Saint Xavier University appoints executive director of media relations

Karla D. Thomas selected after national search

Chicago (July 7, 2011) Saint Xavier University announces the recent appointment of Karla D. Thomas as executive director of media relations effective June 27, 2011.

Thomas was selected after a national search to direct and develop Saint Xavier’s comprehensive media relations effort, serve as a university spokesperson and be the primary point of contact for all media queries and requests for information. She will report to Vice President for University Relations Robert Tenczar.

“Thomas has over 20 years of P.R. and marketing experience with a proven track record in securing media coverage locally and nationally on behalf of for profit and nonprofit organizations throughout Chicago. Her wide array of media contacts will be a valuable asset to Saint Xavier University.” Tenczar said.

Thomas, a native of Chicago, began her career in consumer marketing working on the McDonald’s account as well as KFC, Baskin-Robbins and S.C. Johnson Wax. She eventually shifted her career focus to cause-related marketing opportunities at the March of Dimes Birth Defects Foundation and has spent the past 15 years in director of communications positions within three well-known organizations — Chicago Foundation for Women, One Hope United, and Old St. Patrick’s Church. She has established and maintains great relationships with the press in a changing media landscape. Thomas also brings years of experience in brand development, social media, and crisis communications.

“Having grown up on the South Side of Chicago, I’m truly honored and excited to be directing the media relations efforts for a University steeped in such a rich history of educational achievement,” said Thomas. “I look forward to sharing with the public all of the wonderful stories and activities taking place at Saint Xavier University.”

Thomas has a bachelor’s degree in Broadcast Journalism from Columbia College and resides in Oak Lawn.

-SXU-

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

SXU receives nearly $300,000 grant to train Chicago Public Schools teachers

~IBHE grant funds “Developing 21st Century Critical Thinking Skills” program~

Chicago (July 5, 2011) The Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE) recently awarded Saint Xavier University’s School of Education with a $296,966 grant to train Chicago Public School elementary teachers how to more effectively help students learn critical thinking skills.

The IBHE grant will fund the “Developing 21st Century Critical Thinking Skills” program, which focuses on educating teachers to develop young children’s cognitive skills such as self-regulation, attention, reasoning, problem solving and fine motor skills. Additionally, it trains teachers to assess the development of concepts such as spatial relationships, numbers and weights.

“It is crucial that teachers understand how important it is for students in the 21st century to learn how to think critically and become accomplished learners in math, science, literacy, and all subjects that impact their lives,” said SXU School of Education Dean Beverly Gulley.

SXU faculty members, led by Assistant Professor and Project Director Mary Bell, will mentor teachers at Blaine Elementary School, Brenneman Elementary School, DeWitt Clinton Elementary School and Joseph Stockton Elementary School. The training will primarily focus on kindergarten through second grade teachers.

“This program will be excellent in terms of serving the larger educational community and improving its quality, providing valuable experience and information to our faculty, and strengthening our ties with the Chicago Public School system,” Bell said.

This is SXU’s second year of participation in this three-year program. The first year focused on math, this year focuses on literacy, and next year will focus on science.

For more information, please contact the School of Education at (773) 298-3200.

-SXU-

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Rick Ducat, Assistant Director of Media Relations
O: (773) 298-3325
C: (708) 306-0402
ducat@sxu.edu

SXU’s Ludden Speech and Language Clinic receives $30,000 grant

Grant from Helen Brach Foundation to support speech treatment

Chicago (June 21, 2011) Saint Xavier University’s Ludden Speech and Language Clinic recently received a $30,000 grant from the Helen Brach Foundation. The grant will be used to subsidize speech treatment for children as well as adults.

The Ludden Speech Clinic is part of SXU’s Communication Science and Disorders Department. The Clinic deals with hearing, voice, speech among other disorders and has served the community for more than 40 years. It is located at the University’s Chicago campus, 3700 W. 103rd St.

Read more about the Ludden Clinic here or contact (773) 298-3571 for more information.

-SXU-

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Rick Ducat, Assistant Director of Media Relations
O: (773) 298-3325
C: (708) 306-0402
ducat@sxu.edu

Video Alert - SXU alum Austin M. Schafer '04 leads the opening prayer for the Ohio Senate

Saint Xavier University alumnus Austin M. Schaefer '04 led the opening prayer for the Ohio Senate on June 15.

Schaefer is the the Pastoral Associate for Campus Ministry at the St. Thomas More Newman Center at Ohio State University. He also serves as treasurer on the Executive Team of the OSU Interfaith Association, on the Diocesan Commission for Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs in the Diocese of Columbus and as a "Virtus: Protecting God's Children" facilitator.

Schaefer holds a Certificate in Pastoral Ministry and B.A. in Philosophy from SXU.

More than 400 people expected at immigrants’ rights demonstration at SXU

Sisters of Mercy will host Sat., June 25 event

Chicago (June 16, 2011) More than 400 people are expected to attend an immigrants’ rights demonstration hosted by the Sisters of Mercy from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Sat., June 25 at Saint Xavier University’s Chicago campus, 3700 W. 103rd St.

The Sisters and other attendees will participate in a procession beginning at the Schmitt Quad while carrying silhouettes, each one bearing the name of an immigrant who was deported. The procession will end at the Warde Academic Center’s main entrance where speakers will share their personal experiences of how deportations affected their families. Afterwards, a litany of names of deported people will be read aloud and the person carrying the respective silhouette will place it on the lawn. The demonstration will end with the signing of a letter to President Obama urging him to aid the cause of immigrants’ rights.

Representatives from the Illinois Coalition of Immigrant and Refugee Rights, the 8th Day Center for Justice, and the Archdiocesan Office of Immigrant Affairs are scheduled to participate in the demonstration.

The Sisters of Mercy, the largest order of Catholic nuns in the U.S., founded Saint Xavier University. The Sisters help people in need, including the poor, immigrants, and the sick in need of health care.

For more information, visit the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas press page, or contact Sisters of Mercy of the Americas Communications Manager Stephanie Heiland at (301) 587-0423, x2313 or sheiland@sistersofmercy.org.

-SXU-

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Rick Ducat, Assistant Director of Media Relations
O: (773) 298-3325
C: (708) 306-0402
ducat@sxu.edu

SXU announces 15th Annual Golf Classic

Support student scholarships on Aug. 2 at Silver Lake Country Club

Chicago (June 14, 2011) Saint Xavier University invites the community to support student scholarships with a day on the links at its 15th Annual Golf Classic.

Check-in begins at 7 a.m. with a shotgun start at 9 a.m. on Tues., Aug. 2 at Silver Lake Country Club, 14700 S. 82nd Avenue, Orland Park. The day will conclude with a reception and dinner.

Registration for individual golfers is $300, which includes green fees, cart, breakfast, lunch and dinner. Participants can register online, by mail using a downloadable printer-friendly form or by calling (773) 298-3748. All proceeds support SXU student scholarships.

The event includes the Cougar Classic and Pick Your Prize raffles. Raffle tickets are available online or by mail. Winners need not be present.

Pick Your Prize tickets are $50 each or five for $200. Participants can choose from the following four packages: Downtown, Get-Out-of-Town, Chicago Sports or Tailgate and Golf. Cougar Classic tickets are $25 each or 5 for $100. Prizes include: Apple iPad 2, flat screen TV, Trek Mountain Bike, Xbox Kinect, Weber Gas Grill and various golf items.

Last year's Golf Classic raised more than $128,000 for scholarships.

For more information, please contact the Office of Special Events at (773) 298-3748 or specialevents@sxu.edu.

-SXU-

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Rick Ducat, Assistant Director of Media Relations
O: (773) 298-3325
C: (708) 306-0402
ducat@sxu.edu