Most college and university campuses grow quiet during the summer months, a time for faculty and students to slip away, rest and recharge before returning in the fall. At Saint Martin’s University (SMU), summer brings new energy and new opportunities for the community to come explore and play. “Many assume that summer marks a hiatus for a university – not so at Saint Martin’s! The campus is abuzz with summer sessions, visiting conferencing groups, athletic camps and special events,” explained Sarah Holdener, SMU Director of Event Services.
There are activities available for all- the young and the young at heart all over the campus. “Complementing the University activities, the Norman Worthington Conference Center and Marcus Pavilion host a variety of community-organized functions throughout the summer – from local Rotary meetings and business trainings to jazz festivals and martial arts tournaments.” said Holdener. Curious about the details? Here’s what’s happening.
June
For many parents, finding a summer experience for children in upper elementary and middle school grades can be a challenge. Saint Martin’s offers Summer Music classes. The topics are wide ranging from traditional to whimsical. The latter category includes: fiddling, gypsy strings, bucket band (yes, learning to play a 5 gallon bucket!), and ukulele. Six local music educators are on hand to teach everything from the basics to advance techniques and improv. For more information contact Krina Allison, kallison@stmartin.edu. Classes run through July 5.
For adults, the Religious Studies Department is offering its 31st annual Spiritual Life Institute. This year’s focus is on Gnosticism in Greco-Roman Egypt. Attendees may come for the week or sign up by the day. The program is designed to explore the history, ethics and beliefs of a culture, and the conversations are framed and guided by theologians, religious scholars and social justice advocates. As stated on the institute’s web page, the faculty are there to “inspire awareness, challenge preconceived notions, and shed light upon the spiritual journey in an increasingly globalized world.” For more information, visit www.stmartin.edu/spiritual_life/.
July
July brings students and faculty across the Pacific from the Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine to Saint Martin’s. The Traditional Chinese Medicine Exhibit takes place in Cebula Hall starting on July 18. “Dating back to the second century B.C.E., the practices of Traditional Chinese Medicine are based on a belief of interconnectedness, that the human body is part of its larger environment. Embracing the integrated treatment of body, mind and spirit, Traditional Chinese Medicine focus on maintaining balance in one’s life,” explains the event’s webpage. The exhibit will include information about various treatments and their philosophies, including: acupuncture, herbal remedies, cupping, moxibustion, tui na therapeutic massage, and more. For a complete schedule of events go to www.stmartin.edu/TCM2013.
August
The 30th Annual Saint Martin’s Golf Tournament will be held on Friday, August 2, playing just down the road at Capitol City Golf Club. For three decades the “Teeing off for Saint Athletics” has benefitted all of Saint Martin’s athletes, including the women’s softball team who had an historic year in 2013. They were the first team in SMU history to win an NCAA tournament game, and only the third team to ever quality for NCAA postseason play. The team had seven Academic All-GNAC selections, as well as the conference Player and Pitcher of the Year. To support the softball team and all the athletic programs at SMU, put a team together and enjoy a fabulous day of golf. July 20 is the deadline for declaring foursomes. To learn more or to register online, please visit www.stmartin.edu/golftournament.
Japan comes to Saint Martin’s the afternoon of August 10. The Mukogawa Afternoon runs from 12:00 – 5:00 pm in the Baran Hall Great Room. It is an event for the entire family, with traditional Japanese games to play, summer kimonos to admire, and lots of opportunities to learn about Japanese culture. For more information, contact Dorothea Buehler at dbuehler@stmartin.edu.
September
While the calendar may say school, the weather still says summer around here and Saint Martin’s offerings continue. On September 7, the university hosts the Thurston County Emergency Preparedness Expo, providing information on preparedness for the home, business, neighborhoods, and faith communities. To learn more, visit www.co.thurston.wa.us/em/.
Why is it important to Saint Martin’s University to build connections with the local community? “[It] truly underscores the University’s role as ‘a gathering place; for the South Sound and allow us to live out the Benedictine value of hospitality.” explained Holdener. A value that translates to a great and enriching experience for our community all summer long.
