SXU to screen “Lust for Life” as part of its 2012-13 Film Series

Saint Xavier University will screen the 1956 film “Lust for Life” on Mon., Nov. 12 as part of its 2012-13 Film Series, “Hollywood Paints.” All screenings in the film series are free and open to the public, and will take place at 7 p.m. in McGuire Hall in the Warde Academic Center at SXU's Chicago campus, 3700 W. 103rd St.

Directed by Vincente Minnelli, “Lust for Life” tells the tale of Dutch painter Vincent van Gogh (Kirk Douglas) and how his obsessive devotion to his art consumes him. Anthony Quinn won an Oscar for his performance as Van Gogh's friend and rival Paul Gauguin. It is based on the 1934 novel by Irving Stone.

This year’s film series offers a selection of films featuring portrayals of some of the world’s greatest artists by famous actors. Other films in the series include:

·         “Surviving Picasso” with Anthony Hopkins as Pablo Picasso – Mon., Dec. 3

·         “Frida” with Salma Hayek as Frida Kahlo – Mon., Feb. 4

·         “Pollock” with Ed Harris as Jackson Pollock – Mon., March 4

·         “Basquiat” with David Bowie as Andy Warhol and Jeffrey Wright as Jean Michel Basquiat – Mon., April 1

For more information about the “Hollywood Paints” film series, please contact (773) 298-3081.

NBC 5's Christian Farr named moderator for SXU's Voices and Visions Speaker event

Saint Xavier University is pleased to announce that NBC 5 Chicago General Assignment Reporter Christian Farr will serve as the moderator for the Voices and Visions Speaker Series with political commentators Donna Brazile and Mary Matalin.

The moderated discussion is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Thurs., Nov. 1 in the Shannon Center at SXU's Chicago campus, 3700 W. 103^rd St. This timely event comes five days prior to what may be deemed as one of the nation’s most historic presidential elections, providing Chicagoans with a unique opportunity to witness a moderated point/counterpoint discussion with two powerful perspectives.

Tickets may be purchased for $25 each plus service charge per ticket by visiting TicketWeb or by calling (866) 468-3401. SXU students, faculty and staff may attend the lecture for free but must reserve a ticket online. A valid Cougar Card must be presented the night of the lecture with the ticket.

Brazile is a veteran Democratic political strategist and commentator, as well as an adjunct professor, author, and syndicated columnist. Matalin, one of the most celebrated and popular conservative voices in America, is an author, television and radio host, and political pundit.

Farr previously served as a correspondent on WTTW’s “Chicago Tonight” program. Prior to joining WTTW, Farr was a weekend anchor and reporter for the FOX affiliate WTXF in Philadelphia. He began there as a General Assignment Reporter and also anchored morning news. Both the New York State Broadcasters Association and the Ohio Associated Broadcasters Association have also recognized Farr for his outstanding contributions to the field of broadcast journalism. He also won the E. W. Scripps School of Journalism award for a series on Dangerous Roads in Ohio in 2000.

The Voices and Visions Speaker Series is sponsored by University Relations and in part by the Student Government Association. For more information, please visit www.sxu.edu, keyword: voices or contact the Office of Special Events at specialevents@sxu.edu.

Former Chicago Ald. Virginia Rugai named SXU's first Senior Fellow

Former Chicago Alderman Virginia Rugai has been named the first appointee to Saint Xavier University's Senior Fellows program.

Rugai will teach three five-week seminars in Political Science, each worth one credit hour, during the 2013 spring semester.

·         "Women, Government, and Politics" – a seminar that explores the historical and contemporary experiences of women in the U.S. political system with particular emphasis on Chicago and Illinois governments; it focuses on the reasons why women have increased their participation within the political arena.

·         "Making Public Policy" – a seminar that will investigate the process necessary to create public policies within the context of contemporary issues.

·         "Politics and Urban Education" – a seminar that will examine the crisis in urban education; the course will analyze the root causes, noteworthy reforms and controversial issues related to public, private, and charter schools.

Rugai also will serve other constituencies as Senior Fellow, spending campus time organizing a public lecture covering issues within her expertise, mentoring and guiding students about careers in public service and politics, and being available to faculty as a guest speaker or docent for urban field trips within the political sphere.

Rugai acknowledged, “I am deeply honored by this appointment and anticipate lively discussions with SXU students, our future leaders in building a better community, a better city, and, ultimately, a better America.”

"Virginia Rugai's experience as a Chicago City Council member and her decades of public service involvement will enable her to provide valuable insights about life in the public sector at many levels for our students; we are excited to welcome a woman of her experience to the Saint Xavier University educational community," said President Christine M. Wiseman, J.D.

Rugai was 19^th Ward Alderman on the Chicago City Council from 1990 to 2011. She served as Chairman for the Energy, Environmental Protection, and Public Utilities Committee, as Vice Chairman of the Police and Fire Committee, and on numerous other committees including Finance, Budget and Government Operations, and Transportation and Public Way. She also was appointed to the Task Force on Women's Health and the Cook County Commission on Women’s Issues.

Rugai also served as president of the Y-ME National Breast Cancer Organization and as a member of other organizations, including: the Little Company of Mary Hospital Foundation Board; Saint Xavier University's President's Advisory Council; the Irish Fellowship Club of Chicago; Brother Rice High School's Board of Directors; and Mercy Home for Boys and Girls Leader Council.

Rugai's appointment as Saint Xavier University's first Senior Fellow is being funded through an endowment provided to Saint Xavier's Office for University Mission and Heritage. It seeks to bring scholars and leading practitioners from the arts, sciences, politics, religion, business, humanities, social sciences, or other disciplines germane to Saint Xavier’s educational programs. Senior Fellows are appointed by the President in consultation with the Office for University Ministry. The Senior Fellow’s role is to advance student learning, create academic synergy, exhibit thought leadership, and enhance the University's reputation and resources.

For more information, please contact the Office for University Mission and Heritage at (773) 298-3981.

Learn about prayer through music at SXU's Theology South series

Learn about prayer through music with singer Sr. Kathy Sherman, CSJ, on Thurs., Nov. 1 at the next lecture in Saint Xavier University’s Theology South series. The program will take place in the Butler Reception Room, located in the Warde Academic Center at SXU’s Chicago campus, 3700 W. 103rd St.

The lecture, titled "Listening to God in the Heart of Life," begins with coffee at 9 a.m., and the lecture and question-and-answer session are scheduled from 9:30 to 11 a.m. It is open to the public and costs $6.

Sherman is a singer, composer, and poet whose specialty is music as prayer, and has released more than 20 albums that are sold across the world. She is inspired by ordinary life with its power to reveal the sacred and beautiful, and is deeply committed to working for non-violence and the protection and healing of Earth.

Sherman is Director of Spiritual Worship and Prayer at Saint James Church in Chicago and holds a master's degree in pastoral studies from Loyola University. She is a member of the Congregation of Saint Joseph and her studio in LaGrange Park.

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

SXU announces Fall Concert Schedule

Saint Xavier University's Department of Music will host a variety of performances during the fall conference season. Performances are free for all SXU students, faculty, and staff with an ID. General admission is $6, and admission for senior citizens and visiting students is $5. All performances will be held at SXU's Chicago campus, 3700 W. 103^rd St., unless otherwise noted. For more information, please contact the Department of Music at (773) 298-3421.

Jazz Ensemble

8 p.m., Fri., Nov. 2, Gilhooley's Grande Saloon, 2901 W. 103^rd St.

The SXU Jazz Ensemble will perform classic big band arrangements, including Swing Era favorites from the Count Basie Band and Duke Ellington Orchestra. They also will perform Latin and funk numbers, and arrangements by modern big band composers. Prof. M. Frederick Miller will serve as conductor and director.

Jazz Combo

8 p.m., Fri., Nov. 9, Gilhooley's Grande Saloon, 2901 W. 103^rd St.

The SXU Jazz Combo will present their interpretations of modern jazz standards from the Bebop era of the 1940's to the present. Prof. M. Frederick Miller will serve as conductor and director.

University Orchestra

7:30 p.m., Thurs., Nov. 15, Performance Space, Warde Academic Center

The SXU Symphony Orchestra will open its season with a program inspired by William Shakespeare, including music from Sergei Prokofiev's dramatic Romeo and Juliet. Prof. Jeff Malecki will serve as conductor and director.

Flute Choir

7:30 p.m., Fri., Nov. 16, McDonough Chapel

Enjoy a program of eclectic music composed or arranged for flute choir, including bass, alto, traditional C flute, and piccolo. Prof. Martha M. Morris will serve as conductor and director.

Guitar Ensemble & Jazz Combo

7:30 p.m., Fri., Nov. 30, McGuire Hall, Warde Academic Center

The SXU Guitar Ensemble will perform selections including Renaissance dances, Classical favorites, Spanish romances, and works by popular composers. The SXU Jazz Combo will present its interpretations of modern jazz standards from the Bebop Era of the 1940s to the present. Prof. M. Frederick Miller will serve as conductor and director.

University Chorale

7:30 p.m., Sat., Dec. 1, Performance Space, Warde Academic Center

Get into the holiday spirit with a performance of the Christmas portion of Handel's Messiah, including an audience sing-along of the great Hallelujah chorus. Prof. Jan Bickel will serve as conductor and director, and Monica Kropidlowski as accompanist.

Jazz Ensemble

7:30 p.m., Fri., Dec. 7, McGuire Hall, Warde Academic Center

The SXU Jazz Ensemble will perform classic big band arrangements, including Swing Era favorites from the Count Basie Band and Duke Ellington Orchestra. They also will perform Latin and funk numbers, and arrangements by modern big band composers. Prof. M. Frederick Miller will serve as conductor and director.

Wind Ensemble & Orchestra

7:30 p.m., Sat., Dec. 8, Performance Space, Warde Academic Center

In a program of holiday favorites and classical repertoire, we are thrilled to feature SXU Professor of Saxophone Lara Ochoa-Regan in an exciting new transcription of Robert Muczynski's "Sonata for Alto Saxophone," followed by seasonal favorites and the world premiere of "As White As Snow" by Emily R. Lawlor! Prof. Jeff Malecki will serve as conductor and director.