Saint Xavier University News

Follett Higher Education Group to begin managing Campus Bookstore in Spring

noreply@blogger.com (Chicago's Oldest Catholic University) — Fri, 18 Jan 2013 15:40:00 +0000

Saint Xavier University is proud to announce its newest partnership with Follett Higher Education Group (FHEG). FHEG was chosen by a selection committee consisting of SXU administrators and faculty, and approved by the SXU Board of Directors. Follett was identified as a company with the best experience, resources, technology, and course material offerings to support Saint Xavier University’s students, faculty, and staff. Follett is scheduled to begin managing the SXU Campus Bookstore on Mon., March 11.

“Through this wonderful partnership with Follett, we’ll be able to provide an exceptional local, full-service campus bookstore that offers affordable course materials for both our school and student’s individual needs. We’re confident that Follett, who has demonstrated a strong ability to drive new programs, will positively impact our classrooms and the communities they serve,” said SXU President Christine M. Wiseman, J.D.

With this new partnership, Follett will bring the largest inventory of course materials and a network of more than 8,000 publishers and providers to offer students the greatest selection of affordable course material options. The company also operates the nation’s largest online textbook portal, www.efollett.com, giving students the convenience of shopping online or in-store.

To help lower the costs of higher education, SXU students will have access to Follett’s popular Rent-A-Text program that provides, on average, 50 percent or more off the price of a new textbook. In just three years, the program has saved students more than $300 million nationwide.

In addition to its robust rental program, Follett provides access to the largest selection of digital solutions, including 35,000 CafeScribe® digital titles. Follett is also the largest distributor of Inkling® digital textbooks, the leading platform for interactive learning content. Follett manages more than 900 other college and university bookstores across the U.S. and Canada.

“We’re excited to be serving Saint Xavier University,” commented Thomas Christopher, president, Follett Higher Education Group. “At Follett, we’re committed to driving student success and we look forward to working with Saint Xavier University to identify solutions that make course materials affordable and accessible for students.”

For more information regarding Follett’s services and locations please visit www.fheg.follett.com. To learn more about Follett’s affordable textbook rental and digital programs please visit www.rentatext.com and www.cafescribe.com.

SXU's redesigned Educational Administration and Leadership program approved by Illinois State Board of Education

noreply@blogger.com (Chicago's Oldest Catholic University) — Thu, 13 Dec 2012 15:58:00 +0000

Saint Xavier University's School of Education is pleased to announce its newly redesigned Educational Administration and Leadership master's program was approved by the Illinois State Board of Education on Dec. 7.

School of Education faculty members, in light of the mission, vision, and strategic goals of the University, revised the program to address criteria established by the Illinois State Board of Education. This enhanced program integrates best practices and cutting-edge research to suit the complex, ever-changing role of modern school principals. It focuses on instructional leadership, school management, staff development, and leadership in school improvement.

The program is aligned with the Interstate School Leaders Licensure Consortium Standards and the Southern Regional Education Board’s Critical Success Factors for Principals.

SXU looks forward to addressing the needs of future school leaders and our community partners. For more information, please contact the School of Education at (773) 298-3200.

WXAV’s award-winning “God Matters” radio program returns on Sun., Dec. 9

noreply@blogger.com (Chicago's Oldest Catholic University) — Mon, 03 Dec 2012 20:15:00 +0000

Saint Xavier University’s award-winning public affairs program “God Matters” returns with all-new episodes at 9:30 a.m. on Sun., Dec. 9 on WXAV 88.3FM. Listen to the program online at www.wxav.com on Sunday mornings. The episodes also will be posted to iTunes and available for downloading as podcasts.

“God Matters” examines the complexities of everyday life, as well as how faith and values can affect our decisions. The program took second place in the 2003 Silver Dome Awards for Best Public Affairs Programming, beating out WGN.

Cardinal Roger Mahony, Archbishop Emeritus of Los Angeles, will join Sr. Joy Clough, RSM, SXU’s Director of the Office for University Mission and Heritage and of the Center for Religion and Public Discourse, to discuss immigration reform in the United States in a two-part series that will air on Dec. 9 and Dec. 16.

Brother Guy Consolmagno, S.J., a research astronomer and planetary scientist at the Vatican Observatory, will sit down with WXAV General Manager Peter Kreten to discuss the relationship between religion and science for another two-part series on Dec. 23 and Dec. 30.

Finally, the Jan. 6 edition will feature a lecture by University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Professor Rajmohan Gandhi, grandson of Mahatma Gandhi, about non-violence.

For more information about “God Matters,” please contact WXAV at (773) 298-3375.

Former "Poetry" magazine editor Joseph Parisi to receive honorary doctorate at SXU's 2012 Winter Commencement

noreply@blogger.com (Chicago's Oldest Catholic University) — Wed, 28 Nov 2012 17:11:00 +0000

Saint Xavier University is pleased to announce that former editor of “Poetry” magazine and noted author, editor, critic, and public speaker Joseph Parisi, Ph.D., will receive an honorary doctorate at the University’s Winter Commencement on Sat., Dec. 15. Parisi also will deliver the commencement address to more than 500 graduates. The ceremony is scheduled for 10 a.m. in the Shannon Center at the University’s Chicago campus, 3700 W. 103rd St.

For 20 years, Parisi was editor-in-chief of "Poetry" magazine, the world's premier poetry publication, currently celebrating its 100^th anniversary. As editor with a tenure second only to founding editor Harriet Monroe, Parisi is credited with discovering many influential poets, including former U.S. Poet Laureate Billy Collins and Pulitzer Prize winners Mary Oliver, W.S. Merwin, and Lisel Mueller. While at “Poetry,” Parisi also was executive director of the Modern Poetry Association (now the Poetry Foundation) and worked to establish the Ruth Lilly Poetry Prize and Ruth Lilly Fellowships, two of poetry’s most prestigious prizes.

Parisi has published nine books, and his articles, critical essays, and reviews have appeared in diverse popular periodicals and literary journals. He is now completing work on an extensive study titled "Venice Now & Then," which describes the city’s perilous present-day life and uncertain future against its rich, indeed unparalleled, artistic and economic history.

Parisi holds a Ph.D. in English from the University of Chicago, where he received a three-year fellowship and a traveling scholarship to Europe. Among other awards, he has held a Fellowship from the John Simon Guggenheim Foundation (2000-01) and was elected a By-Fellow of Churchill College, Cambridge (2004). His last regular academic appointment was at the University of Illinois-Chicago (1978-1987).

Over the last decade, he has given two public lectures at Saint Xavier and has served on the Library Advisory Committee. He has been a guest speaker and visiting scholar at several other institutions, including the Universities of Michigan, Wisconsin, Virginia, Indiana, Delaware, Texas, Georgia, Vermont, Florida, Chicago, Basel (Switzerland), and at King’s College, Cambridge, as well as many colleges. He continues to give well-attended presentations – on literary history, modern poetry, and popular culture – across the United States and abroad. He has also participated in numerous local and national radio and television broadcasts, particularly on PBS and NPR.

For more information about SXU's 2012 Winter Commencement, please visit www.sxu.edu, keyword: commencement or contact commencement@sxu.edu.

How will changing demographics shape America? Read Prof. Reza Varjavand’s SouthtownStar column to learn more

noreply@blogger.com (Chicago's Oldest Catholic University) — Wed, 21 Nov 2012 17:54:00 +0000

America has experienced large changes to its demographics, as evidenced by the recent presidential election. Graham School of Management Professor Reza Varjavand examines this issue in his recent SouthtownStar column. Read the Nov. 16 article online here.

SXU receives $100,000 grant to create Center for the Study of Financial Markets and Derivatives

noreply@blogger.com (Chicago's Oldest Catholic University) — Mon, 19 Nov 2012 17:08:00 +0000

Saint Xavier University recently received a $100,000 grant from the CME Group Foundation to institute a Center for the Study of Financial Markets and Derivatives (CSFMD) at the Graham School of Management.

Using real-world applications and innovative teaching techniques, the Center will provide students with an in-depth education about trading, risk-management, and other financial concepts, and will provide collaborative research opportunities for students and faculty members. The Center, which is expected to be operational for the Spring 2013 semester, will be equipped with portable equipment for in-class lectures and demonstrations, and a hands-on laboratory where students can work on projects such as simulated financial portfolios. Ultimately, students will manage a real-time investment portfolio for the Graham School of Management.

The CSFMD also will strengthen SXU's ties with the community by enhancing the Graham School’s existing opportunities to consult with local businesses. In addition, plans are underway to partner with local high schools so that high school students can learn basic financial concepts.

"We are grateful to the CME Group Foundation for their advocacy on behalf of Saint Xavier University," said SXU President Christine M. Wiseman, J.D. "We appreciate the Foundation’s efforts to increase student and community understanding about finance and financial markets, and are pleased to have their support in developing this exciting new Center."

The CME Group Foundation enhances economic opportunity by supporting academic initiatives and activities in the Chicago region, including those that promote research, teaching, and learning in financial markets, futures, and derivatives. It also promotes the education of disadvantaged children and youth. In partnership with the Big Shoulders Fund, Saint Xavier University is already engaged in a project to improve and support teaching of early mathematics in urban Catholic elementary schools.

For more information about the Graham School of Management, please contact (773) 298-3600.

SXU to screen “Surviving Picasso” as part of its 2012-13 Film Series

noreply@blogger.com (Chicago's Oldest Catholic University) — Thu, 15 Nov 2012 16:56:00 +0000

Saint Xavier University will screen the 1996 film “Surviving Picasso” on Mon., Dec. 3 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 James Ivory, “Surviving Picasso” is about the complicated personal life of famed painter Pablo Picasso (Anthony Hopkins) seen through the eyes of his lover, a young artist named Francoise Gilot (Natascha McElhone). While living as Picasso's mistress for ten years, Francoise sees that he is a womanizer and often cares little for other peoples' feelings. Francoise slowly learns about the many other women (including Julianne Moore as Dora Maar) who have been part of Picasso's life, each of whom seems deeply scarred by their time with him.

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:

· “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.

SXU’s Darryl Brown named Lincoln Academy Student Laureate

noreply@blogger.com (Chicago's Oldest Catholic University) — Thu, 15 Nov 2012 15:52:00 +0000

Saint Xavier University student Darryl Brown, Jr., recently received a Student Laureate Award from the Lincoln Academy of Illinois in honor of his extraordinary curricular and extracurricular achievements.

Brown, a senior triple majoring in biology, chemistry, and Spanish who hails from Matteson, Ill., was honored at the annual Student Laureate Convocation on Sat., Nov. 3 at the Old State Capitol State Historic Site in Springfield.

"I really appreciate everything that Saint Xavier has done for me and I am honored to represent Saint Xavier as this year’s Lincoln Laureate," Brown said. "The ceremony at the state capitol taught me a lot more about Abraham Lincoln. While I feel familiar with some of his accomplishments, some of his failures were highlighted. I think that this helped illustrate that most successful people are not born; rather they push through the struggles to achieve their goals."

Student Laureate Awards are presented for excellence in curricular and extracurricular activities to seniors from each of the four-year, degree-granting colleges and universities in Illinois. At the Student Laureate Convocation, each honoree received a Student Laureate Medallion, along with an honorarium check and certificate of achievement. This marked the 38th year that students have been honored by the Academy.

Brown maintains an excellent GPA and serves as a laboratory assistant in the Chemistry Department and as a Supplemental Instruction Leader for Organic Chemistry. He also is involved with undergraduate research in biochemistry and has presented locally and regionally.

Brown has been heavily involved in the Student Government Association for five years, serves as a Resident Assistant, and is a member of the National Biology Honor Society Beta Beta Beta and the American Chemical Society. Additionally, he volunteers with LaRabida Children’s Hospital, serves as an intern at Aunt Martha’s Youth Service Center and Health Center, and attended a 2010 service trip to volunteer at Global Medical Brigades in Honduras.

"As a staff person who has worked with Darryl for four years as a Resident Assistant, I was incredibly proud of all that he has accomplished," SXU Assistant Director of Residence Education for Residence Life Rae Joyce Baguilat said. "I have seen him set and reach his goals in life and at Saint Xavier. I have seen him not only overcome obstacles but help others to learn from his mistakes and help them overcome their obstacles. He has been a great role model to many of his residents and fellow coworkers."

Brown plans to attend medical school next fall. Though he is unsure what specialty he would ultimately like to pursue, he knows he would like to work in an urban setting – hopefully at an academic medical center where he can incorporate clinical medicine and research.

SXU to host the work of Chicago artist Debra Kayes

noreply@blogger.com (Chicago's Oldest Catholic University) — Tue, 06 Nov 2012 17:37:00 +0000

Saint Xavier University will host an art exhibit featuring the work of Debra Kayes from now through Fri., Nov. 30 in the SXU Gallery, located in the Warde Academic Center at the Chicago campus, 3700 W. 103^rdSt.

This solo exhibition features numerous mixed media programs, which incorporate collections of parts congregating toward a larger scale. Kayes pushes the boundaries between painting and sculpture, using simple organic forms to investigate patterning techniques like emergence, gang mentality, and swarm theory.

Kayes teaches art and design at Columbia College. She also is an art editor for the art and literary journal MUZZLE Magazine, and runs Pattern+Source, an online archive of multi-media surface design. She holds a master of fine arts degree from University of Wisconsin-Madison.

The SXU Gallery is open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Monday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Tuesday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, and 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday. The Gallery will be closed for Thanksgiving from Wed., Nov. 21 to Sun., Nov. 25. For more information, please contact the Gallery at (773) 298-3081.

Will the world end on Dec. 21, 2012? Find out more at "The Great 2012 Scare: Fact vs. Fantasy"

noreply@blogger.com (Chicago's Oldest Catholic University) — Thu, 01 Nov 2012 15:25:00 +0000

Does the ancient Mayan calendar really predict the end of the world on Dec. 21, 2012? Learn the truth at "The Great 2012 Scare: Fact vs. Fantasy" from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Wed., Nov. 14 at Saint Xavier University.

Astrophysicist Kevin Manning, Ph.D., will guide attendees through the facts and fiction of the end-of-the-world scare. The presentation will be held in the Bishop Quarter Room of the Robert and Mary Rita Murphy Stump Library, located in Warde Academic Center at SXU’s Chicago campus, 3700 W. 103rd St. This event is free and open to the public.

Manning is a retired astrophysicist who worked as a NASA consultant on the Chandra X-Ray Observatory, NASA's flagship X-ray telescope launched in 1999, and with the Brookhaven National Laboratory in New York. He received the Frank G. Brooks Award for Excellence in Science Research.

For more information, please contact Associate Librarian Dave Kohut at (773) 298-3355 or kohut@sxu.edu.

-SXU-

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

noreply@blogger.com (Chicago's Oldest Catholic University) — Tue, 30 Oct 2012 15:54:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Chicago's Oldest Catholic University) — Mon, 29 Oct 2012 16:24:00 +0000

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^rdSt. 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

noreply@blogger.com (Chicago's Oldest Catholic University) — Fri, 26 Oct 2012 18:17:00 +0000

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^thWard 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

noreply@blogger.com (Chicago's Oldest Catholic University) — Tue, 23 Oct 2012 14:57:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Chicago's Oldest Catholic University) — Thu, 18 Oct 2012 18:35:00 +0000

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

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.

SXU to host conference for educators about promoting literacy in K-12 students

noreply@blogger.com (Chicago's Oldest Catholic University) — Thu, 11 Oct 2012 15:02:00 +0000

Saint Xavier University’s School of Education and the Illinois Reading Council Region 5 will host a half-day conference for educators and administrators who play an important role in promoting literacy in grades K to 12.

The conference, titled “Our Changing World: Exploring Cultures, Technology and the Common Core Conference,” is scheduled for Sat., Oct. 27 at SXU’s Orland Park campus, located at 18230 Orland Parkway. Sign-in begins at 8 a.m. and the conference is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. to 1:15 p.m.

Early bird registration is $40 if completed by Fri., Oct. 19, and costs $45 after Oct. 19. Registration includes continental breakfast, lunch, as well as instruction and workshop materials. Pre-registration is required by Wed., Oct. 24 and seats are limited. Registration is available online at the conference webpage, located at www.sxu.edu, keyword: region 5.

Fairmont School District 89 Superintendent Sonya Whitaker, Ed.D., will give the keynote address, “Creating a Culture of Achievement during the Era of Common Core Standards.”

Educators have been under pressure to produce results more than ever before in the history of public education. At the same time, demographic shifts are bringing a more diverse student population to schools. Educators are striving to respond, but many lack the cultural proficiency needed to address the needs of a diverse student population (Nelson and Guerra, 2007).

During Whitaker’s inspiring keynote presentation, educators and administrators will develop the cultural proficiencies needed to dramatically improve student achievement. She will provide participants with practical instruction and assessment strategies that will help teachers increase the achievement levels of all their students, especially those from diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds.

Additional speakers will focus on topics in reading and writing with practical suggestions for the classroom teachers. Some of these topics include technology, bilingual literature, and Common Core State Standards. There also will be an opportunity to visit with Whitaker for a book signing at the end of the conference.

This event is cosponsored by SXU’s School of Education and the Illinois Reading Council Region Region 5 (Will, Two Rivers, and South Suburban Reading Councils.

For more information, please visit www.sxu.edu, keyword: region 5, or contact Wanda Manning at (708) 802-6205 or manning@sxu.edu.

SXU receives $645,000 scholarship grant for disadvantaged students

noreply@blogger.com (Chicago's Oldest Catholic University) — Tue, 09 Oct 2012 15:54:00 +0000

Saint Xavier University's (SXU) School of Nursing recently received a $645,000 scholarship grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

The HRSA Scholarships for Disadvantaged Students (SDS) grant will provide 43 $15,000 scholarships for the 2013-14 academic year. SXU also has been recommended for funding at this level for an additional three years, subject to the availability of funds and progress of the project.

SXU's grant is one of 99 made nationally to support students in a range of accredited health professions programs, and one of four in Illinois. SXU is also the only private university in Illinois to receive funding through the program this year. A complete list of HRSA SDS grant recipients is available at HRSA's Data Warehouse.

"This grant will have an enormous impact on our students’ ability to complete an excellent nursing education program at SXU," said School of Nursing Dean Gloria Jacobson, R.N., Ph.D. "The ability to award 43 of these generous scholarships will mean that, for strong nursing students, family income is less of an obstacle to earning a degree."

The SDS grant will provide scholarships to full-time undergraduate SXU nursing students from disadvantaged backgrounds who demonstrate financial need. The initiative promotes diversity among nursing students and practicing nurses in the health care community; most SXU graduates remain in the Chicago area to contribute to the health care workforce. Recognizing that the strong academic preparation required for a rigorous nursing education may not be readily available in schools serving low- to moderate-income communities, SDS scholarship recipients at SXU also will benefit from intensive mentoring and academic counseling resources to promote their successful completion of the program.

SXU has an ongoing and historic commitment to vulnerable and underserved populations that is supported by its core values of diversity, excellence, and respect for persons. Approximately one-third of SXU’s freshman class is racially diverse; more than half of our incoming freshman class is eligible for Pell grants, which are awarded to students who demonstrate a high degree of financial need. In its review of SXU’s program, HRSA noted the strength of SXU’s commitment to the education of disadvantaged students, and to increasing graduates working in medically underserved communities. HRSA also noted SXU's work to address the Special Health Needs identified nationally by the Department of Health and Human Services.

One-hundred percent of the program costs of $645,000 for this academic year are financed by a federal grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration; no non-governmental funds contribute to this program.

SXU’s School of Nursing is fully accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and is also one of only seventeen programs in the country designated as a Center of Excellence in Nursing Education by the National League for Nursing. For more information, please contact SXU's School of Nursing at (773) 298-3701.

SXU wraps up successful 2012 Homecoming

noreply@blogger.com (Chicago's Oldest Catholic University) — Tue, 09 Oct 2012 15:46:00 +0000

Alumni, students, faculty, staff, and friends celebrated Saint Xavier University's 2012 Homecoming with a fun-filled week of events from Sept. 25 to Sept. 30 at SXU's Chicago campus.

New to this year's celebration was the "Cougars on Parade" contest. Mirroring Chicago’s famous “Cows on Parade,” SXU departments and organizations “adopted” and decorated cougar statues, which were then escorted across campus with the marching band, cheerleaders, and Paw Prints dance team. More than 72,500 votes were cast, with the Office of Records and Advising's horror movie-themed "Scaredy Cat" taking first place. View photos of the winning statues at www.sxu.edu, keyword: cougars on parade.

Nearly 1,000 people participated in the 12^thAnnual Cougar 5K Run/Walk on Sat., Sept. 29. A man known only as "Pizza" from Chicago finished with the best men's time, 17:16. Mike Yuhasz, of Palos Park, finished second for the men with a time of 17:47, and Joe Higgins, of Evergreen Park, placed third at 18:42. Sarah Gregory, of Palos Park, claimed the top women's time, 20:03. Nadine Antonini, of Palos Heights, finished second at 20:12, and Barbara Roman, of Chicago, took third with a time of 20:41. Official race times are available at www.sxu.edu, keyword: cougar 5k, and photos of the race will be available at the SXU Shannon Athletic Center Facebook page. About 150 people from Saint Xavier University, Mother McAuley High School, Brother Rice High School, Marist Girls Golf Team, Queen of Peace High School, Saint Gerald’s Grammar School, the Queen of Martyrs football team, and Saint Bernadette Grammar School Girl Scouts volunteered at the race.

After the race, alumni, parents, and friends joined President Christine Wiseman in the All-Alumni Reunion tent prior to the Homecoming football game, with a portion of the proceeds going toward the Student Scholarship Fund and the Cougar Club. But unfortunately, the No. 1 Cougar football team suffered its first loss of the season, falling to University of Saint Francis (Ind.) 25-13.

SXU’s Service Through Action Team (S.T.A.T.) – a team of SXU alumni and students who work together on community focused service projects – gathered nearly 70 students and alumni on Sept. 26 to make more than 500 lunches for neighbors in need, such as Port Ministries, Southwest Suburban PADS and P.R.I.D.E. alternative schools. During this project, when volunteers heard that the goal of 500 lunches may not have been possible as there were only enough juice boxes to make 300 lunches, they immediately took action by purchasing more than 200 additional juice bottles with their meal cards. S.T.A.T. has made over 5,000 lunches for shelters during the past three years.

SXU honored its best and brightest on Sept. 27 at the 2012 Academic Distinguished Alumni Award Ceremony. The recipients were:

· 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.

The week culminated on Sept. 30 with an outdoor liturgy and the National Alumni Association Award Ceremony. The recipients were:

· 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.

Learn how to budget for long-term care at SXU's Estate Planning Seminar series

noreply@blogger.com (Chicago's Oldest Catholic University) — Tue, 02 Oct 2012 15:42:00 +0000

Saint Xavier University will host the second event in its Estate Planning Seminar series, “Protect Your Future: Life Planning for Elder Years,” from 10 a.m. to noon on Sat., Oct. 20. The event will take place in the Butler Reception Room, located in the Warde Academic Center at SXU's Chicago campus, 3700 W. 103^rd St. This event is free and open to the public. Seating is limited and refreshments will be served.

Approximately nine million men and women older than 65-and-older will need long-term care this year alone, and about 70 percent of people older than 65 will require some type of long-term care services during their lifetime. Find out what you can do to prepare for life changes with trusted professionals who will provide timely and pertinent information.

Presenters for this session include: Amy Parisee Delaney, J.D., M.A., founder of Delaney, Delaney & Voorn, Ltd., and one of nine certified Elder Law Attorneys in Illinois; Robert T. Standring, CLU, owner of Standring Financial Insurance Services, Inc.; and Connie J. Wright, CTFA, Assistant Vice President of Trust and Estate Services at Harris Private Bank.

This program is presented by BMO Harris Bank. For more information, please contact University Advancement at (773) 298-3940 or advancement@sxu.edu, or visit www.sxu.edu, keyword: estate.

Award-winning Chicago Public Media radio host Jerome McDonnell to speak at SXU

noreply@blogger.com (Chicago's Oldest Catholic University) — Mon, 01 Oct 2012 14:55:00 +0000

Jerome McDonnell, host of Chicago Public Media's "Worldview" radio program, will speak about global activism at Saint Xavier University's 13^th Annual Honors Program Guest Lecture on Thurs., Oct. 25.

McDonnell's lecture, titled "Developing Global Activism: Stories from the Front Lines," is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. in the Butler Reception Room, located in the Warde Academic Center at SXU's Chicago campus, 3700 W. 103^rd St. This event is free and open to the public.

McDonnell will describe how the philosophy and strategy of activist groups develop over time. He will supply stirring examples and stories from the global activism series on “Worldview."

McDonnell has hosted "Worldview," a daily international-affairs radio show, for the past 18 years. From Nicaraguan sweatshop workers to Nobel Peace Prize recipients, he provides a forum for voices that go beyond the headlines. He received a Peter Lisagor Award for outstanding contributions to journalism and was awarded "Best Public Affairs Program in a Series” by the Illinois Broadcasters Association.

This event is co-sponsored by SXU's Honors Program and its Center for Religion and Public Discourse. For more information, please contact Judith Hiltner at (773) 298-3230 or hiltner@sxu.edu.

SXU to host "Franklin D. Roosevelt – A Fireside Chat" with living history actor RJ Lindsey

noreply@blogger.com (Chicago's Oldest Catholic University) — Fri, 28 Sep 2012 16:34:00 +0000

Experience the life of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt through Chicago actor RJ Lindsey's living history portrayal on Tues., Oct. 16at Saint Xavier University's 2012 John T. Farrell, Sr. Fall Forum.

"Franklin D. Roosevelt - A Fireside Chat" is scheduled for 11:30 a.m. in the Butler Reception Room, located in the Warde Academic Center at SXU's Chicago campus, 3700 W. 103rd St. This event is free and open to the public.

Through extensive research, meticulous attention to detail, and documented speeches, letters, and anecdotes, Lindsey creates a vivid living portrait of America's 32nd President.

Lindsey as "FDR" will speak informally about his presidency, his wife Eleanor, and his relationship with British Prime Minister Winston Churchill. He also will share Depression-era letters from citizens and discuss the New Deal programs. Experience Roosevelt's great optimism as he asks us all to "move forward with strong and active faith."

Lindsey holds a master's degree from Illinois State University and is a member of Actor's Equity, the Screen Actors Guild, and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists.

This event is sponsored by SXU's Renaissance Academy. For more information, please contact Kathleen Fassl at (773) 233-3770 or kfkato@aol.com.

SXU's Chicago campus welcomes Cougars on Parade 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Chicago's Oldest Catholic University) — Mon, 24 Sep 2012 16:02:00 +0000

Saint Xavier University invites the community to view artistically decorated Cougar statues as part of the 2012 Homecoming celebration from Mon., Sept. 24 to Sun., Sept. 30.

In homage to Chicago's world-famous "Cows on Parade" exhibit, SXU staff, faculty, alumni, and student organizations "adopted" fiberglass cougar statues, created by Chicago Fiberglass Works, Inc., and decorated each with a unique theme. Cougars will be on display throughout the Homecoming Week at SXU's Chicago campus, 3700 W. 103^rd St., or on the SXU website.

The event will culminate with the "March of the Cougars" at 4:30 p.m. on Sat., Sept. 29 as SXU cheerleaders, the Paw Prints Dance Team, the SXU Marching Band, and Champ the Cougar mascot lead a procession of Cougar statues around campus. The procession will end at Bruce R. Deaton Memorial Field, home of the 2011 NAIA National Champion Cougars football team. Statues will be on display until the Homecoming football game at 6 p.m. that evening.

Everyone is welcome to vote online for their favorite Cougar statue at www.sxu.edu, keyword: cougar vote. Voting begins Mon., Sept. 24 and will conclude at 11:59 p.m. (CST) on Sun., Sept. 30.

This event is sponsored by SXU's Office of Alumni and Parent Relations. For more information about Homecoming Week and other alumni events, please contact the Office of Alumni and Parent Relations at (773) 298-3316 or alumni@sxu.edu.

ComEd President/CEO Anne R. Pramaggiore to speak at SXU's Breakfast with the Experts

noreply@blogger.com (Chicago's Oldest Catholic University) — Fri, 21 Sep 2012 15:22:00 +0000

ComEd President and Chief Executive Officer Anne R. Pramaggiore will be the next guest of honor for the 2012 Breakfast with the Experts speaker and networking series on Thurs., Oct. 18 at Saint Xavier University (SXU). Pramaggiore's lecture is titled "Transforming Customer Focus through Smart Grid."

The event, jointly sponsored by SXU and BAPA, begins at 7:30 a.m. with a networking breakfast followed by the 8 a.m. keynote address. It will be held in the Butler Reception Room, located in the Warde Academic Center at SXU's Chicago campus, 3700 W. 103rd St. Registration is $20 for the public and $15 for BAPA Members. Space is limited and reservations are required. For more information or to register, contact BAPA at (773) 233-3100 or www.bapa.org.

Pramaggiore was promoted to her current position in February 2012 after previously serving as ComEd's president and chief operating officer, responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the $6.1 billion company that delivers electricity to more than 70 percent of Illinois' population. She joined ComEd's legal team in 1998 and eventually moved into regulatory affairs, where she worked on significant components of the Consumer Choice Law including a 2007 legislative agreement that ultimately placed power purchases on the market.

Pramaggiore serves as a member of Babcock & Wilcox Company's Board of Director, as well as the boards of the Art Institute of Chicago, DePaul University, Chicago Botanic Garden, Chicago Urban League, and Lincoln Park Zoo. She graduated from DePaul University's School of Law and served as editor-in-chief of the school's Law Review. She also has a bachelor's degree in communications and theater from Miami University.

SXU’s Breakfast with the Experts speaker series brings notable business, community and civic leaders together to share insights, experience and industry knowledge with area business people. To suggest a speaker or to learn about sponsorship opportunities, please call (773) 298-3748 or email specialevents@sxu.edu.

SXU to host the work of Chicago artist Jim Zimpel

noreply@blogger.com (Chicago's Oldest Catholic University) — Wed, 19 Sep 2012 17:12:00 +0000

Saint Xavier University will host an art exhibit featuring the work of Jim Zimpel from Wed., Sept. 26 to Fri., Oct. 19. The exhibit, titled "I is the Grandson," will be on display in the SXU Gallery, located in the Warde Academic Center at the Chicago campus, 3700 W. 103^rd St. The exhibit also includes an artist's lecture and reception at 3:30 p.m. on Wed., Oct. 3in the Gallery.

The show's title comes from its main installation piece, "I is the Grandson." The sculpture is composed of a Sears Escargo car top carrier, recycled billboard material, skis, plywood, PVC pipe, threaded pipes, pink foam, pine, and a photograph of his grandfather's dog Trevor. The pieces explore Zimpel's memories, like a meaningful fishing experience, a trip to a natural wonder, and a project built together in the garage shop behind the house

"It is recollection and recognition, an interpretation of traditions, fiction and history; an exploration of the terms of patrilineal relationships as I understand them," Zimpel said.

Zimpel is an adjunct professor at Columbia College's Art and Design Department. He holds a Master of Fine Arts degree in sculpture from Bard College and a Bachelor of Fine Arts for University of Illinois at Chicago. His work has been featured in exhibits in Chicago, New York City, N.Y., Sacramento, Calif., Miami, Fla., Minneapolis, Minn., Riverside, Calif., Berlin, Germany, and Reykjavik, Iceland.

The SXU Gallery is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Monday and Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Tuesday and Thursday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday, and 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday. For more information, please contact the Gallery at (773) 298-3081.

Learn about theologian and mystic Hildegard of Bingen at SXU's Theology South series

noreply@blogger.com (Chicago's Oldest Catholic University) — Tue, 18 Sep 2012 14:20:00 +0000

Learn about theologian, mystic, musician, healer, and church reformer Hildegard of Bingen with Prof. Avis Clendenen, D.Min., Ph.D., on Thurs., Oct. 4 at the next lecture in Saint Xavier University's (SXU) 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 "Saint Hildegard, Doctor of the Church: Implications for Today," 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.

The lecture will explore the momentous occasion taking place on Oct. 7 later this year in Rome when Pope Benedict XVI declares Hildegard of Bingen, 12th century Benedictine Abbess, the fourth female of 35 Doctors of the Church.

Prof. Clendenen is a faculty member in SXU's Department of Religious Students. She is the author of "Experiencing Hildegard: Jungian Perspectives," with a revised and expanded edition to be released in October. She also will attend the Oct. 7 ceremony in Rome representing the Church of Chicago.

For more information, please contact Donatta Yates at (708) 638-1070.