JANUARY 2008

George R. Houston, Jr. President, 1994- 2003 George R. Houston, Jr., 23rd president of Mount St. Mary’s University passed away peacefully January 19, 2008 from pancreatic cancer. A memorial mass will be held Friday, January 25, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. at the Chapel of the Immaculate Conception at Mount St. Mary’s University.

From Alumni in Ireland to Faculty Experts: the Mount is making headlines. Check out recent news coverage.

BICENTENNIAL UPDATE >

Just Announced !!! The Mount Goes National on the Food Network ...
Watch the crafty cake makers of Charm City Cakes recreate the famous Mount St. Mary’s cupola…only an edible version.  The Mount episode is scheduled to air on the Food Network’s Ace of Cakes on Thursday, March 13 at 10:00 p.m. The Mount’s history and our Bicentennial are featured.

So now – how do we top that?  Send us suggestions for cake designs that will make a fitting tribute to the Mount at the Bicentennial finale in October. If we can design it, Charm City Cakes can make and bake it. So, stretch your imagination and help us find the perfect way to top off the end of this spectacular year of celebration. 

U.S. Postal Service to Honor Mount Bicentennial
The United States Postal Service will issue a special U.S. stamped postal card this April. The stamp art features a watercolor painting of “the Terrace” created by award-winning architectural illustrator Frank Costantino of Winthrop, MA. The stamp will be unveiled at a special ceremony featuring the Maryland Symphony Orchestra on April 26, 2008 at 8:00 pm in the Mount's  ARCC. Contact the Bicentennial Office at 301-447-3416 for more information.

Mount Timeline Goes Up in Annapolis
An exhibit showcasing the Mount's 200 year history is now on display in the Maryland State Building (Miller Building) until December. If you are in Annapolis, be sure to check it out!

The Bicentennial is Coming to an Area Near You!
Find out when and where the next regional celebration is being held.

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UNIVERSITY NEWS >

Mount Recives Special Business Accreditation
The university has achieved accreditation from the International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education for its Business, Accounting, Sport Management, and Information Systems undergraduate majors, its accelerated adult degree completion program and its MBA program.

First Tolle Lege Published 
Tolle Lege, a new student journal of theology and philosophy, will be published each fall. Essays are written by Mount students on a range of subjects in theology and philosophy. Topics in the 2007 edition include the ethics of land growth and the use of  Romans 13 in modern-day political rhetoric. Call 301-447-5366 to request a copy.

Callings Conference, March 6-8  THE WAY FORWARD for Lay Ministry and Catechesis
On March 6 and 7 join local, national and international presenters for a look at the future of lay ministry. On March 8, the 10^th Annual Central Maryland Formation Day explores the challenge of bringing the teachings of Christ to a new millennuim.

Quick Takes - Academic Department News
Faculty recently receiving tenure and promotion include Sr. Mary Kate Birge, tenured and promoted Associate Professor of Theology; Dr. Michael Miller, tenured and promoted Associate Professor of Philosophy and Dr. Dennis Cali, tenured Professor of Communications Studies. Monsignor Stuart Swetland has been appointed Vice President for Catholic Identity and Mission and as part of his duties, Monsignor Swetland will lead the Mount's Callings Program. Read about other faculty accomplishments here.

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ALUMNI NEWS >

Winter Homecoming Feb. 2
Join us for basketball and camaraderie. Family and friends are welcome. Highlights include the 2008 Mount Sports Hall of Fame Inductees and Bicentennial Medal presentations to Jim Phelan and Mount Executive Vice President Dan Soller.

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SEMINARY NEWS >

Seminary Begins New Year with Retreats Exploring Priesthood
While some seminarians examined the essential elements of priesthood, others spent a week in silence.  

Rev. Mr. John Rapisarda Receives Scholarship from the B. Larry and Catherine Jenkins Family Trust
The trust was established for the benefit of seminarian education with the Catholic Family Association in the Archdiocese of Baltimore.  

Seminary Alumni Summer Retreat  June 9-13, 2008  
Father Thomas Acklin, OSB, will be the Retreat Master. Acklin is the author of a recent book, The Unchanging Heart of the Priesthood, which focuses on the spirituality of the diocesan priesthood. 

Priests' Alumni Reunion October 8, 2008
His Eminence Cardinal William Keeler, Archbishop Emeritus of Baltimore and former Chancellor of the Seminary, was named the main celebrant of the traditional Homecoming Mass at the Priests’ Alumni Reunion.

ATHLETICS >

Mount Retires Jack Sullivan’s Number
Former Mount St. Mary’s men’s basketball star Jack Sullivan had his jersey retired at a ceremony at halftime of the Mount’s home game against Saint Francis (Pa.) on Jan. 16.  Sullivan is the Mount’s all-time leading scorer with 2,672 points in 105 career games. 

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Around the Mount is the monthly electronic newsletter for alumni and friends of Mount St. Mary's University. We need your feedback! Let us know what you think of this newsletter and/or suggestions for improving it. Please send your comments and suggestions to the Office of Communications via email at communications@msmary.edu or by telephone at 301-447-5366.