When we talk about inclusion today, whether in education, the workplace, or the wider culture, we often appeal to what is “universal.” We invoke universal human rights, universal values, or universal standards of fairness. These frameworks matter deeply, and they have supported justice movements across history. Yet the word universal carries a logic that is […]
Read MoreThis year’s All Souls’ Day Mass at Saint Michael’s College will be held in memory of Saint Michael’s College’s 16th President, John “Jack” Neuhauser, who recently passed away at the age of 82. Neuhauser served as the College’s leader from 2007 until his retirement in 2018. He led the College through the 2008 recession and later […]
Read MoreI recently attended a presentation on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) by Emiliano Void, founder and CEO of nuwave Corporation, here at Saint Michael’s College. His presentation was one of the clearest I have seen on how DEI works and why it matters. He described DEI not as a set of slogans, but as a process […]
Read MoreAs the Saint Michael’s College McCarthy Arts Center celebrates its 50th anniversary, Peter Harrigan, professor of Fine Arts and Theater, prepares to celebrate his own milestone: his last production at St. Mike’s before retirement. This fall, Harrigan will be returning to his 2017 production of Mill Girls, an original play that he spent years putting […]
Read MoreFrom its very beginning, Christianity has affirmed a startling truth: the eternal Word of God became flesh, not in some generic human form, but in the marked, particular body of Jesus of Nazareth. This is the meaning of the Incarnation. As M. Shawn Copeland reminds us in her chapter essay “Marking the Body of Christ,” […]
Read MoreIn the 1970s, Fine Arts faculty at Saint Michael’s College saw an urgent need for a new performing arts center following a fire – and resulting demolition – of the surplus wooden structure that had been used as the Saint Michael’s Playhouse. The Playhouse, founded in 1947 by Professor Henry Fairbanks, was initially located in […]
Read MoreLast week, I wrote about the rising push from federal officials and legislators to enforce “viewpoint diversity” on college campuses. Some proposals even tie federal funding to ideological audits or mandate quotas for political perspectives. The problem isn’t the idea that higher education should engage a wide range of perspectives. Of course, it should. The […]
Read MoreMath is everywhere. Especially in the garden. It is easy for math teachers to stick with worksheets and a program without much thought. But then the dreaded question comes… “will I ever use this again in my life?” or “why does this matter?” or “what is the point!?” That is where educators with a keen […]
Read More“Viewpoint diversity” has moved from campus debate to public policy. As Inside Higher Ed reported on September 2, 2025, federal officials and conservative legislators are pressing universities to demonstrate “viewpoint diversity,” sometimes with threats to condition funds on ideological audits and the creation of civics or Western civilization centers (Ryan Quinn, “The Battle for ‘Viewpoint […]
Read More“Students learn to think critically. The liberal arts are about exploring different points of view and working to answer complex questions, while also acquiring the practical skills necessary for the physical or technical aspects of a job. “ said Kate Soons, Director of the Health Science Program and Instructor of Biology of the recent launch […]
Read MoreAcross the U.S., schools and public institutions are being pressed to abandon diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. The justification is often framed in positive terms: to avoid “divisiveness,” to ensure that all are included as “Americans,” and to create a level playing field free from favoritism. On the surface, this may sound like a […]
Read MoreDuring a time when Artificial Intelligence seems to be everywhere, understanding how and when to use it has become more important than ever. Saint Michael’s College took that mission to heart with a recent event on campus exploring this evolving digital tool. First-year students spent the summer reading AI Snake Oil: What Artificial Intelligence Can […]
Read MoreAt this moment in American life, conversations about diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are charged with controversy. Across the country, legislators, business leaders, and university administrators are reassessing or even retreating from DEI programs. Some state governments have passed laws restricting DEI offices or trainings in public higher education. Surveys show that while many Americans […]
Read MoreWhen she was a junior in high school, Art & Design major Chloe Brown, ’27, picked up a needle and thread and taught herself how to hand-stitch clothing. A year later, Brown convinced her parents to gift her a sewing machine for her birthday. Since then, her passion for clothing design has only grown, including […]
Read MoreCommentators have noticed a curious trend among college students in the United States. While progressive frameworks dominate much of higher education—shaping classroom discussion, faculty research agendas, and campus activism—there is a quiet undercurrent of students who hold more conservative views. David Brooks has suggested that many of these students, rather than voicing their convictions, choose […]
Read MoreCritics often charge that higher education in the United States has become elitist and overwhelmingly progressive, fostering an environment where students who hold more conservative views feel the need to mask their beliefs in order to succeed. Surveys suggest that a notable percentage of students self-censor in classrooms, citing fear of social or academic repercussions (Samuel J. […]
Read MoreResearch took an unconventional form this summer: horsehair swishing across canvas, tactile pressure molding mass into form, whirring of a sewing needle bobbing up and down, shapes slowly revealing themselves upon film in a dark room. For the first time this year, five Saint Michael’s College Art & Design students took on grant-funded summer research […]
Read MoreWhen Pope Francis released his encyclical Laudato Si’: On Care for Our Common Home in 2015, he did more than add another papal voice to the conversation about environmental responsibility. He reframed the entire issue—not as a side concern or technical challenge, but as a central moral and spiritual issue of our time. Laudato Si’ […]
Read MoreIn the first part of this series concerning the environment, we explored how the Catholic call to care for creation is rooted in Scripture, particularly the Genesis account of stewardship and the biblical tradition of justice and harmony with the earth. But how has this teaching evolved in modern Catholic thought? Before Pope Francis’ Laudato […]
Read MoreAlthough most undergraduate students head home for the summer, the Saint Michael’s campus is still alive with activity. Here at the Institute for the Environment, we have a full team around, including the graduate assistants and the summer stewards. In a fun collaboration between these two groups of student workers, our farm manager Christine Gall, […]
Read MoreThe Saint Michael’s College Natural Area is in full bloom right now! Recently, we were fortunate enough to share this beautiful space with a summer camp that occurs right here on campus. The Summer Institute for New American Youth, led by the U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants (USCRI) is a two week camp based […]
Read MoreTwo members of the Class of 2025 will spend the next year in the Czech Republic and in Vietnam after being selected for fellowships through the Fulbright U.S. Student Program. Jarrett Sweet of Fletcher, Vermont, will teach English as a second language in Vsetin, Czech Republic, and Patrick McGloine of Schuylerville, New York, will conduct […]
Read MoreBusiness Administration and Accounting double major Dave Ciancio ’24 has made the most of his time at Saint Michael’s College, both in and out of the classroom. From championship wins on the ice to leadership roles on campus, Ciancio says Saint Michael’s helped him grow into a more confident, well-rounded individual. The Scituate, Rhode Island […]
Read MoreOne of the most urgent and spiritually resonant themes of Catholic Social Teaching is the seventh: Care for God’s Creation. This principle, affirmed by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, reminds us that “we show our respect for the Creator by our stewardship of creation.” What may once have been viewed as a peripheral issue—often […]
Read MoreAt a Catholic college in Vermont, where forested mountains surround us and the seasons mark the passing of time with crisp clarity, it’s easy to think of the earth as a gift—and it is. But when we turn to the teachings of the Church, particularly those expressed by Pope Francis in Laudato Si’ (On Care […]
Read MoreJust as Paris was readying to welcome the world for the Summer Olympics in 2024 – a symbolic gesture of inclusion – an undercurrent of French nationalism and xenophobia was bubbling to the surface. Ava Lavigne ’26, who was interning abroad there at the time, witnessed the cultural and social tensions come to a head […]
Read MoreOur graduate assistants returned to the Natural Area with the Middle Grades Institute for another outdoor education workshop. This time, we integrated art, sustainability, and teaching, in order to design a unique activity making “Insect Hotels”. Activities like this one showcase how teaching in the Outdoor/Living Classrooms can create many opportunities to educate for sustainability. This […]
Read MoreProfessor Robert Letovsky retired in Fall 2024 after four decades of impactful teaching at Saint Michael’s College. A seasoned professional with a diverse background in international business, he dedicated his career to providing students with a global perspective and real-world experiences. Below, he reflects on his journey, the value of a well-rounded education, and what […]
Read MoreThe sixth principle of Catholic social teaching is solidarity, the call to stand with others in their efforts to achieve justice. More than empathy and more than charity, solidarity is a moral and spiritual commitment to walk with those who suffer, to act on their behalf, and to share in the burdens and struggles of […]
Read MoreSaint Michael’s College and the Study Abroad Office offer numerous opportunities for students to leave the classroom and explore various countries through internships, traditional semesters abroad, academic study trips, and more. These experiences provide students with global understanding and hands-on learning while deepening what they’ve learned in the classroom within real-world settings. This summer, the […]
Read MoreMany are familiar with saffron due to its high market value – the spice is more expensive than any other compound on Earth, at about $10,000 per pound, according to Saint Michael’s College Chemistry Professor Shane Lamos. For student researcher Bethany Hayes ’26, saffron presented an opportunity for a summer research project. Her goal: to […]
Read MoreStudent researcher Olivia Miller-Johnson ’26 transformed her interest in the complex ways the internet intersects with politics and society into an eight-week, grant-funded research project this summer. Through her research, Miller-Johnson, a Digital Media and Communications major, asked timely questions about both content moderation on social media and media bias in mainstream news. Guided by […]
Read MoreNo one at St. Mike’s knows the flow cytometer quite like Olivia Goldfarb ’27. She was the first to use the specialized laboratory equipment when the College acquired one a year ago through a grant, and she has logged the most hours on it so far. Biology Professor Lyndsay Avery explained that at most other […]
Read MoreAt Saint Michael’s College, rooted in the tradition of the Society of Saint Edmund, we take seriously the call to build a more just and compassionate society. This call is more than idealism. It is a commitment grounded in the Gospel and in Catholic Social Teaching, which holds up the dignity of work and the […]
Read MoreTo outdoor recreators, algal blooms may be that annoying blue-green scum on the water’s surface that causes their favorite beach to close. But, to Shannah Weller ’26, algae could be the key to cleaning up polluted waters. For her summer research project, the Biology major is splitting her time between a canoe on the water […]
Read MoreAt first glance it may seem like an unusual union – applying business management theory to classroom teaching. But for Aidan Hall ’27 and Business Administration Professor Karen Popovich, the pairing, like their friendship, just made sense. For his summer research project, Hall, an Education Studies and Anthropology double major, is studying classroom management in […]
Read MoreOver the course of the last few months, the graduate assistants at the Leahy Institute for the Environment have been hard at work, creating intentional, curricular-aligned, and fun educational experiences that utilize our “wild” areas in our Outdoor and Living classrooms. Recently, we were given the opportunity to put these plans into action, thanks to […]
Read MoreDana Welch has made the most of her time at Saint Michael’s College—both in and out of the classroom. As a double major in Accounting and Psychology with a minor in Business Administration, Dana has embraced every opportunity to learn, lead, and connect. Whether she’s competing on the volleyball court, supporting her peers through Hope […]
Read MoreAt a Catholic college rooted in the tradition of Catholic Social Teaching, we are called not only to study justice but to practice it. One area where this commitment becomes tangible is in the consistent and principled support the Church offers for the rights of workers, especially the right to unionize. The U.S. Catholic bishops […]
Read MoreLast month the Saint Michael’s Natural Area welcomed some new temporary guests for the summer! A flock of sheep has been deployed to meander the solar field, mowing the space in a natural and sustainable way! Our school partners with a Vermont farming company called Agrivoltaic Solutions, contracted by our solar partner, Encore Renewable Energy, […]
Read MoreWhen Pope Leo XIII issued Rerum Novarum in 1891, he did so at a moment of profound economic upheaval. The Industrial Revolution was transforming society, displacing workers, and raising new ethical challenges about labor, capital, and the just organization of the economy. In response, the pope laid the foundation for modern Catholic social teaching. He […]
Read MoreGrowing up, Jacob Sonberg ’18 always knew he wanted to work outdoors. The activities he gravitated toward — such as fishing and snowmobiling — helped foster a love of being outside in nature. Today, he’s turned that passion into a career as a District Wildlife Manager with Colorado Parks and Wildlife, combining law enforcement, biology, […]
Read MoreWhere’s Izzy? On her most exciting trip yet, post-graduation life as a December 2024 graduate. Izzy Risitano from Litchfield, New Hampshire majored in business administration and minored in data science and environmental studies. During her time at St. Mike’s, she earned a professional endorsement credential from the Adventure Sports Center. Izzy is a passionate skier, […]
Read MoreAt Saint Michael’s College, we are called not only to academic excellence but also to a moral and spiritual reflection on the pressing issues of our time. One such issue—central to Catholic Social Teaching—is the dignity of work and the rights of workers. This fifth principle of social justice invites us to see labor not […]
Read MoreNot all heroes wear capes – some don hairnets and latex gloves to make 500 turkey sandwiches each morning for those who might otherwise go hungry. That is just one of the tasks a group of seven (six students and a staff leader) from Saint Michael’s College took on during a May service trip to […]
Read MoreWhen the exit polls began pouring in weeks following the 2024 election, there was one detail in particular that stuck out to Meg Clements ’26, inspiring her summer research project – particularly when considering who voted for Republican President Donald Trump. “As more exit polls were coming out, you really started to see that a […]
Read MoreOn May 13, Saint Michael’s College employees gathered in Alliott to embark on the college’s annual community service day! Every year after the undergraduate student body heads home, employees come together to support the community, bond with other employees, and take a break from routine. The Institute for the Environment is fortunate to have employee […]
Read MoreThe long run from the bull pen to the pitcher’s mound at Centennial Field in Burlington is unlike any other, according to Braedon Jones ’26. Upon stepping onto the field, the roar of the crowd hits as you see thousands of faces in the stands. The adrenaline is pumping, and you have to put on […]
Read MoreThe fourth principle of Catholic Social Teaching, the Option for the Poor and Vulnerable, challenges us not merely to assist those in need but to stand with them in their pursuit of justice and dignity. It insists that the poor are not passive recipients of aid, but active participants in building a just society. At […]
Read MoreFor Ben Mogensen ’24, St. Mike’s helped ignite a passion for service, teamwork and conservation that would grow into a roaring fire. These days he can be seen deploying from a helicopter fighting wildfires for the U.S. Forest Service in Idaho. Before that, he served as a land management volunteer with AmeriCorps, working on […]
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