It’s that time of year. I don’t mean ugly holiday sweater parties, Christmas, Festivus, Kwanza, Channukah or New Years.
I submit to you that there is a new “holiday tradition”: Top 10 Lists. They are truly ubiquitous. I’m sure you’ve noticed that all of the major (and minor, for that matter) media outlets are not only posting 2009 Top 10 Lists but also Top 10, 100, and 1,000 Decade Lists. For someone like me – a self-confessed news junkie – Top 10 lists can be a guilty pleasure and a source of amusement. For example: I do remember when [insert celebrity name here] did [insert celebrity mishap/poor decision] that caused [insert dire consequence/career-ending predicament]. These days, it seems that Top 10 Lists only mock or deride.
So, in an effort to spread some positive holiday cheer, I’ve compiled my very own list: The Mount Mercy 2009 Top 10 List . I hope you enjoy. If not, be careful: I may make an alternate list and add you as my very own Scrooge.
The 2009 Mount Mercy Top 10 List
10. Mount Mercy women’s volleyball team named national “Champions of Character” for their work in flood relief.
9. English and Criminal Justice faculty spearhead partnership between Mount Mercy and the Anamosa State Penitentiary.
8. Mount Mercy students, faculty and staff continue to offer flood relief services, both in and out of the classroom.
7. Mount Mercy launches new core curriculum, “Reflection and Action,” that will transform the way in which incoming students cultivate a sense of self and the world.
6. Mount Mercy begins offering adult education courses in Black Hawk and Jones counties, expanding opportunities for area adults to earn a bachelor’s degree.
5. Record enrollment of 1,666 for Fall 2009 semester. It’s never been better to be a Mustang!
4. First MBA graduate students earn their degrees in November. Can’t wait to watch the “Fab Five” sashay across the stage at Commencement exercises on May 23, 2010!
3. Mount Mercy named one of 35 institutions nationally to receive a prestigious Fulbright Scholar-in-Residence for Fall 2009 semester and Winter 2010 semester. Dr. Libor Prager brings intelligence, wit and charm to the Hill.
2. Mount Mercy commits to carbon neutrality through the President’s Climate Commitment and Biology professor Will Kirkland and his students devise a way to power maintenance vehicles with french fry oil.
1. Through leadership and determination, Mount Mercy continues to thrive during one of the worst recessions in recent history. The cherry on top of a successful year: Mount Mercy climbs in U.S. News and World Report rankings.
2009 was a banner year for Mount Mercy and its students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends. We hope your personal and professional Year in Review is just as sweet.
Here’s to many more! See you in 2010!