Monday Morning Update
September 28, 2009
Science Surprise: At the Science Center dedication on Thursday, President Mark Cregan, C.S.C. announced a $7 million gift, the largest in our history, from friends Tom and Mary Shields. He also announced that the Science Center is being named for Mr. and Mrs. Shields, sponsors of the Shields Scholarship and Moreau Medallion recipients for their contributions to Stonehill's first 50 years.
No Buyer's Remorse: Healthcare pioneer Tom Shields, who is the founder, chairman and chief executive officer of Shields Health Care Group, said that he and his wife, Mary, made the gift because they are impressed with the College's first-class education at a reasonable price. He added, "You don't do these things without having a deep understanding of the people (at the College). I enjoy the people here. My wife enjoys them. We feel good about Stonehill. No buyer's remorse." For more on the Shields and Thurday's dedication, visit here.
Why Give?: Of course, many other people support the Science Center. An alumni couple gave because they fell in love during a biology lab. One alumnus gave in tribute to selfless professors who nurtured and encouraged him. A corporation gave because of the quality graduates that the College sends into the scientific workforce. To read these and other giving stories, visit here.
Congratulations Senator: Governor Deval Patrick has appointed Trustee Emeritus Paul Kirk as interim Senator for Massachusetts. From 1986 to 2006, Kirk served three consecutive terms as a Stonehill trustee. At Commencement 2002, he received an honorary Doctor of Laws degree and gave the keynote address. For more, visit here.
Nuclear Apartheid: Almost daily, media headlines remind us of the dangers of nuclear weapons, which have proliferated globally. In a forthcoming book, History Professor Shane Maddock explores America's quest for atomic supremacy from World War II to the present. A foreign policy expert, Maddock also looks at how America kept post-colonial powers out of the nuclear club, which critics dubbed "nuclear apartheid." For more, visit here.
Class of 2013: Our newest students are a talented group. A young philanthropist before she even came to Stonehill, Brittany Berquist '13 helped found Cell Phones for Soldiers, which sells old cell phones and uses the proceeds to provide phone cards for our soldiers. A record-breaking high jumper, Corey Thomas '13 wants to major in neuroscience and become a doctor. Refusing to be defined by a hearing impairment, James Cleary '13 is an accomplished trumpet player with an interest in biology. Overcoming a language-based learning difficulty, Kimberly Guillaume '13 is now looking ahead to a career in forensic science. To learn more about these first-year students, visit here.
Contact
For more information, contact Communications and Media Relations at 508-565-1321.