June 25 Safe Return update

Dear colleagues,

It’s hard to believe we are closing into the end of June already! I hope you are all enjoying the blessings of summer and have had time to relax after a very taxing year. The Fourth of July is around the corner, and as we pause to celebrate as a country, I will also be reflecting on the critical role our College plays in preparing our learners with the critical thinking skills and knowledge to be those civic leaders we need to ensure our democratic way of life. As our world becomes increasingly complex, it’s more important than ever to send forth our graduates with the values they will need to thrive and help shape the future. I am truly grateful for the work you do towards this end, it’s no easy task!

A few updates for you from the past two weeks:

COVID update

We continue to update our website with messaging for new and returning students that the College strongly recommends vaccinations. We are monitoring the COVID infection rates which continue to fall in our state. This past week the infection rate fell below 1% for the first time since April 2020. Having said that, we are all aware of the Delta variant and the fact that the “under 30’s” are lagging behind those eligible for vaccinations compared with other age groups. For more information, you can visit MHD’s regular updates on vaccinations.

The MPCC presidents meet regularly to discuss how different colleges are handling the vaccination requirements. Our SHS staff along with a smaller Saints Rise Up committee made up of VPs Ryan Sandefer, Steve Lyons, Diane Vertin, Safety and Security manager Mike Turner, Clinic Site Manager Christine Sandal and Associate Director of Communications Laura Johnson, meet weekly to discuss evolving updates and make any necessary changes to our current policies and guidelines. Feel free to reach out to any member of this group if you have questions or concerns.

I want to remind everyone that those who are not vaccinated should follow our COVID protocols for face coverings and social distancing for their safety and the safety of the community at large. Please keep in mind that others who are vaccinated may feel more comfortable continuing with our COVID protocols as well. We respect everyone’s individual decisions and ask that everyone uphold our Community Pledge to keep each other safe.

Athletics updates

This year, CSS athletics had 172 student-athletes named to the UMAC All-Academic Team which was the most honorees selected out of all UMAC institutions. Student-athletes earning a 3.5 or higher grade point average at the completion of their respective semesters of competition are recognized with this honor. The UMAC also recognizes the top team in each sport that records the overall best GPA for its respective semesters. CSS Softball, Men’s Track & Field, Women’s Track & Field and Volleyball recorded the highest GPA in their respective sport. For a full list of all honorees please click here: Academic All-UMAC Honorees.

The Women’s Soccer Team (9-0-0) finished their season ranked #15 in the nation which is their highest final ranking in program history.

Congratulations to Sister Beverly Raway!

Please join me in celebrating Sister Beverly Raway, Prioress of St. Scholastica Monastery. Sister Beverly was re-elected to a four-year term after a period of prayerful discernment. Congratulations, Sister Beverly! Be assured of our on-going prayers as you continue to lead the monastic Community.

NADOHE CDO Fellow

Please join me in congratulating Dr. Amy Bergstrom on her recent selection as a fellow by the National Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education (NADOHE). Amy is one of seven leaders nationwide who was accepted into NADOHE’s Chief Diversity Officer Fellows Program for the 2021-22 academic year.

CDOFP is a professional leadership program of mentorship for new and early career chief diversity officers. Fellowship participants receive mentoring from a senior-level chief diversity officer for guided professional development opportunities and support. Amy has been partnered with Dr. Elizabeth Ortiz, vice president of institutional diversity and equity at DePaul University in Chicago. You may see Dr. Ortiz accompanying Amy to meetings with members of our Cabinet, faculty and staff; please be sure to make her feel welcome!

Enjoy your weekend ahead. Blessings, be safe and be well!

Barbara