University announces the creation of McAuley Day, April 14

salvetoday Posted On April 7, 2021
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When Dr. Kelli J. Armstrong became Salve Regina’s eighth president in 2019, she asked students what they would like to see more of on campus. “Traditions” was one of the more popular answers.

Building on a suggestion from Salve Regina’s faculty, Armstrong developed Salve Surprise Day in the fall of 2020, which was a huge success. For the spring semester, the idea has continued to evolve into the now officially named McAuley Day, which will be held on Wednesday, April 14.

The concept of McAuley Day is simple: It will be an annual day devised to give the campus community a small break from the norm and make people smile. The emphasis is on taking moments to be thankful and enjoy Salve Regina’s wonderful community spirit, as well as self-care amidst the busy end of the semester.

On McAuley Day – next Wednesday, April 14 – classes and work-related meetings are cancelled, but the University will remain open. Students and employees are encouraged to participate in the activities and food truck offerings, or to simply take time to enjoy our beautiful campus.

“McAuley Day speaks to the spirit of Catherine McAuley, who recognized both the value of self-care and the strength of community in carrying out the corporal and spiritual works of Mercy,” said Armstrong. “While still somewhat constrained by the pandemic, our hope is to begin this tradition now to celebrate how we have worked to support one another during difficult times, and then see where it takes us as we open the new academic year in the fall.”

While there are still some details and event beings solidified for McAuley Day, below is a list of activities that will be held on that day.

McAuley Day Activities

President’s Office: Tea or Coffee Voucher

The president’s office will be offering vouchers to students, faculty and staff for a comfortable cup of tea or coffee at Jazzman’s, McKillop Library or Starbucks. The voucher may be used at any time through April 30. Vouchers are offered on a first-come-first-served basis and are available for pick up at the Mercy Center for Spiritual Life between 9 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. on April 14.

The Mercy Center for Spiritual Life: Yoga and Prayer

The Mercy Center for Spiritual Life is happy to share a “Mercy-FULL Yoga Class” event, which will be led by MaryAnne Davey, director of the Mercy Center for Spiritual Life. Anyone interested will be able to access this inviting experience virtually via YouTube. Be sure to bring an open mind and heart, as well as a chair for the practice.

Also, the Salve Regina community is invited to take a few moments and reflect on Catherine McAuley’s work and words through a self-guided “McAuley Day Prayer” presentation.

McAuley Hall Lawn

In-person meditation sessions with Dr. Paula Martasian, associate professor in the Department of Psychology, will be offered outdoors at 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. on the oceanside lawn of McAuley Hall. The sessions will be moved inside the O’Hare Academic Building to Bazarky Lecture Hall if weather is inclement.

Gerety Hall Lawn 

Students can enjoy various activities on the lawn of Gerety Hall.

Food Trucks

Everyone on campus is invited to visit a variety of food trucks, which will be parked at various points on campus.

Binge BBQ Food Truck
Gerety Hall from noon to 4 p.m.     

Offering the following options:

  • Sandwich:
    • Pulled pork sandwich with slaw and pickles.
    • Fried Chicken Sandwich with white BBQ and pickles.
  • And one side:
    • Hand cut fries.
    • Mac and cheese croquettes.

Flat Waves Food Truck
McAuley Hall lawn from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Offering the following options:

  • One or two tacos:
    • Grilled chicken tacos.
    • Beef tacos.
  • All options come with tortilla chips on the side.

Basil & Bunny Food Truck
Gerety Lawn from noon to 4:00 p.m.

Offering the following options:

  • Pick one of the burger or sandwich options:
    • Bunny Mak: Two housemade bean and mushroom patties, lettuce, grilled onions, pickles from Backyard Foods Company, vegan cheddar cheese and fancy sauce on a double-decker bun.
    • Bunny Blake: Seasoned Impossible Burger with choice of single or double — with vegan cheddar cheese that contains coconut oil, Bunny Sauce, lettuce, tomato, grilled onions and garlic dill pickles from Backyard Foods on a local toasted bun.
    • Buff Bunny: House-made fried “chicken” seitan, lettuce, tomato, slaw buffalo sauce on a toasted local sesame seed roll.
    • Judy Hops: House-made fried “chicken” seitan, lettuce, tomato, slaw, avocado, hemp seeds, vegan ranch and maple bourbon bbq on a toasted local roll.
  • One side:
    • Fries.
    • Cheezy bunny fries with cashew cheese sauce.

A Mano Pizza Food Truck
Editor’s Note: A Mano Pizza Food truck will no longer be coming on McAuley Day.