January 1, 2013 Son of Henrietta Lacks to Speak, Answer Questions Saint Mary’s College is proud to welcome David "Sonny" Lacks, son of Henrietta Lacks to the College for a speaking engagement and question-and-answer session on Tuesday, February 12 at 7:30 p.m. in Carroll Auditorium, Madeleva Hall. Lacks will talk about the book "The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks" and how the revelation of his mother's contributions to medicine affected the family. January 1, 2013 Down the Avenue Raises $200K for Scholarship and Volunteer Efforts The fourth Down the Avenue gala at Saint Mary’s College, raised more than $200,000 for the volunteer related purposes at the school. Three-hundred-and-ninety invited business and community leaders, alumnae, and friends attended the event on Wednesday, June 15. Down the Avenue—which was also held in 2002, 2005 and 2007—honors volunteer leadership in the Michiana community; establishes an endowed scholarship for active student volunteers; and raises money to support the programs of the College’s Office for Civic and Social Engagement (OCSE), which facilitates the College’s volunteer efforts in the community. The event is called Down the Avenue in reference to “The Avenue”, which is the street that runs through campus. January 1, 2013 Spiritual Leaders Camp is a Growing Experience (South Bend Tribune) More than seeds grow in St. Joseph County’s 53 Unity Gardens. Those who tend the crops experience growth, too. Among the gardeners this summer will be high school girls participating in the Saint Mary’s College Spiritual Leaders Institute, July 7-12. The week-long overnight camp explores topics of peer pressure, self-esteem and stereotypes, relationships, and friendships. Students then put their week of self-discovery and reflection to use during a day of service at a Unity Garden in South Bend. This article is written by media relations intern Laura Corrigan '13. January 1, 2013 College Announces 2012 Commencement Speaker and Honorees Saint Mary’s College is proud to announce that Mellody Hobson, president of the Chicago-based money management firm Ariel Investments, will deliver the 2012 Commencement Address. She will receive an honorary doctor of humanities degree from the College. Saint Mary’s will also recognize two alumnae at Commencement: Kathleen Flynn Fox ’74 will receive an honorary doctor of humanities degree and Susan Fitzgerald Rice ’61 will be honored with the prestigious President’s Medal. January 1, 2013 Engineering Students React to Engineering Toy for Girls (Fox 28) One of the hottest toys this holiday season comes from GoldieBlox, a toy company which produces engineering-minded toys for girls. Fox 28 asked a couple of engineering students at this women's college what they think of the ad and the toys. Interviewed were Azunne Anigbo '14, studying chemical engineering, and Hillary Shesterkin '14, studying mechanical engineering. They are enrolled in the Saint Mary's College/University of Notre Dame Dual Degree in Engineering. January 1, 2013 New Director of Facilities Announced at Saint Mary’s College Saint Mary's College is proud to announce that Ben Bowman was promoted this fall from director of energy management to director of facilities. He has been with Saint Mary’s College for over three years. “Ben is a mission oriented individual who looks out for the best interest of the College,” said Vice President for Finance Susan Bolt. January 1, 2013 Student-led Dance Marathon to Raise Funds for Riley Hospital The eighth annual Saint Mary’s College Dance Marathon will kick off at noon on Saturday, March 23 in the Angela Athletic Facility. The 12-hour student-led event raises funds for Riley Hospital for Children in Indianapolis, where sick children from around the state find care. The community is invited to attend the Marathon, which will feature music, games, crafts, and other entertainment. Monetary donations are encouraged. January 1, 2013 Student Studying in Rome and Professor on Pope Francis (WSBT-TV) Saint Mary's College student Nikki Charter '15 is studying abroad in Rome this semester and was in St. Peter's Square when Pope Francis was presented to the world as the leader of the Catholic Church. "It was absolutely indescribable, it was incredible," she said. "You're just standing there looking at him...You have no doubt in your mind how powerful faith and prayer could be." Religious studies professor Joseph Incandela offers his perspectives of the new pope. January 1, 2013 Author of "The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks" to Speak Saint Mary’s College is proud to welcome Rebecca Skloot, author of the New York Times Bestseller “The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks,” to the College for a speaking engagement on Wednesday, February 27 at 7:30 p.m. in O’Laughlin Auditorium