David J. Livingston, PhD, Vice President for Advancement at Mercyhurst University in Erie, PA, has been appointed as the 9th President of Lourdes University. After conducting a search which garnered candidates from 24 states and Canada, Dr. Livingston was selected unanimously by Lourdes University, its sponsor The Sisters of St. Francis of Sylvania, and the institution’s Board of Trustees. He will begin his role as President on July 1, with an inauguration planned during the 2013-2014 academic year.

Dr. Livingston has been in his current position with Mercyhurst University since 2008, and has served the institution in various capacities since 1997. Prior to joining the Mercyhurst community, he taught religious studies at both the high school and college level in Illinois and Tennessee.

“Though we had a talented group of candidates in our presidential search, Dr. Livingston’s experience in education truly resonated with our community,” shares Sr. Mary Jon Wagoner, Congregational Minister for the Sisters of St. Francis. “His understanding of both the traditional and non-traditional student population, and accomplishments in institutional growth are what ultimately made him the best fit as Lourdes’ new President.”

Understanding the student
One of Dr. Livingston’s greatest gifts is his deep understanding of the needs of various student populations. As an adult learner in a doctoral program while also raising a young family, Dr. Livingston lived the life of a non-traditional student, and recognizes their needs and the strong demand on their time. Like Lourdes University, Mercyhurst’s student population is similar in both size and breadth. In 2012, Mercyhurst welcomed approximately 795 new undergraduates, including 680 traditional-age freshmen as well as 145 new adult undergraduates and 170 graduate students. On an undergraduate level, as Department Chair of Mercyhurst’s Department of Religious Studies, Dr. Livingston worked to develop a study abroad program and took students on 4 trips to England, Ireland, and Italy. The program was such a great success, that today it sees more than 100 students a year studying abroad and has resulted in Mercyhurst opening an international campus in Dungarvan, Ireland.

Growing an institution
Dr. Livingston also possesses a keen understanding of what it takes to expand an institution, in a caring and strategic way. As an academic leader, he implemented a program which reduced the required number of faculty teaching assignments for those engaged in research. Additionally, he developed a program for faculty student research and student research assistants. In his role as Vice President for Advancement, Dr. Livingston raised funds for Mercyhurst’s new $10.5 million dollar academic building, and oversaw the building’s construction from inception to conclusion last summer. He has managed the institution’s current capital campaign, and raised more the $33 million (2-years ahead of schedule) of the $50 million goal. Dr. Livingston also successfully increased alumni giving from 15% to 23% and increased average yearly contributions to the University by more than 80%.

Education and accomplishments
Dr. Livingston holds a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Augustana College, a master’s degree in theology from Loyola University, and a PhD in theology from Vanderbilt University. He serves on the Board of Corporators at Hamot Hospital and on the Board of Directors as Advancement Committee Chair for the Asbury Woods Nature Center.

A nature and sports enthusiast, Dr. Livingston enjoys spending his free time outdoors - either gardening, kayaking, or running. Joining him as part of the Lourdes community, will be his wife Joan who works as a family therapist, and their children Matt, who is finishing his final year of law school at Columbia University, and Sara, who will graduate from Dennison this spring and will join Chicago’s Teach for America.  

Rooted in the Catholic Franciscan tradition, Lourdes University offers baccalaureate degrees in more than 30 academic majors as well as graduate degrees in business, education, liberal arts, nursing, organizational leadership and theology. Community outreach programs include the Appold Planetarium, the Center for Science Education & the Environment, Lifelong Learning, and Theater Vision. A member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics, Lourdes students can also compete in a variety of men and women’s sports. Named a “Best in the Midwest” college by the Princeton Review, Lourdes University is a nationally accredited, veteran and transfer-friendly institution offering a variety of student scholarships. Discover us online at www.lourdes.edu or by phone at 419-885-3211.

The Lourdes University Department of Theological Studies is pleased to present its 2013 Ecumenical Lecture, “Full Communion Relationships: An Ecumenical Way Forward” on Sunday, February 24 at 3 p.m. The lecture, which will take place in the Franciscan Center, will be presented by the Reverend Dr. Marcus Carl Lohrmann, Bishop of The Evangelical Lutheran Church of America (ELCA), Northwest Ohio Synod.

Bishop Lohrmann will address the nature of the full communion relationships that the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) has been engaged in with partner churches, most for over a decade. Such agreements make possible mutual worship, sharing of the Lord’s Supper and exchange of pastors, while also recognizing and respecting the differences of the churches. Bishop Lohrmann will reflect on and offer insightful advice on the success of such relationships, the challenges involved, and some of the issues that the ELCA and its full communion partners faced.

The Reverend Dr. Marcus Carl Lohrmann has served as Bishop at the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America since 1998, and is currently serving his 3^rd 6-year term. He received his Masters of Divinity from Concordia Seminary in Exile and was ordained in 1977 at The Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd in Hazelwood, MO, by the Reverend Dr. Harry Huxhold. He completed his Doctorate in Ministry at Christ Seminary – Seminex. Past appointments include an internship at Our Redeemer of Indianapolis, IN, Reverend at Lutheran Church of Good Shepherd of St. Louis, MO, St. John in Hicksville, OH, and Olivet Lutheran Church in Sylvania, where he remains a member.

Offered in cooperation with Toledo Area Ministries and the Diocesan Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs Commission. Free and open to the public. For more information, contact Sr. Shannon Schrein, OSF, Ph.D., Chair of Theological Studies, at 419-824-3819 or email sschrein@lourdes.edu.

Lourdes University is pleased to present Faith Talks: Feminine Models of Spirituality in Catholicism & Islam on Sunday, February 10, at 2 p.m. The free event, which will take place in the Franciscan Center, will feature two guest speakers.

“Lourdes’ new Faith Talks series explores the ways that our beliefs and faith traditions shape us and impact our daily life,” explains Sr. Barbara Vano, OSF, Director of Campus Ministry, at Lourdes. “This first installment considers remarkable women in history of different faith traditions whose spirituality and stories have much to say to us today.”

For more information about Lourdes University’s Faith Talks series, contact Sr. Barbara Vano, at 419-824-3861 or email bvano@lourdes.edu

Dr. Kaminski will discuss the spirituality of:

Therese of Lisieux - Who despite living a relatively obscure life as a cloistered Carmelite nun, had a significant impact on Catholic spirituality. Canonized by Pope Pius XI in 1925, she was proclaimed to be Universal Patron of Missions in 1927, and named a Doctor of the Church in 1997. A video on Therese of Lisieux can be viewed here.

Jean Donovan - Who received her MBA from Case Western Reserve University and volunteered for the Cleveland Diocese Youth Ministry before becoming a lay missionary in El Salvador. Known affectionately by the local children as “St. Jean the Playful,” she and three Sisters were murdered by National Guardsmen in El Salvador in 1980. A video about Jean Donovan can be viewed here.

Fatima Agha Al-Hayani, Ph.D., is a distinguished community leader and well known author. Dr. Al-Hayani’s publications include “Arabs and the American Legal System: Cultural and Political Ramifications” and “Science and Religion, Conflict or Concordance, Muslim Perspective.” She has presented on numerous topics pertaining to Islam at many universities across the U.S. and Canada.

Dr. Al-Hayani will highlight:

Zubayda al-Rashid - Who was born in the latter part of the 8^th Century and was a talented and well-educated leader in her time. The wife of the Caliph Harun Al-Rashid, she used her resources to support the advancement of literature and education. A woman of faith who made several pilgrimages to Mecca, she supported the building of roadways and hostels to facilitate travel for other pilgrims. An article on Zubayda al-Rashid can be read here.

Rabi’a al’Adawiyyah - Who, according to author Margaret Smith, is “one of the greatest women saints in Islamic history.” Known for her teachings and poetry, she was a free slave who lived an ascetic life in Basra during the 8^th Century. Read more about Rabi’a al’Adawiyyah here.

Last fall, Lourdes University announced its first ever endowed chair. Sponsored by The Sisters of St. Francis, the $500,000 Endowed Chair in Franciscan Integration aimed to strengthen and grow the institution’s Franciscan heritage and values. This winter, Lourdes will add a second endowed chair program to its growing list – The Joseph M. Magliochetti Endowed Chair of Business & Finance.

“As Lourdes continues to grow, so too must our academics,” expresses Keith Schlender, PhD, Provost. “Establishing endowed chairs assists Lourdes in attracting and retaining exceptional scholars, and also provides the institution with a means of honoring current faculty members for their past and future work.”

Named in honor of the late Joseph M. Magliochetti, former President and CEO of Dana Corporation, the $500,000 Endowed Chair of Business & Finance will be used to provide the following transformational opportunities:

• The appointment of a Professor of Finance with the highest level of credentials, experience, and proven track record for delivering outstanding instruction and who would provide faculty leadership in teaching and research related to finance and financial issues.
• The creation of a new cutting-edge Finance major that would open new career opportunities for Lourdes’ business students.
• A media display on campus noting real-time movements in the stock market.
• The pursuit of corporate funding for trading room technology to provide students with the latest real-world learning experiences related to finance.
• The creation of the annual Joseph M. Magliochetti Leadership Summit, inviting guest speakers on financial issues of interest to our students and the broader community.

Lourdes will host the inaugural Joseph M. Magliochetti Leadership Summit at the Toledo Club on April 11 at 11:30 a.m. Speakers will include members of the Anderson and Sauder families.

 “September will mark the 10^th anniversary of Joe’s death,” offers his loving wife Kathleen. “Our family has chosen to honor Joe, his life and his legacy, by establishing the Joseph M. Magliochetti Endowed Chair in Business & Finance at Lourdes University.  Lourdes is an outstanding institution whose values and teaching philosophy reflect the honor and integrity with which Joe lived his life.”

The Sylvania Franciscan Village (SFV) is pleased to announce the second annual Have a Heart Restock Drive to supply hygiene items to six local organizations – Assumption Outreach Center, Bethany House, The Claver House, Helping Hands of St. Louis, Our Lady of Lourdes Hospitality Kitchen and the Sylvania Area Family Services.

Collection begins on Monday, February 4 and ends Thursday, February 7, with all hygiene items distributed on Friday, February 8. Those wishing to participate in the Have a Heart drive are asked to drop off hygiene items such as deodorant, washcloths, shampoo/conditioner, soap, toilet paper and toothpaste to the following Sylvania Franciscan Village locations:

Lourdes University and Franciscan Center
Rosary Care Center
Sisters of St. Francis Administrative Offices in Umbria Hall
Sylvania Franciscan Academy

“The Sylvania Franciscan Village is founded on strong community relationships and our belief that working together we can accomplish so much more,” offers Sr. Janet Doyle, OP, SFV Administrator. 

“We continue to identify ways to use our many resources for the benefit of our community. We chose to collect hygiene items because these are necessities for every household. Most importantly, those low-income families who depend on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) are unable to purchase these necessary but non-food items through the program.”

Established in 2009, the Sylvania Franciscan Village (SFV) is comprised of Lourdes University, the Sisters of St. Francis of Sylvania and Sylvania Franciscan Health. The SFV was formed to harness energies for the greater good and benefit of those who share the Franciscan mission.

For more information, visit www.sylvaniafranciscanvillage.org. To learn more about this and future events, contact Sr. Janet at 419-824-3533.

Lourdes University’s Lifelong Learning program recently received a new year’s gift from Mobile Meals of Toledo, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to foster independence among area residents. The organization granted Lifelong Learning a $10,000 memorial gift in honor of Jack Treuhaft, a longtime Mobile Meals volunteer, who passed away at age of 88 last July.

With more than 220 members who travel to Lourdes from 6 counties throughout Ohio and Michigan, Lifelong Learning is an exciting educational program open to all adults, with the only requirement for participation being an interest in ongoing learning. Lifelong Learning members enjoy classes on a wide variety of academic subjects, educational field trips, and monthly meetings featuring guest speakers. For more information on Lourdes University’s Lifelong Learning program, visit www.lourdes.edu/lifelong.

“Justice Through Our Eyes” – a feature of the Fourth National Restorative Justice Conference

In honor of National Women’s History Month, Lourdes will host the 6^th annual W.A.V.E. (Women, Artists, Visionaries, Entrepreneurs) Festival, a juried exhibition and sale of fine arts and crafts. This year’s event will be held in the Franciscan Center on Saturday, March 23. W.A.V.E. is currently accepting artist submissions for this year’s event. Deadline for submissions is Friday, February 22. 

Requirements: All arts/crafts displayed must be created and handmade by the exhibitor. Women entrepreneurs are welcome to present services, products or affiliations that are generated by women. To ensure the integrity of the show, kits, imports or commercial items are not to be displayed or sold. The festival committee reserves the right to disallow any exhibitor not conforming to requirements, art or craft that does not meet the selective criteria or that is considered physically hazardous or offensive.

Jurying and Fee: The W.A.V.E. Committee will jury the entries and each artist will receive a notification of acceptance the week of February 25. Upon acceptance, the fee of $35 per space must be submitted by Friday, March 8 at 5 p.m. to reserve your spot. There will be an additional $10 late fee for applications received after March 8.  Payment is to be made by check only. Receipts of fees will be sent to your e-mail address.

Exhibit Space: One 8-foot table will be provided. An additional table may be requested for a deposit of $35. (The Committee reserves the right to reject additional table requests if necessary.) Please specify table and electricity needs on application.

The 2013 W.A.V.E. submission form is available online at www.lourdes.edu/wave. Click on the “artist application” under the “learn more” tab at right. For questions or additional information, e-mail wave@lourdes.edu.

Lourdes is pleased to announce the launch of a new Educational Leadership concentration known as the “Principal Academy” in its Master of Education (MEd) program, beginning spring semester of 2013. The Principal Academy at Lourdes is designed to help school districts identify and develop future educational leaders. Graduates of this program will help fill a growing need for school administrators who can provide effective and visionary leadership in the challenging climate of education today.

“The Master of Education in Educational Leadership will round out our programs in graduate education,” shares Michael Smith, PhD, Dean of the School of Education & Human Services. “We already offer MEd concentrations in Teaching and Curriculum and P-12 Reading, as well as graduate endorsements in Early Childhood, P-12 Reading, and Teacher Leader.  The Principal Academy will provide those teachers seeking principal licensure in Ohio a pathway to doing so.”

Another unique component of Lourdes’ Principal Academy is the partnerships that will be developed between Lourdes and area schools and school districts including Anthony Wayne, Perrysburg, Sylvania, and the Catholic Diocese of Toledo.  Together they will work to support quality field-based learning and clinical experiences for future leaders. The program also includes an ongoing mentorship in which students are paired with area school administrators who will support and provide guidance throughout the curriculum and into the first year principal experience.  Upon completion, graduates will have the credit hours and courses required to sit for the Praxis II Exam for Educational Leadership. 

Click here to learn more about Lourdes' MEd in Educational Leadership. 

As Lourdes University’s founder and sponsor, the Sisters of St. Francis of Sylvania have given so much to the institution over the years. Now, they have given another priceless gift – a $500,000 sponsorship that has given Lourdes the opportunity to establish an endowed chair and scholarship in Franciscan Integration.

The establishment of the Franciscan Integration chair and scholarship program seeks to deepen the understanding of Lourdes University as a sponsored ministry of the Sisters of St. Francis. As the University carries forward the mission and heritage of its sponsor, it is imperative that knowledge of and reflection on the traditional four core Franciscan values – contemplation, conversion, minority, poverty – and their current embodiment in the four core values of Lourdes – community, learning, reverence and service – be integrated into the curriculum and life of the University in meaningful ways.

Patricia O’Connell, PhD, Associate Professor of Business & Leadership has been named as the first endowed chair in Franciscan Integration. She began her post this semester and will continue through spring of 2014. 

“At Lourdes, we’ve always tried to infuse our Franciscan values into the educational process – and the establishment of the Franciscan Integration chair and scholarship program provides a formal way for us to do this,” offers Keith Schlender, PhD, Interim Provost. “We’re eternally grateful to our founders the Sisters of St. Francis, for instilling within us these Franciscan values and through their new sponsorship, granting us the opportunity to truly incorporate these values throughout our institution.”

The Sisters of St. Francis Endowed Chair in Franciscan Integration ($400,000):
Up to two faculty members from two different academic departments will be named to this Chair on a biannual rotation. Qualified faculty will demonstrate a deep commitment to integrating Franciscan thoughts and values into the University curriculum. These faculty will emphasize the Franciscan character of Lourdes University. The faculty members will present the annual “Sisters of St. Francis Endowed Lecture in Franciscan Integration,” (inaugural lecture planned to occur sometime in February 2013)

The Sisters of St. Francis Endowed Scholarship in Franciscan Integration ($100,000):
Five $1,000 scholarships will be awarded annually beginning in 2013 to students demonstrating a commitment to integrating Franciscan thought and values into their lives. Examples may include students who volunteer in care for the environment or who give of their time in community service to underserved populations.Recipients will be expected to continue to model the Franciscan values throughout their time at Lourdes.

Lourdes is pleased to announce that its College of Nursing was recently granted nearly $2 million in funding (over 4 academic years) through the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services’ Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA). Funding from the HRSA grant will financially support disadvantaged undergraduate nursing students through a new scholarship program. The Scholarships for Disadvantaged Students (SDS) program promotes diversity among health profession students and practitioners by providing scholarships to full-time students with financial need from disadvantaged backgrounds, enrolled in health professions and nursing programs.

Students enrolled in Lourdes’ Bachelor of Science in Nursing program are a diverse group:
- 43% are low income
- 20% are underrepresented minorities
- 18% are educationally disadvantaged
- 28% are first-generation college students

In order to better financially assist these populations in achieving their degree, Lourdes Scholarships for Disadvantaged Students grant will award up to 53 eligible nursing students scholarships equal to 50% of their full time tuition each academic year. In order to be eligible for the scholarship, the student must be admitted to Lourdes as a full time student, qualify as low income, either be a member of an underrepresented racial or ethnic minority or be educationally disadvantaged and have the potential to succeed academically.

In the last 5 years, Lourdes University’s College of Nursing has received more than $6 million in funding from HRSA and other federal, state and private funders. “Our College of Nursing has been successful at acquiring grant funding because it has a terrific reputation throughout the country,” shares Manda Rice, Director of Corporate, Foundation & Government Relations. “Additionally, the grants that Lourdes’ College of Nursing has received have proven to be successful in recruiting and retaining a diverse population of students.”

In 2011, Lourdes received a similar HRSA grant, of which 100% of the students served have remained in school, and some are currently preparing for their NCLEX state boards. Similarly, a HRSA Nursing Workforce Diversity grant, also awarded to Lourdes in 2010, has provided over $80,000 in scholarships and more than $168,000 in stipends. This financial support directly contributed to increasing the College of Nursing’s retention rate of underrepresented and disadvantaged students.

First established in 1982, the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) is part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and is the primary Federal agency aimed at improving health and health equity through access to quality services, a skilled health workforce and innovative programs.

The College of Nursing at Lourdes offers a variety of programs including the Operating Room First Assistant, Nurse-Aid to BSN, Pre-Nursing to BSN, Licensed Practical Nurse to BSN, Registered Nurse (RN) to BSN and the RN to MSN with a Nurse Leader, Nurse Educator or Nurse Anesthetist concentration. For more information about the School of Nursing contact visit http://nursing.lourdes.edu.

Beginning January 2, 2013, students in the region will have an opportunity to complete a full semester course in just two weeks through Lourdes University’s J Session, which is unique to northwest Ohio. This accelerated January session runs from January 2 – 12, ending just before Spring Semester begins on Monday, January 14. 

One perk of the accelerated J Session is that it allows many students to take their required courses and finish their degree in four years.  A total of nine 3-credit hour courses are being offered, many of which feature unique curriculum designed specifically for the J Session, such as “hands-on history,” learning about fatherhood & attachment, understanding the trends in technology, exploring great religions of the West, rediscovering literary masterpieces, and more. Lourdes students are permitted to take one J session 3-credit hour course.

Click here to view the course list.

Registration is now open! To register, current Lourdes students should contact their Advisor. Non-Lourdes students should contact the Office of Admissions at 419-885-5291. 

Last weekend, the Lourdes University Drama Society kicked-off its 2012-13 season with David Auburn’s Proof.  Following the Friday night opening performance, Drama Society Advisor Keith Ramsdell announced the establishment of the Roemer Insurance – Janice L. Ramsdell Endowed Scholarship for Theatre. Drama Society members Megan Carter, a senior majoring in Criminal Justice, and Tim Robinson, a junior majoring in Early Childhood Education, were named the first recipients of the scholarship and will receive $250 each for spring semester.

Lourdes University is pleased to announce that it is a 9 time Best in the Midwest, 4 time Military Friendly and 2 time Great Colleges to Work For® award recipient!

The Princeton Review, nationally known for its test preparation and admissions services, has included Lourdes in its 2013 Best Colleges: Region by Region guide for the 9th consecutive year. Lourdes was one of the 153 colleges and universities honored in the Midwest Region. A total of 633 institutions were honored, representing an elite 25% of the nation's four-year colleges.

For the 4th consecutive year, Lourdes was named among the list of Military Friendly Schools® by GI Jobs Magazine, the premier publication for military transitioners. According to GI Jobs, Lourdes ranked “in the top 15% of all colleges, universities and trade schools nationwide.” As a Military Friendly campus, Lourdes participates in the Yellow Ribbon GI Education Enhancement Program and offers a Veterans Center and several scholarships for servicemen and women.

Lourdes was also named among the Chronicle of Education’s Great Colleges to Work For®. Lourdes was part of the 103 schools recognized, and was 1 of only 4 in Ohio who made the cut. Great Colleges to Work For® award recognizes institutions for best practices and policies in 26 categories such as Professional Development, which was the category in which Lourdes scored high marks.

Among the reasons Lourdes was named among The Great Colleges to Work For® was the institution’s free undergraduate tuition for employees and their families as well as opportunities provided to faculty for professional development.

“We are honored to continually be recognized by Princeton, GI Jobs Magazine and the Chronicle of Higher Education,” expresses Interim President Janet Robinson, PhD. “These distinctions are a testament to our mission of providing a values-centered education and a positive work environment with a strong focus on reverence and community.”

Lourdes University is 1 of only 40 institutions nationwide selected to host Manifold Greatness: The Creation and Afterlife of the King James Bible, a traveling exhibition celebrating the 400th anniversary of the first printing of the King James Bible (KJV). Lourdes’ Duns Scotus Library will house the exhibition October 7 through 31.

Manifold Greatness shares the story behind the King James Bible, from the time of its creation to its influence in today’s modern world. The traveling exhibit walks visitors through the story behind the King James Bible, which today remains surprisingly unknown, despite the book's enormous fame. The exhibition also features the compelling story of the book’s afterlife—its reception in the centuries that followed its first printing and how it came to be so ever-present.

To provide a comprehensive and regional celebration, the Duns Scotus Library is partnering with the Toledo-Lucas County Public Library and the Toledo Museum of Art. Events associated with the exhibition include:

October 7 ~ 2 to 5 p.m.
Manifold Greatness opening
Lecture by Dr. Ralph Williams
When God (and Shakespeare) Speak Early Modern English
Franciscan Center (lecture/reception), Duns Scotus Library (exhibition)

October 19 ~ 10 a.m.
Lecture by Ed Hill from Toledo Museum of Art
Franciscan Center (a Lifelong Learning meeting, open to the public)

October 21 ~ 2 p.m.
Lecture by Dr. James Dumke
Against the Odds: The KJV and the Promises of God
Duns Scotus Library

Exhibition hours are Monday – Thursday: 8 a.m.–9 p.m. / Friday - Saturday: 8 a.m.–4 p.m.

For more information about Lourdes’ Duns Scotus Library or Manifold Greatness: The Creation and Afterlife of the King James Bible, contact Library Director Sr. Sandra Rutkowski at
srutkowski@lourdes.edu.

The Manifold Greatness exhibition and related projects were developed by the Folger Shakespeare Library and the Bodleian Library, University of Oxford, with assistance from the Harry Ransom Center of the University of Texas Austin. The traveling exhibition was also made possible by a major grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities. Any views, findings, or recommendations expressed in Manifold Greatness do not necessarily reflect those of the National Endowment for the Humanities.

This fall, Lourdes University’s Graduate School will offer the Master of Organizational Leadership (MOL) program on the campus of Owens Community College. The program is being offered to a group of Owens employees who hold leadership positions or have the potential to do so.

“We’re excited to collaborate with Owens on this new endeavor,” expresses Patrice McClellan, EdD, Director of the MOL. “Having the MOL on Owens’ campus gives these employees the opportunity to apply theory to practice and strengthen their organizational leadership skills.”

In addition to the typical benefits of Lourdes’ cohort-based graduate education (e.g., networking opportunities, academic support, and a guaranteed seat in required courses), the MOL at Owens includes reduced tuition rate and package deal on textbooks, as well as the ability to earn a master’s degree in 2 ½  years by attending class once per week on location. The program has been approved by the Ohio Board of Regents and the Higher Learning Commission, and Lourdes’ Graduate School intends to offer the MOL at a different off-site location each fall.

Launched in 2002, Lourdes’ Master of Organizational Leadership is a successful program with over 250 alumni that has helped professionals from many fields achieve their career goals. Designed for current and prospective leaders, the program prepares students to enhance the performance and culture of their respective organizations and make a positive difference in their communities. For more information on the MOL, visit gradschool.lourdes.edu or call 419-824-3517.

Due to overwhelming demand, Lourdes University has added a new part-time option for their Master of Business Administration program. Beginning this fall, individuals interested in pursuing an MBA will be able to choose between a full-time, 12-month option or a part-time, evening, 24-month option.  Applications are now being accepted for both, and seats are expected to fill quickly.

Lourdes’ part-time MBA will follow the same curriculum and include all of the benefits of the full-time program, including small class sizes and affordable tuition, in addition to:

• A distinctive, cutting edge curriculum and state-of-the-art technology
• Personalized career guidance, including job search and interview preparation
• An international immersion that is part of the curriculum
• An Apple iPad

“Providing the part-time MBA option at Lourdes allows working adults a better opportunity to earn their advanced degree,” shares Ryan Butt, JD, MBA Director. “Classes meet only two nights per week, with degree completion in two years.”  

For more information on Lourdes’ Master of Business Administration program, visit www.lourdes.edu/mba or contact Keith Ramsdell, Director of Graduate Admissions, at 419-517-8881 or email kramsdell@lourdes.edu.

 

This week, Lourdes University Theological Studies Chair Shannon Schrein, OSF, PhD, will be honored at the Franciscan Federation’s 2012 Conference “Releasing Energies to Love: Creative Fidelity in the Church.” The conference is being held from July 27 through July 30 at the Hilton Netherland Plaza Hotel in Cincinnati, OH.

Sr. Shannon will receive the Franciscan Federation Award, which recognizes those who within the Church, have lived an outstanding Franciscan life and ministry. Honorees are selected for embodying Francis’ and Clare’s witness to creative fidelity; nurturing the ecclesial communion of love to which Jesus invites us; embracing the Church with all its ambiguities; and giving hope to the doubtful and the discouraged.

As Lourdes University Professor and Chair of Theological Studies, Sr. Shannon is a faithful and creative teacher, author, member of the executive board of the American Theological Society, and lecturer. With more than 25 years in the field of theology, she has not only enlivened others through her dynamic presentations but has also empowered many in recognizing and celebrating their own faith journeys. As a Franciscan woman she exemplifies both Francis’ love for the Church and his willingness to respectfully challenge it when necessary.

The mission of the Franciscan Federation is to promote the exploration and study of Franciscan Evangelical Life and its implications for these times and for our world. The Federation provides national and regional opportunities to collaborate, gather, and celebrate so that all can better live the Third Order Regular call to conversion, contemplation, poverty, and humility.

Lourdes University Interim President Dr. Janet H. Robinson is pleased to announce the appointment of four new members to its Board of Trustees – Joan Bayer, Sr. Carolyn Giera, Bruce Klinger and Barbara Steele. Their terms on the Board began July 1, 2012.

Joan Bayer is founder and CEO of Concept Rehab Inc., the largest therapist owned contract rehab company in the midwest. She also serves as Partner of the J Management Company and Trans Tech Logistics. Outside of her professional accomplishments, Joan is highly active in the community. She is a founding member of the United Way’s Women’s Initiative and has served on the Board of Trustees for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, The University of Toledo’s advisory council for the College of Health and Human Services and the Valentine Theatre Gala and as President of the Board of Trustees at Maumee Valley Country Day School. Additionally, she is a member of the American College of Health Care Administration, the American Physical Therapy Association, Leadership Toledo, the Lucas County Prosecutors Victims Forum, the National Association for the Support of Long Term Care, the National Association of Rehabilitation Agencies, the National Association of Rehabilitation Facilities, the Ohio Health Care Association, and the Y.P.O/W.P.O.

Sr. Carolyn Giera, OSF made her final vows with the Sisters of St. Francis of Sylvania in 1967. Over the past 50 years, she has served in a variety of ministries. She has been a teacher in elementary schools in Ohio and Michigan, an adjunct faculty member at Lourdes, a school psychologist for the Toledo Diocese, a county prevention specialist in Michigan and a pastoral minister and religious education coordinator in Minnesota. Additionally, Sr. Carolyn served in leadership positions with the Sisters of St. Francis for 12 years and served as co-director of a Franciscan lay mission organization in Washington DC. An important part of Sr. Carolyn’s life is her volunteer work. She has been actively involved with the Bethany House, Women Blessing Women in Ohio as well as beyond Ohio’s borders with L’Arche in Alabama and Hurricane Katrina victims in Louisiana, and has also spent time as a volunteer in Haiti.

Bruce Klinger serves as a General Agent with the MassMutual Financial Group of northwest Ohio. Prior to joining MassMutual, he served as Managing Director for Northwestern Mutual. Bruce has been a member of the Million Dollar Round Table as a Financial Representative numerous times and holds several designations, including his CLU, ChFC, and CASL. In addition to being a past National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors President, he has served as President of the Juvenile Diabetes Research foundation. Bruce is a Lourdes alumnus and currently serves as an adjunct faculty member in the College of Business & Leadership.

Barbara Steele currently serves as Acute Care President of ProMedica, overseeing the business development, operations, strategic initiatives and community relations for nine acute care hospitals in the region as well as for ProMedica Cancer Institute, ProMedica Orthopedic Institute, ProMedica Heart & Vascular Institute, several ambulatory care facilities, and more than 1,100 physicians and 14,000 employees. Barbara holds numerous national leadership positions, serving on several boards including the American Hospital Association and the Ohio Hospital Association. Locally, she has been involved with the Maumee Valley Girl Scouts, Partners in Education, the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) Program and area women’s shelters. Additionally, she serves as a board member on the Toledo Cultural Arts Center, Toledo Opera Board, Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce Board and Toledo Zoo Board.

Click here, for the full list of Lourdes University's Board of Trustees.

This month, Lourdes University Master of Business Administration (MBA) students got a once in a lifetime opportunity to visit London and get a behind the scenes look at the business of planning the 2012 summer Olympic games. Seventeen students took part in the trip which is part of Lourdes’ MBA curriculum. The program requires students to complete an international immersion experience.  

This summer, more than 50 students from Waite and Woodward High Schools will call Lourdes University home, as they participate in the institution’s Upward Bound program. Last spring, the U.S. Department of Education announced that Lourdes would receive 100% of the $250,000 requested in support of its program.       

Students at Lourdes University are now able to apply for interest-free loans through a $100,000 four-year grant provided by the Charles E. Schell Foundation, Fifth Third Bank, Trustee.  

Payable over four years, the award allows Lourdes University to provide interest-free educational assistance loans to qualified students. An added benefit of the grant is that it creates a self-funding student loan program within Lourdes University that continues to provide resources for future students, as previous loans are repaid. To apply, students must meet the following basic qualifications:

• Maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA
• Be a citizen of OH, IN, IL, KY, MI, MO, PA, TN, VA or WV

 “We are thrilled to receive the assistance from the Schell Foundation and Fifth Third Bank,” expresses Denise McCluskey, Director of Financial Aid. “This will allow us to make earning a degree at Lourdes University even more affordable for our students.”

On May 26, a group of 17 Lourdes University Master of Business Administration (MBA) students will travel to London, where they will spend the week learning from businesses involved in planning the 2012 summer Olympics. The trip is one of two immersion experiences required for completion of Lourdes’ MBA program. The goal is to provide students with direct experience in an international business community.

• A tour by Blue Badge Tourist Guides of Olympic Park

(Largest owner/operator of theatres in the UK)

(A multi-generational family business displaced by Olympic construction that successfully lobbied for a new location close to the games)

• An address by McCann Worldgroup London Account Director, Sam Lewis

• A behind-the-scenes overview of Olympic Games planning by the London Organizing Committee of the Olympic Games & Paralympic Games Ltd. Director of Communications & Public Affairs, Jackie Brock-Doyle

On May 21, a group of 14 representatives from Lourdes University and Siena Heights University will travel to Manchester Parish, Jamaica to volunteer with the St. John Bosco Home for Boys. Led by former Siena Heights FYE Director and current Lourdes University FYE Director Rachel Duff Anderson, the group is comprised of 10 students and 4 staff and who will be supervising recreational activities, tutoring students and making improvements to the grounds of St. John Bosco (damaged as a result of hurricane Ivan).

The program originated at Siena Heights University, through Sr. Pat Schnapp. “As a Sister of Mercy, I taught in Jamaica (Kingston) many years ago – Our Sisters have several schools on the Island, 1 of which was St. John Bosco,” shares Sr. Pat. “About fifteen years ago, I took a group of Siena Heights students to volunteer there. The trip was such a great success, that we've made several trips since.”

Founded in 1958, St. John Bosco is a residential child-care institution in Jamaica, owned and operated by the Sisters of Mercy. Home to approximately 150 boys between the ages of 3 and 16, the 32-acre residence includes a farm and school, which is approved by the Jamaican Ministry of Education. For additional information, please visit http://boscohome.tripod.com.

In April, the International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education (IACBE) announced its newly elected Board of Directors and Board of Commissioners. Among the leaders is Dean Ludwig, PhD, Dean of Lourdes University’s College of Business & Leadership, who will serve as Secretary on the IACBE Board of Directors.

Ludwig commented, “With Recognition from the Council for Higher Education (CHEA), IACBE has become an important force in accreditation for mission driven business schools that are intent on assuring excellence in outcomes for their students. I am honored to be selected to serve on its board as IACBE continues to expand its influence in business education in North America, Europe, Asia and Latin America.

Saturday, May 19, marks another momentous occasion for Lourdes, as it celebrates its first Baccalaureate and Commencement ceremonies as a University. Baccalaureate will be held in the Queen of Peace Chapel on Lourdes’ campus at 10 a.m. Commencement will take place at the SeaGate Convention Centre located at 401 Jefferson Avenue, in downtown Toledo at 1 p.m.

Robert L. Maxwell, BS

At Lourdes University, Mr. Maxwell shares his business and philanthropic expertise with alumni, students and faculty, as a member of the Business & Leadership Advisory Council.

For additional information about Lourdes’ Baccalaureate and Commencement ceremonies, please visit www.lourdes.edu/commencement.

Lourdes University is pleased to announce that its TRiO Upward Bound program was recently awarded a Global Youth Service Day (GYSD) mini-grant though the Ohio Commission on Service and Volunteerism (ServeOhio). Established in 1988, GYSD is the only day of service dedicated to children and youth, and is celebrated each year in over 100 countries.

For its 2012 GYSD project, Lourdes is partnering with the Padua Center. On April 21 beginning at 8:30 a.m. (weather permitting) more than 50 Upward Bound students from Lourdes University will plant a salsa garden and assemble playground toys and needed storage at the Padua Center of Toledo.

Lourdes was 1 of only 3 organizations to receive funding for GYSD through ServeOhio. The Dayton Urban Ministry Center and Green Country Family & Children First Department of Xenia, Ohio also received funding. ServeOhio awarded the $1,000 GYSD mini-grants through the support of the organization’s Stewards of Service corporate partners American Electric Power Ohio and Honda of America. For more on ServeOhio, visit www.serveohio.org.  

Funded by the U.S. Department of Education, TRiO Upward Bound is a challenging, preparatory program preparing high school students for post-secondary education. Established in 1999, the Lourdes Upward Bound program serves 50 students each year in grades 9-12. Students are enrolled from two target high schools: Waite High School and Woodward High School, both located in Toledo, Ohio.

On Saturday, April 28, business leaders and members of the community will gather for Lourdes University’s annual Luminations scholarship fundraising gala.

Since its inception, more than 40 corporate sponsors, 3,000 guests and countless organizations have helped Luminations raise more than $1.4 million for students. 

James R. Findlay, Sr. and Pamela Schaefer will serve as Honorary Chairs for the event, which takes place in the Franciscan Center. Tim Berta, a graduate student majoring in Organizational Leadership will serve as the student speaker for the evening.

Beginning at 6 p.m., guests will celebrate an evening of dancing, cocktails, grazing stations and a fabulous silent auction. This year’s gala features live entertainment from the Maxx Band, the Toledo Ballet, the Toledo Opera, the Toledo Symphony and Broadway’s Timothy Shew.

Timothy Shew has appeared in more than two dozen plays both on and off Broadway, including Disney’s King David, Guys & Dolls, The Scarlet Pimpernel and national tours of Les Misérables and South Pacific. He is currently performing in Broadway’s Evita with Ricky Martin.

“Luminations truly helps to transform our students’ lives through the scholarship dollars raised, providing them with an affordable college education.” reflects Mary Arquette, Vice President for Institutional Advancement. “At Lourdes, we are blessed to have a wonderful group of friends who join us each year to raise scholarship funds for our students. They give the most precious gift of all – the gift of education!”

Presenting sponsor
Sylvania Franciscan Health

Platinum Sponsor
Muir Graphics

Tickets are $125 per person

For more information visit:
www.lourdes.edu/luminations
 

The Corporation for National and Community Service and the U.S. Department of Education recently honored an elite group of colleges and universities for their commitment to bettering their communities through service and service learning. Lourdes is among 642 institutions nationwide to be included in the 2012 President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll.
    
The Honor Roll selects institutions based on a series of factors, including the scope and innovation of service projects, the extent to which service-learning is embedded in the curriculum, the school’s commitment to long-term campus-community partnerships, and measurable community outcomes as a result of the service. Lourdes University was selected based on three of its many community service and service learning initiatives:

Community Focused Clinicals:
Lourdes University’ College of Nursing offers community focused clinicals, providing professional experience for nursing students in settings such as area homeless shelters, community centers for the mentally ill and subsidized housing facilities for those with disabilities. Nursing students using both traditional and non-traditional methods for serving these populations – for example, students encouraged clients with mental illness to share their life experiences by sewing, gardening and performing other crafts together. More than 198 Lourdes students have participated in these clinicals, serving over 350 individuals.

Habitat for Humanity Alternative Spring Break:
For 16 years, L.I.N.K. (Lourdes’ Campus Ministry student organization) has organized, recruited members and raised funds for an alternative spring break project with Habitat for Humanity. To date, Lourdes Habitat for Humanity team has assisted homeowners in 7 states and 15 cities – rehabbing houses, building homes and bringing the spirit of volunteerism and Franciscan values to those in need.

Jones Middle School Partnership:
A group of 29 Lourdes students tutored more than 160 students in Jones Middle School – an inner-city school located in Toledo, OH. At Jones, only 33% of sixth graders meet minimum state acceptance rates in reading proficiency. As part of the partnership, Lourdes students worked with Jones students to improve their reading fluency and comprehension skills.
 
“This is a marvelous recognition of just some of the many service activities happening in and out of the classroom at Lourdes,” reflects Sister Ann Carmen Barone, OSF, Vice President for Mission & Ministry. “As Director of Campus Ministry & Service Learning, Sister Barbara Vano has worked tirelessly with Lourdes’ faculty and staff to shape and encourage the growth of these programs. We are extremely thankful for her and our entire Lourdes Community’s dedication to serving others.”
 
“Through service, these institutions are creating the next generation of leaders by challenging students to tackle tough issues and create positive impacts in the community,” said Robert Velasco, Acting CEO of CNCS. “We applaud Lourdes University for its commitment to making service a priority in and out of the classroom.Together, service and learning increase civic engagement while fostering social innovation among students, empowering them to solve challenges within their communities.”

The Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) is a federal agency that engages more than five million Americans in service through its Senior Corps, AmeriCorps, and Learn and Serve America programs, and leads President Barack Obama’s national call to service initiative, United We Serve. For more information, visit www.NationalService.gov.  

 

The Lourdes University Life Lab is getting a new look and function. Lourdes is transforming the Life Lab to more accurately reflect the institution’s growing science and education departments, and will reopen the facility in August 2012. Since fall 2003, the University has experienced an 86% enrollment increase in its biology & health sciences program, and a 260% increase in environmental science.

Some of the Life Lab’s most popular features such as the summer sciences camps, salt water aquarium, Monarch Waystation and outdoor Certified Wildlife Habitat™ will be part of the center as well. “We’re excited to keep many of the Life Lab features that people enjoy, while also adding new pieces geared toward environmental science,” adds Dr. Helmer. “We’ve also been able to partner with organizations like the Toledo MetroParks and area schools by providing them with some of the resources not being utilized. It’s been a win-win transformation and will be an exciting new feature on campus next fall.”

Across the nation, colleges and universities grant students and faculty a week to enjoy the coming of spring. Often, this time is spent visiting out-of-town family and friends or vacationing in exotic destinations. For those at Lourdes University, spring break is a time of purpose. This March, 28 Lourdes students (and 2 staff members) will volunteer with Habitat for Humanity of Laredo-Webb County as part of the organization’s national alternative spring break Collegiate Challenge. 

“This is Lourdes’ 16^th year volunteering with Habitat for Humanity during spring break,” shares Sr. Barbara Vano, OSF, Director of Campus Ministry & Service Learning.  “Since 1996, Lourdes Habitat for Humanity teams have assisted homeowners in 7 states and 15 cities – rehabbing houses, building homes and bringing the spirit of volunteerism and Franciscan values to those in need.”

Lourdes’ Habitat team will travel to Laredo, TX on March 4 and return on March 10.  The group will be among more than 300 students working on nine new homes being constructed by the Habitat for Humanity of Laredo-Webb County this spring.

For the past 23 years, more than 194,000 students have spent their school breaks volunteering across the country through this Habitat for Humanity program. Habitat’s Collegiate Challenge is one of the many programs aimed at engaging youth ages 5 to 25 in the organization’s mission and work. For more information on Habitat for Humanity and the Collegiate Challenge, visit http://www.habitat.org/.

Lourdes University and the Sisters of St. Francis of Sylvania are pleased to announce that Janet H. Robinson, PhD, has been appointed Interim President of Lourdes University. Dr. Robinson will begin her duties at the start of the 2012-2013 academic year, while the institution conducts a nation-wide search.

Dr. Robinson has an exemplary resume with 25 years of experience in higher education and 20 years experience in administration. She joined the Lourdes Community as part of the nursing faculty in 1992 and served as Associate Professor of Nursing, Associate Director of Curriculum & Instruction for the School of Nursing, Vice President for Academic Affairs and most recently as Provost. Prior to Lourdes, she served at Medical College of Ohio (MCO) as a member of administration and taught nursing at the University of Tulsa; the University of Oklahoma; Mercy College of Detroit; and MCO.

In honor of National Women’s History Month, Lourdes will host the 5^th annual W.A.V.E. (Women, Artists, Visionaries, Entrepreneurs) Festival, a juried exhibition and sale of fine arts and crafts. This year’s event will be held in the Franciscan Center on Saturday, March 24. W.A.V.E. is currently accepting artist submissions for this year’s event. Deadline for submissions is Friday, March 2. 

Requirements: All arts/crafts displayed must be created and handmade by the exhibitor. Women entrepreneurs are welcome to present services, products or affiliations that are generated by women. To ensure the integrity of the show, kits, imports or commercial items are not to be displayed or sold. The festival committee reserves the right to disallow any exhibitor not conforming to requirements, art or craft that does not meet the selective criteria or that is considered physically hazardous or offensive.

Jurying and Fee: The W.A.V.E. Committee will jury the entries and each artist will receive a notification of acceptance. Upon acceptance, the fee of $35 per space must be submitted by March 9 at 5 p.m. to reserve your spot. Payment is to be made by check only. Receipts of fees will be sent to your e-mail address.

Exhibit Space: An eight-foot table will be provided. One additional table may be requested for a deposit of $35. (The Committee reserves the right to reject additional table requests if necessary.) Please specify table and electricity needs on application.

The 2012 W.A.V.E. submission form is available online at www.lourdes.edu/wave.

Click on the “artist application” under the “learn more” tab at right. For questions or additional information, e-mail wave@lourdes.edu.

On February 13, Robert C. Helmer, PhD, JD, announced that he will step down from the leadership of Lourdes University at the end of the 2011-2012 academic year. During the announcement, he remarked that the decision to leave was “not an easy one,” and shared that he has accepted a position to serve as President of Baldwin Wallace College.

The Sylvania Franciscan Village is pleased to announce the inaugural Have a Heart Re-Stock Drive to supply hygiene items to six local organizations – Assumption Outreach Center, Bethany House, The Claver House, Helping Hands of St. Louis, Our Lady of Lourdes Hospitality Kitchen and the Sylvania Area Family Services.

The Have a Heart drive will kick-off on Monday, January 30 and run through Thursday, February 9, with all hygiene items distributed on Friday, February 10. Those wishing to participate in the Have a Heart drive are asked to drop off hygiene items such as deodorant, shampoo/conditioner, soap, toilet paper and toothpaste to the following locations:

• Advanced Control Solutions    
• Allstate McGuire Group
• Andersons Market     
• Convent Park Apartments
• Franciscan Academy of Lourdes University    
• Franciscan Care Center
• Harmon Signs    
• Kroger (Sylvania)
• Lady C    
• Loss Realty    
• Lourdes University     
• Northview High School     
• Root Learning    
• Rosary Care Center
• Sautter’s Market    
• St. James Club    
• St. Joseph Sylvania School     
• Sign A Rama    
• Sisters of St. Francis of Sylvania     
• Sophia Center, Inc.    
• Sylvania City     
• Sylvania Franciscan Health
• Timberstone Junior High School     
• Toledo Smiles    
• UPS Store     
 • Wingate

“The Sylvania Franciscan Village is really all about relationships and the belief that we can be more together than we can alone,” offers Sr. Janet Doyle, OP, SFV Administrator. “Each interaction changes those involved and strengthens our Franciscan Village. We hope to make this outreach effort an annual event, because the Franciscan Village is committed to finding ways to use our many resources for the benefit of the community."

Formally established in 2009, the Sylvania Franciscan Village (SFV) is comprised of Lourdes University, the Sisters of St. Francis of Sylvania and Sylvania Franciscan Health. The SFV was formed to harness energies for the greater good and benefit of those who share the Franciscan mission. Visit www.sylvaniafranciscanvillage.org for more information. To learn more about this and future events, contact Sr. Janet at 419-824-3533 or jdoyle@sistersosf.org.

Lourdes University is pleased to announce the establishment of the William Randolph Hearst Scholarship benefiting disadvantaged students who demonstrate financial need.  The $75,000 scholarship allows Lourdes to award several scholarships over a three-year period to qualifying students.

The Lourdes Life Lab presents a workshop for educators titled “Pets in the Classroom” on Thursday, January 12. The workshop will run from 4-5:30 p.m. in the Learning Center located on the Lourdes University campus in Sylvania. The discussion will be led by Marge Malinowski, Life lab Program Living Display Specialist and Technical Supervisor. Ms. Malinowski has over 12 years of experience caring for animals, specifically the residents of the Life Lab.

Mammals, birds, fish, reptiles, amphibians and other arthropods will be explained in detail. Educators in attendance will also learn about the benefits of plants in the classroom – including a cactus dish and “fairy gardens.”

The cost for attendance is $20 per person. To RSVP or for more information, contact Ms. Malinowski at 419-824-3767 or email mmalinowski@lourdes.edu.

The Lourdes Lib Lab is an interactive plant and animal learning laboratory with room for up to 30 students from pre-kindergarten through 8th grade. Inside the laboratory, students encounter exotic birds, fresh and saltwater fish, frogs, turtles, and butterflies as they learn about the ecosystems in which they live. With a host of other woodland creatures living just outside its windows, Life Lab classes often take to the outdoors to observe the life-cycles of animals in their natural habitat. For more information, visit www.lourdes.edu/lifelab.

Rooted in the Catholic Franciscan tradition, Lourdes University offers baccalaureate degrees in more than 30 academic majors as well as graduate degrees in business, education, liberal arts, nursing, organizational leadership and theology. Community outreach programs include the Appold Planetarium, the Life Lab, Lifelong Learning and Theater Vision. A member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics, Lourdes students can also compete in baseball and men’s and women’s basketball, golf and volleyball. Named a “Best in the Midwest” college by the Princeton Review, Lourdes University is a nationally accredited, veteran and transfer-friendly institution offering a variety of student scholarships. Discover us online at www.lourdes.edu or by phone at 419-885-3211.

Lourdes University is pleased to announce the establishment of the Irene Toth Kinsey Endowed Scholarship benefiting single mothers. The $50,000 endowed scholarship allows Lourdes to award scholarships to qualifying students who are single mothers that demonstrate a financial need. The scholarship is named in honor and in memory of Irene Toth Kinsey, the mother of Edward Phillip Kinsey II and Michele Kinsey Gross.

Edward Phillip Kinsey II, B.B.A., C.P.A., is CEO of Determination Ventures, LLC and Co-Founder and former Executive Vice President of Ariba, Inc. He also served in the audit and consulting departments of PriceWaterhouseCoopers LLP and KPMG in San Francisco, CA and Toledo, OH. Mr. Kinsey is deeply invested in the educational opportunities available to future generations. He has funded other scholarships to assist students who face difficult life challenges so that they have an opportunity to attend college and earn degrees. Mr. Kinsey serves as Chairperson of the Kinsey Family Foundation, a non-profit foundation focused on providing assistance to children whose lives have been affected by unfortunate circumstances. Additionally, he has worked with Central City Ministries of Toledo.

In 2009, Mr. Kinsey II was bestowed with an honorary Lourdes doctoral degree for his leadership and contributions to northwest Ohio and served as the 2009 commencement speaker.

Michele is a coordinator at ProMedica’s Bay Park Hospital in Oregon, OH. She began her career as a nurse at St. Charles Hospital. With her husband Dan, she also co-owned the third generation business Gross Automotive in east Toledo for several years and served as the company’s general manager. In addition to her full-time career, she raised two children. “She truly is an inspiration to women who strive to lead,” adds her brother. “She definitely inspired me during our childhood and is the person who made it possible for me to achieve my goals in life. Her feedback and advice have been invaluable to me at all steps in my career and her amazing business insight and instincts are exemplary.”

For more information about this and other endowed scholarships, contact Mary Arquette, Vice President for Institutional Advancement, at 419-824-3969 or Marquette@lourdes.edu.

Rooted in the Catholic Franciscan tradition, Lourdes University offers baccalaureate degrees in more than 30 academic majors as well as graduate degrees in business, education, liberal arts, nursing, organizational leadership and theology. Community outreach programs include the Appold Planetarium, the Life Lab, Lifelong Learning and Theater Vision. A member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics, Lourdes students can also compete in baseball and men’s and women’s basketball, golf and volleyball. Named a “Best in the Midwest” college by the Princeton Review, Lourdes University is a nationally accredited, veteran and transfer-friendly institution offering a variety of student scholarships. Discover us online at www.lourdes.edu or by phone at 419-885-3211.

Lourdes University is delighted to announce that Appold Planetarium Coordinator Laura Megeath, PhD, has been selected to be a part of NASA’s Earth Ambassador Program. This nationwide, two-year program is housed through NASA’s Climate Days initiative, aimed at encouraging schools and communities to raise awareness of climate change in order to improve the climate literacy in the United States.

Last month, the 20 individuals chosen to be part of the Earth Ambassador Program attended a training workshop at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Maryland. During the workshop, ambassadors interacted with Earth scientists studying the effects of climate change with respect to their research areas, learned effective ways of communicating global climate change with the public and become familiar with the online resources available to host their own events at their local institutions.

“Even though NASA chose a small group to represent its first Earth Ambassador program, we are very diverse,” shares Dr. Megeath. “From astronomy to 4-H to the study of ice – our Earth Ambassadors possess a wealth of information and resources for promoting environmentalism and sustainability. I’m looking forward to building strong relationships with each ambassador as we assist NASA with their Climate Days initiative.”

Dr. Megeath earned a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree from Colgate University in New York and a Ph.D. from the University of Massachusetts. She previously conducted research at Harvard University until her move to Sylvania in 2006. A neurobiologist, Dr. Megeath has taught as an adjunct instructor in the Department of Biology & Health Sciences at Lourdes and currently serves as Coordinator for the University’s Lifelong Learning program.  

Lourdes University’s Appold Planetarium is a proud member of the NASA Museum Alliance and has been designated an official NASA Space Place. Named “Best Place to See the Stars” by Ohio Magazine, the Appold Planetarium features SciDome, a fulldome video system powered by Starry Night – the  world’s most comprehensive astronomy software, allowing real-time 3D sky simulation, fulldome shows and multi-media presentations. For a list of current and upcoming shows, visit the Appold Planetarium online at www.lourdes.edu/planetarium. 

The Stranahan Foundation has recently awarded a $50,000 technology grant to Lourdes University. The grant will benefit the WIN Center - Lourdes University’s main computer center which offers a variety of student services including but not limited to academic coaching, structured learning assistance, testing services, tutoring and academic workshops.

“On a typical day, the WIN Center is literally bursting at the seams with students accessing our computers, printers and copiers, and taking advantage of the excellent tutors and coaches,” shares Robyn Gandy, PhD, Associate Dean of Academic Services. “In order to keep pace with the growth in enrollment, Lourdes must expand the WIN Center so that students can better access the services critical to their academic success.”

Funding provided by the Stranahan Foundation will support the purchase of 2 printers and 48 laptops for students to borrow to complete assignments, conduct online research and prepare for class.

The Stranahan Foundation was created in 1944 by brothers Frank D. and Robert A. Stranahan, founders of the Champion Spark Plug Company in Toledo. The purpose of the Stranahan Foundation is to assist individuals and groups in their efforts to become more self-sufficient and contribute to the improvement of society and the environment. For more information about the Stranahan Foundation, visit www.stranahanfoundation.org.

Rooted in the Catholic Franciscan tradition, Lourdes University offers baccalaureate degrees in more than 30 academic majors as well as graduate degrees in business, education, liberal arts, nursing, organizational leadership and theology. Community outreach programs include the Appold Planetarium, the Life Lab, Lifelong Learning and Theater Vision. A member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics, Lourdes students can also compete in baseball and men’s and women’s basketball, golf and volleyball. Named a “Best in the Midwest” college by the Princeton Review, Lourdes University is a nationally accredited, veteran and transfer-friendly institution offering a variety of student scholarships. Discover us online at www.lourdes.edu or by phone at 419-885-3211. 

The Life Lab of Lourdes University has recently been named a Certified Wildlife Habitat through the National Wildlife Federation (NWF). As a Wildlife Habitat, the Life Lab’s outdoor garden space is part of a worldwide network of mini-refuges supporting plant and animal life while working to conserve natural resources.

Lourdes University has partnered with SugarBush Media Solutions to launch a unique Facebook application in order to enhance its user engagement. This first-of-its-kind application includes fan-gating features and a custom viewbook builder.  

This Veteran’s Day, community members will be able to check out a new book recounting the war and military experiences of Toledo area veterans.

On Saturday, November 5, the Great Lakes Consortium (GLC) for International Training and Development will present “Experience Tanzania” in the Franciscan Center of Lourdes University. The event celebrates 10 years of the GLC and Tanzania working together and features a presentation from Lourdes University Dean of Students & Retention Kim Grieve, PhD.

Last summer, Dr. Grieve traveled to Tanzania as part of the U.S. Visual Arts Initiative. As one of 25 arts and education professionals, she utilized and expanded upon her previous experience working with Tanzanian delegations of women artists visiting the US and her doctoral research on education and gender issues. The GLC along with the Tanzania US State Alumni Association, Tanzania Women Artist Network and the Arts Council Lake Erie West of NW Ohio collaborated with the Public Affairs Office of the United States Embassy in Tanzania to make the project a reality.

Grieve in Tanzania classroomIn Tanzania, Dr. Grieve explored the primary, secondary and higher education experiences of African women. “My research when it is completed will include a qualitative study of the lived educational experiences of these women,” notes Dr. Grieve.

“Overall the trip was a great learning experience – when I embarked on this journey, I sought insight into the social, cultural and economic factors that hinder gender equity with the goal of determining how some African women have been able to successfully continue their education,” she shares. “Education is improving for African women but there are still many changes needed. Families do not allow their daughters to get an education because they expect them to marry young and raise their children. If a family has very little money, which many of them do, they choose to pay for the son to attend school rather than the daughter.”

“Experience Tanzania” begins at 2:30 p.m. with a social hour and Tanzanian arts & crafts showcase and follows with the program at 3:15 p.m. Free & open to the public. To learn more about the GLC, visit http://gl-consortium.org.

On Tuesday, September 27, Lourdes hosted its annual State of the University Address. Community leaders and friends of the institution gathered to hear President Robert Helmer, PhD, JD, give an update on the University’s seven year strategic plan.

President with EbeidDuring the Address, Lourdes also announced its first individual million dollar gift, given by Russell J. Ebeid. “We are so thankful to Russ for his support of Lourdes University,” adds Dr. Helmer. “Our students have already benefitted greatly from the Ebeid Student Center named in his honor, and now will further benefit from the services and activities offered in Lourdes’ new athletic center.”

Mr. Ebeid, whose granddaughter is a Lourdes alumna (Kristina Ebeid, ’07 BA, Business), shared a few words about his support of the institution, saying “I am always drawn to Lourdes – to return to the beautiful campus that so reminds me of my childhood in southwest Detroit.” Mr. Ebeid also spoke about the strong connection between athletics and academics in helping students be competitive in today’s market. He concluded with his only request as benefactor of Lourdes University’s athletic center, stating lightheartedly “I only ask that I be allowed to throw out one of the first baskets during the inaugural game so that I might finally accomplish my college ambition of being a student athlete!”

Brooke Darah served as the student speaker and reflected on what it means to be a Lourdes student. “My first experience at Lourdes was when I was just three years old and attended pre-school on campus. I have always thought of Lourdes as home and once I decided to go into nursing, knew it was the school for me. Lourdes has a great nursing program and now with NAIA athletics, I am also able to be a member of the Gray Wolves golf team. I just could not have chosen a greater school.”

Lourdes is still in the development stage of planning for the athletic center, and is expected to break ground on the project in 2012. For information about the University’s athletic programs, visit www.lourdesathletics.com.

On Sunday, October 9, the Lourdes University Department of Music will present its Fall Music Showcase at 3 p.m. in the Franciscan Center. Lourdes faculty, students and choirs will perform the following three mini-concerts.

Opening Concert: 3 p.m.
Lourdes music faculty, students and guests in a variety of solo and chamber ensemble works plus “Save the Earth” folksongs and video led by Michael D. Biscay.

The Gaudete Brass Quintet (Chicago, IL): 4 p.m.
The Gaudete Brass Quintet from Chicago performs brass chamber music with the Lourdes University Chorus. Founded in 2004, the Gaudete Brass Quintet is devoted to presenting serious brass chamber music at the highest level of excellence and to encouraging worldwide appreciation of the art of brass chamber music through live performances, recordings, education, and the creation of new works. http://www.gaudetebrass.com.

Choral Finale – Songs to Save the Earth: 5 p.m.
The Lourdes Choirs and soloists will sing songs for environmental sustainability with a caring for creation. Includes a sing-a-long for audience participation. Associate Professor of Biology & Health Sciences James Minesky, PhD, will speak briefly on “The Year of the Forest” and campus sustainability events at the Sylvania Franciscan Village in October. A photo collage featuring the works of noted Toledo-Area Nature Photographer Jim Hagan will accompany the musical performance. Karen T. Biscay, Music Department Chair, conducts the choirs and Olga Topuzova-Meade is Choral Accompanist.

Free and open to the public.
A reception follows at 6 p.m.

For more information please contact Karen T. Biscay, Director of Choirs and Music Department Chair, at 419-824-3772 or email kbiscay@lourdes.edu. Please visit Lourdes Department of Music website at www.lourdes.edu/music