Catholic health systems join generics collaborative
Ascension and SSM Health have teamed with Intermountain Healthcare of Salt Lake City and Trinity Health of Detroit, in consultation with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), to form a not-for-profit generic drug company to provide what it calls “an affordable alternative to products from generic drug companies whose capricious and unfair pricing practices are damaging the generic drug market and hurting consumers.” The new company, which intends to be an FDA-approved manufacturer, seeks to lower costs and create more predictable supplies of generic medicines, many of which have fallen into chronic shortage. “This initiative has the potential to greatly expand the availability and affordability of critically needed medications for millions of Americans, especially for people living in poverty and those most vulnerable,” stated Ascension president/CEO Anthony R. Tersigni. “Rather than waiting and hoping for generic drug companies to address this need, we are taking this bold step on behalf of those we are privileged to serve.” SSM Health president/CEO Laura Kaiser stated: “… initiatives such as this will foster our ability to protect patients from drug shortages and price increases that limit their ability to access the care they need.”
Brentwood honors St. Mary Magdalen
Kathy Wiseman accepted a Brentwood Chamber of Commerce Nonprofit Recognition Award on behalf of St. Mary Magdalen Catholic School on Jan. 25 at the Brentwood Chamber meeting. The school was among two award winners and 12 Brentwood area non-profits entering. The award prize money will be used to help purchase a program to go with a new 3-D printer. St. Mary Magdalen’s application outlined the priority of improving STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) educational programs at the school. In an ever-changing technological landscape, St. Mary Magdalen wants to keep a strong focus on new and innovative ways to integrate emerging technologies into the school’s curricular activities.
Ursuline president to leave
Tina Reichardt, president of Ursuline Academy, announced that she will leave the position at the end of the 2017-18 school year. Reichardt has served 42 years in Catholic education in the Archdiocese of St. Louis, and 12 years as the first lay president of Ursuline Academy in St. Louis. “Catholic education is in my heart, and I have immensely enjoyed my time as president of Ursuline Academy,” Reichardt stated. Citing the time demands of the position, she said that “while I do not intend to stop working, I do plan to enjoy more time with my husband and our growing family and life-long friends.” Michelle Murray, chair of the school’s board of trustees, praised Reichardt’s leadership and legacy. Reichardt joined Ursuline as a member of the strategic planning team in 1998. In 2002, she began serving on the board of trustees, and was appointed president in 2006. As president, Reichardt was instrumental in the construction of Hartnett Hall in 2017, offering science labs, classrooms, a modern dance/cheer studio, and choral and band facilities. She also helped create a summer leadership academy for seventh- and eighth-graders and a global education program.
Funderwear
Cor Jesu Academy and St. Joseph’s Academy collected nearly 18,000 pair of new underwear and socks in their 13th annual Funderwear Challenge for clients of St. Patrick Center. St. Joseph’s won the basketball game and tug-of-war Jan. 11. Cor Jesu won the Funderwear Challenge.
Wellness center
The Sarah Community, a faith-based continuum of care retirement community in Bridgeton, has opened a new wellness center, 1,000-square-foot addition, which features fitness equipment, dedicated massage areas and space to host a series of classes, including one that combines fitness and spiritual education. Executive Director Mary Beth Hunt said the center “will help us to continue to deliver on our promise to be a community that is an active, vibrant and purposeful place to live.” The center is used by the more than 300 nuns and seniors who reside in the community, as well as staff. Transportation is provided to the Bridgeton Community Center so residents can take water-based classes and activities in an Olympic-size pool.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Paulines feature four films in Lenten series
The Daughters of St. Paul’s Lenten Film Series will feature four movies for Lenten journey. The viewings will be held on the Thursdays of Feb. 15 (Amazing Grace, 2006), March 1 (Concussion, 2015), March 15 (Pay it Forward, 2000) and March 22 (Holy Winding Sheet, 2015) at Pauline Books & Media, 9804 Watson Rd. in Crestwood. The movies will start at 6:30 p.m. and will be followed by discussion. Admission is free, and all are welcome. For information, call (314) 965-3512.
Witness
Lynn Squires, president of the St. Charles Lwanga Center Board of Directors, will speak at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 22, at St. Francis Xavier (College) Church, 3628 Lindell Blvd. in Midtown St. Louis. The “2018 Cloud of Witnesses” talk is part of a speaker series and revival presented by the North City Deanery Interracial Relations committee of the archdiocesan Peace and Justice Committee.
Hesburgh Lecture
Daniel K. Lapsley, professor and former chair of psychology at the University of Notre Dame will present the 2018 Hesburgh Lecture on “The Perils and Promise of Adolescence.” It takes place at 7:30 p.m. Friday, March 2, in the Kevin Kline Theatre at St. Louis Priory School, 500 South Mason Road in Creve Coeur. Lapsley, a specialist in adolescent development, moral psychology and moral education, is coordinator of academic programs for the Alliance for Catholic Education. The event is sponsored by the Notre Dame Club of St. Louis and Priory. There is no admission fee, but donations will be accepted. A reception will follow in the lobby. Anyone planning to attend is asked to register at www.priory.org/hesburgh.
Coaching clinic
The “Coach It Right” Baseball Clinic will be held from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, March 3, in the Danis Field House at St. Louis University High School. The clinic is free for baseball and softball coaches and parents and is presented by St. Louis University High School’s baseball coach, Steve Nicollerat, and the St. Louis Sports Commission. To register, call (314) 345-5130 or visit www.sportsmanship.org.
Trivia duo
The annual St. Patrick Center “He Said She Said Trivia” event on Friday, March 9, at the Hilton St. Louis at the Ballpark will feature two KSHE-95 radio personalities, Guy “Favazz” Favazza and Lauren “Lern” Colvin. Rusty Keeley and Ann Mar are event chairs. Pascal Beauboeuf is the emcee. For details, to register or to volunteer, visit www.stlouisreview.com/jUd. For more information, contact Maggie Kloppenberg at (314) 802-5418 or [email protected].
St. Louis Fed student board
The Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis is seeking high school seniors to serve on its student board for the 2018-19 school year. The program is a way to learn about the nation’s central bank. Participants gain an understanding of the Federal Reserve’s role in the U.S. economy and its partnership with banks, businesses and the community. Students from Catholic schools have participated in the past. Applications are being sought through March 9. To learn more, visit www.stlouisfed.org/student-board-of-directors.