In its last year to participate in the challenge, the class of 2002 made an outstanding number of gifts in the month of March.  The 2nd place finishers were the class of 2004, followed by the class of 2007, celebrating its fifth reunion this year.  Together, the last 10 graduating classes raised more than $11,600 for the college.

Thank you to all of the young alumni who participated in the challenge and to those of you who give throughout the year. Regardless if you graduated from Saint Anselm in the last decade, the last five decades or anywhere in between; if you’re a young alumnus or just young at heart, you play an important role in Saint Anselm College’s continued progress and accomplishment.

No matter the size of your gift, your participation is critical to help define and enhance the college for future generations of Anselmians. Every gift demonstrates alumni participation and engagement. It expresses satisfaction with the experience you had as a student, and shows a desire to provide current students the same opportunities you were afforded.

We hope you will join your classmates and make a gift to your alma mater. With less than 2 months left in our fiscal year, which ends on June 30, 2012, now is a great time to make your gift, support the college and be counted in your class participation! Give online today!

The Hawks, who are 28-23-2 on the season and won a pair of Northeast-10 Championship games for the first time in program history this past week, earn the No. 4 seed and will take on third-seeded Franklin Pierce University (36-16-1) on Thursday. Saint Anselm went 2-0-1 against the Ravens during the regular season, but were beaten 12-8 Saturday as Franklin Pierce punched its ticket to Sunday's Northeast-10 Championship final, where it would fall to Le Moyne College.

The Penmen earned the right to host the six-team double elimination tournament as they grabbed the No. 1 seed with a 38-12 overall record. SNHU will play host to sixth-seeded Dowling College (31-17) in first found action. In Thursday's other contest, second-seeded and Northeast-10 Champion Le Moyne (40-13-1) will face off with No. 5 Wilmington (Del.) University (32-16).

Follow the Hawks on saintanselmhawks.com, the online home of Saint Anselm College athletics. Thursday's game time will be posted once announced.

The East Region champion will advance to Cary, N.C., with the other seven regional winners to take part in the Division II College World Series from May 26 through June 2.

The only other time the Hawks advanced to regional competition was in 2004 when they earned a bid to the Northeast Regional at Bryant College. The Hawks went 0-2, suffering a 2-1 loss against Caldwell College and a 12-7 defeat to Dowling.

P/1B Robert Kelly '13

Senior John Healy tossed eight shutout innings as the top-seeded Saint Anselm College baseball team posted a 9-0 victory against fourth-seeded Bentley University in the first round of the Northeast-10 Championship on Wednesday, May 9 at Manchester's Gill Stadium.

The Hawks (27-21-2), who earn their first Northeast-10 Championship win since May of 1987, advance to – and will host – the four-team double elimination portion of the tournament at Sullivan Park on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The Falcons end their season at 28-23.

The Hawks jumped out to a huge lead as they sent 11 batters to the plate and scored seven runs in the third inning against Bentley starter JP Ashline. Junior Andrew Chandler started with a double down the left field line. After sophomore Tito Lluberes popped up his bunt attempt, junior Richie Manzi singled up the middle to put runners at the corners. Classmate Robert Kelly (Aurora, Colo.) then followed with a sharp single to center that scored Chandler and staked the Hawks to a 1-0 lead.

Senior Daniel DeCoste  then doubled to center to plate Manzi and move Kelly to third. Sophomore Dan Lagasse moved both runners up 90 feet with a single through the right side before classmate Nate Gonya drove a sacrifice fly to left-center to score DeCoste and stretch the lead to 4-0.

After freshman Mike Hayden doubled to left to put a pair in scoring position, senior Jeffrey Criscuolo doubled to left-center to score Lagasse and Hayden to widen the gap to six. Chandler then singled to center to bring Criscuolo around to score and the Hawks led 7-0.

Saint Anselm tacked on a pair in the sixth against Bentley reliever Billy Sullivan. Chandler once again jump-started the rally with a double to right-center. Lluberes then scored Chandler with a sharp double that deflected off the glove of the third baseman and rolled into foul territory. After Lluberes moved to third on a wild pitch, Manzi singled up the middle to make it 9-0.

Healy (8-1), who retired 12 straight batters to begin the game, went eight innings and allowed just three hits, while striking out seven and not walking a batter. Senior Timothy Cooney pitched a 1-2-3 ninth and struck out one.

Ashline relinquished seven runs on nine hits, while striking out two and walking one over three innings. Sullivan worked the final five innings, giving up two runs on four hits, while striking out a pair.

Chandler went 3-for-4 with an RBI and a pair of runs scored, while DeCoste and Lagasse were each 2-for-4 with an RBI and a run scored. Manzi was 2-for-5 with an RBI and a run.

Campus Activities Board started planning events in November following a CAB conference. CAB’s student chair, Martha Lombard “wanted to find something the whole school would enjoy and something we could facilitate here on campus.”

CAB worked with then-SGA president, Marissa Serafino ’12, to give students a fun week before finals. Students compete with their fellow classmates throughout the week in hopes of being crowned the winning class, and receiving an honorary plaque in Davison.

Party Your Classes off festivities included a BBQ station with burgers and hot dogs, a popular fried dough oven turned out sweet treats, all while flash-mobs developed as free tank tops, Frisbees, and sunglasses were thrown out to the crowd.

Party Your Classes Off from Saint Anselm College on Vimeo.

Inside the Carr Activities Center, students were treated to a carnival atmosphere of inflatable games, two caricature artists and the ever popular 'balloon-animal-and-hat-maker.'

Cover band and mash up artists, the Scott Wesley Band, performed later in the evening under the stars.

Saturday night, students gathered for Club SAC, a late-night Carr Center dance party. Gateway productions, a production company  goes on tour with artists such as Drake, transformed the Carr Center into a night club complete with a stage, lights, nitrogen blasts, and more. Music was provided by DJ Cootz, a popular DJ from Manchester’s the Grand.

Wilson, a business major, received the phone call he had been waiting for Saturday night.

Wilson, the Hawks' standout receiver last season hoped he would receive a call letting him know he had been selected in the National Football League Draft or signed as a free agent by one of the NFL's 32 teams.

Wilson's dreams came true around 8:15 Saturday night when he answered the phone and his agents, Harry Sherr and Dave Weinshell, told him they had a verbal commitment on a free agent contract from the Cardinals, who had been to the Hilltop five times from last spring through the fall to see Wilson in person. His agents said the deal was basically done, but there was paperwork to fill out and fine print to comb through.

Then around 9:00, Wilson's phone rang again.

"I was hoping it was good news," Wilson said. "And it was."

Sherr and Weinshell called back to confirm they had an agreement with the Cardinals on a three-year, non-guaranteed deal, pending Wilson makes the team out of training camp.

"It was a real surreal feeling and really didn't sink in until Sunday morning," Wilson said. "It was crazy – I didn't know what to think. All of a sudden my agents said I was an Arizona Cardinal – I was ecstatic."

"I knew there was such a slim chance I was going to get drafted, but my dad wanted to watch the draft," Wilson said.

"I had a chance to meet with my family that night," Wilson said. "Then by Sunday morning it was sinking in. And Sunday night I was running sprints on the Grappone Stadium turf."

Wilson, who added, "No days off!" after telling of his Sunday night itinerary, knows he cannot afford to rest. Undrafted free agents need to work that much harder to get noticed and make the final squad.

"Obviously it's very good," Saint Anselm football head coach Patrick Murphy said. "It validates the type of student-athletes we're recruiting, the type of coaching we're giving them and the direction the program is going. Hopefully it's not an anomaly. A couple of the underclassmen drew interest from the scouts that were here to see Marc. We have to continue to bring those type of student-athletes to campus, but it's obviously exciting."

So just what did the Cardinals see in Wilson?

"For [Wilson], his speed is going to help tremendously," said his wide receiver coach at Saint Anselm, Robin Bowkett. "He's a constant 4.5 [40-yard dash] guy. He runs good routs, gets off the line well – he's not a great blocker, but has a great willingness to block. He knows what he needs to work on to make the team and is doing that. He has to stay healthy, make plays and pick things up quickly. He understands what he needs to do to make the squad and the mentality he has to have. If he picks it up and makes plays, he's going to be around."

"Ultimately, if he's not fast, we're not having this conversation," Murphy said. "If he's not tough, we're not having this conversation. If he doesn't have a high football IQ, we're not having this conversation. He has all of those attributes, which is why he's drawn a lot of interest and why he has the opportunity he has. Now he's got to continue this when he gets into camp."

The Cardinals fly Wilson out to Arizona for their four-day rookie camp from May 10-14. If everything goes well, Wilson, who received a small signing bonus from the Cardinals, will spend nearly a week back home in Conn. before heading to voluntary workouts on May 20. Full training camp begins the second week of July with 90 players entering and only 53 making the final roster.

"Obviously, [the Cardinals] have Larry Fitzgerald, one of the best receivers in the league, and Michael Floyd was their top pick this year," said Wilson, who is already listed on Arizona's roster as No. 89. "They have a couple of other receivers back, who saw some time last year, so I'm fighting for the fifth and sixth wide receiver position. Those guys make it on special teams first. Hopefully I can make my way there and then hopefully be catching balls."

His Saint Anselm coaches know that is true, but also know Wilson has the perfect make up for that to happen.

"In today's NFL with smaller rosters, teams are looking for guys who can do multiple things," Murphy said. "Marc already knows how to do that. He's played every position on offense except the offensive line. On defense, he's played every position, but linebacker and defensive line. That's what separates him from other guys. He's going into this knowing he has to run down every kick, he has to run down every punt, he has to make every block, he has to catch every ball and be on every special team he can."

"His versatility is going to help him a lot, "Bowkett said. "He's got to be like Julian Edelman from the Patriots, which is a good comparison. He's got to play special teams. He's got to be a special teams stud. He's got to play defensive back if they want him to. He's a smart football player and that's going to help him get on the field. It's the whole package, not just being a receiver."

Bowkett added that Arizona plays in the Hall of Fame Game this year, which is nationally televised. The Pro Football Hall of Fame Game is an annual NFL exhibition game that is held the weekend of the Pro Football Hall of Fame's induction ceremonies. The game is played at Fawcett Stadium, which is located next door to the Hall of Fame building in Canton, Ohio. It is traditionally the first game in the NFL's preseason, marking the end of the NFL's six-month offseason.

"He's going to be on TV, get out there in the third or fourth quarter and try and make some plays," Bowkett said. "So that will be fun."

Nursing Pinning Ceremony

On April 28, 69 senior nursing majors received their Saint Anselm College nursing pins in the Nursing Pinning Ceremony at the Abbey Church. Senior Kelly Lenehan, of Malden, Mass. was given the Joanne K. Farley nursing award for exemplifying the qualities of Joanne Farley, the former Director of Nursing. Senior nursing major Carly Staab was selected as the student speaker and read her essay about nursing. More about the nurse pinning ceremony is available in an earlier blog post.

Service and Solidarity Missions' Daniel P. Leahy Award

The Office of Campus Ministry awarded a Service and Solidarity Missions' participant: sophomore Christian Papazian with the Daniel P. Leahy Award. Papazian received the award for demonstrating the values embodied by the Service and Solidarity Missions Program and SBA founder, Dan Leahy.

Student Athlete Awards

The college and athletics department celebrated student athletes and athletic excellence on Monday, April 30 at the Dana Center. Each team recognized its most valuable player and six students were honored with special awards. Read the full story on the athletics website.

Charles J. Quinn Sportsmanship Award

• Emma Furlone '14 – women's soccer
• Ryan Holley '12 – men's ice hockey

Anselmian Athletic Club Student Athlete of the Year

• Caitlin Forbes '13, english – skiing
• Marc Wilson '12, business – football

Senior Scholar-Athlete of the Year

• Bianca Ciuffredo '12, psychology – cross country
• Andrew Parker '12, international business – soccer

Albert J. Gordon Summer Research Fellow

Jacqueline Lavorgna, a junior majoring in international relations, will spend the summer on a research project at the New Hampshire Institute of Politics as the 2012 Albert J. Gordon Summer Research Fellow. The fellowship offers an opportunity for an outstanding student or recent alumnus to gain experience that will be valuable in postgraduate and professional pursuits related to public policy and public affairs.

Paul S. Coleman Volunteer and Service Awards Ceremony

On Wednesday, March 28, the college recognized 16 students at the 19th annual Paul S. Coleman Volunteer Service and Leadership awards ceremony. Read the full story.

"Corners for the Cure" was selected from a pool of more than 300 "Ideas That Work." To go along with its national recognition, the field hockey team will also receive $500 to further its support of community engagement. The team plans to expand its initiative to include fellow Northeast-10 Conference members next season and hopes to take the movement nationwide the following year.

"I am so proud of our program for being winners of the Division II Community Engagement Award of Excellence," Saint Anselm field hockey head coach Maygan Cassarino said. "This award symbolizes the heart and determination that our young women possess when they care so deeply about a cause. This award represents what Saint Anselm College is truly about, which is to recognize that we as individuals have the ability to help the community around us, no matter how large or small the task may be."

For each of the team's three home games during the month of October, which is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, it would earn money for each penalty corner they were awarded. Each student-athlete on the team had to get a sponsor that would pay $20 for each corner and also chip in another $10 if the team scored off a corner.

Altogether with 17 athletes on the team, penalty corners were worth $340 and corners that led to a goal were worth $510. The total amount of money raised would be donated to Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

The 29 corners the Hawks earned over the three games were the most during any three-game home stretch that season, but more importantly, raised over $10,000 for breast cancer research and awareness.

With their 10-5 win at Franklin Pierce on Wednesday night, the Hawks closed out their division slate at 14-6-1, while the Ravens fell to 12-5-1 with a three-game set remaining against the Purple Knights. Saint Anselm holds the tiebreaker with Franklin Pierce by virtue of its 2-0-1 record against the Ravens this season and needed Saint Michael's to win just a single contest to win the division.

The Purple Knights did not keep the Hawks waiting as they trimmed a 3-0 deficit to a just one run in the fourth and then scored three in the eighth to earn the victory.

The last time the Hawks made the Northeast-10 Championship tournament was in 2006 – the year before current head coach Barry Rosen took over the club. It is also the first time Saint Anselm captured the regular season title since the 2004 campaign.

The Hawks, who have won eight of their last 10, including two straight, will host a first-round game Tuesday, May 8 against the No. 4 seed at Sullivan Park. The No. 4 seed likely will not be settled until the final day of the regular season this coming Sunday, but will either be Bentley University, Southern New Hampshire University, Stonehill College or the University of Massachusetts Lowell.

The four winners of the first-round games will then go into a double elimination tournament that will be played Thursday, May 10 through Saturday, May 12 at the home of the highest remaining seed from the Northeast Division.

The pin, featuring the college’s official seal and the symbol of a lamp, refer to Psalm 119:105, “Your word is a lamp of my steps and a light for my path.” It symbolizes our nurses’ preparedness to serve as compassionate caregivers. Sharon George, dean of nursing, with the help of Karen Grafton, the program coordinator, pinned each nursing major with the Saint Anselm pin to wear for the entirety of their career.

Following opening remarks by Dean George, student speaker Carly Staab described a particularly significant clinical shift and reminded her nursing class, “Embrace differences, learn from one another, and be kind to one another. Do not underestimate the effect of caring words, a genuine smile, or a reassuring touch.”

During the ceremony, student Kelly Lenehan received the Joanne K. Farley nursing award for best exemplifying the qualities of the nursing program’s former director of nursing. Fr. Augustine Kelly, O.S.B., dean of the college, blessed the pins. Fr. Anselm Smedile, O.S.B., was celebrant and Fr. Benedict Guevin, O.S.B., gave the homily. A reception in Cushing Center followed the mass.

In talking about the ceremony, Staabs says it was beautiful: “It is such an incredible tradition and I feel blessed to have been provided the opportunity to be a part of it.”

The relay kicked off with a powerful lap led by Grand Marshall and Saint Anselm student Emma Furlone. Furlone, a sophomore nursing major, battled cancer as a child and set the tone for the evening. Forty-one teams of service societies, clubs, sports teams, faculty, and friends continued walking from 6 p.m to 6 a.m.

Throughout the night as the task of staying up longer and walking further, the community rallied together, reminding one another that anyone can be affected by cancer. "Cancer does not discriminate," was mentioned in many speeches.

Student, faculty and staff who are cancer patients, survivors or caretakers spoke about their experiences including junior Kelsey Lee who discussed her current battle with Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma. Lee was accompanied on stage by her roommate, who she said was her main support and her reason for being able to continue on campus. She talked about the fear and how her life changed drastically so quickly while the Saint Anselm community remained the same. They supported her more than ever, but didn't make her feel different then everyone else. She received a standing ovation.

Participants stayed busy with a dance competition, a competitive round of tug of war, group Zumba, a talent show, and inspiring speeches. Stakes were high as teams competed for miniature Sr. Pauline Lucier statues reminding everyone of the Anselmian who brought Relay to Saint Anselm College and in whose memory they walked.

The community’s fundraising efforts achieved a donation exceeding $45,000 for the American Cancer Society, and donations still being contributed. Associate Dean of Students, Dean Litz said, “Each dollar we raise will do something. Even if it is as small as allowing a family member to stay at a hotel with their loved ones, it is something.”

As the sun rose in the early morning of Saturday, the remaining walkers gathered to hear the final donation announcement and a “thank you” for participating. Finally, every one gathered to take a final lap together.

By Meghan Gill '14 and Kristen MacNeil '12

Kelsey Lee '13, nursing
My name is Kelsey Lee and I am a junior nursing student here on campus. This is my first time at Relay for Life, and it is particularly meaningful to me as I was just recently diagnosed with Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma, a blood cancer that normally affects people in their 50's and 60's. Coming to relay after going through several rounds of intensive treatment while remaining a full time student here on campus has been extremely emotional. The support and love I feel from my friends and acquaintances alike is beyond amazing. It is events like this that inspire me to continue fighting and devoting my life to making some sort of impact in the cancer world, whatever that may be. I truly believe that the most important thing we can do as humans is raise awareness and togetherness and join together in times of suffering, and that is exactly what Relay for Life is about. I am looking forward to see what the rest of the night brings!

This post was submitted by Kelsey Lee.

Kirsten Huff '14, nursing
My name is Kirsten Huff, I am a sophomore Nursing major and part of the Saint Elizabeth Seton Society here at Saint Anselm College. This is my first time being a part of Relay For Life and it has been a great experience. There have been inspiring moments throughout the night. One event that struck me most, was the Luminaria Walk. To walk around and see the lives that have suffered and those suffering from cancer was incredibly sad. But to see the amount of people here supporting those affected, directly or indirectly, is amazing.

I most certainly will not forget this night I am sharing with my sisters of the Seton Society. They are an amazing group of girls who continue to support one another no matter what and I am so happy to be a part of them especially on this night. This is truly a night to remember. The amount of students, family, and friends that came tonight show just how strong and powerful our school community can be.

This post was submitted by Kirsten Huff.

Bryan McCormack '12, great books
My cousin recently had surgery on a tumor on her brain. Realizing that the cancer was present they also discovered cancerous tumors on her liver and lungs…I walk for her. This is my first year doing relay. I am the president and founder of the club hockey here at Saint Anselm college, and I hope to make this walk a tradition for the team.

I am really excited to partake in such an amazing cause. This is is truly an incredible tradition that has been started and maintained here. The turn out has been and continues to be incredible, the devotion of these students for the cause of ending cancer is inspiring. I hope that this devotion goes beyond the college and is adopted by the larger community of manchester to further this incredible movement.

This post was submitted by Communications and Marketing.

Saint Anselm College’s 5th annual Relay for Life is held in honor of Anselmian Sr. Pauline Lucier, who died from cancer in 2009. Sister Pauline was instrumental in bringing the American Cancer Society’s Relay to Saint Anselm. This year more than 500 participants will walk in her honor.

Faculty, staff and students will walk from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. At 9 p.m., the Luminaria ceremony will honor those who have battled cancer with a 45 minute walk of silence. Community members dedicate a luminaria bag which lights the track for walkers. Other activities throughout the event include: a dance competition, Zumba, tug of war, musical chairs, and moving speeches from fighters, survivors, and caregivers.

Associate Dean of Students, Dean Litz with Assistant Dean of Students Fr. Mathias Durette, O.S.B., work with student service societies to plan the event.

“It is a good opportunity for all the societies to work together on something that brings the entire Saint Anselm community together for something that we can all relate to,” says senior Kristen MacNeil, communication major and president of Saint Elizabeth Seton society.

“We want to do something as a community to demonstrate that we have a moral and ethical dimension to our Benedictine education,” says Litz.

“Participation and donations have doubled over the last five years. It just keeps growing larger.”

This post was submitted by Meghan Gill.

Stay up to date with the latest news directly from the Saint Anselm College athletic department by following the Hawks on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

Baseball

Junior Robert Kelly tossed eight shutout innings and drove in a run as the Saint Anselm College baseball team captured victories in a pair of low-scoring contests against Bentley University on Sunday afternoon at DeFelice Field. Saint Anselm earned a 1-0 victory in game one before winning the second game, 3-1.

The Hawks improve to 10-13-1 on the season and remain unbeaten in the Northeast-10 Northeast Division at 2-0-1. The Falcons fall to 13-13, 1-2 NE-10 NE.

Men's Lacrosse

The Saint Anselm College men's lacrosse team posted their sixth-straight victory of the season, a 6-5 win against the Setters of Pace University, setting a program record Saturday afternoon at Grappone Stadium. With the victory, the No. 11-ranked Hawks boast a 6-1 overall record and an unblemished Northeast-10 Conference record (4-0). The Setters fall to 2-4 on the season and drop their second NE-10 contest of the year (1-2).

Women's Lacrosse

Senior Meghan Smith matched her career high with nine points and became the program's all-time leader in goals scored as the 13th-ranked Saint Anselm College women's lacrosse team captured a 19-12 victory against Assumption College on Saturday afternoon at Grappone Stadium.

The Hawks even their record at 5-5 on the season, including 3-3 in Northeast-10 play, while the Greyhounds drop to 2-6, 1-4 NE-10.

Softball

The Saint Anselm College softball team split Sunday afternoon's doubleheader with the Yellow Jackets of American International College, falling in game one by a 2-1 margin in extra innings but salvaging the final game by a 4-1 score. The Hawks exit Sunday's action with a 10-14 overall record and a 4-4 Northeast-10 Conference record while the Yellow Jackets fall to 8-14 overall alongside a 6-8 conference record.

Men's Tennis

Senior Liam Concannon and juniors Joseph Zucchi, William Condon and Michael Hanna each earned a pair of points as the Saint Anselm College men's tennis team recorded a 7-2 victory against American International College on Saturday afternoon at the Carr Center. The Hawks improve to 2-6, including 1-6 in Northeast-10 play, while the Yellow Jackets fall to 0-5, 0-5 NE-10.

Women's Tennis

Sophomore Katherine Morrissey did not lose a single set all day as the Saint Anselm College women's tennis team earned a 9-0 victory against the University of New Haven on Sunday afternoon at the Yale Tennis Center. The Hawks improve to 5-3 on the season and in Northeast-10 play, while the Chargers fall to 0-10, 0-10 NE-10.

Campus Compact is a national coalition of more than 1,000 college and university presidents-representing some six million students who are committed to improving community life and educating students for civic and social responsibility. The Newman Civic Fellow Awards recognize college student leaders who have worked to find solutions for challenges facing their communities.

According to Campus Compact, Pendergast demonstrates the type of civic engagement that sets an example for others. He is the co-coordinator of the Meelia Center's Langdon Mill project, which serves Manchester apartment complex primarily for refugee families. He is a member of the team that equips tenants with skills and tools to monitor for bedbugs, and helps to provide activities for the building's youth.

This post was submitted by Kristen MacNeil '12.

Paul Coleman, a former Saint Anselm College sociology professor, spent his life in selfless service to others. In honor of his memory, Saint Anselm presents an award for service and service leadership to seniors who demonstrate a commitment to others during their four years on campus. In addition, individual college departments recognize students for their involvement and service.

The following students received recognition:

• Justine Saabs ’12, criminal justice – Paul S. Coleman Outstanding Community Service Award for outstanding service

"Justine is one of those extraordinary students who is linked to those across the campus who share her passion for service. She made service an integral part of her Saint Anselm journey from the start. She ventured out to the Youth Development Center to work with adjudicated youth and show them that they mattered and that they had gifts just like everyone else. Because those are hard lessons for incarcerated youth to accept, she stayed right there with them semester after semester. She helped to create a climate of wonderment and joy at Langdon Mill where young refugee children could flourish and amaze us all. Again this is complex and challenging work which may be why she never left there either."

• Teresa Scalzi ’12, nursing – Paul S. Coleman Senior Service Award for outstanding service leadership

"Teresa’s possesses a number of strengths as a service leader;  she is passionate about helping those most in need; she utilizes well developed relationships to support those who engage in service with her; and she works hard to meet her commitments and assists others in meeting theirs."

• Kevin Ward ’12, communication – Paul S. Coleman Senior Service Award for outstanding service leadership

"Kevin exemplifies community, sharing and he creates a positive environment; he has a wonderful personality and he is part of everything we think of when we think of Saint Anselm College. It’s truly hard to imagine the College without him.” -Neil Levesque, Executive Director, New Hampshire Institute of Politics & Political Library

Marina Alberti ’12 – Annual Volunteer Award Presented to an outstanding family weekend student volunteer in recognition of their exemplary campus service and leadership

Bridget Taylor – Fr. Michael Custer, O.S.B., Service Award Presented to an outstanding student in recognition for exemplary involvement and service to the Office of Admission and Saint Anselm College community

Ashley Vannasse – Fr. Michael Custer, O.S.B., Service Award Presented to an outstanding student in recognition for exemplary involvement and service to the Office of Admission and Saint Anselm College community

Jonathan O’Reilly – Annual Volunteer Award Annual Volunteer Award presented to an outstanding a member of Athletics in recognition for exemplary community service and involvement

Meaghan Ryan – Sr. Pauline Lucier, C.S.C. Award Presented to an outstanding member of Campus Ministry in recognition for exemplary community service and involvement

Kristin Harper – Sr. Pauline Lucier, C.S.C. Award Presented to an outstanding member of Campus Ministry in recognition for exemplary community service and involvement

Kathryn Marquis ’12 – Annual Volunteer Award presented to outstanding individual for care of the sick and/or advancement of the health of our community in recognition for exemplary community service and involvement

Katie Laque – Annual Volunteer Award presented to an outstanding service partnership in recognition for exemplary community service and involvement from the Meelia Center

John Pearson ’14 – Annual Volunteer Award presented to an outstanding NHIOP student leader in recognition for exemplary involvement and community service

Anthony Desmond ’12 – Annual Volunteer Award presented to an outstanding New Student Orientation Volunteer in recognition for exemplary community service and involvement

Brittany Handcock ’12 – Annual Volunteer Award presented to an outstanding student organization or committee in recognition for exemplary community service and involvement

Ashley O’Toole ’12 – Annual Volunteer Award presented to an outstanding member of the Multicultural Center in recognition for exemplary community service and involvement

Cedric Ashley ’11 – Annual Volunteer Award presented to an outstanding member of the Multicultural Center in recognition for exemplary community service and involvement

photos courtesy of Fr. Mathias Durette, O.S.B.

Saint Anselm (3-3, 1-1 NE-10) collected 18 votes after going 2-0 last week with a thrilling 19-18 victory against 12th-ranked Molloy College in their home opener Tuesday and a 23-18 win at American International College on Saturday.

The other win this season for the Hawks came against No. 8 Dowling College (13-11), while two of their three losses have been to nationally-ranked opponents, including No. 3 C.W. Post (16-5) and 10th-ranked Merrimack College (14-11).

The Hawks will immediately put their brand new national ranking to the test as they battle a pair of top-10 squads this week. The Hawks take on seventh-ranked Stonehill College on the road Wednesday, March 21 at 4 p.m. before playing host to No. 2 Adelphi University on Saturday, March 24 (1 p.m.) at Grappone Stadium.

Through four games, Saint Anselm boasts their best start since the 2010 season in which they also opened up their calendar of games with a 3-1 record. Most recently, the Hawks posted a 6-5 victory over the Purple Knights of Saint Michael's College under the lights at Grappone Stadium on Friday in the first-ever night lacrosse game held at Saint Anselm College.

Currently riding a three-game winning streak for the first time since the middle of the 2010 season, the Hawks have also defeated nationally-ranked New York Institute of Technology on Monday, Feb. 27 to begin their current streak.

Forward Andrew Messner (Wakefield, R.I.) leads the team in scoring, notching seven goals and six assists for 13 points (7-6=13). Hawks goaltender Jonathon O'Reilly (Plano, Texas), a two-time winner of the NE-10 Goaltender of the Week this season, added his third victory of the year against the Purple Knights by turning aside 13-of-18 shots on net. O'Reilly ranks first overall in the conference with a .661 save percentage while also tying for the top spot amongst goaltenders with a 5.07 goals-against average.

Fellow Northeast-10 Conference programs were also featured in the national rankings, with the Dolphins of Le Moyne college placing second overall behind Mercyhurst College, who received 11 first-place votes. The Warriors of Merrimack College and the Panthers of Adelphi University, each boasting 2-0 records through Monday, rank fourth and fifth, respectively, in the poll.

Whether building a home, working with disadvantaged populations, or ministering through the simple act of presence, Anselmians continue a twenty-two year tradition started with a single trip to Orland, Maine which has grown to now accommodate trips during spring, summer and winter breaks. Nine trips are spread out across the United States, while one group works in Los Chiles, Costa Rica.

Throughout the week, participants learn about Catholic social teaching while spending time living and working with those most in need.

SERVICE & SOLIDARITY: Following are vignettes from groups, originally posted to the Service & Solidarity blog, managed by Campus Ministry.

The Benedictine School, Maryland

Maryland is in love with the kids at the Benedictine School!

Navajo Nation, Arizona

The Navajo group called as they were getting out of their service at the school, and preparing for a Native American sweat lodge experience.

This has always been a wonderful experience for the group in understanding the Navajo spirituality.

St. Joan of Arc School, New Orleans, Louisiana

Leaders Jenn and Cait emailed an update titled "Hello from Sunny New Orleans!"

We are having a blast getting to know the kids at the St. Joan of Arc Catholic School. They are so full of life and energy; it's heartbreaking to learn how much Hurricane Katrina impacted them and their families. We have been able to visit the lower ninth ward where the levees broke during the storm, which has been very emotional and made a huge impact on our lives.

Ms. Frost, the principal of the school, is such a special and wonderful person who has made this school a place where these children can be loved, as well as able to learn in an environment that strives off of their faith and hope. She was able to give us a tour of the lower ninth ward where we were blown away by the destruction and devastation that is still so evident today.

She then so kindly took us to dinner where we had all varieties of New Orleans' specialty; seafood! We hope you enjoy the pictures of these awesome kids and we are looking forward to spending the last 2 days with them!

Andre house of Hospitality, Phoenix, Arizona

Guests wait outside the Andre House

The Phoenix group has the unique experience of joining the Andre House staff at White Tanks cemetery, where on the first week of the month, the staff volunteers to perform burial ceremonies for the unclaimed dead of Phoenix (mostly the homeless population, or people who cannot afford a proper burial.)

Christian Foundation for Children and Aging, Costa Rica

Editor's note: The Costa Rica leaders, Meaghan and Nicole emailed this update on Tuesday, 28 February.

Just a quick update from Los Chiles! For the past 3 days we have been hard at work. We tore down the Martinez-Espinoza house on the first day and now at the end of day three we have all the walls up and two room floors fully cemented. In between these two stages, we have dug 26 three-feet holes using shovels and metal sticks with a sharp head to break up dirt (similar to the end of an axe but dull), carried extremely heavy cement beams, mixed concrete, leveled a floor and carried the cement wall pieces to be placed. Today and yesterday we have also made time, in between working, to play soccer with Jose Carmelo and Isaida, two of the children from the family. Today some of the neighboring children joined us too, and we had a lot of fun playing with them.

Yesterday, we took a tour of some of the other parts of Los Chiles and got to see a house Saint A’s built a few years ago. During this tour we were able to deliver gifts from a Manchester sponsor to three of her sponsored kids.  The area we are in is extremely impoverished but absolutely breathtaking at the same time. It’s safe to say our group feels humbled and thankful for this experience.

Tomorrow we have our day off. First, we get to sleep in and then go on a scenic boat tour of Rio Frio towards the Nicaraguan border. Next, we have a soccer match scheduled in the afternoon with local children, our whole group and the CFCA members.

So far the weather has been beautiful and not too hot, the people are more than welcoming and the food is great.

Throughout the week, participants learn about Catholic social teaching while spending time living and working with those most in need.

SERVICE & SOLIDARITY: Following are vignettes from groups, originally posted to the Service & Solidarity blog, managed by Campus Ministry.

Camp Glenmary, Mississippi

Camp Glenmary, running since the 1970s and has been the site of two weeks of camping open to low-income kids in northeastern Mississippi and two weeks of "Catholic Camp," a time when Catholic young people from that same area gather as a group to experience the uniqueness of not being in the minority. Father Tim Murphy,  the camp's director, says without hesitation that our volunteers "make camp possible."

Here is a recent email from Morgan Seney, student leader:

We started off the morning with a home cooked meal provided by Mr Kelly, a member of the Aberdeen church community. He made us biscuits, grits, and sausage- a traditional southern meal! The group has been working hard raking, cleaning, and preparing the dorms for when the kids arrive this summer. As we clean and prepare the camp we can start to picture the kids running and playing on the fields, having bonfires, and having the time of their lives at summer camp! We can't wait for another day of work in this beautiful Mississippi weather!!!!

Anselmians are working hard to prepare the camp for this summers children, raking and burning leaves, cleaning cabins and windows, and helping Brother Terry on the tractor! Today they helped reorganize at the local food bank and tonight they are going to Elvis Presley 's  house! How cool!

The Andre House of Hospitality, Phoenix, Arizona

SBA Phoenix prepares fruit for dinner

The Andre House of Hospitality is a Catholic Worker ministry to the homeless and poor populations in Phoenix, AZ. Our students have been making daily dinners for 200-400 guests every night, as well as sorting clothing donations, mopping floors, running the drop in center, and running the soup line.

Our group was very moved by the core staff at Andre House of students just out of college who have dedicated a year to doing this work day in and day out. They have also enjoyed the company of Fr. Eric Scimmel CSC who is the Andre House Director. They were reminded of the importance of their work when a volunteer told them that 38% of those who are homeless will wake up in the morning and not speak a word to anyone all day. Just a reminder that a smile and a hello can mean a great deal.

The St. Francis Inn, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Group bonding at the St. Francis Inn

The St. Francis Inn in Philadelphia does a wonderful job providing both meals and human dignity to their lunch and dinner guests, and our students are having a wonderful time working with their staff and making friends with the guests.

Clearly they are working hard! Lots to do with meal preparation, making meals to go, delivering food to the home-bound,  keeping tabs on the dessert cart, and serving meals restaurant style within the Inn.

This group has truly learned what it means to see the face of Christ in those they serve…with a helpful reminder of the smiley face around the peephole on the door saying "Smile, its Jesus on the other side."

H.O.M.E., Orland, Maine

The group is having an exceptional week at the co-op in Maine for individuals and families needing assistance. They have been doing everything from chopping wood, to painting, to sorting goods for the thrift store, and a bunch of other odd jobs (as usual in Maine!)

The group leaders are impressed with how quickly this group has bonded!

By Melanie Kessler '12
As a senior, in my final year at Saint A’s and what is my first and last EuroChoir trip, I find that my experiences and perspectives are much different from some of the other students. I have always found much enjoyment in traveling, however this trip holds new and eye-opening experiences that I would not have found by participating in any other trip. Each time we sing in a breathtaking and beautiful cathedral I have to pinch myself and realize that this experiences will not come around again! I have felt God’s presence in a new and wonderful way when I am singing to Him in the settings we are able worship in. It is hard to call these opportunities a performance for anyone other than God. It has given me the chance to thank Him for the having been able to participate with the group on this trip and also for all of the other experiences that He has provided to me throughout my years at Saint Anselm. I have found that I am able to connect my education that I have received at Saint A’s to some of the experiences I have been blessed to have on this trip.

By Amanda Carrington '11
As an alumna, traveling to Europe with the choir is an incredible experience that brings with it a wonderful variety of emotions and memories. In many ways it’s a time of bittersweet reminiscence. As it frequently happens, I was reflecting quite a bit on my four years as a member today during a very rare and special tour and concert of the Palais du Papes, or the Papal Palace in Avignon, France. The choir was scheduled to sing in the afternoon but would have the opportunity to tour the palace beforehand, and they did, but today was not an everyday tour.

As the choir, alumni, and older guests meandered their way through the great stone rooms, we gazed at the magnificent painted walls of the Pope’s chambers and were awed by the intricate statues that adorned the walls. We were given self-guided tour controls, which we held up to our ears to listen to all the rich history they had to offer. It was a bit of a task however to manage those while attempting to click away with our cameras at every breathtaking view or artifact within each room. At one point, while trying my best to manage my audio guide and my camera, I became almost subconsciously distracted by the sound of a familiar song, one I hold very dear to my heart. As I realized that it was the song “I Love You Lord” being sung in the distance, I immediately went to find where it was coming from.

As I turned a corner and walked through an archway, I entered into the largest hall of the palace, with eighty foot stone ceilings and walls one hundred yards long, and right there in the very center was the choir in gowns and tuxes, standing in a circle, singing this beautiful song we all love so dearly. My eyes immediately welled up with tears at the sight and sound of what I was experiencing. While hurrying to join them I noticed just how angelic they sounded and how completely filled with love and joy they were. Some had their eyes closed, heads turned towards the light coming through the windows, the others looking at each other with smiles that only come from true friendship, happiness, and shared passion. In their eyes you could see a love for music, a great respect for the rareness of this spontaneous opportunity, and a sense of unity, where even the breaths they took were perfectly in sync. Having been a choir member for four years, I knew exactly how they were feeling, hence the tears of sentimentality at witnessing this familiar and yet rare bond.

When the song came to its end, the members stood silent, taking in the last few beautiful notes echoing in the great hall. They smiled at one another, then laughed because of the pure spontaneity and awesomeness of the moment, and then simply went back to the tour and picture-taking as before. In looking around, though, the other visitors did not return to their tours right away. Some stood frozen, taking in the beautiful music they just heard, while a few others even shed tears, and in my mind I thought, “that is St.A’s choir.” Those few short minutes encompassed our essence as a group, our love for music, our need to share it with others, and our desire to inspire a passion for music and for the simple enjoyment of life in our audiences. Once more, I believe they accomplished just that, and the concert hadn’t even begun yet.

By Nate Chartier '13
This trip has been an amazing experience so far! They say that music is the universal language and that has been confirmed by the smiles we have seen. The people here love our music and spirituality. A trip like this is remarkable because there are so many opportunities to experience beauty. From the palms of the Cote d’Azure to the magnificent churches and artwork, there is always something beautiful around the corner here. To be able to do what I love, sing praise to God, is awesome. To be able to share my passion with complete strangers and somehow make a connection with them is awe-inspiring. As enriching as it must be for the audience, it is also very enriching for us, the singers. We offer our voices to God and he multiplies our gift.

On Saturday we took an early tour of a Benedictine Monastery high atop the mountains just outside of Barcelona – Montserrat. Home to just under 100 monks it is also where you can find the Virgin of Montserrat, one of the black Madonna’s of Europe depicting the Virgin Mary and infant Christ. A beautiful train ride to the top of the mountain with breathtaking views both inside and outside of the abbey’s church. Following the visit, Fr. Bede celebrated a private Mass for the group in a local church prior to our final concert and a farewell banquet.

At the farewell banquet it was announced that plans are already being made to continue the choir’s tradition of traveling to Europe every other year. A preliminary itinerary is being drafted for the group’s 6th European Concert Tour in 2014 to Budapest (Hungary), Bratislava (Slovakia), Prague (Czech Republic).

Wednesday, Feb. 29, Avignon to Perpignan, France
It is hard to believe but this morning when we boarded the bus to travel from Avignon, the trip was half over! Five days down, five days to go.

Today was a travel day so we left Avignon early and headed for the walled city of Carcassonne. After about three hours on the bus, the students enjoyed some free time for lunch and then a guided tour of the castle and cathedral of the city. A day with no performing but yet full of rich history. After spending the afternoon in Carcassonne, we were back on the bus to spend the night in Perpignan, a city just in from the Mediterranean Coast, just short of the Spanish border. A very low key night. Everyone is very tired and I think it will be an early night for most as the students are resting up for the final leg of the trip in Barcelona!

Tomorrow is our longest travel day as we are off to Saint Martin Abbey located high atop the Pyrenees Mountains. In fact in order to perform the choir will hike up a steep one-mile mountain path to the top of the mountain where the walled-in abbey awaits. The Abbey was constructed in 1009 as a residence for Benedictine Monks! They inhabited the abbey continuously for almost 775 years. Following the communities dissolution in 1783 the abbey fell into disrepair until it was restored in 1902 by the Bishop of Perpignan. Today it is home to the Community of the Beatitudes. When planning the trip it has become custom that the choir performs in a Benedictine Monastery while in Europe, something we have done since our first trip in 2004.

Following our visit and performance at Saint Martin we cross a border and are off to the town of Figueres, Spain. Best known as the home of surrealist painter Salvador Dali. The students will have an opportunity to spend some time exploring the city and visiting the Dali Museum. After our afternoon stop in Figueres we are off to Barcelona where we will spend the next three nights – our last stop on the tour.

On the road with the EuroChoir: The college choir is currently performing in churches throughout Europe and assistant to the choir director, Bobby Aldrich '01, is sending updates on the group's whereabouts.

Saint Anselm College's choir with 32 students, 2 alumni, and Fr. Bede Camera, O.S.B., are touring Europe during this week's spring break. Singing unaccompanied, they're performing 18 pieces of sacred music in churches throughout southern France, Monaco, and Spain. See photos of the choir's travels on the college Flickr site, courtesy of Bobby Aldrich, assistant to the choir director.

Tuesday, Feb. 28, Avignon, France

The choir will perform twice today. A morning of sightseeing. The group traveled to the Pont du Guard this morning just outside of Avignon, France. It is the home of one of the few remaining in-tact Roman Aqueducts. Just short of 2,000 years old the students had an opportunity to visit the site and actually walk across the structure above the river. We posed for these pictures below. Everyone is having a wonderful time.

This afternoon we will actually get a chance to perform at the Papal Palace and tonight will perform a concert at a local church – the Church of Saint Agricola. There are posters all over the city promoting our concert.

The Papal Palace in Avignon was the home to 7 popes from 1305 to 1377. Six popes were elected here in Avignon, including Pope Urban V, a member of the Order of Saint Benedict. We performed in the grand hall of the palace where the papal conclaves were held when the popes of Avignon were elected; a wonderful and spiritual experience for the students.

Another concert tonight at The Church of Saint Agricola, named after Agricola of Avignon, a bishop of the city of Avignon who was a monk at a nearby Abbey and is most well known for building a convent for Benedictine nuns near the city. Ah, another Benedictine connection… Just wait until my update for Thursday!

A wonderful concert with a great turnout. The parish and the tour company did a wonderful job promoting it throughout the city. We probably had between 75 and 100 people show up and a standing ovation at the end with an encore. Performed for well over an hour. Father Bede spent a considerable amount of time talking to the audience in French. He is very much enjoying being able to speak the language. It has been a long time since he taught French up on the hilltop!

Big travel day tomorrow. On the bus all morning to the walled city of Carcassonne (just over 3 hours from Avignon). We have a tour of the city with a local guide and lunch. Then back on the bus to Perpignan where we will spend the night. No performances tomorrow; a day off.

Monday, Feb. 27, Cannes, France

Yesterday (Monday) was a travel day. After leaving Cannes we stopped in Aix en Provence and Arles on our way to Avignon. Avignon is a beautiful walled city and the students enjoyed free time last night after our arrival to explore it on their own. Avignon is often referred to as the “City of Popes” as it is home to the Palace of the Popes where popes and antipopes took up residence from 1309 to 1423.

Sunday, Feb. 26, in Monaco

This morning (Sunday) the choir performed for the 10:30a.m. Mass at the Cathedral in Monaco. Following Mass we performed a 30-minute concert for an audience of parishioners and visitors to the cathedral. They have quite a lot of tourists coming in and out due to the burial site of Princess Grace Kelly. It was a wonderful experience in a beautiful venue!

Following a day in Monaco the choir performed its first performance tonight in Cannes, France at the Church of Our Lady of the Pines.

Service & Solidarity: Spring Break Alternative – Follow along with regular updates and photos from the ten SBA trips on the Service & Solidarity blog, managed by the Office of Campus Ministry.

In the shadow of Manchester's Millyard, and only blocks from City Hall, we visited with Manchester's participants who were pausing briefly from their work for lunch, purchased with the equivalent of a day's worth of food stamps. In spite of the fact that each participant is entitled to about $3 per day, they quickly offered a seat at the table, and a sandwich to their fellow Anselmian stopping in to hear about their week thus far. The group has elected to participate in this challenge in solidarity with those who live on such a budget day to day, and ate a simple lunch of PB&J and fruit.

2012 Spring Break Alternative sites: Aberdeen, Mississippi; Manchester, New Hampshire; New Orleans, Louisiana; Orland, Maine; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Phoenix, Arizona; Ridgley, Maryland; San Jose, Costa Rica; Springhill, Louisiana and Tuba City, Arizona

At the conclusion of lunch, the group delegated afternoon responsibilities among the team: some would proceed to a laundromat to facilitate the cleaning of an apartment worth of garments and linens. Others would continue the rehabilitation of an unit within the complex, while the remainder of the group awaited the afternoon arrival of fifteen-or-more children for an afternoon of coloring, mentoring and playing. We followed the team that would continue to rehab the apartment up two flights of narrow stairs to a simply furnished third-floor apartment where the team had spent the morning working to address health and safety compliance issues.

Following a morning of scrubbing, steam cleaning and sorting, the apartment's tenant warmly greeted each member of the team back with a gentle smile. As the students returned to work, he stood nearby ready to offer his assistance as two participants outlined their goals for the afternoon. Although a subtle odor lingered in the unit, open windows and a cacophony of cleaning solutions indicated the ongoing efforts of the group. During our visit, fresh mattress liners were unpacked, and the stove was reassembled.

Dan Forbes, director of the Meelia Center for Community Engagement described the injustice faced by the family which would ultimately bring them to Manchester. The extended family that calls this unit home has fled two genocides, relocating upwards of three times before coming to call Manchester their latest home.

Back downstairs, the sound of laughter and play reverberated through the dimly lit hallway. Children, including some "alumni" of the complex — those who have moved on, but occasionally come back to visit — were amassing in the common room where an after school program is offered. Children sat at a small table, diligently coloring, while others took advantage of the opportunity to braid an SBA participant's hair. One boy arrived in the door asking if he could come in and do his homework, while others were quizzed on their alphabets with flashcards.

Tonight, the group plans to share dinner with residents of the apartment complex.

Follow Saint Anselm Athletics: This story was originally posted on SaintAnselmHawks.com, the online home of Saint Anselm athletics. For the latest news directly from the Saint Anselm College athletic department, follow along with the action on our Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/STAHawks) and our Twitter account (http://www.twitter.com/STAHawks).

Saint Anselm earned the fourth ECAC Women's Open championship in program history Sunday and the team's first title under fourth-year Head Coach Kerstin Matthews. The victory snaps a two-game losing skid to the Crusaders in the championship game, having lost to Holy Cross twice in the previous two tournaments. Forward Rosemarie Giarrusso (Royal Palm Beach, Fla.) earned Most Outstanding Player honors by scoring a combined two goals and three assists for five points (2-3=5) through two games, including the game-winning goal tonight.

Giarrusso's second game-winning goal of the ECAC Women's Open came at 3:08 of the third period, placing Saint Anselm ahead by a 4-3 margin. Skating from left to right around the Holy Cross goal, forward Kathryn Picarello (West Roxbury, Mass.) backhanded a pass toward the slot where Giarrusso, fresh off the bench, fired a shot that eluded the grasp of Crusaders goaltender Alexandra Stevenson for the strike, her 15th goal of the season.

Crusaders captain Stacey Hochkins scored her 28th goal of the season to open up the game's scoring at 2:12 of the first period. Picking up a loose puck in the neutral zone that was left by forward Caroline English, Hochkins used her speed up the right wing to elude a Hawks defenseman. Skating in on Hawks goaltender Amy Zappen (Huntington Beach, Calif.), Hochkins triple-deked Zappen and placed the puck behind her for the first goal of the game.

Forward Rebecca O'Quinn scored the Crusaders second goal of the game at 5:50 of the first period, extending the early Holy Cross lead to 2-0. In similar fashion to the Hochkins strike, defenseman Jessica Frascotti one-touched a puck forwad to a streaking O'Quinn. Breaking in all alone on Zappen, O'Quinn placed the puck around the sprawling goaltender for the score.

With defenseman Meaghan Sullivan in the box for a tripping infraction, Aly Zappen scored her first goal of the game at 19:11 of the first period, halving the Crusaders advantage. Following an offensive zone face-off win, Zappen forced the puck out of the right wing corner to defenseman Jacqueline Bouchie (Belmont, Mass.), positioned at the right point. A quick pass over to defensive partner Molly Corl (Georgetown, Mass.) was sent over to the right post where a crashing Zappen established her position and tapped the puck past Stevenson for the score.

With Aly Zappen penalized for goaltender interference, senior forward Nicola Garat tallied her 14th goal of the season at 1:29 of the second period, elevating the Crusaders to a 3-1 score. A Crusaders player fired a shot wide from the right point that was gathered in the right wing corner by English. A quick pass toward the right post was forced home by Garat for the final Holy Cross strike of the afternoon.

Corl would add a power play tally of her own at 9:22 of the second period, cutting into the Saint Anselm deficit near the midpoint of the second period. With English in the penalty box to serve a slashing penalty, Giarrusso would gain possession of the puck behind the Crusaders cage. A quick pass toward a streaking Bouchie was placed on net. The ensuing rebound spilled out near the left post where Corl was positioned for the goal.

Forward Courtney Winters (Swampscott, Mass.) would knot the game at three apiece with her 19th goal of the season at 14:14 of the second period. Giarrusso and Picarello entered the zone on a 3-on-1 breakout with Winters flanking the right wing for Saint Anselm. Giarrusso, entering the zone with the puck up the left wing boards, sent a pass over to Picarello in the slot. Delaying the pass, the puck was sent to Winters near the right face-off dot and blasted home for the game-tying goal.

Following Giarrusso's game-winning goal, Zappen scored her seventh goal of the season at 9:21 of the third period. With the Crusaders on a power play, a pass back to the right point was picked off by Zappen. Carrying the puck across all three zones, Zappen broke in on Stevenson unopposed and wristed a shot that eluded the grasp of the Holy Cross goaltender to place Saint Anselm up by two goals near the midpoint of the third stanza.

Forward Tiffany Herron (Clinton Township, Mich.) recorded an empty net goal at 19:38 of the third period, adding extra insurance for Saint Anselm en route to the victory. A Holy Cross player upended Picarello near the right wing boards, but she was able to force the puck forward to Herron near the right wing corner. A simple wrist shot into the vacated Crusaders net was Herron's 16th goal of the season.

Zappen was able to convert the second hat trick of her career at 19:56 of the third period to secure a 7-3 victory for Saint Anselm. Corl, at the left point, sent a feed over to her right where it was fired on goal by defenseman Angela Zevnik (Greenfield, Wisc.). The juicy rebound spilled out to Stevenson's right where a crashing Zappen tapped the puck into the empty left side of the net for her eighth goal of the season.

With Corl's assist on the final Saint Anselm goal of the game, she now holds top placement on the program leaderboard in assists, surpassing former Hawks defenseman Cindy Lebel with the 53rd helper of her four-year career. Corl ends her tenure on the Hilltop with 74 career points (21-53=74), placing her sixth all-time in program history in point scoring.

For Saint Anselm, Zappen (17-6-1) earned her 17th victory of the year by turning aside 17-of-20 shots on goal. Stevenson (6-2-1) drew only her second loss of the year, allowing six goals on 28 shots on net.

Saint Anselm was 3-for-5 on the power play. Holy Cross was 1-for-7 with the extra skater.

In a post-game ceremony, the 2012 ECAC Women's Open All-Tournament team was announced with the following six players named to the squad:

• G – Erin Stevens – Saint Michael's College (2.53 GAA, .939 SV, 77 saves)
• D – Molly Corl – Saint Anselm College (2-2=4)
• D – Nicole Palazzo – Sacred Heart University (2-0=2)
• F – Stacey Hochkins – College of the Holy Cross (2-1=3)
• F – Caroline English – College of the Holy Cross (1-2=3)
• F – Rosemarie Giarrusso – Saint Anselm College (2-3=5, 2 GWG)

• Most Outstanding Player – Rosemarie Giarrusso – Saint Anselm College

NOTABLES: With the victory, Saint Anselm captures their fourth ECAC Women's Open Championship in the program's eight year history…The Hawks have won the tournament during the 2004-05 season, the 2006-07 season and the 2007-08 season, with all three victories piloted by former Head Coach David Flint, who is now piloting the Northeastern University women's ice hockey program…Saint Anselm last defeated Holy Cross in the championship game on Feb. 27, 2005, claiming victory by a 4-2 margin for their first ECAC Women's Open title…Forward Courtney Winters concludes her sophomore season riding a five-game point streak, scoring five goals and three assists for eight points (5-3=8) across that span…Forward Aly Zappen recorded the second hat trick of her career this evening…Forward Kathryn Picarello recorded four assists in this evening's game, marking only the third time a player in Saint Anselm history has accomplished that feat – Corl tallied four assists against Plymouth State on Feb. 7, 2009 and Kristen Byrne contributed four helpers against Southern Maine on Jan. 14, 2011…In the final nine games of her career, Hawks goaltender Amy Zappen accumulated a 8-0-1 record alongside an 0.77 goals-against average and a .951 save percentage.

Mock Trial Team

Eight teams moved on to the next round in White Plains, N.Y.: Wellesley College, Colby College, Tufts University, University of New Hampshire, Harvard, University of Vermont, University of Massachusetts Amherst, and Yale.

Saint Anselm’s team, founded only three years ago, competed against Amherst College, University of Vermont, University of New Hampshire, and Colby College.

Hatem, a politics major, was very pleased with her team’s performance, saying, “My teammates far exceeded anything I could have expected from such a young team and I am very proud of them. I cannot wait to see what they accomplish next year.”

The tournament opened with a ceremony on Friday evening where keynote speaker, Supreme Court Associate Justice Robert Lynn, spoke to students. Classrooms in Gadbois and Goulet were turned into courtrooms where two judges scored students on their performances. The tournament featured a criminal case with teams acting as either the defense or prosecution for the murder trial.

In addition, 35 alumni volunteered to be judges for the competition. The alumni are law students, lawyers, judges, or had past experience in mock trial. Some scored multiple rounds and came from as far as Bangor, Maine.

Jennifer Durant '02

As a lobbyist for N.H. Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence, Jennifer Durant ‘02 helped pass N.H.’s law criminalizing human trafficking. When she isn’t working for victims and their families, she’s teaching sociology courses here at the college. This semester she introduced a course on family violence. Durant received the Young Alumni Service Award in 2010 for her work. Read more of Durant’s story.

Colleen (Casey) Farley '05

Colleen (Casey) Farley ’05 is a financial advisor, Vice President-Wealth Management, and partner at The Robbins Farley Group at Morgan Stanley Smith Barney in Manchester, N.H. Recently, she organized the Merrimack Rotary Club’s $105,000 project to renovate Kid’s Kove, a playground in Merrimack, N.H. Read more about Farley's good work.