SMC Alumni Newsletter - June 2009, Help Save the Cal Grant Program

Help Save the Cal Grant Program

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has proposed eliminating the Cal Grant program completely for incoming freshmen, which would affect 167 new students at Saint Mary's and 118,000 statewide. The College requests your help in contacting the governor and your representatives in the legislature to urge them to save the program.
Read more.

Brother Ronald Gallagher Reappointed as President

The Board of Trustees voted unanimously in May on a second four-year term for Brother Ronald which will begin on July 1, 2009. The appointment was also endorsed by Brother Visitor Stanislaus Campbell, F.S.C., head of the De la Salle Christian Brothers' San Francisco District.
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2009 valedictorian Suzanne Guese and Provost Bethami Dobkin

Graduates and Families Celebrate Academic Achievement
Nearly 1,000 students received undergraduate and graduate degrees from Saint Mary's College over Memorial Day weekend in commencement ceremonies that were filled with hope for the future and fond memories of the past. The graduate business commencement ceremony was on April 26.
Read more.
See pictures from undergraduate commencement.
See pictures from graduate commencement.
See pictures from the graduate business commencement.

New Alumni Honored at the Zero Year Reunion
250 members of the Class of 2009 were on hand for their first alumni event in May. Alumni Association President Janine Ogando '89 toasted their achievement and David Perry '97 gave the alumni address.
See the pictures.

SMC Launches Center for First Generation to College Studies
In May the College announced the creation of the Center for First Generation to College Studies.The researchers at the new center will focus on first generation college students through the lenses of sociology and anthropology.
Read more.

Class Giving Comparison
Show your Gael Pride. Please make your gift by June 30 to help us prepare for the 2009-2010 academic year. Our students are counting on you now more than ever. See how many of your classmates support SMC and our students.
Look at the class giving comparison.

Graduate Business Alumni Event Featuring Guy Kawasaki
Come out this Wednesday, June 3 for a special event titled "Start Something! Being proactive, positive, entrepreneurial and successful in a challenging economy." Author Guy Kawasaki will give his insights into being innovative in a down economy. This event is open to all alumni.
Learn more.
RSVP.

Get Ready for the Battle of Bay: A's vs. Giants
Join other alumni at the annual Battle of the Bay, Oakland A's vs San Francisco Giants, game and tailgate party at the Oakland Coliseum on Tuesday, June 23. The $30 price includes a pre-game tailgate party (food, beer, soda and water) as well as a field level ticket in the Saint Mary's section. Seats are limited.
Get your ticket now.

"Hello Dolly"
Join other MBA alumni on June 26 at the Lesher Center in Walnut Creek to support alumna Terry D'Emidi '04, who is starring in "Hello Dolly." Contact JP McDermott for discounted tickets.

Butch Whacks and the Glass Packs 27th Annual Farewell Performance
Butch Whacks and the Glass Packs, that gaggle of Gaels from the early 70's, will once again offer their unique brand of entertainment to appreciative San Francisco audiences when they return to Bimbo's for their 27th annual farewell performance on June 25, 26 and 27.
Read more.