Providence, R.I.--The "A Celebration of the Arts" program on April 30 raised more than $70,000 for the Department of Music, the Department of Art and Art History, and the Department of Theatre, Dance, and Film at Providence College.

Sponsored by the Office of Institutional Advancement, the celebration was a tribute to the late Rev. Philip A. Smith, O.P. '63, who served as the College's 11th president from 1994-2005.

More than 150 members and friends of the College community attended the program in the Smith Center for the Arts.

The evening began with Mass in St. Dominic Chapel, followed by a student-art exhibition in the Reilly Art Gallery and a cocktail and food reception in the Bowab Studio Theatre.

After guests were seated in the Ryan Concert Hall to watch several dance and music performances, Robert Ferreira '83, assistant vice president for alumni relations, introduced several special guests in attendance. These included Father Smith's sister, Bertha Smith Dunn, and his former executive assistant at the College and friend, Eileen Myers.

Providence Mayor David N. Cicilline also attended and presented a citation to College President Rev. Brian J. Shanley, O.P. '80.

Following the introductions, Ferreira took a moment to thank those present and all who donated for making the event a success.

"The revenue generated will not only aid with financial assistance to our students in the arts, but will also support valued programs that provide students with the critical foundation to further develop and refine their talents," he said.

Father Smith award presented
Father Shanley then introduced Dr. Steven A. Sears, dean of residence life, as the recipient of The Reverend Philip A. Smith, O.P. Award. The award was established in 2003 by Paul and Michele Hoffman '02P & '06P, then co-chairs of the Parents for Providence Association.

Individuals who receive the honor are those whose contributions have made a significant impact in furthering the mission of PC. Alumni, parents, students, friends of the College, faculty, and staff members are eligible. This year, the College received 39 nominations from 61 constituents.

Before reading a lengthy list of Sears' accomplishments, Father Shanley said there wasn't a more deserving honor than for someone to be compared to Father Smith for their devotion to PC.

Sears, who began working at the College in 1998, was named dean of residence life in 2005. He oversees all aspects of on-campus residential living including housing selection, student programming, crisis management, safety and security, student health and wellness, and staff training and development. He also provides support for areas such as student retention, diversity, student conduct, academic affairs, spiritual development, and personal counseling.

Sears has championed several student-centered, campus-wide initiatives including Project SAVE (Sexual Assault Violence Education) Week, Random Acts of Kindness Week, Alcohol Awareness Week, and Wellness Education Week. He also serves on various College committees and task forces.

In addition, Sears and his residence life team have collected and donated more than $30,000 from students, staff, and faculty for several charitable organizations, including, Adopt-a-Family, Sojourner House, the American Cancer Society, Hasbro Children's Hospital, and the Rhode Island Community Food Bank.

Recently, Sears received the Rev. John McMahon Award from the PC Student Congress for his outstanding service to the congress and the College community.

"His commitment and passion to guide our students is extraordinary," Father Shanley said. "It's a challenging job in residence life, but he handles the most difficult situations with grace, with charity, and with patience."

When asked about receiving this award Sears stated, "Words cannot express the magnitude of this honor and the impact it has made on my life.  I have always felt so blessed being a member of this community and the Providence College family. I have the unique opportunity to work with so many wonderful and talented people, many of whom have played an important role in my growth and development. I will continue to do my best to live up to the mission and follow the examples set forth by those who have come before me."

Following the award presentation, Dr. Wendy R. Oliver, professor of dance and of women's studies, introduced four dance performances by PC students and faculty. Dr. Catherine E. Gordon-Seifert, associate professor of music and department chair, then introduced eight musical performances by PC students and faculty.

Dr. Deborah J. Johnson, professor of art history and of women's studies, offered closing remarks. Guests were then invited to the Reilly Art Gallery for a student exhibit that was judged by Dr. Mary Tinti '00, deputy artistic director of WaterFire Providence.

Father Shanley called the evening "a celebration for all of us of the vision that Father Smith had."

"All of us here value the arts," he said. "It challenges us intellectually to look at the world in a different way. The arts transcend us and make us realize that the beautiful is an essential part of life."

--30--