Academic Year Ended – Summer Ahead

As I write to you – parents, alumni, friends, and students - the 2009-2010 academic year is quickly drawing to a close.  It has been a year filled with numerous faith development opportunities and fun social activities, as well as a year of transition and learning for all of us.  The past weeks included electing the new Student Council and the transition retreat with the outgoing group, our Senior Send Off and Roast & Toast, and the last Sunday Mass on the Grass, May 9.

Students are gradually leaving as exams finish, and are venturing out in various directions.  Some will enter into summer internships with either promise, potential, or at least hope for a future position; others are committed to jobs to earn money for their ongoing needs; some will be taking classes at various sites, while a few will stay around for continued research at S&T.   It is our hope that wherever students are this summer, that it will be a time of refreshment, but also a time of continuing our mission of Engaging Life and Proclaiming Faith in whatever setting they find themselves.

As for me, this first summer in Rolla will be a time to assimilate this first year’s experiences in order to plan well for the year ahead.  Specifically, there is a need to assess current resources and then to order books, AV materials, and equipment as specified in our two approved grant requests.  There are also plenty of piles to organize and files from past years to study and update.  In between, I plan to enjoy my family, friends, and community, and look forward to special time with God at my long-awaited annual retreat.   I fear that the summer will fly by all too fast. 

In closing, I thank parents of students for the opportunity to work with your sons and daughters at this precious time of their lives, and alums and friends for your ongoing support of, and continued interest in our Newman Center.  I promise you my prayers for a very blessed and safe summer and ask that you keep me in your prayers as well.  If you have any ideas for how we can communicate better to meet your needs, please do not hesitate to contact us.

With Prayers and Blessings,

Sister Laura Jean Spaeth, SSND - Campus Minister