The first event was co-sponsored by the New York Academy of Science to celebrate Nobel Day and women in science. Secretary Clinton, via video, introduced a program (NEXXT Scholars) to encourage more young women to study science and, simultaneously, to encourage women’s colleges to recruit women students from Middle Eastern countries. The second event, Women in Public Service, was hosted by the Secretary herself at the State Department in Washington and brought together a dizzying show of woman-power. Attendees included former Secretary of State Madeline Albright, activist Gloria Steinem, International Monetary Fund Managing Director Christine Lagarde, President of Kosovo Atifete Jahjaga, President of Costa Rica Laura Chinchilla, female admirals from the US Navy, and ambassadors from around the world. The theme was to inspire and plan for the development of women leaders with the assistance of women’s colleges.

Saint Joseph College is eager to engage in these endeavors. Both efforts, to develop women in science and as leaders, mesh beautifully our mission and our strategic plan. We are ready to reach out to women throughout the world with our programs and our community spirit.

Women continue to play an increasingly integral role in the military. The first 19 women to complete officer training at submariners’school graduated just last week; female students earned two of the three class achievement awards. The commanding general of Parris Island is a woman. Saint Joseph College alumnae/i have served in a variety of military roles thoughout the years, many rising to high office – among our graduates was one of the Navy’s first female Rear Admirals.

We are excited to have been designated as a “military-friendly” institution and we look forward to welcoming more servicewomen and men to our programs.

My guests from The School for Young Children's summer program helped water the garden during their visit.

As we mark the “official” end of summer with Labor Day weekend, I find myself reviewing some of the highlights of the season. There are so many delightful events that take place in the summer – free concerts in the park, trips to the shore, Shakespeare on campus, festivals and more.

One of my favorite summertime activities is planting and tending my garden. I find gardening both relaxing and productive, and it’s a wonderful activity to share with young people. Children from the SJC School for Young Children visited me in August and helped harvest summer squash, collard greens, cucumbers, tomatoes, and herbs. However, I think their favorite activity was watering the plants! My grandchildren also pitched in during their annual summer visit to Connecticut. They were able to enjoy watermelon and cantaloupe in addition to the veggies.

My grandson Zachary

My granddaughter Grace.

While all seems ready for a calm start to the academic year, there is a flurry of behind-the-scenes planning to address potential chaos as Hurricane Irene barrels up the east coast. We are taking heed and watching the storm carefully, preparing for the safety and well-being of students, faculty, and staff, and hoping that our lives and our educational programs will not be unduly affected.

I hope that we will get some fans out to see the Saint Joseph College Blue Jays play this academic year, as well. Check out our athletics website for the schedule of games.

The group from Saint Joseph College enjoyed watching the game together.

The Connecticut Sun in action!

Blaze, the Connecticut Sun mascot

The presidents were pleased to have the opportunity to talk about how independent institutions help students achieve their educational goals; create programs that respond to employers’ workforce needs; and provide jobs, cultural events and community service programs. In turn, we asked that Connecticut follow the cost-saving practices of 39 other states by eliminating the redundancies in educational program approval.  We also expressed our eagerness to work with the administration on its Strategic Plan for Higher Education, our willingness to engage in cooperative agreements with community colleges (Saint Joseph College has two such agreements in place), and our hope that need-based financial aid for Connecticut residents attending independent institutions will be maintained.

Connecticut Conference of Independent Colleges presidents gather to speak with Governor Dannel P. Malloy and DECD Commissioner Catherine Smith on August 15. (I'm standing to the left of the Governor and the Commissioner.)

The students actually arrived on August 8 for a week of orientation, which culminated in an impressive and moving White Coat Ceremony on our main campus. Now they are fully engaged in the serious studies that will bring them into the profession of pharmacy.

The Paraguayan military band added to the festive spirit and the feeling of international cooperation.

Independence Day in the U.S. is typically celebrated at the beach or in the park with barbecues and picnics. But this year, while visiting my son and his family, I celebrated by visiting the U.S. embassy in Paraguay. It’s winter right now in Paraguay, so the temperature was a brisk 55 degrees, but sunny and cheerful. A crowd of about thirty visiting citizens gathered with personnel from the consulate to sing the National Anthem and salute the colors when the flag was raised. U.S. Ambassador Liliana Ayalde read a letter from Secretary of State Hilary Clinton praising those who serve our country while abroad.

The Marines raise the U.S. flag during the Independence Day event.

Then, one of the soldiers followed tradition by reading from the Declaration of Independence. Hearing the words of this amazing document while standing in a foreign land made the freedoms and rights we enjoy in the U.S. feel more precious than ever. The ceremony was brief, but powerful. When it was done we enjoyed meeting the ambassador, making friends with the other visitors, and partaking of delicious treats: hot chocolate, coffee, and fresh-baked breads and cookies.

This city scene is representative of much of Shanghai.

Touring Shanghai was amazing in many respects. The variety and ingenuity of the architecture left me in awe; the city’s landscape is comprised of one amazing skyscraper after another. They twist and reach high above the ancient temples with gleaming steel, glass, and marble facades. I also enjoyed the historic sections of town, with charming parks that offered an opportunity to rest and experience a moment or two of serenity in the midst of bustling traffic.

This park is also a sculpture garden - a welcoming and wonderful place.

I once again appreciated the generosity and hospitality of my Chinese hosts. Even strangers with limited English skills graciously tried to help us find our way, and my hosts spent inordinate amounts of time making my colleagues and me feel welcome.  And I love the food!  The cuisine of Shanghai includes braised, stewed, and spicy; vegetables, chicken, pork, and beef are all available. Fresh fruit and bakeries abound. While, like any city, there are the Starbucks and McDonalds, we went from one outstanding meal to the next in restaurants where our hosts piled the table with many fine dishes.