Saint Mary's College of California

The celebration of 44 days honoring Black history continues, and we're excited to announce the official keynote speaker is CNN Political Commentator and NPR Political Analyst Angela Rye! On March 5th, Rye will sit virtually for a conversation with our very own Dr. Bedford Palmer II. As Principal and CEO of IMPACT Strategies, a political advocacy firm in the Washington, D.C. Rye has been featured as an influential politico, lawyer, and advocate by several publications and outl...ets including Marie Claire, Ebony, and the Washington Post. Rye has an unwavering commitment to ensuring positive change in the political process. Dr. Bedford Palmer II is a licensed psychologist and an associate professor and chair of the counseling department here at SMC. Prior to his time at SMC, he earned his Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale. He is also a past President of the Alameda Psychological Association, was the producer/co-host of the Naming It podcast, and is the author of "Daddy Why Am I Brown?": A healthy conversation about skin color and family. The 44 Days committee has graciously invited the SMC community, alumni, and the general public to attend for free, but register for your virtual seat now, as space is limited! bit.ly/2NHl3tz #44days #BlackHistoryMonth #gogaels

February 1st marks the official start of Black History Month. Saint Mary’s College is proud to announce the Fourth Annual 44 Days Honoring Black History will start on Feb 15th. A nod to President Barack Obama, the nation’s 44th commander in chief and first African American president, the 44 Days initiative highlights the rich contributions of Black culture to the SMC campus, the nation, and the world. This year's signature programs echo the theme of Telling our Stories and will feature virtual events and programming which reflects the African American historical legacy of joining together to resist oppression and bring about necessary change in our society. Stay tuned for a full calendar lineup and amazing keynote speakers. #44days #BlackHistoryMonth #gogaels

The Women's soccer @smc_wsoccer checked off a strength training session to stay in fighting form! #gogaels #gaelsrise

Happy spring break Gaels! Stay safe and don't forget to #maskup

Student Spotlight! First Gen and Economics and Mathematics double major Mackade Mangels ’22 has always been athletic, participating in taekwondo, BMX biking, and golf. At 6’2 he’s a natural at the hard-hitting game of rugby, but don’t be fooled by the tough exterior. His leadership and guidance with his rugby pod and roommates is refreshing, encouraging them to express feelings, talk things out, and form deeper connections songwriting and guitar playing skills optional, but encouraged! #gaelsrise #gogaels #rugby #gentleman

Scholarship Alert! SMC is proud to offer 10 different departmental scholarships for incoming first-year students. If you're thinking of majoring in Accounting, Business Administration, Visual Arts, English, History, Liberal Arts and Sciences, Mathematics, Performing Arts, Physics, Politics, or Theology and Religious Studies you have until January 15th to submit all your application materials. Annual departmental scholarships have an award amount of $13,000 ($52,000 in total) and are available to selected incoming first-year students. Departmental programs will also award a total of three merit-based full-tuition scholarships to students for notable academic excellence. Get started at bit.ly/3m2BCvR #scholarships #collegescholarships #omgsmc #gogaels

"Have mercy, tender God." psalm 51 SMC Students, faculty, and staff gathered outside the Chapel to observe Ash Wednesday. @smcmmc held non-eucharistic liturgies (prayer services) for both the on and off-campus community. The reception of ashes is not limited to Catholics, and all members of our community were welcomed to attend. #ashwednesday #lent #gogaels

A message from Margaret Kasimatis, Ph.D., Interim Executive Vice President I am devastated by the violence unfolding in our nation’s capital, threatening a free and fair election process and the peaceful transition of power that is foundational to our democracy. These events and the symbols being displayed are deeply disturbing and I know that many of you are hurting right now. As a Lasallian community, we care for and support each other in difficult times such as these. In t...hat spirit, we will be offering a virtual community gathering and prayer service today at 4:00 p.m. We invite all students, staff, and faculty to gather to acknowledge this critical moment, share our grief at the tragic events occurring, and together affirm the values of respect, community, and common good we espouse. SMC Community Prayer Service for our Nation (TODAY) Wednesday, at 4:00 p.m. bit.ly/38ihDpg or link in bio. In addition, we are offering resources for those who find that they need support based on the events in D.C. Visit, stmarys-ca.edu/caps, call 925-631-4364, or email [email protected]. In peace, Margaret Kasimatis, Ph.D. Interim Executive Vice President

BYU comes to Moraga tonight. The last time we played the Cougars... Tune into ESPN2 tonight at 8pm PT. #gogaels #gaelsrise @smcgaels @gaelalumni

Virtually sell out the Pavillion! While men’s basketball wishes Gael fans could witness these two great rivalry matchups in person, this year's virtual sellout will provide a unique fan opportunity whether you live next door in Moraga or across the globe. Each virtual ticket will include an entry into the premium prize drawing, which features exclusive Saint Mary's Basketball prizes! Please see below for the various seating options that include Gaels gifts for each level of donation. Help us reach our sellout goal of 3,500 virtual fans. bit.ly/38f3c5k #gogaels #gaelsrise #omgsmc

Those ears though! #campuslife #gogaels

January is a time for exploration at SMC, where "Jan Term," as it's affectionately called, allows undergraduates to step out of their comfort zones and tackle courses that are not in their majors. Although this year's Jan Term courses are virtual, that won't stop us from getting creative and sharing our experiences! Dog Cognition and Emotion, The Science of Cooking, Energy Sustainability, Capoeira The Brazilian Art of Resistance, and Fencing and Swords are just a few of the course selections. *photos from years prior #omgsmc #janterm2021

Gael Pantry and the Mission and Ministry department have been hard at work with Contra Costa Food Bank to bring the food donation truck back to campus! TOMORROW, Thurs Jan 28 from 1-2pm students, faculty, staff, Sodexo and ABLE employees can drive (or walk-thru) the main campus driveway entrance to pick up FREE non-perishable groceries and produce! We encourage everyone in the community to stop by, especially those who have experienced economic challenges due to the pandemic, or any other reason. As we say at the GaelPantry, "Know the Need!" In addition, mark your calendars for 2 more scheduled Food Bank dates: Thursday, February 25, 2021 - 1 p.m. to 2 p.m & Monday, March 15, 2021 - 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. #gaelsgiveback #gaelsrise #gogaels

Alumna Lisa Congdon ’90 Encourages Students to Use Their Creativity! A talented artist and writer, Congdon is most known for her colorful, vibrant illustrations and hand lettering. We asked her to talk about her career and her passions, and how Saint Mary’s helped her pursue both. How did SMC prepare you for your career? I learned so many things at Saint Mary’s! I learned to think and to take feedback, to organize my thinking and writing. I also learned the importance of com...munity. I learned what it was to support my peers, and to feel supported by my peers and my professors, and the staff and faculty. The relationships I formed there are still some of the most important in my life. What would you say to current SMC students? Your creativityhowever you express itis your birthright, and it’s also one of the most powerful tools you have to make a difference in the world. Don’t be afraid of it. Explore it and use it! Discover more in the full Q&A at bit.ly/3bae44x #gaealumni #gaelsrise #gogaels

Madeline Holland '21 has officially joined the 1,000 point club! On Jan 23, at home against LMU, she became the 24th in Saint Mary's history to reach the 1,000 point milestone! #gogaels #gaelsrise @smcgaels @gaelswbb

Welcome Gaels to Jan Term 2021! Although Jan Term is virtual we're leading the way for a smooth return with COVID testing as we start a new year! Be sure to check stmarys-ca.edu/covid-19-news-resources for updates. #gogaels #smcares #omgsmc #stmarysca

When the pandemic caused students to begin distance learning from home, Valentina Velasquez ’20 took the opportunity to support essential farm workers in her hometown of Watsonville. Velasquez and local community organizers formed Watsonville Campesino Appreciation Caravan, commonly known as la caravana, and since then, she spends most of her Saturday mornings driving by fields with signs to thank workers who continue to provide communities with food throughout the pandemic. ... The caravan started as an effort to show appreciation but has since expanded its Adopt a Cuadrilla (adopt a work crew) efforts to share COVID-19 information, as well as safety materials such as cleaning products and protective masks. Velasquez’s work with la caravana allows her to put theoretical frameworks that she gathered from Ethnic Studies into practice. She credits classes like Critical Race Theory and Multicultural Thought, as having a lasting impact on her, as well as her Ethnic Studies capstone project. When I was writing, I was writing during COVID and at the start of the work with la caravana, so they kind of paralleled, explained Velasquez. I was looking at grassroots movements in my own community and looking at what can be implemented in service-learning in the classroom. Velasquez understands that the work of the caravan is far from over, but she recognizes the difference it has made during the pandemic and in the lives of so many farmworkers. When I’m out there I think about my grandparents on both sides of my family and their parents and their cousins who had to work in the fields to get us where we are today. bit.ly/39ByCCc #gogaels #gaels2020 #gaelalumni

Keep it up Gaels, we've got this! Head to our COVID-19 Info and Resources website to learn about plans for the spring semester. bit.ly/30PsPEM #maskup #gaelsrise #gogaels

Saint Mary's Basketball is looking for the support of Gaels nation during the most impactful home stand of the season. Help virtually sellout University Credit Union Pavilion when SMC Men's Basketball hosts BYU on Thursday, January 14th and #1 Gonzaga on Saturday, January 16th. While we wish Gaels fans could witness these two great rivalry matchups in person, this year's virtual sellout will provide a unique fan opportunity whether you live next door in Moraga or across the globe in Melbourne. Please see below for the various seating options that include Gaels gifts for each level of donation. bit.ly/2N28CZg #gogaels #gaelsrise

We turn our spotlight on transfer student Mubarak Haruna '22! He shares his journey from playing soccer as a child in Auchi, Nigeria, to playing forward for Saint Mary’sand his hopes for going pro. The math and science major also stays busy coding and running his own nonprofits! #gaelspotlight #gogaels #gaelsrise

We celebrate Ashley Hernandez on her First-Gen journey! Since my freshman year of high school, I knew I wanted to attend a four-year university straight out of high school. I didn't know how I would get there but I knew I would figure it out. As a first-generation student, I had no idea how to apply to college or FAFSA or what the SAT was. I was confused but I did my research, talked to some counselors, and was able to figure it out. When I was looking for colleges my godmoth...er suggested Saint Mary's. I am so grateful that she did. When I arrived at Saint Mary's I was excited and worried. I quickly realized the impact of my first-generation identity. I didn't know a lot of things that were common sense to other students. I felt lost until I found the students and staff of the High Potential program. As a first-generation student, I had a really hard time adjusting to college life. The High Potential program helped guide me and showed me the power of my first-generation identity. I strongly believe if I wasn't in the High Potential program I would not be at Saint Mary's. The High potential program has shown me my resilience, strength, and dedication. I love the High potential program and will be forever grateful to all the staff and students. I am proud to say I am a first-generation college student. Ashley Hernandez '23 . . . #omgsmc #firstgen #gogaels @smc_hp

Gaels Emily Fanning '23, Flona Gorgis '23, and Julia Parashis ’23 are taking Jan Term Course 020-01 Cultivating Mind Power with Mindfulness and Factfulness. Last week's assignment was to go for a mindful walk to focus on what one hears, what one feels, and practice mindful breathing. Throughout the month students will learn to practice the skill of meditation, yoga, and examine neuroscience content outlining research on the optimal functioning brain and nervous system. #janterm2021

We celebrate our very own Jen Herzog on her First-Gen journey! As a senior in high school, I contemplated getting a job and taking a few classes at the local community college. My sister (who is eight years older) came into my room and basically told me, in no uncertain terms, that I was going to move away from home and I was going to a four year college. She pointed out that she never had that option and she would not allow me to throw away the opportunity to move out of ou...r small town and gain an education. The next day, I made the decision to attend Southern Illinois University - Carbondale. The decision to go to college changed my life and helped me find my life's purpose. After reflecting on the knowledge, growth, independence and self awareness that I gained during college, I decided that I wanted to be a part of providing those opportunities to others. I went on to get a Masters in Education, with a focus in counseling and I have worked in Student Affairs for the past 20 years. I often say that I loved the college years so much that I never left! Jen Herzog, Assistant Dean of Students/Director of New Student and Family Programs . . . #omgsmc #firstgen #gogaels

We celebrate Stephanie Guadalupe Ramirez on her First-Gen journey! As an only child, the oldest grandchild, and of all my cousins I learned to guide myself through the college and financial aid process. This is where my first-gen journey begins as I am blessed to be the first in my family to attend college. The constant sacrifices my own family, especially my mother had to make for me in order to obtain higher education is where I take pride in being first-gen. I've strugg...led along the way to navigate things within these spaces because I find myself turning to my family or community, yet they won't always have the answers, especially growing up when I had to do my Math or English homework up to filling in applications and FASFA for college. It's scary and confusing trying to learn and apply knowledge by myself because I may not know if there's an easier way to handle finances for school or different resources for college students. I have to do more research and take longer pathways to access information about my resources, classes, and job opportunities at Saint Mary's or college in general. In my time at Saint Mary's, I have utilized a lot of the resources that are offered to me because I know I am privileged enough to attend a private college with these first-hand resources. I push myself to find easier ways or essential information that may be helpful for academics or work-related because I gain knowledge that can be passed down to the future generations of my family where they can obtain as much or more knowledge than me which makes this journey worth it. As a first-generation student, it's been a process of trial and error because there's no one else who paved a pathway for me but, that's what makes it the most beautiful. This journey is my opportunity to be that person for myself and others. I celebrate all first-generation students out there because as it might feel like we're alone we're all in this together. It's a beautiful struggle to be first-gen! Stephanie Guadalupe Ramirez '22 . . . #omgsmc #firstgen #gogaels @smc_hp

We're kicking off the First-Generation College Celebration today with a major congratulations! The High Potential/TRIO Student Support Services program has been awarded a five-year, $1.3 million grant to support low-income, and first-generation student success programs. This is the largest grant the program has received since its inception in 1970. Transitioning to college is challenging for all students, but it can be especially daunting for low-income and first-generation ...students, said Jenee Palmer, director of the College’s HP Program and TRIO . The experiences of these students are often radically different from their peers who have been exposed to college experiences and expectations by their parents and/or family members that have attended college." This substantial grant allows the program to continue its excellent work of meeting low-income and first-generation college students where they areand to build on the students’ strengths with academic guidance and individualized support, culminating in a successful collegiate experience and the achievement of graduation. bit.ly/3oQSDvo or link in bio. #omgsmc #gogaels #firstgen

Just a reminder...#vote

A message from Interim Executive Vice President Margaret Kasimatis There are less than 36 hours until the polls close on Election Day. Last week I sent a message to the community in which I extolled the importance of voting; acknowledged the divisiveness of the current election season and reminded you about Saint Mary’s model of shared inquiry and civil discourse; and provided information about resources available for students, faculty, and staff to help them cope with the di...visiveness and anxiety that have come with the election season. Today I would like to reiterate some of the themes from that message. First, if you have not yet voted, please do so. This is one of the most powerful actions you can take right now. Second, in the spirit of our Lasallian core principles of inclusive community and respect for all persons, please be patient and kind to each other. As Pope Francis said, let us be committed toa love capable of welcoming differences, and the priority of the dignity of every human being over his or her ideas, opinions, practices and even sins. Finally, if you are feeling anxious or need support in processing events as the election unfolds, I’ll remind you of the array of programs and resources that offices across campus are offering. A complete list of those programs and resources is available at stmarys-ca.edu/electionevents. I would like to highlight the Liturgy for Unity, which will take place on Wednesday, November 4, from 4:00 to 4:30 PM in the Chapel Plaza. This will be Saint Mary’s first in-person mass of the academic year for all community members who are on campus. We will come together post-election to pray for unity in our nation and blessings on our national leaders. Stay safe and be strong, everyone. Full message at bit.ly/386JKb1 or link in bio.

My name is Sarah Day, and I am a third-year Politics major and GaelVote Intern. I always thought voting was important, but I never really understood why. Right after my 18th birthday, I registered to vote and was very excited to participate in the 2018 midterm election; however, I could not grasp how my vote impacted anything or anyone until I learned more about the importance of voting in the Politics Department over the last three years. Although all the classes focus on a... variety of topics, a common denominator is the importance of voting to ensure that you are represented in your government. After learning how our election process works, the best ways to participate in our democracy, and how underrepresented groups might find representation in the United States Government, I have a much deeper understanding of the importance of voting. I chose to be a GaelVote Intern to help other students stay informed about the presidential election and California propositions. The GaelVote Internship is an opportunity for students to learn about resources on and off campus to help educate voters on the upcoming election. One of the best resources we, as Gael Interns, use is stmarysca.turbovote.org, which is a nonpartisan platform that helps students register to vote, stay informed on upcoming deadlines, and research the pros and cons of voting for each candidate and proposition. Because of COVID-19, it is more difficult to connect with our peers, but social media has become a necessary tool in staying connected and informed. Utilizing platforms like Instagram and Facebook has helped put a face to all of the informational emails, and created a community amongst the students who are interested in the election process. I love working with other Saint Mary’s students and finding new ways to keep voters engaged and excited about political participation. Professor Steve Woolpert has been an amazing advisor and has helped us help the Saint Mary’s community to go out and vote!" Sarah Day ’22 Politics Major

We're looking forward to Spring 2021! Interim Executive Vice President Margaret Kasimatis shared plans for reopening. For details regarding class instruction, campus housing, student services, and health and safety protocols, read the full message at bit.ly/3mEG5p0 or link in bio.

Here's who made the Costume Hall of Fame - featuring our favorite costumes from over the years. Don't forget to check out @smc_rha @smc_cab to review all their recent Halloween shenanigans. Stay safe this Halloween! #omgsmc #thisishalloween

Tis the season! Happy Halloween Gaels! #omgsmc #thisishalloween

Emily Lucas ’19 may still be a recent graduate, but she’s already made a place for herselfand the passions she developed at Saint Mary’sin the working world as a videographer and media coordinator for Sisters of the Presentation, a Roman Catholic religious order of women. A former Communications major with a double minor in Theology and Digital Media studies, Lucas credits the College, and a few SMC community members in particular, for helping her develop the communication ...and media skills to make her dream job a reality. During her SMC studies, Lucas traveled to Rome on a Jan Term trip, which clarified for her what she wanted to do with her life. That was the best experience of my life. That was really the moment when I decided that I really did want to blend my career with communications and theology, seeing everything in Italy, like the Vatican and Assisi. I wanted to be able to showcase that part of our Catholic faith through video and media, and remind people that there is still good out there in the world. Lucas wanted to combine her theology background and digital media and communication background. I was talking to Professor Tywoniak one day and told him that the job I wanted doesn’t exist, that I didn’t know how to blend all of my interests together. He said, ‘Just keep getting the experience, and it’ll come.’ Sure enough, two years later, this position exists. Read the full story at bit.ly/3jzDc6Z#omgsmc #gogaels See more

This past weekend @smc_gaelforce held their first official (and socially distanced!) tournament of FootGolf on campus. This ingenious sport combines soccer and golf, with the goal of kicking your soccer ball into a cup in as few shots as possible. #omgsmc #gogaels #maskup #footgolf

Tony Gonsolin: Class of 2016 World Series Champion First Gael to win a World Series since 1918!... repost @gaelalumni #gogaels #omgsmc See more