Saint Xavier University establishes Vernon O. Crawley Scholarship

Saint Xavier University (SXU) recently established the Vernon O. Crawley Scholarship for Moraine Valley Community College students. The scholarship will provide $12,000 annual awards to eight full-time Moraine Valley students of merit who have earned their associate degree, taken 12 or more credit hours per semester, have a minimum of a 3.5 GPA and have chosen to continue their academic journey at SXU.

“I am delighted and humbled by the establishment of this scholarship as well as deeply pleased to offer Moraine Valley students an opportunity to further their educational goals at an outstanding institution,” said Dr. Vernon O. Crawley, president of Moraine Valley. “We appreciate the coordinated efforts made between our two institutions to provide another avenue of success for students.”

Administrators at both institutions recently signed a 2 + 2 articulation agreement that allows Moraine Valley students a seamless path to earn their four-year degree at SXU upon completing their associate degree at Moraine Valley. Through the new agreement, students will receive academic advising and transfer planning assistance from both institutions from the time they start at Moraine Valley until they transfer to SXU.

“Saint Xavier University is proud to partner with Moraine Valley Community College in continuing their student success while recognizing the outstanding educational legacy of Dr. Vernon Crawley,” said President Christine Wiseman, J.D.

Moraine Valley faculty can nominate a student of merit for the scholarship by submitting a brief statement explaining the nominee’s academic accomplishments, honors, awards, community service, and special talents. The candidate nominated must be in the last semester of his/her program prior to receiving an associate degree in May 2012.

Send all nominations to Julie Grzadzinski at grzadzinski@sxu.edu by Fri., April 6. Additionally, transfer students from Moraine Valley must officially apply for admission by visiting www.sxu.edu. For more details regarding the scholarship and nomination process, use the keyword Transfer.

Saint Xavier University and Moraine Valley have had long-standing ties with each other. Furthermore, nearly one in five of Saint Xavier’s 11,000 bachelor degree recipients was first a Moraine Valley student. This scholarship continues to address the region’s need for a highly educated workforce and correlates with the national agenda to increase the number of citizens with degrees.

-SXU-

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

Learn about restorative justice with Illinois Supreme Court Justice Mary Jane Theis at SXU

Panel discussion with legal experts on Feb. 28

Chicago (Feb. 17, 2012) Saint Xavier University will host a Restorative Justice Panel Discussion with Illinois Supreme Court Justice Mary Jane Theis, Cook County Circuit Court Judge Pamela Leeming, Cook County Circuit Court Judge Jean Prendergast Rooney, and SXU President and former esteemed Marquette University Law Professor Christine M. Wiseman, J.D., at 4 p.m. on Tues., Feb. 28. This event, which is free and open to the public, will be held in the Butler Reception Room, located in the Warde Academic Center at the University's Chicago campus, 3700 W 103rd St.

The program will focus on how restorative justice can bring healing to victims and survivors as well as accountability to the perpetrator, and how the community benefits from the ripple effects of peace instead of discord and violence. Retired Cook County Circuit Court Judge and John Marshall Law School Adjunct Professor Sheila Murphy will serve as moderator. The program will end with an ancient Celtic peace prayer circle

Restorative justice focuses on the needs of victims as well as the community while also trying to reform offenders. Victims take an active role in the process, and offenders are encouraged to take responsibility for their actions through things such as returning stolen money or community service.

This program is sponsored by SXU's Renaissance Academy, which highlighted Restorative Justice for an entire semester. Notable speakers on the topic included Cook County Circuit Court Judge Joyce Murphy Gorman, Chicago trial and appellate lawyer Mary Pat Benz, and many others.

For more information, please contact Karla Thomas at (773) 298-3937.

-SXU-

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

SXU football team honored by Chicago City Council

Team met with Mayor Rahm Emanuel at Chicago City Hall

The SXU football team was honored by Mayor Rahm Emanuel and the Chicago City Council for winning the 2011 NAIA National Championship on Feb. 15 at Chicago City Hall. President Christine M. Wiseman, J.D., Head Coach Mike Feminis, Assistant Coach John D'Ambrosio and several members of the team posed for photos with Mayor Emanuel and 19th Ward Alderman Matt O'Shea. Ald. O'Shea also read a proclamation commending the team during the City Council Meeting later that day.

The Cougars recently were honored by Gov. Pat Quinn and the Illinois General Assembly at the Illinois State Capitol, and by Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle and the Cook County Board of Commissioners at the Cook County Building.

SXU hosts art exhibit by adults with developmental disabilities

Reception with "Visible" exhibit artists on Wed., Feb. 22

Chicago (Feb. 13, 2012) Saint Xavier University's Visual Arts Center (VAC) will host "Visible: Artwork by Adults with Developmental Disabilities" from now through Fri., Feb. 24. The exhibit is free and is open to the public, and will feature a reception with the artists from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Wed., Feb. 22 at the VAC.

"Visible" is a traveling art exhibit showcasing the works of artists at Austin Special, a facility that assists developmentally disabled adults in Chicago. Artists include Ralph Bemont, Earl Gallermo, Tim Holliman, Peter Kuczwara, Margarita Leal, Andrew Raczkowski, Margarita Seda, Mark Suntres, Brett Bartz, Steven Ferrel, and Ruben Tupayachi.

“Our mission at Austin Special is to help our self taught artists develop their skills, nurture their talent and provide an opportunity for their art to be recognized and shared,” said Edwige Massart, a Chicago artist who runs Austin Special's art program.

The exhibit's curators are SXU alumna Bridget Mitchell '10 and Tim Vitek, two Chicago area artists. Vitek and Mitchell began this exhibit during their graduate studies, and will continue to exhibit the extraordinary work of these artists nationally throughout 2012.

The VAC is located at 10435 S. Spaulding Ave., and its hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. All artwork in this exhibit is for sale with the proceeds going directly to the artists. For more information about Visible, please contact Tim Vitek at tim@timvitek.com or visit www.facebook.com/austinspecialart.

-SXU-

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

Gov. Pat Quinn honors SXU's NAIA National Champion football team at Illinois State Capitol

Chicago (Feb. 10, 2012) Members of Saint Xavier University's football team visited the Illinois State Capitol in Springfield on Wed., Feb. 8 in honor of their 2011 NAIA National Championship victory. Coach Mike Feminis and several team members met with Gov. Pat Quinn in the Governor's Office and presented him with an SXU football jersey. The Cougars also met with State Sen. Ed Maloney and State Rep. Kelly Burke, and visited the House and Senate floors where they received further commendations.

The SXU football team finished up its historic campaign with a 14-1 overall record and the NAIA's No. 1 ranking in the 2011 NAIA Football Coaches' Postseason Top 25 Poll. The Cougars also held the No. 1 ranking for eight weeks (September 12 to October 31) during the regular season, marking the first time a SXU varsity team has received the top spot in school history. The Cougars also won the national title in their first national championship game appearance, the first time this has occurred in the NAIA since Carroll College did it in 2002.

Read more about SXU football here.

-SXU-

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

SXU professor receives $10,000 Nurse Educator Fellowship

Prof. Glenda Morris Burnett will work to prepare students for roles in public health and community-based care

Chicago (Feb. 10, 2012) Saint Xavier University School of Nursing Assistant Professor Glenda Morris Burnett, Ph.D., MUPP, RN, recently received a $10,000 Nurse Educator Fellowship from the Illinois Board of Higher Education to better prepare nursing students for the U.S. healthcare system’s shift from acute care to public health and community-based care.

Burnett, who specializes in community and public health nursing, will explore curricular changes that will provide nursing students with the skills and knowledge needed to reconstruct the healthcare system and place SXU graduates at the forefront of this field. She also will investigate diverse pedagogical models that might be used to achieve these curricular changes. As part of her fellowship project, Burnett will participate in the 15-week National Center for Faculty Development and Diversity Faculty Success Program, with the goal of increasing her scholarly and research productivity.

"It is essential that nursing faculty and nurse education are diverse in their perspectives, especially in areas of race, class, ethnicity, and other areas of practice," Burnett said. "As a member of a group that is currently underrepresented in nursing, on the axis of race and in practice, this fellowship would create an opportunity to continue the development of work in response to lack of a critical mass doing scholarship and practice in these areas."

The Illinois Board of Higher Education’s Nurse Educator Fellowship program aims to ensure retention of well-qualified nursing faculty at institutions of higher education that award nursing degrees. The fellowships supplement recipients’ salaries and defray professional development and continuing education expenses.

Burnett earned her BSN at Rush University in Chicago and her Ph.D. in nursing science from the University of Illinois at Chicago. She also holds a Masters in Urban Planning and Policy from UIC. Burnett was a post doctoral fellow in the Illinois Public Health Research Fellowship Program from 2006 to 2009, and joined SXU’s School of Nursing in 2010. She received the International Nurse of the Year Award from the National Black Nurses Association in 2000.

-SXU-

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

Saint Xavier University and the Better Government Association offer Citizen Watchdog Training Class

Chicago (Feb. 10, 2012) Saint Xavier University’s (SXU) Center for the Study of Fraud and Corruption (CSFC) and the Better Government Association (BGA) team up to offer a “Citizen Watchdog Training Class” on Thurs., Feb. 23 from 7 to 9 p.m. in the Butler Reception Room of the Warde Academic Center, 3700 W. 103rd St. In an effort to empower citizens to examine government and demand the changes they want to see, the community-at-large is invited to attend this FREE training class led by veteran journalists and legal professionals.

The BGA and the CSFC believe that government does a better job of serving the people when the people keep a closer eye on government. In advancing this belief, the BGA regularly hosts these training classes throughout the State of Illinois. This class is an outstanding opportunity to learn more about the Open Meetings Act, the Freedom of Information Act, and other tools available for discovering how your government actually works.

Additionally, members of the BGA’s Investigative Unit will be on hand during the class to take tips and hear complaints from concerned citizens about possible instances of fraud, waste and corruption.

“If you want the government to work for you, you must understand how the government works,” said Prof. William J. Kresse, director of the Center for the Study of Fraud and Corruption at SXU. “The Saint Xavier University Center for the Study of Fraud and Corruption is proud to partner with the Better Government Association in this effort to train all citizens in how they can make a difference in their communities.”

The Better Government Association is a Chicago-based non-profit, non-partisan watchdog group that works for integrity, transparency and accountability in government by exposing corruption and inefficiency, identifying and advocating effective public policy, and engaging and mobilizing the electorate to achieve authentic and responsible reform.

To RSVP for the Citizen Watchdog Training Class or for more information, please contact Barb Macholz at the BGA at bmacholz@bettergov.org or (312) 821-9025.

-SXU-

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

SXU scores high on academics, campus diversity in National Survey of Student Engagement Report

Chicago (Feb. 2, 2012) The 2011 National Survey of Student Engagement's (NSSE) report, titled "Fostering Student Engagement Campuswide," showed Saint Xavier students give the University high marks for academic rigor and enriching experiences through diversity on campus.

The 2011 annual report is based on a survey of more than 410,000 students at 673 colleges and universities in the United States. It focused on how much time students devote to various learning activities.

The study examined 522 randomly selected SXU students (first-year freshmen and graduating seniors) and found the following:
• 85 percent (7 points above the national average for first-year students) of first-year students said SXU places "substantial emphasis on academics."
• 71 percent (11 points above the national average) of first-year students said that they frequently asked questions in class or contributed to class discussion.
• 78 percent of seniors (nine points above average) said they "worked harder than [they] expected to meet an instructor's expectations."

SXU outperformed other Catholic colleges and universities in terms of campus diversity as follows:
• 70 percent of first-year students (six points above average) said SXU "substantially encourages contacts among diverse peers."
• 60 percent of first-year students (11 points above average) and 65 percent of seniors (14 points above average) reported having "serious conversations with students of another race or ethnicity."
• 57 percent of first-year students (six points above average) and 62 percent of seniors (10 points above average) reported having "serious conversations with other students of other religious and political values."

SXU has participated in NSSE since its inception in 2000. University leaders utilize NSSE to make continuous improvements to academic programs and student services in order to prepare SXU students for successful 21st Century careers.

For more information about the 2011 Fostering Student Engagement Campuswide report, please visit http://nsse.iub.edu/.


-SXU-

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

Learn about Chicago's civil rights history during Black History Month at SXU

Professor Erik Gellman to discuss black power and economic justice in 1960s Chicago

Chicago (Feb. 2, 2011) Learn about Chicago’s civil rights history in honor of Black History Month with Roosevelt University Professor Erik Gellman from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Mon., Feb. 13 at the Bishop Quarter Room, located in the Warde Academic Center at Saint Xavier University's Chicago campus, 3700 W. 103rd St. This event is free and open to the public.

Gellman's lecture, titled "The Panthers and Beyond: The Wider Vision of Black Power and Economic Justice in 1960s Chicago," will discuss five myths concerning the history of late 1960s Chicago. These myths show how popular memory (and the lack of memory altogether) have prevented students and citizens of Illinois from better understanding contemporary urban problems, such as access to jobs, the pipeline from failing schools to prisons, and the use of urban space.

Gellman will use film and images in conjunction with his own extensive research on Chicago civil rights activities during this period to illustrate a more relevant urban history of the late 1960s. He will use the campaign of Martin Luther King, Jr., the 1968 Democratic National Convention and the assassination of Fred Hampton as points of departure to understand the context of social change and its repression during this tumultuous era.

Gellman holds a B.A. from Bates College and Ph.D. in history from Northwestern University. He is a professor in the history and sociology department at Roosevelt University, and his research focuses on African-Americans, social movements, and racial studies. He has written articles in "The Journal of Southern History" and is working on two books titled "Labor's New Deal Prophets" and "Death Blow, Jim Crow!"

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, please contact the Library at (773) 298-3352 or visit www.sxu.edu, keyword: library.

-SXU-

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

SXU raises more than $24,000 for scholarship in memory of Jim McCabe

Jim McCabe Scholarship expected to be awarded beginning in Fall 2012

Chicago (Feb. 1, 2011) A little more than one year after fundraising efforts began to create a permanent tribute to the late Jim McCabe, a longtime member of the Saint Xavier University staff and a dear friend, colleague and mentor, more than $24,000 has been donated to the scholarship fund that bears his name.

The first Jim McCabe Scholarship is expected to be awarded beginning in Fall 2012 – and every year thereafter – to a student in the Graham School of Management who exemplifies the selflessness and commitment Jim brought to his work for twenty-five years.

Scholarships continue to play a crucial role in our students’ abilities to pursue a business education that prepares them to be ethical, socially responsible and compassionate leaders – the legacy of our founders, the Sisters of Mercy, that began 165 years ago and one that Jim modeled everyday for his students.

A sincere thank you to each of our generous donors for your kind support of this scholarship.

To make a donation to the Jim McCabe Scholarship fund, visit the Faculty and Staff Giving Form or contact University Advancement at x3317 or advancement@sxu.edu.

-SXU-

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

Political journalist Kristen McQueary to speak at SXU on Feb. 16

"The State of State Government" will focus on the media, Illinois' budget

Chicago (Feb. 1, 2011) Veteran Chicago political journalist Kristen McQueary will discuss the media and the Illinois budget at the 2012 John T. Farrell, Sr. Winter Forum, hosted by Saint Xavier University's Renaissance Academy. The forum, titled "The State of State Government," is scheduled for 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Thurs., Feb. 16 in the Butler Reception Room, located in the Warde Academic Center on SXU’s Chicago campus, 3700 W. 103rd St.

The discussion will focus on key topics such as how the media operates, how stories are chosen, and Governor Pat Quinn’s budget address. The event is free and open to the public, and light refreshments will be served. A question-and-answer session will follow McQueary's talk.

“I think there is a real need for regular people to be engaged and understand how the government works,” McQueary said.

McQueary has more than 15 years of experience in both print and radio journalism, with a focus on statewide and government politics. She is a reporter with WBEZ 91.5FM, a National Public Radio-affiliated station, the Chicago News Cooperative, and the New York Times. She previously was a political columnist at the SouthtownStar.

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