SXU hosts 7th Annual "Breakfast with your Legislators"

Local business professionals met with Chicagoland elected officials at the Seventh Annual “Breakfast With Your Legislators” on Thurs., Sept. 13 at Saint Xavier University’s Chicago campus, 3700 W. 103rd St.

Elected officials in attendance 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), Chicago Ald. Matt O’Shea (19th), and Evergreen Park Trustee Mark Marzullo.

Attendees enjoyed a networking session and breakfast, and listened as elected officials answered questions from the audience about Illinois' pension troubles, the expansion of gaming in Chicago and the south suburbs, and more.

"Breakfast with your Legislators" was presented by the Beverly Area Planning Association, the Evergreen Park Chamber of Commerce, and the Oak Law Chamber of Commerce. It was sponsored by AT&T.

SXU named to 2012-13 "Catholic Colleges of Distinction" list

Saint Xavier University recently was named to Colleges of Distinction's 2012-13 "Catholic Colleges of Distinction" list. The list honors higher education institutions across the country that engage students, offer great teaching, create vibrant campus communities, and foster successful outcomes.

Colleges of Distinction aims to identify colleges and universities "that take a holistic approach to admissions decisions, that consistently excel in providing undergraduate education, and that have a truly national reputation." The list is generated through quantitative data, such as graduation rates, classroom size, and other key statistics, as well as qualitative data, including feedback from admission experts, high school counselors, and visits to campuses.

Founded in 1846 by the Sisters of Mercy, SXU is Chicago's oldest Catholic university.

"We are proud that Colleges of Distinction recognizes Saint Xavier University's commitment to creating an engaging campus community that is focused on academic excellence and in accord with the guiding principles of our Mercy heritage," said SXU Vice President for University Relations Robert Tenczar.

For more information, please visit www.collegesofdistinction.com or contact (773) 298-3000.

Chicago Blackhawks Alumni & Friends announce Charity Softball Classic at SXU

The Chicago Blackhawks Alumni Association is excited to announce the Fifth Annual Blackhawks Alumni & Friends Charity Softball Classic presented by BMO Harris Bank, which will take place on Sun., Sept. 16 at 1 p.m. at Saint Xavier University (SXU) in the Richard R. Ferrell Memorial Field. Gates open at noon. The event benefits the Chicago Firefighters' EMWQ Retirees’, Widows’ and Children’s Assistance Fund and the Chicago Police Memorial Foundation.

“The Blackhawks Alumni are excited to organize this event for our fifth year. As former members of the Chicago Blackhawks, we love Chicago and have the utmost respect for the Chicago Police and Fire Departments. We are honored to be able to help their families,” said Jack O’Callahan, Blackhawk Alumni and gold-medalist with the 1980 USA Olympic Hockey Team. “We are particularly fortunate to have so many great sponsors and especially appreciative of the continued generosity of our presenting sponsor BMO Harris. It’s a great free, family event, and we look forward to everyone coming out to enjoy the day!”

Chicago Blackhawks current players and alumni will "face-off" in a 16" softball game with members of the Chicago Police Department (CPD) and Chicago Fire Departments (CFD). The event also features the annual CFD vs. CPD City-Wide 16” Softball Championship. The event marks the third year BMO Harris has served as a presenting sponsor. Other major sponsors include NBC 5 Chicago, Ferrara Candy Company, CME Group and Saint Xavier University.

“BMO Harris Bank is proud to return as the event's presenting sponsor, which celebrates a number of charities that benefit Chicago's first responders and their families,” said Chris McComish, Executive Vice President, Retail Banking, BMO Harris Bank. “Together, our support of the Chicago Police and Fire Department charities reinforces that their loved ones will never be forgotten, that we honor their service, and that we stand together in support of their families.”

“The Blackhawk Alumni have given back to the community in so many ways,” remarked Lt. Anthony Martin, President of the EMWQ Fund. “Their generosity to families of the Chicago Fire Department, particularly our neediest widows and children, is deeply appreciated.”

“It is extraordinary that the Blackhawks alumni have found a great way to give back to Chicago,” said Phil Cline, Executive Director of the Chicago Police Memorial Foundation. “I want to thank them on behalf of the families of the Chicago Police Department for their generosity and for organizing this fun, family event.”

The "puck drops" at our new location, the Richard R. Ferrell Memorial Field at Saint Xavier University (SXU), which is home to SXU’s defending NAIA Football Champions. The field is located in Chicago’s Mt. Greenwood Community at 3700 W. 103rd Street.

“Saint Xavier University is proud to support the Chicago Firefighters’ EMWQ Retirees’, Widows’ and Children Assistance Fund and the Chicago Police Memorial Foundation through this wonderful event. We welcome the community to join us for an afternoon of fun at this charity softball classic,” said SXU President Christine M. Wiseman, J.D.

Admission is free. Families will enjoy food, non-alcoholic beverages, an inflatable play-area and games for children, raffles and autographs from players. Miss Illinois 2012 Megan Ervin will sign autographs and take pictures with fans. Special Units from the Chicago Police and Fire Departments are scheduled to participate and variety of antique fire and police equipment will be on display.

Mark your calendars and plan to join in this premier event on Sept. 16, 2012. For more information, please visit: www.widowsandchildren.org.

SXU invites community to celebrate 2012 Homecoming Week

Alumni, students, faculty, staff, and friends are invited to Saint Xavier University's 2012 Homecoming Week celebration, "Cougars on Parade," beginning Tues., Sept. 25 at the Chicago campus, 3700 W. 103^rd St. For more information about Homecoming, please contact the Office of Alumni and Parent Relations at (773) 298-3316 or alumni@sxu.edu.

Tues., Sept 25

Cougars on Parade Kick-Off – 4 to 7 p.m., Chicago campus and Gilhooley's Grande Saloon, 3901 W. 103^rd St.

Mirroring Chicago's famous "Cows on Parade," SXU departments and organizations have "adopted" and decorated cougar statues for "Cougars on Parade." The decorated statues will be displayed beginning at noon across the Chicago campus. Walk around campus to preview the finished works of art then join us at Gilhooley's Grande Saloon to kick off Homecoming 2012! This event includes free appetizers with a cash bar. RSVP to alumni@sxu.edu.

Wed., Sept. 26

Spirit of Mercy Liturgy – noon, McDonough Chapel of the Mother of Mercy

This liturgical celebration combines two longstanding traditions: a Mass of the Holy Spirit at the start of the academic year at Catholic universities and the commemoration of Mercy Day at institutions sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy.

Leadership Commissioning – 3:30 p.m., Academy Bell outside the Warde Academic Center

Representatives from all areas of University life will be commissioned – sponsors, Trustees, administrators, faculty, staff, alumni and students. The commissioning will be followed by an opportunity to "Meet the Mercys."

Service Through Action Team (S.T.A.T.) Brown Bag Project – 6 p.m., SXU Diner Atrium, Warde Academic Center

In the spirit of our Mercy heritage, alumni, students, staff and faculty are invited to help SXU's Service Through Action Team prepare lunches for local shelters and organizations serving our neighbors in need. Donations of peanut butter, jelly, snacks, and juice pouches are always appreciated. If you would like to volunteer and/or donate a product or money, please contact the Office of Alumni and Parent Relations at alumni@sxu.edu or (773) 298-3316.

Thurs., Sept. 27

Academic Distinguished Alumni Awards and the O'Brien Student Leadership Awards Ceremony – 6:30 p.m., Butler Reception Room

The 2012 Academic Distinguished Alumni Award recipients are:

· Jennifer Drake '02, '08, of Chicago, George K. McGuire Award, School of Education.

· Betty Kosky '86, '92, of Worth, Distinguished Alumni Award, Graham School of Management.

· Charlene Bermele '05, of Evergreen Park, Distinguished Alumni Award, School of Nursing.

· Daniel Brown '78, of Palos Park, Distinguished Alumni Award, College of Arts and Sciences.

· Brian Radakovitz '08, '11, of Orland Park, Distinguished Alumni Award, School for Continuing and Professional Studies.

Fri., Sept. 28

Alumni Links – 4 p.m., Stony Creek Golf Course, 5850 W. 103rd St., Oak Lawn

Traditional golfers can have some fun with a nine-hole golf scramble. Nontraditional golfers and families can enjoy miniature golf, bean bags, or bocce ball. Participants are invited to wrap up the evening at a reception on the outdoor patio. Traditional golf costs $45 (includes golf with cart, dinner and soft drinks with cash bar), and miniature golf costs $15 for adults and $10 for children (includes miniature golf, dinner and soft drinks).

Sat., Sept. 29

12^th Annual Cougar 5K Run/Walk – 9 a.m., Shannon Center

Join alumni, students, parents and friends of SXU in the 12th Annual Cougar 5K Run/Walk. All participants receive a long sleeve T-shirt, refreshments and a ticket to the football game upon request. The course starts and finishes on the campus and runs through Evergreen Park. Register online at www.sxu.edu, keyword: Cougar 5K.

All-Alumni Reunion Tent – 2:30 p.m., Bruce R. Deaton Memorial Field

In addition to a pre-game reunion celebration for the classes of '07, '02, '92, '87 and '82, the Office of Alumni and Parent Relations welcomes all the reunion groups from the SOE, SON, GSM, CAS and SCPS. The $25 per person admission (21 and over) includes food and beverages. A portion of the proceeds will support the Student Scholarship Fund or the Cougar Club. Parents are welcome!

Homecoming football game vs. University of Saint Francis (Ind.) – 6 p.m., Bruce R. Deaton Memorial Field

The 2011 NAIA champion SXU Cougars face off against University of Saint Francis. All alumni who register at the SXU alumni hospitality tent will be given free admission to the game!

Sun., Sept. 30

Homecoming Liturgy – 11 a.m., Smith-Morris Quad

Homecoming 2012 will culminate with an outdoor celebration of the Liturgy of the Word and will include a blessing for the recipients of the Spirit of Saint Xavier Awards. A reception honoring these exceptional alumni will be held on the patio of the Smith-Morris Quad immediately following the liturgy. The award recipients are:

· Kevin Clark '78, of Oak Forest, Sister Dorothy Marie Peschon '19 Award.

· Bernada Baker '04, of Chicago, Rita A. Ford '98 Faith in the Future Award.

· Patrick "Andy" Devine '75, of Oak Forest, Spirit of Saint Xavier Award.

Misericordia Executive Director Rosemary Connelly, RSM, to speak at SXU

Sr. Rosemary Connelly, RSM, draws on her experience as executive director of Misericordia Heart of Mercy, a service organization in Rogers Park that supports people with developmental disabilities, for SXU’s first 2012-13 Catholic Colloquium lecture from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Wed., Sept. 19 in the Butler Reception Room at the Chicago campus, 3700 W. 103^rd St. The event is free and open to the public.

Sr. Connelly’s talk will highlight the fundamental Catholic principle of the innate dignity of each person, and she’ll elaborate on how relationships and education honor that principle by fostering a positive quality of life.

Sr. Connelly has been executive director of Misericordia for more than 40 years. The child of Irish immigrant parents, she entered the Sisters of Mercy when she was 18 after one year of college and began a lifetime devoted to serving the poor and the needy. She holds master's degrees in sociology and social work.

The Catholic Colloquium lecture series is sponsored by SXU’s Office for University Mission and Heritage.