January 1, 2012 Communication Professor Critiques Rhetoric at DNC (WSBT-TV) Michael Kramer, a communication studies professor specializing in political rhetoric, is interviewed on WSBT-TV's Saturday morning show about the previous week's Democratic National Convention. What speeches were the most persuasive? Which did not hit the mark? Kramer offers a wrap up. He also appeared on WSBT-TV after the conclusion of the Republican National Convention and offered a critique. January 1, 2012 Communication/Women's Studies Prof. on "Manbques" (Chicago Tribune) It's a Chicago phenomenon known as "Manbques," a night when men get together and bond over grilled meat. No women allowed. Terri L. Russ, assistant professor of Communication Studies and Women's Studies, teaches about friendships and relationships. The Tribune interviewed Russ who explained how this barbeque ritual is a classic example of how men bond versus how women do. January 1, 2012 2012 Commencement Speaker & H.D. Recipient Mellody Hobson, president of the Chicago-based money management firm Ariel Investments, delivered the 2012 Commencement Address. Hobson is a nationally recognized voice on financial literacy and investor education and is interviewed regularly for national television and radio programs and publications. At Commencement, she received an honorary doctor of humanities degree from the College. January 1, 2012 Belles Compete at Citrus Classic The Saint Mary's swim team took full advantage of their winter training trip in Arizona by taking part in the Citrus Classic on December 30. January 1, 2012 Counterfeit Drugs: a Deadly Problem (Scientic American) Saint Mary’s College's first U.S. patent could result in a very meaningful product for developing countries. With the aid of researchers at Notre Dame, Saint Mary’s researchers developed a paper-based tool that can screen for counterfeit medications. The tool, known as a paper analytical device or PAD, is the size of a business card. January 1, 2012 Murphy Named MIAA Player of the Week ROYAL OAK, Mich. – The Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association has named Saint Mary’s forward Kelley Murphy its Player of the Week in women’s basketball for games played through January 28. January 1, 2012 Paging Paige Pollak ’14 fans (mokena-patch.com) Nursing student and golfer Paige Pollak ‘14 has grabbed the attention of her hometown news. The Mokena, Illinois native is part of the College’s golf team that made it to the NCAA Women's Division III National Championship Tournament in Angola, Indiana May 8-11. January 1, 2012 Students Host Bold Beauty Conference On Tuesday, May 1, students at the all-women’s Saint Mary’s College will host the 4th annual Bold Beauty Conference, an event that challenges societal standards of beauty. This year’s conference will also focus on issues women face in the workplace. The event, which is free and open to the public, will take place from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. in the Student Center. January 1, 2012 Weighing the Ethics of International Surrogacy (Our Sunday Visitor) Indian women are carrying Westerners' babies and the result is a $500 million industry. It's a practice that is fraught with moral and ethical problems, from the very nature of surrogate pregnancy to the potential for exploitation of the women who are willing to offer their bodies for money. “Even if both parties walk away with exactly what they want, that doesn’t make it right," said religious studies professor Joseph Incandela, pointing to Catholic Church teaching.