Final round of High School Challenge is Saturday

On Saturday, Feb. 23, Saint Mary’s will host the final round of High School Challenge. The competition has now been going on for 37 years and is the oldest academic competition for high school students in the area. High School Challenge began in October, showcasing 32 teams from Minnesota, Wisconsin and Iowa.

The final event begins at 8:30 a.m. in Page Theatre with with the consolation championship between Onalaska and La Crescent. Afterwards, the final run for the Super Challenge begins, with brackets holding teams from Viroqua, Winona Senior High, La Crosse Central, West Salem, North Crawford, Eau Claire Regis, Seneca, and La Crosse Aquinas. Everyone is invited to come and observe the final round of 2007/2008 High School Super Challenge.

The games will be taped by Fox 25/Fox 48 and aired Sundays, March 9 through April 27, from 10:30 to 11 a.m.

Founder’s Day to honor three

Each year, Saint Mary’s University celebrates its founding with a special Mass and convocation. All faculty, staff and students are invited and encouraged to attend the Founder's Day festivities on Tuesday, Feb. 26. Mass will be in Saint Thomas More Chapel at 11 a.m., with Father Steffes as the principal celebrant. The convocation will be in Page Theatre at 1:15 p.m. The convocation will include the presentation of the following awards:

Outstanding Senior Female — Finalists are Lindsay Dickson, Laura Holupchinski, Amy Kalina, Kasey Schultz and Ana Sontag.

Outstanding Senior Male — Finalists are Kevin Black, Jeff David, Alex Downes-Borowski, John Freeman and Rick McCoy.

Bishop Heffron Award for Service to the University — Alan Joswick, Trades Department supervisor.

The following class schedule will be observed:

7:45-9 a.m. classes meet 8-8:50 a.m.
9:15-10:30 a.m. classes meet 9-9:50 a.m.
10:45-noon classes meet 10-10:50 a.m.
12:15-1:30 p.m. classes meet 3-3:50 p.m.
1:45-3 p.m. classes meet 4-4:50 p.m.

Classes that meet any time after 3 p.m. will start at 5 p.m. and end at the discretion of the instructor.

Chicago Convention planned for Feb. 29-March 1

Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota will feature staff, students and faculty from Saint Mary’s – along with notable SMU alumni from the Chicago area – during its upcoming Chicago convention for prospective students and alumni.

The third “SMU Convention – Chicago” will bring more than 100 Saint Mary’s faculty, staff and current students to the Westin Chicago Northwest Hotel in Itasca. Prospective students, families and alumni will be treated to activities and demonstrations, lunch and a keynote speaker, entertainment, and information booths that showcase the university.

Convention-goers will meet with professors, coaches and admission staff, sample a variety of refreshments, enjoy a live musical performance, and take their chances with games and giveaways.

A special pre-convention reception Friday, Feb. 29, from 7 to 11 p.m. is reserved for alumni to socialize, meet with Saint Mary’s faculty and staff, and enjoy a silent auction.

Saturday, March 1, the convention opens at 9 a.m. with exhibitor booths and displays. A free convention luncheon begins at 11:45 a.m., hosted by Walter ’81, Tim ’85, and Mark ’86 Smithe of Walter E. Smithe Furniture Company, featuring a keynote speech from John McDonough ’75, president of the Chicago Blackhawks.

From 10 to 11 a.m. and 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, fun and educational breakout sessions will be offered by faculty, staff and noted alumni. From 11 to 11:45 a.m., the Oldie Moldie All-Stars will perform hits from the ’50s and ’60s. The convention adjourns at 4 p.m.

For more information, contact Meg Richtman, convention coordinator, Ext. 1499, or go online to www.smumn.edu/convention.

Students go on tour; business plan winners announced

On Wednesday, Feb. 20, students in Sharon O’Reilly’s Advanced Entrepreneurship Seminar course toured Wenonah Canoe in Winona. The business tour was sponsored by the Kabara Institute for Entrepreneurial Studies. As part of the tour, Mike Cichanowski, owner and founder of Wenonah Canoe, spoke to the students about his entrepreneurial experiences.

Also, eight business plan proposals were submitted for the first student-run business plan competition sponsored by the Kabara Institute for Entrepreneurial Studies. The winning proposals were announced Feb. 11.

The results: first place: “Spectrum Printing and Design” submitted by Andrea Hills and Sheila Tierney; second place: “The SMUthie” submitted by Amanda Christman and Chris Schleper; third place: “naterscom” submitted by Nathan Pattee.

The winning students will receive cash awards funded by the Kabara Institute. The first-place winners have been invited to represent the Kabara Institute at the Chicago Convention Feb. 29-March 1 and highlight their business plan proposal during a convention break-out session.

SMU collaborates with ‘Our Drinking Fountains, Our Water’ program

Five local institutions will collaborate with Minneapolis-based In the Heart of the Beast Puppet-Mask Theater to spearhead a community-wide program, “Our Drinking Fountains, Our Water.” SMU, Winona State University, Minnesota State College-Southeast Technical, Southeast Minnesota Water Resources Board and the City of Winona will incorporate the water theme into classes, presentations and activities, beginning in fall of 2008.

Plans also include the highlighting and decorating of public drinking fountains on the college campuses and in the City of Winona as well as raising awareness through visual art and performance. The goal of the project is for the community to achieve a broader and deeper understanding of water quality and stewardship.

This project is funded by the State of Minnesota through the Minnesota Campus Compact. For more information, contact Joan Francioni, 457-2336, jfrancioni@winona.edu.

SMU theatre students stage drama Feb. 28-March 3

A rural diner gets a rude awakening when staff and customers are held hostage at the hands of an unstable madman during Saint Mary’s University’s production of “When You Comin’ Back Red Ryder?” The SMU Department of Theatre Arts will stage the disturbing drama Feb. 28-March 3, in the Valéncia Arts Center Academy Theatre.

When Teddy, a Vietnam veteran teetering on the edge of madness, and his young girlfriend barge into a forgotten New Mexico roadside diner, nothing will ever be the same for its five occupants. Teddy uses personal threats and wit to psychologically dismember his hostages. “Red Ryder’s” underlying theme includes a longing for the past – for childhood, for the innocence of the ’50s with its cowboy heroes. Just as the diner’s customers and staff will never be the same, author Mark Howard Medoff is telling his audience that this age of innocence is gone forever.

Performances, under the direction of Dr. Gary Diomandes, are scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Monday, Feb. 28, 29, March 1 and 3. A matinee performance is planned for 3 p.m. Sunday, March. 2.

“Red Ryder” is for mature audiences only; the content includes adult language and violence. 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.

Faculty invited to share talents in faculty review March 27

Hey faculty! Do you play a musical instrument, dance, write poetry, or any other artistic skill? The junior class is looking for participants for this year’s faculty review, to be held 7 p.m. March 27 in the Common Room.

Contact Russell Mollo (ramoll05@smumn.edu) or Neil Leibundguth at (nmleib05@smumn.edu) if you have any questions or if you would like to participate.

SMU Page Series to present San Jose Taiko March 10

Saint Mary’s University’s Page Series will host the powerful, spellbinding and propulsive sounds of San Jose Taiko 7:30 p.m. Monday, March 10.

Taiko — the Japanese drum — is an instrument that embodies the spiritual essence and the heartbeat of Japan and its people. Priests used taiko to chase evil spirits and the insects from the rice fields; samurai used taiko to bolster their courage and to instill fear in the enemy; villagers used taiko to pray for rain, to enliven festivals and to give thanks for bountiful harvests.

San Jose Taiko has adopted these traditional values and infused the art of taiko with the vitality and freshness of their American spirit to create a dynamic and compelling Asian American art form. The music of San Jose Taiko weaves traditional Japanese sounds with the beat of world rhythms. African, Alinese, Latin, American rock and jazz merge to produce an innovative contemporary sound that brings diverse styles and resonates with the soul.

Tickets for the Page Theatre performance are $20, $14 for seniors, $12 for students, and are available by calling the SMU Box Office, Ext. 1715, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, or online at www.pagetheatre.org.

Make it dinner and a show. Pre-show dinners are provided by Chartwells Catering. Seating begins at 6:30 p.m. in the Toner Student Center, located next to the Performance Center. Adult dinners cost $20 and include chicken, beef, and vegetarian options, along with beverages and dessert. Bottles of wine may be purchased for an extra fee. Children’s dinners cost $12 and include mac-n-cheese or chicken fingers with sides, beverages and dessert. Orders will be accepted up to three days prior to the event; order online or by phone.

Group photo show on display Feb. 28-March 29 at SMU

Rus Hurt is one of five photographers displaying in "Tempus Fugit" Feb. 28-March 29.

Five area photographers will display assorted nature and documentary work Feb. 28 through March 29 at Saint Mary’s.

The exhibit, which will be on display at the Lillian Davis Hogan Galleries, will include work by Wade Britzius, Rus Hurt, Kathy Greden, Ron Reimer and Jim Risser.

An opening reception is scheduled for 4 to 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 28. Admission is free and open to the public, and gallery hours are 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. For more information, call Ext. 1652.

Next ‘Let’s Do Lunch’ is hotdish extravaganza

Mark your calendars for the next Let’s Do Lunch March 13. The Office of Admission will host “Minnesota Hot Dishes.” Proceeds continue to benefit SMU faculty and staff who were affected by the August flood.

Results of the chili cookoff Thursday are: First, John Schollmeier, maintenance; second, Deb Nahrgang, communication and marketing; third, June Fox, student services. The event raised $205.

Gaslight auditions are Feb. 22-24

Gaslight 2008 auditions will be held 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 22; 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 23; and noon to 5 pm. Sunday, Feb. 24, at the Phi Mu Alpha Room 16, Toner Student Center basement.

Sign-ups are posted on the Phi Mu Alpha room door. For questions or rehearsal times, contact Neil Olstad (ndolst04@smumn.edu,) Anna Skonieczny, or Lindsay Dickson.

‘Fireside’ will be Feb. 22-23

‘Fireside,’ a coffee-house style talent show sponsored by the sisters of Sigma Alpha Iota, will be held Feb. 22-23. For more information, contact Nicole at nlschr04@smumn.edu or Brookly at baheff04 @smumn.edu. Tickets are available today at lunch and dinner.

SMU to host regional science fair Feb. 29

Saint Mary’s will host the Regional Science Fair Feb. 29. Approximately 250 area students in grades seven through 12 will display their work in biology, physics and chemistry, behavior science, computer science, math and social sciences.

SMU faculty, student musicians at music education conference

Five SMU students attended the state Music Education Winter Clinic including, from left: back, Jeremy Johnston, Ryan Ballanger, Tom Briese; front, Gosia Paidosh and Samantha Kirsch. Paidosh worked with conference clinic staff, and the others performed in the Intercollegiate Honor Band.

Two members of Saint Mary’s music faculty, Dr. Janet Heukeshoven and Denny McGuire, and five SMU students participated in the Minnesota music education conference at the Minneapolis Convention Center.

Four SMU students performed in the select Intercollegiate Honor Band including: Jeremy Johnston, percussion; Ryan Ballanger, clarinet; Tom Briese, trombone; and Samantha Kirsch, clarinet. Gosia Paidosh, a music major, worked with conference clinic staff.

Dr. Heukeshoven was one of five collegiate conductors chosen to direct this year's Intercollegiate Honor Band. She directed the 2006-07 Kaplan Foundation/SMU Concert Band commissioned work, “Israeli Rhapsody” by internationally recognized composer Judith Zaimont. She also conducted the work with the Virginia Intercollegiate Honor Band at the University of Mary Washington.

Dr. Heukeshoven serves as collegiate representative on the Minnesota Music Educators Association Board of Directors, and also assisted with clinic sessions, the SMU exhibit booth, and conference logistics.

While attending the conference, Heukeshoven accepted the All-Steinway School Award on behalf of the SMU Music Department. For more information, visit www.smumn.edu/music.

Additionally, adjunct music faculty member Denny McGuire presented a session at the state music education conference, titled: “Batucata!” The overall theme of the conference was “Embracing World Music — Embracing Local Traditions.” McGuire presented an interactive session designed to assist in-service music educators at all levels.

Mathews to address personality disorders Feb. 27

Dr. Ruth Mathews from the Wellness Center will present an overview of the 10 personality disorders identified in the diagnostic manual on mental disorders from 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 27.

Personality disorders are defined as enduring (inflexible and pervasive) patterns of inner experience and behavior that deviate markedly from the expectations of the individual’s culture leading to significant distress and impairment. Categories include antisocial, narcissistic, avoidant, dependent, and paranoid personality disorders. Treatment issues and strategies will be briefly addressed.

The event will be held in Figliulo Recital Hall and is free with your SMU ID and open to the public.

Three SMU students show research at Capitol

Three students from Saint Mary’s, along with their faculty advisors, traveled to the Minnesota State Capitol Rotunda on Thursday, Feb. 21, to present the results of their independent research and creative scholarship at the annual Minnesota Private College Scholars at the Capitol event.

The Minnesota Private College Council hosts this event in an attempt to publicize and celebrate the achievements of just a few of the many thousands of students who attend private schools of higher learning in Minnesota, and to share research that may have long-term implications for Minnesotans.

The event showcased current research projects completed by undergraduate scholars from Minnesota private colleges and universities. Saint Mary’s students attending this year’s event included:

• Sarah Jo Schroeder, Aurora, Minn., presenting on “The Examination of the Diet of the Freshwater Drum, Aplodinorus Grunniens, for Zebra Mussels, Dreissena Polymorpha, from the Mississippi River.”
• Anna Skonieczny of Freeport, Ill., presenting on “The Effects of Demethylating and Methylating Chemicals on Mitotic Activity of Vicia faba in Different Stages of the Cell Cycle.”
• Laura Eggert of St. Michael, Minn., and former student Victoria Evans, presenting on “The Physiological Responses of Lepomis gibbosus and Mus musculus to Noturus gyrinus Toxin.”

Internationally known coaches to lead figure skating camp

Three internationally known figure skating coaches will lead “Turning Point 2008,” a figure skating camp hosted by the Winona Figure Skating Club July 27-31 at Saint Mary’s. The camp, the first of its kind in the area, will feature:

• Evelyn Kramer (“The Spin Doctor”), an Olympic and World International coach who has worked with Peggy Fleming and Michelle Kwan, to name a few.

• Scott Brown, a national, world and Olympic choreographer who has worked with athletes from more than 18 different countries. He also starred in the Ice Capades and is best known for his innovative and authentic choreography.

• Janet Champion, a Master-Rated coach in school figure, freeskating and group instruction, as well as “moves in the field,” which is the national testing system for figure skaters that she helped originate.

Besides on-ice instruction, campers will have off-ice training, such as ballet classes, Pilates, nutrition, strength training and injury prevention classes. Residential campers will stay in the SMU dorms and eat meals on campus. Day camps — for those who do not wish to stay overnight will be offered — as well.

For more information or to register for “Turning Point 2008,” go to the Winona Figure Skating Club website, www.winonafigureskating.org.

News from Nairobi

The MIAS educational method trains students to use the skills acquired through their courses in their various vocations/ministries in society.

Recently a student from the Cameroon wrote that he is using his MIASMU cultural training to work with people in Gabon where he was posted for ministry.

The skills he gained from field research in Nairobi have enabled him to freely interact with his parishioners in that country even though their cultures and languages are much different from his own. He further stated that he has gained respect from the people owing to the way in which he is able to relate with them in an adult manner — a clear example of the long-term value of MIASMU’s systematic cultural training.

Bearbower recognized as patriotic employer

Sarah Bearbower, Information Technology manager, was recognized as a “patriotic employer” by the National Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve. Patriot Awards are given to employers who contribute to national security by supporting employee participation in America’s National Guard and reserve force.

Country singer Josh Gracin to perform at SMU March 13

National country star Josh Gracin will perform March 13 at Saint Mary’s gymnasium. Doors will open at 6 p.m. Admission is free for SMU students and $10 for an additional SMU guest or $15 for the general public and are available at the SMU box office. Tickets will also be available at the door; bring your SMU ID. No food or drink will be allowed in the gym. Watch for more information.