Taylor Richmond benefit to help alumnus, veteran

Saint Mary’s will present the 12th annual Taylor Richmond Benefit Dance from 8:30 p.m. to midnight Saturday, March 24.

The beneficiary of this year’s formal dance — open to the public — is alumnus Josh Misiewicz, a Marine veteran who was severely injured this past summer while serving in Afghanistan.

Marine Lance Corporal Misiewicz grew up in La Grange, Ill., where he was a well-known hockey star. He attended Saint Mary’s for two years (2006-08) before pursuing his passion to become a U.S. Marine.

In July, his life changed in a flash: a landmine exploded and he suffered the loss of both legs and two shattered eardrums. He recovered at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Maryland, where his positive attitude and enduring spirit served as an example to others.

Misiewicz received the Purple Heart medal this past fall.

Even though the federal government covers Misiewicz's medical expenses, the family is facing many other long-term costs including transportation, home improvements, and a hand-controlled vehicle. Josh and his parents are planning to return to Winona for the event.

The benefit dance has become an annual tradition since its start in 2001 by students in honor of Taylor Richmond, son of SMU staff member Nikki Richmond and her husband Nick Richmond of Cochrane, Wis. 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 gymnasium. Ticket prices are $18 per person or $30 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 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. March 22-23. 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.

To make a donation, send checks — payable to the Taylor Richmond Benefit Dance — to Thompson at Campus Box 1528.

Founder’s Day is March 27

Saint Mary’s will present awards to a dedicated faculty member, a Lasallian educator and two outstanding seniors at its Founder’s Day celebration Tuesday, March 27. Founder’s Day is the annual celebration of the founding of Saint Mary’s in 1912 by Winona Bishop Patrick R. Heffron.

Roger Peckover, Ph.D., professor and associate director of the Master of Education program, will receive this year’s Bishop Patrick Heffron Award for Service. Every other year the Saint Mary’s community is invited to nominate persons whom they believe have contributed positively to the life of the university, demonstrated a long-term commitment to the values of the university, and been models of the Lasallian spirit in their interactions with colleagues and students.

Mary Catherine Fox, ’75, M’89, Ph.D., professor of interdisciplinary studies, was chosen as this year’s Distinguished Lasallian Educator. These awards are given by Lasallian institutions in the North American-Toronto Region of the De La Salle Christian Brothers to honor contributions and commitment to the Lasallian mission of education.

Additionally, the Outstanding Male and Female Senior Awards will be presented.

The following students are finalists for the 2012 Outstanding Senior Awards — Males: Brian William Dillon, son of Bill and Lisa Dillon of Arden Hills, Minn.; Luis Escobar, son of Francia Acevedo and Santiago Escobar Sr. of Madelia, Minn.; Kevin Halpin, son of James and Marie Halpin of Bartlett, Ill.; Robert "Robby" McGuire, son of Ann and John McGuire of Rochester, Minn.; and Michael Mockler, son of John and Caroline Mockler of Dubuque, Iowa. Females: Lauren Baier, daughter of Patrick and Ruth Baier of Mount Horeb, Wis.; Ellen Koneck, daughter of Mark and Nancy Bina of New Brighton, Minn.; Amy Kujak, daughter of Paul and Barb Kujak of River Falls, Wis.; Jill Spitzmueller, daughter of Kathy and Bill Spitzmueller of New Brighton, Minn.; and Regina Quandt, daughter of Dan and Cathy Quandt from Minneapolis, Minn.

Below is the truncated schedule for the day.

• 7:45 to 9 a.m. classes meet 7:45 to 8:35 a.m.
• 9:15 to 10:30 a.m. classes meet 8:45 to 9:35 a.m.
• 10:45 a.m. to Noon classes meet 9:45 to 10:35 a.m.
• 10:45 a.m. – Eucharistic Liturgy, Saint Thomas More Chapel
• 1:15 p.m. – Convocation, Page Theatre
• 3 p.m. – Reception, Michael H. Toner Student Center, Hall of Fame
• 12:15 to 1:30 p.m. classes meet 3:20 to 4 p.m.
• 1:45 to 3 p.m. classes meet 4:10 to 4:50 p.m.
• Classes that meet anytime after 3 p.m. start at 5 p.m. and end at the discretion of the instructor.

De La Salle Week schedule

A variety of activities are scheduled for this year’s De La Salle Week, which will run Sunday, March 25, through Saturday, March 31.

Sunday, March 25
• 10:30 a.m. and 9 p.m. — Opening Liturgies, Saint Thomas More Chapel; refreshments served after Mass
• 1 to 3 p.m. — Help care for The Woods disc golf course. Register in Campus Ministry

Monday, March 26
“Faith in the Presence of God”
• 7:30 a.m. — Free donuts, first floor Saint Mary’s Hall
• 12:10 p.m. — Liturgy, Saint Thomas More Chapel
• 5:30 p.m. — Dine with the Divine: Students — Brother Larry Schatz, FSC, to lead conversation with students. RSVP in Campus Ministry

Tuesday, March 27 (Founder’s Day)
“Quality Education”
• 7:30 a.m. — Free donuts, first floor Saint Mary’s Hall
• 10:45 a.m. — Liturgy, Saint Thomas More Chapel — by the Most Rev. John M. Quinn, Bishop, Diocese of Winona, Celebrant
• 1:15 p.m. — Convocation, Page Theater; with presentation of the Distinguished Lasallian Educator Award; Bishop Patrick Heffon Award; and Outstanding Senior Awards
• 3 p.m. — Convocation Reception, Hall of Fame Room
• 8 p.m. — Lasallian Collegians Meeting, President’s Room, with Brother Claude Reinhardt, FSC

Wednesday, March 28
“Inclusive Community”
• 7:30 a.m. — Free donuts, first floor Saint Mary’s Hall
• 12:10 p.m. — Liturgy, Saint Thomas More Chapel
• 4 p.m. — Young Lasallian Gathering with Joseph Gilson, President’s Room
• 7:30 p.m. — SPLaSH performances, Valéncia Arts Center
• 8 p.m. — Evening prayer, Common Room
• 9 p.m. — Campus movie, “The Human Experience,” Salvi Lecture Hall. Pizza will be served in honor of De La Salle Week

Thursday, March 29
“Respect of all persons”
• 8 a.m. — Morning Prayer, Toner Student Center Lounge. Students, faculty, and staff are invited to join the Christian Brothers for morning prayer. Breakfast will follow – all are welcome
•Noon — Lasallian Luncheon for faculty and staff with Brother Claude Reinhardt, President’s Room. By invitation to participants in Lasallian formation programs
• 12:10 p.m. — Liturgy, Saint Thomas More Chapel
• 2 p.m. —  Cookies and milk, first floor, Saint Mary’s Hall
• 4 p.m. — Wine & Cheese Social for faculty and staff with Brother Claude Reinhardt. Attendees should read this article in advance — http://axis.smumn.edu/index.php/axis
• 5:30 p.m. — Recognition dinner: students, President’s Room with Theresa Breault ‘11. By inviation
• 7:30 p.m. — SPLaSH student performances, Valéncia Arts Center

Friday, March 30
“Concern for the Poor and Social Justice”
• 7:30 a.m. — Free donuts, first floor Saint Mary’s Hall
• 7:30 to 10 a.m. — Fair Trade Friday, first floor, Saint Marys Hall
• 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. — CTIE lunch and ceremony, Hall of Fame Room. Soup and salad for $5 donation, to benefit CTIE in Nairobi. Brother James Miller Social Justice Grant to be given to Rev. Warren Green of Winona’s “Fresh Start”
• 12:10 p.m. — Liturgy, Saint Thomas More Chapel.
• 7:30 p.m. — SPLaSH student performances, Valéncia Arts Center

Saturday, March 31
• 12:30 p.m. — Kickball and refreshments, Leo Ochrymowycz Soccer Field
• 1 p.m. – Baseball and softball, Max Molock Baseball Field/softball field
• 6 p.m. – Gather at the Christian Brothers’ residence for a pasta dinner (limited to 25 people; sign up in Campus Ministry by March 28)
• 7:30 p.m. — SPLaSH student performances, Valéncia Arts Center

Page Series to host Canadian trio Vishtén

The Canadian trio Vishtén will take to the Page Theatre stage 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 21, with spirited percussive rhythms, impressive three-part harmonies and high-stepping footwork.

Each performance is a warm, dynamic rendering of French-rooted, Celtic-infused traditions. Yet Vishtén uniquely blends together songs that are four centuries old with fresh melodies that are newly minted by the band. They successfully and dynamically incorporate elements of new influences while retaining and staying true to the essential Acadian spirit of their roots.

The band members are accomplished multi-instrumentalists and step-dancers incorporating the fiddle, guitar, accordion, penny-whistle, mandolin, piano, jaw-harp and bodhran into each performance.

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

Hand-Knit Worn by You Contest

The members of Vishtén are avid knitters. In honor of this time-honored craft, patrons are invited to come early and show off their hand-knit clothing and accessories in the lobby of the Performance Center. Photo ops will be available. Participants will be eligible to win prizes including tickets to future events, gift certificates from Yarnology, and more.

Saint Mary’s invites public to Relay for Life March 16-17

The Colleges Against Cancer group invites the community to its 2012 Relay for Life — to be held 6 p.m. to 4 a.m. Friday and Saturday, March 16-17, 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 300 people participated in the event which raised more than $17,000 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: “Cancer Doesn’t Take a Holiday.”

Activities planned through the night include a silent auction, a pin-the-flame-on-the-candle contest, a newlywed game, a relay, a frozen T-shirt race and Zumba at 1 a.m. Participants are welcome to stay for as much or as little as their schedules allow.

To sign up, go to www.relayforlife.org/smu.

For more information, e-mail collegesagainstcancer@smumn.edu.

Concert Band to perform March 25

The Saint Mary’s Concert Band, guest directed by James Knutson, will present a spring concert at 3 p.m. Sunday, March 25, in Page Theatre.

The evening will include a wide variety of works including “American Salute,” “Siyahamba,” “Sticks and Stones (featuring guest artist Rich MacDonald of WSU on drums),” “Suite of Old American Dances,” “Streets of Honor March,” “In Taberna Quando Sumus,” “Who Puts His Trust in God Most Just,” and “Lord of the Rings.”

Jim Knutson has taught music for more than 25 years and currently teaches at Onalaska High School and Saint Mary’s University.

Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students and seniors 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.

Saint Mary’s senior art show runs March 24-May 12

Saint Mary’s seniors will display their artwork in the show “Boundaries Fade” March 24 through May 12 in the Lillian Davis Hogan Galleries.

The first group of artists, displaying March 24 through April 18, includes: Sean Coleman, Sarah Grundhoefer, Laura Larson, Joel Reinhart, Stephen Ronchak, Chris Speltz and Cory Wessels.

The second group of artists, displaying April 21 to May 12, includes: Michael Blanda, Ashley Blum, Keisha Harcey, Maria Ann Harris, Mary Karnick, Sarah Marie Kennedy, Laura Polzin, Morgan Stock, Jim Tandberg and Margaret Villaume.

An opening reception is scheduled for 4:30 to 6 p.m. Saturday, March 24, in the galleries, located in the Toner Student Center.

The galleries — free and open to the public — will be open 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.

Students to produce three plays through ‘SPLaSH’

The Theatre and Dance Department invites the public to the spring “SPLaSH” series — three one-act plays produced by students — March 28 through April 1. The plays will be held at the Valéncia Arts Center’s Academy Theatre, 1164 West Howard St.

SPLaSH, which stands for “short play showcase,” will feature three one-act plays:

• “The Swing Set,” written by senior Tom Conry of Waunakee, Wis., and directed by theatre faculty Judy Myers, is a play about two intertwined people who just missed each other. Maybe it just wasn't meant to be.

• “So, I Wrote This Play…!” is a zany comedy about a man trying to write a play that doesn’t want to be written. This piece is written and directed by senior Rick Baustian of Dell Rapids, S.D.

• “Blackout” by Davey Anderson is adapted and directed by junior Mary Doctor of Aurora, Ill., and is a portrayal inspired by a true story of what happens when young minds are exposed to dangerous ideas.

Shows are scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday, March 28 through 31, and 3 p.m. Sunday, April 1.

Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students and seniors 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.

Jazz Combo I Homecoming concert tonight

A group of Saint Mary’s jazz student musicians have just returned from a tour of Germany. Led by Dr. John Paulson, professor and director of Jazz Studies, the 12-piece “little big band” performed a wide variety of jazz selections at venues in and around the city of Cologne (Köln), Germany from March 5 through March 10.

The public is welcome to attend a free homecoming concert today, Friday, March 16, at 7:30 p.m. in SMU’s Figliulo Recital Hall.

Saint Teresa Institute plans women’s forum

In 2010, 36 million women (29.3%) dedicated 4.7 billion hours of service to communities across the country .

This year’s public “For the Common Good” Women’s Symposium, hosted by the Saint Teresa Institute, delves into the question of why women choose to give so generously of their time and the impact it has on the quality of life and the security of citizens in the United States and around the world.

The event will be held from 3:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday, April 12, in the Toner Student Center and McEnery Center.

Beth Forkner Moe, executive director, United Way of the Greater Winona Area, will set the stage in her opening address. The keynote by Sister Tierney Trueman, OSF, will provide an inside look at the work of faith-based organizations. She will highlight one of the Sisters of Saint Francis ministries which provides education for approximately 1,000 girls: Colegio Santa Francisca Romana in Bogotá, Colombia.

Participants can select from three breakout sessions

• Does it Matter? Does volunteering really make a difference in securing, retaining or being promoted to a position in the workplace?
• In Community: Why does business actively encourage employee volunteerism?
• Still Serving: Why emerging leaders, mothers and senior members of our communities volunteer.

Register online at www.smumn.edu/womensymposium. SMU students will be admitted for free; other student tickets are $10, and adult tickets are $30.

Register early for Row, Ride, Run Triathlon

The annual Saint Mary’s “Row, Ride, Run Triathlon” will take place on Saturday, April 28, beginning at 9 a.m. at Lake Lodge in Winona and finishing on SMU’s Winona campus.

About 100 athletes from throughout the Midwest are expected to register for the race.

Participants will canoe or kayak a 2.5-mile loop around Lake Winona, then bike 14 miles from Lake Winona to the SMU campus. Once on campus, racers will run 3.1 miles through the bluffs surrounding the university.

Proceeds assist Serving Others United in Love (SOUL), a program of SMU’s Office of Campus Ministry. Through SOUL, students are able to connect with diverse communities by participating in national and international service trips.

Registration before March 16 is $20 per individual or $40 per team. After March 16, the cost is $30 per individual or $60 per team. Teams can be made up of two, three or four members.

Participants must be 10 or older to row or run and 15 or older to bike. Awards will be presented to the top three fastest individuals and the top finishing team.

For more information, visit www.smumn.edu/rowriderun or call Ext. 7268.

Day at the Capitol is March 22

Saint Mary's Day at the Capitol is Thursday, March 22. This day is an opportunity for students to lobby state legislators about the importance of the Minnesota State Grant program to Saint Mary's. More than 300 students are the beneficiaries of this program. New this year, a panel of three Saint Mary's alumni will serve as panelists.

Family Pirate Party planned for March 24 at Valéncia

The Dance Repertory Company of Saint Mary’s Conservatory for the Arts is throwing a “Pirate Party,” Saturday, March 24, from 4 to 6 p.m., at the Valéncia Arts Center, 1164 West 10th St.

This family event offers swashbuckling fun for all ages! Games and activities will include walking the plank, a treasure hunt, pin-the-eye-patch on the pirate, cupcake decorating, and a best pirate costume contest. Prizes will be provided to all children who attend.

Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for students, or $20 for an entire family. Cash or check only will be accepted at the door. All proceeds will support the Dance Repertory Company’s Spring production of “Le Corsaire” (the pirate ballet).

The Dance Repertory Company will present “Le Corsaire” April 27-28 at the SMU Page Theatre. The ballet “Le Corsaire,” loosely based on a poem by Lord Byron, follows Medora, a beautiful slave girl, and Conrad, a dashing pirate, as they journey through a tapestry of captive maidens, rich sultans, swashbuckling abductions, and dramatic rescues — all culminating in a happy ending. For tickets to the ballet, visit www.pagetheatre.org or call Ext. 1715.

For more information about the “Pirate Party,” call the Valéncia Arts Center at Ext. 5500.

Tristano presents paper at conference

Richard Tristano, Department of History, presented a paper titled “Rainaldo d’Este: A Historiographical Palimpsest,” at the New College Conference on Medieval and Renaissance Studies.

Employee Giving Campaign update

The Employee Giving Campaign has great momentum. Participation has jumped from 40 to 44 percent in a week. Congratulations to this week’s drawing winners, Stacy Popp and Fred de Sam Lazaro. Stacy is receiving a $25 gift certificate to Blue Heron Coffeehouse, and Fred won a $50 Target gift card.

If you participated last year, please consider renewing your support. Your renewal, added to our current standings, will push us closer to our goal of 65 percent participation by March 30. Let’s keep the momentum going!

If you have questions about the Employee Giving Campaign, please contact Jennifer Teske at Ext. 6675 or jteske@smumn.edu. Thank you for support!

SMU hosts sustainability forums

Student Life will once again hold a series of forums this semester on issues related to sustainability. The forums are intended to provide interested students, staff and faculty with the opportunity to learn more about the broad concepts of sustainability, discuss these issues as they relate to our daily lives both on and off campus, and then identify actions to contribute toward a more sustainable future.

• “Food, Compost and Recycling” — Tuesday, March 20, 7:30 p.m., Damien Commons in Watters Hall

It has been said that “Food goes to the heart of civilization.” Topics for dialogue will include: Food and nutrition security, famine, waste, organic food, composting, fair-trade, “eat local,” community gardens, “foodies,” carbon-free diet, etc. We are what we eat, so come and share your point of view.

• “Water” — Tuesday, April 24, 7:30 p.m., Toner Student Center Lounge

If today the issue is oil, then tomorrow the issue will be water. Whether gathered in your reusable container, flowing down the Mississippi River, pumped from the ground, or falling from the sky, water is at the core of all life on earth and we can’t take it for granted anymore. Come and dialogue with us about water!

Next Financial Forum March 20

The next Financial Forum will be held 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 20, in Salvi Lecture Hall.

Sympathy to Lemmer family

Maxine Lemmer Duffy, mother of Nick Lemmer ’94, (Marketing & Comunication), mother-in-law of Kristina (Engbloom ’93) Lemmer, and sister-in-law of Nikki Richmond, (Campus Ministry) died Friday, March 2. A card of condolence can be sent to Campus P.O. 36. The Saint Mary’s community extends its sympathy to the Lemmer family.