Noted theologian to speak on torture March 19*

Dr. William Cavanaugh will speak on “Torture, Terror, and Resistance: Theological Reflection on the Political Landscape” Monday, March 19.

The event — free and open to the public — will be held from 7 to 8:30 p.m. in Salvi Lecture Hall.
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Dr. Cavanaugh is an associate professor of theology at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul. He brings a radical vision grounded in a deeply traditional understanding of Catholic teaching to bear on issues such as consumerism, corporate power, the nation-state, war and torture. He has written extensively on these issues, and his clear, insightful approach has been compared to that of the great Catholic activist and writer Dorothy Day.

Among his recent writings on torture is his book, “Torture and Eucharist: Theology, Politics, and the Body of Christ” (Blackwell Publishing, 2006).

Dr. Cavanaugh worked as a Catholic lay missioner in Chile during the Pinochet regime and helped found a Catholic Worker house, Casa Guadalupana, for primarily Spanish-speaking immigrants on St. Paul’s West Side. He is also active in the National Religious Campaign Against Torture (NRCAT), which speaks against torture as a moral issue from a variety of religious perspectives.

The talk is sponsored by the departments of Theology, History, and Social Science; the Lasallian Core Tradition and the Lasallian Honors programs; the Office of Campus Ministry and the Office for Mission.

The sponsors believe that torture is one of the most important political and moral issues facing our country today; it is their hope that this talk will deepen our understanding and provoke thoughtful discussion. For further information about this event, contact Dr. Susan Windley-Daoust at Ext. 1995 or swindley@smumn.edu.

For more information, go to www.stthomas.edu/theology/cavanaugh.html; www.nrcat.org; or godspy.com/reviews/A-GodSpy-interview-with-William-T-Cavanaugh-by-John-Romanowsky.cfm.

Saint Teresa Institute plans open house

The Saint Teresa Leadership and Service Institute for Women will be hosting a Spring Open House today, March 16, from 4 to 7 p.m. in Vlazny Hall’s lounge. Everyone is invited to stop by to learn about the Institute, visit with the women, and meet the new director, Holly Richard. Refreshments will be served.

Saint Teresa Institute hosts symposium Wednesday*

In celebration of Women’s History Month, the Winona community is invited to the Saint Teresa Institute’s first annual Women in Leadership and Service Symposium, Wednesday, March 21.
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The event, planned for 6 to 8:30 p.m. in the Toner Student Center Lounge, will feature three distinguished speakers from 6 to 7:30 p.m., followed by two short breakout sessions for questions and discussion. Presenters will include Lori Severson, entrepreneur and instructor; Nikki Fennern, athletic director for Saint Mary’s; and Terri Wintering, J.D., family and civil law practitioner, each speaking on their professional experiences in leadership and service, as well as the importance of empowering one another to achieve balance in mind, body, and spirit.

Everyone is welcome; refreshments will be served. For more information, contact Holly Richard, director of the Saint Teresa Leadership and Service Institute for Women at Ext. 6651.

Kirk to give piano concert March 24-25*

Photo: Ned Kirk, D.M.A.

When the Page Series presents Dr. Ned Kirk in concert March 24 and 25, audiences will be treated to a variety of piano music ranging from a little known “jewel” to one of the greatest works ever written for piano.
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Among the program selections are Ottorino Respighi’s “Notturno,” which Kirk called “a wonderful, small jewel of a piece that’s rarely played,” and three movements of Claude Debussy’s “Estampes” that evoke images depicted by their titles: Pagodas, Evenings in Grenada, and Gardens in the Rain.

Also on the program are “Alberto Ginastera’s “Argentinian Dances, Op. 2,” “El Puerto from Iberia, Book 1” by Isaac Albeniz, and Johannes Brahms’ “Variations and Fugue in B-flat major on a Theme by Handel, Op. 24.”

“This is one of Brahms’ largest works and stands as one of the great variation works in the piano repertoire,” he said.

Kirk, a native of Redding, Calif., is an associate professor of piano at Saint Mary’s. He earned his B.A. in piano performance from the Peabody Conservatory of Music and his D.M.A. in piano performance from the University of Washington. He has performed throughout the world, been a faculty member and/or musician with Colorado Music Festival and Marrowstone Music Festival, and will be performing this fall in Kenya.

The Page Series will present two concerts by Kirk — 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 24, and 3 p.m. Sunday, March 25 — both in Figliulo Recital Hall. Tickets cost $12, $9 for senior citizens and $8 for students and are available at the Performance Center box office, Ext. 1715, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays or online at www.pagetheatre.org.

Admission hosts overnight and bus tour

Today and tomorrow, March 16-17, the Office of Admission is having its bi-annual Chicago-Madison Overnight and Bus Tour. The bus is stopping in four locations: Alsip, Ill.; Hinsdale, Ill.; Des Plaines, Ill.; and Madison, Wis.
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Fifty high school juniors and seniors are registered for the trip and will be touring campus, attending the Friday performance of Gaslight, staying with student ambassadors, participating in a faculty and staff panel, eating in the cafeteria, etc. If you run into the group, don't hesitate to introduce yourself and welcome them.

Overnights are a big part of the college decision for most students. A crucial part of the overnight is when current student hosts a prospective one. Applications for student ambassadors will be available from the Office of Admission before the end of the school year. An e-mail about nominating students for the position will be going out within a month. Ambassadors must be freshmen and sophomores who are active on campus and positively represent SMU.

For more information about the ambassador program, campus visits, or overnights contact Sarah Kay, visit coordinator and director of ambassadors.

Faculty to host Friday lunches in March, April*

The Faculty Development Committee and the Office for the Advancement of Learning and Teaching are hosting a series of Friday lunches, during which members of our community will share their expertise and a snapshot of their professional lives. The speakers have recently returned from sabbatical experiences or have recently completed a terminal degree program.
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Lunches will be held Fridays in March and April in the faculty dining room. Go through the lunch line (at no cost to you). Presentations will run from 12:30 to 1 p.m., followed by a question-and-answer period. Come when you can; leave when you must. The schedule includes:

Today, March 16 — Monta May: Stories – life, love, art, and the search for understanding, really…

March 23 — Joe Tadie: Should we call humility virtue? (Please be ready to enter into debate on the question!)

March 30 — Ann Smith: Reflective Computing Research to Service Learning Reflection.

April 13: Dan Bucknam —Age and Memory: Senior Moments for Remembering Emotions?

April 20 — Jane Anderson: Alternative to the course text + CD: Course CD + Reaction Notebook.

SMU Day at the Capitol is April 12*

Students are encouraged to join their peers as they meet legislators and lobby for the Minnesota State Grant Program on Thursday, April 12. A free breakfast and lunch will be served on the bus. Sign up at lunch March 20-22. The event is sponsored by Student Senate.

Faculty/staff group forming for Relay for Life

Winona State University and Saint Mary's University are co-sponsoring the fourth annual Relay for Life April 21-22 in the WSU Courtyard. This year's theme is "A Night with the Stars." Activities include: live bands, theme laps, prizes, a silent auction, games and salsa lessons.
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Last year, the two universities raised more than $50,000. Their goal is to raise more than $65,000 this year. All proceeds go to the American Cancer Society to aid cancer research and help in the fight.

Several SMU student teams and one faculty/staff team have formed. If you are interested in joining the faculty/staff team, contact Jason Richter, Ext. 1648, or Laurie Erdmann, Ext. 1464.

Relay for Life is a fun-filled overnight event (though participants do not need to stay overnight) designed to celebrate survivorship and raise money to help the American Cancer Society save lives, help those who have been touched by cancer, and empower individuals to fight back against this disease. During the event, teams of people take turns walking or running laps. Each team keeps at least one team member on the track at all times.

But Relay for Life is much more than a walk around a track. It is a time to remember those lost to cancer and celebrate those who have survived.

To raise money for this important cause, the faculty and staff team is planning a number of fundraisers this spring including a dinner and a movie, a Pampered Chef fundraiser and a silent auction.

The dinner and a movie will include a showing of “Happy Feet” at 6 p.m. Wednesday, March 21, in Salvi Lecture Hall. The cost is $2 per person for admission and $1 for a slice of pizza. Families can enjoy the movie and a whole pizza for a special price of $10. RSVPing is not necessary but will help organizers determine the amount of pizza to order. Respond to Katie LaPlant at Ext. 6936.

A silent auction, planned for mid April, will feature homemade/handmade arts and crafts. Anyone who would like to donate items for the auction should contact Erdmann or Richter. Examples of current donations include jewelry, wood items, knit items and greeting cards.

Watch for more details about the Pampered Chef fundraiser this spring.

Read more about Relay for Life at www.kintera.org/faf/home/default.asp?ievent=19055.

M.Ed. conference is March 31-April 1*

“Shared Learning…Bringing Knowledge to Life” is the theme for the Master of Education in Teaching and Learning annual conference at Champlin Park High School March 31- April 1.
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Approximately 900 learners in the M.Ed. program from across the state of Minnesota and Wisconsin will come together for two days of shared learning.

Anyone interested in more information about the conference or who may wish to attend can contact Suzanne Peterson, program director, at Ext. 6615 or at speterso@smumn.edu.

Pappas to speak at next biology seminar*

The next biology seminar at 4 p.m. Thursday, March 22, will feature Michael Pappas on “Orientation of three species of hatchling marsh turtles (Emydoidea, Chelydra and Chrysemys) and five species of riverine hatchlings (Graptemys and Apalone) dispersing from experimental nests in the Weaver Bottoms.” The event will be held in Room 112, Hoffman Hall.

Impulse, anxiety disorder workshop rescheduled

The “Kleptomania and Trichotillomania: Impulse Control & Anxiety Disorders” workshop by Jo Hittner, Ph.D., L.P., has been rescheduled for 7 to 9 p.m. Monday, March 19, in Figliulo Recital Hall. The workshop is co-sponsored by the Wellness Center, Psychology Club and Project COMPASS, and is free to the SMU community (with ID).

Belly dance class offered Tuesdays

Shimmy your way to fitness! Middle Eastern Dance classes have started in the Dance Studio at Gostomski Field House. Barbara Albrechtson “Tzigane,” director of the Sahara Desert Dancers of La Crosse, brings this exciting and unique art form to Winona. Classes are designed for beginners, but all experience levels are welcome. Classes are on Tuesdays at 5:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Both classes are open to the public.
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Belly Dancing is a fun and popular way to shimmy into fitness. Belly dancing is low impact and gentle on joints. Grab a friend and come dance away the winter blahs.

Tzigane has been involved with Middle Eastern Dance for more than 30 years and has studied with many well known dancers: Mahmoud Reda, Ibraham Farah, Yousry Sharif, and many more. She also teaches Middle Eastern Dance in La Crosse, and has taught dance for more than 25 years.

Space is limited, so reserve your spot by calling (608)785-1773. These hour-long classes will be held weekly. The cost is $7/session or $35 for six lessons. Call (608) 785-1773, or Anne Morgan at Ext. 1791 for more information.

La Crosse, Eau Claire Challenge competition

On La Crosse’s Fox 25/48 last Sunday, Winona Senior High School defeated La Crescent High School 160-115 in the first quarterfinal game of High School Challenge, a tournament of knowledge sponsored by and held at Saint Mary's University. With this win, Winona Senior High advances to the semi-finals.

Airing this Sunday, La Crosse Aquinas will take on Eau Claire Regis in the second quarterfinal game of High School Challenge. Tune in at 10 a.m. on Fox 25/48 to see which team will take on Winona Senior High in the semi-finals!

O’Fallon at Women in Mathematics Colloquium*

Dr. Judith Rich O'Fallon, professor emeritus, Mayo Clinic, is the next speaker in the mathematics department's Women in Mathematics Colloquium. Her talk, "Biostatistical Careers in Medical Research," is 4:30 p.m. Monday, March 19, in the Salvi Lecture Hall. A reception, sponsored by the Saint Teresa Leadership and Service Institute for Women, will be held in the Common Room prior to the event.

Gaslight is tonight, Saturday

The annual student musical variety show Gaslight will be held 8 p.m. today, March 15, and 7 and 10 p.m. Saturday, March 16, in the dining hall. Tickets are $6. The show is put on by the senior class.

An update from Nairobi*

From Father Michael Kirwen, director of the Maryknoll Institute for African Studies in Nairobi, Kenya:

“Fr. Joseph Djabare from Togo did his oral comprehensive exam before a committee of three faculty members on Wednesday March 14. This exam is a requirement of the Masters degree programs.
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“Students prepare lecture topics, one for each of the six or seven courses taken, and upon the approval of the director, a 50-minute lecture is prepared on each topic. At 9 a.m. on the morning of the exam, the student is notified which of the lectures has been selected by the exam committee for presentation. The student has four hours to finalize preparations; the exam begins at 1 p.m. The committee judges the lecture on how it is grounded in field research and personal experiences, and how skilled the student is as a teacher. After questions on the lecture, there is a tea break followed by general questions on the other lecture topics. The session is public, open to the Tangaza community. ”

Volunteer Committee events

A tentative schedule for future “Let’s Do Lunches” includes:

April 19 — “Let’s Do Lunch,” hosted by the Education Department
May 18 — “Let’s Do Ice Cream”
June 22 — “Let’s Do Ice Cream”
July 20 — “Let’s Do Ice Cream”

The Gilmore Creek cleanup has tentatively been scheduled for April 24.

Jazz events*

Mark your calendar for the April 27 Saint Mary’s University spring jazz concert featuring outstanding alumni from around the region joining Dr. Paulson in celebration of 25 years directing jazz groups at Saint Mary’s.

Swing Inc. (with Eric Heukeshoven) will perform 7 to 11 p.m. today, March 16, at the Canadian Honker Restaurant in Rochester.

First Heart and SOUL Triathlon nears

Saint Mary’s first Heart and SOUL (Serving Others United in Love) Triathlon will be held Sunday, April 29, at Lake Lodge, located on East Lake Winona. The triathlon finishes on the SMU campus. Participants will row 2 miles, ride 14 miles and run 3.2 miles as a fundraiser for SOUL mission trips.

The cost is $25 for individuals or $50 for teams of three or four, if you register before March 30. Prizes will be given. For kayak and canoe rentals, contact the Office of Campus Ministry at Ext. 1643. For registration forms, go online to smumn.edu/campusministry.

Congratulations to Richter family

Jason Richter, director of Student Activities, and his wife, Tina, had a son, Carter Kenneth, on Thursday, March 15, 2007. The Saint Mary’s University community extends its congratulations to the Richter family.

WSU BCAA reschedules Soul Food Dinner

Winona State University’s Black Cultural Awareness Association (BCAA) hosts its 18th annual Soul Food Dinner 6 p.m. Saturday, March 24, in the East Dining Hall of Kryzsko Commons.
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The menu includes southern fried chicken, southern fried catfish, macaroni and cheese, peach cobbler, and select Egyptian dishes.

Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Dinner is served at 6 p.m.

Tickets are $18 for adults, $15 students and $10 for children younger than 13. Tickets can be purchased by calling the WSU Cultural Diversity Office at 457-5595.