Dear Friends,

Spring transformed the world (at least here in the Twin Cities!) right before our eyes. The St. Paul campus teemed with activity in May as students completed exams, resi- dence halls emptied, professors turned in grades and everyone prepared for Commencement weekend.

On May 21 some 430 women and men graduated from our associate degree programs and graduate programs, including master's degrees in social work, education, theology, library science, organizational leadership and holistic health — and doctorates in nursing and physical therapy. The next morning, hundreds of students and their guests packed two baccalaureate liturgies before the Commencement procession for the College for Women that afternoon. More than 400 women processed across campus — under threatening skies — to The O'Shaughnessy, where they received degrees in a wide array of majors. The entire St. Catherine community, along with the graduates' guests and families, celebrated the excellence and achievement of these women with exhilaration and pride.

The final weeks of the semester leading up to Commencement have been packed, culminating in papers, exams, presentations, public lectures, performances and ceremonies. On one early May evening, St. Catherine's resident Phi Beta Kappa (PBK) members inducted a stellar group of seniors into our University's most prestigious honor society. Two highly accomplished juniors and distinguished alumna Cass Dalglish '66, an eminent scholar of English and creative writing and a professor at Augsburg College, were also inducted. What an impressive array of women's intelligence, discipline and creativity!

These PBK women, with majors doubled and tripled in widely diverse fields (many in foreign languages, I would note), have taken their considerable energy and intelligence around the globe to engage in rigorous programs of study and research. Now they head with already bulging scholarly portfolios to fine graduates schools and careers of meaning and significance.

Among the faculty who teach these students are four newly tenured professors, true architects of St. Catherine's future. The four are appropriately featured in this issue of SCAN, but no article can fully capture their stunning display of expertise, interest and accomplishment.

Along with consistently excellent teaching and ubiquitous presence on campus, each has made a significant mark in his or her respective discipline, thereby bringing honor and recognition to the institution that houses their prodigious talent. As I came from a private breakfast with each prior to granting tenure, my thoughts about St. Catherine's future were full of confidence and anticipation.

All of this is about work — hard work — by students, faculty, staff and administration. The campus is "inspection polished" for Commencement, lovely flowers are sprouting everywhere, a new lab is under construction in Mendel Hall and the Fontbonne Pool is undergoing a surprising transformation. Administrators, with thoughtful input from faculty and students, are aligning our master facilities plan with our 2020 Vision Strategic Plan. Challenging and wonderfully engaging work, all with an eye to the future.

As campus moves into "summer mode," I hope we'll all find some enjoyable time out with families and friends. And with you as well! Should your summer travels bring you to the Twin Cities, I'd love to spend some time with you on the Derham Hall porch rockers. There's so much to share — I'll bring the iced tea! Meanwhile, count on my prayer for you each day and count as well on our enduring gratitude for the many ways you support, encourage and challenge us in our work.

Andrea J. Lee, IHM
President, St. Catherine University