Message from the Office of the President: May 6 update

Dear Colleagues,

Greetings and happy last day of classes! Here on the Duluth Campus, the sun is shining and we are eagerly looking forward to warmer temps and all of the hope that comes with the changing seasons. Wherever you are,  I hope the sun is shining on you as well. Thank you, as always, for everything you do to further the mission of St. Scholastica.

And Happy Mother’s Day this weekend to all the moms out there. We honor all moms, those here with us and those who we hold in our hearts, we thank you for your part in building the families and communities we cherish. And we remember our own St. Scholastica Mothers that came before us, who built this beautiful college!

Minnesota Frontline Worker Pay

As you may have heard last week, Governor Walz and the Minnesota legislature signed a bill regarding frontline worker pay and bonuses of up to $1,500 for workers who meet defined eligibility criteria. Higher education is one of those qualifying industries. We are waiting for more details to come out by the legislature, but when it does, we will provide employees with the information needed to apply for the bonus. In the meantime, please see the State of MN website for the information currently posted about this bonus pay.

Commencement is next Saturday, May 14

And we hope you’ll consider volunteering! All of the festivities will take place on the Duluth Campus; you can see the full schedule of events on our Commencement website.

• Volunteer. Here is how you can help our students and their guests with the commencement exercises. Go to this Google document to see all of the volunteer opportunities and sign up today.
• Participate. If you are not volunteering, please participate; here’s how you can help cheer on our students. You can also meet and greet them at your school table or choose to meet up with your students during brunch. RSVP for brunch here.

maurices Community Clinic recognized!

The maurices Community Clinic was highlighted in the latest newsletter from Unite US, a huge recognition for the OT program and clinic based on the work of Dr. Kaisa Syväoja. From OT Program Director Dr. Kelly Erickson, “Dr. Syväoja undertook this partnership with Unite US to assess social determinants of health among participants in mCC for improved access to services and to provide education in context for occupational therapy students.” Congratulations and thanks to Dr. Syväoja, Dr. Erickson and our entire OT program faculty, staff and students for this recognition!

Celebrating our Upward Bound Seniors (UB & UBMS)

Thank you to Amy Galarowicz for sharing what our graduates are up to. The Class of 2022 is composed of 39 seniors, 37 of whom have committed to attending a post-secondary institution. In total, they have also received over $2 million in scholarships with one QuestBridge winner (a full-ride to Brown University) and two Alworth winners (one of whom is coming to St. Scholastica). An impressive group and so much to celebrate; congratulations!

CSS Bandana Project: Saints Stompin’ Out Stigma

Have you seen a yellow bandana on bookbags, backpacks, or in campus spaces? The CSS Bandana Project was initiated on our campus this spring. To date, we have had 60 community members step up and be a part of this mental health safety net for our community. The bandana represents a commitment to support the mental health and wellness of our Saints Community. The program is modeled after a UW-River Falls initiative and includes a reflection of our own Benedictine values and a pledge specific to our CSS community and campus. Read more about this project at CSS Bandana Project: Saints Stompin’ Out Stigma and check out the attached pics of some of our bandana’d community members!

We would also like to extend our sincere thanks to the Timothy Miller Fund and the Mimi and Tom Stender Family, as well as several Board of Trustees, for their generous financial support for this Jed Campus Initiative. Added thanks to the Jed Campus Community Members whose commitment to enhancing mental health supports on campus made this project possible:

• Marlene Bartikoski, Counseling Services
• Elena Bissonette, Communications Major, Class of 2022
• Diona Johnson, LICSW, Intercultural Specialist, Counseling Services
• Laura Johnson, Director, Communications
• Michele Johnson, O.T.D. Associate Professor, Occupational Therapy
• Greta Jenkins, Instructional Technologist, Center for Teaching and Learning
• Jenean O’Brien, Ph.D, Associate Professor, Biology
• Michelle Ruszat Klee, Violence Intervention Coordinator
• Sarah Wells, LICSW, Mental Health Education Coordinator, Counseling Services
• Kia Haase, Nursing Major, Class of 2024

Again, happy Mother’s Day to the moms and mom-figures of our community! Enjoy a sun-filled weekend!

Barbara