Press Releases - Lourdes University

Faith Talks lectures explores female Catholic & Islamic leaders

hhoffman — Tue, 22 Jan 2013 10:00:00 GMT

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

Catholic Perspective:

Phyllis H. Kaminski, Ph.D., is a Professor of the Theological Department at Saint Mary’s College in Notre Dame, IN and is also a well-known author of several articles and publications, including “What the Daughter Knows: Re-thinking Women’s Religious Experience with and against Luce Irigaray” in Encountering Transcendence: Contributions to a Theology of Christian Religious Experience. She holds membership in the American Academy of Religion, and the Catholic Theology Society of America.

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.

Islamic Perspective:

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.

Have a Heart Restock Drive begins February 4

hhoffman — Tue, 15 Jan 2013 10:00:00 GMT

The Sylvania Franciscan Village (SFV) is pleased to announce thesecond 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.

Lifelong Learning receives memorial gift from Mobile Meals

hhoffman — Tue, 08 Jan 2013 10:00:00 GMT

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.

“Jack Treuhaft delivered Mobile Meals for the last 29 years of his life,” explains Mobile Meals Executive Director Maureen Stevens. “An incessant learner, his education was interrupted by World War II when he left college for active duty overseas. He later went back to school to earn his degree, and emphasized the importance of a college education to his children. Lourdes’ Lifelong Learning program was the perfect fit to pay tribute to Mr. Truehaft’s love of learning.”

“We’re honored to be the benefactor of a gift honoring a community volunteer who demonstrated such a commitment to lifelong learning,” says Mary Arquette, Vice President for Institutional Advancement. “This special gift represents the strengthening of a long-standing relationship between Mobile Meals and Lourdes.” For more than 5 years, the Lourdes’ community has delivered meals to Mobile Meals clients on the 1st, 3rd, and 5th Tuesdays of the month.

Funding from the Mobile Meals memorial gift will support future Lifelong Learning programming and as part of the partnership, Lourdes will waive the annual membership fee for all Mobile Meals volunteers and their spouses over the next four years.

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.

Lourdes University and The University of Toledo announce national art contest

hhoffman — Mon, 07 Jan 2013 10:00:00 GMT

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

This spring, Lourdes University and The University of Toledo are partnering to present the Fourth National Restorative Justice Conference. The conference will be held at the Hilton Hotel at the UT Medical Center, June 19-21 and will bring nearly 500 leading international academics, practitioners, and activists in the fields of restorative and racial justice together as they focus on “Keeping It Real – Race & Restorative Justice.”

A new component of the national conference in 2013 is the “Justice Through Our Eyes” art program. Designed to capture the essence and soul of justice in its truest form through the eyes of our youth, the program is calling for students – either in K to 8th grade, or High School through Higher Education to create a work of art that answers the question: “What does justice mean to me?”

Entries will be accepted now through March 15. Students may create the artwork using the medium of their choice and can upload jpegs or gifs of the artwork at www.lourdes.edu/restorativejustice. There is no fee to enter and students may enter as many times as they wish. The program is open to students worldwide.

All artists’ submissions will be included in the 2013 Fourth National Restorative Justice Conference program booklet. One winning entry from each category – “K to 8th grade” and “High School through Higher Education” will be chosen by a select panel of art and social justice professionals.

The two winning student artists will receive a $500 Visa gift card that can be used for art supplies for the student and his/her classmates, and will be acknowledged during the conference’s opening session. The winning entries will also be posted at www.restorativejusticenow.org and appear on billboards in and around the Toledo, OH area courtesy of Lamar Advertising Company.

“We are excited to add this component to the national conference and look forward to viewing and sharing the views of our youth, as expressed through their artwork,” notes Morris Jenkins, Ph.D., J.D., Chair of the conference and Chair of the Department of Criminal Justice & Social Work at The University of Toledo.

For more information on the “Justice Through Our Eyes” art program or the Fourth National Restorative Justice Conference, contact Co-Chair Gina Paris, Adjunct Sociology Professor and Diversity Trainer, at 419-277-0568 or restorativejusticetoledo@gmail.com.

The University of Toledo is one of 14 state universities in Ohio. Established in 1872, the institution became a member of the state university system in 1967. The University of Toledo and the Medical University of Ohio merged in July 2006 to form the third-largest public university operating budget in the state. The University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. For more information visit www. utoledo.edu or call 800-586-5336.

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 800-878-3210.

6th Annual W.A.V.E. Festival calling for artist submissions

hhoffman — Tue, 18 Dec 2012 10:00:00 GMT

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 / Siena Heights partner on service project in Jamaica

hhoffman — Wed, 16 May 2012 09:00:00 GMT

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.

Lourdes partners with Padua Center for Global Youth Service Day

hhoffman — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 09:00:00 GMT

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.

Established by the Catholic Diocese of Toledo in 2006, the Padua Center is a membership-based organization located in the rectory of the former Saint Anthony of Padua Church on Nebraska Avenue. The mission of Padua Center is to add a Christian community-based presence empowering people at all stages of life to achieve their maximum potential through education, counseling, support and community involvement. Visit the Padua Center online at http://www.paduacenter.org.

Lourdes makes President’s Community Service Honor Roll

hhoffman — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 09:00:00 GMT

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.

Lourdes to create an environmental education center

hhoffman — Tue, 06 Mar 2012 10:00:00 GMT

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.

“For many years, the Life Lab served as a valuable resource for area schools and organizations, however its programming was geared primarily toward the K-12 population,” shares Robert Helmer, PhD, JD, President. “Lourdes’ environmental education center will continue to serve K-12 students, while also offering new resources and programming for local organizations and families as well as for our biology, education and environmental science students. It’s truly a community-wide investment.”

The $37,000 facility transformation features new field equipment, a science lab and technology enhancements including 6 computers and SimBio and GIS software. The center will also feature new programs such as:

• Environmental Certification Program – Certification in environmental education for current teachers
• Family Science Night – Educational programs focused on living more environmentally friendly
• Science on Wheels - Pre-service teachers develop and teach innovative curriculum in the classrooms of practicing teachers in the community

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.”

Lourdes Habitat for Humanity team travels to Laredo, TX

hhoffman — Fri, 02 Mar 2012 10:00:00 GMT

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/.

W.A.V.E. Festival calling for art submissions

hhoffman — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 10:00:00 GMT

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.

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.

Sylvania Franciscan Village assists local pantries

hhoffman — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 10:00:00 GMT

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.