Gwen O’Brien
Director of Media Relations
Saint Mary's College
Notre Dame, Ind.
(574) 284-4579
August 29, 2008 (Notre Dame, Ind.)—Saint Mary's College is pleased to welcome Patrick Daniel as the new director of student involvement. Daniel brings with him a wealth of experience in leading college student activities. Most recently he served as the director of student activities at Towson University in Towson, Maryland. In addition, he spent eight years at Western Michigan University where he served in several capacities, including his role as the director of student activities and leadership programs.
“We feel very fortunate to have found Patrick. He is a great addition to the staff and I look forward to working with him,” said Karen Johnson, vice president of student affairs.
Daniel is already in sync with Saint Mary's students. He moved into his office on August 22, as students were moving into their dorm rooms and apartments. Among his duties, Daniel will oversee 25 student workers and offer assistance to the more than 60 student organizations in their event planning efforts.
“I am one who advises, rather than supervises,” he said. “I give students suggestions and recommendations and point them in the right direction, but they make the decisions.”
Daniel says the college setting is a great place for students to learn leadership and life skills, like how to work with people to get a job done. “I love leadership work with students. Being elected into a student leadership role doesn’t make her a leader. Good leaders are good listeners. If you don’t listen to those you are leading, no one will follow you.”
Daniel received his bachelor of science degree in physical education, with a concentration in sport management, from Towson State University. He earned his master of science degree in recreation and sport sciences, with a concentration in recreational studies, from Ohio University.
About Saint Mary’s College: Saint Mary’s College, Notre Dame, Ind., is a four-year, Catholic, women’s institution offering five bachelor’s degrees and more than 30 major areas of study. The College has six nationally accredited academic programs: social work, art, music, teacher education, chemistry and nursing. Saint Mary's College ranks among the nation's top liberal arts colleges in U.S. News & World Report's 2009 annual survey. Founded in 1844, Saint Mary’s is a pioneer in the education of women, and is sponsored by the Sisters of the Holy Cross.
