In a recent report conducted by the National Council on Teacher Quality (NTCQ), Lourdes College was among the top ranked colleges and universities across the nation whose elementary education program scored a passing grade.

NTCQ’s report, No Common Denominator: the Preparation of Elementary Teachers in Mathematics by America’s Education Schools, examined 77 elementary education programs in 49 states. The report graded the quality of teacher education programs in mathematics based on “relevance” (the extent to which courses were relevant to what candidates would be teaching in their field), “breadth” (the degree to which topics are covered), and “depth” (the amount of time allotted to each topic). Out of the 77 programs examined, only ten programs including Lourdes College’s met all three of the above criteria.

“Lourdes College prides itself on an Education Department comprised of dedicated faculty and staff who foster excellence in the both the classroom and in practicum and who act as a community of learning, reverence and service,” says Dr. Janet Robinson, Vice President for Academic Affairs.

“It is a great honor for our program to be recognized for it’s excellence in preparing our students to teach mathematics,” notes Dr. Michael Smith, Dean of the School of Professional Studies and Chairperson of the Department of Education. “It acknowledges the efforts of our outstanding faculty, including our colleagues in the Math Department, for their commitment to preparing our future teachers with the knowledge, skills, and dispositions to be effective teachers.”

The National Council on Teacher Quality advocates for reforms in a broad range of teacher policies at the federal, state and local levels in order to increase the number of effective teachers nationwide.

Tuesday, July 15, 2008 2:08:33 PM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00)    Comments [0] | 

Lourdes College's Lifelong Learning (LCLL) program is hosting an exciting Roadrunner outing this summer. On Tuesday, July 29, guests will get an up-close look at various wildlife and ecosystems during LCLL’s “Naturally Connected” Roadrunner.

Participants will meet in the Lourdes College Life Lab at 10 a.m. where they will explore the interactive plant and animal laboratory and learn about the ecosystems inhabited by exotic birds, fresh and saltwater fish, frogs, turtles and more. Linda Penn, Program Coordinator for the Life Lab, and Marge Malinowski, Living Display/Animal Care Specialist will serve as guides. 

After touring the Life Lab, guests will travel by mini-bus to Whitehouse for lunch at the Whitehouse Inn. The Roadrunner will conclude with a tour of the popular Butterfly House.

The cost for this Roadrunner is $39 per person and does not include lunch at the Whitehouse Inn. For further information or to register, contact Gloria Burke, Director of Lifelong Learning, at 419-824-3707.                    

Tuesday, July 15, 2008 2:01:21 PM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00)    Comments [0] | 

Attention Students: Business Students

Company Description:  

Job Title:  Business Development Specialist

• Assists and supports the Account Executive in supplying various business development services to our clients.  This position includes organizing, planning and communicating our clients’ value propositions to target buyers; learning about and reporting on buying systems and influences.

Job Description: Principal Duties and Responsibilities

1.       Works closely with the Account Executives in formulating and implementing the business growth projects for our clients.

2.       Plans, organizes and implements market research projects on behalf of our clients.

3.      Produces high-quality touch points through phone conversations and written documents with various clients’ targets. 

4.      Plans work activities related to each client project; completing specific projects and duties to support our clients with minimum delay, efficiency and accuracy.

5.       Contributes to and/or reviews client reports that record status of recent activities and determines status of ongoing project work.

6.       Informs Senior Account Executives and/or an Account Executive of issues that affect the quality of our service and/or client satisfaction.

7.       Participates in coordination and sales meetings that disseminate pertinent information, regularly reviewing and previewing business growth project status for each client.

8.      Participates in and shares responsibility for the company’s ongoing strategic improvement.

9.       Coordinates and manages projects, as assigned.

10.  Performs related duties as assigned or as the situation dictates.

Qualifications: Required Knowledge, Abilities and Skills

1.      Knowledge of general operational processes, policies and procedures.

2.       Knowledge of business development techniques, while continuing to develop skills in the field.

3.      Ability to work well with all personality types, seeking out and finding what will motivate them to enter successful client relationships (internal and external).

4.       Ability to take and give direction that will advance the efforts of COACT.

5.       Possesses planning, organizing and project management skills with an attention to detail, quality, and budget.

6.       Possesses a strong ability to adapt to different client needs, learn the various products and services of clients and communicate that message to buying targets.

7.      Skills in analyzing data and preparing reports or recommendations.

8.       High-level of communication skills with various levels of partners and personnel, exercising the appropriate level of professional discretion.

9.       Knowledge of general computer hardware and software tools, including internet navigation and Microsoft products.

10.  Ability to multi-task and adapt to changes.

Education and Experience Requirements:

This position requires 2 years previous sales experience.  A bachelor degree in business administration or sales and marketing is preferred. 

Application Method:

Application Deadline:

Contact Person Information:

Work Orientation Factors:

This position may require limited travel. 

RESUMES MAY BE EMAILED TO  CSCOTT@TEAMCOACT.COM

Tuesday, July 15, 2008 8:05:42 AM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00)    Comments [0] | 

Well, we're here in Assisi! It's difficult to know where to begin. The pace has slowed down quite a bit as we have more time to wander, to get to know the place, and to reflect on all that this town is and means to us.

Just spending time in the town square, listening to the variety of languages, seeing tourists and families wander the area, meet friends, and celebrate life...it's a whole different world. Of course, the others in the group have FORCED me to go out for gelato on several occasions (I highly recommend the peach and the lemon).

We've climbed to the top of the Rocca Maggiore and remembered the battle that took place between the middle class and the nobles of Assisi. We've joined the Poor Clares for vespers at the Basilica of St. Clare (my Italian is coming back slowly!). We've visited the church that now stands on the site of the property owned by Francis's father. This IS a small town and it's easy to imagine how word of Francis's actions would have traveled from one end to the other in less than an hour.

This morning we went to San Damiano. From that vantage point we could see Rivo Torto (where Francis gathered with the early brothers) and the Porziuncula (the 'home base') as well as the area where Francis would have ministered to the lepers. All those stories on paper come to life in this small town. The walk DOWN to San Damiano was gorgeous...of course that meant that we would have to walk UP on the way back. Am getting used to the pace, though.

And a photo of the piazza!

Monday, July 14, 2008 10:40:28 AM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00)    Comments [3] | 

Well, we've finally arrived in Assisi. After the hustle and bustle of Rome we spent much of this past week in the Rieti Valley (away from internet access). Rieti is one of those areas where Francis found spots for quiet and solitude...at the tops of mountains and in tiny caves. It took a bit of huffing and puffing but I made it to the top of Poggio Bustone...a spot where Francis went to find peace and the assurance of God's love and concern.

This too is the home of Greccio, where Francis celebrated that memorable Christmas Eve...calling the people to gather, to celebrate, and to remember the wonder of God's love. The day ended with a wonderful celebration of Christmas. The Missionaries of the Sacred Heart (who run the retreat house where we stayed) couldn't quite understand why we were celebrating Christmas in July...but they joined in the spirit and sang some Italian Christmas carols for us.

One of the 'newest' highlights, though, was at La Foresta...yes, there is an ancient cave where Francis spent time in solitude and prayer...but there is also a strong reminder of the Franciscan presence here today. Several years back a friar became aware of the growing number of young men who were not 'well connected' with society. As a result, they turned to drugs, alcohol, and a host of other destructive behaviors. Here he started a community called Mondo X. This is a self-sufficient community of young men who come to learn how to deal with the world in healthy ways -- they refer to themselves as 'communities of Life'. Some stay for three years, some stay on longer and become the 'directors' of the communities. There is a strong sense of the power of community and the support that they give to one another. And they proudly shared with us the stories of Francis and the time he spent in this area.

...On to Assisi

Saturday, July 12, 2008 8:14:53 AM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00)    Comments [0] | 

Attention Students:

Company Description:  MICHIGAN CAMPUS COMPACT/VOLUNTEER CENTERS OF MICHIGAN

Job Title:  Program Manager AmeriCorps*VISTA

Job Description:

·          Manage, coordinate and report on two AmeriCorps*VISTA programs in Michigan, with between 20-30 members.

·          Coordinate competitive grant processes.

·          Run a recruitment campaign for members.

·          Conduct site visits to campuses and Volunteer centers.

·          Support campuses and volunteer centers in applying for, hiring and placing members.

·          Coordinate and run trainings and gatherings for VISTA members and onsite supervisors, both in state and out of state.

·          Work closely with the Michigan office for the Corporation for National and Community Service.

·          Provide oversight and guidance to the VISTA Leader.

·          Collect and gather data and stories on these programs to inform and highlight the program.

·          Assist in coordinating alumni efforts for the AmeriCorps*VISTA program.

·          Respond to questions from members and constituents regarding the program.

·          Contribute to other areas and partners within MCC, VCM and MNA, including assisting in affiliate’s events and program assistance as assigned.

·          Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Application Method:

Application Deadline:

Contact Person Information:

Ryan Fewins

mailto:rfewins@micampuscompact.org

Wednesday, July 09, 2008 12:23:26 PM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00)    Comments [0] | 

I must confess - I never would have thought of an excursion to the town where Thomas of Celano lived much of his life and eventually was buried. But now that we're here, it's clearly an integral part of the journey. The home of Francis's first biographer - a man willing to but his talents at the service of the Order (and willing to subject himself to hundreds of amateur critics!) to let the life and light of Francis - and his passionate desire to follow in the footsteps of Jesus - inspire others as well. Centuries later, this quaint little town still looks the same in many ways and has as its 'claim to fame' the body of this humble writer. It makes one wonder...whose story do I tell? What message do I keep alive?

Sunday, July 06, 2008 6:10:48 AM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00)    Comments [1] | 

These first few days have been 'foundation days'. We missed the day at St. Peter's. Francis had stopped here & exchanged clothes with a beggar -- he wanted to get a better understanding of what it meant to be at the bottom of the pile and at the mercy of others. Of course, the buildings weren't the same back then, but the 'spirit of place' certainly had to be here. Wherever you go, there are sounds of people, of families, of life! Francis must have reveled in it.

The next day -- a visit to St. John Lateran and remembering Francis's first visit to Innocent III. Again he came as a 'beggar', but this time asking for the Church's verbal blessings on his proposed way of life. Years later he returned to receive the official approval for his written rule -- a very different Francis now. He was just as passionate but he carried a few more 'battle scars'. He had spent years walking that fine balance in life of being true to the vision and the dream while trying to live it WITH others (who of course had their own visions and dreams!). He could have gone charging off on his own, but then we probably would not be remembering him today.

Saturday, July 05, 2008 6:10:05 AM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00)    Comments [0] | 

Knowing that Francis enjoyed being among the people - it seemed appropriate that we check out a 'marketplace' experience. After much walking, a few tram and train rides, and a bus ride, we finally made it to our destination: Navy Pier.

No, you're not crazy. We had a bit of a detour on our trip. Bad weather forced the cancellation of our flight to Chicago...so the plane for Europe left without Sr. Valerie & me. We spent the night in Romulus, MI. (Romulus...Rome...at least there was SOME connection!) Left for Chicago at 7 am and spent some time on Lake Michigan instead of Lake Trasimeno. 24 hours later than planned, we were on our way...safe and sound. Despite the delays, we were grateful for all the helpful people along the way...and the safety of our journey thus far.

More to follow...from the 'real' pilgrimage sites!

Friday, July 04, 2008 6:09:17 AM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00)    Comments [0] |