Dear Parents,

Happy New Year. 2004 was a momentous year for Saint Michael’s as it marked the 100th anniversary of the founding of the College. The highlight of the fall semester was the Centennial Homecoming weekend in October. Students celebrated with a black tie gala, an academic convocation, and numerous, moving dedications honoring deceased alumni.

This semester is also one full of excitement and learning with many lectures, concerts and plays scheduled. And don’t forget – Winter Weekend is Feb. 4-6 at Smuggler’s Notch and Family Weekend is April 15-17 on campus.

In this issue of Parent Talk, you’ll hear from Jennie Cernosia, director of student activities/assistant dean of students who is also a Saint Michael’s parent just like you. Chances are your son or daughter has already met Jennie and fallen under her spell!  I've also provided an update on the Parent Fund and the important role parents can have in our Visions Campaign.

As always, I enjoy hearing from you.

Sincerely,

Terri Selby - tselby@smcvt.edu
Director for the Parent Fund
Office of Institutional Advancement
802-654-2462

Shaping Students' Lives
by Jennie Cernosia
Director of Student Activities
Assistant Dean of Students

My name is Jennie Cernosia and I am Director of Student Activities and Assistant Dean of Students here at Saint Michael’s, a place that I have called “home” in more ways than one for over 25 years. I am also a proud parent of two Saint Michael’s students – Mark, a 2003 graduate and Peter who is a junior. Although I cannot claim to have experienced the entire gamut of undergraduate joys, challenges, and sorrows, I must say that I find myself frequently saying to other parents “been there, done that!”

We are an involved and caring community at Saint Michael’s College. The office of Student Activities represents well what we are all about. It is primarily run by students for students. Activities range from bringing in well-known bands to providing van trips to Burlington and beyond, outings for bowling and pizza, dances, and much more. As a residential campus, I believe it is important to provide co-curricular outlets for our student’s energies. At Saint Michael's, learning occurs in and out of the classroom. Whether it be through campus wide events such as New Student Orientation and Family Weekend, participation in one of our 40 clubs and organizations, or involvement in residence hall events, the available opportunities are as varied as our students themselves and almost as numerous.

I have witnessed first hand how our students benefit from participation in our many activities. A world-view is challenged, an interpersonal relationship stretched, a talent previously unrecognized brightly shines through, a culture formerly unfamiliar is gradually revealed, and an opportunity never taken is suddenly a new personal and spiritual journey. It is through taking risks and giving a part of ourselves to others that helps us identify not only who we are, but who and what we want to be.

As Director of Student Activities, I challenge students to develop not only leadership but also a sense of ethical responsibility that is so desperately needed in our world. As a parent, I hoped my boys would do well at Saint Michael's but it was my fondest hope that they develop habits of doing “good”. As a member of the Saint Michael's staff, and as a parent, I have not been disappointed.

Visit the student activities webpage.

Parent Fund for Fiscal Year 2005
by Terri Selby
Director of Parent Programs

Parent support has a long and strong tradition at Saint Michael’s. I am continually inspired by the number of parents who make a gift to the Saint Michael’s Fund each year knowing that you are also making a significant investment in your son or daughter's education. I am also impressed with the number of parents of alumni who continue to give back to Saint Michael’s long after graduation ceremonies have ended.

In fact, the excitement by parents about Saint Michael’s at times rivals that of students! Many of you have told me that you wish that you could go back to college again and that if you could, you would choose Saint Michael’s. Why is that? Is it because now, as adults and parents, you understand the importance of a Catholic, liberal arts, residential education? That you understand that college, especially Saint Michael’s, is a life-changing experience? A place and a time where life-long friendships are made, life-lessons learned, intellectual thought pursued and for some lucky ones, soul mates found?

The next few months at Saint Michael’s are full of excitement – we continue to celebrate our 100th anniversary with many events both on and off campus and we are heading into the final stretch of our Visions Campaign. In my conversations with parents about this critical time for the College, I am often asked "what can I do to help?" This is how you can help: Parent participation in the Campaign is very important! While in the past our participation rate for parents has been strong, our numbers this year could use a boost. This year our current parent participation rate is 13% as of December 31. Last year, we had a total participation rate of 31% for current parents which was one of the highest ever for the College! So it would be truly wonderful if you could help increase the participation rate this year with a gift. The size of the gift is up to you – whatever you feel comfortable giving. Please know that all parent gifts are truly appreciated and help make possible the many ways in which Saint Michael’s is a very special community.

The easiest and most convenient way in which to make a gift is to go to the College’s secure online giving page. If you have any further questions on how to make a gift, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Parent Fund Update
(As of 12/31/04, fiscal year ends June 30, 2005)

Participation:

Support the parent fund today!

This is an exciting time to be associated with Saint Michael’s College! Not only is the College celebrating its 100th anniversary, but it is also the final year of our campaign for endowment and scholarship – Visions: A Campaign for the Saint Michael’s Student. The success of this campaign will ensure that Saint Michael’s will continue to provide an outstanding liberal arts, Catholic, residential education for another 100 years and beyond. The students who will benefit from this are your sons and daughters – a very special group of people who will be the founders of the second century at Saint Michael’s.

We are happy to report that over the past six years $48 million has been raised in gifts and pledges toward a $52 million goal. These funds will help the College provide much needed financial aid and scholarship assistance to worthy students. If you would like more information on Visions or how you can support this important campaign during this pivotal time in the College’s history, please click on the logo above. The deadline to make a gift that will count toward Visions is June 30, 2005.

Why One Student Athlete Chose Saint Michael's
Saint Michael's Ranked 11th in 2005 U.S. News
Saint Michael's Gives a Ski Pass to Every Student

• February 4-6, 2005 – Winter Weekend at Smuggler's Notch
• March 11-18, 2005 – Spring Break
• March 21, 2005 – Classes Resume
• March 25, 2005 – Good Friday, no classes
• April 15-17, 2005 – Family Weekend
• May 9-13, 2005 – Final Exams
• Wednesday, May 18, 2005 – Baccalaureate
• Thursday, May 19, 2005 – Commencement

2004/2005 Academic Calendar

For more information on these programs, visit our Parent Page or contact Terri Selby, Director of Parent Programs (802) 654-2462 or tselby@smcvt.edu.

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