Image

Salve Regina’s mission committee is sponsoring the annual “Faces of Mercy” contest and is inviting all members of the University community to submit entries displaying their idea of mercy in action.

Entries may be submitted in a variety of formats, including photo, collage, artwork, story and poem (CD or DVD submissions will not be accepted). All entries will be judged on creativity and execution.

Prizes include $100 for first place, $75 for second place, $50 for third place and $25 for honorable mention.

Entries are due Tuesday, March 24. Submissions should be brought to the McKillop Library’s circulation desk or emailed to Jo-Ann Burns. All entries will be displayed in the library by March 28, and winners will be announced on SALVEtoday by April 8.

---

---

There are few benefits to the being the only man in the convent, or being the only “big brother” to 250 boys in an orphanage. But for local author Jay Sullivan, those benefits include broadened perspective, deeper insight and greater compassion.

Sullivan is the author of “Raising Gentle Men: Lives at the Orphanage Edge,” a memoir about the two years he spent living at Alpha Boys School, an orphanage in Kingston, Jamaica, run by the Sisters of Mercy. He will present a public lecture and sign copies of his book at 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 17 in the DiStefano Lecture Hall.

Named the Catholic Press Association’s 2014 Best Book by a Small Publisher, Sullivan’s book is already used in classes and programs in nearly a dozen universities. All proceeds from its sales support the work of the Sisters of Mercy and the Jesuits in Jamaica.

Through the stories of the boys, the nuns and the lay volunteers at Alpha, Sullivan will discuss three central themes: Our common struggle to define our identity in life; the goal of ensuring our identity adds value to the world; and the need to build a community around us to help us achieve that value.

Sullivan is the managing partner at Exec-Comm, a communications consulting firm. He and his 70-plus colleagues help professionals improve their effectiveness on the job by honing their communication skills. Sullivan joined Exec-Comm after nine years as a practicing attorney. He received his J.D. from Fordham University School of Law in 1989.

---

---

The Pell Center for International Relations and Public Policy will sponsor a roundtable discussion exploring the use of drone technology at 11:45 a.m. Tuesday, March 17 in the Miley Hall executive dining room.

Drone technology is increasing in sophistication and application at a rapid pace. Drones can now deliver your purchases and take aerial photographs of your favorite landmarks. They can also listen to your conversations, observe you from afar and even kill you.

As the regulation of drone technology takes on increasing importance, this discussion led by Dr. Sean O’Callaghan, assistant professor of religious and theological studies, will look at some of the key personal and security issues.

Roundtable discussions are open to Salve Regina students, faculty and staff, and lunch is provided. As space is limited, those interested in attending should RSVP to pellcenter@salve.edu.

---

---

Salve Regina celebrates 10 years of the French Film Festival March 15-26 with live music, wine tasting, raffles and seven remarkable and unique films – including a special, free 10th anniversary screening – all in French with English subtitles.

All films will be screened in the Bazarsky Lecture Hall. Tickets are $10 for weekend screenings and $5 for weekday screenings. Students receive free admission to all screenings with a valid Salve Regina ID.

For more information about screenings and special events, or to purchase tickets, visit the festival website or call (401) 341-2250.

The following films will be featured:

“On My Way” (comic road movie)

7 p.m. Sunday, March 15

Crowned Miss Brittany in 1969, Bettie has never left the region, running a bistro and living in the house she was born in with her mother. Shortly after learning that her longtime married lover has taken up with a 25-year-old, Bettie walks out during the middle of the lunch rush, her head-clearing getaway soon turning into a nearly weeklong road trip through deepest rural France.

The screening will be preceded by the opening night celebration, which will begin at 6:15 p.m. in McAuley Hall. The reception will feature live music by Joe Flood and a free wine tasting courtesy of Spring Street Spirits. Enter the raffle for a chance to win a basket of French products offered by festival sponsor French Source. The drawing will be held Sunday, March 22 (must be present to win).

“2 Autumns, 3 Winters” (romantic comedy)

7 p.m. Tuesday, March 17

As part of his regimen of self-improvement, aimless 33-year-old Arman takes up jogging; while doing laps one day, he bumps into fellow fitness enthusiast Amelie. After several unsuccessful attempts to reconnect with her, Arman reunites with Amelie in quite a dramatic way: by saving her from muggers – an act of heroism that lands him in the hospital and that makes Amelie fall in love with him.

“Grand Illusion” (classic war film)

7 p.m. Friday, March 20 (rescheduled from Wednesday, March 18)

Set during World War I, this masterwork by Jean Renoir was shot just three years before the beginning of World War II. Renoir, who himself had flown reconnaissance missions during WWI, examines the relationships that form among a group of French officers held in a German prisoner-of-war camp.

“Ernest & Celestine” (animation)

2 p.m. Sunday, March 22

Celestine, a wee mouse orphan who is being trained for a career in dentistry but dreams of being an artist instead, meets a kindred spirit in Ernest, an ursine musician whom she convinces not to eat her. They seal their bond by breaking into a candy store together and soon find themselves on the lam from those who are appalled by their amity.

A reception will follow the screening. Enjoy refreshments and live music at this event co-sponsored by Alliance Francaise of Newport and Sodexo. Guitarist and vocalist Jacques and Marie-Claude Moriarty will perform familiar French songs such as those sung by Edith Piaf, Georges Brassens and Jacques Brel.

“The Intouchables” (comedy/drama)

7 p.m. Monday, March 23 (free screening)

This film, a box-office sensation in its home country, has been the most requested film at the festival in recent years. This free screening is the organizers’ way of thanking festival-goers for their patronage over the last decade. Come early to secure your seat.

“Bastards” (film noir)

7 p.m. Tuesday, March 24

Marco reluctantly returns to Paris to assist his disgraced sister, Sandra. Her husband has just committed suicide and her daughter is recovering in a clinic for participation in carnal acts so extreme that she may require a series of delicate operations. When Marco discovers Sandra’s complicity in acts of unspeakable depravity, the revelations take on the force of Greek tragedy.

“The Past” (family drama)

7 p.m. Thursday, March 26

Marie lives with her two daughters and the young son of her boyfriend, Samir, whom she hopes to marry. But before the couple can even begin to consider wedding plans, Marie must finalize her divorce from Ahmad, who flies into Paris from Tehran for the court procedure. While staying with Marie, Ahmad immediately becomes aware of the resentment, rage and hurt harbored by many of those living under her roof.

Come by early for complimentary coffee and pastries provided by the French Confection before the screening. Enter the raffle for a wine basket courtesy of Spring Street Spirits.

---

---

Salve Regina’s accounting students, in cooperation with AARP (American Association of Retired Persons), will offer free tax preparation assistance from 1-5 p.m. Wednesdays through April 15.

Open to all members of the University community as well as the general public, the service will be provided in the McKillop Library (first floor).

Under the guidance of Paul McKillop, senior lecturer in the Department of Business Studies and Economics, the students have achieved the advanced AARP certification necessary to prepare tax returns.

Once the returns – both federal and state – are reviewed by the AARP controller, they will be e-filed. To participate, people must bring tax forms, Social Security numbers and identification. The service is being provided on a first come, first served basis.

---

---