January 2, 2012 Local Experts Weigh in on Debate (Elkhart Truth) Political science professor Sean Savage was one of the local experts who weighed in with thoughts about on the first presidential debate for an Elkhart Truth newspaper article. He said no big winner stuck out. Two-thirds way through, both candidates were "articulate, self-confident, and polished. There have been no gaffes or zingers.” January 2, 2012 Director of Financial Aid on National Student Loan Debt (WSBT-AM) Surging above $1 trillion, U.S. student loan debt has surpassed credit card and auto-loan debt. This debt explosion jeopardizes the fragile recovery, increases the burden on taxpayers and possibly sets the stage for a new economic crisis. Saint Mary's College financial aid director Kathleen Brown offers advice on how to avoid taking on too much debt and how to pay it off. January 2, 2012 Women’s Entrepreneurship Initiative Welcomes Key4Women Forum The Women’s Entrepreneurship Initiative (WEI) at Saint Mary’s College is proud to welcome back KeyBank’s Key4Women® Forum. The luncheon will be held on Wednesday, May 23 at the Gillespie Conference Center at the Hilton Garden Inn, adjacent to campus. January 2, 2012 Back to School Spending is Up, Says Economist (WNDU-TV) A local TV station interviewed assistant professor of economics Richard Measell about back to school spending, which is up from last year. Surveys say parents are spending more money on clothing, electronics and school supplies. Retailers use this buying period as a gauge for Christmas shopping expectations. January 2, 2012 " A Bluegrass Mass" Offers Unique Experience of Bluegrass and Choral M... The South Bend Chamber Singers and the bluegrass group Monroe Crossing bring "A Bluegrass Mass" to the stage at O’Laughlin Auditorium at 7:30 p,m. on Sunday, March 4. "A Bluegrass Mass" combines the text of a traditional Catholic Mass, contemporary choral music, poetry, and bluegrass instruments into a unique musical experience. Monroe Crossing will also perform traditional bluegrass music. January 2, 2012 MIAA Academic Honor Roll 2012 NOTRE DAME, Ind. - Forty individual student-athletes and four teams were honored by the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association for their academic performances for the 2011-12 school year. January 2, 2012 SAAC Valentine's Day Party a Success NOTRE DAME, Ind. - The 2012 Student-Athlete Advisory Committee's Valentine's Day party was a big success on Sunday, February 12. January 2, 2012 Belles Shut Out Flying Dutch NOTRE DAME, Ind. - The Belles broke through with the only goal of the game in the 16th minute as the Saint Mary's soccer team defeated regionally-ranked Hope 1-0 at home on Saturday afternoon. January 2, 2012 Professor on Santorum Leaving Presidential Race (WSBT-AM) Political science professor Sean Savage was on WSBT-TV and WSBT-AM 960 Wednesday morning to give his analysis of Rick Santorum leaving the Republican race for President. This clears the way for a probable Republican nomination of Mitt Romney. Will he get the support of conservatives who see him as too moderate? And who might Romney choose as a running mate?