Thursday, November 1, 2007

Benefit for SMU faculty, staff raises over $10,000

Brother Louis and Mark Merchlewitz demonstrate how to make zucchini button canapes.






More than 20 individuals graciously served as chefs for the benefit.







“A Recipe for Relief,” held on Sunday, Oct. 28, raised more than $10,000 for SMU faculty, staff and students severely affected by the flood. Many thanks go to our musicians (including Dr. John Paulson, Eric Heukeshoven, Chris Kendall, and SMU jazz students), chefs (including Brother Louis), silent auction donators and volunteers.

Thanks also go to Mike Gostomski, SMU trustee, for providing the beer; Chartwells for providing appetizers and other goods and services; Watkins for providing spices and the demonstration booth; Pepsi for providing pop; Water Systems Co.; Davey Warner and SAC for sound; and to local stores including Discount Liquor, Third Street Liquor, Warehouse Wine & Spirit, Midtown Foods, and Fifth Street Liquor for providing the wine.

‘Yerma’ staged by SMU theatre students Nov. 9-12

A young woman’s painful yearning to be a mother leads to the gradual untangling of her mind in the Department of Theatre Arts production of “Yerma” Nov. 9-12.

The dark tragedy, “Yerma,” by Spanish playwright Federico Garcia Lorca, centers on a childless young woman, trapped in a bitter and loveless marriage. Trapped too by social attitudes and conventions, Yerma is prevented from loving another man. Her internal conflict and mental instability seal her fate in a tragic climax befitting her tragic life.
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The basic themes of this compelling tale — directed by Judy Myers — resemble the themes in every woman’s life: love, passion, desperation, sexuality and marriage.

Performances are scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Monday, Nov. 9, 10 and 12. A matinee performance is planned for 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 11.

Tickets for the show are $8, $6 for students and seniors 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.

Burchill recognized locally, nationally for philanthropy work

The late Tim Burchill, longtime administrator and director of the Hendrickson Institute for Ethical Leadership, will receive the Outstanding Contribution to Philanthropy Award from the Minnesota Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals. A celebration of National Philanthropy Day — at which awards will be presented — will be held Nov. 15 at the Crowne Plaza Riverfront in Saint Paul.

Each year AFP honors individuals and groups who, through their hard work and dedication, have enhanced philanthropy, their communities and the world. This will be the first time the Outstanding Contribution to Philanthropy Award has been given posthumously; Tim’s wife Barb will accept the award on his behalf.
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Tim also will be honored by the local Upper Mississippi Valley chapter of AFP, which he co-founded. The chapter named Tim the first outstanding professional fundraiser more than 15 years ago. He will be recognized on Nov. 14, at La Crosse Center ballroom.

The Winona Community Foundation will present Tim with the Founders Award on Nov. 13 during the Thanks for Giving event. As part of the award, Tim’s family will receive a $5,000 grant. The Burchills have asked that the grant be used for the SMU Philanthropy and Development program, which Tim co-founded.

Cardinal swimmers taking part in ‘Hour of Power’

The Saint Mary’s swimming and diving teams will hit the pool Tuesday, Nov. 6 — but this “training session” won’t be like any other the Cardinals have taken part in this season.

SMU will be one of 11 Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference schools — not to mention one of more than 30 collegiate teams nationwide — participating in the “Hour of Power” Relay. The relay is in honor of Carleton swimmer Ted Mullin, who died in the fall of 2006 from sarcoma, a rare soft-tissue cancer, and all funds raised through this event will support research into the causes of sarcoma in young people at the University of Chicago.
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The “Hour of Power” Relay will kick off at 4 p.m. (5 p.m. Eastern Time) and is a one-hour continuous relay. During Mullin’s days as a Knight, this was one of the team’s favorite practices, and Carleton felt it would be fitting to not only honor their former teammate, but to also raise money for cancer research.

“This is a pretty special event for us — most of our upperclassmen had competed against Ted, and we all felt that this was a great way to honor his memory,” said SMU head coach Eric Lindquist. "All of our swimming and diving athletes are going to be taking part, swimming all-out for one hour in a number of different relays that will be going on at the same time. We’re pretty excited — it should be a lot of fun.”

If anyone would like to contribute to this event, please send donations to coach Lindquist at Box 62. Checks may be made payable to Saint Mary’s University. The SMU swimming and diving team is also welcoming any interested parties to stop by the pool at 4 p.m. on Nov. 6 to cheer on the Cardinal swimmers as they take part in this special event.

Exhibit examines cultural, social forces through paintings, audio

"Samiha" - encaustic painting by Michal Sagar












"Hinda" - encaustic painting by Michal Sagar











Minneapolis artists Michal Sagar and Francisca de Beurges Rosenthal present a thought-provoking and inspiring exhibit titled, “Branches: A Contemporary Convivencia” through Nov. 10 at Saint Mary’s.

“Branches” will be on display in the Lillian Davis Hogan Galleries from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.

The exhibit is free and open to the public. For more information, call Ext. 1652.

Saint Mary’s Walk of Horror attracted large crowds

This year’s Saint Mary’s University Walk of Horror had a record turnout. An estimated 1,600 individuals braved the trails in this softball fundraiser.

Halloween Fun Night draws more than 600

More than 600 people attended this year’s Saint Mary’s University Halloween Fun Night on Monday, Oct. 29.

Knit Nights to begin again

On Thursday, Nov. 8, the popular series of Knit Nights will begin in the Common Room. Space is limited to 25 participants. Beginner lessons will start at 7:30 p.m., with intermediate and advanced knitters invited to join the group at 8 p.m. Women students, faculty, and staff are invited to join others for conversation, knitting instructions and light refreshments. The event will continue until 9:30 p.m. The cost is $5 to cover beginning materials. Other Knit Nights are planned for Thursdays, Nov. 16 and 30. to sign up, call Ext. 1773 or e-mail agibson@smumn.edu or jjpaulso@smumn.edu.

Purchase Jeans for a Cause sticker today

Don’t forget to get your sticker today for “Jeans for Cause” at the student service windows for $5. All proceeds go to our own SMU employees who suffered loss due to the flooding.

Mathews to discuss depressive, bipolar disorders

Dr. Ruth Mathews, Ph.D., L.P., staff psychologist in the Wellness Center, will describe “Depressive and Bipolar Disorders Experienced by Children, Teens and Adults” and the impact they have on individuals, their families and the community. The importance of assessment and the roles of psychotherapy, medication management and self-help strategies in addressing these illnesses will be described. The presentation is scheduled for 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 7, in the Toner Student Center lounge.

This workshop is cosponsored by the Wellness Center and Psychology Club, along with Project COMPASS. There is no cost for SMU students, faculty and staff with ID.

Upcoming events for internships, study abroad

A volunteer fair will take place Tuesday, Nov. 6, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. in the gameroom of the Toner Student Center.

The study abroad deadline for Aimores, Brazil, is scheduled for Nov. 12. For more information, contact Jackie Baker at Ext. 6695.

Blue Angel on stage today and Saturday

The brothers of Phi Mu Alpha cordially invite members of the faculty and staff to Blue Angel 2007. This year’s performances are 8 p.m. today (Nov. 2) and 7 and 10 p.m. tomorrow (Nov. 3).

You may receive a complimentary admission to the show of your choice by contacting Dr. Jeff Highland at Ext. 1459 or campus box 1.

Cochran to speak at Brown Bag series

On Friday, Nov. 9, Dr. Phil Cochran, Biology Department, will give a presentation titled “Lampreys, Beer Kegs, and Diminishing Returns” for the Science and Math Brown Bag series. This event will be held in Hoffman 301 at 12:30 p.m.

First Friday breakfast today

Don’t forget to head to Room B of the Toner Student Center this morning from 8:30-10:30 a.m. for the First Friday continental breakfast, hosted by Campus Ministry.

Jazz event calendar

Swing Inc., including Eric Heukeshoven, will perform 8 to 11 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 3, at Avocado World Bistro, Rochester, Minn.

The John Paulson Trio performs 6 to 9 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 10, at Michael’s Restaurant, Rochester, Minn.

The John Paulson Quartet performs 8 p.m. to 12 a.m., Saturday, Nov. 3, at the Starlight Lounge, La Crosse, Wis.

Volunteer Services is going to Biloxi over Thanksgiving break

Students will be helping families continue to rebuild after Hurricane Katrina during Thanksgiving break Nov. 16-26. The cost of $150 includes transportation and food. Applications can be picked up in Toner Student Center’s Room 8.

Lasallian Social Justice topic of Nov. 7 luncheon

A presentation about the Lasallian Social Justice Institute is scheduled for lunch on Nov. 7.

This summer three members of the College faculty participated in the Lasallian Social Justice Institute (LSJI) program sponsored by the Christian Brothers USA/Toronto Region. Dr. Dorothy Diehl assisted with the LSJI-Chicago experience; Ann Smith participated in LSJI-San Francisco; and Dr. Greg Gaut attended LSJI-El Paso, along with Valerie Fitzgerald from the Twin Cities campus.

On Wednesday, Nov. 7, Gaut will present “From Both Sides of the Border: A Lasallian Look at the Immigration Issue.”

The Office for Mission will host the lunch in the Faculty Dining Room. The presentation will begin at 12:15 p.m., but those attending may begin arriving at 11:45 a.m. Indicate to the cashier that you are attending the Mission presentation.