We had another busy week at SHU filled with celebrations, performances, discussions and athletic feats. Last weekend students and faculty enjoyed the Film and Television Master’s program film festival. The four-day event featured movie screenings, comedy, discussions and student work. It was a joy meeting Dominic Chianese at the festival’s culminating event Sunday afternoon. I hope everyone had a good time.
Saudi Arabia National Day was Monday at the Art & Design Gallery. It was great hearing about Saudi culture, history and food. I always enjoy learning more about our students and their backgrounds.
Students joined members of the AARP on Monday night for a presidential debate watch party. The intergenerational gathering held in the Forum allowed students and adults to share ideas about the social security program and then watch history in the making. Thank you to Professor Gary Rose for facilitating the event.
Irish flute Player Kevin Crawford showed off his talents on Thursday. Kevin, who’s toured with many bands over the years, performed a brilliant solo show.
The Jack Welch College of Business hosted Tanweer Akram on Thursday for a research seminar. Tanweer is director of global policy and economics at Thrivent Financial. His talk titled, “A Moderate Recovery and its Discontents,” was very interesting.
SHU’s theater arts program concludes its run of Doubt with shows tonight, tomorrow night and Sunday afternoon. The show is wonderful, and I encourage everyone to come out and see our talented students.
Work is coming along at our new Center for Healthcare Education. Our two deans—Patricia Walker and Mary Alice Donius—toured the building recently. The project will be a very impressive space for students in health professions and nursing.
Professor Dom Pinto has been chosen to lead the Essential Management Skills for Department Chairs conference through Academic Impressions later next month in Washington, D.C. Congrats, Dom. I know you’ll do a great job.
Earlier this week I announced the establishment of a School of Computing. It’s the logical next step for the rapidly growing programs in the Computer Science & Information Technology department. Professor Dom Pinto is the new director of the School. Our announcement coincided with Melinda Gates’ announcement that she’s setting up an office to help get more women involved in technology. We continue to grow here at SHU and to meet the ever-changing needs of the marketplace, and that’s very exciting.
Our nursing students gathered at Cambridge Commons on Thursday for our annual Nursing Career Forum. Representatives from area hospitals were present, as well as the U.S. Army and Navy, explaining the many opportunities available. Students listened to a panel discussion and were also briefed on what the nursing application process would be like. It sounds like an educational day.
Congratulations to SHU Dining. The United States Healthful Food Council announced that SHU has become the first higher education provider in the state to be audited and certified for Responsible Epicurean and Agricultural Leadership (REAL). Being REAL certified is a mark of excellence for food and food service providers. Congrats again to everyone involved!
When you get a chance, please visit the Vision Project’s online photography gallery featuring the work of Cinthya Santos Briones. Her work delves deep into the heart of the Mexican community in New York and provides an insightful perspective. See the online gallery here.
After last week’s game against Stony Brook, SHU’s football team is 4-0. We are also in first place in the Eastern Football Network poll. Let’s keep that record going strong in tomorrow’s game against Wagner—our first in-conference game of the season. Also in SHU sports, women’s volleyball battles Saint Francis at 2 on Saturday and Robert Morris Sunday at 2. Also on Saturday, women’s field hockey plays UMass-Lowell and women’s soccer faces Robert Morris, both at noon. Go Pioneers!
I wish everyone a wonderful weekend and, once again, Happy Rosh Hashanah to the Jewish members of our community!