Press Releases
Saint Xavier Launches Center for International Education
Center funded by grant from U.S. Department of Education
CHICAGO (June 27, 2003) – Saint Xavier University President Richard Yanikoski today announced the Center for International Education, a new initiative that supports the university mission goal of encouraging international perspectives through study abroad and curriculum infused with global perspectives. The Center is made possible by a $163,000 federal grant awarded to Saint Xavier from the U.S. Department of Education Title VI program.
“The Center for International Education will serve as a clearinghouse for all international programs and initiatives undertaken by Saint Xavier University including the semester study abroad program in Oaxaca, Mexico and the Global Business Studies program at Staffordshire University in England,” said Dr. Christopher I. Chalokwu, vice president for Academic Affairs.
The Center will offer interdisciplinary curriculum concentrations in Eastern European and Middle Eastern Studies, and expand the university’s foreign language offerings, partnerships and student and faculty exchange opportunities.
A first priority of the Center will be developing an interdisciplinary concentration of courses in Eastern European and Middle Eastern studies centered around historical and socioeconomic issues, and the study of Polish, Lithuanian and Arabic languages. Saint Xavier faculty will work closely with the Chicago area’s Polish, Lithuanian and Middle Eastern communities in developing both service learning and study abroad programs.
Dr. Christopher Clott, professor of international business and project director on the grant, has been named interim director of the Center for International Education, while Center activities will be administered by a faculty committee representing Saint Xavier’s four schools.
Founded in 1846 by the Sisters of Mercy, Saint Xavier University is a private, coeducational institution serving more than 5,200 men and women with high quality academic programs. It offers 36 undergraduate majors and 32 graduate program options in four schools: School of Arts and Sciences, School of Education, Graham School of Management, and School of Nursing. Located in a residential neighborhood in Chicago, the University offers personalized education that emphasizes challenging undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs of study. Crain’s Chicago Business (July 1, 2002) recognized Saint Xavier University for achieving the highest percentage of enrollment growth among Chicago-area universities and colleges during the previous year, increasing 6.3 percent. And, U.S. News & World Report named Saint Xavier in its 2002 “Best Colleges” issue as a best value and for its diversity as a master’s degree-granting institution in the Midwest region.