January 1, 2012 Awareness Programming about Sexual Assault & Stalking Planned The Belles Against Violence Office (BAVO) at Saint Mary’s, a women’s college, invites the public to three upcoming events designed to educate and empower young people on the subjects of sexual violence and stalking. College-aged women and high school seniors may benefit the most from the programming. January 1, 2012 Students Inspire Women through "Smart Girls" Online Forum (The Observe... Several women at Saint Mary’s have embraced their unique role as women’s college students in spreading the word about women empowerment worldwide by contributing to the Smart Girls Group (SGG). Sophomore Victoria Wilbraham is leading the effort on campus. The student newspaper The Observer published this article. January 1, 2012 Students Put on "Puss in Boots" This Week (South Bend Tribune) Music students, under the direction of professor Laurel Thomas, will bring this French fairy tale to life. The story of "Puss in Boots" is that of a cat that uses trickery and deceit to gain power, wealth, and the hand of a princess for his penniless master. Thomas talks to the Tribune about the character that even the student actors are most familiar with from "Shrek" movies. The children's opera will be performed, in English, Thursday through Saturday. Go to moreaucenter.com for ticket information. January 1, 2012 Local Campuses Race to Feed the Hungry (South Bend Tribune) Local college campuses have opened their cupboards and wallets to benefit the Neighbors in Need food drive for charities and families in need throughout Michiana. As part of the larger drive, Saint Mary's, the University of Notre Dame, and Holy Cross College are hosting their annual drive, the Holy Cross Harvest. So far, Saint Mary's has raised more than $350. The Harvest officially ends tomorrow, February 14. January 1, 2012 Memorial Service for Ziqi Zhang '15 A memorial service for Ziqi Zhang '15 will be held on Tuesday, October 23 at 12:30 p.m. in Regina Chapel. Ziqi, a 19-year-old Saint Mary's College student, died in a bicycle versus car accident outside the entrance to campus on Thursday, October 19. She was enrolled in the dual degree engineering program, working toward a mathematics degree at Saint Mary’s and an engineering degree at the University of Notre Dame. January 1, 2012 Riley Hospital Family Dinner Hosted by Dance Marathon Saint Mary’s College Dance Marathon students will host a dinner for families whose children have been treated at Riley Hospital. The “Riley Family Dinner” will take place at Saint Mary’s in the Noble Family Dining Hall from 5-7 p.m. on Friday, November 30. The dinner provides the opportunity for Saint Mary’s students to meet families who have been directly affected by Riley Hospital. The dinner is free for Riley families, but space is limited and families must RSVP by emailing dmarathn@saintmarys.edu by Tuesday, November 27. January 1, 2012 Justice Education Celebrates 30 Years with Two Lectures The Saint Mary's College Justice Education Program will celebrate its 30-year anniversary with two public lectures by internationally known advocates for social justice. Both speaking engagements will be held next week. January 1, 2012 Saint Mary’s Moves up in U.S. News Rankings for 4th Year Once again U.S. News ranks Saint Mary's College among the top 100 “Best National Liberal Arts Colleges.” Saint Mary's comes in at 87, up from 90 last year. The College’s position has progressively increased over the past five years. January 1, 2012 College Sponsors House for Rebuilding Together On Saturday, April 21, Saint Mary's College students, faculty, and staff will roll up their sleeves to participate in Rebuilding Together, a community-driven effort to rehabilitate homes in South Bend. It’s the eighth year the College has been involved. Saint Mary’s volunteers will complete basic household tasks, such as painting, cleaning and planting at a Saint Mary’s sponsored home.