The 33^rd annual Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) District V conference was held in Chicago, Illinois, December 9 through December 11.  The conference concluded with The Pride of CASE Awards which honors institutions and individuals who demonstrate outstanding achievement in the concept and execution of advancement programs and communications.  Lourdes College received the Bronze Award for “Best Institutional Website”, which recognizes outstanding work on an overall institutional website.  Entries were judged on completeness of available information, ease of navigation, technical competence, overall creativity and innovation and impact on communications and marketing of the institution.       

The current site was launched in October 2006 after a thorough discovery phase in June 2006 with local web developer, Thread Information Design.  Liz Boltz, Web Content Administrator for Lourdes College, worked with Thread to create a robust online communications tool that will enhance visitor’s experience of Lourdes and provide guidance and support to the College’s students, alumni, faculty and staff.  “The new website maintains a consistent look and feel, and also includes a structured navigation system that allows visitors to find information more easily” explains Mrs. Boltz.     

Thursday, December 13, 2007 11:45:02 AM (Atlantic Standard Time, UTC-04:00)    Comments [0] | 

Judi Nath, Professor of Biology and Health Sciences at Lourdes College, recently served as the co-author for Fundamentals of Anatomy & Physiology, 8th Edition, with Frederic (“Ric”) H. Martini, author of this best-selling textbook series. The textbook, published by the Benjamin-Cummings Publishing Company, will be available for purchase in January 2008.  

The 8th edition of Fundamentals of Anatomy & Physiology has been noted as one of the most reader-focused and easiest to use in the series. Reader-focused elements include the new chapter-opening “Learning Outcomes,” developed from the ongoing work of the Human Anatomy and Physiology Society (HAPS) Curriculum Committee of which co-author Nath has been deeply involved.

Fundamentals of Anatomy & Physiology is the second textbook Nath has written in two years. Her previous text, Using Medical Terminology: A Practical Approach, was published by Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. Of her experience writing Fundamentals, Nath comments “Working with Ric Martini on such a prestigious publication has been both challenging and rewarding. Going into the project, I anticipated the inordinate time demands; however, I did not fully appreciate its scope within the academic arena until I started receiving e-mail messages spanning the world from professors, researchers and even a Nobel laureate who offered suggestions for improvement as well as kudos for writing such a comprehensive undergraduate textbook. I look forward to decades of future editions.”

Thursday, December 13, 2007 11:42:51 AM (Atlantic Standard Time, UTC-04:00)    Comments [0] | 

On November 14, the Department of College Relations at Lourdes was recognized for their outstanding work at the 2007 Crystal Awards, presented by the Association for Women in Communications Toledo Chapter. Lourdes received two Crystal awards and three Merit awards for various communications projects.

Helene Sheets, Director of College Relations, was presented with the Crystal award for Lourdes’ “Discover Your Place” mixed media campaign. The project team included Liz Boltz, Assistant Director of College Relations; Heather Hoffman, Media Coordinator/Writer; Carla Leow, Publications Coordinator; Carla Woodell, Publications Coordinator; and Thread Information Design. The campaign included television and radio spots, billboards, print and bus advertisements and various publications with the Discover Your Place theme.

Carla Woodell received a Crystal award for her invitation and program design for the Lourdes “Luminations 2007” fundraising event. Project team members included Andi Kurtz, Advancement Services Specialist; Aileen Meyer, Director of Development and Alumni Relations; and Helene Sheets.

During the event, Lourdes was also awarded three Merit awards. Carla Leow received a Merit award for the design of Lourdes’ “Discover Your Place” view book; Liz Boltz was awarded a Merit award for the Lourdes College website http://www.lourdes.edu/; and Thread Information Design received a Merit Award for the “LourdesWorld” billboard design.

The Crystal Awards were created in 1982 by the Toledo Professional Chapter of the Association of Women in Communications. Each year the Crystal Awards honor Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan’s communications professionals for excellence in a variety of formats including photography, design, advertising, public relations, and web design. 

Thursday, December 13, 2007 11:40:08 AM (Atlantic Standard Time, UTC-04:00)    Comments [0] | 

In November, Lourdes College and Owens Community College hosted a press conference to announce the Pathways to Completion program.

Pathways to Completion provides two paths for Owens students enrolled in business and teacher education majors to seamlessly transfer credits to Lourdes and earn a four year degree. The first traditional pathway provides Owens students with the opportunity to complete their Associate degree and then earn their Bachelor degree at Lourdes. The second pathway provides students with the ability to take courses at Owens and Lourdes that lead to a four year degree without having to earn an Associate degree.

Thursday, December 13, 2007 11:38:24 AM (Atlantic Standard Time, UTC-04:00)    Comments [0] | 

In December, the Lourdes School of Nursing hosted an open house at The Toledo Hospital for those interested in registering for the College’s new off site R.N. to B.S.N. program. Over 35 prospective students attended the open house.

As a result of a grant from the Ohio Board of Nursing’s Nurse Education Grant Program (NEGP) and a partnership with ProMedica Health System, Lourdes is offering nursing courses at The Toledo Hospital in order to meet the increased demand for such programming in the community. The program is designed specifically for nurses working within the ProMedica Health System, but is open to all nurses in the area.

“One surprise from the evening was that very few of the nurses who attended the open house knew that we were offering nursing classes at The Toledo Hospital; most of the nurses came based on the strength of our program and recommendations they had received from fellow nurses who have attended Lourdes College,” noted Dr. Cheryl Schriner, Dean of the School of Nursing. “It was an additional ‘bonus’ to everyone that many of Lourdes’ nursing classes would be available at the hospital and at the main campus.”

For more information about the R.N. to B.S.N. program, please contact Dr. Judy Didion, Associate Chair of Curriculum for the School of Nursing, at 419-517-8905 or email jdidion@lourdes.edu. 

The Ohio Board of Nursing’s NEGP seeks to address the nursing shortage within the State of Ohio by supporting nurse education programs which aim to increase enrollment capacity of nursing students and nursing educators.

Thursday, December 13, 2007 11:22:59 AM (Atlantic Standard Time, UTC-04:00)    Comments [0] | 

As I sit in my living room putting the final touches on my portion of our group project for International Business, I start to think about my college career in its entirety. 

I feel like the faculty is doing a fantastic job at preparing me for the "real world".  With each class, I feel more and more confident that I will be successful when I graduate from college and venture out into the job market.  I have found myself starting to think like a business major.  I know that sounds weird, but hear me out. 

I never read the Wall Street Journal before; now I read it three of four times a week.  My home page on my laptop and PC used to be Yahoo!; now my homepage is MSN Business.  Most of my RSS feeds were to blogs of various people on various topics.  I now have RSS feeds and alerts set up for US business news, world business news, and economic news.  Instead of idly standing by as my customers at work talk about economics and marketing, I am able to not only understand what they are talking about, but intelligently participate in the conversations.  I actually ordered Alan Greenspan's book "The Age of Turbulence".  I haven't read it yet.  I am starting on it this weekend once classes are over.

I came into Lourdes College with no idea with what I wanted to be when I grew up.  Don't misunderstand me.  From when I was 5 until around 9 years old, I wanted to be an archaeologist.  From then on until my junior year in high school, I wanted to be an astronomer.  I planned on going to college to study astronomy.  During my senior year, I got involved in my writing and artwork. 

Now I was confused.  I needed to commit myself to an area of study.  I put off going to college because I had no idea what I wanted to do.  I knew that if I didn't start, I might never go, so I enrolled at Lourdes to study business.

I figured that business is far-reaching into everything, so that once I did decide, I would be able to apply what I knew into an area that I was interested in.  I feel like I'm being pulled towards marketing and economics, but I still have no idea what I want to do.  I don't know if I want to go on for my masters, and if I do, for what.  I don't know if I want to look for work in a specific field.  I've only got a year left. 

Well, I guess I shelf it again for the time being, and concentrate on getting my work done.

Wednesday, December 12, 2007 1:58:34 PM (Atlantic Standard Time, UTC-04:00)    Comments [0] | 

Hey there fello students and TRiO members.

It is official exam week is upon us.  The begining of our craziest most stressful week of the semester.

Have no fear, the official TRiO Stress Kits are ready and waiting for you to come pick them up.  Stop by TRiO any time starting Monday (duh) and pick up your official stress kit from Kim, Teddi, Janet or Christine.  I have a feeling there might be chocolate involved, but of course its just a feeling.

If you havent checked the TRiO events board lately its not to late to sign up for one of the last great events of this semester.  On Friday, December 14th, we will be going to see the Lights Before Christmas at the Toledo Zoo.  Check the activities board for the exact time.  As a reminder this would be an excellent event to participate in if you havent fullfilled your 6 events requirement yet.

Good luck to everyone this week.  If you dont get to check the blog again because I know you will all be studying diligently for your exams, have a wonderful break, relax your mind, and prepare yourself for another outstanding semester this spring.

Michelle - TRiO Blogger

Saturday, December 08, 2007 1:34:46 AM (Atlantic Standard Time, UTC-04:00)    Comments [0] | 

Before my time at Lourdes College, I was a teacher for two years.  I always refer to it as a lifetime ago, which I know sounds crazy for someone who will be turning 30 in April (which I will save for another blog), but it really does feel like a lifetime ago.  I taught Calculus and Social Studies, and for those of you who have met me, most of you know my true passion (besides education and baseball) will always be in History.  I read History books, I watch the History channel, I subscribe to different Historical magazines.  And don't get me started talking about it, I won't shut up.  So when I came across this on Yahoo today, I had to share it with everyone.  I think it is so cool and I'm actually already planning my trip to Washington, DC.  And I'm sure after everyone sees this, they will too!  When I was little I actually wanted to be a cartographer.  I'm surprised I didn't get beat up.  Anyway, enjoy!

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20071203/ts_nm/usa_map_dc

Tuesday, December 04, 2007 11:33:53 PM (Atlantic Standard Time, UTC-04:00)    Comments [0] | 

So here it is the first official TRiO blog.  For those of you that have just started at Lourdes let me give you a little information about TRiO.  TRiO Student Support Services is a federally funded program, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Education, that identifies promising students and prepares them for college level work. TRiO specifically serves students who are first generation (one of your parents has not graduated from college), low-income, and/or disabled. Studies have shown that students are more likely to achieve academic success when provided additional support services.  The program provides information about career and financial aid opportunities, offers academic assistance such as tutoring, mentoring, and supplemental instruction, and provides the opportunity for cultural enrichment.

So that’s the official definition of TRiO so now look at it from a student perspective.

Why would you want to join TRiO:

• Individual academic tutoring – simply put this means tutoring from your fellow students that have taken the classes you are taking now.  Tutors have been where you are now and are there to help you succeed.
• Personal and career counseling – Teddi Moorman is here to help you with confidential personal or career counseling. 
• Professional /educational workshops – There are numerous workshops ranging from time management, new technologies, APA/MLA format, Publisher, PowerPoint and many others.
• Priority registration for classes –Early registration, of course the sooner you register the sooner you get the bill, ha ha!
• Peer and professional mentoring – need someone to show you the ropes on campus, that’s what mentors are here to do.
• Lourdes College community interaction and involvement opportunities – Zeta Delta Chi & M3C, check them out.

TRiO Staff:

            Kim Grieve - What should I say about Kim?  Kim is the Director of TriO and dedicated to seeing all students achieve their personal goals.  Her hardworking attitude is as infectious as her smile and laughter making it impossible to slack off or be in a bad mood when she is around.

            Teddi Moorman – Teddi is the personal and career counselor for TRiO students.  She is there to listen when you need someone to talk to and helps you keep everything in perspective.  Teddi will always be honest with you while helping you to achieve your goals.  She has a pretty good laugh too.  Oh, and if you have little children especially babies bring them around because Teddi loves kids.

            Christine Miller – Christine is the Learning Enhancement Coordinator and Assistant Director of Disability Services.  She is responsible for way to much to list here, stop by and see her sometime and you'll see what I'm talking about.  She is always good for a laugh and just like Teddi will make sure you keep everything in perspective so that you can be successful in acheiving your goals.  will help you  What does that mean? 

            Janet Smith – Janet is the Administrative Assistant to Kim.  She is the contact person for students when they want to participate in events and then constantly runs around taking pictures of students at the activities.  She is there whenever you need help and always seems to have a special supply of chocolate just when you need it most.

            Stephanie Anderson - Stephanie is the official writing consultant and the newest member of the TRiO staff.  Stephanie is here to help you with all of the wonderful papers that you have to write each semester and is fantastic and helping boost your professional writing skills.  Watch for her to be walking around campus with an assistance dog she is currently training, Dieago.                            

So after reading all of this you want to join TRiO right.

You are eligible for the TRiO program if two of the following apply:

• You meet federal financial guidelines
• Neither of your parents graduated with a four-year degree
• You have a documented disability

If you do not meet the above criteria please feel free to stop by and speak with someone, you may qualify and not even know it!!!!

So, there is the official first TRiO blog.  Please check back as I will begin listing wonderful upcoming events on Lourdes World for TRiO members for the spring semester very soon... did I just write spring semester?  Where did the semester go?!?!

Tuesday, December 04, 2007 8:04:57 PM (Atlantic Standard Time, UTC-04:00)    Comments [2] | 

I am officially burnt out! 

There is no possible way I can make it another two weeks.

I am surprised that I can even form coherent sentences at this point.

I took the last six days off from work to completely dedicate myself to writing my internet marketing plan.  I spent an average of 10 hours a day for the last week writing this paper.  I already had all of the research and examples done - all I had to do was compose it.  Today, I spent 16 hours finishing it.

But I still can't rest yet!  Before 3:00 tomorrow, I have to compose my Power Point presentation for the 36 page internet marketing plan on Apple's iPod touch.  I have to write a couple of journal entries for my interpersonal communications class.  I also have to write the agenda for the Prism meetings. 

Ewwww.

Next week I have a group presentation in International Business.  I'm not too worried about that - I had the best group of my college career!  I do have a final in Interpersonal Communications that I am not too thrilled about.

Anyways - for those of you who want to punish yourself, or are looking to cure insomnia, here is the final result of my internet marketing plan.

Sheena Kadi.doc (570 KB)

Monday, December 03, 2007 1:08:52 AM (Atlantic Standard Time, UTC-04:00)    Comments [2] | 

In my internship position at Lourdes with College Relations, I was given the opportunity to write the press release for the performance of Nadine Zahr.  When writing the press release, I did a little bit of research about her as to what I was going to include in the press release.  I "googled" her name and then clicked on her direct website.  I then listened to her music as soon as the web page was linked.  It sounded so wonderful and I was like, "I have to see her in concert when she comes to campus no matter what."  So, I made sure to request off of work, so that I could attend.

The concert was in the student lounge of SFH.  I arrived early and Nadine was chatting with the students who were also there.  She was listening to some great warm up music and basically hanging out with us before hand.  The concert started and I was so ecstatic!  The first song proved just how great she really is.  She spoke before each song that she played and explained to us exactly why she wrote this song and what triggered her to write the song.  She was so funny and down to earth.  She played for an hour and a half and I was the highlight of my week and a great way to top off my month!  I purchased her debut cd that she was selling after the show for only $10 and it was so worth.  I think I have played it so much my computer is going to break down and my family is going to kick me out for having a couple of songs on repeat for like an hour!

I hope that everyone who attended this free event had as great of a time as I did.  I wish more students would have attended this great concert event because it is all about getting involved on campus, meeting new people and experiencing great acts of talent.

http://www.nadinezahr.com/

Monday, December 03, 2007 12:43:12 AM (Atlantic Standard Time, UTC-04:00)    Comments [1] |