It’s been a great week at SHU, and it’s only getting better. On Friday, our nursing students participated in our annual SHU tradition, the Blessing of the Hands ceremony. Father Bruce Roby blessed the hands of our nursing faculty who then anointed the hands of the junior and senior nursing students. Senior nursing students also helped present lab coats to their younger peers. It is a beautiful and meaningful ceremony that commemorates the importance of the hands in the nursing profession.
The weather was a little sticky, but that did not stop us from having a great time at the President’s Gala Friday evening. Thanks to all of you who turned out. It was wonderful to see you enjoying the food and dancing up a storm. Thanks, also, to my bowtie brigade for looking sharp as always.
Our football team made it 2-0 on Saturday as we honored local first responders and remembered all who lost their lives on 9/11. We had an honorary color guard and honorary captains at the coin toss, and the team wore commemorative helmets during their convincing win over Valparaiso. Staff and faculty gathered for an end-of-summer barbecue while cheering on the Pioneers from a tent behind the end zone.
We had a big turnout for our vigil on the 15th anniversary of 9/11 Sunday evening. It was a somber and emotional occasion as we remembered and honored those who members of our community lost that day.
Our female alumnae attended a golf clinic at Great River Golf Course on Tuesday. The event allowed golfers of all skill levels to get together, enjoy each other’s company and play some golf. The group had lunch, followed by swinging and putting lessons. We are excited to introduce the SHU community to this fantastic venue and hope they will want to come back often.
Our annual Mass of the Holy Spirit on Wednesday afternoon was a great reminder that the Holy Spirit is always with us to enlighten us, guide us through difficult times, give us strength and help us through the semester. Thanks to Father Bruce and the Office of Campus Ministry for a beautiful Mass.
Our very own Jaclyn Smith, SHU’s assistant coach of women’s rowing, participated in the Paralympics in Rio. She received a silver medal for the mixed four competition. Congrats, Jaclyn. We are proud of you.
On Saturday, our football team faces Marist at 5 p.m., and we hope they will continue their winning record. On Sunday, come out and cheer on our women’s field hockey team as they take on Dartmouth at 10:30 a.m. Go Pioneers!
I hope to see many students and alumni this weekend during our Homecoming activities. The festivities kicked off this afternoon with our annual alumni awards ceremony, and there is much more to come. Check the website for a list of events. This is a great opportunity for students, faculty and staff to interact with our alumni and their families and remind them of the special role they hold in the SHU family. Have a great weekend!