DATE: December 8, 2006
MEDIA CONTACT: Melanie McDonald, director of media relations
PHONE: 574-284-4579
E-MAIL: mmcdonal@saintmarys.edu

“Hispanic Outlook” Recognizes Saint Mary’s College

NOTRE DAME, Ind.—“The Hispanic Outlook in Higher Education” magazine named Saint Mary’s College, Notre Dame, Ind., as one of its 2006 Publisher’s Picks. According to publisher José López-Isa, “Our list of publisher’s picks…represents our latest and best thinking about which colleges and universities offer Hispanic students a solid chance of academic success.” Saint Mary’s is one of eight Indiana colleges and universities to receive recognition.

Student surveys conducted by “The Hispanic Outlook” determine which institutions make the list.

“We’re very pleased that the College’s efforts to reach out to more diverse groups are being recognized by members of the Latino community nationwide,” said Larisa Olin Ortiz, assistant director of the Office of Multicultural Affairs. “All the programs and support services we provide to our multicultural student body are factors that contribute to the academic success of our Latina students. This recognition should motivate all of us, as members of the Saint Mary’s College community, to continue our commitment to diversity.”

Saint Mary’s College offers support to Hispanic students in many forms. The Office of Multicultural Affairs, the Center for Women’s InterCultural Leadership, Mexico Study Tour, the Student Diversity Board, and La Fuerza are some of the departments and programs in place to help them succeed.

The Office of Multicultural Affairs works collaboratively with faculty and staff to ensure the academic and social well being of ethnic minority students on campus. It also sponsors cultural events, speakers, lectures, movies and workshops.

The Center for Women’s InterCultural Leadership serves as another resource for intercultural education and diversity programming, and also provides a full range of services to international students. The Center runs a summer program for high school girls who will be the first generation in their families to attend college called Encuentro/Encounter Yourself, which encourages girls to think about their future and develop confidence in their ability to succeed in college. Many Latina girls have participated, and then enrolled at Saint Mary's. The Center also supports all students in gaining intercultural competence and leadership skills through offerings such as a living/learning residential program, courses incorporating rich cultural perspectives, and opportunities and funding to engage with the local diverse community or in study around the world.

The Mexico Study Tour is a one-week experiential learning opportunity focusing on the Mexican business climate. Students visit the Mexico headquarters of multi-national corporations, state-owned companies, and federal agencies that support or regulate commerce and trade.

The Student Diversity Board and La Fuerza are student-led groups on campus that organize programming—including several events for Hispanic Heritage Month—and bring Hispanic students and other minorities together.

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. “U.S. News & World Report” ranks Saint Mary’s #1 among Midwest Comprehensive Colleges offering bachelors degrees. Sponsored by the Sisters of the Holy Cross, the College was founded in 1844 and now enrolls approximately 1500 students.

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