New Library

CATHOLIC NEW YORK, May 2002—New York's Cardinal Edward Egan recently blessed and rededicated the newly rebuilt Mother Irene Gill Library on the campus of the College of New Rochelle. The project cost $10 million. The cardinal also received an honorary doctor of humane letters degree from the college in recognition of his service to the Church.

‘Heterosexism’

THE NEW YORK TIMES, May 11—“No big deal,” says the Times headline, “but some dorm rooms have gone co-ed.” The reason is not to let a young man live with his girlfriend, but reflects “the increasingly powerful presence of gay and lesbian groups on campus.”

Gay groups say that it is “heterosexist” to require roommates to be of the same sex, and the new policy at Swarthmore and Haverford colleges in Pennsylvania is designed to accommodate students who are uncomfortable about sharing living space with a roommate who might not approve of homosexuality, or because it might result in “sexual tension.”

Let Us Be Quiet

ASSOCIATED PRESS, May 19—At least a dozen states have begun considering laws this year that would allow public schools to provide a moment of silence for students to think, reflect or pray.

The impetus for change, says Associated Press, came from the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks and last October's decision by the U.S. Supreme Court that upheld a Virginia law that permits the moment of silence. At least a dozen states have begun consideration of similar laws.

No Study Aid

THE CHRONICLE OF HIGHER EDUCATION, May 13—A hard-core pornographic movie was aired on the student government television station of Villanova University during the wee hours earlier this month. A senior later admitted that he had broken into the station's offices and aired the movie as a prank.

Not amused, the university pressed charges.

Award to Bishop

ST. CLOUD VISITOR, May 12—Bishop John Kinney of St. Cloud, Minn., is the 2002 recipient of the Pax Christi Award, the highest honor given by St. John's Abbey and University in Collegeville, reports the newspaper of the diocese.

The award is given to those who “exemplify Benedictine ideals.” Bishop Kinney is being honored for “Christian leadership and service to priests and parishioners” in his home region, the nation and “the greater Church beyond,” a reference to Bishop Kinney's support of the Church in Kenya.

A First?

ST. THOMAS AQUINAS COLLEGE—Coverage of the 50th anniversary of suburban New York's St. Thomas Aquinas College (STAC) revealed an anomaly for an American Catholic college.

Most of STAC's presidents have been Dominican nuns, and some 20 Dominicans currently serve the coed institution in a variety of offices. Sister Margaret Fitzpartrick is the college's seventh president.

Sister Margaret, however, is a member of the Sisters of Charity. While many Catholic colleges have had lay people serve as president—STAC was led by a layman from 1974 to 1995—this may be the first time that a Catholic college, founded by a particular order, is headed by a member from a different religious community.