Robin has joined the LourdesWorld Blog Center as a new alumni blogger!

Wednesday, August 01, 2007 4:49:15 PM (Atlantic Standard Time, UTC-04:00)    Comments [0] | 

Lourdes College 50th Anniversary year kicked off with much success! Recently, three departments at Lourdes have received important grant funding.

The Department of Theological Studies received an Ohio Learning Network grant which will be used to revise two traditional courses - Christian Ethics and Introduction to the New Testament -to technology enhanced courses. To read more visit: http://www.lourdes.edu/content/files/1382/PR_OLNGrant.pdf/

Theater Vision received an Ohio Arts Council grant. This grant will be used to provide dynamic curriculum-based theater arts education opportunities through Theater Vision at Lourdes. To learn more go to: http://www.lourdes.edu/content/files/1401/PR_OACGrant_07.pdf

The Department of Nursing received, for a second consecutive term, a Career Ladder grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Health and Resources Administration (HRSA). This 3 year grant will be used to help increase nursing enrollment at Lourdes, continue enhancements to the department, and to help improve the diversity of practicing nurses. For more information visit: http://www.lourdes.edu/content/files/1400/PR_HRSA_07.pdf

Wednesday, August 01, 2007 12:54:27 PM (Atlantic Standard Time, UTC-04:00)    Comments [0] | 

The Department of Art at Lourdes College will exhibit works of art in partial fulfillment of the Bachelor of Arts degree by Kelly Eridon, July 30 to August 14, 2007, at the Lourdes College Franciscan Center. An opening reception with the artist will be held on Saturday, August 4, from 5 to 8 p.m., in the Franciscan Center Boardroom. 

For more information visit: http://www.lourdes.edu/content/files/1415/PR_ArtExhibit07.pdf 

Wednesday, August 01, 2007 12:36:52 PM (Atlantic Standard Time, UTC-04:00)    Comments [0] | 

I have often used the phrase in the Office of Admissions, "I am not good with the words."  I have to admit, I am a terrible writer.  Every time someone asks me to write an article, newsletter, important email, etc., I pretend that I didn't hear them, that way I don't have to do it.  I have a hard time putting my thought down on paper (or blogs).  So when I was asked to blog, I was quite surprised, but excited.  I think blogging is going to be fun and I think being a recent college grad, I can relate to a lot of Lourdes students and what they are going through.  Trust me, I went through it too in college.  So if you can put up with my rants, my terrible misspellings, grammar, and a lot of digressing, you will enjoy my blog.  If there is anything you would like me to blog on, please leave a comment or email me at kreichert@lourdes.edu. 

Stay tuned and enjoy!

Wednesday, August 01, 2007 9:56:17 AM (Atlantic Standard Time, UTC-04:00)    Comments [0] | 

Okay.  Grades were posted today.

I have already vented to Jenna for the past 2 hours, and I just got off the phone with my mother.

I think I am in shock and incapable of processing the news.

I knew that I had in A in Consumer Behavior.  I was worried about the grade for my internship.  I was ready to accept an A- or even a B.  I was in no way prepared for the grade I was given.

If you have read my previous posts, you know that I strive for perfection.  I know that I did not write my final paper to the best of my abilities, but I still believed it was an average, college level paper.  However, I know that I did very well with the actual work that I performed for the internship itself.  This is how I rationalized a grade no lower than a B.

I had to prepare myself for the possibility of a B.  I have never in my entire life ever received anything less than an A for a final grade in a class.  I repeatedly had to assure myself that my world would not end, and my academic life would not come crashing down upon me if I received something less than perfect.  Meditation and visualization have kept me from stumbling into an anxiety attack over the past week. 

As I scroll down the webpage to view my grades, my breathing starts to accelerate.  I come down to Summer Semester 2007 and my eyes fall upon my grades.....

My brain does not register what my eyes are clearly viewing.  Then it sinks in.  My chest starts to hurt, my palms start to sweat, I start shaking, and my breathing becomes even more rapid.

A C+..........

What!?!

How did that happen?  I don't understand.  That means that my paper had to have been below average, and frankly, that is just not possible. 

Now I'm starting to get lightheaded. I need a cigarette.

Damn - I stopped smoking.

I might need to take a semester off to recover.  My 4.0 GPA of 3 years has now dropped to a 3.93.  I will never be able to recover that again. Ever. Nevermind - I might need two semesters to cope.

Tuesday, July 31, 2007 6:19:19 PM (Atlantic Standard Time, UTC-04:00)    Comments [2] | 

When I was in college, I always found it difficult to write the introduction to a paper…where on earth should I begin? Of course, this was before the days of word processors so you couldn’t just jump into the middle and worry about the intro later.

So while I’m waiting for some feedback from people (or for some inspiration), I suppose that I could introduce myself. I’m Sister Barb – a Sylvania Franciscan and the Campus Minister here at Lourdes College.

A funny thing happened on my way to becoming a Campus Minister…I started off as a math instructor (Ok…this is where you either cheer or make one of those ‘oh, yuck’ faces.) In fact, I was a math instructor long before I ever became a Sister of St. Francis (that’s right…I wasn’t born a Sister). But life takes a few unexpected turns here and there, and God is full of surprises.

Probably one of the most difficult parts about leaving the classroom and becoming a campus minister is that I actually see FEWER students. Think about it, when I was in a classroom I had a captive audience several days each week…and the faces changed every semester! Now I have to go out in search of people. That’s a big change when you consider that a huge part of what we Franciscans are all about is building relationships. So now you know my challenge for the coming year...get to know more students!

Hopefully, this blog will give more people a chance to hear about all of the opportunities that are available to Lourdes students through campus ministry. Join the conversation!

Enough for now…and in the spirit of Francis of Assisi, I wish you pax et bonum, pace e bene, peace and all good!

Tuesday, July 31, 2007 6:09:45 PM (Atlantic Standard Time, UTC-04:00)    Comments [1] | 

You missed out on tons of fun if you didn't go to the Alumni Social Sunday (July 29th)! It was my daughter's (Sheena) idea to get the tickets & participate in this event. I was worried that my guide dog, Iris, would be a bit stressed out over the whole ordeal. But, once she found out that she would get her picture taken & see friends, faculty, & staff from Lourdes she was one happy camper! Oh, I forgot! She wanted me to tell everyone that the food was just fabulous! Aarf!

I agree with Iris. It was wonderful to talk with faculty, staff, students, & alumni who I have haven't seen in a while. I fact, Iris assisted me with that very thing. She would notice someone that we knew, such as Sister Shannon & lead me to them to a short visit. What a pup!

It was such a joy to see everyone enjoying themselves! Sister Shannon did a wonderful rendition of the National Anthem. The kids were able to run the bases after the Mudhens won the game. There was even a boy out there running bases with his assistance dog. The fireworks display was fabulous; much better than I had expected.

I would encourage all Lourdes College alumni to go to these events. You'll have a good time, I promise!

Here's Muddy!

Muddy with my husband, Bill

Muddy cheering the crowd on!

My nephew, Keith

My soon to be sister-in-law, Inga

This is Iris. She didn't understand why she couldn't go on the field & chase after the ball with the guys. She also wanted to chase after a cat that wondered on to the field!

Tuesday, July 31, 2007 12:53:56 PM (Atlantic Standard Time, UTC-04:00)    Comments [3] | 

  So this is my first blog for Lourdes... I think. Technologically, I never advanced past the Commadore 64, so this may be interesting.

  I bought my books for fall today, and it didn't hurt too badly. I'm glad to see that most of my books appear fairly user friendly. I think it is just plain mean to make a Social Work student take anything other than Social Work classes, but my Anatomy book doesn't look too scary, so maybe I'll be OK. Time will tell. Eventually I will have to venture out into the world of mathematics <shudders>.

  Well, I'm going to push the button that sends this into cyberspace now, and see what happens. Wish me luck!

Monday, July 30, 2007 3:23:05 PM (Atlantic Standard Time, UTC-04:00)    Comments [1] | 

This is one of the things that I love about Lourdes College....the fun things that we get to do together!

THE FORMER PRESIDENT OF LOURDES COLLEGE ENJOYING THE GAME

Tonight was the Mud Hens game.  Students, alumni, faculty, staff, friends, and family of the Lourdes College community banded together and tackled Fifth Third Field.  With lots of food and great entertainment, it was a great way to spend the evening.

MY MOM AND DAD - BOTH ALUMNI, AND MY SOON-TO-BE AUNT INGA

CARRIE, JENNA, AND JOHN

We made a family outing out of it.  Myself and Jenna joined six family members and three friends down at the ballgame.  It's always great to spend time with faculty and fellow students outside of the classroom.

This was actually my very first baseball game.....ever!  I was raised on soccer, thanks to my grandfather, and was never really "introduced" to baseball.  I've watched plenty of games at my old high school, Springfield, but tonight was definitely a first for me.

President Helmer threw out the first pitch.  Sister Shannon sang the National Anthem.  Some guy - don't ask me who - broke the bat because he hit the ball with such force.  A white cat stole the show when he wiggled under the fence and ran out in the middle of left field.....I think it was left field......

ME AND KELLY - BOTH CURRENT STUDENTS

All in all, it was a great night - the Mud Hens even won the game!

Sunday, July 29, 2007 7:39:05 PM (Atlantic Standard Time, UTC-04:00)    Comments [0] | 

Hmmm....it looks like the system is displaying the incorrect time by one hour. It is 2:45am yet the post is labeled as 1:45am.

For a moment I thought I was more disoriented than normal :)

Friday, July 27, 2007 2:47:05 AM (Atlantic Standard Time, UTC-04:00)    Comments [0] | 

It was two years ago that my Dad asked the question "What is a blog?" I never imagined that I would be participating in this form of psychological exhibitionism. Despite the fact that I am a hardcore tech nerd, I have only read a few internet blogs. They appear to be a hybrid of personal diary and socio-political rants. Since I love to talk about myself and I really dig ranting....this should be fun.

I will be writing 99% of my entries in the middle of the night so it is only right and just that I label each entry with the current time. As I write this it is 2:35am...sitting at my desk in my office in Carmel Hall. Grab onto this mind picture, crazy professor hunched over at his computer, listening to Led Zeppelin in the deepest part of the night. This should clue you in to what will follow.

This is gonna be fun.....

Friday, July 27, 2007 2:44:05 AM (Atlantic Standard Time, UTC-04:00)    Comments [1] | 

With summer semester officially over, there is a different vibe around campus.  Students have submitted their final papers and suffered through final exams.  The stress level among students has significantly declined. 

I noticed this as I arrived on campus to run a few errands.  I went to grab my tickets for this Sunday's Mud Hens game for Lourdes College Alumni, and picked up the video camera so that I can shoot some footage of the game.  As I delivered some of the tickets to my friend Tim, I realized that I had not received my diploma yet.

Technically, I am both a current student and an alumni or Lourdes College.  I graduated in May with my AA in Business.  I always planned on going straight through onto my BA, but I just wanted that piece of paper symbolizing the two years of hard work that I have already put in towards my education.

Now - I'm waiting for that little piece of paper to come in the mail.  I have been waiting since May.  I do not understand why it takes two and a half months to receive this piece of paper.  According to my sources, they just received the diplomas on July 13.  They still have to wait for everyone to sign them and the Board to "okay" them.  I was under the impression that the Board "okayed" them during commencement when Helmer does his little speech about everyone completing the required work while everyone is standing up.

Anyways, so I am still waiting.  At least I have only been waiting two months.  One of my friends graduated last summer - she has been waiting over a year for her diploma!

I couldn't do that!  Which, brings me to another question.  Why do those that graduate in the Summer and Fall have to wait until Spring to graduate?  There are quite a few people graduating during the Summer and Fall semester this year, so the question looms - will there be a Winter graduation this year?

As a member of SGA, this is something that I have already brought up with the rest of the members.  I understand that it is a matter of justifying the expense of having two graduation ceremonies.  However, isn't it bad enough that some already have to wait close to a year to receive his or her diploma?  Why should a student have to wait 10 months to complete his or her dream of walking across the stage to symbolize the completion of a college education?

Surely there is something that can be done to rectify this situation.  I am confident that the college will come together to find a solution to this that will satisfy both the graduating students as well as the accountants! :)

Thursday, July 26, 2007 2:06:14 PM (Atlantic Standard Time, UTC-04:00)    Comments [2] | 

Hi Everyone!

Thanks for stopping by. This is the official blogspace for Media Relations at Lourdes College.

"Media Relations"...a term we hear often these days. What does this term mean to you? What are your thoughts about the media and what type of coverage would you like to see of Lourdes?                            

Is there something great about Lourdes that we should be highlighting to the public?

Well of course there is... Lourdes is a wonderful place!

Why not share it with the world...

Come on over! Submit your ideas and thoughts about Lourdes College with Media Relations...tell us what you think is great, and we might just share it so that the public can Discover Lourdes!

Thursday, July 26, 2007 1:29:34 PM (Atlantic Standard Time, UTC-04:00)    Comments [1] | 

I also went to get the new Harry Potter book, but I am a nerd and a HUGE fan...yes, sadly, at 28 years old, I get all of a dither when new Harry Potter movies or books are released. 

I saw the midnight premiere of the fifth movie and found it to be so stripped down that I was disappointed, the movie did not do the book justice.

I went to Borders for the midnight release of the final book, and oh my goodness it was pure madness.  People were out for blood!  I had a woman talk to me like I was five and I told her that I didn't appreciate it and she got all rude about it...there were some real oddballs characters as well, and this is besides the usual folks who insist on dressing like they are from the Ministry of Magic.  These are people who apparently have no lives and attach to the first person that will talk to them.  I had one such person trailing me through the store, peering at me like she was Mad-Eye Moody and that was quite uncomfortable.

My friends and I were in the third group to get the book--we had these special color-coded bracelets, and I think that by the scarcity of them they were worth galleons--people were all upset because they had not been able to receive one, and if they did, they were in the last color group, which meant they had to wait for nearly the whole city of Toledo to get their books first.

We actually made it out of there before 1am--minutes before 1am--and I was truly shocked.  It seemed like ages and ages that we waited in line until we finally made it to our pot of gold. 

I finished the book yesterday.  Over three days I read the entire 759 pages out loud to my fiancee (he's got a vision issue and he really liked the way I read) and ended up with a sore throat, but it was so worth it.  Who lives? Who dies?  Hallows or Horcruxes? 

You'll have to read it to find out!

Tuesday, July 24, 2007 1:01:10 PM (Atlantic Standard Time, UTC-04:00)    Comments [1] | 

....when it works!!!!

I'm visually impaired & rely heavily on adaptive techology for everything from mundane things such as paying bills to completing assignments & papers for Grad school. At the moment I just want to shoot my computer system & unplug from the rest of the world! Did you ever have one of those days where everything went wrong or wasn't working? I know you have!!!

My printer has died, my talking scientific calculator in on the fritz, & my accounting software has some bugs in it today. I need to finish a reserch paper; however, MSWord is acting up. I figured this as a sign that I should just unplug from everything & turn off any tech gaget that talks, buzzes, or rings.

We rely on techology for almost everything these days. This does make me wonder what we would do if all our technology just went on the fritz. I know we would probably be in the dark ages again. I wonder how we would handle it though. I for one would probalby use it has a time to pray & contemplate my relationship with the LORD while the rest of the world was in caos.

For now, I think I'll just turn everything off, relax, & smell the ......

Tuesday, July 24, 2007 10:13:21 AM (Atlantic Standard Time, UTC-04:00)    Comments [0] |