Saint Xavier University receives $2 million U.S. Department of Education grant

Grant is from the Strengthening Institutions Program (Title III)

Chicago (Aug. 13, 2008) Saint Xavier University recently was awarded a nearly $2 million U.S. Department of Education grant from the Strengthening Institutions Program (Title III).

The five-year, $1,968,970 grant supports the development of an engaged learning community at SXU, including meaningful first-year academic experiences; effective student intervention strategies; community-based and collaborative learning experiences; technology-rich learning opportunities; and imbedded assessment for continuous project improvement.

Title III funds will cover 100 percent of the cost of the project. The University will assume the cost for continuing the programs at the conclusion of the grant.

“The Strengthening Institutions Program is an extremely competitive, peer reviewed grant program,” said SXU President Judith A. Dwyer, Ph.D. “Our selection as one of a limited number of schools to receive this grant is a reflection of our continued growth as a leading comprehensive Catholic university.”

The goal of the project is to increase student engagement in learning so that students have a greater chance of successfully completing their undergraduate education. The Office of Academic Affairs will manage the project and will involve the efforts of faculty and staff from across the University.

SXU was identified as the 8th fastest-growing private university in Illinois in 2005, and continues to be recognized as a national leader in serving students from diverse ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds.

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FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Contact: Rick Ducat
773-298-3325 or ducat@sxu.edu

SXU’s Copy Cats Printing Services goes green

New equipment uses less electricity, releases no emissions

Chicago (Aug. 13, 2008) Copy Cats Print Services is going green, the latest in a series of environmentally friendly initiatives at Saint Xavier University.

Copy Cats, which serves the SXU community with all printing and photocopying needs, has collaborated with the industry’s greenest printer manufacturer, Océ North America.

The new Océ VP2110 Titanium Production Digital System uses 45 percent less electricity, emits 48 percent less heat, releases no ozone or particle emissions and is lead-free. Clients can expect offset press-like print quality with outstanding gray scales for all monochrome printing needs.

SXU has made several commitments to environmentally friendly operations. The University was the first school in Chicago to sign the Presidents Climate Commitment, a pledge by colleges and universities across the nation to eliminate greenhouse gas emissions. SXU is also a member of the Illinois Higher Education Sustainability Compact, which has pledged to accomplish multiple environmentally sound goals by Dec. 31, 2010.

SXU’s Arthur Rubloff Hall was Illinois’ first university building to receive the coveted LEED Gold designation from the U.S. Green Building Council. A new residence, also being built to LEED Gold standards, will open this fall.

Saint Xavier also recently announced that it will soon begin its unique GreenBike program, also being launched this fall, will allow SXU students, staff and faculty to borrow bikes for free in increments of 15 minutes from 14 computerized docking stations around the Chicago Campus. SXU is the first in the country to import this proven concept, which is designed by Veolia Transportation subsidiary Veloway and extensively used in Europe.

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FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Contact: Rick Ducat
773-298-3325 or ducat@sxu.edu

Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn highlights SXU at 3rd Annual Sustainable University Symposium

Quinn discusses SXU’s bike sharing program, green innovations

Chicago (Aug. 11, 2008) Illinois Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn highlighted Saint Xavier University’s environmentally friendly innovations and programs on July 29 at the 3rd Annual Sustainable University Symposium at the University of Illinois-Chicago.

Quinn commented on Saint Xavier’s unique GreenBike bicycle sharing program to open this fall. He noted the “great things” being done by the University, such as SXU’s Arthur Rubloff Hall, Illinois’ first university building to receive the LEED Gold designation from the U.S. Green Building Council, and other green construction on campus. The event was sponsored by the Illinois Green Governments Coordinating Council.

Quinn also cited SXU as one of the signing members of the Presidents Climate Commitment, a pledge by colleges and universities across the nation to eliminate greenhouse gas emissions. SXU President Judith A. Dwyer, Ph.D., was the first university president in the city of Chicago to sign the Climate Commitment.

Paul Matthews, SXU assistant vice president of facilities management, outlined the GreenBike program at the symposium during his presentation on sustainable transportation.
The GreenBike program will allow students, staff and faculty to borrow bikes in increments of 15 minutes from 14 computerized docking stations around the Chicago Campus. SXU is the first in the country to import this proven concept, which is designed by Veolia Transportation subsidiary Veloway and extensively used in Europe.

For more information about SXU’s Green Bike program, please visit http://www.sxu.edu/SharedDocuments/CAM-Facilities_Mgmt/bike.pdf.

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More than $115,000 raised at Saint Xavier University’s 12th Annual Golf Classic; Former Chicago Bears attend record setting event

Photo from left to right: Otis Wilson, SXU President Judith A. Dwyer, Ph.D., Wendell Davis, Mickey Pruitt, Bruce Herron.

Chicago (Aug. 7, 2008) A group of former Chicago Bears players spent the day on the links at Saint Xavier University’s 12th Annual Golf Classic on Aug. 5 at Silver Lake Country Club in Orland Park. The golf outing and dinner drew more than 180 participants and raised more than $115,000, a Golf Classic record, with proceeds going to student scholarships.

Former Bear Bruce Herron joined guests’ foursomes along with Wendell Davis, Mickey Pruitt and former Superbowl champ Otis Wilson.

The event also included a live auction and raffle. Prizes included: premium sets of golf clubs; a 42-inch plasma TV; a party for 25 at Balmoral Park; a gift package at the American Club in Kohler, Wis.; premium seats at Sox and Cubs games; an overnight stay at the New Trump Tower International; and airline travel for two on Southwest Airlines.

“We are simply delighted by the growth and support of the SXU Golf Classic,” said SXU Vice President for University Advancement Steven Murphy. “Our thanks go out to the many generous sponsors, students, alumni and friends who participated in this worthy event.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Contact: Rick Ducat
773-298-3325 or ducat@sxu.edu

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Elie Wiesel tickets going fast at Saint Xavier University

Chicago (August 7, 2008) – Tickets are going fast for Nobel Peace Prize recipient and Holocaust survivor Elie Wiesel, the third speaker in the highly successful SXU Voices & Visions Speaker Series at Saint Xavier University in Chicago. More than 1,200 tickets have been sold to hear Wiesel speak at 7 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 25 in the SXU Shannon Center.

Prior to his lecture, Wiesel will conduct a special classroom discussion with Saint Xavier students.

“We are thrilled by the overwhelming response to Mr. Wiesel’s Sept. 25 visit to Saint Xavier University.” said Robert Tenczar, vice president for University Relations. “This third SXU Voices and Visions promises to be a truly special evening.”

Elie Wiesel was born in 1928 in Sighet, Transylvania, which is now part of Romania. He was 15 when he and his family were deported by the Nazis to the concentration camp, Auschwitz. His mother and younger sister perished, but his two older sisters survived. Wiesel and his father were transported to Buchenwald, where his father died shortly before the camp was liberated in April 1945.

Later as a journalist, he was persuaded to write about his experiences. The result was his internationally acclaimed memoir, “La Nuit” or “Night,” which has since been translated into more than 30 languages.

General admission tickets are $15 each and are available by visiting TicketWeb or by calling (866) 468-3401. A limited number of $200 V.I.P. priority tickets also are available and will include priority seating and admission to an exclusive post-lecture wine and cheese reception with Mr. Wiesel.

Saint Xavier students, faculty and staff are free but must obtain a ticket. Students may contact Campus Life (L-103) at (773) 341-5060 and faculty and staff may contact the Office of Special Events at (773) 298-3311. Tickets for may be picked up with a valid Cougar Card in Campus Life (L-103) or in the SXU Diner weekdays from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

For more information about the event, please call (773) 298-3311 or e-mail specialevents@sxu.edu.

Reporters interested in covering Wiesel’s lecture or taking advantage of a special media opportunity the day of the lecture should contact Director of Media Relations Joe Moore at (773) 298-3937 or (cell) (773) 203-6671.

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SXU professor's book about the effect of television on baseball featured on Foxbusiness.com, Dayton Daily News and Northwest Indiana Times

FOXBusiness.com, the Northwest Indiana Times and the Dayton Daily News have featured the new book co-authored by SXU Professor James R. Walker, Ph.D., Center Field Shot: A History of Baseball on Television. Read the FOXBusiness story here. Read the Dayton Daily News story here. Read the Northwest Indiana Times story here.