Monday Morning Update
October 20, 2008
Church Closings: For parishioners, the closing of a beloved place of worship, where they felt close to God, can be heart-wrenching. In a recent article, reflecting on the demolition of his old parish church in Pennsylvania, Fr. George Piggford, C.S.C. acknowledges how parishioners need to treasure the memories of the old space. The English professor also calls on people to be open to the "beauty of new buildings." To read Fr. Piggford's article, visit here.
Book Smart: In a recent article in the Quincy Patriot Ledger, the third largest-selling newspaper in the state, Sara Walsh '11 advised readers to "turn off the television, pick up a book and start reading aloud to a child." An Elementary Education major, Walsh argued that reading aloud is the "foundation of children's education and development." To read her article, visit here.
Zero Default Rate: Our student loan default rate is zero. According to the latest figures, the national cohort default rate for the Federal Stafford Student loan program is 5.2%. The average for private schools nationally is 2.5%. The cohort default rate reflects the number of a school's students who default on their federal student loans within 12 months of entering repayment. Several factors explain our zero rating: Stonehill students understand their financial obligations, the College provides effective advice and assistance when students face fiscal challenges, and students in need avoid excessive debt because of the College's need-based grants.
Loan Repayment Offer: Attention science graduates interested in biomedical or behavioral research. The National Institutes of Health is accepting applications for a loan repayment program, which pays up to $35,000 of educational loan debt for individuals who commit to conducting at least two years of qualified biomedical or behavioral research at a nonprofit institution. For more on this program, which seeks to expand the supply of scientific researchers, visit here.
Service Award: Saint Vincent's, the largest residential treatment and special education center in Southeastern Massachusetts, has honored Stonehill's Alumni Chaplain Rev. Genaro Aguilar, C.S.C. with its Mission Award. Fr. Aguilar received the award in recognition of his outstanding service to children in need. To learn more about this honor, visit here.
Spanish Perspective: Fifty students got an in-depth look at Spanish-U.S. relations when Spain's Consul General in Boston Carlos Robles visited campus recently. To read more, visit here.
Echoes of Italy: Fresh from their Italy trip, alumni are singing the praises of Allyson Sheckler, assistant professor of fine arts, for being a wonderful faculty guide. All report that her insights on culture and art made the trip extra special. Brava!!!