Monday Morning Update

February 09, 2009

Alumni Books: Publisher Simon & Schuster has announced that scholar J. Michael Lennon '63, an English major who has had a distinguished academic and literary career at Wilkes University, has been chosen as the official biographer of legendary author Norman Mailer. In addition, another English major, and former Boston Globe writer, Gerald O'Neill '64 is having his bestselling book Black Mass, about the FBI's relationship with Boston-Irish gangsters, turned into a movie by director Jim Sheridan.

The West Wing: Formerly a top aide to Governor Deval Patrick, Political Science major David Simas '92 is settling into a new job as a policy advisor in the Obama administration. Based in the West Wing of the White House, Simas reports to Senior Presidential Advisor David Axelrod.

Black History: Already underway, Black History Month sees the College community exploring and celebrating African-American culture, music, history, and issues. Whether it is Boston's Black Catholic Choir singing in the Chapel of Mary, as it did last night, local school children reading their award-winning essays in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr., or a candid look at the history of slavery in New England, there is something for everyone. For more information, visit here.

Taste of Peru: On Wednesday, the Roche Dining Commons will host an evening of Peruvian cuisine with acclaimed chef Veronica Pena, offering authentic flavors from the Latin American country, which is known for its gastronomic diversity and richness. Pena will be visiting Stonehill through the Global Chef Exchange Program sponsored by the College's food service provider Sodexo. To learn more about Chef Pena, and Peruvian cuisine, not to mention her featured menu, which will be available from 4:45 p.m. thru 7 p.m. on Wednesday, visit here.

Science Center: For the past several years, Professor of  Chemistry Maria Curtin has been the Faculty Shepherd for the new Science Center, working closely with architects, builders, and College officials to ensure that science faculty have a voice in the project's development. As the Science Center approaches completion, we spoke with Curtin about her service as Faculty Shepherd and her excitement for the new building which opens next semester. For more, visit here.

Special Olympics: On Saturday, more than 500 Special Olympic athletes competed in the Mass South Section Basketball Tournament in the Sports Complex. Between 150 and 200 Stonehill volunteers facilitated the event, which Recreational Sports hosted. That response prompted Special Olympics Massachusetts representative Jay O'Brien to note, "…each year the students, faculty and staff volunteers rise to the occasion. This is a tremendous reflection of Stonehill's commitment to improving the lives of others."