Dec. 18 Safe Return news center update

Dear Saints Community,

I would first like to celebrate and congratulate you as we close out the fall semester and soon say goodbye to 2020! You have simply been remarkable in every way. I couldn’t be prouder of our entire community for working together this semester as conditions continued to evolve. You have all exemplified what it means to be Bold and Benedictine, striving for excellence in service to our students. I look forward to seeing what we accomplish in the spring semester! I have just a few updates for you today.

St. Paul Campus
Today is the last day of operations on our downtown St. Paul campus. Over the years we have taught hundreds of students at this location in our business and education programs. We are excited to see the enrollment growth in our MBA and Graduate Teaching Licensure programs with their transition to online formats from being campus-based. Also, the relocation of the Elementary Education completion program to Inver Hills Community College, joining our Bachelor of Social Work program there, is providing an opportunity for a seamless transition for students.

Thank you to St. Paul Campus Manager Teresa Ipina and Facilities Director Tom Brekke for their work to ensure a smooth transition from this location. And today we received confirmation from the Higher Learning Commission accepting the closure of this location.

Virtual Commencement reminder
Virtual Commencement will be held tomorrow at 12 p.m. Saturday, December 19. We will celebrate our Spring and Winter 2020 graduates with personalized slides during the ceremony.

Our commencement speaker is Marcy Steinke ’85, Principal at MRC Strategic Consulting and Advocacy, focusing on National Security, Space and AI/ML Information issues. She is a retired US Air Force Colonel and combat pilot with 25 years Department of Defense experience. Steinke also served both Presidents Bush and Obama as Director of White House Operations Directorate. Student Leadership Award recipient, Andrew Bailey ’20, will also provide remarks.

You will be able to watch the ceremony on the virtual commencement platform MarchingOrder.

Many thanks to Michele Runberg, Jeri Collier, Anna Abbott, Cari McMillan and all those behind the scenes that put together the virtual graduation event!

2021 holiday observances
We have some news to share regarding the holidays for 2021. We have added Juneteenth as a holiday for the College beginning this coming year. Juneteenth will be observed on Friday, June 18. This holiday is known as African American Freedom Day or Emancipation Day and we want to acknowledge this important day and encourage you to participate in activities in your communities.

Another important day to recognize is Monday, October 11, 2021 which is Indigenous Peoples’ Day. We will be open this day but plan to have special events for participation by students, faculty and staff.

The holiday schedule will be posted on COR this afternoon. Big shout out to our HR team for putting the schedule together!

Flu Shots available
If you have not done so already, it is not too late to get your flu shot. To schedule an appointment contact Student Health Service from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. by calling (218)723-6282. They are located on the ground floor of Somers Hall in room 42. Flu shots are free to all students with any form of health insurance. Employees with St. Scholastica health insurance can also receive a flu shot for free, however a fee will apply to employees with non-St. Scholastica health insurance. Proof of insurance is required for all services.

In the news
Evan Tyler, an Assistant Professor of Physics was featured in a story on KBJR yesterday about the meteor sighting just outside of Duluth. Way to go Evan!

I wish you all a very blessed Christmas and holiday season ahead; let’s be sure to take time to renew and relax! My deepest gratitude for all you do for our students and our Saints’ community.

Many blessings and stay safe and well!

Barbara