Thursday, November 10, 2011

Saint Mary’s to host panel discussion on food insecurity

Under-Told Stories journalist Fred de Sam Lazaro to report on trip to East Africa

The public is invited to experience a real and emotional taste of the dire conditions of East Africa during a discussion on “From the Famine Frontline: The Complex Issue of Food Security” Thursday, Nov. 17, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. in Salvi Hall.

Fred de Sam Lazaro, director of the “Under-Told Stories Project” and a correspondent for PBS NewsHour with Jim Lehrer, and his team will have recently returned from the famine frontlines of East Africa. Joined by other panelists, de Sam Lazaro invites the public to participate in a discussion about how to feed a complex world whose population will climb to 9 billion by mid-century.

“East Africa’s crisis demands our immediate attention but the famine’s causes are a deep and complex web of economics, politics, conflict, climate uncertainty and social indifference — a threat that could persist well into the future,” he said.

The event will be moderated by Jon Sawyer, executive director of the Pulitzer Center on Crisis Reporting. Other panelists will include Dr. David Lynch, chair of the SMU Department of Social Science, and Sharon Schmickle, foreign affairs and science correspondent for MinnPost.com.

For more information, go to www.smumn.edu/foodinsecurityforum.

The event is sponsored by Saint Mary’s, the Hendrickson Institute for Ethical Leadership and the Under-Told Stories Project, in conjunction with the Pulitzer Center for Crisis Reporting.

The “Under-Told Stories Project,” sponsored by and in partnership with Saint Mary’s, shares stories from some of the world’s most remote locations through PBS NewsHour and other media organizations. The partnership brings de Sam Lazaro to the university’s Minneapolis campus, provides new learning opportunities to Saint Mary’s students, and is intended to raise awareness for the local ramifications of global issues.

Cupcakes for a Cause and African art fundraiser today

On Friday, Nov. 11, a scholarships fundraiser for students in SMU’s institutes in Africa will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the first floor hallway of Saint Mary Hall.

Purchase a cupcake for $1 (or 6 for $5) and be entered in a drawing to win a framed African batik. The drawing will occur at 2 p.m., and you don’t need to be present to win. The event will also include a sale of African batiks (three different sizes; some framed), textiles, and a few statues and carvings direct from Kenya. Have a snack, take home some treats for the weekend, and/or buy a gift. This event is co-sponsored by the First-Generation Initiative and the Office of Institutional Effectiveness and Research.

Speaker to share ‘The Fastenal Story’ Nov. 17

Will Oberton, CEO of Fastenal (an international provider of construction supplies based in Winona), will present “The Fastenal Story” at 3:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 17, in Salvi Lecture Hall. Faculty, staff and students are invited. The event is sponsored by the Business Office.

Oberton joined Fastenal in 1980 as a part-time warehouse worker. Since then he has served in various sales, operational, and, ultimately, management roles, including chief operating officer, vice president, and executive vice president. He was named president of the company in July 2001 and has served as CEO since December 2002.

Students to stage tragic tale in ‘Machinal’ Nov. 16-20

The Department of Theatre and Dance will present the tragic story of a woman driven to murder after being dominated by men, marriage, motherhood and machines in the 1928 expressionist play, “Machinal” Nov. 16-20.

The story revolves around the predestined main character, Helen, who lives a life that has been dictated to her. She follows the rituals that society expects of a woman, however resistant she may feel about them, and subsequently marries her boss, whom she finds repulsive. After having a baby with him, followed by an affair with a younger man who fuels her lust for life, she is driven to murder her husband. She is found guilty of the crime and meets her end, ironically, in a machine — the electric chair.

“Machinal” is inspired by the real-life case of convicted and executed murderess Ruth Snyder — the first woman ever to be executed in the electric chair in New York State after she, along with her lover, murdered her husband. The play’s author, Sophie Treadwell, covered Snyder’s murder trial as a reporter.

Under the direction of Judy Myers, “Machinal” will take to the stage at the ValĂ©ncia Arts Center, 10th and Vila streets, at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday, Nov. 16-19, and 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 20.

Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students and seniors and are available online at www.pagetheatre.org at the Performance Center Box Office, Ext. 1715, Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Blue Angel 2011 a success!

The Brothers of Phi Mu Alpha would like to thank the Saint Mary’s community for their overwhelming support of Blue Angel 2011 More than 630 people enjoyed this year’s performances. Thanks go to everyone who helped make Blue Angel a success.

New choral works by O’Shea, Heukeshoven to premiere

Two new compositions for choir by music department faculty members Dr. Patrick O’Shea and A. Eric Heukeshoven will be premiered by the La Crosse Chamber Chorale next week through the group’s “Words to Music” commissioning project.

Words to Music is a project in which poetry written by local students is set to music by regional composers. La Crosse area students in 4th through 8th grade literature and writing classes submitted poems based on the theme “It’s Magic!” in early 2011. Five area composers each chose one to become the text of a new musical work.

O’Shea’s setting of Melanie Klemond’s poem “Gravity Defied” is accompanied by violin and cello.

Heukeshoven’s work is based on Sophia Nystrom’s poem, “Just Believe.” Flute, clarinet, cello, and triangle accompany the choir. The SMU Music Department is further represented by Dr. Janet Heukeshoven on flute, Derek Clark on cello, and Jim Knutson with percussion.

Three performances of the new works are scheduled:

Saturday, Nov. 12 — 7:30 p.m.
Prince of Peace Lutheran Church
La Crescent, Minn.
Tickets $16 (adults), $10 (students/seniors)

Sunday, Nov. 13 — 3 p.m.
Our Savior's Lutheran Church
La Crosse, Wis.
Tickets $16 (adults), $10 (students/seniors)

For more information, go www.chamberchorale.org/index.html or contact Eric Heukeshoven at Ext. 7292.

Veterans Day ceremony planned for Nov. 11

On Nov. 11, in recognition of Veterans Day, a small ceremony will be held at the Saint Mary’s Veterans Memorial beginning at 11 a.m. Dr. Bill Crozier, university archivist, has put together a video tribute for the occasion, and members of the choir will perform. A prayer remembrance will be held for all those who have served and sacrificed in the U.S. armed forces, especially those from the Saint Mary’s community. A reception will be held in the Toner Student Center following the ceremony.

Students to show art in ‘Ideas that Spark’

By Brianna Nelson
By Sarah Kraft

Students will display energetic and electrifying work in “Ideas that Spark,” the all-campus student art exhibit Nov. 19 through Dec. 14 in the Lillian Davis Hogan Galleries.

The show features 2011 SMU December art graduates Danielle Cossetta, Sarah Kraft, Brianna Nelson, and Charlie Williams. An opening reception for the artists will be held 4:30 to 6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 19, at the galleries.

The Lillian Davis Hogan Galleries are open 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily and are free and open to the public.

Oldie Moldies to perform at Signatures Nov. 12


Catch dinner and a show with the Oldie Moldie All-Stars Saturday, Nov. 12, at Visions Event Center.

Rock along to your favorite ’50s, ’60s and ’70s tunes while you enjoy a menu of house salad, pan-seared Canadian walleye fillet, wild rice pilaf, mixed vegetables, caper tarter sauce, rolls and butter, and strawberry shortcake. A chicken or pasta option is available by reservation.

The Oldies are members of the national music fraternity Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia at Saint Mary’s. The group consists of 11 talented and engaging singers and band members.

Doors open at 5:30 p.m., and dinner will be served at 7 p.m.; the Oldies will perform two sets, one at 6:30 p.m., and a second at 7:45 p.m.

The price for the dinner and show is $32 per person; reservations can be made now by calling Signatures at (507) 454-3767. Payment is accepted at time of reservation.

Visions Event Center is located at Signatures Restaurant, 22852 County Road 17 in Pleasant Valley.

Kowles to give a talk at Winona Public Library

Dr. Dick Kowles, professor emeritus of biology, will give a presentation at the Winona Public Library on Wednesday, Nov. 15, at 2 p.m. Kowles will discuss his most recent book, “The Wonder of Genetics,” with a focus on the chapter titled “The Fountain of Youth.” In addition, he will touch on the joys and struggles of writing and publishing a trade book.

‘In My Defense’ series begins Nov. 15

How does an “ideal” college relationship turn into a marriage marked by infidelity and emotional and verbal abuse? “In My Defense,” is a two-part series, hosted by the Saint Teresa Leadership and Service Institute, for women interested in safe and healthy relationships.

• All women on campus are invited to join “Lost Edens” author Jamie Patterson and Dr. Ann Gibson in exploring the inner workings of relationships while maintaining one’s own voice and sense of self. The event is 6 to 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 15, in the Common Room, Saint Mary’s Hall.

The series concludes Monday, Nov. 21, when Jerry Olson, a Winona police officer and a self- defense instructor, leads participants through simple defense moves to use when words fail. Avoid being physically attacked and know what to do if you are. The event is 6:30-8:30 p.m. in the Common Room.

Fox to host etiquette dinner for students Nov. 15

Dr. Mary Catherine Fox, professor of Interdisciplinary Studies, will present an etiquette dinner Tuesday, Nov. 15, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. in the President’s Room of the Toner Student Center. Dr. Fox will offer etiquette tips for success during luncheon interviews and dining situations. Student participants can learn table manners, silverware savvy, napkin etiquette and social graces. The cost is $10.

Students must sign up in Career Services, Room 136 of Saint Mary’s Hall, by Nov. 14. A four-course meal including a garden salad, chicken kiev, baby carrots with dill butter, fettuccine with a white herb sauce and dessert, will be served. For more information, e-mail Jackie Baker at jbaker@smumn.edu.

Cardinal Corner Update

The Cardinal Corner, located in the basement of the Toner Student Center, recently received “a ton” of vintage soccer uniform parts. Check out their basketball shorts, warm-up pants, zip ups, jerseys and T-shirts — available for $5, $10 or $15. The Brother Stephen shirts are coming soon!

Jazz notes

Swing Inc. will perform 6 to 9 p.m. Nov. 11 at Signature’s Restaurant, and the Standard Time Duo will be at the Canadian Honker Restaurant in Rochester from 7 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 12.

The John Paulson Trio performs 7 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 12, at Michael’s Restaurant in Rochester, and Dr. Paulson performs with the Miles Johnston Quartet from 8 p.m. to midnight Friday, Nov. 18 at the Starlight Lounge in La Crosse.

Sympathy to Nesler, Fox families

Dale I. Reishus, father of Jo Nesler,(administrative assistant) and June Fox (Registrar's Office) and grandfather of John Fox '10, died Wednesday, Nov. 9. Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 12, at Central Lutheran Church. Visitation is today, Friday, Nov. 11, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Fawcett-Junker Funeral Home and on Saturday, Nov. 12, from 10 to 10:30 a.m. at the church.

A note of sympathy can be sent to Jo Nesler at Campus Box 78 or June Fox at Campus Box 37.

The Saint Mary's community extends its sympathies to these families.