Updates on international recruiting activities

Lupita Garza-Cienfuegos, director of International Recruiting, has been traveling in the Middle East and Asia promoting SMU programs. She has visited Dubai and Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates; and Kuwait, Kuwait. A stop in Bahrain was deleted from the seven-city tour for security reasons. In Asia, Lupita will be recruiting in Bangkok, Thailand; Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam; Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; and Shanghai, China.

The is one of several trips she makes across the globe each year promoting the DeLaSalle Language Institute, the Winona undergraduate programs, and the SGPP University Programs. She left on Feb. 24 and will return March 13. She is traveling with the International Student Network, an organization that arranges international recruiting fairs each year.

Jim Bedtke, vice president of the College, and Dr. Marcel Dumestre, vice president of SGPP, are currently in China to meet with Saint Mary’s partner university, Northwest University. Bedtke and Dumestre are in Xi’an to discuss future cooperation and collaboration with Northwest University. More information on the meetings and negotiations will be forth coming in a future President’s Update.

While in Xi’an they met and had dinner with 20 graduates of SMU. The undergraduate and graduate alums spoke of how their time at SMU had changed their lives and the wonderful memories they have of their time in Winona. The alums spoke of the exceptional faculty and staff, by name, from across the university that had contributed to their great experience. Students used phrases like “awesome, life changing, professional, and caring” to describe the faculty and staff. A number of them continue to keep in contact with Saint Mary’s via Skype.

Between the negotiation sessions, time was scheduled for Bedtke and Dumestre to meet with prospective students and parents. They presented and answered questions for more than two hours for more than 50 individuals who are interested in undergraduate and graduate programs.

University Advancement area strengthened and reorganized

The University Advancement area has undergone a major reorganization. Over the past five months, Dr. Steven Titus, senior vice president, has transformed university advancement operations and performance in order to more successfully identify, develop and secure the resources necessary to advance the Saint Mary’s University mission.

Highlights of the reorganization include new office structures, staffing changes, and advancement strategies. University Advancement is the overarching structure that pulls together and integrates the efforts of four divisions: Development, Alumni Relations, Marketing and Communication, and University Relations – SGPP.

A new senior leadership team directs the work of these divisions:

• Joe Sweeney, senior development director for Chicago and the U.S.
• Dominic Lawrence, assistant vice president for Development
• Meg Richtman, assistant vice president for Alumni Relations
• Bob Conover, vice president for Marketing & Communication
• Don St. Dennis, associate vice president for University Relations – SGPP
• Brother Ed Siderewicz, special assistant to the president for First-Generation & Lasallian Initiatives

In addition to the new office structure, five university-wide teams will be formed this spring (integrated marketing, integrated communications, web and new media, branding and design, and development strategies) that will include members from inside and outside University Advancement.

New strategies for University Advancement include:

• to be more external, to develop a more robust donor pipeline, and to expand the SMU donor base
• to overhaul development operations
• to more broadly engage our combined 33,000-member alumni base
• to reshape and enlarge the visibility and image of the university
• to prepare for a comprehensive campaign
• to develop the Chicago and Minneapolis markets in terms of both alumni and development

The new structure and staff roster for University Advancement can be viewed on the SMU website at: www.smumn.edu/universityadvancement.aspx.

Public invited to SMU’s ‘Cardinal Plunge’ March 19

Brave souls and warm hearts are invited to join Saint Mary’s in the second annual “Cardinal Plunge” Saturday, March 19. This freezing fundraiser begins at 1 p.m. at Lake Goodview, located at Michael LaCanne Park.

This year, “Cardinal Plunge” proceeds will be given to the Cardinal Plunge Student Emergency Fund, a fund set aside for students in need or in emergency situations. A portion of last year’s proceeds went to Michael Mockler, a current junior at Saint Mary’s who had recently been diagnosed with a brain tumor.

The cost for this event is $10, and all participants who preregister will receive a “Cardinal Plunge” T-shirt. This event is sponsored by Student Life, The Future Alumni Committee, and Chartwells. Community sponsors include the Winona Dive and Rescue, EMS of Winona, and Aaron Repinski with Rip-Roaring Entertainment.

Registration begins at noon on site, or participants can pre-register online at www.smumn.edu/cardinalplunge and pay the day of the plunge. Donations can be made to the Cardinal Plunge Student Emergency Fund, Box 24.

Refreshments and a brief lunch will be available.

More than 300 people attended the first “Cardinal Plunge” in March 2010. A total of 120 people “plunged” into Lake Goodview to raise money for Haiti relief efforts and for Mockler, who underwent surgery in June 2010.

The event raised $1,600, and approximately $1,400 was collected in outside donations. Video of the event is at www.youtube.com/smuwinona.

For more information, contact Sarah McDonough at Ext. 1452 or spmcdo07@smumn.edu.

Colloquium speaker to address ‘Fun, Fame with Mathematics’

Dr. Sarah Greenwald will be the final speaker for the Saint Mary’s Women in Math Colloquium Thursday, March 17. Her presentation, hosted by the Department of Mathematics and Statistics, will be “Fun and Fame with Mathematics: Spherical Rubik’s Cubes to Cartoons.”

Dr. Greenwald, of Appalachian State University, will speak about careers in mathematics, based upon her own experience as a mathematician. During this presentation, she will draw upon her widely varying adventures in a variety of topics — from Riemannian geometry to pop culture to working on an encyclopedia.

The event is planned for 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. at Salvi Lecture Hall. A reception will begin at 4 p.m.

Dr. Greenwald is the recipient of the 2005 Mathematical Association of America’s Alder Award for Distinguished Teaching.

This colloquium is supported by a National Science Foundation grant to encourage women to study mathematics.

For further information, contact Dr. Kevin Dennis at kdennis@smumn.edu or Ext. 6650.

Chamber Singers to perform in Rome

The Chamber Singers will perform in Rome as part of their 2011 Concert Tour. A highlight of the tour will include the performance of two new compositions — by SMU Music faculty — at St. Peter’s Basilica March 11.

The 25-voice select ensemble is directed by Dr. Patrick M. O’Shea, associate professor of music.

Tour performances will include the following liturgies and concerts:

• Parish of S. Giovanni Battista De La Salle – 6:30 p.m. Ash Wednesday, March 9

• Basilica of St. Peter, Vatican – 5 p.m. Mass, Friday, March 11

• Collegio S. Giuseppe de Merode – 11:30 a.m. Concert, Saturday, March 12

• Parish of Santa Susanna – 10:30 a.m. Mass, Sunday, March 13

The concert at S. Giuseppe is free and open to the public, and guests are welcome at the various liturgies. Repertoire will include a cappella works by Palestrina, Monteverdi, Kevin Siegfried, Moses Hogan, and world premieres of Preghiera Semplice (Prayer of St. Francis), composed by A. Eric Heukeshoven, and O Pray For the Peace of Jerusalem, composed by Dr. O’Shea especially for this tour.

Before departure, the Chamber Singers will sing as the guest choir for Mass at 5:15 p.m. on Saturday, March 5, at Holy Name Cathedral, Chicago. Upon their return, they will present a free “Homecoming Concert” in Winona at the Chapel of Saint Mary of the Angels, 7th and Vila streets, at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 17.

For more information, call Ext.1598.

New blog will follow Chamber Choir’s tour

Bob Fisher, Development, has created a blog, “SMUSINGS,” to provide an insiders look at the Chamber singer’s travels throughout Chicago, Italy and Rome.

“SMUSINGS” will provide profiles and updates of the choir members, in addition to pictures and video footage of their site-seeing trips, concerts, and other highlights of their journey. To follow the blog, go to http://smusingswithbob.blogspot.com.

Taylor Richmond benefit to help Grathen family

Saint Mary’s will present the 11th annual Taylor Richmond Benefit Dance from 8 p.m. to midnight Saturday, March 26.

The beneficiary of this year’s formal dance — open to the public — is Tony Grathen, the step-grandson of Susan Edel, registrar. Tony is a 7-year-old boy from Rollingstone who was diagnosed with rhabdomysarcoma cancer in April 2010. Rhabdomysarcoma is a rare type of muscular cancer.

Since his diagnosis, Tony has undergone surgery to remove a tumor on his neck as well as 22 lymph nodes. He also has finished a six-week treatment of radiation and requires 44 weeks of chemotherapy. Money raised from the benefit dance and silent auction will help the family pay for medical bills and transportation expenses.

The benefit dance has become an annual tradition since its start in 2001 by students in honor of Taylor Richmond, son of Saint Mary’s Campus Ministry and Student Life staff member Nikki Richmond and her husband Nick Richmond. Taylor has a genetic terminal illness called Ataxia Telangiectasia (A-T) and the money from his benefit was used to fulfill Taylor’s dream of going to Disney World. Each year this event benefits someone in the SMU community in need.

The dance, featuring music by the Johnny Holm Band, will be held in the Toner Student Center dining room. Ticket prices are $15 per person or $25 per couple. To purchase tickets or receive more information, contact Lance Thompson at Ext. 1686. Dance tickets will also be available at the door.

In combination with the dance, a silent auction will be held on campus from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. March 24-25. A variety of homemade goods, gift baskets and specialty items will be on display in the game room, located in the Toner Student Center. The public is welcome to bid.

If you are interested in volunteering your time or donating a basket or item for the benefit and/or silent auction, contact Nikki Richmond at richmond@smumn.edu or Lance Thompson at ljthom01@smumn.edu.

SMU offers ‘Tri Swimming’ clinic March 7 – April 30

Saint Mary’s is offering “Tri Swimming,” an open-water swim training and triathlon clinic, March 7 through April 30. This clinic is for beginning or advanced swimmers who are looking for a swim clinic to complement their triathlon training goals.

Many people are hesitant about triathlons because they lack confidence in their swimming abilities. This course is designed to complement the already-training tri-athlete’s workout, and also to encourage those who are intimidated by swimming, especially in open water. Participants will learn and improve swimming skills and techniques necessary for endurance training.

Athletes must be able to swim one length of the pool without the assistance of a flotation device.

The group meets three days a week, Mondays from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., Wednesdays from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 8 to 9 a.m. The clinic will be held at the Jules Gernes Pool. The instructor is Jami Severson, assistant swimming coach, who has competitive and open-water swimming experience.

The course fee is $125 ($100 for SMU community members). Register and pay online at www.smumn.edu/ageless. For more information, call Ext. 6921.

Father Fabian T-shirts now on sale at Cardinal Corner

Father Fabian T-shirts are now on sale for $10 at the Cardinal Corner. Quantities are limited. Proceeds from sales will be donated to the Polish Children’s Orphanage in Chotomow, Poland.

The Cardinal Corner is a non-profit retail store located in the lower level of the Toner Student Center. Managed by the students of MG315 Entrepreneurship and supported by the School of Business, the mission of the store is to create an opportunity for entrepreneurship students to gain hands-on experience in operating a small business.

Each semester, the class donates profits from the Cardinal Corner to a charity of their choice. In addition, the store sells products for various SMU clubs, teams, departments, and organizations and returns 100 percent of the sales to benefit the SMU community.

For more information, contact professor Jana Craft at Ext. 1491 or jcraft@smumn.edu. Become a fan and receive the latest updates at www.facebook.com/cardinalcorner.

Gallery show highlights sculptures by Truax

A unique grouping of ceramic and mixed media sculptures by Lisa Schreiner Truax of the Department of Art and Design will be on display through March 27.

The show, “Synthetic Harmony,” is free and open to the public at the Lillian Davis Hogan Galleries. Gallery hours are 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.

Students gain insight from Thern’s experience

On Feb. 16, 22 entrepreneurship students, taught by Jana Craft, traveled to Thern for a facility tour and discussion. Thern manufactures tools for lifting, pulling and positioning objects.

The students took full advantage of gaining some valuable real world insight. “We gave them an overview of who we are as a company and what we do,” Chris Baudhuin, executive vice president of Thern, said. “We had a good, open discussion, shared some of our experiences and answered their questions. The students were sharp. They asked very good questions.”

The visit covered a range of topics pertinent to running a family business, including management strategies, business structure, and long-term planning, core concepts that Craft wants to bring into focus for her students.

Habitat for Humanity to dedicate Women Build House

Tyrrena Ostrander and her sons will receive the keys to their new home and to a brighter future at a special home dedication and open house on Friday, March 25, at 182 Edward St.

What’s unique about this Habitat for Humanity house is that approximately 450 women picked up hammers and power tools to build alongside the Ostrander family. The Saint Mary’s University team of 42 individuals raised $9,400 toward the home and has been involved with construction throughout the year.

The groundbreaking ceremony was held in May 2010, and in mid-April the family will be able to move into their new home.

The community is invited — between 5:30 and 7 p.m. — to tour the home, enjoy refreshments, welcome the Ostrander family and congratulate the hard-working Habitat volunteers. A program will begin at 6 p.m.

Women built the house as part of Habitat for Humanity’s Women Build program, underwritten by Lowe’s, which encourages women to build Habitat houses to move families out of substandard housing. Nationally more than 1,500 Habitat homes have been built by crews of women; this was Winona County’s first Women Build House.

Saint Mary’s presents Irish dance with Darrah Carr

The Page Series invites the public to celebrate the beauty of traditional Irish step and contemporary modern dance with Darrah Carr Dance Wendesday, March 23.

The fast-paced, spirited dance will begin at 7:30 p.m. on the Page Theatre stage.

Renowned for integrating Irish culture within its choreography, Darrah Carr Dance blends Irish music, step dance footwork, and spatial patterns to create high-energy, rhythmically based work that is accessible to a broad audience.

Artistic Director Darrah Carr calls her style ModERIN: a playful combination of the words modern (dance) and ERIN (an Irish American term of endearment for Ireland). The evening will include a selection of traditional Irish dance as well as ModERIN works that combines elements of traditional style Irish dance with modern elements.

Tickets are $25 for adults, $20 for seniors and students and are available at the SMU Box Office, Ext. 1715, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday or online at www.pagetheatre.org.

Peace and Justice brings in speaker from Sudan

The Peace and Justice Organization, led by Libby Perkins, Bridget Coffou and Robby McGuire, invited Father Lasuba from Rochester, Minn., to come and present on the current situation in Sudan Feb. 17.

The presentation highlighted Father Lasuba’s work with his country’s movement toward independence and the struggles and tragedy he personally has experienced. He also discussed the referendum which will allow South Sudan to become its own independent country.

This guest speaker was a continuation of a series started by Peace and Justice, with support from their connection with Catholic Relief Services, on peaceful solutions and solidarity with those who live in areas of conflict.

Relay for Life to be held March 18-19

The Saint Mary’s Colleges Against Cancer will host its 2011 Relay for Life 7:30 p.m. to 7:30 a.m. Friday and Saturday, March 18-19, in Gostomski Fieldhouse.

Teams comprised of friends, families and co-workers will join together for this fundraising effort, which celebrates people who have battled cancer, remembers loved ones lost, and provides an opportunity to fight back against the disease.

Last year more than 250 people participated in the event which raised more than $20,000 for the American Cancer Society.

Team members will spend the night walking around SMU’s indoor track from dusk to dawn to represent the 24-hour fight against cancer. Each team raises money for the American Cancer Society. This year’s theme is based on the American Cancer Society’s slogan; “Imagine a World with More Birthdays. I’m Making it Happen.”

Activities planned through the night include a silent auction, bingo, and other birthday-party themed games such as musical chairs, a piñata and ‘pin the tail on the donkey.’ Performances by a student band and the SMU Dance Team are also planned. For more information, contact Kaitlin Wermerskirchen at kmwerm07@smumn.edu.

Saint Teresa Institute to host women’s reception

Catherine Goddard Smith

The Saint Teresa Leadership and Service Institute for Women will host a women’s reception Wednesday, March 16, to kick off Women’s History Month.

Guest speaker Jennifer Weaver, assistant director of the Winona County Historical Society, will present “Winona Women in History.”

She will trace the stories of six Winona women who made history including: Winona’s founding “Aunt” Catherine Goddard Smith (1812-1888), African American entrepreneur Emma Shelton (1865-?), Educator and daughter of Civil War soldier Mabel Marvin (1876-1955), J.R. Watkins’ daughter and adventurer Grace Watkins King (1877-1975), performer Jeanette Lamberton (1869-1956), and Vaudeville and early film actress Myrtle Huntley (1880-1974).

Refreshments and hors d’oeuvres will be served in the Toner Student Center Lounge at 4.30 p.m. and Weaver’s presentation will begin at 5:15 p.m. in the President’s Room.

Competitors needed for Iron Chef competition

The 3rd annual Iron Chef competition will take place in the North Dining Room at 5:30 p.m. Sunday, March 27. As always, the funds raised will be sent to Bethlehem University for the Gaza Student Initiative.

This initiative provides scholarships for students from Gaza to attend Bethlehem University.

Students will be signing up in teams of up to four people. Each team is responsible for preparing a dish and dessert for 10 people.

In the past faculty and staff have also entered. Faculty/staff teams do not have to have multiple members, so if you’re a lone chef, you're welcome to participate.

If you're interested in making a dish for the competition (or just providing a dish and not competing), let Dorothy Diehl know at Ext. 1531 or ddiehl@smumn.edu.

Business Office raising funds for Feed My Starving Children

The Business Office will be working as a team with “Feed My Starving Children” to package meals for children around the world. Volunteers will be hand-packing meals on Saturday, March 26.

Each team is asked to raise $750 to participate. Collection jars are located at the windows for additional donations. For more information about FMSC, go to fmsc.org.

Discussion group for parents with Katy Smith continues

Counseling Services is partnering with Katy Smith, a licensed parent educator for Winona Public Schools, to offer a noontime discussion series for faculty and staff parents (and grandparents) with children younger than 7.

The discussion will center on the book “Raising Happiness: 10 Simple Steps for More Joyful Kids and Happier Parents” by Christine Carter. A wide array of research studies show that happiness is a learned behavior that we can help our children build and maintain.

The discussion series will begin at 12:15 p.m. in the President’s Room. Participants are invited to bring their own lunches; beverages and desserts will be provided. There is no charge for the series. Discussions will continue on March 16 and 23.

Please call Ext. 1773 to indicate your interest in the group or if you would like more information. Participants can come to all sessions or just the ones that fit with their schedules.

Students invited to enter business plan competition

The Kabara Institute for Entrepreneurial Studies announces the fourth annual Student Business Plan Competition.

Participants must be full-time undergraduate students on the Winona campus; may participate as an individual or as a team of two students; and can have any major.

Students are asked to develop a business plan for a business that they would like to start. The business does not need to be an on-campus business. The projected start-up costs and initial capital required may not exceed $10,000.

The plan must include: a one-page executive summary, a concept statement, anticipated startup costs, a preliminary marketing plan, potential suppliers and/or manufacturing processes (as applicable), a discussion of operating considerations (staffing, operating hours, etc.), pro-forma financial statements for the first year of operation, references for the data sources used in the plan, and contact information for each of the individuals submitting the proposal.

Criteria for judging the plans include: feasibility of the proposed project, creativity, and comprehensiveness that was used to create the business plan.

Cash prizes totaling $1,500 will be awarded.

A hard copy and electronic copy of the business plans must be submitted to Teresa Speck by noon Tuesday, March 15. Semifinalists will present their plans to a panel of judges on Friday, March 18, and winners will be announced within a week.

For more information, contact Speck at tspeck@smumn.edu, Ext. 1449, or stop by her office at 429D, Saint Mary’s Hall.

Saint Mary's students meet top neurosurgeon

Saint Mary's students Kilian Gordon, Samuel Callisto and Alexander Thomas with Dr. Garnette Sutherland.

Thomas and Gordon — joined by Roger Saindon '77 — listen to a presentation on the functional MRI facility at United Hospital.

Tim Bollig of United Hospital gives a tour of a neurosurgery operating room fitted with intraoperative MRI.

On Feb. 24 Saint Mary’s junior Sam Callisto, freshmen Alexander Thomas and Killian Gordon, and Biology assistant professor Dr. Casey Finnerty traveled to United Hospital in St. Paul, to attend a lecture delivered by Garnette Sutherland, M.D., one of the world’s most gifted neurosurgeons.

Dr. Sutherland is a professor of neurosurgery at the University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada, and with his team he is pioneering the use of robotics and intraoperative MRI in neurosurgery through research that spans medicine, computer science, engineering and cell biology.

Dr. Sutherland’s use of robotics is extending the limits of precision in surgery. With industrial partners he has developed the first surgical robot capable of operating within the core of an MRI machine, allowing surgeons to operate with the guidance of MRI real-time images.

Following Dr. Sutherland’s presentation, the Saint Mary’s group participated in an extensive tour of United Hospital’s neurosurgery units where they saw the functional MRI facility, surgical robots and the hospital's $14 million intraoperative MRI facility. Afterward, the they were able to converse with Dr. Sutherland about his talk and ask questions.

“These students have an interest in neuroscience, so meeting one of the world’s top neurosurgeons was a tremendous opportunity,” said Dr. Finnerty. “They asked some great questions! And I was really appreciative of the time Dr. Sutherland took to speak with our students. Meeting people who work at the frontier of human achievement excites your imagination and inspires you to do the hard work needed to reach your dreams, and I think such excitement and inspiration is critical to student success.

“We even had the pleasure of meeting a Saint Mary’s alumnus and biology major, Mr. Roger Saindon ’77, on our hospital tour. I find I run into Saint Mary’s alumni all the time!”

The group thanks Dr. Larry Kuusisto, vice president of Education and executive director of the Alley Institute for making their attendance possible, and to Timothy Bollig and others at United Hospital for giving them such an outstanding tour of the neurosurgery imaging and surgical units. Video of Dr. Sutherland is available at this link: http://bit.ly/hqbfEn.

Windley-Daoust receives sabbatical grant

Dr. Susan Windley-Daoust, assistant professor of Theology, has received a 2011 Sabbatical Grant for Researchers from the Louisville Institute, a Lilly Endowment funded program supporting those who lead and study American religious institutions.

According the Institute, “The Louisville Institute seeks to identify and support ecclesially-engaged academics and intellectually-astute pastoral and religious leaders whose scholarly research work can contribute to the vitality of Christianity in North America. The Sabbatical Grants for Researchers program supports year-long sabbatical research projects that can contribute to our enhanced understanding of important issues concerning Christian faith and life, pastoral leadership, and/or religious institutions.”

The grant enables Dr. Windley-Daoust to take a full year sabbatical during 2011-2012 to research and write on “Theology of the Body, Extended: The Spiritual Signs of Childbirth, Disability, and Death,” a constructive theology on what it means to be created to be an incarnate sign that points to union with God.

Psi Chi inducts new members

Psi Chi, the International Honor Society in Psychology at Saint Mary’s, inducted new members at a meeting Tuesday, March 1.


New inductees include: Morgan Carlson, Sheree Haslemore, Allison Johnson, Jamie Jones, Megan Leisen, Kathryn Metz, Cathryn Rennie, Catherine Smith, Danielle Strebel and Christopher Williams.

They join existing members: Kelsi Addabbo, Cassandra Berning, Caitlyn Cole, Kristina Empanger, Bethany Hastings, Tiearra Johnson, Nakisa Khoshnevis, Caitlyn Knudson, Steven Lochen, Colleen Norwell, Robert Sassetti and Casey Twardowski.

Sympathy to White family

Arlene Isabe White, 84, mother of Donna White ’91, (SMU Barnes and Noble) died Thursday, Feb. 24, at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center in La Crosse, Wis.

A note of condolence can be sent to Donna and her family at Box 11.

The Saint Mary’s community extends its sympathy to the White family.

Jazz notes

Swing Inc. will perform 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. today, Friday, March 4, at Signature’s Restaurant.

Reminder: No ‘Campus Notes’ next week

Because of spring break, there will be no “Campus Notes” next week. The next edition will be Friday, March 18. Look ahead on your calendars. The deadline for that issue is Wednesday, March 16.