1996-02-22

              CSB has open arms for president elect

by Melissa Hewlett Independent staff writer

Mary E. Lyons has been selected by the board of trustees as the next College of St. Benedict president

The board of trustees selected Mary Lyons after a rigorous search process that involved many members of the college community," said Susan Mundale, board of trustees chair. "We are happy that she has accepted our invitation to the presidency, and we look forward to her leadership."

Lyons will begin her appointment as CSB president July 1. Her inauguration will be Sept 22.

Current president, Colman O'Con-ndl, OSB, will retire June 30 after 10 years of service.

"I am delighted to know that Dr. Mary Lyons will be the next president of the College of Saint Benedict," O'Cormell said. "Her intelligence and sense of humor, combined with her commitment to Catholic, residential, liberal arts education for women make her the ideal leader to help propd Saint Benedicts, along with St John's University, into an exciting new era of excellence."

In January, Lyons came to CSB and attended an Informational meeting

where she had the opportunity to get to know students.

Members of the St. Ben's Senate spoke with her about their role on the two campuses.

"She was really down-to-earth and eager to hear our student perspectives," said SBS senator Ellen Doherty. "Her theological background is perfect for our Benedictine community and she has a good blend of enthusiasm for the future as well as an awareness of our strong traditions."

Since 1990, Lyons has served as president of California Maritime Academy in Vallejo, Calif. As presi-

PHOTO COURTESY OF PUBUC AFFAIRS OFFICE

tative of the presidential search committee, said Lyons' extensive experience in education made her the perfect candidate to be the new president

"Dr. Lyons possesses all of the characteristics that we were looking for in a new president," Wuebben said. "She was a unanimous choice. Everyone on the search committee liked her immediately. Dr Lyons intends to continue and build on the achievements of Sister Colman."

Before becoming president of the academy, Lyons was academic dean and professor of rhetoric and homiletics at the Franciscan School of The-

dent, she incorporated a   Dr. Mary Lyons will take OVCT as CSB president July 1.     ology, Graduate Theological Union, Berkeley, Calif. In 1971, Lyons earned her bachelors degree in English from Sonoma State College and then went on to receive her master's in English from San Jose State University in 1976. In 1983, Lyons received her doctor-President / to page 3

liberal arts core into the academy's engineering and training programs.

Lyons has also led efforts to bring the academy into the California state college system.

yI am very pleased to receive the invitation to become the next president of CSB," Lyons said. The college com-

munity has offered me a unique opportunity to live and work in a state that places higfa value on education, and in an educational institution that focuses on the liberal arts. I consider it a privilege to serve the College of Saint Benedict and St. John's University."

Wendy Wuebben, student represen-

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 22,1996

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12 students receive CSB's highest honor

by Emily C. Leuthner Independent editorial staff

Laura Bresnahan, Megan Casey, Sherry Christenson, Loma Jean Grant, Maiy Grossman, TYacy Ann Kieser, Julie Lapos, Amy Louise Orth, Patricia Ann Pladson, Christine Marie Schubert, Rachel Stokman and Leah Sweet have all been inducted into the 1996 Omega Chapter of Delta Epsilon Sigma, a national Catholic honor society for womea

This recognition is considered the College of St. Benedict's highest honor and each woman's accomplishments make it obvious why.

These women vary in age and involvement but they all have maintained at least a 3.9 grade point average during their college career and demonstrated service to others.

According to Grant, CSB senior, this recognition reassures her that she does not have to move mountains to make a difference. little things are just as important

Each woman received an invitation to apply for DES honors last fall, but it was not until the end of January that the women were chosea

The invited candidates were asked to write an essay which encompassed what they have learned intellectually, academically and in service in their years at CSB.

"It was a good way to bring together all that I have learned," Bresnahan said.

The 12 women were inducted into the honor society last Sunday. The day started with a mass followed by a brunch with family and Mends and then the pinning ceremony. TTie 12 women received a certificate and pin which entitles them to a life-long DES membership.

At tte irriuction the President of CSB. Colman O'Connell, OSB, spoke in honor of the selected womea

After the president's speech, CSB Academic Dean Rita Knuesel acknowledged each woman by telling of their outstanding achievements.

Bresnahan is a senior double-major in Spanish and elementary education. She has participated in the Young Authors Conference, Big sister/Big brother program, Project Friends, CSB/SJU service trips to Texas and Mexico, and she enjoys teaching religious education, Spanish and math to elementary age students.

Casey is a junior English major whose involvements range from Amnesty International to Lower Stumpf Lake Review editor. She has been a member of organizations such as CSB Student Administrative Board, Feminists for Change and Project AWARE. Her service to others is geared toward protecting the environment

Christenson is a senior social work major who volunteers at Steam-Benton Employment and Training Council Camp Friendship and Heartland Girls' Ranch. She also takes the time to volunteer as a classroom aide in area elementary schools.

Grant, a senior liberal studies major, has volunteered in a variety of areas ranging from Volunteers in Service to Others to the SAB Christian life Committee. She has also put efforts in re-forestation and road-side clean-up projects. Grant has befriended an elderly neighbor as well, which adds to her service to others.

Grossman, a junior elementary education major, has done extensive work on a beginning French course which she planned, organized and taught She also has participated in Kidstop, Respect life Club and Prison Fellowship Pen Pal Program. She is also a religious education teacher and is dedicated to teaching other women her age about health and wellness.

Kieser is a junior natural science major who is active in the Peer Resource Program at CSB/St John's University. She also spends time with an dderiy woman and works at St Raphael's Church in St Cloud.

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