students

Therapy Dogs Reduce Finals' Stress

May 6, 2013 By Laura Lemire

Student William Endicott with three dogs at Saint Anselm College's Pet-a-Pooch

Some special guests visited campus last week thanks to three inventive students who organized the first ever "Pet-a-Pooch" to help Saint Anselm students de-stress during finals. Throughout the day, Thursday through Sunday, May 2 – 5, therapy dogs of all sizes and shapes stopped by with their owners in tow to hang out, play, and be held by eager students.

“I’m so happy people seem to be loving it,” said sophomore Meagan DiDonato who organized the program with fellow students Gianpaolo Rufo ’13 and Jon Wells ’15.

“It takes their mind off everything and they can relax. It is definitely a good study break.”

On Thursday, Diane from Paws for Friendship brought her three rescue dogs: Mojo, Sarah and Munchkin, a miniature pinscher, toy poodle, and toy Chihuahua respectively. On average 40 to 50 students at a time sat in the North Lounge in Cushing, patiently waiting their turn to hold the small dogs.

Somehow I was lucky enough to hold all three of them. It brightened up my whole week after being so totally drained from biology and french that day, it helped me unwind and relax," said freshman William Endicott.

The rest of the weekend delivered border collies, golden retrievers and Saint Bernards. Students came and went, taking study breaks or stopping-by after a final to pet the pooches.

Students from service societies Koinonia and Teddys staffed the event and the organizers hope these groups will take over organizing this event in the future, making it a tradition during finals.

Junior nursing major Molly McClintock stopped by Thursday afternoon and couldn’t get enough of little dog, Mojo. “It was good to have a brief time to get a little love and get back to work,” said McClintock.

She was only one of many who voiced their appreciation for the program and hoped they would see their furry friends again next semester.

Filed Under: Featured Campus News Tagged With: 2013, campus activities, dogs, finals, Pet-a-Pooch, Saint Anselm College, students, Traditions

Art Exhibition Showcases Anselmian Talent

April 16, 2013 By Meagan Cox '15

Five Saint Anselm students were recognized for their artistic talent in the Chapel Art Center's most recent exhibition, the 12th annual Juried Fine Arts Student Exhibition. The opening reception on Thursday, April 11, showcased 29 pieces by 14 students from ceramic sculptures and photographs, to watercolor paintings and charcoal drawings. The reception, which brought together faculty, staff, students, families and community members, was followed by an awards ceremony at 7 p.m.

The top award presented to a piece that reflects the "Portraits of Human Greatness," was given to fine arts major and senior Lauren Miller for her piece, "Born and Raised." First place went to Abigail Crane '15, a nursing major, for "Victory in Death," 2012, charcoal and white chalk on paper; second place to Laryssa Feliciano '13, communications major for "Winter Scene," 2010, gouache on paper; third place was awarded to Carlo D'Anselmi '13, classics major for "Self Portrait," 2012, oil on panel.

Other honorable mention awards were given to Laryssa Feliciano '13 for "The Dance Room," Jasna Numanovic '13, a communications major, "Girl with the Red Hat,"and Miller's "Self Portrait from Life."

The pieces in the student exhibition were selectively chosen due to their impressive quality and ability to complement one another in the showcase by juror Rane Hall, a director at the New Hampshire Institute of Art.

The exhibit displayed pieces that varied greatly in subject and technique, with paintings and drawings made of materials such as crayon, pen, watercolor, gouache, graphite, and chalk. The works of art focused on a variety of subjects, from self-portraits to winter scenes. In addition, two photographs and several sculptures were displayed including ceramic pieces and abstract pieces made of fabrics and household objects.

"I really appreciate the creativity and the quality of the work of the art students. It reflects the quality of education from the fine arts department and the school in general" said student-participant Dao Le '15, whose photograph, "Life's a Song" consisting of silver gelatin print, was on display.

Filed Under: Featured Campus News Tagged With: 2013, art, awards, Chapel Art Center, exhibition, fine arts, Saint Anselm College, students

Saint Anselm College Welcomes the Daughters of Isabella

March 26, 2013 By Meagan Cox '15

On Saturday, March 22, 2013, nearly 70 women from Saint Anselm College were inducted into the newly formed Saint Anselm College circle of the Daughters of Isabella. The group, which focuses on the teachings of the Catholic faith and the unity of the women involved, has brought together more than 60,000 women in Canada and the United States.

The 2013 class of Daughters of Isabella. Photo by Dao Le '15.

Founded in 1897, the group was started as a women's version of the Knights of Columbus and focuses primarily on unity, charity, and friendship. The group’s goal is to follow in the steps of their patroness, Queen Isabella of Castile, to assist in the promotion of the good of society by following the teachings of the Catholic tradition and taking part in acts that aid in the betterment of society.

As a new addition to campus, the induction of 66 women into the group was a first in the history of Saint Anselm College. The conferral, which included the group’s chaplain Father Anselm Smedile, O.S.B., and four international members of the Daughters of Isabella, took place in a private, spiritual ceremony in the lower Abbey Church. Following the private conferral was a public induction of the group’s officers, who were accompanied by Saint Anselm College's Knights of Columbus.

After Saturday’s conferral ceremony, the new circle of the Daughters of Isabella joined together to attend the Palm Sunday Mass in the Abbey Church, followed by a reception in Cushing’s North Lounge, and the group’s first official business meeting, where the group discussed what to look forward to as the group proceeds.

Due to the hard work and tremendous efforts of sophomore founder and regent, Molly White ’15 and the group’s advisor and treasurer, Director of Campus Ministry Sue Gabert '91, the weekend was a successful and rewarding one for all involved.

“I feel so blessed to be working with such an amazing group of energetic and dedicated women. These girls have come together in faith to serve our community. Based on the motto, 'Unity, Friendship, and Charity,' the Daughters of Isabella strive to foster communities where these three characteristics thrive, and I am so grateful to all 66 of these girls for coming together with their enthusiasm to move forward serving as a new family,” said White.

All of the new members of the Daughters of Isabella are greatly looking forward to a successful future at Saint Anselm College.

Filed Under: Featured Campus News Tagged With: 2013, activities, campus life, campus ministry, Catholic, clubs, Daughters of Isabella, Featured Campus News, Saint Anselm College, student life, students

Education Students Take Part in Mock Interviews

March 18, 2013 By Meagan Cox '15

Saint Anselm education student during mock interview with principal

On Monday, March 11, 2013, students in the field of education were receiving an education of their own as they took part in mock interviews with principals from around New Hampshire. The 12 seniors with elementary education majors or secondary education minors sat down with ten current and former school principals from the Manchester, Derry, Bedford, Londonderry and Merrimack school districts to discuss how the students should conduct themselves in future interviews.

In the 7^th annual event arranged by education department chair and professor Laura Wasielewski, the students were given the opportunity to network with men and women who could potentially be their future employers. During the event held at Joseph Hall, each student received direct feedback from five of the ten principals in attendance, including two Saint Anselm College alumni Ed Joyce and ’94 and Frank Hoell ’73, who instructed them on how to organize their résumés and cover letters, which gave the students the opportunity to see just what their employers would be looking for when they apply for jobs in the very near future.

Described as “A favorite event of the principal and the student,” which the principals often view as a “win, win situation,” Professor Wasielewski noted that it really helps the students make connections, which are essential to the “relational” field of education. In addition, some students were able to obtain substitute teaching positions by many of the principals in attendance.

“What is really affirming for me is that the principals speak very highly of the students’ preparation. They are strong in their content and pedagogy,” said Professor Wasielewski, who has been running this event since 2006.

However, it is not just the principals that speak highly of the event, as Lauren Ross '13 said, " I am very thankful that area principals took time out of their busy schedules to come in and meet with the senior education majors. The mock interviews provided me with an excellent insight on how the interview process works. It was a great experience which allowed me to start networking and get my name out there."

The event was a success for all in attendance, and as the seniors approach graduation, they are grateful for this experience which will be extremely beneficial to them in their search for employment.

Filed Under: Featured Campus News Tagged With: 2013, academic, education, mock interview, Saint Anselm College, students

Sophomore Nursing Students Begin Clinical Experience with Blessing

January 29, 2013 By Martha Horton '15

“You begin your clinical experience in a very Benedictine way,” said Fr. Anselm, O.S.B. on Friday night, Jan. 25 as he blessed the hands of 94 sophomore nursing students preparing for their first clinical experience in the coming weeks. The annual Blessing of the Hands ceremony in the Abbey Church is a meaningful step for students on their journey to becoming nurses.

Each member of the nursing class of 2015, sporting his or her new navy scrubs, approached nursing faculty where they were given their blessing while Fr. Anselm reminded students that God will guide them today and every day throughout their careers as nurses.

In his address to both students, faculty, and visiting parents and friends, Fr. Anselm reminded the group of the first words of the Rule of Saint Benedict.

“Listen to your heart,” he said, “St. Benedict said to be open, be receptive, and whenever you begin a good work, you must first begin with prayer.”

Students had mixed emotions about the start of their clinical experience, which begins the first week of February. Breanna Harper '15 described the experience as “both nervous and exciting,” she said, “working with real people will definitely take some getting used to.”

Matthew Zacchilli '15 admitted, “dealing with medicine is going to be a little scary, but I am definitely more excited than nervous.”

Brittany Taylor '15 said that the blessing made her “really nervous and excited because the blessing means that clinicals are getting closer,” but that she is totally okay with her uniform. “I love my scrubs, I want to wear them every day!” She said with enthusiasm.

The Blessing of Hands was followed by a reception in the lower church, full of families congratulating their sons and daughters and students wishing each other good luck with the start of their clinicals.

Anselmian Compassion in Action
Following the Blessing of the Hands ceremony on Friday, a sophomore student was distressed to learn that her parents, who flew in from California, had unfortunately missed the ceremony by an hour. In hearing the student's sad news, the nursing department faculty immediately returned to the upper church to reenact the ceremony for the student and her family including senior nursing student Lauren Boyce who re-read her speech.

"The faculty prayed over the student and, although quick, the moment was real and very moving," said nursing professor Caryn Sheehan.

"At that time, I was bursting with pride to know that I work with such kind and thoughtful nurses. Many people talk about caring and serving Christ, but these nurses (and one nurse-to-soon-be) actually acted with their hearts. I think that they really made a difference [tonight] and should be recognized," said Sheehan.

Filed Under: Featured Campus News Tagged With: 2013, blessing, church, nursing, Saint Anselm College, students

Senior Nursing Class Receives Saint Anselm College Nursing Pins

May 1, 2012 By Laura Lemire

On April 28, a beautiful spring Saturday in New Hampshire, 69 nursing students of the class of 2012 received their Saint Anselm College nurse’s pins. Joined by family and friends, the students wore their traditional nursing caps and celebrated the completion of a highly respected and rigorous nursing program in the Abbey Church.

The pin, featuring the college’s official seal and the symbol of a lamp, refer to Psalm 119:105, “Your word is a lamp of my steps and a light for my path.” It symbolizes our nurses’ preparedness to serve as compassionate caregivers. Sharon George, dean of nursing, with the help of Karen Grafton, the program coordinator, pinned each nursing major with the Saint Anselm pin to wear for the entirety of their career.

Following opening remarks by Dean George, student speaker Carly Staab described a particularly significant clinical shift and reminded her nursing class, “Embrace differences, learn from one another, and be kind to one another. Do not underestimate the effect of caring words, a genuine smile, or a reassuring touch.”

During the ceremony, student Kelly Lenehan received the Joanne K. Farley nursing award for best exemplifying the qualities of the nursing program’s former director of nursing. Fr. Augustine Kelly, O.S.B., dean of the college, blessed the pins. Fr. Anselm Smedile, O.S.B., was celebrant and Fr. Benedict Guevin, O.S.B., gave the homily. A reception in Cushing Center followed the mass.

In talking about the ceremony, Staabs says it was beautiful: “It is such an incredible tradition and I feel blessed to have been provided the opportunity to be a part of it.”

Filed Under: Campus News, Featured Campus News, Student News Tagged With: nursing, pinning ceremony, Saint Anselm College, seniors, students

Choir Updates from Concert Tour in Europe

February 29, 2012 By Laura Lemire

Sunday, March 4, Barcelona, Spain to Manchester, N.H.
After three nights in Barcelona we pack up in the morning and head for the airport to come home. The students arrived late on Thursday and got an orientation to the city from our tour guide Ciaran Moss. On Friday they had the entire day free to plan their own sightseeing and activities. Most took advantage of the day to sleep-in and then packed in as much adventure as they could. They shopped and ate along La Rambla, a mile-long pedestrian walkway through the heart of Barcelona lined with shops and cafes. They spent time down on the water admiring the Port of Barcelona (one of Europe’s largest) and looking at the beautiful Mediterranean Sea. Almost everyone visited both the Barcelona Cathedral as well as Gaudi’s famous Basilica Sagarada Familia (Church of the Holy Family). At night I am sure they explored the nightlife of Spain!

On Saturday we took an early tour of a Benedictine Monastery high atop the mountains just outside of Barcelona – Montserrat. Home to just under 100 monks it is also where you can find the Virgin of Montserrat, one of the black Madonna’s of Europe depicting the Virgin Mary and infant Christ. A beautiful train ride to the top of the mountain with breathtaking views both inside and outside of the abbey’s church. Following the visit, Fr. Bede celebrated a private Mass for the group in a local church prior to our final concert and a farewell banquet.

At the farewell banquet it was announced that plans are already being made to continue the choir’s tradition of traveling to Europe every other year. A preliminary itinerary is being drafted for the group’s 6th European Concert Tour in 2014 to Budapest (Hungary), Bratislava (Slovakia), Prague (Czech Republic).

Wednesday, Feb. 29, Avignon to Perpignan, France
It is hard to believe but this morning when we boarded the bus to travel from Avignon, the trip was half over! Five days down, five days to go.

Today was a travel day so we left Avignon early and headed for the walled city of Carcassonne. After about three hours on the bus, the students enjoyed some free time for lunch and then a guided tour of the castle and cathedral of the city. A day with no performing but yet full of rich history. After spending the afternoon in Carcassonne, we were back on the bus to spend the night in Perpignan, a city just in from the Mediterranean Coast, just short of the Spanish border. A very low key night. Everyone is very tired and I think it will be an early night for most as the students are resting up for the final leg of the trip in Barcelona!

Tomorrow is our longest travel day as we are off to Saint Martin Abbey located high atop the Pyrenees Mountains. In fact in order to perform the choir will hike up a steep one-mile mountain path to the top of the mountain where the walled-in abbey awaits. The Abbey was constructed in 1009 as a residence for Benedictine Monks! They inhabited the abbey continuously for almost 775 years. Following the communities dissolution in 1783 the abbey fell into disrepair until it was restored in 1902 by the Bishop of Perpignan. Today it is home to the Community of the Beatitudes. When planning the trip it has become custom that the choir performs in a Benedictine Monastery while in Europe, something we have done since our first trip in 2004.

Following our visit and performance at Saint Martin we cross a border and are off to the town of Figueres, Spain. Best known as the home of surrealist painter Salvador Dali. The students will have an opportunity to spend some time exploring the city and visiting the Dali Museum. After our afternoon stop in Figueres we are off to Barcelona where we will spend the next three nights – our last stop on the tour.

On the road with the EuroChoir: The college choir is currently performing in churches throughout Europe and assistant to the choir director, Bobby Aldrich '01, is sending updates on the group's whereabouts.

Saint Anselm College's choir with 32 students, 2 alumni, and Fr. Bede Camera, O.S.B., are touring Europe during this week's spring break. Singing unaccompanied, they're performing 18 pieces of sacred music in churches throughout southern France, Monaco, and Spain. See photos of the choir's travels on the college Flickr site, courtesy of Bobby Aldrich, assistant to the choir director.

Tuesday, Feb. 28, Avignon, France

The choir will perform twice today. A morning of sightseeing. The group traveled to the Pont du Guard this morning just outside of Avignon, France. It is the home of one of the few remaining in-tact Roman Aqueducts. Just short of 2,000 years old the students had an opportunity to visit the site and actually walk across the structure above the river. We posed for these pictures below. Everyone is having a wonderful time.

This afternoon we will actually get a chance to perform at the Papal Palace and tonight will perform a concert at a local church – the Church of Saint Agricola. There are posters all over the city promoting our concert.

The Papal Palace in Avignon was the home to 7 popes from 1305 to 1377. Six popes were elected here in Avignon, including Pope Urban V, a member of the Order of Saint Benedict. We performed in the grand hall of the palace where the papal conclaves were held when the popes of Avignon were elected; a wonderful and spiritual experience for the students.

Another concert tonight at The Church of Saint Agricola, named after Agricola of Avignon, a bishop of the city of Avignon who was a monk at a nearby Abbey and is most well known for building a convent for Benedictine nuns near the city. Ah, another Benedictine connection… Just wait until my update for Thursday!

A wonderful concert with a great turnout. The parish and the tour company did a wonderful job promoting it throughout the city. We probably had between 75 and 100 people show up and a standing ovation at the end with an encore. Performed for well over an hour. Father Bede spent a considerable amount of time talking to the audience in French. He is very much enjoying being able to speak the language. It has been a long time since he taught French up on the hilltop!

Big travel day tomorrow. On the bus all morning to the walled city of Carcassonne (just over 3 hours from Avignon). We have a tour of the city with a local guide and lunch. Then back on the bus to Perpignan where we will spend the night. No performances tomorrow; a day off.

Monday, Feb. 27, Cannes, France

Yesterday (Monday) was a travel day. After leaving Cannes we stopped in Aix en Provence and Arles on our way to Avignon. Avignon is a beautiful walled city and the students enjoyed free time last night after our arrival to explore it on their own. Avignon is often referred to as the “City of Popes” as it is home to the Palace of the Popes where popes and antipopes took up residence from 1309 to 1423.

Sunday, Feb. 26, in Monaco

This morning (Sunday) the choir performed for the 10:30a.m. Mass at the Cathedral in Monaco. Following Mass we performed a 30-minute concert for an audience of parishioners and visitors to the cathedral. They have quite a lot of tourists coming in and out due to the burial site of Princess Grace Kelly. It was a wonderful experience in a beautiful venue!

Following a day in Monaco the choir performed its first performance tonight in Cannes, France at the Church of Our Lady of the Pines.

Filed Under: Featured Campus News Tagged With: abroad, alumni, choir, Eurochoir, France, singing, Spain, students, traveling

College Hosts 23 Teams at Regional Mock Trial Tournament

February 20, 2012 By Laura Lemire

Last weekend, February 17 – 19, Saint Anselm College hosted more than 185 students as part of the American Mock Trial Association’s (AMTA) Qualifying Tournament. Twenty-three teams from colleges and universities all over New England competed in four rounds. Saint Anselm mock trial captain and club co-founder, Alyssa Hatem ’12, received the All Region Attorney award. There were also awards given for All Region Witness and 2012 Spirit of AMTA. [Read more...]

Filed Under: Campus News, Featured Campus News, Featured Campus News, Student News Tagged With: alumni, clubs, law, mock trial, Saint Anselm College, student activities, student club, students

Founder of Biotech Company Meets with Students

February 7, 2012 By Laurie Morrissey

Biochemist Judith Kelleher-Andersson, Ph.D., a member of the Class of 1981, returned to campus Jan. 27 as a guest of the Probe & Scalpel Society. She is the founder, president and chief scientific officer of Neuronascent, Inc., a biotechnology startup in Clarksville, Maryland. [Read more...]

Filed Under: Alumni News, Campus News, Featured Campus News Tagged With: alumni, biology, chemistry, clubs, science, speaker, students

Student Government Association Elections Underway

February 3, 2012 By Kristen MacNeil '12

Student Government Association’s annual election for President and Vice President of the student body is here and four students have announced their candidacy and outlined their goals. Elections will be held this spring for the 2012-13 academic year.

After election speeches on Wednesday night current President and Vice President, Marissa Serafino ’12 and Kevin Ward ’12, sent an email to the student body announcing the official candidates for the election.

Juniors, Joe Gill (politics) and Sarah Tebo (business), believe with their combined involvement across campus they have the experience necessary to fulfill the needs of the student body. Gill works as a resident assistant and in the Department of Athletics, and serves as the class of 2013 president. Tebo volunteers as a student coordinator in the Meelia Center and has served in the Student Government Association for three years. The pair hopes to expand the use of Hawk Bucks to off campus locations, improve the “Hawks Nest” at home sporting events, increase the utilization of the Cushing Center as a student center, and reconstruct the Student Government Association into a more transparent and student friendly club.

Sophomores, Lyndsay Robinson (politics) and Shaun O’Halloran (criminal justice), believe with two years left at Saint Anselm they have enough time to make an impact on campus. Robinson has served as the President of the class of 2014 and as the Secretary for Internal Procedures, and was recently named the President of the Kevin Harrington Student Ambassador Program. O’Halloran volunteers at the Youth Development Center and Langdon Mills and serves as a Service & Solidarity Missions leader. Robinson and O’Halloran hope to expand payment options in Davison Hall and the Coffee Shop, push for a new Student Center, begin a pep rally tradition during Homecoming weekend, create a SGA scholarship fund for current students, and organize new events for students on the weekends.

Both pairs bring tough competition to the election. For now, each duo is busy covering the halls and tables with posters hoping to win the vote of their fellow classmates. Stay tuned for the election debates on February 8, followed by voting on February 9 and 10.

Filed Under: Campus News, Featured Campus News, Student News Tagged With: SGA, student government association, students