Welcome to Marygrove Minute -- the e-newsletter with the latest information on Marygrove College. We hope you enjoyed the updates from last month and we look to you for feedback. Your input is essential to the success of this effort to stay connected with our friends. We look forward to hearing from you at dpuhl@marygrove.edu.

GRADUATE ERNEST MAVUNGA RECEIVES KAPPA GAMMA PI SCHOLARSHIP
Ernest S. Mavunga, a 2006 graduate of Marygrove College, has just been awarded a prestigious scholarship from Kappa Gamma Pi, the National Catholic College Graduate Honor Society.   Mavunga was named one of this year’s three Cornaro Scholars. This award carries a $3,000 grant to assist with graduate school expenses.

Ernest’s selection was based on his strong academic record, history of service and career goals. Born and raised in Zimbabwe, Ernest displayed his commitment to service early.  During his high school years, he was a member of Youth Against Aids, working to spread knowledge in small rural villages. While maintaining high grades as a student at Marygrove, Ernest worked at a facility for the mentally and physically challenged and at a soup kitchen, among other volunteer activities. His leadership capabilities were seen by his selection to be interim president of the student government, and for a seat on the Board of Directors for the Marygrove Alumni Association.  Ernest will be starting medical school at Duke University in August.  On completion of his studies, he hopes to continue in outreach to the underserved needy, especially in Third World countries. We are happy to know the Cornaro Scholarship will assist him in completing his educational plans.

MARYGROVE APPOINTS DR. EDWARD THOMPSON III AS PROVOST
Dr. David Fike, president of Marygrove College, announced the appointment of Dr. Edward Thompson III, PhD, as provost, effective June 4, 2007. He serves as Marygrove’s chief operating officer, with responsibility for all academic programs and activities related to the education of students through Student Affairs.  He will also serve as lead decision maker in the president’s absence.  

Dr. Thompson, who completed an American Council on Education (ACE) training course titled “Ascending to the Presidency” in October 2006, served as vice president for Academic Affairs and dean of Faculty at Armstrong Atlantic State University in Savannah, GA, from 2002 to 2005.  While at Armstrong, Dr. Thompson focused on enhanced student learning outcomes, the professional development of the faculty and securing external grants to support academic and student programs.

At California State University (CSU) San Marcos from 2000 to 2002, Dr. Thompson served as assistant vice president for Academic Affairs and chair of the Political Science Department.  As a faculty member, he chaired the Academic Senate at CSU San Marcos; was an academic senator on the CSU Statewide Academic Senate; chaired the CSU Statewide Fiscal and Government Affairs Committee; and served as president of the CSU San Marcos chapter of the California Faculty Association.   He has also held tenure track faculty positions at the University of California Davis and the University of Louisville.

Dr. Thompson received his Bachelor’s degree in Political Science in 1971 from the University of Arizona and, in 1982, his PhD in political science from Howard University in Washington, D.C.  He was an American Political Science Association Congressional Fellow where he worked in the office of Senator Wendell Ford in 1985-1986 and an ACE Fellow at Arizona State University where he worked with Dr. Milt Glick in 1999-2000. 
His research in the areas of urban and ethnic politics, voting and energy policy has appeared in such publications as: Social Science Quarterly, Publius, Urban Studies, The National Political Science Review, Journal of Ethnic Studies, Sage Press and Yale University Press.  

President Dr. David Fike said, “Dr. Thompson brings significant academic and civic leadership experience to Marygrove that fits uniquely well with our College’s strategic vision of Urban Leadership.  His solid administrative and faculty experience will assist us in preparing students to assume leadership positions in their chose fields in Detroit, the metropolitan area and nation.”

“RELAY FOR LIFE” WRAP-UP
The American Cancer Society’s (ACS) fourth annual “Detroit Relay for Life” was held June 23 and 24 on Marygrove’s campus.  Marygrove staff and their families formed a team and participated for the first time.  Thirty teams – for a total of several hundred people - camped out on the grounds, and each team had team members walking continuously for 24 hours. 

ACS’s “Relay for Life” is an event designed to raise funds for cancer research; support people diagnosed with cancer; support family, friends and co-workers of people diagnosed with cancer; and remember and celebrate those who have lost their lives to cancer.  The event raised over $37,000.

The Marygrove’s team - “The Grovers” - did well.  It was one of 19 first-time teams, received the silver award for gathering more than $2,500.00 in donations, and was named “rookie team of the year.”

Photos from the "Relay for Life" event:

The American Cancer Society's main tent	The "Grovers" - Marygrove's team
The Grover's tent where it raised additional money	Walkers walking around the circular walkway
Additional walkers	A walker during the night. Notice the bags with cancer victim's names written on them and candles burning in them placed around the entire walkway

TWO NEW “TEACHING AS A SECOND CAREER” PROGRAMS!
Marygrove College has created two new Teaching as a Second Career (TASC) graduate programs.  One program will result in a Masters of Education with an initial teaching certificate in secondary biology and chemistry (“TASC SCI”), and the other program will result in a Masters of Education with an initial teaching certificate and endorsement in learning disabilities (“TASC SED”).  Marygrove’s Teaching as a Second Career program is unique, and is designed for individuals who want to make a mid-career change and who are committed to the “TASC” of educating children.

The TASC science program is intended for individuals who already have a bachelor’s degree but in an area other than biology.  Through the program, students are able to complete a “teachable” major in biology and “teachable” minor in chemistry, while completing teacher certification and Master of Education courses.  Students complete the program in a prescribed sequence, with a cohort of colleagues who stay together for two years and one semester.  Designed to accommodate a busy adult work schedule, courses are delivered online and in a traditional, on-campus format.  For more information, contact Victoria Bigelow at (313) 927-1510 or vbigelow@marygrove.edu or graduate admissions at (866) 903-3033 ext. 1513 or gradadmissions@marygrove.edu.

There is a critical need for qualified special education teachers.  The TASC special education program will provide students with a strong foundation in the knowledge, skills and dispositions needed for special education practitioners (in particular, those specific to the area of learning disabilities).  The program is intended for individuals who already have a bachelor’s degree with a major in English/Language Arts, Social Studies, Reading, Mathematics, or Integrated Science.  Through the program, students are able to complete a “teachable” major in special education, while completing teacher certification and Master of Education courses.  Students complete the program in a prescribed sequence with a cohort of colleagues who stay together for eight semesters.  For more information, contact Steffanie Bowles, Ph.D. at (313) 927-1456 or sbowles@marygrove.edu or graduate admissions at (866) 903-3033 ext. 1513 or gradadmissions@marygrove.edu.

MARYGROVE ART PROFESSOR’S PIECE ON DISPLAY AT DIA
As art patrons know, the Detroit Institute of Art (DIA) is closed this summer and fall for the final stage of a major renovation.  That doesn’t mean the public can’t enjoy art at the museum, however.  “Fore!Fun” is a series of artistically designed mini-golf holes on the lawn of the museum.  The general public can play mini golf on the 10 holes that were created by area artists, designers and architects, including Matisse Rose, which was created by Marygrove professor of art Rose E. DeSloover. 

Inspired by the museum’s collection, Matisse Rose features long stripes of color covering a slopped platform.  Each stripe - painted with latex house paint - is named after a well known artist. Jasper Yellow is for Jasper Johns, O’Keeffe Grey is for Georgia O’Keeffe, Goya (a dark blue) for Francisco José de Goya, Artemisia (a white) is for Artemisia Gentileschi, Renoir (a deep pink) is for Auguste Renoir, and Matisse Rose (a brownish rose) is for Henri Matisse.  The paint manufacturers selected the name to attribute significance to each color - status by association, if you will.

DeSloover is a conceptual artist. She received her undergraduate degree in art from Alverno College in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and a Master of Fine Arts in drawing and sculpture from the Claremont University Center in Claremont, California. She is currently the Dean of the Visual and Performing Arts Division. She was the director of The Gallery from 1980 - 2003. She has long been an active member of the metro Detroit art community, exhibiting both locally and nationally.

MARYGROVE SUPPORTS SUCCESSFUL MIDNIGHT GOLF PROGRAM
The Midnight Golf Program is a 501c(3) organization designed to provide inner-city youth with additional life and professional skills and teach them the game of golf.  It accepts young people between the age of 17 and 22, and those who participate get additional training in skills such as writing, financial literacy, public speaking and conflict resolution, in addition to learning how to play golf.  It was founded in Detroit and is entering its eighth year.  The name “midnight golf” is a play-off of the name of the “midnight basketball” program that started in the 1990s as a way to open up gyms and let youth play basketball in their idle time.

Marygrove College has supported Midnight Golf since the program’s second year.  John Ambrose, director of undergraduate admissions, is on the nonprofit’s board of directors.  Over the years, Marygrove has hosted their Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners and participated in golf outings. This past year, Marygrove provided space for the group’s meetings and President David Fike has extended an invitation for them to hold their meetings on campus this upcoming year.  Recently, the program was featured on WDIV and in the Detroit Free Press.

Over the years, more than 150 Midnight Golf participants have gone on to college, including John Hopkins, Washington University, University of Michigan, West Virginia, Michigan State, Howard, Spelman and Florida A&M.  This year’s Midnight Golf Program begins on September 17, and there appears to be more than 300 applicants for the 100 spots in the program.  You can visit www.midnightgolf.org for more information or get in touch with John Ambrose at (313) 927-1236 or jambrose@marygrove.edu. 

MARYGROVE GOLF FUNDRAISER
Join us Monday, September 10, 2007, for the Sixth Annual Marygrove Alumni and Friends Golf Scramble at St. John's Golf and Conference Center in Plymouth, MI.  Come join your friends for a round of golf or meet for dinner at this historic and beautiful site.  Proceeds from the event provide scholarships to deserving students as well as support the Mustang Athletics Program.

The golf package costs $125; begins at 11:00 a.m.; includes 18 holes and a cart; lunch at the turn; buffet dinner and two drink tickets; and contest prizes.   There is a new option this year.  The dinner package costs $35; begins at 5:00 p.m.; and includes silent auction, raffle and dinner.  To register or for more information, go to www.marygrove.edu/alumni/homecoming or contact Sr. Marianne Gaynor, IHM ’72 at (313) 927-1572 or mgaynor@marygrove.edu.

SUMMER 2007 FESTIVAL OF DANCE
The 38th Festival of Dance has started.   The Festival provides a total of three weeks of daily, quality instruction in various dance techniques.  The second session of classes is August 6 - 17. It allows for Michigan students to study with the best instructors in their own backyard. During each session, international master artists will teach 90-minute technique classes in ballet, pointe, jazz, hip-hop, Dunham Technique, and stretch and tone.  

Master artists for this summer include Gregory Robinson, Associate Director, Dayton Ballet; Mari Jo Irbe, Rehearsal Director, River North Chicago Dance Company; and Daniel Catanach, Artistic Director, Urban Ballet Theater.  Classes are geared for students age 12 and up and those of at least an intermediate level. More information is available on the Web site at Festival_of_Dance, or by contacting Judith Molina at (313) 927-1306 or jmolina@marygrove.edu.

INSTITUTE FOR ARTS-INFUSED EDUCATION HOSTS SECOND ANNUAL SUMMER INTENSIVE ON AUGUST 13 - 15.
Marygrove College will offer a three-day summer intensive workshop for educators and artists on August 13 - 15.  Titled “Community Arts Partnerships-Modeling Innovative Methods in English Language Arts Education,” the College’s Institute for Arts-Infused Education (IAIE) will provide collaborative hands-on sessions with the Detroit Institute of Art, Michigan Opera Theatre and Matrix Theatre Company.

Participants will learn how to use the arts to teach other non-art subjects as well as alternative assessment tools and brain-based education information. Participants can receive 1.6 SBCEUs for attending all three days of the intensive. The cost of the program is $50 and participants can register by calling 866-903-3033.  The intensive training will be held in the Madame Cadillac Building on Marygrove’s campus, 8425 West McNichols, Detroit, MI 48221.

Marygrove established the Institute for Arts-Infused Education in January 2006 to improve K-12 students’ successful progress through the core curriculum in partnership with several accomplished community arts organizations. The Institute promotes the integration of the arts into the core curriculum and creates innovative models for teaching the core curriculum.  Teachers and local artists, including dancers, mimes, musicians and fine artists, collaborate in classroom teaching.

Mary Lou Greene, director, IAIE, explained that arts-infused education “is not the teaching of art but rather the teaching of reading, science and math, the core K through 12 curriculum, using the arts.  Marygrove College has a long and successful track record of teacher training on the bachelor’s and master’s levels.  The College also has a long-standing dedication to in-service and pre-service teacher training.”

The Institute for Arts Infused Education is funded through a generous grant from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation.  For more information, contact Mary Lou Greene at (313) 927-1853 or mgreene@marygrove.edu

ALUMNI TRIPS TO SPAIN, SOUTH AFRICA AND CHINA IN 2008
A trip to Beijing, China has just been added! This is in addition to trips to Spain and South Africa.  Collette Vacations has once again been selected as the preferred vendor for these alumni-sponsored trips. These trips include knowledgeable tour guides and accommodations that are historic, luxurious and unique to the region. 

Beijing City Stay
October 14 – 22, 2008
9 Days – 15 Meals
$1,999 – Includes roundtrip air from Detroit, hotel transfers and departure taxes.
Experience the best of Beijing, home of the 2008 Summer Olympics, while spending each night of your tour in one of the city’s finest hotels.  You’ll visit Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City, the Summer Palace, the Temple of Heaven and The Great Wall.  You’ll also experience ancient Beijing on a rickshaw tour, have a tradition Chinese dinner with a local family in their home and attend the Peking Opera.

Spectacular South Africa
March 27 – April 9, 2008
14 days – 20 meals
$4,099 – Includes roundtrip air from Detroit and double occupancy
Full details can be found here

Spain’s Classics
February 24 – March 4, 2008
10 days – 14 meals
$2,399- Includes roundtrip air from Detroit and double occupancy
Full details can be found here

HELP RECRUIT STUDENTS TO MARYGROVE AND THEY RECEIVE SPECIAL BENEFITS!
Alumni who care about the future of their alma mater can help the Marygrove Alumni Recruiting Students (MARS) committee and the Office of Admissions by identifying potential Marygrove students for the Winter 2007 class. If you refer a student to Marygrove, he or she will have the $25 application fee waived and, if admitted and enrolled, a $250 gift card for books will be awarded to be used at the College Bookstore.

You can become a very important member of our staff as a volunteer alumni admissions representative by telling others of your experiences at Marygrove College. Do not discount the value of your experience as an opportunity to help people choose wisely about the future of their education.

Please use the Alumni-Referred Admission Application and feel free to make copies. If you know someone who would make a good addition to the Marygrove student community, give him or her an application to fill out and send in. Remember to include your name and graduation year in the “Referred by” line below so we know whom to thank! If you have questions, email info@marygrove.edu or call the Office of Admissions at (313) 927-1240. Thank you in advance for your continued support and commitment to Marygrove College.