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Parent Weekend - Parents Weekend Schedule

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Parents Weekend Schedule

Below is a copy of the 2009 Parent Weekend Schedule.  The 2010 Weekend will be structured around a similar schedule and sessions.

Friday, Feb. 20, 2009


11 a.m. – 5 p.m.


Registration in Parlors B-C in the Benson Center.



Back to the Classroom Sessions

Some of Santa Clara University’s prominent faculty members will talk about their areas of research and study.


1 – 2:30 p.m.



Can Marriage Survive in a Postmodern World?
(Rescheduled for Saturday, Feb. 21 at 2 p.m.)



Where is Jesuit Theology Going Today?

Paul Crowley, S.J., Chair and Professor of Religious Studies
"Jesuit Theology" has a rich and varied history, stretching back to the student days of Ignatius of Loyola in Paris.  We think of the great debates between the Jesuits and the Dominicans over nature and grace, the development of casuistry in ethics and moral theology, and the theological revolutions of the 20th century represented by Jesuits like Karl Rahner and Jon Sobrino.  The work of Jesuit theologians has often put them and the Jesuit Order in tension with the Church.  So, where is Jesuit theology today?  What are Jesuit theologians saying?  What is the current relationship between Jesuit theology and the Church?  And, what makes theology distinctive at a Jesuit university like Santa Clara?
Location: Nobili Hall Dining Room


10 Ethical Choices Every College Student Faces

Kirk O. Hanson, Executive Director, Markkula Center for Applied Ethics
Research at SCU’s Ethics Center and at other universities has identified a set of difficult and unavoidable ethical choices which are a part of your son or daughter's college experience. Professor Hanson will discuss the top 10, how ethical issues arise, and how parents can help their young adult children cope with these choices.
Location: Benson Center, California Mission Room


2 – 3 p.m.
Reflections on Women Becoming Leaders

Lucia Albino Gilbert, Provost and Professor of Psychology and Professor of Counseling Psychology
Women becoming leaders, women taking on leadership roles at all levels, has never been more important.  The world needs the minds and talents of all its citizens.  This presentation will review what we know about effective leadership from the extensive research available, discuss the importance of context to leadership opportunities for women and to their ability to be effective leaders, and consider ways we can further women becoming leaders.
Location: Benson Center, Williman room


3 – 4:30 p.m.


Can Africa Get Out of the Poverty Trap?

Leslie C. Gray, Associate Professor and Executive Director, Environmental Studies Institute
Professor Gray will examine the roots of poverty in Sub-Saharan Africa, addressing what sorts of policy interventions can help Africa emerge from its current poverty trap.  In particular, she will focus on new interventions in the field of agriculture, movements to promote Fairer Trade and how Africans are dealing with environmental instability.
Location: Daly Science, Room 206


Exploring Science and Technology for the Common Good

Pedro Hernandez-Ramos, Associate Director, Center for Science, Technology, and Society and Associate Professor, Department of Education
The mission of the University's Center for Science, Technology, and Society is to study and promote the use of science and technology for the common good. This presentation will detail the Center's role in the new Core Curriculum, the Science and Technology Studies academic minor; our workshops and forums with the Silicon Valley community; the Center's role in the Technology Benefiting Humanity international awards; and the Global Social Benefit Incubator (GSBI) educational program for entrepreneurs from underserved populations throughout the world.
Location: Benson Center, California Mission Room


The History of Santa Clara University

George Giacomini, Associate Professor, Department of History
Learn about the history of Santa Clara University, from its founding in 1851 on the grounds of Mission Santa Clara to today. Professor Giacomini has been at SCU since 1962.  He co-authored Serving the Intellect, Touching the Heart, a pictorial history of SCU’s first 150 years, with SCU Professor Gerald McKevitt, S.J.
Location: Benson Center, Williman Room


Interdisciplinary projects at SCU: Religious Studies and Theatre

Jean Molesky-Poz,Lecturer, Department of Religious Studies; Mark Larson, Guest Lecturer and Kristin Kusanovich, , Senior Lecturer, Department of Theatre and Dance and Liberal Studies
The Life of St. Clare: A theatrical exploration and symposium was conceived as a cross-disciplinary project between Religious Studies and Theatre, and has led to a week long celebration of Clare's life, works and teachings on campus. Learn how the intellectual, spiritual and creative processes informed each other throughout the process. Jean Molesky-Poz, Department of Religious Studies, will give background history into the life and charism of Clare and what her existence could mean for us today, and Kristin Kusanovich, Department of Theatre and Dance and Mark Larson, professional Guest Director, will share their process of creating the original theatrical production which performs Friday, Feb. 20 at 8 p.m. in the Mission Church and features students and alums.
Location: Benson Center, Room 21

5 p.m.



Welcome Dinner and University Update

Welcome by Michael E. Engh, S.J., President, Santa Clara University
Location: Pat Malley Fitness Center


8 p.m.



The Marriage of Figaro
by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

Love, lust, and laughter abound in this delightful comic opera—which created quite a stir at its 18th century premiere. Join SCU vocal students in recounting a single day in the palace of the two-timing Count Almaviva and see why The Marriage of Figaro is one of Mozart’s most beloved works.
Location: Music and Dance, Recital Hall


The Life of St. Clare—A Theatrical Exploration

Directed by Mark Larson and Kristin Kusanovich, Senior Lecturer, Department of Theatre and Dance
Artists’ talk back to follow
Location: Mission Church

Saturday, Feb. 21, 2009


8 a.m.-2 p.m.



Registration in Parlors B-C in the Benson Center.




Breakfast Sessions

Join us for continental breakfast, information, and conversation with other Santa Clara parents.

8:30 a.m.



Breakfast Only

A continental breakfast will be provided.  Come by for coffee and conversation with other parents.
Location: Benson Center, Parlors B-C and Williman Room


Commencement Update for Senior Parents

Karrie Grasser, Director of University Events and Protocol
Come meet other SCU parents and hear about this year’s commencement activities.
Location: Benson Center, California Mission Room


For Freshmen Parents:

Long-term Planning for Study Abroad
Dennis Gordon, Executive Director, International Programs
Information on Santa Clara’s more than 100 summer, semester, and full-year programs. Join us as students who recently returned from studying abroad share their experiences.
Location: Pat Malley Fitness Center


Concurrent Session I


10 – 11 a.m.


For Freshmen, Sophomore, and Junior Parents:

Session A—The Internship Advantage
Enzie Lagattuta, Assistant Director of the Career Center, and a panel of SCU students
Parents and students will learn about the value of internships for career exploration and for jumpstarting a career after graduation. Students will take away essential internship searching strategies, and parents will be given practical suggestions to assist students in their career development. Members of the student panel will share their experiences and offer helpful tips on making the most of an internship.
Location: Pat Malley Fitness Center


For Sophomore and Junior Parents:

Session B—Preparing for a Study Abroad Experience
Dennis Gordon, Executive Director, International Programs
Information on Santa Clara’s more than 100 summer, semester, and full-year programs. Join us as students who recently returned from studying abroad share their experiences.
Location: Benson Center, California Mission Room


Session C—Parents and the Career Center: Together Guiding Students as They Explore How to Make a Living and Make a Difference

Elizabeth Thompson, Assistant Director of the Career Center
Does your student call you each month with a new major or career in mind? Do you ever feel helpless when you watch your student flounder with career goals? Do you wonder how you can best support your student's career exploration? Listen to a panel of students share the questions they grapple with as they explore how to make a living while making a difference. Learn what students ask of their parents to support them in their exploration and hear a parent's perspective on effective ways to provide this support. Find out about programs and resources the Career Center provides to assist students with identifying their interests and talents and how to connect them to the world's needs.
Location: Benson Center, Williman Room


For Senior Parents:

Session D—Senior Transitions for Challenging Times
Kathy Potter, Director, Career Center
Are seniors and parents ready for life after graduation?  These are challenging times, and seniors need to know what to expect as well as what qualities and skills they have to offer.  Parents also need to be ready for the change in their own roles.  How can parents help themselves and their students with the challenges they each face in preparing for this next transition?  Learn about ways to respond to this transition and hear about specific ways in which the Career Center and parents can assist seniors with this major transition.
Location: Daly Science 207


Concurrent Session II

11:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.


For Freshmen and Sophomore Parents:

Session E—Understanding SCU’s Academic Resources
Nedra G. Shunk, Dean, Academic Support Services, Drahmann Academic Advising & Learning Resources Center
Parents are invited to participate in a discussion about the academic resources that are available to students. We will focus on resources for first-year and undeclared students.
Location: Daly Science 206


For Freshmen, Sophomore, and Junior Parents:

Session F —Learning Outside the Classroom at Santa Clara
Kevin P. Quinn, S.J., Executive Director, Ignatian Center for Jesuit Education and Professor of Law
Laurie Laird, Associate Director, the Ignatian Center, directing the center’s Arrupe Partnerships for Community-based Learning
Learn what programs SCU offers for students to engage in learning from and with the community. These opportunities include 50 community agencies in San Jose, as well as immersion opportunities around the world.
Location: Daly Science 207


For Senior Parents:

Session G—I’ve Graduated! Now What?
Kathy Kale ’86, Executive Director, Alumni Association
Paul Neilan ’70, Senior Associate Director, Alumni Association
John Spieth '06, Assistant Director, Chapters & Students
Learn the most important things you need to know about the rest of your senior year and beyond: how to get ready for life after Santa Clara; how to celebrate your graduation Bronco style; and how to network with other SCU alumni for jobs, housing, and more!
Location: Benson Center, California Mission Room


For all Parents:

Session H—Spirituality.edu
A panel discussion with current students and members of the campus ministry team led by Jack Treacy, S.J., Director, Campus Ministry
Hear about opportunities, issues, and challenges for young adults in their spiritual development from current students and members of the campus ministry team.
Location: Benson Center, Williman Room


For Families of First-Generation College Students and Students of Color (all classes)

Session I—Our Shared Experience
Cheryl Brown, LEAD Scholars Program Coordinator, University Advisor
William Greenwalt, Professor of Classics, Director of LEAD Scholars Program, the Honors Program and the Office of Fellowships
First-generation college students (students who are the first in their family to attend a four-year college or university) and students of color may have unique experiences at colleges in general and Santa Clara University in particular.  In this session we will discuss the ways in which Santa Clara University supports this student population.  SCU faculty and staff will facilitate a dialogue about the experiences of students in these communities and share strategies that can help students thrive and grow while attending SCU.  This session may be available in Spanish and English.   Extended Session (11:15a.m.-1:30 p.m.) – Lunch included
Location: Benson Center, Room 21


12:30 p.m.

Lunch
Location:  Pat Malley Fitness Center

Optional Afternoon Activities:


2 p.m.
For Seniors and their Parents:



Alumni Association Presents Life After SCU: Connecting with your Bronco Network

Carey DeAngelis '05, Associate Director, Marketing & Communications
Buford Barr, Lecturer, Department of Marketing and Department of Communication
Class of 2009: SCU Broncos like hiring Broncos.  Learn about the online services offered by the Alumni Association to help you build your SCU Alumni professional network.
Location: Daly Science 207



Can Marriage Survive in a Postmodern World? (Rescheduled from Friday, Feb. 20 at 1 p.m.)
Frederick Parrella, Associate Professor, Religious Studies
Marriage is more difficult in a post-traditional society, and, statistics show, many marriages fail. What can we do to keep marriages alive and flourishing?
Location: Benson Center, Williman Room
Q&A with the President

Have a question you’ve always wanted to ask? Come to this session, meet Santa Clara’s new president, Michael E. Engh, S.J., and bring your question. Questions will be collected throughout the weekend.
Location: Benson Center, California Mission Room


3 – 4:30 p.m.


Undergraduate Research and Creative Expression Forums

See the types of research and creative projects that our undergraduate students are participating in. The sessions will be organized by college and school. Refreshments will be served at each location.

College of Arts & Sciences
Location: Arts & Sciences Lobby

School of Engineering
Location: Bannon Engineering Laboratories

Leavey School of Business
Location: Benson Center, California Mission Room


Visit the de Saisset Museum.
Docents will be available to talk about the current exhibits from 2 p.m. until closing:


Natural Blunders

Like artists throughout history, our featured artists, find inspiration in the richness, diversity and symbolic potential of plants and animals.  However, the work of these artists showcases a darker side of nature, by highlighting the increasing control exerted by humans, with a particular emphasis on the negative aspects of our interference.  The resulting works encourage us to consider our own relationship with the natural world and to ponder the potential implications of our recent explorations into genetic testing and cloning.


Futurefarmers: Nearby Nature

Futurefarmers worked with SCU students to create the site-specific installation during a residency.  While creating a broad range of artworks—from sculpture to installations, community collaborations, and performance—Futurefarmers has maintained a dedication to environmental issues and sustainability.


Flora and Fauna from the de Saisset Museum’s Permanent Collection

The exhibit features works selected by SCU biology faculty from the museum’s permanent collection that explore animals and nature.


Evening Program



5 p.m.


Parent Mass

Location: Mission Church


7 p.m.


Senior Parent Reception and Dinner Dance

Location: Imperial Ballroom, Fairmont San Jose, 170 S. Market St., San Jose
(Please note: Shuttle service will be available between SCU and the Fairmont Hotel from 6 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.)


7 p.m.


Women’s Basketball—SCU vs. USF

Location: Leavey Center


8 p.m.


The Marriage of Figaro
by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

Location: Music and Dance, Recital Hall
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