Loyola University New Orleans campus (Wikimedia Commons/Infrogmation)
by James Dearie
NEW ORLEANS — Loyola University New Orleans is launching new dual-degree partnerships in conjunction with two other universities. The university announced the program, which will allow students to earn undergraduate degrees in both physics and engineering in 5 years, in an Oct. 16 press release.
After three years at Loyola, students in the program will complete their studies at another of the universities. At the end of the program, students will have a physics degree from Loyola, and a degree in civil, electrical, or mechanical engineering from the University of New Orleans; or biomedical, civil, electrical, or mechanical engineering from the Catholic University of America.
"As we continue to increase STEM research and programs at Loyola University New Orleans, we are proud to partner with our colleagues at the University of New Orleans and Catholic University of America," David Borofsky, interim provost of Loyola University New Orleans, said in the press release. "These new dual-degree programs will ground Loyola students with a strong foundation in pre-engineering physics as well as a Jesuit education, then allow them to continue their engineering studies in a top-flight engineering program and receive undergraduate degrees from both universities."
MINNEAPOLIS — Bernard Hebda, Archbishop of St. Paul and Minneapolis, dedicated the Dougherty Family College at the University of St. Thomas on Oct. 13, according to a press release at the university's newsroom.
The new college, which opened at the university's Minneapolis campus this fall, aims to serve hardworking, underprivileged students, giving them the opportunity to earn a two-year associate degree in liberal arts before they transfer to another institution to complete their bachelor degree.
According the university's announcement of the college's founding last year, tuition will be brought to levels as low as $1,000 for the students most in need through corporate sponsorship, along with state and local grants and scholarships.
"We have an incredible group of students here, many who wouldn't be entering college at all because of financial limitations or life circumstances. They're motivated to be here, and even more importantly, they're highly committed to obtaining their four-year degree," Alvin Abraham, the founding dean of the college said in the press release. "Our commitment is to support them every step of the way, preparing them to become sought-after, skilled professionals who possess well-developed characters."
BOSTON — The Associated Press reports that hundreds of students walked out of their classes on Oct. 18 in protest of recent incidents of racism at Boston College. Campus group Eradicate Boston College Racism organized the walkout after claims that the university did not properly address a recent racist social media post and the vandalism of two Black Lives Matter posters in residence halls, which were changed to read "Black Lives don't matter."
Footage tweeted by local television station WBZ anchor and reporter Lisa Gresci shows the students chanting "No justice, No peace. No racism at BC."
The crowd chanting "no justice, no peace. No racism at BC!" @cbsboston pic.twitter.com/JC5RJ5WQoH
— Lisa Gresci (@Lisa_Gresci) October 18, 2017
DE PERE, WIS. — St. Norbert College has received a $30 million gift from the Donald J. and Patricia A. Schneider Family. The family has long been supportive of St. Norbert College, having helped fund the construction of the college's athletic stadium, as well as the establishment of its MBA program and Donald J. Schneider School of Business and Economics.
"We are honored and humbled by the remarkably generous gift from the Donald J. and Patricia A. Schneider Family and by their enduring devotion to helping others throughout our community," St. Norbert College President Brian Bruess said in an Oct. 13 press release. "In addition to supporting the college's mission, the Schneider family's contributions to community organizations are creating new opportunities for those who live, learn and work here."
The $30 million gift will be applied to the college's endowment, which stood at just under $100 million in 2016.
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KANSAS CITY, KAN.— Msgr. Stuart Swetland, president of Donnelly College, has been named chief religion correspondent of Relevant Radio, a national radio network with over 120 stations, according to an October 16 press release by the college.
According to the press release, Swetland "is well versed on issues of access to higher education, diversity in higher education and the impact of public policy, such as DACA, on students. Additional areas of expertise are in Catholic social teachings related to economics, politics and social doctrine."
Swetland has hosted the show "Go Ask Your Father" on the network since 2011. In addition to being president, Swetland is a professor of leadership and Christian ethics at the college. He is a graduate of the Naval Academy, a former Rhoades Scholar, and holds two degrees from the Pontifical Lateran University.
[James Dearie is an NCR Bertelsen intern. Contact him at jdearie@ncronline.org.]
