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Dozens of St. Mike’s students earned induction into honor societies during 2024-25 academic year

Each year, 鶹Ƶ Michael’s students who excel academically are chosen to be inducted into national and international academic honor societies that have chapters on campus.    In addition to several honor societies that draw from the general student population, there are about a dozen honor societies that are specific to academic disciplines and draw from students […]

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St. Mike’s master’s grad taps into roots for book of cultural stories to enhance language learning

When Bernadette Samake M’25 was a grade school student in Mali learning French in addition to her native language, Bambara, it was the stories that really ignited her passion for languages.   Now, as the Fulbright student graduates from 鶹Ƶ Michael’s College with a master’s degree in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) — […]

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The Hermeneutic of Pope Francis: Reading Scripture with Mercy, Accompaniment, and Justice

The previous blog focused on the second principle of Catholic Social justice:  Call to family, community, and participation.  In the blog, the call of Cardinal McElroy for the Catholic Church to employ “radical inclusion” in relating to individuals and communities of persons whose life choices and relationships do not fit exactly the Church’s doctrinal understand […]

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Senior Awards Brunch brings out emotion, celebration, and pride for St. Mike’s Class of 2025

The 鶹Ƶ Michael’s Class of 2025 took in one of their remaining Alliot meals together and – with the faculty and staff – celebrated each other and their many accomplishments during the annual Senior Awards Brunch.   It was a time to reflect on all they had achieved and overcome. Emcee Sierra Leonard ’15, assistant […]

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鶹Ƶ Michael’s Class of 2025 urged to lead with compassion amid ‘world full of disruption’

Leading with compassion and standing with those on the margins were central messages delivered to members of the 鶹Ƶ Michael’s Class of 2025 during the College’s 118th Commencement on Sunday.   Approximately 370 students obtained bachelor’s and master’s degrees during the ceremony. The Class of 2025 graduates who received bachelor’s degrees represent 24 U.S states […]

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From St. Mike’s to Capitol Hill: Senior leverages internship for post-grad job

While managing an 11-hour time difference across the world in Southeast Asia during summer 2024, 鶹Ƶ Michael’s Political Science major Jamie Collins ’25, was polishing her application for an internship with the U.S. Senator Peter Welch’s office.  Collins was spending the summer before her senior year at St. Mike’s interning in Vietnam thanks to a […]

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Where will St. Mike’s seniors go next? Spotlight on Margaret Wilk ’25

As we approach Commencement for the 鶹Ƶ Michael’s College Class of 2025, we are highlighting where our seniors plan to go next and how they hope to apply the knowledge they gained at St. Mike’s.    Margaret Wilk ’25 will start a new position in the fall at KPMG, one of the four largest public accounting […]

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Principle Two: Call to Family, Community, and Participation

The second principle of Catholic social justice promotes the importance of family and community. Likewise, the principle recognizes that individuals have a right and a duty to participate in both. Because human beings are social by nature and realize their full humanity in their interactions with others, to exclude people from the possibility of meaningful […]

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Peace Corps Prep: Preparing St. Mike’s students for international service is as popular as it’s ever been

A year ago, Paisleigh Atwood ’24 didn’t have an inkling she would soon be living and working in a village in the mountains of Albania teaching health classes to students in Shqip, the native language of the area.   Atwood’s interest in international humanitarian work prompted her to complete a Peace Corps Prep certificate at […]

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Freeman Foundation supports 18 St. Mike’s student internships in Asia during summer 2025

This summer, 鶹Ƶ Michael’s College will be sending a record-breaking 18 students to complete an eight-week internship abroad in either South Korea or Vietnam, thanks to a generous annual grant from the Freeman Foundation. 鶹Ƶ Michael’s is one of only 33 colleges and universities in the U.S. to receive this annual, highly competitive grant. The […]

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Where will St. Mike’s seniors go next? Spotlight on Hanae Rhouat ’25

As we approach Commencement for the 鶹Ƶ Michael’s College Class of 2025, we are highlighting where our seniors plan to go next and how they hope to apply the knowledge they gained at St. Mike’s.  Accounting and Economics double major, Hanae Rhouat ’25 will be starting a new position at Ernst & Young (EY), one […]

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Where will St. Mike’s seniors go next? Spotlight on Bernadette Lesieur ’25

As we near Commencement for the 鶹Ƶ Michael’s College Class of 2025, we are highlighting where our seniors plan to go next and how they’re hoping to use the knowledge they gained at St. Mike’s. Physics major and Biology minor Bernadette Lesieur ’25 has made the most of available opportunities within the science departments at […]

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Full circle: 鶹Ƶ Michael’s graduating senior will return to roots to teach 5th grade

Like many others at 鶹Ƶ Michael’s College, senior Theresa Hoar ’25 is on the verge of graduation, but she has a familiar path ahead.  Hoar, a member of the 鶹Ƶ Michael’s Class of 2025, will soon be walking the halls once again of her childhood elementary school in her hometown, Barre, Vermont. By then, she’ll […]

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Water for All!

  Bright and early on Wednesday, April 9, the 鶹Ƶ Michael’s Campus welcomed over 100 elementary and middle school students from St. Francis Xavier School in Winooski. In a beautiful collaboration between the Institute for the Environment, Global Engagement, Equity and Justice, and MOVE, we were able to support the fundraising and mission of St. […]

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The Life and Dignity of the Human Person in the Context of Life’s Realities

I feel compelled to say something more about the first Catholic principle of social justice: life and the dignity of human life. What is driving this compulsion is the present reality of our lives in the United States, rooted as they are in a quagmire of political and social factions that move people to be […]

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Where will St. Mike’s seniors go next? Spotlight on Jackson Moser ’25

As we approach Commencement for the 鶹Ƶ Michael’s College Class of 2025, we are highlighting where our seniors plan to go next and how they hope to apply the knowledge they gained at St. Mike’s. At 鶹Ƶ Michael’s, students interested in Engineering have the ability to partake in the 3+2 Engineering program in collaboration with […]

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A decade of growth and transformative experiences: Farm reaches milestone

A decade ago, the 1.7 acres of empty land behind the 鶹Ƶ Michael’s College observatory began a transformation into what has become a resilient farm producing hundreds of pounds of crops each growing season. The Farm at 鶹Ƶ Michael’s not only gives back to its community by providing nutritious fruits and vegetables, but also provides […]

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Welcome Grad Assistants!

Last month, the Institute for the Environment (I4E) welcomed 3 new graduate assistants to the team. They will be working for I4E to expand our public outreach and bring the beauty of the green spaces at 鶹Ƶ Michael’s College to our community. Stop into the Institute to say hi and connect! George: My name is […]

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Ripples on the Water: Life, Dignity, and the Beauty of Human Difference

The first principle of Catholic Social Teaching (CST) as taught by the U.S. bishops is simple in its clarity, yet profound in its implications:  the life and dignity of the human person.  Every human life is sacred.  Each person possesses an inherent dignity that no circumstance, no condition, and no difference can erase. This conviction […]

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Where will St. Mike’s seniors go next? Spotlight on Emily DuFour-Woznicki ’25

As we near Commencement for the 鶹Ƶ Michael’s College Class of 2025, we are highlighting where our seniors plan to go next and how they’re hoping to use the knowledge they gained at St. Mike’s.  Below is a Q&A with Emily DuFour-Woznicki ’25, a Criminology major with an English minor who finished her academic program […]

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Where will St. Mike’s seniors go next? Spotlight on Patrick Gahan ’25

As we approach Commencement for the 鶹Ƶ Michael’s College Class of 2025, we are highlighting where our seniors plan to go next and how they hope to apply the knowledge they gained at St. Mike’s.  Below is a Q&A with Patrick Gahan ’25, a Statistics major with minors in Public Health and Mathematics from Whitinsville, […]

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St. Mike’s class on Edmundites in the Civil Rights Movement opens eyes, preserves legacy

Picture this: A white Catholic priest hand-in-hand with Civil Rights activist John Lewis when he awoke in the hospital following the events of Bloody Sunday in Selma, Alabama in March 1965.   That priest – Father Maurice Ouellet – a St. Mike’s alumnus, staff member, and member of the order that founded the College, touched history. […]

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Preparing future first responders: 鶹Ƶ Michael’s introduces Emergency Medical Services minor

A new program of study has recently been added to 鶹Ƶ Michael’s College’s list of academics – a minor in Emergency Medical Services (EMS).   Kate Soons ’92, professor of Health Science and the creator of the EMS minor, said that the interdisciplinary nature of the program aims to enhance students’ applications to medical and […]

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St. Mike’s announces 2025 Commencement speaker: Fr. Gregory Boyle, founder of Homeboy Industries

Fr. Gregory Boyle, S.J., the founder of the largest gang rehabilitation and re-entry program in the world, will deliver the Commencement address at 鶹Ƶ Michael’s College to the Class of 2025.  Fr. Boyle, whose program is based in Los Angeles, California, will also receive an honorary degree during the ceremony on May 11, 2025. The […]

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Principle One: Life and Dignity of the Human Person

Last week, I introduced the seven Catholic principles of social justice, rooted in the rich tradition of Catholic Social Teaching (CST). As I have noted in previous blogs, these principles align meaningfully with the goals of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). Both CST and DEI emphasize the inherent dignity of every person, the importance of […]

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Understanding Catholic Social Teaching: A Guide for Our College Community

Catholic Social Teaching (CST) has deep roots in scripture, tradition, and centuries of Church thought. CST formally began with Pope Leo XIII’s encyclical, Rerum Novarum (“On the Condition of Labor”), issued in 1891. Responding to the injustices of the industrial revolution, that is, harsh working conditions, poverty, and economic disparity, the encyclical marked the beginning […]

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How the new 鶹Ƶ Michael’s Mock Trial Club enhances skills across all majors

A club formed at 鶹Ƶ Michael’s in the fall is already showing the wide-reaching applications of the skills students gain through participation.   The President of Mock Trial, Ryann Edwards ’26, said she has always had a passion for government, and she had wanted to start a Mock Trial group since the start of her […]

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鶹Ƶ Michael’s College’s spring mainstage play is a modern version of Moliere’s “Tartuffe”

Moliere’s 17th-century comedy “Tartuffe” is getting the 21st-century treatment at 鶹Ƶ Michael’s College this spring.  The satire on religious hypocrisy was initially banned in France after its debut, but themes from the 1660’s play remain relevant centuries later, producers at the College say. 鶹Ƶ Michael’s College’s Department of Fine Arts: Theatre will present a slimmed-down […]

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Catholic Social Teaching and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: Partners in Justice for All

At 鶹Ƶ Michael’s College, we are committed to being a community where all people feel welcome, valued, and respected. In working toward that goal, we recognize that Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and Catholic Social Teaching (CST) both play an important role. Though they come from different places, DEI and CST share a commitment to […]

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Water For All! event inspires two campuses to combine efforts to make clean water accessible

What cause is so significant it has united the three 鶹Ƶ Michael’s College Institutes – environment, global engagement, and equity & justice – plus the College’s service organization, MOVE, and the students at a local Catholic school with alumni ties? The answer is humanity’s most basic need: water.  鶹Ƶ Michael’s College and 鶹Ƶ Francis Xavier […]

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Landing the dream job: How a St. Mike’s grad found passion for filmmaking, success with ‘Ms. Rachel’

As a junior at 鶹Ƶ Michael’s College, Ashley DeLeon ’23 took her first film class at the urging of her advisor. While she was hesitant at the beginning of the semester, she soon discovered a passion for editing and filmmaking that eventually launched her career.  Today, DeLeon can be seen channeling her passion for media […]

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Faith in Action: CST and DEI Hand-in-Hand at 鶹Ƶ Michael’s College

In the spirit of authentic Catholic identity, 鶹Ƶ Michael’s College affirms that faith is not merely a private matter but rather the foundational heart of our community, guiding our pursuit of justice, dignity, and solidarity in line with a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Rooted deeply in Catholic Social Teaching (CST), our commitment […]

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An ‘unwavering dedication’ to French education in the U.S.: St. Mike’s professor knighted by France

Professor Peter Vantine has long borne the title of 鶹Ƶ Michael’s College Purple Knight over his more than a decade of teaching French at the College. But, thanks to the French government, he recently got an upgrade to his knighthood. Recently, Vantine, who is Chair of the Classical and Modern Languages and Literatures Department, was […]

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Beyond the game: Team IMPACT’s effect on 鶹Ƶ Michael’s College athletes

For athletes at 鶹Ƶ Michael’s College, the game now represents more than just competition as new additions to the roster are teaching them there is more to play for.  The name Team IMPACT is becoming more widely known and represented on the 鶹Ƶ Michael’s College campus. Team IMPACT is a national nonprofit organization that matches […]

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The “Catholic Difference” of 鶹Ƶ Michael’s College

Over the past few weeks, I have been replying to questions posed by students who have been emailing me with comments and questions about the blogs that I posted.  This results from an assignment Dr. Jolivette Anderson-Douoning gave to students.  鶹Ƶwere asked to read a blog or two and to pose questions. A number […]

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鶹Ƶ Michael’s professor to receive French order of knighthood for promoting French language, culture

A longtime 鶹Ƶ Michael’s College professor is set to be honored by the French government for his commitment to promoting French language, culture, and education in the U.S., at the College, and in Vermont. Mustafa Soykurt, Consul General of France in Boston, will bestow the Ordre des Palmes Académiques upon Peter Vantine, a Professor of […]

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鶹Ƶmerge art, food, and light in spring 鶹Ƶ Michael’s McCarthy Art Gallery lineup

Each spring, 鶹Ƶ Michael’s College Art & Design seniors have the unique opportunity to plan, create, and show a solo art exhibit in the College’s on-campus gallery. The opportunity provided by 鶹Ƶ Michael’s is not one offered to many undergraduates at other colleges and universities. It’s meant to be the culmination of their education at […]

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How St. Mike’s Criminology program became an unofficial pipeline for South Burlington Police

It may be more happenstance than by design that six 鶹Ƶ Michael’s College alumni are currently employed by the South Burlington Police Department. But the prevalence speaks to the special relationship between the organizations.  What’s taught in the classroom at St. Mike’s complements the real-world work deployed by officers and staff at SBPD, who share […]

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“In the Light of the Catholic Faith”: Encountering Each Other In Conversation

In the last blog, I observed that it eventually would become the responsibility of the administration, the faculty, and the staff of 鶹Ƶ Michael’s College to ensure the catholicity of the College and preserve the Catholic identity of 鶹Ƶ Michael’s.  What it means to be educate students “in the light of the Catholic,” however, needs […]

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From classroom to Cider Lab: One St. Mike’s alum’s path to entrepreneurship

The path to entrepreneurship for alumna Karen Wisehart ’92 was anything but traditional.  After earning her business degree from 鶹Ƶ Michael’s College while working full-time, Wisehart began her career in the hospitality industry. Decades later, after growing her confidence and knowledge in the business world, Wisehart and her husband, Chris, decided to take their 15-year […]

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St. Mike’s re-envisions career event with input from students and engaging local business community

When it comes to planning their future, St. Mike’s students get a chance tap into one of their greatest (and often under-utilized) resources: alumni.  鶹Ƶ Michael’s College’s Career Connections event March 7 will bring together alumni, students, local businesses and business leaders in ways the College hasn’t done before.  “The main goal of this event […]

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The Catholic Intellectual Tradition and Catholic Pedagogy

We often speak about the Catholic Intellectual Tradition (CIT) and indeed have integrated CIT into the curriculum of 鶹Ƶ Michael’s College.  Monika Hellwig, to whom many in contemporary Catholic education look for guidance regarding CIT, noted the dual nature of CIT.  Its content encompasses centuries of reflection, exploration, and teaching, whose content can be found […]

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St. Mike’s alum’s business Homegrown Jewelry goes from dorm room pop-up shop to British Vogue

Readers of British Vogue connected with 鶹Ƶ Michael’s College may have noticed a familiar business name in several recent issues.  Homegrown Jewelry, a small business created by Francesca D’Elia ’20, was featured in the December, January, and February issues of British Vogue as one of their “Jewellery Designer Profiles” alongside jewelry designers from around the […]

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Teaching Elementary Science and Engineering Outside

Remember summer? I’ll wait. It is currently below zero and I can barely remember flowing rivers, bright green plants, and the hot sun. But that is what I am sharing with you today. Last summer, students in the GED 695, Teaching Science and Engineering in the Elementary Classrooms were engaged in some Inquiry Based learning […]

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Preserving the Education of 鶹Ƶ“In the Light of the Catholic Faith”

In a previous blog, I noted the significant change that took place at 鶹Ƶ Michael’s College in the late 1960s, following the publication of the “Land O’ Lakes Statement.”  For students enrolled at the College, this meant that they would no longer be educated “in the Catholic faith,” like previous generations of students.  The mission […]

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Chasing fires, not receipts: St. Mike’s alum uses his degree in the College’s fire station

When Kyle Wentzel ’18 came to 鶹Ƶ Michael’s, he did not have any intention of joining the College’s Fire and Rescue squad. But then a fire alarm went off in his first-year dorm, Ryan Hall, during orientation, and the fire engines rolled up to the door.   “The fire engine came, and it was all branded […]

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St. Mike’s engineering alum: 3+2 program with UVM was ‘best of both worlds’

鶹Ƶwho come to 鶹Ƶ Michael’s College to major in Engineering get both the technical skills needed for engineering-specific jobs as well as the soft skills – such as writing and communication – needed to thrive in any workplace.   Those are the biggest benefits of the 3+2 Engineering partnership that St. Mike’s shares with the […]

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A Place to Call Home in the Midst of Difference

In my last blog, I noted how Catholic higher education can be home to a diverse population of people, all of whom can be considered guests of the College.  Diversity in this sense requires welcome and hospitality, as all good hosts should provided to those who are their guests, regardless of cultural background or religious […]

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Leahy appropriation at 鶹Ƶ Michael’s funds two inaugural Institute for the Environment fellows

Two instructors who have come to 鶹Ƶ Michael’s College through a new fellowship program are helping answer major environmental questions of the day – and they are involving students in this important work.   The instructors – one in Physics and the other in Environmental Studies – are the inaugural fellows for the 2024-2025 academic year […]

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St. Mike’s student finds journalistic success: Article lands in major publication

For many students, professional success comes only after years of applying oneself, personal growth and skill development, at times grit, and certainly after college graduation. 鶹Ƶ Michael’s College sophomore, Ada Jones ’27, however, recently flipped the norm and proved students can produce high-caliber professional work even early in their careers.  A news feature originally written […]

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