St. Kate’s News
Julie Michener
Phone: (651) 690-6521
Cell: (651) 253-8931
Fax: (651) 690-6042
jcmichener@stkate.edu
Amy Gage
Director of Marketing and Communications
Phone: (651) 690-6829
Cell: (612) 381-4110
agage@stkate.edu
Contact St. Kate's
St. Kate's faculty and staff mark first academic year as 'University'
By Amy Gage
Sept. 14, 2009
Every autumn, at a time of year when every college or university president prepares to deliver a stirring speech to set the stage for the coming academic year, St. Catherine University President Andrea J. Lee, IHM, typically is rehearsing faculty and staff members for her annual Broadway-like show.
"Let's Boogie" was the theme of St. Catherine University’s 2009 Opening Faculty-Staff Workshop, held Sept. 1 just prior to students’ arrival on campus. More than 60 ardent amateurs were involved as singers and dancers — from the vice president of finance to an institutional researcher to professors in English, American Sign Language, Social Work and other disciplines.
Songs this year included a version of “Under the Sea” from "The Little Mermaid" ("Up On the Hill," in St. Kate's rewritten lyrics) and the dazzling “Electricity” from “Billy Elliot.”
The mood was light-hearted, but the message was serious as Sister Andrea laid out an ambitious roster of goals and reminded faculty and staff members that the University has been navigating turbulent financial waters for the past year, given the nation's economic crisis.
"We must remain true to our core values as we navigate rough economic, social and political seas; make our voice heard to strengthen critical partnerships between higher education and the government in providing access to higher education for low-income students; offer our institution as a leader in educating students, particularly women, who can write, think, communicate, solve complex problems and collaborate with others," the President told the several hundred people assembled at The O'Shaughnessy auditorium.
"We must stand upon and for our values, and heed critical reminders to take the long view in the face of worldwide economic, social and political instability."
An annual tradition
The President's nearly hour-long presentation was punctuated by moments of song and dance, as well as faculty-staff recognition. She explained her choice of theme this year as more meaningful than it might at first appear.
"'Let's Boogie' doesn't sound very serious, even though much of what I say will be," Sister Andrea explained. "As always, we begin deadly serious work, but we do so in a spirit of joy and exuberance, rejoicing that many parts create such a beautiful whole; convinced that a sense of humor and playfulness is necessary and welcome to good work and excellent results."
The annual speech and stage show orchestrated by President Lee has grown to almost mythic proportions during her 11-year tenure, attracting more faculty and staff participation each year.
From a St. Kate’s version of “A Prairie Home Companion” (complete with sound effects courtesy of Archivist Margery Smith and Vice President Brian Bruess) to the members of facilities maintenance staff in their own showcase number, “It’s a Hard-Knock Life,” the faculty-staff opening encompasses music and dancing that the President utilizes to highlight or exemplify her goals and dreams for the University’s upcoming year.
Contact Julie Michener, (651) 690-6521
