For a few days this week, it started to feel like spring. Perhaps the groundhog will turn out to be wrong and this unseasonably warm weather quickly return.
This week, we welcomed our share of events and guest speakers. On Monday, faculty discussed SHU’s recently renewed mission and vision statements at the first gathering of three this semester that will focus on the subject. I look forward to hearing more faculty, staff and student comments at sessions to come. We heard from Professor Jennifer Beste from the College of St. Benedict who discussed her research findings regarding college parties and hookup culture on Wednesday. The School of Communication & Media Arts and Vision Project presented a screening of Trial By Fire: Lives Re-forged on Wednesday in the Martire Theater. The film celebrates the courage and strength of burn survivors as they get their lives back after the devastation of fire. A panel discussion with the film’s producer and members of our faculty followed the screening. Thanks to all who came out for it, including local firefighters. Catholic Studies Professor Dan Rober was the host of Theology on Tap at Red’s last night. He discussed why many young Catholics are no longer practicing. It made for an interesting conversation. Alumna Victoria Caputo ’17 discussed excerpts from her newly published book, Trust Me: Through the Eyes of a Survivor yesterday. Her book sheds light on mental illness. Thank you, Victoria, for sharing your experiences and giving hope to others who battle with mental health issues.
Greek organizations and performing arts groups showcased their talents and abilities at the Multicultural Council Showcase on Wednesday night in the Edgerton Center. The showcase celebrated diversity.
I am looking forward to the theatre arts production of Be More Chill tonight. Those who have already seen it say it is fantastic. For those of you who will not be able to check it out, you can read about it here.
Today, members of Delta Tau Delta, along with representatives from the Center for Family Justice and four area police departments, hosted the annual White Ribbon Campaign to increase awareness and end violence and abuse against women. Thank you all for attending and being part of this important cause.
Dom Pinto, director of the School of Computing, was the featured workshop presenter at the Academic Chairpersons Conference in Orlando last week. Great work, Dom.
In case you missed it, check out the latest episode from The Pulse. The show explores students in the buildOn club, the club football team, Pack the Pitt and much more. Enjoy.
Admitted students are invited to attend Performing Arts Day on Saturday for a hands-on, in-depth look at the band, choir, theatre arts and dance programs. The event will provide students with opportunities to audition, attend presentations and meet student participants and program directors. A Performing Arts Showcase will conclude the day.
Looking for something to do this weekend? You can check out the SHU Tour Choir on Saturday in the chapel as they prepare for their trip through the south of Spain. The concert will include the repertoire they will perform in concerts halls and cathedrals across Spain.
Congrats to our women’s swimming and diving team and their coach John Spadafina for being named a CSCAA Division I Scholar All-America Team. In the fall semester, the 26 student-athletes on the team had a combined 3.45 GPA.
Our women’s basketball team takes on St. Francis Brooklyn Saturday at 1, and our men’s lacrosse team faces Dartmouth Saturday at 4. Good luck to all our student-athletes playing home and away.
Be sure to follow me on social media for campus updates.
Have a great weekend.