2006 SHU International Festival
The International Festival was a success this year. There were 15 countries represented at the 2006 International Festival. Last year, there were 17. The countries represented were Haiti, Jamaica, Trinidad, Brazil, Middle East and North Africa, Chile, Albania, Indonesia, Italy, Ireland, Japan, United States, Turkey, and Guyana. The overall best booth was Albania. The booth with the best food was Brazil and the most creative booth was Japan. Attendance was well. Between 75 and 80 people came through to see the exhibits. Even though there was a change in time, the event was still a success. We hope that next year we can get even more students to participate. Especially International Graduate students who are not directly connected with the Multicultural Council. 
For further information Contact,
Karima Ummah
Coordinator of International/Multicultural Affairs
Sacred Heart University
5151 Park Avenue
Fairfield, CT 06825
Office (203) 365-7614
Fax (203) 365-4780
MARS Program Students Attend Annual AAR Conference
Master of Religious Studies Students Kimberly Barrow, Emily Moore, Lisa Bondi, Shawn Fields, Eric Stegmaier along with Dr. Christel Manning, the chair for the MARS program attended the American Academy of Religion's Annual Meeting on November 18th and 19th. At the AAR's annual meeting, over 7,500 scholars gather to share research and collaborate on scholarly projects. AAR annual meeting sessions are grouped into over 70 program units, each representing an ongoing community of scholars who are collectively engaged in pursuing knowledge about a specific religious tradition or a specific aspect of religion. In addition, the AAR's ten regional groups sponsor smaller annual meetings that are similar in structure to the Academy-wide meeting. All of the world's major religious traditions, as well as indigenous and historical religions, are explored in the work of AAR members.
The AAR's development from a small group of scholars in 1909 to its current status as the largest, most comprehensive association dedicated to promoting the academic study of religion. The AAR welcomes inquiry into all religious traditions, as well as all human activities associated with religion. It is inclusiv e of the whole range of methodologies and theories in the human sciences.
The Academy does not endorse or reject any religious tradition or set of religious beliefs or practices. Our commitment is, rather, to the highest standards of scholarship. AAR members include those who have a secular interest in the study of religion, as well as those whose research springs from participation in a religious tradition or community of practice. By bringing together secular scholars with scholars who are themselves religious, the AAR helps to ensure that academic reflection about religion does not become disjoined from the realities of religious practice and that religious theorists open their work to criticism.
http://www.aarweb.org/about/overview.asp
Alumni Dinner – Computer Science Department
On Friday November 3, 2006 the Computer Science department hosted an alumni dinner party in the Pitt Center. Faculty, alumni, and guests all enjoyed a wide variety of food, appetizers, and desserts. It was a great opportunity for everyone to get together and have fun outside of work and the classroom. The department chair, Domenick Pinto, hosted the party along with the other staff and reported the largest turnout ever. Everyone is looking forward to next year’s party!
-Written by Rob Pescatore
Computer Science Students Hosted Andrew Miller Presentation
On Thursday November 16, 2006 the Computer Science department hosted a speaker – Andrew Miller. He came to Sacred Heart University to discuss Human-Computer Interaction (HCI). During his presentation, he demonstrated some concepts of Flash. Andrew is a recent graduate from Georgia Tech and works for Schematic Corporation. Anyone interested in learning more about his work can visit www.TurboNick.com
-Written by Rob Pescatore
Sacred Heart University’s Pushing Back the Wave Needs the Support of Graduate Students
A recent letter from Campus Ministry administration expressed a call for help from the Sacred Heart University community in supporting Pushing Back the Wave. Pushing Back the Wave consists of SHU students, faculty and staff delegates who volunteer their time to assist in rebuilding the communities of Waveland, Mississippi that were devastated by Hurricane Katrina in August of 2005. Two delegations were sent during the 2006 academic year, however many more delegations are needed to continue the efforts to mend the broken lives of our fellow Americans in Waveland County. In order to continue our university’s efforts in this matter, Pushing Back the Wave is looking for interested delegates and monetary donations for future delegations. As graduate students of the Sacred Heart University community, this opportunity to extend help to others and represent SHU is truly a rewarding means of using your knowledge and expertise. For further information concerning how you can become a delegate or make a donation please contact Paul Yarincik at p-yarincik@sacredheart.edu.