What is the role of libraries in the digital age? Chicago Public Library Commissioner speaks at SXU

Mary A. Dempsey’s lecture is Tues., March 15


Chicago (Feb. 25, 2011) Chicago Public Library Commissioner Mary A. Dempsey will discuss the changing role of public libraries in the modern era on Tues., March 15 as part of Saint Xavier University’s Squeaky Weal lecture series.

Dempsey’s lecture, titled “The Role of Public Libraries in the Digital Age,” is free and open to the public. It begins at 6:30 p.m. in the Butler Reception Room, located in the Warde Academic Center at SXU’s Chicago Campus, 3700 W. 103rd St.

Dempsey will explore questions such as how is the role of libraries changing, how should they change as more information is available online, and what is the ethical responsibility of a library system to the public that funds it and to the people it seeks to serve?

Since taking charge of the Chicago Public Library system in 1994, Dempsey has overseen its growth in terms of branch locations, book collections, services for children, internet access and online resources. She is responsible for more than 1,200 employees at 79 locations that serve more than 1 million people each month. Under her leadership, the Chicago Public Library has constructed or renovated 43 full-service branch libraries, expanded book collections and library services for children and adults, and installed free public Internet, online reference and WiFi access in all libraries.

Dempsey was elected Chair of the Board of Trustees of DePaul University in May 2008 where she became the first woman to hold this position. She served as Chair of the Board of the Urban Libraries Council from June 2006 through June 2007. Dempsey is the recipient of five honorary degrees and has received numerous awards for her work. She received the Shield of Saint Xavier in 2000.

“The Role of Public Libraries in the Digital Age” 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 mareska@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

Author, educator and humanitarian Greg Mortenson speaks about promoting, supporting education in the Middle East at SXU

Pennies for Peace founder spoke on Feb. 24

Chicago (Feb. 25, 2011) More than 1,400 attendees saw author, educator and humanitarian Greg Mortenson speak about the importance of promoting and supporting education in the Middle East on Feb. 24 at Saint Xavier University.

Mortenson participated in an exclusive classroom discussion with SXU students before delivering his lecture, "Promoting Peace through Education.”

Mortenson is co-author of "Three Cups of Tea: One Man’s Mission to Promote Peace…One School At A Time," co-founder of the Central Asia Institute, a non-profit organization with the mission to promote and support community-based education, especially for girls, in remote regions of northern Pakistan and Afghanistan, and founder of Pennies for Peace, an international service-learning program to empower communities through education in Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Mortenson’s visit was coordinated by the Division of Student Affairs with financial support from the Student Activity Fund (SAF).



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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’s Theology South explores "choosing Christ" over evil

Saint Walter Church Pastor the Rev. Peter Heidenrich to speak on March 3

Chicago (Feb. 22, 2011) Saint Walter Church Pastor The Rev. Peter Heidenrich, M.A.M., will deliver a lecture titled “Choosing Christ in a Culture of Evil” on Thurs., March 3 at Saint Xavier University’s Chicago Campus, 3700 W. 103rd St.

The event, which costs $6, begins at 9:30 a.m. in the Butler Reception Room, located in the Warde Academic Center. Coffee will be served at 9 a.m.

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

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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

Video alert - Is "The King's Speech" a realistic portrayal of stuttering?

Chicago (Feb. 22, 2011) The hit film “The King’s Speech” is up for 12 Oscar nominations at the 83rd Annual Academy Awards on Sun., Feb. 27. The movie tells the story of King George VI’s efforts to overcome his stutter with the help of an unorthodox speech therapist. Watch Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders Prof. Karen A. Czarnik, Ph.D, discuss the level of realism in the portrayal of stuttering in “The King’s Speech."



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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 students, local businesspeople mentor low-income high school entrepreneurs

Thornton Township High School student Tamara Byrd discusses her business idea with an SXU mentor at a previous mentoring session.

Chicago (Feb. 18, 2011) Saint Xavier University students, along with local business leaders, recently used their knowledge of marketing, finance, accounting and other subjects to mentor entrepreneurship students from low-income communities.

Students from Thornton Township High School in Harvey are participating in a yearlong business development/entrepreneurship course, which requires them to devise feasible business plans. The students presented their proposals to panels of judges composed of SXU students and local businesspeople from Midwest Bank, DRZ Enterprises and other companies on Feb. 17 at the University’s Chicago campus. Proposals included a web development company, a barbershop, a football camp in Harvey, catering business, physical training services, a DJ business and more.

Mentors previously met with students three times to provide feedback and answer questions about general college life. Students eventually will present their proposals at a citywide National Foundation for Teaching Entrepreneurship competition, with prizes of college scholarships and seed money to start their businesses.

SXU Graham School of Management Assistant Professor and event organizer Cheryl Luczak said the Thornton students got helpful advice about their plans as well as an important boost to their confidence.

“Most of these kids will be the first in their families to go to college,” Luczak said. “Relating to a professor or an older adult is much more difficult for someone who’s 16, but when they see someone who’s 19 they think ‘I could go to college, too.’”

This event was conducted in partnership with the Graham School of Management’s Center for Service Excellence and the National Foundation for Teaching Entrepreneurship.

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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’s “Opera in an Hour” showcases classic works

Watch performances from “The Magic Flute,” “Fidelio” and more on Wed., Feb. 23

Chicago (Feb. 17, 2011) Saint Xavier University’s Department of Music presents “Opera in an Hour” at 4 p.m. on Wed., Feb. 23 in McGuire Hall, located in the Chicago campus’ Warde Academic Center, 3700 W. 103rd St.

Singers and actors will present the first scenes of several famous operas, including Mozart’s “The Magic Flute,” Beethoven’s “Fidelio,” Nicolai’s “The Merry Wives of Windsor,” Menotti’s “The Old Maid and the Thief” and more, all within 75 minutes.

Tickets are $6 for general admission and $5 for seniors. Tickets are $2 for seniors and students who reserve seating in advance. Proceeds for this performance are used to support future performances.

For more information or to reserve seating, contact (773) 298-3421 or adamus@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

SXU invites nursing alumni to celebrate 75 years of excellence

“Scarlet and Grey – Nurses Paving the Way” is scheduled for Fri., March 25

Chicago (Feb. 15, 2011) Saint Xavier University’s School of Nursing invites all nursing alumni to join in celebrating the program’s 75 years of excellence in nursing education at “Scarlet and Grey – Nurses Paving the Way.”

The event is scheduled from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m., Fri., March 25 at Gilhooley’s Grande Saloon, 3901 W. 103rd St., Chicago. An open bar will be available from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. and hors d’oeuvres will be served throughout the evening. Tickets are $35 in advance and $40 at the door.

The evening honors SXU’s nursing alumni for their dedicated service not only to local communities, but to the world as part of the School of Nursing’s 75th anniversary. Nursing alumni can reconnect with classmates and share their post-graduation experiences, as well as enjoy entertainment, raffles and a silent auction. Proceeds from the raffles, silent auction and a portion of the ticket prices will be donated to the newly established School of Nursing Alumni and Friends Scholarship Fund.

Saint Xavier University’s School of Nursing was established in 1935 as the first accredited baccalaureate nursing program in the state of Illinois. More than 4,400 students have graduated from the program and many hold key positions in nursing practice, education, administration and research. Both the baccalaureate and master’s degree programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. Recently, the school of nursing was again designated as a Center of Excellence in Nursing Education by the National League of Nursing.

Attendees must R.S.V.P. by March 15 to Meg Kubiak at (773) 298-3706 or register online.

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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

Learn about the connection between humor and healing at SXU

Little Company of Mary Hospital Director of Health Joan E. Murphy to speak Thurs., Feb. 17

Chicago (Feb. 15, 2011) Saint Xavier University's Renaissance Academy presents the 2011 John T. Farrell, Sr. Forum with Little Company of Mary Hospital Director of Health Joan E. Murphy, R.N., Ph.D.

The event is free and open to the public and is scheduled from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Thurs., Feb. 17 in the Butler Reception Room, located in the Warde Academic Center at the Chicago campus, 3700 W. 103rd St.

Murphy's lecture, titled "The Power of Humor in Communication," explores how humor can be used to promote healing. Attendees will learn about different types of humor, tools for how to stimulate humor in others and enhance their own unique sense of humor.

Murphy has presented for the American Hospital Association, the American Cancer Society and the American Heart 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

Video Alert – Prof. Megan Alderden discusses sexual assault reports filed with Chicago Police Department

Watch FOX Chicago News at Nine special report

This special report includes portions of an interview with SXU Department of Sociology, Anthropology and Criminal Justice Assistant Professor Megan Alderden, Ph.D.

Alderden's research focuses on police officer and prosecutorial decision-making in regard to the processing of sexual assault cases through the criminal justice system. She also is a member of the Chicago Justice Project task force.

The FOX Chicago News at Nine segment, titled "Rape Reports" and reported by veteran TV newsman Larry Yellen, features a Chicago Justice Project study examining the number of rape reports filed with the Chicago Police Department. The study found that the percentage of such reports classified as "unfounded" is three times higher than the national average.

TV Alert – Prof. Megan Alderden discusses sexual assault reports filed with Chicago Police Department

FOX Chicago News at Nine on Mon., Feb. 14

Watch FOX Chicago News at Nine tonight, Mon., Feb. 14, for a special report that includes portions of an interview with SXU Department of Sociology, Anthropology and Criminal Justice Assistant Professor Megan Alderden, Ph.D.

Alderden’s research focuses on police officer and prosecutorial decision-making in regard to the processing of sexual assault cases through the criminal justice system. She also is a member of the Chicago Justice Project task force.

The FOX Chicago News at Nine segment, titled “Rape Reports” and reported by veteran TV newsman Larry Yellen, features a Chicago Justice Project study examining the number of rape reports filed with the Chicago Police Department. The study found that the percentage of such reports classified as “unfounded” is three times higher than the national average.

Peace activists to speak at SXU about human rights in Gaza, West Bank

“The Power of Nonviolence” – Thurs., Feb. 17

Chicago (Feb. 10, 2011) Listen to stories from two women who worked to promote peace and nonviolence while living with people in the West Bank, Gaza, Ciudad Juarez and Haiti at “The Power of Nonviolence” on Thurs., Feb. 17.

Sisters Martha Larsen, R.S.M. and Liz Walters, I.H.M. will present two sessions from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. and from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. in the Bishop Quarter Room, located in the Warde Academic Center, 3700 W. 103rd St., Chicago. The event is free and open to the public, and refreshments will be served.

Larsen and Walters will discuss nonviolent intervention across borders and in local settings and suggest how each of us can make a difference. They also will give special focus to their work in Gaza and the West Bank.

Larsen and Walters both are longtime peace activists who have served on many domestic and international nonviolence teams. Walters worked in the antinuclear movement and brings a lifetime of experience working as a change agent in Detroit. Larsen worked in Peru and with Latin American immigrants in the United States in their nonviolent struggles to organize for justice.

This event is organized by the Middle Eastern Studies Program and co-sponsored by Office for Mission and Heritage and Students for Justice in Palestine - SXU.
For more information, please contact the Middle Eastern Studies Program Director Iman Saca, Ph.D., at saca@sxu.edu or (773) 298-3554.

Dr. and Mrs. Gerald F. Loftus to receive Shield of Saint Xavier

SXU’s highest honor to be awarded at President’s Scholarship Ball

Chicago (Feb. 8, 2011) Dr. Gerald F. and Mrs. Mary Clare ‘65 Loftus will receive the Shield of Saint Xavier at the 26th Annual Saint Xavier University President’s Scholarship ball on Sat., March 26 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. "In light of their extraordinary generosity and dedication to so many facets of our University, we are pleased to honor Dr. and Mrs. Loftus with this University honor."

Gerald Loftus previously served as medical staff president at Mercy Hospital and the Chicago White Sox team physician. He has been a member and officer of the Mercy Foundation, and has headed and served on numerous hospital committees. He also founded Midland Orthopedic Associates, which still practices at Mercy Hospital.

Mary Clare Loftus served as a University trustee from 1996 to 2007. She served on the Presidential Search Committee in 2009, chaired the Scholarship Ball Committee in 1999, and supported the SXU Golf Classic as a committee member throughout its 14-year history. She recently served on the committee that planned the School of Nursing's 75th Anniversary celebration.

Dr. and Mrs. Loftus have been among Saint Xavier’s most generous lifetime donors and supporters. The Loftus Room in Rubloff Hall was named in recognition of their generous support. The Loftus’ made a donation to the chapel campaign in 1999 and named the Chapel Cross for their friend Sister Gwendolyn Durkin, R.S.M.

Saint Xavier Board of Trustee member Michael Forde and his parents Jane Forde ’65 and Kevin Forde are event co-chairs.

The President’s Scholarship Ball has raised millions of dollars for the President’s Scholarship Program, which provides financial support to Saint Xavier’s most deserving students. The gala event is open to the public. For more information or reservations, please contact (773) 298-3748 or visit the President's Scholarship Ball Web site.

Media interested in attending the Ball should contact Jay Foot at (773) 298-3937 or foot@sxu.edu.

-SXU-

FOR MORE INFORMATION

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

Author, educator and humanitarian Greg Mortenson's lecture at SXU rescheduled

"Pennies for Peace" founder's lecture is 7 p.m. on Thurs., Feb. 24

Chicago (Feb. 8, 2011) Author, educator and humanitarian Greg Mortenson’s lecture at Saint Xavier University, "Promoting Peace through Education," has been rescheduled to 7 p.m. on Thurs., Feb. 24 in the Shannon Center. Mortenson’s appearance, originally scheduled for Feb. 3 was postponed due to emergency snow conditions.

Tickets for the general public are sold out. Admission is free for Saint Xavier students, faculty and staff, who must reserve a ticket online. A valid Cougar Card must be presented the night of the lecture with the ticket. Prior to his lecture, Mortenson will participate in an exclusive classroom discussion with Saint Xavier students.

Mortenson is co-author of "Three Cups of Tea: One Man’s Mission to Promote Peace…One School At A Time," co-founder of the Central Asia Institute, a non-profit organization with the mission to promote and support community-based education, especially for girls, in remote regions of northern Pakistan and Afghanistan, and founder of Pennies for Peace, an international service-learning program to empower communities through education in Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Mortenson’s visit is coordinated by the Division of Student Affairs with financial support from the Student Activity Fund (SAF).

For more information about the event, please contact the Department of Campus Life at (773) 341-5060 or campuslife@sxu.edu.

-SXU-

FOR MORE INFORMATION

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

SXU President to speak on the death penalty and its effect on the American legal system

12th Annual Honors Program Guest Lecture scheduled for 6:30 p.m., Thurs., Feb. 17

Chicago (Feb. 7, 2011) Saint Xavier University's Honors Program presents its 12th Annual Guest Lecture featuring SXU President Christine M. Wiseman, J.D.

The event, which is free and open to the public, is scheduled for 6:30 p.m., Thurs., Feb. 17 in the Butler Reception Room, located in the Warde Academic Center at SXU's Chicago campus, 3700 W. 103rd St.
Wiseman's lecture, titled “A Seven Year Odyssey on the Texas Death Row," will discuss her work on the death penalty case of Texas death row inmate Billy Conn Gardner and its impact on her assessment of the constraints on justice in the American legal system.

Wiseman served as provost and professor of law at Loyola University and Creighton University and as professor of law at Marquette University. She has served on the Wisconsin Task Force on Equal Justice and received the Wisconsin Civil Liberties Union Volunteer Attorney of the Year Award for her seven-year pro bono representation of Gardner.

This event is co-sponsored by the Office for University Mission and Heritage.

For more information, please contact Judith Hiltner at (773) 298-3230 or hiltner@sxu.edu.

-SXU-

FOR MORE INFORMATION

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

SXU continues 2010-11 film series with "Killer of Sheep"

Fifth installment in "Working on Film" series

Chicago (Feb. 7, 2011) Saint Xavier University will screen the 1979 film "Killer of Sheep" at 7 p.m. on Thurs., Feb. 17 in McGuire Hall, Warde Academic Center, 3700 W. 103rd St., Chicago.

Admission is free and open to the public.

Shot of a budget of less than $10,000, “Killer of Sheep” examines the black Los Angeles ghetto of Watts during the mid-1970s. The film

offers no solutions; it merely presents life; sometimes hauntingly bleak, sometimes filled with transcendent joy and gentle humor. It won a prize at the 1981 Berlin International Film Festival, was chosen as one of the 100 Essential Films by the National Society of Film Critics, and has been named to the National Film Registry of the Library of Congress.

"Killer of Sheep" is the fifth of seven movies in SXU's 2010-11 film series, “Working on Film.” This year’s film series offers an array of screenings that shed light on the experience of labor: how and where people work and the ways that work affects personal life. These stories of work span 80 years of film making and stretch across the globe, linked by the universality of work and human dignity. Upcoming films include "Norma Rae" and "Baran."

For more information, contact Film Series Director Alison Fraunhar, Ph.D., at fraunhar@sxu.edu or (773) 298-3083.

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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

All classes and programs cancelled due to severe weather

Normal operations resume Thurs., Feb. 3


To All Saint Xavier University Students, Faculty and Staff,

Due to emergency weather conditions, all campus and satellite locations for Saint Xavier University will be closed for all classes and programs on Tues., Feb. 1, as of 4 p.m. through Wednesday evening, Feb. 2.

Normal operations will resume Thurs., Feb. 3.

University staff should check with their supervisors to determine whether or not to report to work on Wednesday. If conditions warrant further action, official University notice will come via text messaging, website and email – so please monitor those channels, as well as news radio.