Sr. Susan Sanders, R.S.M., Ph.D., interviewed for Chicago History Museum project: Catholic Chicago

See Saint Xavier Vice President for Mission and Heritage Sr. Susan Sanders, R.S.M., Ph.D. as one of those interviewed for the Chicago History Museum presention on Chicago Catholics running through Jan. 2009.

Mayor Richard M. Daley and Maggie Daley attend SXU luncheon

(From left to right) Mayor Richard M. Daley, Saint Xavier University President Judith A. Dwyer, Ph.D, and Margaret Corbett Daley attend an Honorary Degree Luncheon on Saturday, May 17 in the Butler Reception Room at SXU’s Chicago Campus. “Maggie” Daley is first lady of Chicago and provides leadership and service to numerous civic and nonprofit organizations. She spoke at SXU’s undergraduate commencement ceremony and received a Doctor of Public Service, honoris causa.
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For More Information:
Contact Rick Ducat
773-298-3325 or ducat@sxu.edu

Indian Sisters of the Holy Cross graduate from SXU

Five Sisters will continue pursuing master’s degrees

(From left to right) Sr. Shereen Thomas, Sr. Bindu George, Sr. Udaya Kuzhivelil, Saint Xavier University President Judith A. Dwyer, Ph.D., Sr. Metty Lawrence and Sr. Jolly Jose pose at SXU’s graduation ceremony on May 17.

Chicago (May 21, 2008) Five members of the Sisters of the Holy Cross from India graduated on Saturday, May 17 from Saint Xavier University, 3700 W. 103rd St., Chicago.

Sr. Shereen Thomas, Sr. Bindu George, Sr. Udaya Kuzhivelil, Sr. Metty Lawrence and Sr. Jolly Jose all received bachelor’s degrees in nursing from SXU’s School of Nursing.

The Sisters, who were sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy, will stay at SXU to pursue master’s degrees before returning to India.

Margaret Corbett Daley spoke at SXU’s undergraduate commencement at 11 a.m. in the SXU Shannon Center. She received a Doctor of Public Service, honoris causa. “Maggie” is the first lady of Chicago and chair of the Board of Directors of After School Matters, an umbrella organization for out-of-school programs. She provides leadership and service to numerous civic and nonprofit organizations.

James J. McDonough spoke at SXU’s 3 p.m. commencement and received a Doctor of Public Service, honoris causa. McDonough is Chairman of the Board and CEO of McDonough Associates, Incorporated, an engineering/architectural consulting firm. He is a former SXU Board of Trustees Chairman and was elected a Life Trustee in 1998. McDonough also provides leadership and service to numerous civic and nonprofit organizations, including the Chicago Transit Authority’s Board.

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

SXU alum wins Golden Apple teaching award

John Nieciak of Mount Greenwood holds three SXU degrees

Chicago (May 20, 2008) Saint Xavier University graduate John Nieciak was one of 10 Chicago-area teachers honored with the 23rd Annual Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Teaching in Grades 4 through 8. Nieciak is the sixth Saint Xavier graduate to receive the Golden Apple Award since its inception in 1986.

The Golden Apple Foundation, which is dedicated to recognizing and developing excellence in teaching, will honor the winners at an award ceremony on Sept. 6 at the Hyatt Regency Chicago. The ceremony will be aired later as a one-hour prime-time special on WTTW/Channel 11.

Nieciak, of Mount Greenwood, holds three degrees from SXU — a Bachelor’s in English, a Master’s in education and a reading specialist certificate. He is a reading and language arts teacher at Mark Sheridan Math and Science Academy in Evergreen Park.

“I received this for 20 years of working every day to perfect my craft … It’s about seeking support and guidance from experts and then bringing that expertise to the classroom,” Nieciak said. “It keeps me renewed.”

A total of 850 teachers from Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake and Will were nominated for the award with. 31 finalists named in January.

Each of the 10 Golden Apple Award winners will receive a tuition-free spring-term sabbatical at Northwestern University, a personal computer from IBM, $3,000 and membership in the Golden Apple Academy of Educators, which now has inducted 220 expert teachers who work together to ensure that all children have the excellent instruction they deserve.

The Awards Selection Committee is comprised of distinguished Chicago-area educators. Two selection committee members observed each of the 31 finalists in their classroom and interviewed their principal and selected colleagues, parents and students.

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

SXU dedicates Smith-Morris Quad to honor donors

Ceremony honored James A. Morris and Patricia A. (Smith) Morris

(From left to right) SXU Board of Trustees Chairman Thomas Chomicz, Patricia A. (Smith) Morris, James A. Morris and President Judith A. Dwyer, Ph.D, at the dedication ceremony of the Smith-Morris Quadrangle.

Chicago (May 20, 2008) Saint Xavier University honored donors James A. Morris and Patricia A. (Smith) Morris, ’83, by dedicating the Smith-Morris Quadrangle on May 14.

“Jim and Trish Morris have been among the most dedicated supporters and generous donors in the history of the University,” said President Judith A. Dwyer, Ph.D. “We are pleased to honor them for their commitment to the mission and core values of Saint Xavier University.”

The Morrises, who reside in Park Ridge, have given generously to the University. They have chaired the President’s Scholarship Ball and annually sponsor the Shield of Saint Xavier, the University’s highest honor. They have contributed to a growing culture of giving among students through their matching support of the annual senior class gift.

Jim Morris volunteered for leadership roles in capital campaign efforts. Patricia Morris served as a faculty member from 1987 to 1996 in the psychology department. She has been a trustee since 2001 and serves as chair of the trusteeship committee and vice-chair of the SXU Board of Trustees.

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

SXU students complete Pastoral Ministry program

Four students awarded certificates

(From left) Carina Spendel, Helene Albano, Michael Fekete and Octavio Trejo Flores pose for a photo after receiving their Pastoral Ministry certificates from Saint Xavier University.

Chicago (May 16, 2008) Four Saint Xavier University students were awarded undergraduate and graduate Pastoral Ministry certificates during a ceremony on May 8 at SXU’s McDonough Chapel & Mercy Ministry Center, 3700 W. 103rd St., Chicago.

Michael Fekete of Oak Lawn received a graduate certificate in Pastoral Studies. Carina Spendel of Cincinnati, Ohio, Helene Albano of Oak Lawn and Octavio Trejo Flores of Chicago completed undergraduate minors in pastoral ministry.


“We are very proud these students have chosen to deepen their understanding of ministerial theology in order to better serve a variety of ministries in the future,” said SXU Professor of Religious Studies Avis Clendenen, who serves as faculty in the Pastoral Ministry Institute.

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

Saint Xavier University Relations wins Publicity Club of Chicago

Chicago (May 15, 2008)--Saint Xavier University's Office for University Relations was awarded a Golden Trumpet Award from the Publicity Club of Chicago for excellence in the category of “Non-profit Annual Reports.”

The SXU entry was one of more than 200 submitted from throughout the Midwest. The 2007 annual report titled, “Success with Purpose,” tells stories of how members of the Saint Xavier community benefit from the Eight Strategic Directions and experience success with purpose. The annual report was written by Melissa Fraterrigo, senior editor, and designed by Andrea Vehe, publications director.

The award was presented during the Publicity Club of Chicago’s 49th Annual Golden Trumpet Awards Luncheon on Friday, May 9, at The Palmer House Hilton. The ceremony honored the creative and innovative programming performed by public relations and communications professionals in Chicago.

“I am proud of the commitment to excellence by our University Relations staff,” said Saint Xavier President Judith A. Dwyer, Ph.D. “We have a first-class team of public relations professionals dedicated to telling the story of our University.”

The nation’s largest independent public relations organization, the Publicity Club of Chicago awards the Golden Trumpet Award for excellence in planning, creativity and execution to corporate and nonprofit organizations in the Midwest.

Photo from left to right: Andrea Vehe, SXU publications director and Melissa Fraterrigo, SXU senior editor.

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Saint Xavier University’s accreditation from Higher Learning Commission continues

Chicago (May 15, 2008)—Saint Xavier University has received formal notification from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools that its continued accreditation was approved.

During Nov. 5 to 7, 2007, an HLC eight-member team visited with SXU trustees, faculty, staff, administrators, students and alumni at both the Chicago and Orland Park campuses. The site visit was the culmination of two years of self-evaluation undertaken by the University for the purpose of seeking reaccreditation and continuous quality improvement.

“I wish to congratulate and thank everyone who assisted with the self study process, the report and the site visit of the HLC Team,” said SXU President Judith A. Dwyer, Ph.D.

At its meeting on April 28, 2008, the HLC’s Institutional Actions Council (ICA) voted to continue the accreditation of Saint Xavier University. The Commission Board of Trustees validated the IAC action through its validation process that concluded on May 8, 2008.

“I commend President Dwyer for leading such a thorough process of self-study,” said SXU Board of Trustees Chair Thomas Chomicz.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Contact: Joe Moore
773-298-3937 or jmoore@sxu.edu

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SXU art students take part in Looptopia

Students host ecological video projections, art school

Chicago (May 12, 2008) Saint Xavier University students hosted a video projection display and a miniature art school at last weekend’s Looptopia festival in Chicago.

Two crews of SXU students were involved in two different exhibits at the all-night art and cultural festival in the Loop area.

The first crew of about 40 students produced an ecologically themed video projection display near Wacker Drive and Wabash Avenue. All students contributed content for the giant projectors set up in the back of UPS trucks. The projects were created in collaboration with a water activism program through SXU’s biology department.

The second crew helped host an art school after midnight in the Palmer House Hilton’s Ballroom.

Participants could visit several stations offering instruction on different types of art from students, such as photography, animation, collages, silk screening and mask-making. After they finished their projects, they received a report card and were eligible for prizes. The project was in collaboration with teachers from several local art institutions.

Nathan Peck, assistant professor of art and design at SXU, estimates about 1,000 visitors participated in the school.

“It was an art jam,” Peck said. “The idea was to get a bunch of people together and have them impacted by the collaboration so they make things they wouldn’t have been able to if they were sitting alone at home.”

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

Saint Xavier to be first American university to offer European bike share option

Students and employees to use cutting edge Veloway bikes to travel campus

Chicago (May 8, 2008) Saint Xavier University students, faculty and staff will have the option of a self-service bike sharing program beginning next semester.

Over the summer, the University will install the SXU Green Bike Program, providing 65 European pedal bikes that can be automatically checked out 24 hours a day, seven days a week with a Cougar card and returned to any of several computerized docking stations around campus. The first 15 minutes between docking stations will be free, and patrons can use cell phone technology to more easily arrange for a bike.

Many universities across the country offer some form of sharing program, but Saint Xavier will be the first to use the shaft-driven bikes from the French company Veloway, Europe’s premier bike share distributor. More information will follow this summer.

“The SXU Green Bike Program will be a remarkable addition to this campus,” said Assistant Vice President for Physical Facilities Paul Matthews. “This latest in a long line of green activities at Saint Xavier will allow students, faculty and staff to forego their fuel-burning vehicles and travel campus in a clean and sustainable way.”

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

Orland Park student recognized at SXU Honors Program Conference

Craig Sonneveld examines circadian rhythms

Chicago (May 8, 2008) Craig Sonneveld was awarded top honors for his paper examining circadian rhythms last month at Saint Xavier University’s Sixth Annual Honors Program Conference.

The event showcases the research and creative senior projects of honors students who began their work in their junior year. The projects engage issues from a wide spectrum of disciplines, including biology, communication, education, literature, philosophy, communication sciences and disorders, music, nursing and political science.

Sonneveld, a biology major from Orland Park, explored the roughly 24-hour cycles in the biological, physiological and behavioral processes of organisms in his paper titled “Chronobiology: The Heart of the Clock.”

Sonneveld discusses possible reasons for what triggers these rhythms and cites experimental data supporting one particular hypothesis. He then examines a specific case of how natural rhythms in the human body alter the effectiveness of heart medication.

“We all are deeply impressed with the time and effort that went into these challenging presentations, particularly Craig’s,” said Judith Hiltner, associate dean of the College of Arts and Sciences and director of the Undergraduate Honors Program. “His work challenges people to re-evaluate their ideas about circadian rhythms.”

The SXU Honors Program offers an enriched academic experience to talented and highly motivated students. Honors students may pursue any undergraduate major in the College of Arts and Sciences and the Schools of Education, Management and Nursing.

For more information on the Honors Program, visit www.sxu.edu/honors, or contact Hiltner at (773) 298-3230 or hiltner@sxu.edu.

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

SXU Prof. Peter N. Kirstein interviewed in Louisville-Courier Journal

(Chicago, May 8) Saint Xavier University Professor of history and political science Peter N. Kirsein was interviewed in the Louisville-Courier Journal on the status of the Democratic Party presidential race by James Carroll, a Washington reporter. The interview was conducted in advance of the Kentucky Democratic Party primary on May 20.

The story can be viewed bly clicking here: http://www.courier-journal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2008805080406.

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SXU names 2007-08 McGowan Scholar

Amber Smith awarded full year’s tuition

Chicago (May 6, 2008) Saint Xavier University has named Amber Smith the Graham School of Management McGowan Scholar for the 2008-09 school year.

Smith, a senior marketing student from Cowden, Ill., will receive a scholarship for the full academic year’s tuition. Smith hopes to attain several marketing internships and eventually work for a beverage company.

Smith said she would like to reach the point in her career where she could accomplish her ultimate goal of developing a Super Bowl commercial.

The McGowan Scholarship is open to students at the Graham School of Management entering their final year in graduate or undergraduate studies. It is primarily funded through an annual grant from the William G. McGowan Charitable Trust.

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

SXU students test river water near Mineral Point, Wis.; Honors students travel to Pecatonica River to practice water conservation techniques

Chicago (May 5, 2008) A group of Saint Xavier University students traveled to Mineral Point, Wis. recently to conduct fieldwork examining water quality and researching possible pollution in a branch of the Pecatonica.

As part of an SXU honors class dedicated to water conservation, students tested water on farm land for oxygen levels, iron, phosphates, pH, alkalinity, chlorine, and other chemicals. Afterwards, students speculated on what effects cattle grazing, man-made fertilizers and other farming activities may have had on the river.

Justin Laxton, a sophomore from Madison, Wis., noted that future discussions surrounding the water quality of the Pecatonica will probably become more strained as various groups become involved, including farmers, new land owners, ecological activists and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.

“It’s going to be interesting to see how the next ten to fifteen years will be there,” Laxton said. “It will be one big clash.”

Another student in the class, Mike Noonan, wished that there had been additional time for testing. “I would like to see what kind of invertebrate is currently in the area.”
Students began the semester by taking samples of Southwest Chicago’s Lake Marion on the SXU campus, followed by the Little Calumet River in the south suburbs.

In the classroom, Biology Professor Tatiana Tatum taught students the biology and chemistry of water, as well as the historical politics of water ownership and management. Philosophy Professor Thomas Thorp taught the political and judicial background of how people own, regulate and distribute water. Students began locally by studying the history of the indigenous Potawatomi, Fox and Sauk Tribes and how they lived on the land and alongside the rivers.

As part of the course, students also took part in online activism by identifying and then studying some of the many groups devoted to protecting clean water around the city of Chicago and nationally.

After a semester of studying water management and conducting field work in the honors class, several students will accompany Tatum and Thorp to Southern Idaho in late June and early July. There, they will work alongside a local organization fighting to prevent mining pollution in area waters.

In early April, John Hart, of the Greater Yellowstone Coalition and Caribou County Clean Water Partnership, presented the annual SXU Honors Program Guest Lecture.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Contact: Joe Moore
773-298-3937 jmoore@sxu.edu

Saint Xavier Professor raises $3,500 for fallen Chicago Police officers

From left to right CPD K-9 Officer Rich King shakes hands with SXU Professor Bill Kresse, who ran Saturday’s 4th Annual Run to Remember, raising $3500. Most raised by one individual at 4th Annual Run to Remember

Chicago (May 5, 2008) Saint Xavier University Professor Bill Kresse raised $3,500 for the families of fallen Chicago Police officers at the 4th Annual Run To Remember on Saturday, May 3. Proceeds from the annual 5K run along Chicago’s lakeshore go toward the Chicago Police Memorial Foundation.

Kresse raised the highest amount of donations for the race this year and lost 50 pounds leading up to his first 5K.

“I am so pleased to have been able to take part in such a worthy cause,” Kresse said. “It is an honor to help remember these brave men and women.”

Kresse is the director and chief architect of the financial fraud examination and management graduate program at Saint Xavier University’s Graham School of Management, currently the only classroom-based MBA program in financial fraud examination and identity theft in the country.

Saint Xavier offers the program, which combines law enforcement, law, accounting and general business education, at its Chicago campus, at the Chicago Bar Association building in the Loop and at the Chicago Police Academy. The U.S. Air Force and Chicago Police Department have both chosen the program to better train their agents and officers in identity theft and financial and procurement fraud.

Saint Xavier University also recently celebrated its 10-year partnership with the Chicago Police Department of offering an entire MBA program specifically for CPD officers and employees.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Contact: Joe Moore
773-298-3937 or jmoore@sxu.edu

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Saint Xavier University statement regarding status of Regina Hall investigation

Chicago Police arrest student in connection with threatening graffiti leading to closure

Chicago (May 2, 2008)—The Chicago Police Department has arrested a Saint Xavier University student in connection to threatening graffiti found in Regina Hall that resulted in the school closing for four days. The student has been charged with a felony by the Cook County State’s Attorney Office. The student has been placed on immediate administrative suspension and is not allowed on campus. We are unable to give further details at this time.

We would like to express our gratitude for the support and tireless efforts of the multi-agency task force investigating this incident. This includes Chicago Police Department Area 2 Detectives, the Cook County Sherriff’s office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.


FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Contact: Joe Moore
773-298-3937 or jmoore@sxu.edu

SXU School of Nursing Graduate student awarded Schweitzer Fellowship

Merlyn Chua to develop health outreach program

Chicago (May 1, 2008) Saint Xavier University nursing student Merlyn Chua recently was awarded a Schweitzer Fellowship to conduct an innovative health care program for an underserved community.

Named in honor of Nobel Peace Laureate Dr. Albert Schweitzer, the Chicago Area Schweitzer Fellows Program encourages students in health professions and related fields to “make their lives their argument” by serving the most vulnerable members of society.

Chua, a resident of Chicago’s Near South Side neighborhood, will develop a drop-in Health and Wellness Service as an outreach program sponsored by the Center for Whole Health, a program of Chicago Lights at Fourth Presbyterian Church for the Elam Davies Social Service Center. She will provide health assessments, health screenings, counseling, education and referrals for homeless guests.

“Merlyn’s commitment to serving the less fortunate truly exemplifies Saint Xavier University’s mission and core values,” said SXU School of Nursing Interim Dean Kay Thurn, Psy.D., R.N.

Chua is the second student from St. Xavier University to have received a Schweitzer Fellowship during the past two years.

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Saint Xavier University and Richard J. Daley College sign dual admission articulation agreement for nursing

Provides smooth transfer for nursing students between schools

Chicago (May 1, 2008) The presidents of Saint Xavier University and Richard J. Daley College have signed a Dual Admission/Articulation Agreement to provide smoother transfer for nursing students between the two schools.

Under the agreement, Richard J. Daley College students earning an associate in applied science degree in nursing can complete their bachelor of science degree in nursing at Saint Xavier’s Orland Park campus. Student progress is facilitated through timely completion of program requirements and improved sequencing of learning experiences.

“We are pleased that this cooperative relationship will support a smooth transfer experience, and build on community college and university learning experiences for nursing students at Richard J. Daley College to complete their baccalaureate degrees,” said SXU President Judith A. Dwyer, Ph.D.

Saint Xavier has similar agreements with Moraine Valley Community College, Joliet Junior College and Prairie State College.

“This dual-admission agreement will allow Richard J. Daley College students to move more quickly into baccalaureate course work and bring special skills to their patients,” said SXU School of Nursing Interim Dean Kay Thurn, Psy.D., R.N. “This is especially important given the significant shortage of nurses facing this country.”

For more information about the agreement, please contact Carol Yukich at (773) 298-3724; (708) 802-6217 or yukich@sxu.edu.

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