January 2, 2015 Two Construction Projects on Campus Well Underway (The Observer) This fall, construction continues on the Patricia Wiedner Purcell Athletic Fields and Science Hall at Saint Mary’s. According to the College’s website, both projects are funded through the completed $105 million Faith Always, Action Now campaign. According to the Saint Mary’s Facebook page, Patricia Wiedner Purcell and her husband Paul are significant benefactors of the new athletic complex. Purcell is a 1969 Saint Mary’s graduate and a member of the Board of Trustees. January 2, 2015 Another SPARK Entrepreneurship Success Story (South Bend Tribune) Jennifer Long knew how to run a daycare, but she enrolled in SPARK at Saint Mary's to learn how to run it as a business. Long got so much out of the entrepreneurship training program that she now has three daycares in just three years. It's an example of how the College's Women's Entrepreneurship Initiative can help South Bend women make their business ideas SPARK into something that creates jobs in Michiana. January 2, 2015 Belles, Team Recognized for Academic Excellence SKILLMAN, N.J. - The Saint Mary's tennis team and six of its members were honored by the Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) for their academic accomplishments this past year. January 2, 2015 "Voices of Young Catholic Women" Marks 30th Anniversary of Madeleva Le... An April 16 evening program at Saint Mary’s College focused on the “Voices of Young Catholic Women” project conducted by college staff and students. That project gathered input from young Catholic women to tell Pope Francis about their love for the Church and their ideas for evangelizing other young women. January 2, 2015 Belles Outlast Crusaders in Season Finale NOTRE DAME, Ind. - The Saint Mary's lacrosse team capped of their 2015 season with a tight 8-6 win over the University of Dallas on Saturday afternoon. January 2, 2015 Economics Professor Expects Moderate Spending for Valentine's Day (WND... Cupid's arrow is corralling Americans to shell out $19 billion on Valentine's Day gifts. According to the National Retail Federation (NRF), jewelry sales are reported to be nearly $5 billion; shoppers will indulge in $1.7 billion in candy. Overall, data from a recent NRF survey suggests current Valentine's Day spending will top 2014, although a local economist is unsure the forecast will match actual sales. "Sometimes, consumers will say one thing and do something else," said Richard Measell, assistant professor of economics. "Economists are reluctant to rely too much on what people will say they do. It's more important to see what they actually will do." January 2, 2015 Junior, Haleigh Ehmsen ’16, Honored with Saint Catherine Medal Haleigh Ehmsen ’16, a communication studies and English writing and literature double major from Mount Vernon, Iowa, thought she was attending Honors Convocation on Sunday, May 3 to write a story for the alumnae magazine, The Courier. She had no idea that the occasion, which is an honors assembly for seniors and faculty, would also celebrate her contributions to the College. January 2, 2015 Beeler Earns Division III USTFCCCA All-Academic Honor NEW ORLEANS, La. - Saint Mary's sophomore cross country runner Brittany Beeler was one of 325 Division III women to earn U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country (USTFCCCA) All-Academic honors for the 2014 season. January 2, 2015 “The Second City” Troupe to Perform at Saint Mary’s and Work wit... The Saint Mary’s College Department of Communication Studies, Dance and Theatre will welcome The Second City improvisational troupe to campus as this academic year’s Margaret M. Hill Endowed Visiting Artists. “An Evening with The Second City” will take place on Monday, April 27 at 7:30 p.m. in O’Laughlin Auditorium. The Second City is Chicago’s legendary sketch and improv comedy theater ensemble. The evening will feature the best sketches and songs from The Second City’s 55-year history made famous by superstars like Tina Fey, Stephen Colbert, Steve Carell, Gilda Radner, Bill Murray and more-- as well as their trademark improvisation.