FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Congresswoman Donna Christensen '66 to Speak to Multicultural Class of 2011


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

May 3, 2011 (Notre Dame, Ind.)—Congresswoman Donna (Christian) Christensen ’66 will be back at her alma mater, Saint Mary's College, on Sunday, May 8 to speak to the multicultural members of the Class of 2011. The annual Multi-Ethnic Commencement Celebration will take place at 6 p.m. in the Student Center Lounge. The media is invited to cover the event.

The College’s Multicultural Services and Student Programs (MSSP) office is hosting the celebration. MSSP provides services and programs that address the academic and personal needs of underrepresented students as well as educational opportunities for the entire campus community that present skills and tools to assist in the navigation of both Saint Mary's College and post-graduate experiences.

“Multicultural Services and Student Programs continues to provide positive role models for our students of color. We hope that these students will be inspired by all that Representative Christensen has accomplished after finishing her degree at Saint Mary's in 1966,” said Stephanie Steward-Bridges, director of MSSP.

Christensen is serving her eighth term as the United States Virgin Islands Delegate to Congress. In many ways, she is a pioneer in the House of Representatives. She is the first female physician in the history of Congress; the first woman to represent an offshore territory; and the first female delegate from the United States Virgin Islands. Christensen is the also first delegate to Congress to serve on the exclusive Energy and Commerce Committee, which oversees many federal departments and agencies, including the departments of Energy, Health and Human Services, Commerce, as well as the Environmental Protection Agency, the Federal Trade Commission, the Food and Drug Administration and the Federal Communications Commission.

In addition, Christensen serves as an Assistant Minority Whip in the Democratic Caucus. She is the First Vice-chair of the Congressional Black Caucus and chairs the Congressional Black Caucus’ Health Braintrust, which oversees and advocates minority health issues nationally and internationally.

The evening will begin with a prayer, delivered by a student, and opening remarks by Saint Mary's College President Carol Ann Mooney. From 6:30-6:40 p.m., three members of the Class of 2011 will offer reflections. From 6:40-7:15, awards will be presented to the seniors and a faculty or staff member. Christensen will speak from 7:05-7:40 p.m. and a reception follows until 8:30 p.m.

The 2011 Commencement will be held at noon on Saturday, May 21 on Le Mans Green.

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” in the U.S. News & World Report 2011 College Guide. Founded in 1844, Saint Mary’s is a pioneer in the education of women, and is sponsored by the Sisters of the Holy Cross.