, History, and Social Sciences at Columbia College in Chicago. He has worked on five books about Chicago's history and lectured widely on a variety of topics, including urban development, labor history, immigration, and racial and ethnic relations. He has worked with the Chicago History Museum, the Museum of Science and Industry, and the Field Museum in Chicago on a variety of public history projects and has appeared in both local and national media. Pacyga has also consulted with numerous neighborhood organizations, student groups, and ethnic, labor, and fraternal groups to preserve and exhibit their histories.


-SXU-

Media Contact:
Karla Thomas, Executive Director of Media Relations
(773) 298-3937 or kthomas@sxu.edu

Classical guitarist Peter Fletcher to play at SXU on Thurs., Oct. 6

Carnegie Hall performer will play works by Bach, Ravel and more

Chicago (Oct. 4, 2011) Classical guitarist Peter Fletcher will play a free concert from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Thurs., Oct. 6 at Saint Xavier University's McGuire Hall, located in the Warde Academic Center at the Chicago campus, 3700 W. 103rd St.

Fletcher has played Carnegie Hall four times and will display his astounding repertoire, which includes works by Pretorius, Ravel, Bach and Tarrega. Fletcher will give his fifth performance at Carnegie Hall later this season, where he will premiere a major work by Mario Castelnuovo-Tedesco titled “Divan of Moses-ibn-Ezra” with acclaimed tenor David Michael Schuster. In addition, Fletcher and Schuster will give the world premiere of a work they commissioned from New York-based composer Clarice Assad.

Fletcher began studying guitar when he was seven. He made his formal debut at age 15 with The Brasstown Concert Association in North Carolina in 1983. As a performer in the Christopher Parkening master class, Fletcher was chosen to play in the student recital for two consecutive years. The class was broadcast on National Public Radio in 1988. The Music Teacher’s National Association awarded Fletcher a prize at its National Level Competition in 1990. He earned a Master of Music degree from the Eastman School of Music under Nicholas Goluses in 1995 and has received the Eastman Graduate Award twice.

This event is sponsored by SXU's Robert and Mary Rita Murphy Stump Library.



-SXU-

Media Contact:
Karla Thomas, Executive Director of Media Relations
(773) 298-3937 or kthomas@sxu.edu

SXU to host "Stop the Killing of Women in Juarez!" on Oct. 6

Marisela Ortiz Rivera of Bring Our Daughters Back Home will speak about the nearly 400 young women who were kidnapped and murdered

Chicago (Oct. 4, 2011) In response to the kidnapping and murder of hundreds of young women in Mexico, Saint Xavier University will host “Stop the Killing of Women in Juarez!” on Thurs., Oct. 6 at its Chicago campus, 3700 W. 103rd St. The event is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. in the Fourth Floor Board Room, located in the Warde Academic Center. It is free and open to the public.

Marisela Ortiz Rivera, co-founder of the human rights group Bring Our Daughters Back Home/Nuestras Hijas de Regreso a Casa, will give a presentation about the nearly 400 young women who have been kidnapped, tortured and murdered in the border city of Juarez, Mexico during the past 20 years.

Ortiz Rivera co-founded the group after one of her students, 17-year-old Lilia Alejandra, joined the list of victims. Ortiz Rivera and Norma Andrade, Alejandra's mother, united to bring the world's attention to these murders and their grievous toll on the community. Ortiz Rivera has received numerous death threats for her work and her son-in-law Jesus Alfredo Portillo Santos, who also was a partner in the advocacy work, was murdered. Faced with what her group considers the indifference of local police, Ortiz Rivera is now seeking political asylum in the United States.

This event is sponsored by the Latino/Latin American Studies program.


-SXU-

Media Contact:
Karla Thomas, Executive Director of Media Relations
(773) 298-3937 or kthomas@sxu.edu

See SXU's newly renovated Robert and Mary Rita Murphy Stump Library on Oct. 3

Grand re-opening includes guided tours and refreshments

Chicago (Sept. 29, 2011) Saint Xavier University invites the community to celebrate the grand re-opening of its newly renovated Robert and Mary Rita Murphy Stump Library from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Mon., Oct. 3 at its Chicago campus, 3700 W. 103rd St.

This event is free and open to the public. Library staff and student workers will offer guided tours and refreshments will be served.

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.

-SXU-

Media Contact:
Karla Thomas, Executive Director of Media Relations
(773) 298-3937 or kthomas@sxu.edu

Learn about the life of St. Therese of Lisieux at SXU's Theology South lecture series

Writer, artist and performer Marcia Whitney-Schenck will speak at 9:30 a.m. on Thurs., Oct. 6

Chicago (Sept. 29, 2011) Chicago-based writer, artist and performer Marcia Whitney-Schenck will speak at Saint Xavier University's next Theology South lecture about the life of St. Therese of Lisieux. The lecture, titled "The Words and Life of St. Therese of Lisieux: A Dramatic and Photographic Depiction of the Saint's Life and Works," is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. on Thurs., Oct. 6 in the Butler Reception Room, located in the Warde Academic Center of SXU's Chicago campus, 3700 W. 103rd St. It costs $6 and is open to the public. Coffee will be served at 9 a.m. and a question-and-answer session will follow the lecture.

Called "the Little Flower," Therese Martin died at the age of 24 in 1897 from tuberculosis after having lived as a cloistered Carmelite nun for less than ten years. Her spiritual autobiography, "Story of a Soul," describes her "little way" to spiritual growth through theology anchored in the Word of God, nourished by love, and strengthened in the discovery of joy in everyday tasks. Whitney-Schenck dramatizes St. Therese's words, recalling her life through photographs taken by the Saint's older sister.

Whitney-Schenck is the former editor of "Christianity and the Arts" and author of "What God Gives: Prayers from Africa." Her current work focuses on "interpreting women of faith in a dynamic way for contemporary audiences.

For more information, please contact Donatta Yates at (708) 422-1635.

-SXU-

Media Contact:
Karla Thomas, Executive Director of Media Relations
(773) 298-3937 or kthomas@sxu.edu

SXU and WGN-TV partner to honor outstanding Chicago-area teachers with Teacher of the Month program

First Teacher of the Month, Norma Gutierrez of Noble Street College Prep, will appear on WGN on Sept. 28



Chicago (Sept. 29, 2011) Saint Xavier University has partnered with WGN-TV Chicago to highlight the Teacher of the Month program, which honors educators who make a difference in their communities. Watch video of math teacher Norma Gutierrez of Noble Street College Prep, 1010 N. Noble, Chicago, being honored as the first Teacher of the Month. Gutierrez is scheduled to appear on WGN-TV during the midday news between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Thurs., Sept. 29. Teachers of the Month also will appear on the SXU and WGN-TV websites.

The program recognizes outstanding kindergarten, elementary, junior high, high school, vocational, and special education teachers in Chicagoland and northwest Indiana. One teacher will be selected each month through June 2012 for a total of 10 honorees. Teachers of the Month are chosen based on educational achievements in the classroom, community contributions and innovativeness of the program/techniques used by the teacher. Each Teacher of the Month is featured on the WGN-TV news and will receive a certificate of recognition. Additionally, each Teacher of the Month will receive a $1,000 donation from SXU to purchase school supplies for his or her classroom.

Read more information about the Teacher of the Month program here. Nominate a teacher on WGN-TV's website here.

-SXU-

Media Contact:
Karla Thomas, Executive Director of Media Relations
(773) 298-3937 or kthomas@sxu.edu

SXU wraps up successful 2011 Homecoming Week celebration

Undefeated Cougars crush Trinity International University 49-14, more than 900 attend 11th Annual Cougar 5K Run/Walk

Chicago (Sept. 28, 2011) Alumni, students, faculty, staff and friends celebrated Saint Xavier University’s 2011 Homecoming with a week of events from Sept. 19 to Sept. 25 at its Chicago campus.

More than 900 people attended the 11th Annual Cougar 5K Run/Walk on Sept. 24. Ryan Hopper, of Cincinnati, Ohio, finished with the best men's time, 15:41, and Amanda Janosz, of Orland Park, had the top women's time of 20:05. More than 150 alumni, parents and friends joined President Christine Wiseman in the Alumni/Cougar Club Tailgate tent prior to the Homecoming football game, with a portion of the proceeds going toward student athletics. To top off a fantastic day, the No. 1 Cougar football team continued its undefeated season, scoring 35 first-half points and culminating in a 49-14 victory over Trinity International University.

SXU's Service Through Action Team (S.T.A.T.) gathered about 65 students and alumni on Sept. 21 to make more than 325 lunches for area homeless shelters, such as Port Ministries, Oak Lawn PADS and P.R.I.D.E. alternative schools. S.T.A.T. has made more than 3,000 lunches for shelters during the past two years.

SXU honored its best and brightest on Sept. 22. More than 100 guests gathered to honor five Academic Distinguished Alumni and six O'Brien Student Leadership award recipients, including Chicago Police Detective John L. Folino Jr., '02, '05, Joni Thompson, M.A. '92, Anthony Denovellis, MBA '06, Darcie Brazel RN, MSN '83, '91 and Carol A. Keene, Ph.D. '61. SXU's National Alumni Association also honored three accomplished alumni at an awards luncheon on Sept. 25 – Illinois State Police Director Hiram Grau, MBA '03, John Naisbitt '91 and Laura LeCompte '06.

National Alumni Association members hosted a reunion party at Gilhooley's Grande Saloon on Sept. 23. Guests enjoyed visiting with fellow alumni and listening to the band "Happy Hour," whose lead singer SXU alumna Lily Djurakov is a proud 2010 SXU alumna. A portion of ticket prices supported SXU student scholarships.

The celebration culminated on Sept. 25, with more than 50 people attending an Alumni Mass in McDonough Chapel.

-SXU-

Media Contact:
Karla Thomas, Executive Director of Media Relations
(773) 298-3937 or kthomas@sxu.edu

SXU Gallery to host the work of Chicago artist Ed McCullough

"Crossings" exhibit on display from Sept. 28 to Oct. 18

Chicago (Sept. 28, 2011) Saint Xavier University will unveil an exhibit featuring the work of Chicago artist Ed McCullough from Wed., Sept. 28 to Tues., Oct. 18. The exhibit, titled "Crossings," will consist of McCullough's recent pedestal and wall sculptures and will be on display in the SXU Gallery, located in the Warde Academic Center at the Chicago campus, 3700 W. 103rd St. There will be a lecture by the artist and a reception in the SXU Gallery at 3:30 p.m. on Sept. 28.

McCullough said his sculptures are composed of "arcs and circles and variants thereof." "They stake out boundaries and make connections with what is not there – the open spaces in and around the places people gather," McCullough said. "Almost all of my sculptures are meant to be public works of art. I want people to feel welcome to come inside them, to be a part of what's there, to lay claim to where they are standing or sitting."

McCullough grew up on the South Side of Chicago and has worked as a sculptor for most of his life. After serving in the U.S. Navy from 1955 to 1959, McCullough attended Illinois State University. He earned a bachelor's degree and a master of arts, both in art.

The SXU Gallery is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday and Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Tuesday and Thursday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday and 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday. For more information, please contact the Gallery at (773) 298-3081.

-SXU-

Media Contact:
Karla Thomas, Executive Director of Media Relations
(773) 298-3937 or kthomas@sxu.edu

SXU and WGN-TV partner to honor outstanding Chicago-area teachers with Teacher of the Month program

First Teacher of the Month will appear on WGN on Sept. 27 and Sept. 28

Saint Xavier University has partnered with WGN-TV Chicago to highlight the Teacher of the Month program, which honors educators who make a difference in their communities.

The program recognizes outstanding kindergarten, elementary, junior high, high school, vocational, and special education teachers in Chicagoland and northwest Indiana. The first Teacher of the Month is scheduled to appear on WGN-TV during the 9 p.m. newscast on Tues., Sept. 27 and the midday news between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Wed., Sept. 28. The Teacher of the Month also will appear on the SXU and WGN-TV websites.

One teacher will be selected each month through June 2012 for a total of 10 honorees. Teachers of the Month are chosen based on educational achievements in the classroom, community contributions and innovativeness of the program/techniques used by the teacher. Each Teacher of the Month is featured on the WGN-TV news and will receive a certificate of recognition. Additionally, each Teacher of the Month will receive a $1,000 donation from SXU to purchase school supplies for his or her classroom.

Read more information about the Teacher of the Month program here. Nominate a teacher on WGN-TV's website here.

Video Alert - Prof. William Kresse discusses property tax exemptions on CBS 2 Chicago

Saint Xavier University Prof. William Kresse discusses property tax exemptions on CBS 2 Chicago on Sept. 14.

Kresse is an associate professor at the Graham School of Management and director of the Saint Xavier University Center for the Study of Fraud and Corruption.

SXU announces new Board of Trustees members

Maryanne Stevens, RSM, Ph.D., John Simmons, CFA, Hope L. Flack, J.D., and Alexandra Moran

Chicago (Sept. 21, 2011) Saint Xavier University’s Board of Trustees is pleased to announce it has elected four new members to three-year terms: Maryanne Stevens, RSM, Ph.D., John Simmons, CFA, Hope L. Flack, J.D., and Alexandra Moran.

Stevens, of Omaha, Neb., has served as president of College of Saint Mary since 1996 and serves on the board of the Greater Omaha Women’s Fund. She holds a Ph.D. in religion and education from Boston College, a master's degree in theology from Saint Louis University, and a bachelor's degree in math and sociology from College Misericordia.

Simmons, of Flossmoor, has been president of Nuveen HydePark Group, LLC since 2007 and has extensive for-profit and not-for-profit board experience. He holds a bachelor’s degree in English and an MBA from Saint Xavier University. He previously played professional baseball for the Atlanta Braves and Philadelphia Phillies.

Flack, of Chicago, has served as vice president – legal at Grosvenor Capital Management, L.P. since 1991. She holds a juris doctorate from IIT Chicago-Kent College of Law, a master’s degree in political science and a bachelor’s degree in English and political science from Saint Xavier University.

Moran, of Burns Harbor, Ind., has been associate manager and business financial advisor at Ameriprise Financial since 2008. She is president of the Dunes Equine Center of Purdue University Calumet Board of Trustees and serves on the Housing Opportunities for Women Board of Trustees. She also is an adjunct professor at Purdue University Calumet. She holds a master’s degree in social work from University of Illinois at Chicago and a bachelors of arts from Hope College.

-SXU-

Media Contact:
Karla Thomas, Executive Director of Media Relations
(773) 298-3937 or kthomas@sxu.edu

SXU hosts "The Power of Image" photography exhibit through Wed., Oct. 5

Closing reception at 5 p.m. on Oct. 5

Chicago (Sept. 20, 2011) Saint Xavier University's Visual Arts Center will host a photography exhibit titled "The Power of Image" from now through Wed., Oct. 5. A closing reception will be held from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Oct. 5.

The exhibit features the work of SXU students in Advanced Photography from 1981 to 2009. The photos represent the major themes taught by Prof. Monte Gerlach during the course, including portraiture, fashion, still life and conceptual images. Students worked individually and in teams with studio lighting, 4x5 film cameras and digital SLR cameras to create these striking photos. The prints in the show were selected from more than 1,000 images and many of the students featured are now working as photographers and art teachers.

The VAC is located at 10435 S. Spaulding Ave. Read more information about the VAC here.

-SXU-

Media Contact:
Karla Thomas, Executive Director of Media Relations
(773) 298-3937 or kthomas@sxu.edu

SXU recognized as "Military Friendly School" on G.I. Jobs' 2012 list

List honors top 20 percent of higher ed institutions doing the most to embrace America's service members

Chicago (Sept. 20, 2011) G.I. Jobs, a national military news, analysis and opinion magazine, recently named Saint Xavier University to its "2012 list of Military Friendly Schools" in a nation-wide publicity campaign. The list honors the top 20 percent of colleges, universities and trade schools that are doing the most to embrace America's service members and veterans as students.

Schools on the list range from state universities and private colleges to community colleges and trade schools. All the institutions on the list have a shared priority of recruiting students with military experience. The list was compiled through extensive research during which G.I. Jobs polled more than 8,000 schools nationwide.

“The Military Friendly Schools list is the go-to resource for prospective student veterans searching for schools that provide the greatest opportunity and overall experience," said Executive Director for the Student Veterans of America Michael Dakduk. "Nothing is more compelling than actual feedback from current student veterans."

"Military veterans are warmly welcomed to Saint Xavier University," said President Christine M. Wiseman, J.D., whose own father was a Navy veteran of the D-Day Invasion at Omaha Beach. "We are a proud participant in the Yellow Ribbon GI Education Enhancement Program. I encourage military people in transition who are considering college to learn more about the program and about the many other ways in which SXU extends a friendly hand to our nation's military veterans."

A full story and detailed list of Military Friendly Schools will be highlighted in the annual Guide to Military Friendly Schools and on a poster, both of which will be distributed to hundreds of thousands of active and former military personnel in early October. The newly redesigned Military Friendly Schools website assists military veterans in choosing schools that best meet their personal educational needs.


-SXU-

Media Contact:
Karla Thomas, Executive Director of Media Relations
(773) 298-3937 or kthomas@sxu.edu

Celebrate SXU's 2011 Homecoming at 11th Annual Cougar 5K Run/Walk

Event begins at 9 a.m. on Sat., Sept. 24 at Chicago campus

Chicago (Sept. 16, 2011) Celebrate Saint Xavier University’s 2011 Homecoming weekend with the 11th annual Cougar 5K Run/Walk at 9 a.m. on Sat., Sept. 24 at the Chicago campus’ Shannon Center, 3700 W. 103rd St.

The race begins and ends at SXU’s Chicago campus and travels through Evergreen Park. Individual registration fees are $25 for runners/walkers and $20 for SXU students. Day-of-race registration costs $30 for the general public and $25 for SXU students. Register online here or visit www.sxu.edu keyword: Cougar 5K

All race participants will receive a long-sleeved T-shirt. Complimentary refreshments, including bagels, muffins, fruit, coffee and water, will be provided for all participants. Vendors will give away products and services such as free pizza, cookies, massages, blood pressure screening and stretching. Kid’s activities include an inflatable bouncing house and face painting.

More than 1,000 participants are expected at this year’s Cougar 5K, which kicks off a day of homecoming festivities, said Shannon Center Facility Manager and Race Director Jennifer Kjos Quinlan. All participants will receive a free ticket to the homecoming football game at 6 p.m. at SXU’s Bruce R. Deaton Memorial Field and free tickets will be handed out until 11 a.m. at the Gear Check located in the Shannon Center.

Cougar 5K sponsors include Gallagher Investment Services, The Beverly Review, Jimmy Johns, Greenwood Chiropractic, Aquafina, Gilhooley’s Grande Saloon, Mid American Group, Michelob Ultra, Core Fitness and Physical Therapy, The Village of Evergreen Park, Go Promotions, Accelerated Rehab, Running for Kicks, Pizza Man, Advanced Eyecare Professionals and McDonalds.

For more information about the Cougar 5K, please visit www.sxu.edu, keyword: Cougar 5K or call the race hotline at (773) 298-3592.

-SXU-

Media Contact:
Karla Thomas, Executive Director of Media Relations
(773) 298-3937 or kthomas@sxu.edu

CME Group Executive Chairman the Hon. Terrence A. Duffy to Speak at SXU on Sept. 27

Former presidential adviser and Southside native to discuss business ethics

Chicago (Sept. 16, 2011) CME Group executive chairman and former presidential adviser Terry Duffy will speak about business ethics on Tues., Sept. 27 as part of Saint Xavier University's Squeaky Weal lecture series.

Duffy will deliver his lecture, titled "The Importance of Ethics in Business" at 6:30 p.m. in the Butler Reception Room, located in the Warde Academic Center at SXU's Chicago campus at 3700 W. 103rd St. He also will meet with SXU students for a discussion and question-and-answer session before the lecture.

Duffy, who hails from Mt. Greenwood, has been executive chairman of CME Group since July 2007. He has served as executive chairman of CME and CME Holdings since October, 2006 and previously served as chairman of the board since April, 2002. President George W. Bush appointed Duffy to serve on a National Saver Summit on Retirement Savings in 2002 and to serve as a member of the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board in 2003.

Duffy serves on SXU's board of trustees, World Business Chicago's board of directors and the American Ireland Fund's Chicago regional advisory board. He is co-chair of the Mayo Clinic Greater Chicago Leadership Council, vice chairman of the CME Group Foundation and chairman of the NYMEX Foundation.

This lecture is part of the annual Squeaky Weal Lecture Series, which aims to provide thoughtful discussion of public issues with a focus on their ethical dimensions and their impact on the common good. It is sponsored by SXU’s Center for Religion and Public Discourse. For more information, contact Kathy Mareska at mareska@sxu.edu.

-SXU-

Media Contact:
Karla Thomas, Executive Director of Media Relations
(773) 298-3937 or kthomas@sxu.edu

Elected officials meet with local business leaders at SXU's Sixth Annual "Breakfast With Your Legislators"

Attendees included State Sen. Edward Maloney, State Rep. Kelly Burke and Cook County Commissioner John Daley

Chicago (Sept. 16, 2011) Elected officials from the southern Chicago area answered questions from local business leaders about everything from ComEd rate increases to gaming in Chicago at the sixth annual "Breakfast With Your Legislators" event. The Beverly Area Planning Association and the Blue Island, Evergreen Park and Oak Lawn Chambers of Commerce presented the event and AT & T sponsored it. Saint Xavier University hosted the event at its Chicago campus, 3700 W. 103rd St.

Participants of the panel discussion included: State Sen. Edward Maloney (D-18th), State Rep. Kelly Burke (D-36th), State Rep. Bill Cunningham (D-35th), Cook County Commissioner John Daley (D-11th), and Chicago Ald. Matt O'Shea (19th).

State Sen. Edward Maloney (D-18th) on voting against the recent ComEd Smart Grid legislation: "There's obviously a need for upgrading the service … but I just felt that ComEd needs more skin in the game. ComEd and Ameren, the two … that are looking for this automatic rate increase are currently making a profit. My sense is why wouldn’t you take part of that profit and begin your investment here to show consumers you’re serious about upgrading the system. … The timing is not good on this, we all know what happened during the storms this summer."

State Rep. Bill Cunningham (D-35th) on education funding: "The budget is the overarching problem in the state budget and almost everything is related to it. Funding for education issues … has been a problem in the state government. I think we rely too much on local governments to fund education through property taxes. That’s something that would require major change in Springfield and I think it’s something we need to work on."

State Rep. Kelly Burke (D-36th) on her top priority for her legislative district: “What businesses have said repeatedly is they want stability and they want to be able to plan. With uncertainty in the state budget and with the tax climate, they haven’t been able to. My priority is to help move along the budget process that will provide that stability and I think we’re moving in that direction in the state.”

Cook County Commissioner John Daley (D-11th) on gaming in Chicagoland: "I strongly support opening a casino in the city and in the suburbs. Revenues are dying… just go out to the Horseshoe Casino or Four Winds in New Buffalo… and you see license plates from Illinois. We are losing money and this money, if used correctly, could be going toward schools."

Chicago Ald. Matt O'Shea (19th) on longer school days in Chicago: To just add 90 minutes to the day doesn’t solve the problem. There needs to be more math, more reading, more science. I think we also need to talk about overcrowding and improvements to our schools. … I also believe that if we’re going to ask teachers to spend additional time in the classroom, they need to be fairly compensated and in my opinion right now, they’re not.


-SXU-

Media Contact:
Karla Thomas, Executive Director of Media Relations
(773) 298-3937 or kthomas@sxu.edu

SXU continues to rank among top 25 percent in U.S. News & World Report’s 2012 “Best Colleges in the Midwest”

SXU’s sixth consecutive year in top 25 percent

Chicago (Sept. 15, 2011) For the sixth consecutive year, Saint Xavier University continues to rank among the top 25 percent of all Midwest master’s comprehensive universities, according to U.S. News & World Report’s 2012 rankings for “Best Colleges in the Midwest.”

SXU is ranked 37th of 146 regional colleges, and it is ranked fifth in Illinois. Rankings are based on a set of metrics that are said to reflect a postsecondary institution’s quality.

SXU also had an increase in freshmen who graduated in the top 25 percent of their high school class. Additionally, SXU remains in seventh position for Campus Ethnic Diversity.

“Saint Xavier University continues to achieve high rankings both for its quality programs as well as its ethnic diversity,” said President Christine M. Wiseman, J.D. “Consistent with the rich heritage of our Sisters of Mercy sponsors, we are proud of our ranking and work hard to ensure that our quality programs are accessible to talented students, regardless of their economic backgrounds.”

-SXU-

Media Contact:
Karla Thomas, Executive Director of Media Relations
(773) 298-3937 or kthomas@sxu.edu

SXU to celebrate 2011 Homecoming with week of events

Alumni come back to give back

Chicago (Sept. 14, 2011) Alumni, students, faculty, staff and friends are invited to Saint Xavier University’s 2011 Homecoming Week celebration beginning Wed., Sept. 21 at the Chicago campus, 3700 W. 103rd St. For more information about homecoming, please contact the Office of Alumni and Parent Relations at (773) 298-3316 or alumni@sxu.edu.

Wed., Sept. 21
Brown Bag Service Project – 6 p.m., SXU Diner Atrium
Alumni and students will once again come together in the spirit of Mercy to serve our community at the Service Through Action Team Brown Bag Project. All alumni and friends are invited to assist in making brown bag lunches for local shelters and organizations that serve individuals in great need.

Concert on the Quad – 7 p.m., Smith-Morris Quad Patio
SXU students and alumni are welcome to enjoy refreshments and a free concert on the patio!

Thurs., Sept. 22
2011 Academic Distinguished Alumni and Student Leadership Awards Ceremony – 6:30 p.m., Butler Reception Room
A special reception recognizing the achievements of SXU student leaders and the 2011 Academic Distinguished Alumni Awards recipients:
• The School of Education George K. McGuire Award – Joni Thompson, M.A. '92
• The Graham School of Management Distinguished Alumni Award – Anthony Denovellis MBA '06
• The School of Nursing Distinguished Alumni Award – Darcie Brazel RN, MSN '83, '91
• The College of Arts and Sciences Distinguished Alumni Award – Carol A. Keene, Ph.D. '61
• The School for Continuing and Professional Studies Distinguished Alumni Award – John L. Folino Jr., '02, '05

Fri., Sept. 23
2011 All-Alumni Reunion Celebration – 6:30 p.m., Gilhooley's Grande Saloon (3901 W. 103rd St.)
All Alumni and friends are welcome to celebrate with the reunion classes of '71, '76, '81, '86, '91, '96, '01 and '06. Alumni who attend can sign up for a chance to win $10,000 during halftime at the Homecoming football game (restrictions apply). A $20 donation includes food, soft drinks, 2 free drink tickets (cash bar) and live entertainment provided by "Happy Hour" featuring SXU alumna Lily Djurakov '1 (21 and over). A portion of your donation will be donated to support student scholarships.

Sat., Sept. 24
11th Annual Cougar 5k Run/Walk (Register Now) – 9 a.m., Shannon Athletic Center
Join alumni, students, parents and friends of SXU at the 11th Annual Cougar 5K. All participants will receive a SXU t-shirt, free refreshments and a ticket to the Homecoming football game upon request. The course starts and finishes on the SXU campus and runs through the heart of Evergreen Park. The Cougar 5K's proud alumni sponsor is Marty Gallagher '01 of Gallagher Investments. To register, click here, visit www.sxu.edu, keyword: cougar 5k, or call (773) 298-3952.

Alumni Games – times and locations vary
Come home to SXU and relive those glory days of playing ball at SXU Join in the alumni games with former teammates or just come out for the fun. For game times and locations, contact the Department of Athletics at (773) 298-3101.

Men's soccer game: SXU vs. University of Saint Francis – 1:30 p.m., Bruce R. Deaton Memorial Field

Alumni/Cougar Club Reception Tailgate Tent – 1:30 to 5:30 p.m., Bruce R. Deaton Memorial Field
SXU alumni, parents and members of the SXU Cougar Club are invited to a special pre-game celebration. A $20 donation includes food, beverages (21 and over) and live entertainment by local favorite Matt Ladd. A portion of your donation will be donated to support Cougar Athletics or Student Scholarships

Alumni/Student Video Game Truck – 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., Bruce R. Deaton Memorial Field
Alumni and students can test their video game prowess against a huge assortment of today's most popular video games. Admission for this event is FREE!

Homecoming Game: SXU vs. Trinity International University – 6 p.m., Bruce R. Deaton Memorial Field
Cheer the Cougars to victory over Trinity International University. Receive free tickets to the football game when you stop by the Alumni Hospitality Tent.

Half-time Alumni Field-Goal Kick Challenge
One lucky alumnus or alumna will be selected to take a shot at winning $10,000! (Restrictions apply. Contact the Office of Alumni and Parent Relations for more information.)

Sun., Sept. 25
Alumni Mass – 10 a.m., McDonough Chapel
All are invited to worship in honor of our departed alumni and friends, as well as those men and women in service to our country both here at home and abroad.

2011 National Alumni Association Awards Ceremony and Brunch – 11:30 a.m., Butler Reception Room
Join us in honoring remarkable Saint Xavier graduates at the presentation of the annual National Alumni Association Awards
• Distinguished Alumni Award, Hiram Grau, MBA '03 – This award was established in 1986 to recognize alumni for their personal and professional achievements that reflect the ideals of Saint Xavier University. Recipients of the award exhibit the values of service, leadership, lifelong learning and spirituality.
• Sister Dorothy Marie Peschon '19 Award, John Naisbitt '91 – Named in honor of one of the first graduates of Saint Xavier College for Women, recipients of this award embody the values of the Sisters of Mercy and serve as exemplary volunteers and supporters of the University's endeavors.
• Rita A. Ford '98, Faith in the Future Award, Laura LeCompte '06 – This award is presented to promising alumni who graduated in the past ten years and achieved personal, professional and social accomplishments that reflect the ideals of Saint Xavier University.


-SXU-

Media Contact:
Karla Thomas, Executive Director of Media Relations
(773) 298-3937 or kthomas@sxu.edu