Saint Mary's College, Notre Dame, IN - News and Events

“Love Your Body Week,” Feb. 20-24, Focuses on Positive Female Body Image

gobrien — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 18:13:00 +0000

Event Date:

February 20, 2012 (All day) - February 23, 2012 (All day)

Saint Mary’s College students will mark National Eating Disorder Week with “Love Your Body Week,” February 20-24. This year’s theme is “everyBODY is…,” a phrase which can be completed using any individual’s definition of beauty. The goal of the week, held at this women’s college, is for women to learn to love their bodies and eliminate negative stereotypes, especially those that come from the media.

Laura Glaub '12, creator of "Love Your Body Week" poses
in a "Be You(tiful)" t-shirt.Contact:
Gwen O’Brien
Director of Media Relations
Saint Mary's College
Notre Dame, IN 46556
(574) 284-4579

February 9, 2011 (Notre Dame, Ind.)—Saint Mary’s College students will mark National Eating Disorder Week with “Love Your Body Week,” February 20-24. This year’s theme is “everyBODY is…,” a phrase which can be completed using any individual’s definition of beauty. The goal of the week, held at this women’s college, is for women to learn to love their bodies and eliminate negative stereotypes, especially those that come from the media. The events listed here take place on the Saint Mary's College campus and are free and open to the public. Click for a campus map.

Laura Glaub ’12 developed the concept of “Love Your Body Week” last academic year. This is the second year of the event. “I want my peers to examine cultural expectations through media, peers, family members, and more and talk about the definition of beauty by realizing their own life experiences and create their own definition of beauty,” Glaub explained. Brianne Suckow ’12, Mallory Welsh ’14, Courtney Dahms ’12, and Keri Keller ’13 are assisting with this year’s event.

“Love Your Body Week” is sponsored by Student Government Association (SGA), the Residence Hall Association, Student Activities Board, the student club Feminists United, and the University of Notre Dame’s Student Government Association. This is the first year “Love Your Body Week” will also be celebrated at Notre Dame. Both schools are using the same campaign with the same t-shirts, button, and signs.

“My goal for ‘Love Your Body’ week, personally, would be to make sure each of my peers feel loved, worthwhile, original, special, and unique. I have the chance to interact with such special women each day and they inspire me with new ways to love life and love me. I want every Saint Mary’s and Notre Dame peer and beyond to realize how important they are to this world,” Glaub said.

Here is a summary of events.

Monday, Feb. 20

"Down the Rabbit Hole"

Speaker: Christina Grasso ’11, Saint Mary's College alumna

Description: How did a talented, funny, and smart young woman tumble down the rabbit hole of anorexia? After several years of treatment, one lengthy hospitalization, and the loss of much more than just weight, Grasso found her way out again and now sustains a meaningful recovery on her own terms. She is currently an intern in the fashion industry in New York City.

Time: 7 p.m.

Location: Student Center Lounge

Tuesday, Feb. 21

"Where Do You Draw the Line?"

Panelists: Catherine Pittman, associate professor of psychology, Saint Mary's College; Stacy Davis, associate professor of religious studies, Saint Mary's College; Valerie Staples, licensed clinical social worker and coordinator of eating disorder services, University Counseling Center, University of Notre Dame; and Maureen Barrett ’12

Description: Panelists will examine cultural influences and expectations in a college society relating to body image dissatisfaction, spirituality, and alcohol use/abuse.

Time: 7 p.m.

Location: Carroll Auditorium, Madeleva Hall

Wednesday, Feb. 22

"Globalization and Beauty: The Prevalence of Whiteness Creams, Size 0, and Cosmetic Surgery"

Speaker: Sonalini Sapra, assistant professor of political science and women’s studies, Saint Mary’s College

Description: This educational workshop examines the extent to which globalization has influenced beauty ideals around the world. It will also analyze the growing rise of cosmetic interventions in the United States and abroad.

Time: 12 p.m.

Location: Conference rooms A and B, ground level of the Student Center

"Intimacy, Friendship, and Faith"

Speaker: Judy Fean and Regina Wilson, Campus Ministry, Saint Mary's College

Description: Come explore together what intimacy, friendship and relationships mean in the context of the spiritual life. Do Christians only have a negative view of sexuality, intimacy and friendship? How do spirituality and sexuality relate to one another?

Time: 5 p.m.

Location: Conference room F, ground level of the Student Center

Thursday, Feb. 23

"Barbie?! Love her, hate her, who cares?!"

Speaker: Presented by Terri L. Russ, assistant professor of communication studies, Saint Mary’s College

Description: Professor Russ will break down the normal associations society makes with being beautiful relating to the popular doll Barbie. Russ is also author of “Bitchin’ Bodies,” a book of recorded dialogues of young women talking about dissatisfaction with their bodies.

Time: 5 p.m.

Location: Conference room F, ground level of the Student Center

TRUE BEAUTY

Description: TRUE BEAUTY, presented by the cast of the TV show “The Glee Project,” is a show based on acceptance. TRUE BEAUTY addresses the importance of self worth and self esteem.

Time: 7:30 p.m.

Location: Carroll Auditorium, Madeleva Hall

About Saint Mary’s College: Saint Mary’s College, Notre Dame, Ind., is a four-year, Catholic, women’s institution offering five bachelor’s degrees and more than 30 major areas of study. Saint Mary’s College has six nationally accredited academic programs: social work, art, music, teacher education, chemistry and nursing. Saint Mary's College ranks among the top 100 “Best National Liberal Arts Colleges” for 2012 published by U.S.News and World Report. Founded in 1844, Saint Mary’s is a pioneer in the education of women, and is sponsored by the Sisters of the Holy Cross.

Marketing Professor on Best and Worst Super Bowl Ads (WNDU-TV)

gobrien — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 01:33:32 +0000

The big talk around many local offices Monday centered on Super Bowl commercials. Marketing analysts say overall this year wasn't a creative one, with advertisers keeping to the same five basic themes: babies, animals, sex appeal, celebrities, and humor. "There were some memorable ones, but I don't think there was a big breakout commercial that's going to be remembered for years and years and years,” said Joyce Hicks, associate professor of marketing.

The big talk around many local offices Monday centered on Super Bowl commercials. Marketing analysts say overall this year wasn't a creative one, with advertisers keeping to the same five basic themes: babies, animals, sex appeal, celebrities, and humor. On average, companies shelled-out $3.5 million for every 30 second spot, hoping to catch every consumer’s attention. "There were some memorable ones, but I don't think there was a big breakout commercial that's going to be remembered for years and years and years,” said Joyce Hicks, associate professor of marketing.

Marketing Professor on Use of Social Media in Super Bowl Ads (The Observer)

gobrien — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 01:18:51 +0000

This year, advertisements for the Super Bowl XLVI will captivate audiences around the country in a new way. Robert L. Williams, Jr., assistant professor of marketing, said this year's advertisements will be interactive with the use of social media. "Social media has been the game changer for Super Bowl ads," Williams said. "The companies will receive quick feedback to the ads this way."

This year, advertisements for the Super Bowl XLVI will captivate audiences around the country in a new way. Robert L. Williams, Jr., assistant professor of marketing, said this year's advertisements will be interactive with the use of social media. "Social media has been the game changer for Super Bowl ads," Williams said. "The companies will receive quick feedback to the ads this way."

SPARK Program Set to Ignite New Businesses (Fox 28)

gobrien — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 00:56:40 +0000

The Saint Mary's College Women’s Entrepreneurship Initiative (WEI), the go-to place for Michiana’s female entrepreneurs, will hold the SPARK entrepreneurship training program once again. The eleven-week program begins Feb. 14, with the screening on Feb. 7. The intent of the program is to assist under-resourced, high-potential women entrepreneurs in “sparking” or launching successful businesses. Interviewed are Martha Smith, WEI's project director, and Squeak Wiltrout, owner of "Errands and Much More," and a SPARK graduate.

The Saint Mary's College Women’s Entrepreneurship Initiative (WEI), the go-to place for Michiana’s female entrepreneurs, will hold the SPARK entrepreneurship training program once again. The eleven-week program begins Feb. 14, with the screening on Feb. 7. The intent of the program is to assist under-resourced, high-potential women entrepreneurs in “sparking” or launching successful businesses. Interviewed are Martha Smith, WEI's project director, and Squeak Wiltrout, owner of "Errands and Much More" and a SPARK graduate.

"Freedom Bound" to Be Presented This Weekend (Fox 28)

gobrien — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 00:41:15 +0000

The Mad River Theater Works production of "Freedom Bound" will be held on Saturday, February 4 at 7:30 p.m. in O’Laughlin Auditorium. "Freedom Bound" is a musical play that transports the audience to pre-Civil war America and follows a slave, Addison White, as he escapes from slavery and embarks on a journey to freedom through the Underground Railroad. Interviewed are Richard Baxter, director of special events, and Jacquitta Martin '12.

The Mad River Theater Works production of "Freedom Bound" will be held on Saturday, February 4 at 7:30 p.m. in O’Laughlin Auditorium. "Freedom Bound" is a musical play that transports the audience to pre-Civil war America and follows a slave, Addison White, as he escapes from slavery and embarks on a journey to freedom through the Underground Railroad. Interviewed are Richard Baxter, director of special events, and Jacquitta Martin '12.

Economics professor on lower interest rates (WSBT-TV)

gobrien — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 00:21:50 +0000

If you are one of those Americans who doesn't own a home, now may be a good time to buy. That's because interest rates are so low, and the Federal Reserve announced last week, they would keep those rates low until at least 2014. "On one side it is nice to have interest rates so low, but on the other side if people have the mind set they are going to stay low for a while, does that get people to not rush into something?" said Richard Measell, assistant professor of economics. Measell says the Fed's decision to announce rates will be low until 2014 reinforces the fact that the economy is weak. which may also make people hesitate to spend money.

If you are one of those Americans who doesn't own a home, now may be a good time to buy. That's because interest rates are so low, and the Federal Reserve announced last week, they would keep those rates low until at least 2014. "On one side it is nice to have interest rates so low, but on the other side if people have the mind set they are going to stay low for a while, does that get people to not rush into something?" said Richard Measell, assistant professor of economics.

Entrepreneurial Students Incorporate Soda Company (Times of NW Indiana)

gobrien — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 02:33:34 +0000

Three Saint Mary's College students have officially incorporated TOL Soda Co. after creating and marketing Twist O'Luck soda as part of a class project. The fizzy, green–colored specialty drink was developed as a tribute to the South Bend community and the spirit for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, said Hannah Hupp '12.

Students to Host Dance Marathon-Related Events Feb. 6-10

gobrien — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 13:41:30 +0000

Event Date:

February 6, 2012 (All day) - February 9, 2012 (All day)

The countdown has begun for the seventh annual Dance Marathon at Saint Mary's College. The event is less than two months away, taking place on Saturday, March 31 from noon until midnight in the Angela Athletic Facility. Dance Marathon is organized completely by Saint Mary’s students and benefits Riley Hospital for Children, a Children’s Miracle Network facility. The Indianapolis hospital treats sick children from all over the state, including the South Bend area.

Contact:
Gwen O’Brien
Director of Media Relations
Saint Mary's College
Notre Dame, IN 46556
(574) 284-4579

February 2, 2012 (Notre Dame, Ind.)—The countdown has begun for the seventh annual Dance Marathon at Saint Mary's College. The event is less than two months away, taking place on Saturday, March 31 from noon until midnight in the Angela Athletic Facility. Dance Marathon is organized completely by Saint Mary’s students and benefits Riley Hospital for Children, a Children’s Miracle Network facility. The Indianapolis hospital treats sick children from all over the state, including the South Bend area.

Excitement is already building on campus, with Dance Marathon-related events going on next week, Feb. 6-10. The public is invited to take part in some events. (Open events indicated by *.)

*Monday, Feb. 6: Give Back Day at Let's Spoon. Let’s Spoon frozen yogurt shop, 1635 Edison Road in South Bend, will donate 20 percent of proceeds to Riley for purchases made with a Dance Marathon coupon. Those interested must print a coupon off of the SMC Dance Marathon Facebook page. The page can be found through a search on Google or Facebook. Let’s Spoon is open from 12-9 p.m.

Tuesday, Feb. 7: “Piloxing” Workout Class in Angela Athletic Facility. This event is open to Saint Mary's College students/faculty/staff and will take place in the aerobics area of Angela at 8:15 p.m. for $3. The class is a mixture of Pilates and kickboxing. Instructor Kelly Hurley from the ICE Athletic Center in Mishawaka will teach the class.

*Wednesday, Feb. 8: Riley Night at Saint Mary’s Basketball Game. This is the biggest event of the week. Saint Mary’s College faces off against Adrian College at 7:30 p.m. in Angela. The game has a Dance Marathon theme: “Cheer Your Heart Out.” Saint Mary’s fans are encouraged to wear red. Students on the Dance Marathon committee will be wearing their red FTK (For the Kids) t-shirts and will pass around a donation bucket a couple times during the game for what are called “Miracle Minutes.” During half time a Riley patient from Elkhart will share her story of how Riley is saving lives like hers.

*Thursday, Feb. 9: Salon Night 4-7p.m. Salon Rouge in Mishawaka will be on campus for the evening in the conference rooms on the ground level of the Student Center offering $3 mini-manicures (polish change), free hair braiding and make-up, and $10 hair extensions in an array of colors. All proceeds will go to Riley.

Friday, Feb. 10: Wear Red for Riley and Make Valentines Day Cards for Riley Patients. Saint Mary's College students will make cards in the Student Center Atrium during lunch and dinner hours.

“These events are great fundraisers for Riley. Like we always say with Dance Marathon, we stand for those who cannot. All of the events allow the South Bend community as well as students and Riley families to come together for fun events. It is also a great way to raise awareness for Dance Marathon and Riley Hospital for Children. We hope to get even more people involved not only to have a good time, but to become aware of the need for funds for the hospital," said Rebecca Guerin ’12, president of Dance Marathon.

Every year about 500 students from Saint Mary’s, Holy Cross College, and the University of Notre Dame participate in the 12-hour fundraiser. Since its inception in 2006, the Saint Mary's College Dance Marathon has raised over $380,000 for the hospital’s General Benefit Fund, which supports the areas of the hospital that have the greatest need.

Click for a campus map. Registrate to participate in Dance Marathon.

About Saint Mary’s College: Saint Mary’s College, Notre Dame, Ind., is a four-year, Catholic, women’s institution offering five bachelor’s degrees and more than 30 major areas of study. Saint Mary’s College has six nationally accredited academic programs: social work, art, music, teacher education, chemistry and nursing. Saint Mary's College ranks among the top 100 “Best National Liberal Arts Colleges” for 2012 published by U.S.News and World Report. Founded in 1844, Saint Mary’s is a pioneer in the education of women, and is sponsored by the Sisters of the Holy Cross.

“Math + Art” Exhibit + Installation = 2 Reasons to Visit Galleries

gobrien — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 20:53:49 +0000

Event Date:

January 30, 2012 (All day) - March 2, 2012 (All day)

The Moreau Art Galleries and the Department of Art at Saint Mary’s College announces the opening of two exhibitions running through March 2. To celebrate the opening of the exhibits, there will be an artist reception on Friday, February 3 from 5 to 7 p.m. in the Moreau Art Galleries. At 6 p.m., Department of Art Visiting Artist Bryan Hopkins, whose ceramics are included in one of the exhibitions, will offer a lecture in room 232, adjacent to where the reception will take place. The public is cordially invited to these free events.

“Cross Traffic” by Jessica EastburnContact:
Gwen O’Brien
Director of Media Relations
Saint Mary's College
Notre Dame, IN 46556
(574) 284-4579

January 31, 2012 (Notre Dame, Ind.)—The Moreau Art Galleries and the Department of Art at Saint Mary’s College announces the opening of two exhibitions running through March 2. To celebrate the opening of the exhibits, there will be an artist reception on Friday, February 3 from 5 to 7 p.m. in the Moreau Art Galleries. At 6 p.m., Department of Art Visiting Artist Bryan Hopkins, whose ceramics are included in one of the exhibitions, will offer a lecture in room 232, adjacent to where the reception will take place. The public is cordially invited to these free events.

One of the two exhibitions is called “Math + Art.” Steven Broad, assistant professor of math, and Krista Hoefle, associate professor of art, worked collaboratively on this group exhibition on display in the Little Theatre and Sister Rosaire Galleries. “Math + Art” intermingles artists who use math and mathematicians who make art in a wide variety of medias, including drawing, painting, sound, video, generative animation, paper/glass sculpture, ceramics, and photography. Featuring the works of:

Ayelet Lindenstrauss Larsen
Ben Browne
Bryan Hopkins
Carolyn Yackel
Channel TWo (Jessica Westbrook and Adam Trowbridge)
Diana Abells
Jessica Eastburn
Martin Demaine and Erik Demaine
Molly Morin
Richard Gilles

The second exhibition is a site-specific installation by the Impractical Labor in Service of the Speculative Arts (ILSSA). Hundreds of ILSSA members—also known as “Local Shops”—were asked to save remnants from their studio work for an entire year. Local Shops sent their remnants, along with one tool, for the ILSSA organizers to present in an installation made uniquely for Hammes Gallery.

Student Helps Sisters with Super Bowl Anti-Trafficking Initiative (South Bend Tribune)

gobrien — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 13:28:15 +0000

If hotel workers in Indianapolis know how to spot sex trafficking this Super Bowl weekend, it may be because of Catholic nuns, including Sisters of the Holy Cross, and a Saint Mary's College student. Cailin Crowe '13 is among the foot soldiers for the cause to end human trafficking. She compiled the names and contact information for the general managers of about 120 hotels.

Cailin Crowe '13 is a foot soldier in
the anti-human trafficking movement,
helping the Sisters of the Holy Cross
and other sisters in their Super Bowl
initiative. If hotel workers in Indianapolis know how to spot sex trafficking this Super Bowl weekend, it may be because of Catholic nuns, including Sisters of the Holy Cross, and a Saint Mary's College student. Cailin Crowe '13 is among the foot soldiers for the cause to end human trafficking. She compiled the names and contact information for the general managers of about 120 hotels.

Saint Mary’s College’s Endowment Outperforms National Average in FY 2011

gobrien — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 13:08:40 +0000

The health of endowments at U.S. colleges and universities improved significantly in the 2011 fiscal year (July 1, 2010-June 30, 2011), and Saint Mary's College’s endowment showed a better than average return compared to its peers. Saint Mary’s endowment showed a return of 21.4 percent, outperforming its average peer by 2.2 percent.

Contact:
Gwen O’Brien
Director of Media Relations
Saint Mary's College
Notre Dame, IN 46556
(574) 284-4579

January 31, 2012 (Notre Dame, Ind.)—The health of endowments at U.S. colleges and universities improved significantly in the 2011 fiscal year (July 1, 2010-June 30, 2011), and Saint Mary's College’s endowment showed a better than average return compared to its peers. According to data released today by the NACUBO–Commonfund Study of Endowments (NCSE), the 823 colleges and universities that responded to the NCSE survey saw an average return on their endowments of 19.2 percent. Saint Mary’s College’s endowment showed a return of 21.4 percent, outperforming its average peer by 2.2 percent.

“What this says is that Saint Mary's College and the Investment Committee of the Board of Trustees have developed a well thought-out and disciplined investment approach for these very volatile times,” said Bruce Fink, director of investments at Saint Mary's College. “A 20-plus percent return is a strong return, but it’s not going to happen every year. We expect that markets will continue to be extremely volatile and have structured our portfolio accordingly. Our long term goal is to maintain a portfolio which can fully participate when markets are strong while protecting capital where possible when markets aren’t.”

In its press release, the NCSE reported the 19.2 percent average represents a marked improvement over the 11.9 percent average return reported for fiscal year 2010 and a continuation of recovery from the -18.7 percent average return reported for fiscal year 2009 when the financial crisis and accompanying slide in equity markets negatively affected educational endowments.

As of June 30, 2011, when participating colleges and universities submitted their numbers to the NCSE, the Saint Mary's endowment was $128 million. This represents a 30 percent increase in the value of the endowment from what Saint Mary’s reported for the 2009 NCSE report in the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis. Strong investment performance and generous donor gifts to Saint Mary’s were central factors driving this growth, enabling the endowment to continue in its support of the College.

Throughout the financial crisis and in the time since, the endowment has maintained its level of support of the College. “Over this period, we have been able to distribute about six million dollars each year from the endowment, a significant portion of which is for student scholarships and financial aid,” Fink points out.

The NCSE is the largest and most comprehensive annual study of endowment assets held by public and private, non-profit colleges and universities. The study examines endowments’ investment performance, asset allocation, spending policies, and governance. Click to see an Associated Press article based on today’s NCSE press release.

Want An Interactive Super Bowl Experience? Rate the Ads

gobrien — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 14:57:50 +0000

Are you good at multi-tasking? To get the interactive experience watching Super Bowl XLVI, you’ll need to be. While juggling your plate of the chips, salsa, buffalo wings, and pizza and your beverage of choice, try to keep a hand free for your smart phone. Like a sportscaster giving a play-by-play analysis, you can “broadcast” your review of the highly anticipated Super Bowl ads. Yes, there are aps for that and plenty of social media and Internet sites.

By Robert L. Williams, Jr., assistant professor of marketing, Saint Mary's College

Robert Williams, assistant professor
of marketing, Saint Mary's College Are you good at multi-tasking? To get the interactive experience watching Super Bowl XLVI, you’ll need to be. While juggling your plate of the chips, salsa, buffalo wings, and pizza and your beverage of choice, try to keep a hand free for your smart phone. Like a sportscaster giving a play-by-play analysis, you can “broadcast” your review of the highly anticipated Super Bowl ads. Yes, there are aps for that and plenty of social media and Internet sites.

USA Today will host its famous AdMeter as an ap on Facebook this year and will tabulate your “likes.” Adweek will host a live blog, featuring its writers and guests, and post the ads in real time.

Want to do some Super Bowl ad homework beforehand? Some “training” for the big game? YouTube has already made available some of the commercials and when they’ll run during the game. There you’ll find Audi’s ad called #SoLongVampires, among others. There are also teaser videos for upcoming Super Bowl ads on the web. Yes, commercials for commercials. Check out the “Bark Side,” a teaser of a Volkswagen ad. It’s 60-seconds of dogs barking to Star Wars’ Imperial March.

What else is there to look forward to during the commercial breaks? Doritos is doing their “Crash the Super Bowl” contest again. Last year’s customer-submitted commercial has been running for the snack company since then, and the customer only spent $82 dollars to create it. Yes, only $82 dollars.

Social media has been the game changer for Super Bowl ads. The point is to spread out the impact from a single TV show that last year saw 111 million people tune in for one day, across time and media platforms. It will cost $3.5 million dollars for one 30-second spot to run during the Super Bowl this year, 16.7% more than last year. Consider that 30-seconds to be the "event." It’s the hype before and afterward that’s making the investment worthwhile for some advertisers.

As Suzie Reider, head of industry development for the global video team at Google, told the New York Times, “In previous years, Super Bowl commercials were single-day lightning. Now, it feels more like rolling thunder.” The way to generate the highest ROI on your media buy is to use many forms over many days. The buzz has already started with Volkswagen’s “Bark Side.” Tim Mahoney, chief product and marketing officer at Volkswagen of America, is quoted as saying in the same New York Times article, “We want to start and provoke a conversation, and we’re off to a rock-solid start.”

Ultimately the key is for Super Bowl advertisers to utilize basic marketing “blocking and tackling,” following the STP process of integrated marketing communications: Segment the market, select the Target most aligned with the company’s capabilities and strategy, then Position the offering in the mind of the consumer. It’s about communicating benefits, not features. The customer wants to know how a product, service, or “experience” satisfies their needs and wants. Marketers must do the basic things before stretching for the creative “touchdown”. In the end, an ad, no matter how creative, must be authentic. Customers today can see through the hype, and with the power of social media they’ll quickly get the word out. Their word.

2009 Alumna Develops Special Needs Initiative at High School (Today's Catholic)

gobrien — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 16:12:14 +0000

Meg Ryan '09, who majored in education and minored in communicative disorders, implemented Pathways to Success at Bishop Luers High School in Fort Wayne last year. The special needs program is designed to assist any student who has a working individual educational plan (IEP) for a diagnosed disability. Ryan, who spent a year teaching in Ghana at a Sisters of the Holy Cross mission school, says the program meets a need at the high school.

Megan Ryan '09, who majored in education and minored in communicative disorders, implemented Pathways to Success at Bishop Luers High School in Fort Wayne last year. The special needs program is designed to assist any student who has a working individual educational plan (IEP) for a diagnosed disability. Ryan, who spent a year teaching in Ghana at a Sisters of the Holy Cross mission school, says the program meets a need at the high school. Click on above link to see article.

Click below to see past stories about Megan:

Keeping busy

Preparing to teach in Ghana

Teaching overseas

World Cinema Festival 2012 Runs Feb. 20-24

gobrien — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 15:03:44 +0000

Event Date:

February 20, 2012 (All day) - February 24, 2012 (All day)

The Saint Mary's College Center for Women’s Intercultural Leadership (CWIL) will host the World Cinema Festival, Monday, February 20 through Friday, February 24. The award-winning films, which are free and open to the public, will be shown in the Vander Vennet Theatre on the ground level of the Student Center each night at 7 p.m.

Contact:
Gwen O’Brien
Director of Media Relations
Saint Mary's College
Notre Dame, IN 46556
(574) 284-4579

January 27, 2012 (Notre Dame, Ind.)—The Saint Mary's College Center for Women’s Intercultural Leadership (CWIL) will host the World Cinema Festival, Monday, February 20 through Friday, February 24. The award-winning films, which are free and open to the public, will be shown in the Vander Vennet Theatre on the ground level of the Student Center each night at 7 p.m.

Mana Derakhshani, associate director of CWIL, director of the Intercultural Studies Program, and a professor in the Department of Modern Languages says that the festival will bring a unique opportunity to area students and the South Bend-area community as a whole.

“Some of the films are in languages that are taught at Saint Mary’s, such as French, Mandarin, and Spanish, providing authentic listening practice to students of these languages. All the films deal with important human experiences as lived in different cultural contexts, thus presenting viewers with rich intercultural perspectives,” said Derakhshani.

Derakhshani added that the festival brings the world to Michiana through film. “How many of us have the chance to travel to Hong Kong, India, Italy, Algeria, and Spain? Through cinema, the audience will discover new artistic expressions of different cultures and regions.”

Films not in English will be subtitled.

World Cinema Film Festival Schedule:

Monday, February 20

Monsoon Wedding

Director: Mira Nair

Country: India

Year: 2001

Language: English

Description: A stressed father, a bride-to-be with a secret, a smitten event planner, and relatives from around the world create much ado about the preparations for an arranged marriage in India.

Tuesday, February 21

In the Mood for Love (Fa yeung nin wa)

Director: Kar Wai Wong

Country: Hong Kong (Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China)

Year: 2000

Language: Mandarin/Cantonese

Description: A man and a woman move in to neighboring Hong Kong apartments and form a bond when they both suspect their spouses of extra-marital activities.

Wednesday, February 22

Biutiful

Director: Alejandro González Iñárritu

Country: Spain

Year: 2010

Language: Spanish

Description: This is the story of Uxbal, a man living in this world, but able to see his death, which guides his every move.

Thursday, February 23

Certified Copy (Copie Conforme)

Director: Abbas Kiarostami

Country: Italy

Year: 2010

Language: Multiple languages

Description: In Tuscany to promote his latest book, a middle-aged British writer meets a French woman who leads him to the village of Lucignano. While there, a chance question reveals something deeper.

Friday, February 24

Of Gods and Men (Des Hommes et des dieux)

Director: Xavier Beauvois

Country: Algeria

Year: 2010

Language: French

Description: Under threat by fundamentalist terrorists, a group of Trappist monks stationed with an impoverished Algerian community must decide whether to leave or stay.

College to Hold China Night This Saturday (WNDU-TV)

gobrien — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 20:30:58 +0000

Saint Mary's College is celebrating the Year of the Dragon with a Chinese New Year celebration. The College's annual China Night is being held on Saturday, January 28th at 7:30 p.m. in O'Laughlin Auditorium. Several groups will be performing, including the Granger Chinese Dance Company, Clay High School and Penn High School Mandarin classes, along with several Saint Mary's College and University of Notre Dame students.

IN Employers Invited to Internship Fair, Registration Deadline Feb. 14

gobrien — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 17:04:08 +0000

Event Date:

January 25, 2012 (All day) - February 14, 2012 (All day)

The Saint Mary's College Cross Currents Program invites Indiana companies and non-profits with internship opportunities to participate in an internship fair on campus next month. The Indiana Internship Expo for Saint Mary's students will be held on Tuesday, February 28 from 4-6 p.m. in the Student Center Lounge. Those companies and non-profits that would like to participate must register by Tuesday, February 14.

Contact:
Gwen O’Brien
Director of Media Relations
Saint Mary's College
Notre Dame, IN 46556
(574) 284-4579

January 25, 2012 (Notre Dame, Ind.)—The Saint Mary's College Cross Currents Program invites Indiana companies and non-profits with internship opportunities to participate in an internship fair on campus next month. The Indiana Internship Expo for Saint Mary's students will be held on Tuesday, February 28 from 4-6 p.m. in the Student Center Lounge. Those companies and non-profits that would like to participate must register by Tuesday, February 14.

There is no fee for a booth, but a limited number of booths are available. No independent distributors, contractors, or vendors are permitted. Each booth consists of a six-foot table and two chairs. Employers unable to attend can arrange for a resume drop box. Internships, paid and unpaid, could be for the summer or fall of 2012 or the spring of 2013.

Download the registration form and frequently asked questions (FAQs). Completed forms may be emailed, mailed, or faxed to Stacie Jeffirs, Career Crossings Office director. Her fax number is (574) 284-4875. Her office number is (574) 284-4775. The mailing address is:

Indiana Internship Expo
c/o Stacie Jeffirs, Director
Career Crossings Office
Spes Unica Hall
Saint Mary's College
Notre Dame, IN 46556

The Indiana Internship Expo is sponsored by the Cross Currents Program and funded by the Lilly Endowment’s Initiative to Promote Opportunities through Educational Collaborations. The Lilly grant calls for the College to develop programs to help retain students within Indiana after graduation. The Indiana Internship Expo is intended to introduce students to internship opportunities throughout the state with a range of employers from many different industries.

About Saint Mary’s College: Saint Mary’s College, Notre Dame, Ind., is a four-year, Catholic, women’s institution offering five bachelor’s degrees and more than 30 major areas of study. Saint Mary’s College has six nationally accredited academic programs: social work, art, music, teacher education, chemistry and nursing. Saint Mary’s College ranks among the top 100 “Best National Liberal Arts Colleges” for 2012 published by U.S.News and World Report. Founded in 1844, Saint Mary’s is a pioneer in the education of women, and is sponsored by the Sisters of the Holy Cross.

Housing Options for Seniors to Include Pets in Rooms (The Observer)

gobrien — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 17:16:26 +0000

Next academic year, fourth-year students at Saint Mary's can bring their pets to college. That's one of the advantages to the new senior accommodations offered at Regina South. Each of the 36 rooms will be offered as a single, including rooms that were previously offered as quads or doubles. Regular-sized singles will be parceled together as a two-room suite.

China's Economic Outlook Going into New Year (WSBT-AM)

gobrien — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 03:28:54 +0000

The China’s Lunar New Year is today, January 23. 2012 is the Year of the Dragon, the symbol of success and happiness. Well, China’s economy is succeeding, so it seems there is much for the Chinese to be happy about. While the U.S. and E.U. economies are struggling, China’s economy continues to grow. Richard Measell, assistant professor of economics sorts out what may lie ahead for the economies of China, the U.S., and E.U. in the Year of the Dragon. Will it be a year of success and happiness for the world’s economies, or just China’s?

The China’s Lunar New Year is today, January 23. 2012 is the Year of the Dragon, the symbol of success and happiness. Well, China’s economy is succeeding, so it seems there is much for the Chinese to be happy about. While the U.S. and E.U. economies are struggling, China’s economy continues to grow. In fact, the government reined in economic growth in 2011, growing by just 9%. The Chinese economy has been growing an average of 10% a year since the 1980s. Richard Measell, assistant professor of economics sorts out what may lie ahead for the economies of China, the U.S., and E.U. in the Year of the Dragon. Will it be a year of success and happiness for the world’s economies, or just China’s?

Grounds Crew Keeps ahead of the Snow (ABC 57)

gobrien — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 14:47:11 +0000

It took a while to get here, but winter has arrived at Saint Mary's College. There has been a string of snow events in the South Bend region over the past week, keeping the grounds crew here busy as they clear the entrances, sidewalks, and drives on the 100 acre campus. Interviewed for this story is Mark Kubacki, director of grounds.

Music Students to Put on "Puss in Boots" Opera, Feb. 16-18

gobrien — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 18:45:13 +0000

Event Date:

February 16, 2012 (All day) - February 18, 2012 (All day)

The Saint Mary’s College Department of Music will present the children’s opera El Gato con Botas, more commonly known as Puss in Boots, next month as its spring musical production. With a cast made up exclusively of Saint Mary’s students, the opera will be performed, in English, Thursday, February 16 and Friday, February 17 at 7:30 p.m. There will also be a matinee at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, February 18.

Contact:
Gwen O’Brien
Director of Media Relations
Saint Mary's College
(574) 284-4579

January 19, 2011 (Notre Dame, Ind.) – The Saint Mary’s College Department of Music will present the children’s opera El Gato con Botas, more commonly known as Puss in Boots, next month as its spring musical production. With a cast made up exclusively of Saint Mary’s students, the opera will be performed, in English, Thursday, February 16 and Friday, February 17 at 7:30 p.m. There will also be a matinee at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, February 18. Performances will take place in Little Theater, Moreau Center for the Arts. Box office information can be found below.

This 20^th century opera uses music to tell the 17^th century French fairy tale of a cat that uses trickery and deceit to gain power, wealth, and the hand of a princess for his penniless master. Laurel Thomas, professor and chair of the music department, says the production is fun and speaks to the child in all of us. Thomas’ favorite scene “is with the cat chasing rabbits because it is like playing freeze tag. It is pretty wild; we’re trying to really capture the imaginations of the children.”

The audience can also expect to see some really beautiful dances by music students who, in some cases, are also in the College’s dance program, said Thomas. “This opera incorporates a lot of dance, which is unusual, but I think it makes it more entertaining. Although El Gato con Botas is labeled as an opera for children, the audience can expect more than singing. There will be magic, surprise, and lots of movement. For example, in the plot, the ogre magically turns himself into a lion, a parrot, and a mouse.”

The Saint Mary’s College Department of Music puts on one musical production each spring. The aim is to select either a full opera or scenes from an opera. It is a way to give music majors and singers a chance to perform. Thomas said she had to be careful when selecting the opera, which she did during the summer. She suspected her cast would be mostly made up of first-year students, whom she hadn’t met yet. She needed to choose something that was vocally possible for young voice students. While the cast is made up mostly of freshman, a senior, Ashley Biehl ’12, will play the cat. Students have just five weeks to practice before putting on the show.

Puss in Boots is one of the Mother Goose tales written by Charles Perrault of France in the late 1600s. Composer Xavier Montsalvatge of Catalonia (a region in northeast Spain) wrote the opera El Gato con Botas in 1947.

Tickets can be purchased at moreaucenter.com or by calling the Box Office at (574) 284-4626.

Adults: $11

Children (ages 12 and under): $5

Senior Citizens: $9

SMC/ND/HCC Faculty and Staff: $8

SMC/ND/HCC Students: Free with ticket

Click for a campus map.

About Saint Mary’s College: Saint Mary’s College, Notre Dame, Ind., is a four-year, Catholic, women’s institution offering five bachelor’s degrees and more than 30 major areas of study. Saint Mary’s College has six nationally accredited academic programs: social work, art, music, teacher education, chemistry and nursing. Saint Mary’s College ranks among the top 100 “Best National Liberal Arts Colleges” for 2012 published by U.S.News and World Report. Founded in 1844, Saint Mary’s is a pioneer in the education of women, and is sponsored by the Sisters of the Holy Cross.