Saint Xavier Magazine, Winter 2024

SAINT XAVIER The Magazine of Saint Xavier University

Winter 2024

better TOGETHER building our FUTURE :

Q& A Welcome to Saint Xavier University.

You have been on the job since July. What exactly does an interim president do?

My job this year is to help ready the University community to welcome a new president. As we establish this foundation, we continue to move forward by targeting important initiatives and strengthening the capacity of Saint Xavier University to fulfill its promises to students. I am grateful for the opportunity to help Chicago’s oldest Catholic institution of higher learning embrace the future.

What are your first impressions about Saint Xavier?

The campus was much quieter when I arrived in July, though it came alive with energy and excitement during the 2023 fall semester. Yet my initial impressions are unchanged. In fact, they have grown stronger. Saint Xavier is blessed to have hard-working, dedicated students, faculty and staff who share a love for learning. From my perspective as a newcomer, our people and our mission make Saint Xavier distinctive.

with Dr. Rebecca Sherrick

Tell us more about today’s Saint Xavier students.

Let me begin by noting that the University enrolled its largest freshman class – ever – last fall. They brought to the campus a genuine desire to learn and to succeed. I am impressed by their determination and by the ability of my colleagues to draw together students from many different traditions and experiences to create a vibrant educational environment.

This is hard work that calls for the best efforts of our faculty and staff. First, they welcome and affirm our students for their distinctive potential. Then, they begin to work systematically to help each develop and implement a plan to succeed on campus and beyond.

It really is about knitting the fabric of support that will allow students to become graduates.

When asked to share your first impressions of SXU, you spoke of mission as well as people.

Please say more.

Faith is at the center of my own life. I attended a church-related college as an undergraduate and have always worked

Interim President

in faith-based settings. As president of Aurora University, one of my highest priorities was to restore the connection between the institutional community and its founding denomination.

My office at Saint Xavier is near McDonough Chapel, so I am reminded continuously of the centrality of the Mercy mission. Often, I pause before the pictures of our founders, including Catherine McAuley, Frances Warde, and Agatha O’Brien, to reflect upon their pioneering of 19th-century ministry.

For me, their stories are a source of inspiration and strength, so it is with all who followed in their steps, including the residents of nearby Mercy Circle. The work that they undertook – to minister to the uneducated, impoverished and unwell – remains central to our calling today. During my time at Saint Xavier University, I am honored to make this mission my own.n

Magazine Purpose Statement: Saint Xavier Magazine strengthens the shared connection between alumni, the University and its community.

Stories demonstrate the core values of excellence and diversity, encourage learning for life and engage the minds of the University family.

Saint Xavier Magazine is published for the University’s alumni and friends by the Office of University Relations and is sponsored by the Office of University Advancement.

Vice President of Marketing and Communication Deborah Rapacz Senior Editor Breeanna Villalpando Contributing Writers Amy Amason Charlene Bermele, DNP Dustin Duncan Colleen Hanrahan Brian Hotzfield Erin Mueller Saib Othman, Ph.D. Natalie Page, Ed.D. Deborah Rapacz Nicole Reitz Gina Rossetti, Ph.D. Rebecca Sherrick, Ph.D. Breeanna Villalpando Julia Wiester, Ph.D.

Winter 2024 SA I N T X AV I E R M AGA Z I N E

Saint Xavier University, a Catholic institution inspired by the heritage of the Sisters of Mercy, educates persons to search for truth, to think critically, to communicate effectively, and to serve wisely and compassionately in support of human dignity and the common good.

8 | Strategic Planning: Opening Doors to Bright Futures

CONTENTS 3 | Presidential Search

2|G et to Know SXU's Interim President

Editorial Office Saint Xavier University 3700 W. 103rd Street Chicago, IL 60655

10 | A Look at SXU’s College of Nursing, Health Sciences and Business

6 | Getting Strategic About DEI

10 | Enrolling the Largest Class in Saint Xavier's 177-Year History 11 | Student Success Initiatives 11 | SXU’s Schmitt Scholars Program: Supporting Our Student Leaders

Alumni Relations www.sxu.edu, keyword: alumni Read the magazine online! www.sxu.edu, keyword: magazine

4 | SXU's Strategic Restructure 5 | Service Day

Photographers John Martin-Eatinger Michael Grimm Designer Alejandra Torres

4 | SXU's Fall 2023 Explore STEM Research Symposium

7 | The Success of an Innovative New Program: Esports at SXU

12 | SXU Alum and Local Entrepreneur Joe Chura '04 Is on a Mission to Give Back

GET TO KNOW SXU’s Interim President

This July, Saint Xavier University’s Board of Trustees was pleased to announce its unanimous decision to appoint Rebecca L. Sherrick, Ph.D., as interim president.

Sherrick comes to SXU following a successful 23-year tenure as president of Aurora University (AU), where she served as its first female president and one of the longestserving presidents in the institution’s history. Sherrick brings extensive administrative experience to SXU with a successful track record of navigating the changing higher education landscape and championing initiatives that improve student access, retention and career success. Under her leadership, AU experienced record growth, expanded enrollment and maintained strong financial health.

and revenue generation, and invigorating a culture of innovation and collaboration throughout the University.

“Dr. Sherrick’s impressive career, along with her incredible energy and insight into the landscape of higher education, especially for a smaller, private four-year institution like SXU, made her a perfect fit for the critical role of interim president during this transition,” said Tasha Henderson, chair of the Board of Trustees.

“The Board’s significant work in shoring up the financial footing of SXU was a critical step in ensuring its future,” said Sherrick. “My job now is to prepare the University community to welcome a new leader and to start sowing the seeds for a new culture of innovation and collaboration on campus.”

We are confident Dr. Sherrick will continue to build on SXU’s positive trajectory while we conduct a successful national search for its next president.

A fan of popping into offices and stopping to chat with students in the hallways or cafeteria, Sherrick has been intentional in connecting with various groups of the community to garner feedback and insight for key initiatives.

Known for being an authentic student-centered leader, Sherrick has brought renewed energy to the campus with a focus on the promising future of SXU and the students at the heart of the mission.

In her first few months at SXU, Sherrick has drawn on her experience and hit the ground running, relaunching SXU’s strategic plan, strategically reorganizing student support and inclusion efforts to bolster retention and belonging, instituting cross-campus working groups focusing on graduate programs

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Sherrick also worked with the Board of Trustees to quickly launch a national search for SXU’s next president, helping to ensure a strong candidate pool for the position.

Over the last several years, the Board of Trustees has guided a process that significantly strengthened SXU’s financial health, substantially growing the endowment and focusing on a balanced operational budget.

“SXU has been fulfilling its dynamic promises to students for over 175 years. I look forward to helping to lead Saint Xavier University during this next chapter of its bright and promising future,” said Sherrick.

Sherrick arrived following the departure of SXU’s 20th president, Laurie M. Joyner, Ph.D., who accepted the presidency at Saint Norbert College in Wisconsin. n

SAIN T

X AV IE R

UNIV E R S ITY

PRESIDENTIAL SEARCH

On Monday, August 21, Saint Xavier University officially launched the national search for its 22nd president. A Presidential Search Committee will lead the search process.

“The Board of Trustees is encouraged by the energy and commitment of the esteemed Presidential Search Committee and the campus community’s engagement around the search,” said Chuck Newman, committee chair. “We are confident that a strong slate of candidates will allow us to select the ideal leader whose beliefs, ethics and entrepreneurial acumen will complement and strengthen SXU’s vision and sacred mission.”

Academic Search, a nationally recognized higher education executive search firm, will assist SXU with the search. For more than four decades, Academic Search has offered executive search services to higher education institutions, associations, and related organizations. In addition to a survey shared with faculty, staff, students, administrators and National Alumni Board members, Academic Search held a series of on-campus listening sessions in August with a wide array of community members over two days. Constituents included representative student leaders, Faculty Senate, Staff Council, Student Success and Inclusion areas, faculty leadership, including the provost, deans and division leaders, and the President’s Leadership Team. Drop-in sessions were also available for community members to provide feedback to Academic Search on the leadership agenda and desired attributes of SXU’s next president.

Following the on-campus meetings, the Presidential Search Committee met with Academic Search to review feedback and discuss the next president’s priorities and required and desired characteristics to develop the Presidential Search Profile for the national search. In September, the Board of Trustees met with Academic Search to refine and finalize the

Presidential Search Profile, which went live on September 20.

The Board of Trustees was eager to launch the national search early in the fall semester to ensure a strong candidate pool. While the position will be considered open until filled, the initial round of applicants had until November 6 to be assured full consideration. Following this timeline, the Presidential Search Committee will conduct rounds of interviews with qualified candidates to advance acceptable candidates for final interviews in early spring 2024.

PRESIDENTIAL SEARCH COMMITTEE MEMBERS • Chuck Newman, Chair (BOT Vice Chair) • Tasha Henderson, Vice Chair (BOT Chair) • Avis Clendenen, Ph.D. (BOT Member) • Kristina Cummings (BOT Member)

The Board seeks a relational leader who is passionate about the University’s mission and values and is committed to an ethos of excellence, accountability and student success. The successful candidate will be strategic, entrepreneurial and optimistic about the future. The new president is expected to take office on or before July 1, 2024.

• Natasha Granholm (BOT Member)

The new president will assume the role after the conclusion of the oneyear appointment of Interim President Rebecca L. Sherrick, Ph.D. n

• Julia Cavallo, Ed.D. (CMHE Representative)

• Tom Hutchinson (BOT Member) • Alexandra Santau, Ph.D. (Faculty) • Alexander King, Ph.D. (Faculty) • Zepure Samawi, Ph.D. (Faculty) • Sue Swisher (Staff)

Winter 2024 | 3

SXU’s Fall 2023 EXPLORE STEM Research Fellowship Symposium

At SXU’s fall EXPLORE STEM Research Fellowship Symposium, 23 students and 11 faculty mentors presented their collaborative eight-week summer research projects. In addition to campus-based laboratory research, students also completed field-based internships at Argonne National Laboratory, Daubert Cromwell, and ICL Group. Students immersed themselves in disciplines ranging from chemistry to physics and researched a wide variety of topics including artificial intelligence, health care and medicine, software coding, species behavior, and more. Students presented their findings with poster presentations at the event, which was well attended by current students, faculty, staff, and family. Hats off to our future researchers and scientists!

Biology student Ahmad Nakhleh presents on inhibiting bacterial growth with natural extracts.

The EXPLORE STEM Program (Excellence in Positive Learning Opportunities and Research Experiences in STEM) was formed to broaden the participation of students in STEM while fostering a sense of belonging and validation among undergraduate students. This is achieved through the coordination of an array of activities designed to provide continuous academic support through peer and faculty mentorship that allows undergraduate students the ability to participate in high-impact educational opportunities. SXU has been awarded National Science Foundation supplemental funding in the amount of $250,805, which will continue to focus on student-faculty collaborative research through March 2024.

This research program was supported by a grant from the National Science Foundation (No. 1832511).

SXU’S STRATEGIC

RESTRUCTURE As stewards of the University and beneficiaries of the rich and enduring legacy of our Catholic and Mercy heritage, in 2023, Academic Affairs restructured the institution into two colleges, the College of Liberal Arts and Education (CLAE) and the College of Nursing, Health Sciences and Business. (CNHSB) This restructure aligns Saint Xavier University’s academic strength and reputation with current market demand, calling attention to areas with a strong reputation, academic strength, and potential enrollment growth. For example, the restructure 4 | Saint Xavier

positions SXU to respond to the community and national teacher shortage by strengthening the teacher preparation programs.

Each college is organized into schools and divisions. The College of Liberal Arts and Education’s divisions include Education, Liberal Arts and Humanities, and Social Science. The College of Nursing, Health Sciences and Business’ divisions include Nursing, Natural Sciences, Exercise Science, Communication Sciences and Disorders, and the Graham School of

STEM students pose at the 2023 EXPLORE STEM Research Fellowship Symposium.

Management. This structure allows for greater faculty and student collaboration and interdisciplinary engagement, consistent and empowering student advising, and the ability to assist all students from enrollment to graduation.

These bold steps are made with students and alumni in mind, driven by the core values of excellence and hospitality, which guide us to provide exemplary learning experiences by providing space for a surprising idea, a fresh insight, or a challenging inquiry. Saint Xavier is confident that this new structure will improve educational quality and facilitate collaboration, which in turn strengthens the curriculum and develops new programs, enriching the educational experience for our students.n

Service Day

Students get involved in a variety of service projects both on and off campus.

Saint Xavier’s long legacy of service to the community continues to be perpetuated through its students, who are immersed in service opportunities from the very beginning of their academic careers.

During the 2023 fall semester, first-year students participated in the second annual Service Day as part of Cougar Trax, a two-day program to welcome students to the Saint Xavier community.

Organized as part of the Transitions course, which is designed to assist students with their passage from high school to college, Service Day provided the opportunity for students to travel to serve at off-campus sites, with four times the number of students participating in 2023 than in Service Day’s inaugural launch in 2022. Sites included the Greater Chicago Food Depository, Cradles to Crayons, Feed My Starving Children, Hope Center, Smith Village, Elim Christian Services, and the Oak Lawn Park District, where SXU was presented with the Volunteer of the Month Award for the community’s work in connection with Service Day.

Students also had an opportunity to work on campus, where they participated in three 40-minute service project rounds with a new project each round. In partnership with SXU alumna Candace Ramirez ’02, ‘04, ’05, students packaged over 10,000 diapers for SWADDLE (Southwest Area Diaper Depository for Little Ends). Students also made 440 snack packs for the Ronald McDonald House, 500 lipsticks/lip balms for an initiative to combat intimate partner violence at the Crisis Center for South Suburbia, 255 snack packs for Champ’s Kitchen, SXU’s food pantry, 324 cards for La Rabida Children’s Hospital, and 308 cards for Mercy Circle.

Service Day’s success can be credited to SXU’s supportive faculty and staff and inspiring student leaders, who both participated in the service projects and shepherded on-campus students

through each of the three service project rounds. As the University continues to see growing first-year enrollment, next year’s Service Day is sure to accomplish even more.

Throughout their time at SXU, students are exposed to a variety of service opportunities that help them to build upon SXU’s Catholic, Mercy mission, setting them up for a future of servant leadership. Their participation in the projects help them to step outside their comfort zones, see the world from a new perspective, and reflect on the deeper meaning of service to others. As students progress in their academic careers, SXU’s core values are deeply woven into their characters so they may go out into the world and serve wisely and compassionately. n Winter 2024 | 5

GETTING STRATEGIC ABOUT DEI DEI Summit: Doing DEI in Education

On October 3, the Office of Inclusive Excellence hosted its first Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Summit, featuring the renowned Damon Williams, Ph.D. This summit represented a significant and ambitious goal that Natalie Page, Ed.D., vice president Student leaders pose with DEI Summit keynote speaker Dr. Damon Williams. of Student Success and Inclusion, envisioned when she took on the role of inaugural chief diversity officer (CDO) at Saint Xavier. SXU welcomed faculty, staff, students, and the surrounding community, including DEI practitioners, school principals, and professionals from across the Chicagoland area, drawing approximately 160 people.

Before delivering his keynote address, Williams engaged in a student leadership dinner with 15 students who hold leadership positions across campus. Williams inspired the students to embrace their life’s mission and encouraged them to graduate as catalysts for positive transformation in an increasingly diverse world.

A pre-summit reception was held for faculty, staff, and external partners to come together in fellowship. During his presentation, Williams explored the question, “Where do we go from here -- chaos or community?” He provided concrete strategies for individuals to excel as global citizens and stressed the importance of adopting ally personas. With a successful first summit on record, SXU looks forward to more opportunities for impactful conversations.

Office of Inclusive Excellence

Saint Xavier’s recently established Office of Inclusive Excellence aligns with the mission, values, academic initiatives, and strategic priorities of the University by promoting diversity, cultivating partnerships, expanding accessibility, and enhancing the learning, residential, and work environments for all members of the SXU community.

The dedicated team comprises individuals from across areas who specialize in student success, diversity, equity and inclusion, high-impact practices, and multicultural training and development. The central objective of the Office of Inclusive Excellence is to offer professional development and educational opportunities to the campus community, aiming to instill values of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging throughout SXU. Throughout the year, faculty and staff have the chance to engage in monthly DEI lunch-and-learn opportunities, which showcase DEI initiatives across campus and feature lectures from prominent individuals, including DEI leaders and authors. Additionally, students can participate in book clubs and monthly DEI training sessions covering topics such as bias, microaggressions and allyship. n The DEI Summit was funded in part by a grant from the Arthur J. Schmitt Foundation.

6 | Saint Xavier

SIN LÍMITES SCHOLARS

In its commitment to delivering a high-quality educational experience, Saint Xavier has established programs that both promote and Sin Límites students participate in the induction ceremony. facilitate student success. Scholars Sin Límites is an organization dedicated to serving Latinx students. Their mission involves empowering, mentoring, imparting values, and nurturing a vibrant culture that celebrates the rich heritage of diverse students by cultivating academic achievements within the realm of higher education, providing a welcoming platform for students to actively participate in the SXU community, and assisting students in surmounting various challenges.

The program is dedicated to providing mentorship and fostering academic accomplishments, which has resulted in a notable increase in retention of Latinx students.

EMERGING SCHOLARS

Visit the Warde Academic Center on a Tuesday afternoon and you’ll encounter a gathering of firstgeneration students actively learning how to effectively navigate Emerging Scholars students gather to support each other through the college journey. their college journeys.

Emerging Scholars, a program dedicated to enhancing the retention and academic success of African American students, focuses on delivering meaningful experiences to support academic, professional and social growth, achieved through development in the areas of education/retention, leadership, social and community involvement, and cultural and spiritual awareness.

Last year, Emerging Scholars students had the chance to participate in the Black Students Lead Conference in Atlanta. Students enjoyed a robust conference that included multiple sessions on entrepreneurship, cultivating safe spaces on campus and leadership. Kyla Turner ’23 was thrilled to participate in the high-impact experience.

“The conference left a major mark on my college experience in the same way Emerging Scholars did – providing a safe space for Black students to be themselves.”

T​ he Success of an Innovative New Program: Esports at SXU During the 2022-2023 athletic season, Saint Xavier University launched its first-ever esports program. Esports, or electronic sports, are multiplayer, organized games played competitively, and SXU is among the first colleges in Chicago to roll out organized competitive leagues.

The SXU esports program, part of the National Association of Collegiate Esports (NACE), has a structure that mirrors that of traditional collegiate sports and the team currently competes in five titles: League of Legends, Overwatch, Valorant, Rocket League and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. The team had 40 competitors in just the first semester of competition and continues to rapidly grow.

Launching one of the first esports programs in Chicago is demonstrative of SXU’s commitment to innovation and has both strengthened and diversified its athletic portfolio.

Collegiate esports focus on inclusivity and bring together a diverse group of students who may not have otherwise had opportunities to connect with each other.

Saint Xavier's Esports Lounge, featuring resources for technology and leisure.

Led by head coach Lemar Daniels, who has several years of esports experience and multiple team accomplishments under his leadership, in its short tenure, the team already has a series of victories and plans to continue their winning tradition.

In addition to being a unique part of collegiate sports, the esports team at SXU provides an array of opportunities for the students, including the opportunity to gain and enhance real-world skills through work with broadcasting, production, social media and team management. Student-athletes gain experience in collaboration, team-building, problemsolving, communication, leadership and critical thinking.

To house the new team, an esports lounge was constructed inside the Shannon Center. The lounge utilizes the space that once held the SXU Bookstore, which is now located entirely online for student convenience. The area allows both esports student-athletes and SXU students to game whenever time allows. Packed with 24 gaming computers, seven smart TVs, and numerous couches and tables for gameplay, study and leisure, the esports lounge gives the team a multitude of advantages and has greatly boosted their success thus far.

The esports industry is expected to see growth of more than 30 million participants over the next several years and will continue to rise. Daniels looks forward to the future of SXU esports and hopes to cultivate a culture of leadership and success, focusing on ensuring diversity throughout the program.

“As competitive gaming continues to grow, we are building the foundation for high-level competition in collegiate esports while delivering on the SXU promise to educate for competence, character and career success,” Daniels said. n

SXU ESPORTS COACH

LEMAR DANIELS

NAMED NAECAD

COACH OF THE YEAR

Head esports coach Lemar Daniels was named the National Association of Esports Coaches & Directors (NAECAD) Head Coach of the Year at the sixth annual NAECAD National Convention hosted by Boise State University in Boise, Idaho, for the 2023 year.

Under Daniels’ leadership, the SXU esports team won three division titles in its first season of competition. They’ve claimed the NACE Varsity Plus West Central Conference Championship in Overwatch, the NACE Varsity Plus East 4 Conference Championship in Rocket League, and the NACE Academy East 8 Conference JV Valorant title.

The award marks Daniels’ third overall coach of the year honor and second national honor.

“I have a passion for video games and a joy for coaching – I love my job. I love esports because the program requires a high amount of mental strength and concentration. I truly believe it’s a skill that anyone who puts the time in can improve from, and the program benefits students because it gives them something to commit to,” said Daniels.

Winter 2024 | 7

STRAT E G I C

P L A NNI NG :

Opening Doors to Bright Futures

"A clear strategic plan guides decisions regarding the deployment of limited resources and fosters a climate of continuous improvement."

Saint Xavier University has long been known as a student-centered institution of higher learning.

Consistent with our mission, we believe in the intrinsic worth of each learner and understand our purpose in the light of our values and our students’ potential.

The latest iteration of our strategic plan, built on the foundation of the earlier Strive 2025 plan, extends this historic commitment in important new directions.

Like all such documents, the plan is predicated upon continuous scanning of the internal and external environments as we seek to align institutional strengths to larger opportunities.

A clear strategic plan guides decisions regarding the deployment of limited resources and fosters a climate of continuous improvement. Its strategies provide direction for –and constraints upon– future activities. Three key themes are woven through the latest SXU plan iteration. First, it envisions drawing intentionally upon data to improve the 8 | Saint Xavier

quality of the student experience. Next, the document calls for interdisciplinary collaboration throughout the University for working within a system of mutual respect and shared governance. Finally, the plan anticipates the development of innovative solutions to complicated educational challenges.

Built into the document is an understanding that the COVID-19 crisis brought important issues to light and accelerated trends. Like other organizations, colleges and universities were impacted in significant ways by the extended health crisis. Campus communities reassembled following the pandemic to find a long list of immediate issues and somber predictions about the future. The government support that helped many institutions to weather the crisis was gone, and on the horizon was a significant decrease in the number of high school graduates. Then, there were the academic and mental health challenges associated with the hiatus. The latest

iteration of our plan captures the best of post-pandemic higher education thinking.

As demographics change over the next decade in Illinois and the Upper Midwest, competition for new students will grow more pressured, causing some institutions to discount their tuition at ever-increasing rates. In this context, Saint Xavier University’s ability to enroll a recordsized freshman class in the fall of 2023 is noteworthy, as is our commitment to a stable financial aid policy. Other indicators provide additional encouragement.

The institution’s strong performance on the new Economic Mobility Index reveals that an SXU education produces a measurable return on investment.

TOP PERFORMER SOCIAL MOBILITY among regional universities in the Midwest U.S. News & World Report (2024)

On the strength of this information, we approach the future with cautious optimism, knowing that the years ahead will involve both continuity and change.

As in the past, students will be drawn to the University by our reputation for educational quality, dedication to the Mercy mission, willingness to make generous financial aid available, and prime location on Chicago’s South Side.

Of course, recruiting students is just the beginning of the story. Saint Xavier must be concerned with student academic performance, retention and graduation rates, and the success of our graduates in the workforce. To put it simply, crucial to our success as a university will be ensuring that we fulfill our promises to students by offering truly exceptional experiences and the support necessary to realize their goals.

This means paying particular attention to profile.

A significant portion of today’s SXU students are the first in their families to attempt college degrees and come from families with limited resources and higher education experience. These learners demonstrate significant potential to make meaningful contributions to their families and communities. For them, college is a step on the ladder to a better life. As we welcome these learners to Saint Xavier, we also embrace the responsibility to provide the services, programs and support they will need to complete their degrees and launch their careers. It’s never a matter of shifting standards or lowering expectations.

Rather, it’s about helping to fill gaps and leverage potential.

In response to this shifting student profile, colleges and universities across the country continue to dedicate larger and larger proportions of their operating budgets to non-credit-bearing activities.

SXU is no exception. Needs ranging from counseling and health services to campus public safety, academic support

services, and career development require significant investments.

Such commitments, consistent with our Sisters of Mercy legacy of educating the underserved, receive significant attention in the latest plan iteration.

For instance, to sustain our robust grant-writing efforts, the document calls for establishment of a new Office of Sponsored Programs and Research within the Office of the President.

various remedial or developmental math courses to help students satisfy mathematics requirements. With funds from a Department of Education Hispanic-Serving Institutions STEM grant [P031C210201], a team of SXU faculty, staff and administrators embarked upon the effort to develop an alternative model several years ago. The work began with an examination of internal data and included a period of consultation with an external expert.

In the fall, the institution piloted the new instructional model that emerged from these efforts.

To leverage resources to maximum advantage, the plan advocates for new levels of collaboration on campus.

In the fall, the University took first steps in this direction by consolidating administrative units. For example, a new team of seasoned professionals is blending strengths to create a datadriven, integrated undergraduate and graduate student marketing and recruitment effort. Diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives exist now alongside expanded academic support and career development initiatives in a single operating unit, allowing for shared expertise and integrated services.

The plan also envisions drawing upon the distinctive strengths of SXU faculty and staff to create sustainable solutions to vexing academic problems. The Math Success Project is a case in point. For years, higher education has relied upon

None of our new students registered for remedial or developmental math courses.

Instead, all enrolled in collegelevel mathematics or statistics classes, some of which included special supplemental laboratories for students benefiting from extra support. Initial results are encouraging with student success rates well above prior year measures. Thanks to this innovative partnership among campus professionals, a new generation of SXU learners may well be empowered to complete college-level mathematics requirements by the end of their freshman years, thereby eliminating the risk of attrition that too long has interrupted college careers.

Like other initiatives envisioned in the latest iteration of the University’s strategic plan, the Math Success Project is consistent with our Mercy mission.

It is reflective of our community’s dedication to affirming the intrinsic dignity and potential of each student and is emblematic also of our capacity to collaborate and innovate in response to the needs of our changing student profile. With these and other efforts at work on our campus today, we live into Sister of Mercy and founder Catherine McAuley’s most memorable aphorisms.

We “resolve to do good today and better tomorrow.” n Winter 2024 | 9

A LOOK AT SXU’S

C O L L E G E O F N U R S I N G , H E A LT H S C I E N C E S A N D B U S I N E S S SXU’s College of Nursing, Health Sciences and Business (CNHSB) marked 2023 as a successful year of accolades demonstrative of the college’s high-quality education and high-impact experiences.

SXU RANKS NO. 5 BEST ONLINE GRADUATE PROGRAM IN THE NATION In January 2023, Saint Xavier University’s Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program was ranked No. 5 among more than 200 universities across the United States for “Best Online Graduate Nursing Program” by U.S. News & World Report. The ranking marked a remarkable milestone – SXU has consistently appeared in the top 10 for the last 10 consecutive years.

U.S. News & World Report’s 2023 ranking methodology was based on five main categories: an institution’s engagement, faculty credentials and training, peer assessment, services and technologies, and student excellence. Within those categories, the methodology considers graduation rate, best practices, class size, retention rates, time to degree deadline, and the student experience. U.S. News & World Report chooses institutions that provide strong collaborative opportunities, rigorous curriculum, and diverse online learning technologies that are commensurate with campus-based programs.

SXU’S SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY PROGRAM REACCREDITED In July 2023, the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA) voted to continue accreditation for SXU’s graduate speech-language pathology program for eight years after a comprehensive review that took place in spring 2023.

SXU’S NURSING PROGRAMS REACCREDITED In April 2023, the School of Nursing was informed of their reaccreditation on behalf of the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Accreditation was awarded to SXU’s baccalaureate and graduate nursing programs for 10 years.

E N R O L L I N G

T H E

L A R G E S T

In fall 2023, Saint Xavier University welcomed 759 freshman students, its largest entering undergraduate class in the institution’s 177year history. 2023 surpasses 2018, 2019 and 2021 as record enrollment years.

The Admission team worked collaboratively with teams across campus to amplify recruitment efforts, enhancing communication to prospective students and families with multiple methods of outreach.

“We’re excited about the large incoming firstyear classes, but more importantly, we’re proud of the diversity and character students bring to campus,” said Vice President of Enrollment Brian D. Hotzfield, ’99, ’10.

“We apply student-centric marketing strategies, leveraging leading-edge digital solutions in our marketing mix to share the benefits of Saint Xavier.

C L A S S

I N

SAINT XAVIER'S 177-YEAR HISTORY

SXU is a federally designated HispanicServing Institution (HSI) and is consistently recognized by U.S. News & World Report as one of the most diverse undergraduate student populations in the Midwest. This year’s first-year students are studying a wide variety of programs at SXU, with the most popular including biology, business, criminal justice, education, exercise science, and psychology.

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We fully integrate our award-winning branding to support our promise of opening doors to students’ bright futures,” said Vice President of Marketing and Communication Deborah Rapacz.

New students are attracted to SXU because of its quality academic programs, high-impact learning experiences and dedicated support for students. The SXU community has worked

hard to prepare for the academic year and is ready to support students on their educational journeys.

“I’m excited to be at SXU this fall,”said Jordan Streeter, a first-year business management major and student-athlete on the men’s basketball team. “I appreciate the close-knit community and endless possibilities.”

Perhaps the largest contributor to both recruitment and retention success is SXU’s affordability. According to College Navigator, Saint Xavier continues to be the most affordable Catholic university in Illinois and is one of fewer than 150 institutions across the U.S. to receive the Affordability badge from Colleges of Distinction. Saint Xavier is also consistently ranked by U.S. News & World Report as a “Best Value” school in the Midwest because of its delivery of a transformational educational experience at an affordable cost.

STUDENT SUCCESS INITIATIVES

Saint Xavier has a long history of providing resources, tools and services that promote student success, and the recent institutional restructure paves the way for a more innovative, individualized approach to ensuring students are able to achieve their academic and co-curricular goals. With a broad but strong unit comprised of the Center for Learning and Student Support, the Center for International Education, the Office of Accessibility Resources, the Center for SUCCESS, Student Media and the TRIO Student Support Services Program, funded by a grant from the Department of Education [P042A201196], the University is focused on three key areas: advising, retention and career development.

The Learning Center and Office of Student Support recently merged to become the Center for Learning and Student Support and provides tutoring, writing assistance, supplemental instruction, academic support coaching, time management, and early alerts case management.

Recently, EAB Navigate, technology that unites a university in a collaborative network, was implemented as a student success management system that centralizes student data.

S X U ’ S

S C H M I T T

The coordinated care network used by faculty, staff and students is designed to improve the student experience, ultimately leading to increased retention and graduation rates.

Beginning fall 2023, each first-year student was assigned a first-year SUCCESS coach and a peer SUCCESS mentor.

Serving as members of students’ success teams, the coaches and peer mentors help provide support, connect students with campus resources and peers, and assist students in discovering various opportunities to serve and lead.

In September 2023, two external consultants from the National Academic Advising Association (NACADA) visited the SXU campus to evaluate the existing advising processes and to help propose a new professional advising model. With their help, the University developed a goal to improve the overall experience for students so that they are better informed, can meet learning outcomes, will participate as partners and self-advocates in the educational process, and will persist through to graduation and on to successful careers.

S C H O L A R S

P R O G R A M :

SUPPORTING OUR STUDENT LEADERS

For nearly 50 years, students at Saint Xavier have been afforded the opportunity to advance their leadership skills through support from the Arthur J. Schmitt Foundation. This partnership has resulted in nearly $2 million in scholarships since 1975.

opportunities that require study, reflection and hands-on implementation of identified projects. Students are selected for their leadership potential.

The Foundation provides funding for scholarships and leadership development to institutions across the Midwest, including DePaul University, Loyola University Chicago, the University of Notre Dame, and Marquette University.

Arthur J. Schmitt, one of the nation’s most innovative entrepreneurs and philanthropists, began his foundational work in the 1940s, recognizing the “The Schmitt Foundation believes Schmitt Foundation Executive Director Carla Slawson poses with Schmitt Scholars. necessity of ethical and spiritually our world needs more effective and reflective leadership and courage to guide the world. Schmitt’s legacy is ethical leaders in all sectors of society, and it commits its resources to more important today than ever. His foundation continues to support support and guide selected students to become tomorrow's leaders. students at high schools, colleges and universities, nurturing valuesOur leadership program includes being part of a leadership cohort, driven leadership throughout the Midwest and beyond. conducting self-assessments, studying examples of great leaders, and “The Arthur J. Schmitt Foundation’s mission aligns with SXU’s practicing leadership in action by implementing projects with purpose Catholic, Mercy mission, which prioritizes human dignity, mutual and impact,” said Carla Slawson, Schmitt Foundation executive respect and utilizing individual skills to create a better world,” said SXU director. interim president Rebecca Sherrick, Ph.D. “We remain grateful for this SXU looks forward to continuing this partnership and fostering future critical partnership.” generations of leaders. Each year, selected Schmitt Scholar Leaders receive a scholarship and commit to participate in numerous leadership development

Winter 2024 | 11

SXU Alum and Local Entrepreneur ALUMNI & u p c o m i n g

Joe Chura '04 IS On a Mission to Give Back

Saint Xavier University (SXU) alumnus Joe Chura ’04 set off at SXU with dreams of becoming an entrepreneur, and in the 20 years since he’s graduated, he’s made his mark. From co-founding and selling two major digital companies to starting his own inspiring podcast and launching a non-alcoholic brewery with a mission to better his community, Chura’s journey has been remarkable – and he’s just getting started.

greatest potentials through inspiring stories.

In 2021, after reflecting on some of the poor choices many made during the most isolating times of the pandemic, Chura launched Go Brewing, a low-alcohol/ non-alcoholic brewery designed to help people make better choices for a more productive tomorrow.

SXU Alum Joe Chura '04

Chura, who’s been passionate about business since he was young, has always had an entrepreneurial spirit, and SXU’s accelerated business program offered him the flexibility, efficiency, and rigorous curriculum he desired as a young working adult.

“SXU unlocked opportunities for me. The classes I took gave me a solid foundation in understanding business and propelled me to launch my entrepreneurship journey. An SXU education is something I’m proud of – it gave me the confidence I needed to advance in my career,” Chura said.

After graduating and moving from the assembly line into marketing and sales at Ford Motor Company and later managing a retail automotive dealership, Chura started an innovative technology leader, Dealer Inspire, and a digital automotive marketing service, Launch Digital Marketing, both of which were acquired by Cars.com, for which he currently serves as strategic advisor.

In the midst of his digital work, he started a podcast after drawing inspiration from a particularly challenging Chicago Marathon stint that fueled his quest to understand the power of the mind, body and spirit in endurance. “Not Almost There” helps listeners to unlock their

12 | Saint Xavier

“The business really blends the skills I’ve gathered over the years and from my time at SXU in understanding digital marketing and branding. It’s my first consumerbased product rather than business-to-business product, and to see it in stores and restaurants is very fulfilling,” said Chura.

But Chura’s goal isn’t only to provide better beverage choices – he’s using the proceeds from a special edition brew, Not Another Story, to give back to the Institute for Nonviolence Chicago.

“I grew up on the East Side of Chicago and have seen a lot of things over my life. One of the saddest things I’ve witnessed is kids who grow up without a choice. I wanted to be able to do something about reducing gun violence and all the other things that plague Chicago youth. It’s a mission that is really relevant and important to me,” said Chura.

Chura has also served as a board member for numerous nonprofit organizations and foundations and holds deep devotion to humanitarian causes and social action.

As Chura looks to the future, he hopes to grow his distribution footprint with Go Brewing and start work on some new projects, all while maintaining the healthiest lifestyle he can, serving as a role model to his kids, and uplifting Chicago’s youth. n

FRIENDS E v e n t s

Calling all alumni! Please join us for a variety of fun, educational, and spirited events this spring.

Chicago White Sox vs. Chicago Cubs Spring Training Game Friday, February 23 | 1:05 p.m.

Sloan Park (Mesa, Arizona) SXU Baseball First Pitch Dinner Thursday, February 29 | 6 p.m.

115 Bourbon Street St. Patrick’s Day Tea Thursday, March 14 | 1 p.m.

Butler Reception Room We Are SXU Day Wednesday, March 20 Scholarship Donor Appreciation Breakfast Thursday, April 11 | 8:30 a.m.

Butler Reception Room Estate Planning Roundtable Thursday, May 16 | 3:30 p.m.

Butler Reception Room To learn more and for a list of other upcoming alumni events, scan the QR code below. 

Best of SXU

TOP 10

BEST VALUE among regional universities in the Midwest U.S. News & World Report (2024)

2023-2024

ONE of the SAFEST COLLEGE CAMPUSES in ILLINOIS (Niche, 2024)

A BEST COLLEGE FOR VETERANS U.S. News & World Report (2024) 2023-2024

Catholic University in Illinois

MILITARY FRIENDLY® SILVER SCHOOL

Net Price of Attendance Federal Website: CollegeNavigator.gov

6X

CONSECUTIVE RANKINGS FOR PROVIDING A TRANSFORMATIONAL EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCE (2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022)

TOP 10

TOP PERFORMER SOCIAL MOBILITY

student population of regional universities in the Midwest U.S. News & World Report (2024)

FEDERALLY DESIGNATED

HISPANIC-SERVING INSTITUTION (HSI)

U.S. News & World Report (2023)

SPORTS TEAMS

70 NAIA

SCHOLAR-ATHLETES (junior status with a minimum 3.5 cumulative GPA) (2022-2023)

U.S. News & World Report (2024)

TOP 5 BEST ONLINE GRADUATE NURSING PROGRAM

20 VARSITY

among regional universities in the Midwest

Since 2014

$15M+

in federal grants since 2017 to support student success

100%

of full-time undergraduate students

EARNED AN ACADEMIC SCHOLARSHIP IN 2022-2023

FIRST CATHOLIC UNIVERSITY in Chicago and

FIRST MERCY INSTITUTION

of higher learning in the U.S.

Designated a

CENTER OF EXCELLENCE for four consecutive terms (National League for Nursing, 2007-2023)

Winter 2024 | 13

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

Join us March 20 for We Are SXU Day, our annual day of giving. Held in conjunction with Mission Day, the 24-hour effort is a time for our community to make an impact. Every gift, no matter the size, will provide life-changing opportunities that enhance student scholarship and success.