January 1, 2012 Multiethnic graduates, "Let your light shine" (South Bend Tribune) Article excerpt: Actress Sarah Culberson learned a valuable lesson when she found the courage to track down her birth father and traveled to his African village to meet him. A new world opened up to her, a world she is helping to improve through a charitable foundation she created for the people of Sierra Leone. “We each have this light within us, and it’s our job to let it shine,” Culberson said Sunday night at Saint Mary’s College during a commencement celebration for multi-ethnic members of the Class of 2012. January 1, 2012 Promoting Peace Through Partnerships (International Educator) In its January/February issue, International Educator magazine looks at hands-on peace studies education opportunities offered by colleges and highlights Saint Mary’s six-week summer practicum in Kyarusozi, Uganda. Education and nursing majors live and work with the Sisters of the Holy Cross there and immerse themselves in the local community offering skilled teaching and healthcare assistance. The program is offered through the College’s Center for Women’s Intercultural Leadership (CWIL). January 1, 2012 Pets as Roommates at Saint Mary's College (Experience Michiana, WNIT) This year at Saint Mary's College, seniors can room with their favorite pet. Regina Hall South is for seniors only, and, if they choose, their pets. Janielle Tchakerian, assistant vice president for student affairs and director of residence life, and Meaghan O'Rourke '13 and her beagle Kelli appear on WNIT's program Experience Michiana. January 1, 2012 Madrigal Dinners, a Christmas Tradition, Celebrates 40th Year with Fre... The Saint Mary’s College Department of Music is proud to present its 40th annual Madrigal Dinners, a Renaissance-style holiday banquet and performance celebration. The merry feast includes entertainment provided by colorfully attired singers, instrumentalists, jugglers, a jester, and a lord of the manor. To commemorate the anniversary, this year’s Madrigals will revive former program elements and introduce many fresh ones. Performances will be held November 30 through December 2. January 1, 2012 Educating Tomorrow's Female Global Leaders (AACU newsletter) Over the summer, Saint Mary’s College welcomed twenty undergraduate women from Egypt, Libya, Tunisia, Burma (Myanmar), and Mongolia for a five-week Study of the United States Institute (SUSI) for Student Leaders. Funded by the Department of State and run through the College’s Center for Women’s Intercultural Leadership (CWIL), the institute aimed to facilitate a better understanding of the United States abroad and to contribute to the development of future world leaders. This article appears in the fall/winter issue of Association of American Colleges and Universities (AACU) newsletter. January 1, 2012 Bold Beauty Conference Tackles Media Impressions of Beauty (Fox 28) On Tuesday, May 1, students will host the 4th annual Bold Beauty Conference, an event that challenges societal standards of beauty. This year’s conference will 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. Jolynn Williams ’12, one of the event organizers, was interviewed this morning on Fox 28. January 1, 2012 Poli Sci Prof Says Super Tuesday "Not Super" (WSBT-AM) Political science professor Sean Savage offers his insights on the outcome of Super Tuesday. The day was "not super" for any one Republican candidate, said Savage. Mitt Romney won six states, Rick Santorum clinched three, and Newt Gingrich prevailed in one. January 1, 2012 Lifestyle Balance for Women, a Motivational Evening The Women’s Entrepreneurship Initiative (WEI) at Saint Mary’s College and KeyBank will host a talk titled “Lifestyle Balance!” given by motivational speaker Joni Arredia, “The Queen of Self Esteem.” Women business owners are encouraged to attend this free event in Stapleton Lounge of Le Mans Hall on Thursday, November 15. It begins at 5 p.m. with a wine and cheese reception. January 1, 2012 Professor on "You're Not Special" High School Graduation Address (WSBT... It’s a news story that’s gone viral, a Boston-area high school teacher's blunt commencement speech that told graduates they "are not special." Wellesley High School English teacher David McCullough, Jr. told them: "You've been pampered, cosseted, doted upon, helmeted, bubble wrapped ... You see, if everyone is special, then no one is. If everyone gets a trophy, trophies become meaningless ...We Americans, to our detriment, have come to love accolades more than genuine achievement." Is this a message teenagers need to hear? Professor Rebecca Stoddart, a developmental psychologist at Saint Mary’s College offers her opinions.