Friday, May 4, 2007

Saint Mary’s receives notice of continued accreditation*

On May 2, Saint Mary’s University received official notification from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) that its accreditation was continued. This action by the HLC Board of Trustees was the last step in the university’s reaccreditation efforts, which included preparation of a self-study document and an October 2006 HLC Evaluation Team visit. Saint Mary’s next comprehensive evaluation with HLC is scheduled for 2016-2017.
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Brother Chancellor Louis DeThomasis stated that “the HLC action is wonderful news for the university, and affirms what we already know: that Saint Mary’s provides a high quality, distinctive education. I am grateful to the members of the SMU community for bringing this reaccreditation process to a successful conclusion.”

Dr. Jeff Highland, provost and chairman of the Self-Study Steering Committee, noted that “we have already begun to implement some of the recommendations from the self-study and the team report, and we look forward to using the findings to make SMU an even better institution.”

The team report states, “Saint Mary’s University is to be commended for the high-quality programming at low cost to individuals at their many sites throughout Minnesota and Wisconsin.”

Now that HLC has validated the team’s findings, the “Report of a Visit” can be found on the self-study webpage, accessed through the provost's webpage, www.smumn.edu/provost. This document is password protected for SMU network users only, to be used internally.

Saint Mary’s announces VP for Academic Affairs for the College

Thomas Mans, Ph.D.

Brother Chancellor Louis DeThomasis has appointed Thomas Mans, Ph.D., as Vice President for academic affairs for the undergraduate College, effective June 1.

The vice president is responsible for the academic programming, academic support service areas, faculty and academic administrative staff of the undergraduate College.
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Dr. Mans is a native of Northeastern Iowa. He comes to Saint Mary’s from Saint Vincent College in Pennsylvania, where he served as Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of the College from 2002 to the present. His administrative experience includes serving in various dean and associate dean positions at Creighton University in Nebraska, and as an assistant and associate professor of political science at Creighton as well as Berea College in Kentucky.

Dr. Mans holds a B.A. in government and history from St. John’s University in Minnesota, and an M.A. and Ph.D. in political science from the University of Iowa. His academic specialization is American political institutions, processes and public policy.

Dance Repertory Company to present spring concert*

The 2006-07 performance season at Saint Mary’s University concludes with the Dance Repertory Company’s annual spring concert, “Pure Entertainment,” May 18-19. The event, which will begin at 7:30 p.m., will be held in Page Theatre.
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For more than three decades, the Dance Repertory Company has presented the Winona community with quality dance productions with local dancers featuring classical and contemporary works. This year the DRC presents a concert featuring contemporary ballet, swing, and tap — all to the music of the ’30s and ’40s and choreographed by Christine Martin, production coordinator, and Allen Fields, the Conservatory’s artist in residence.

Performed by current dancers training at the Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts, “Pure Entertainment” will showcase the effervescent spirit, unlimited energy, and technical and artistic abilities that continue to inspire audiences year after year.

“This concert is for everyone,” said Martin. “Children will enjoy wonderful dancing, accompanied by the great music of Ella Fitzgerald for the first time, while their grandparents will reminisce in the memories of this era.”

Cast members include: Chris Bernard, Jackson Bryant, Madeleine Bryant, Trisha Crichton, Keegan Eide, Lydia Feuerhelm, Katie Harbinson, Lars Johnson, Marta Johnson, Caitlin Kamen, Rebekah Mulkey, Katie Nurmela, Augusta Rodgers, Miranda Ruben, Zach Ruben, Danielle Schleich, Jenny Schmidt, Alyssa Schneider, Crystal Sell, Claire Smart, Minami Takar, Lexy Valentine, Adelle Vietor, Kaitlyn Vietor, and Amanda Weatherhead.

The Dance Repertory Company is the youth performing troupe of the Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts. Company members participate in rehearsals, technique classes and stage performances.

Tickets to the 7:30 p.m. performances in Page Theatre cost $8, $6 for students and senior citizens and may be purchased online at www.pagetheatre.org or at the Performance Center box office, Ext. 1715, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays.

Winona campus commencements are May 12

The undergraduate commencement ceremony begins at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 12, in the gymnasium. Assembly for the procession will take place at 10:15 a.m. on the road in front of Saint Mary’s Hall. In case of inclement weather, assembly will be in Gostomski Fieldhouse.
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The graduate ceremony begins at 4 p.m. Assembly for the procession will take place at 3:15 p.m. in Gostomski Fieldhouse.

Receptions will follow both ceremonies on the Plaza. In case of inclement weather, the receptions will be held in Gostomski Fieldhouse.

Baccalaureate Mass will take place in the gymnasium at 8:30 a.m.

Senior grades are due in the Office of the Registrar on Wednesday, May 9, no later than noon.

Seniors will rehearse for commencement on Friday, May 11, at 10 a.m. in the gymnasium.

An invitation to Homecoming 2007

The Alumni Association would like to invite you to the 2007 Homecoming celebration June 15-17. On June 15, a golf outing will be held from 9 a.m. to noon at Bridges Golf Club, and a 50+ dinner will begin at 6 p.m. in the north dining room of the Toner Student Center.
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On June 16, the Gilmore Gallop 5K begins at 8:30 a.m. (registration at 7:45 a.m.), food for the picnic will be served from noon to 1:30 p.m. at Max Molock Field, Mass will begin at 5 p.m. in Saint Thomas More Chapel, and the alumni reception begins at 6 p.m. (followed by dinner at 6:45 p.m. and an), all in the dining room of the Toner Student Center. From 9 to 11 p.m., a reunion party will be held in the Cardinal Club, and a piano sing-along will be in the President’s Room. Mass on Sunday will begin at 9:30 a.m.

Homecoming is a time for the SMU community to come together in celebration and share memories of Saint Mary’s. It’s a great opportunity for faculty to reconnect with alums during this activity-filled weekend.

Weinmann a finalist for Athlete of Year honor

Amanda Weinmann (Rochester, Minn.) inched one step closer to adding yet another athletic and academic honor to her ever-growing résumé.
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On Thursday, the Saint Mary’s senior was named as one of the four female finalists for the College Sporting News Senior Student-Athlete of the Year Award.

The CSN SSAA is awarded to one male and one female senior student-athlete who personifies what the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference and NCAA Division III represent — academic excellence, outstanding athletic performance and a commitment to community service.

A two-time NCAA Division III All-American in the shot put, Weinmann won the 2007 MIAC weight throw title, and was runner-up to teammate Ashley Luehmann (Lewiston, Minn.) in the shot put. A seven-time All-MIAC indoor and outdoor track and field selection, Weinmann is the first-ever MIAC athlete to be named MIAC Field Athlete of the Week three weeks in a row.

A double-major in biophysics and engineering physics with a 3.986 GPA, Weinmann was SMU’s 2005-06 Outstanding Female Scholar Athlete and is a three-time USTFCCCA All-Academic Team selection. A National Merit finalist, she is also a four-time recipient of the Frederick Gardner Cottrell Ethical Leadership Scholarship in Scientific Research, the Mayo Foundation Scholarship, and the Saint Thomas More Scholarship (Saint Mary’s most prestigious academic student award).

In her “spare” time, Weinmann has performed service at Starry Nights, Gifts for Winona during the Christmas holidays, and the Rivertown Shuffle annual cancer walk, sponsored by the American Cancer Society. She has also served as Physics and Astronomy Club president.

The other three female finalists are: Carrie Embree (St. Thomas/volleyball, softball), Hailey Harren (Gustavus/cross country, track and field) and Kaela Schramm (Macalester/ track and field).

La Salle Woodwind Quintet to perform May 5*

LaSalle Woodwind Quintet members include, clockwise from top, Jen Welch, bassoon; Tammy Bartz, horn; Layla Lunde, oboe; Sylva Hanson, clarinet; and Janet Heukeshoven, flute. The quintet is posing around one of the Blue Heron statues, located at Saint Mary’s University, which features tickets to a LaSalle Woodwind Quintet performance as part of its arts theme. The group’s next concert is May 5.

The La Salle Woodwind Quintet, an ensemble comprised of professional artists who teach in the music department of Saint Mary’s, will perform 7:30 p.m. Saturday, May 5, in Figliulo Recital Hall. The performance is free and open to the public, and a reception will follow the recital.
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Quintet members include: Janet Heukeshoven, flute; Layla Lunde, oboe; Sylva Hanson, clarinet; Tammy Bartz, horn; and Jen Welch, bassoon.

The performance will feature Mozart’s “Partita in Bb,” Malcolm Arnold’s “Three Shanties for Wind Quintet,” three traditional spirituals for wind quintet, and Debussy’s “Girl with the Flaxen Hair,” featuring Lunde on the English horn.

The La Salle Woodwind Quintet debuted in fall of 2003 and has since performed regionally in Minnesota and Wisconsin.

For more information, contact Dr. Heukeshoven at jheukesh@smumn.edu or Ext. 1675.

Students encouraged to use Dumpster Diversion

The Office of Activities Leadership and Services and the SMU Chapter of Habitat for Humanity have teamed up with Habitat Restore and The Catholic Worker Houses for Dumpster Diversion.

Students can place unwanted clothing, food, appliances and furniture in their hall’s lounge, and Habitat and the Catholic Worker volunteers will come by and pick it up. All donations go to aid in the work that these organizations participate in.

For more information, contact Katie LaPlant, Ext. 6936.

Buy gifts, raise funds for Kenya programs

Looking for a unique, colorful, cross-cultural gift for someone? Special African gifts will be available Tuesday, May 8, in Room 123, Saint Mary’s Hall. Colorful African shirts, carvings, art work and hand-made batiks will be for sale. All items, except for the batiks, will be sold via silent auction. The bidding will run from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Money will help fund Kenyan programs.

Senior art show to run through May 12*

SMU senior art students will present the next art show, “emergence” through May 12 at the Lillian Davis Hogan Galleries. Artists displaying include Brytton Bjorngaard, Nicole Bohn, Anna Dehmer, Travis Hanson, Josh Kanuch, Dani Lynch, Jessica Ribish, Holly Schuh, Brian Stallone, Brian Stuck and Brittany Volz. The galleries — free and open to the public — are open 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.

Challenge ends; Aquinas wins ‘Super Bowl’

Last Sunday Aquinas defeated Decorah, 135-115 and became the 2006-2007 High School Challenge Super Bowl winners. Thank you for tuning in to watch this season, supporting area high school students and Saint Mary's University. Tune in next year!

SMU to host Above & Beyond reception May 9

Saint Mary’s University is hosting the Above and Beyond awards reception Wednesday, May 9, at the Alverna Center, located on the Saint Teresa campus. Other program sponsors are the Winona Daily News, Minnesota State College-Southeast Technical and Winona State University.
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The evening begins at 6:30 p.m., with presentation of awards and scholarships scheduled for 7 p.m. Invited are the nine area Above & Beyond high school winners, their families and high school officials, along with representatives from the community sponsors. Award winners typically have inspiring stories about overcoming obstacles.


Current SMU senior Justin Simmons, who is deaf and will graduate this spring, is the featured speaker.

SMU signs cultural academic pact with Japanese schools*

Saint Mary’s University signed a cultural and educational agreement between SMU and Ryukyu America Historical Research Society located in Okinawa, Japan. The agreement states:

“To promote a mutually beneficial relationship, the above named institutions and affiliated Okinawa, Japan, schools agree to create and nurture an educational and cultural collaboration to enhance international goodwill and promote the personal and professional development of their students, graduates and faculty.
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“In this spirit, Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, the Ryukyu America Historical Research Society and the affiliated schools agree that:

“Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota will endeavor to regularly offer and host a summer English and American culture program for students from the Okinawa schools affiliated with the Ryukyu American Historical Research Society (RyuBei Kai)

“In numbers and conditions to be agreed upon by all partners and individual participants, RyuBei Kai and its affiliated city, town and villages on Okinawa will welcome graduates of Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota who are interested in volunteering to teach English and American culture while pursuing their fields of study or research.

“Based on the recommendations of appropriate affiliate high school officials and teachers, Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota will welcome applicants for admission to their undergraduate programs. All candidates for admission must be reviewed and accepted by the Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota International Student Admissions Committee.

“Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota will award $10,000 International Student Cultural Diversity Scholarships per year for four consecutive years to qualified and accepted undergraduate students.

“Where mutually beneficial, the collaborating institutions will explore and encourage educational exchanges, including but not limited to faculty exchanges.

“The collaborating institutions agree to explore and encourage other programs which promise to be mutually beneficial.

“To the best of their ability and means, Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, Ryukyu America Historical Research Society and the affiliated cities, towns and villages of Okinawa, Japan, pledge to further the cause of international education and cultural understanding through the development and maintenance of the bridges established by this collaborative agreement, signed this day of April 27, 2007.”

Buttons to raise awareness about domestic abuse

Students in the Intimate Partner Violence class made and are giving away domestic violence awareness buttons to anyone who asks, and will also have them available in the cafeteria and at the Student Services windows. The students want to make it clear that at Saint Mary’s, we know intimate partner violence happens, we aren’t afraid to name it, and support is available. Remember a friend, respect a mother, challenge a brother, give hope to those suffering invisibly among us. Pick your reason, and wear a button to raise awareness about domestic violence.

Students you can ask for a button are: Amanda Gage, Jessica Gzik, Jacki Hagel, Tanya Kelly, Glenna Krzyzanowski, Katie Nowak and Jessica Sance.

Volunteer Committee events

Ken Tedesco at De La Salle High School, New Orleans wrote:

“God bless and thank you and the entire Saint Mary’s University Community for your on-going prayers and support. We have grateful hearts.

“The city and citizens live in and with uncertainty. While the storm was 20 months ago ... hard to believe ... the areas of the city that the storm destroyed are still unliveable. Slow progress is being made to rebuild. Homeowner’s insurance is difficult to get on properties, causing growth and rebuilding to be very slow.

Please know in a world of differences Saint Mary’s University is making a world of difference in the lives of our students, families and faculty.”
Today is another Jeans for a Cause Friday. Pick up your sticker at Student Services. Donations are being sent to De La Salle High School.

A tentative schedule for future “Let’s Do Lunches” includes:
May 18 — “Let’s Do Ice Cream”
June 22 — “Let’s Do Ice Cream”
July 20 — “Let’s Do Ice Cream”

Twenty-two faculty, staff and students cleaned up Gilmore Creek as part of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resource’s Adopt-a-River program.

A wheelbarrow, bicycle, three sleds, as well as nine bags and one barrel-full of garbage were collected. Thanks to all the volunteers who helped keep the creek clean!

Jazz events*

Swing Inc. (including Eric Heukeshoven of the Music Department) performs 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday, May 17, at Saint Anne Hospice in Winona; 7 to 11 p.m. Friday, May 18 at the Canadian Honker Restaurant in Rochester; 7 to 10:30 p.m. Saturday, May 19, at Michael’s Restaurant in Rochester; and 7:30 to 10 p.m. Thursday, May 24 at Jefferson Pub & Grill in Winona.

Heart and SOUL Row, Ride and Run Triathlon results

Startline of the 2007 Heart & S.O.U.L. Row Ride Run Triathlon, Winona Lake







Martin Stensing, 1st Place Individual








Chris 3(cubed) - Kristin Stoneberg, Chris Dembiec, Chris Kendall.








Congratulations to all who participated in the first annual Heart and SOUL Row, Ride and Run Triathlon, which took place last Sunday! Thanks to your involvement, beautiful weather (besides the wind), great sponsors and amazing volunteers, more than $900 was raised to help defray the costs for future SOUL (Serving Others United in Love) trips.
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SMU’s own Martin Stensing was the first person to cross the finish line, having paddled, biked and run the course in 1:25:52. “Chris 3”, consisting of Chris Kendall, Chris Dembiec and Kristen Stoneberg, finished first out of the teams with a time of 1:52:40. Overall, 32 Saint Mary’s students and employees took part in the event, of a total field of 31 individuals and nine teams.
Detailed results and pictures can be found on the Campus Ministry website www.smumn.edu/heartandsoul.

The SOUL council once again thanks all who participated or helped with the event. We look forward to seeing you all again next year!

Library hours

The library will be open:

Today, May 4, 7:30 a.m. to 2 a.m.
Saturday, May 5, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Sunday, May 6, noon to 2 a.m.
Monday, May 7, 7:30 a.m. to 2 a.m.
Tuesday, May 8, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Martin, Cochran co-author article on horsehair worms*

William Martin ’06 and Phil Cochran, Biology Department, have co-authored an article that appeared in the latest Journal of the Iowa Academy of Science: “Horsehair worms (Phylum Nematomorpha) in Iowa and Minnesota.” They included a consideration of specimens collected by the Art Department’s Preston Lawing!

Heukeshoven serves as guest soloist*

Dr. Janet Heukshoven, Music Department, performed as the featured piccolo soloist with the Caledonia High School Band May 1 at their annual instrumental spring concert. She performed Henry Mancini’s “Pennywhistle Jig.”

Last ‘Campus Notes’

This is a reminder that this is the last ‘Campus Notes’ this school year. Please continue to keep the Office of Communication and Marketing informed of events throughout the summer. Contact Deb Nahrgang at Ext. 6966 or dnahrgan@smumn.edu to help with any summer communications or public relations needs.

Great Dakota Gathering is June 2-3 in Winona

Those of you who are not leaving town right after graduation should consider attending the Great Dakota Gathering and Homecoming on June 2-3 in the Jaycee Pavilion area of Lake Park.
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Saint Mary’s University supports the Gathering. Two members of the Dakota Nation are students at our Winona campus.

The Dakota Peoples who lived in the Winona area in the 19th century, but were relocated west by the Federal Government, have joined with the Winona Dakota Unity Alliance, the City of Winona and the Diversity Foundation, to work on reconciliation between the ancestors of those who were relocated and those who now live in the Winona area.

The event offers something for all ages, including children. There will be sunrise ceremonies, feasting, a learning tent, food sales, a Grant Entry and dancing along with a “truth and reconciliation” circle. There will be hoop dancing and other entertainment Saturday evening.

The total cost is a $5 button for the breakfasts and unity feasts on Saturday and Sunday.

For further information, check the website at www.dakotahomecoming.org or contact Terry Goldmann, WDUA Board member, at Ext. 7585.

Workshops to address ‘Low Carbon Diet’

This is to let you know that Sustain Winona is offering a series of workshops on how to reduce your carbon footprint, by going on a Low Carbon Diet. Carbon is a by-product of human activities like car and air travel, home heating and cooling. High levels of carbon in the atmosphere are contributing to climate changes with higher temperatures and more erratic weather. The first three diet workshops are scheduled for May 3, May 17 and May 31.

Please e-mail Martha Greenwald at sustain@hbci.com if you plan to come or if you have any questions.

Sympathy to Lucken family

Brother Urban Lucken, FSC, ’35 died Sunday, April 29. Brother Urban dedicated 76 years of commitment to the Lasallian mission. He taught English for many years at Saint Mary’s and was also director of alumni programs. Saint Mary’s University extends its sympathy to friends and family.