The 2009 AASH National Conference is dedicated to St. Rose Philippine Duchesne who, in 1818, came to the United States as a missionary and founded the Schools of the Sacred Heart. She was canonized in 1988, and is one of the saints depicted in the tapestries of the Communion of Saints at the magnificent Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels in Los Angeles. The conference theme reflects her missionary work and philosophy, "Missionaries of the Heart: Here to Make a Difference." The AASH Conference Logo, designed by Arizona Sacred Heart alumna Michelle Stapley and depicted on the upper left of this page or download, reflects the diverse nature of the Western Region, i.e., Arizona, British Columbia, Canada, California, Colorado, Nevada, Washington, and Wyoming. The West's natural elements  include the Pacific Ocean, the mountains, and vegetation such as palm and citrus trees. The freeway and high-rise buildings reflect dynamic national and international business centers of the West. The Santa Monica Pier is a popular landmark of metropolitan Los Angeles. The world famous "Hollywood" sign hovers over a composite of the Los Angeles, San Fernando and San Gabriel missions founded by Fra Junipero Serra in the 1700's. The Society of the Sacred Heart logo in miniature, a ribbon in the shape of a heart encircling the world, is neatly tucked under the largest leaf. Leaves falling from the citrus trees turn into red heart shaped leaves (like anthuriums), reminding us that the Sacred Heart of Jesus is present with us everywhere. The Conference theme flower is the red anthurium as pictured below.