Thursday, November 29, 2012

Holiday services announced

The Patronal Feast Mass is scheduled for 12:10 p.m. Friday, Dec. 7, at Saint Thomas More Chapel, and the Christmas Light Service is set for 9 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 13,  followed by the traditional pre-finals breakfast.

Jazz, percussion groups join talents for Dec. 7 concert



The Jazz Ensemble, Jazz Combo I and World Drum Ensemble will combine for an evening of hot jazz to melt away the chill of the season at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 7, in Page Theatre.

Both jazz groups are directed by SMU’s new director of jazz studies, A. Eric Heukeshoven. The World Drum Ensemble is directed by Denny McGuire.

Jazz Ensemble highlights include classic big band arrangements of “Shiny Stockings” and “Secret Love,” as well as contemporary settings of “Sister Sadie” and the funk classic “Chimps on the Loose.”

Jazz Combo I will showcase their improvisation skills on such jazz hits as “Take Five” and “Fly Me to the Moon,” along with a special tribute to legendary jazz composer Thelonius Monk.

Vocalist Jessica Ingvalson will be featured on two classic jazz ballads, “Georgia on my Mind” and “When Sunny Gets Blue.” The World Drum Ensemble will join the Jazz Ensemble on Minnesota native Dean Sorenson’s  “Carneval del Sol.”  

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.

‘Lessons and Carols’ Christmas service is Dec. 8


The joyous and uplifting Christmas service of “Lessons and Carols” will be presented at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 8.

The beautiful service, held in the majestic Chapel of Saint Mary of the Angels, features the Concert Choir and Chamber Singers, directed by Dr. Patrick O’Shea.

“Lessons and Carols” reflects on the Christmas story through several short readings, hymns and Christmas carols sung by the choirs and audience. Music includes familiar carols and selections by composers from the Renaissance to the present.

The Chapel of Saint Mary of the Angels is located at Wabasha and Vila streets in Winona.

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.

Concert Band to present winter concert


The Concert Band will perform a variety of music during its winter concert 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 9, at Page Theatre.

The band will perform “Fanfare & Flourishes” by James Curnow; “Symphonic Suite” by Clifton Williams; “Canterbury Chorale” by Jan Van der Roost; “Inglesina – the Little English Girl” by Davide Delle Cese; “Ireland: Of Legend and Lore” by Robert W. Smith; and “A Christmas Festival” by Leroy Anderson.

The concert will be followed by the traditional Christmas lobby party, which will feature a selection of holiday treats. Smaller ensembles will perform Christmas music throughout the reception.

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.


Chamber Orchestra to perform Dec. 9


The Chamber Orchestra will perform the “Sounds of Christmas”  7:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 9, at Figliulo Recital Hall.

The orchestra is under the direction of Dr. David Leung.

The recital will feature Baroque masterpieces that are most appropriate for the Advent season including  “Christmas Concerto” by Corelli and Vivaldi’s “Winter” from his ever-popular “Four Seasons.” The breathtaking “O Magnum Mysterium” by Lauridsen, the light-hearted “Sleigh Ride” by Mozart, and the humorous “Farewell” symphony by Haydn will round out the holiday performance. A special guest, Dr. Kyle Black from the Modern and Classical Languages Department, will recite inspiring sonnets in various languages between compositions.

The concert is free and open to the public.

Tickets for Trouble sold out; second show added

Although tickets are now sold out for the “Off the Page” performance by Vanessa Trouble, Dec. 20, at the Minnesota Marine Art Museum, a second show has now been added. Tickets will go on sale Monday for a second show by Trouble on Friday, Dec. 21. The locally raised jazz vocalist will sing holiday songs with a jazz beat. Contact the box office or go to www.pagetheatre.org, starting Monday for tickets.

Dance Repertory Company presents ‘The Nutcracker’


The Department of Theatre and Dance and the Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts (MCA) will present the Dance Repertory Company in “The Nutcracker,” today through Sunday, Dec. 2 in Page Theatre.

This year marks the company’s seventh biennial production of the piece and features a special choral performance by MCA’s Winona Area Youth Singers at the conclusion of Act I in the Land of Snow.

The cast includes more than 90 members, comprised of students from Saint Mary’s University, Winona State University, MCA and children and community members from Winona and the surrounding areas.

“The Nutcracker” will be presented at 6:30 p.m. today, Friday,  Nov. 30, and Saturday, Dec. 1, and at 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 2. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students and seniors.

To order tickets, call the Saint Mary’s Box Office from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday at Ext. 1715 or visit www.pagetheatre.org.

Men’s hockey team holds annual Teddy Bear Toss


The men’s hockey team will hold the third annual Toys For Tots Teddy Bear Toss on Friday, Nov. 30, during the Cardinals’ 7:30 p.m. home game against St. Olaf at the SMU Ice Arena.

Fans are encouraged to bring a teddy bear or stuffed animal — preferably new, but used in good condition will also be accepted and appreciated. Teddy bears will also be available at the area for a donation of $1. Collection bins will be located in Campus Ministry and on the first floor of Saint Mary’s Hall for anyone wishing to donate a teddy bear.

After the first SMU goal in the first period — or at the end of the first period if SMU fails to score — fans will have an opportunity to throw their teddy bear and/or stuffed animal(s) onto the ice. They will then be collected and go directly to benefit area children during the Christmas holiday.

The men’s hockey team will also have a collection bin in the SMU Ice Arena lobby for anyone wishing to donate a toy other than a teddy bear for Toys For Tots.


All-Campus Student Art Exhibit runs through Dec. 15

Saint Mary’s students will display their artwork in the show “Clarity” through Dec. 15 in the Lillian Davis Hogan Galleries. The 2012 All-Campus Student Art Exhibit will feature senior art exhibitions by Nikki Farmer and Marie Fidler. The galleries — free and open to the public — will be open 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.

Chapel to be included on Christmas house tour


SMU’s Chapel of Saint Mary of the Angels will participate in this year’s Christmas Candlelight House Tour on Sunday, Dec. 2. The interior features various colors of imported marble, rich mosaics and stained glass windows. For more information, go to www.winonahistory.org.

Tickets are $10 for Winona County Historical Society members and $12 for the public.


Basketball team invites community to bring toys for Gifts for Winona program


The men’s basketball team is partnering with the Saint Mary’s University Gifts for Winona program to collect toys on Saturday, Dec. 8.

On Dec. 8, the men’s team will play Crown College at 3 p.m. in the SMU Gym. Attendees are encouraged to bring along a variety of new toys for girls and boys, which will be distributed through Gifts for Winona.

The Saint Mary’s University Gifts for Winona program, now in its 11th year, helps more than 1,600 people in the Winona area have happier holidays.


ICAA presents film to draw attention to Dakota history


Inter-Cultural Awareness Association (ICAA) recently presented “Dakota 38,” a powerful film tracking a 330 mile horseback Unity Ride of reconciliation on the 150th anniversary of the 1862 Dakota Conflict which led to the hanging of 38 Native Americans in Mankato, Minn.

A vibrant discussion followed the film, led by Gus Higheagle, the spiritual leader of the Tankan Chan Tipi Unity Riders from Canupawakpa Dakota Nation in Manitoba, Canada.  He was the “wrangler” (organizer) of the Unity Ride that is the subject of the film and appeared numerous times in the film.  

Senior class gathering Dec. 6


The senior class gathering Thursday, Dec. 6, will be held 6-7:30 p.m. in the Toner Student Center Lounge. Beverages and hors d’oeuvres will be served.

This event is intended to honor all senior students, with special recognition for mid-year graduates of the College.

Three ski races scheduled

Depending on weather conditions, Saint Mary’s will host three cross-country races this winter: Dec. 16, Jan. 27 and Feb. 17. The fees will be $10 per race (includes entry and bib). Registration will be open 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., the 10K classic races will start at 11 a.m., and the skate-style races will begin at 1 p.m.

Soccer teams host camp for Big, Little Pals

The men’s and women’s soccer teams hosted a soccer camp for the Big and Little Pals program at Saint Mary’s. More than 100 people were involved in the event, which combined service, justice and athletics.

Graphic design student attends conference


LeiLani Oas, a graphic design major, attended SEEK, an AIGA (the professional association for design) sponsored conference at NIU in DeKalb, Ill.

Leading New York and Chicago designers (with clients ranging from Nike to McDonald’s) spoke to students about the design industry, preparing portfolios, and the digital innovations sweeping the field.  Lisa Truax and Rob McColl, associate professors in the Art and Design Department, joined Oas at the conference.

Speakers to address diabetes at next Dining for Women


Jill O’Donnell, RN, CDE, Winona Health, and Lisa Obasi ’10 will share their experiences and address the “silent epidemic” at the next Dining for Women. Worldwide 3.2 million diabetes-related deaths are reported annually, a number equivalent to that of HIV/AIDS-related deaths. There are six diabetes-related deaths every minute. Obasi will share her experiences of working in Nigeria while O’Donnell will focus on how this silent disease leads to death, incapacitation, and negative impact on quality of life as those with diabetes spend years coping with their life-changing affliction here in the greater Winona area.

Members of the Saint Mary’s community are invited to attend Dining for Women, 6-7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 5, in Conference Room B, Toner Center. Dinner will be a selection of appetizers. Registration for the event is requested. E-mail Peg Winters at pwinters@smumn.edu to reserve your seat.

Fox defines ‘Lasallian’ in DeLaSalle Today article

Mary Catherine Fox, Ph.D., professor of interdisciplinary studies, has an article published in the current issue of the magazine, DeLaSalle Today. Fox’s article, titled, “What is Lasallian?” suggests a shorthand for responding to questions about mission and purpose in the Lasallian world. DeLaSalle Today is published twice a year by Christian Brothers Conference and is available online and in print. The article may be accessed at:  http://lasallian.info/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/DLST-Fall-2012.pdf.

New videos highlight activities on campus


Student Life has put together two videos highlighting fall events on campus, the Halloween Fun Night and  Family Weekend. Check out the fun at:

• Halloween Fun Night
www.youtube.com/watch?v=PvPqj-fiGZA&feature=plcp
• SMU Family Weekend
www.youtube.com/watch?v=mQmnSG-HWnY&feature=plcp

Rannikko competes in Miss Minnesota Pageant

Sophomore Maija Rannikko competed in the Miss Minnesota USA Pageant this past weekend.  Out of 500 applicants, she was one of 30 to take part in this weekend’s activities.  Although she did not place, she represented her home town of Duluth and Saint Mary’s with grace, poise and a winning attitude.

Spartz quoted in AV Technology magazine



Jason Spartz, director of instructional technology, was quoted in the November issue of AV Technology magazine which is a publication for technology managers and users.  The article is titled “Top Ten Tips for New Tech Managers.”

Windley-Daoust published in America Magazine

Susan Windley-Daoust, assistant professor of Theology, wrote an article published in the Nov 26, 2012 copy of America Magazine: The National Catholic Weekly, titled “Never Too Late: Seeking Reconciliation 150 Years After the Dakota Uprising,” a reflection on the Great Dakota Gathering that occurred this past September in Winona. Read the article at www.americamagazine.org/content/article.cfm?article_id=13712.

Alum returns to SMU for mock trial


The second annual SMU Mock Trial was held in November and was a resounding success. This year’s case involved allegations of cyber bullying and was expertly presented by SMU students playing the role of attorneys.

Jeunesse Rutledge and Daniela Martinez were the attorneys for the plaintiff and Cathy Rennie and Kevin Halpin represented the defendant. There were two juries composed of SMU students: one jury voted for the plaintiff and the other for the defendant.



SMU was also honored to have Don Ivansek ’83, a distinguished and highly successful Chicago attorney, and an alumnus of Saint Mary’s, act as the judge for the Mock Trial.

The witnesses were expertly played by the following SMU theatre students: Katie Kelsey, Mary Doctor, Tabatha Garlough-Jones, Sarah Collova, Samantha Gibson, and Phil Soulides.

The mock trial gives SMU pre-law students the opportunity to participate in a litigated case and get trial experience. Any SMU student who is interested in finding out more about the mock trial or other SMU pre-law activities should contact Larry Price at lprice@smumn.edu.

Alum speaks to business students

The School of Business hosted a presentation by SMU alum Lucas Erdmann ’07 on Wednesday, Nov. 28. Erdmann, Accountant II at Ingersoll Rand/Trane Company in La Crosse,  shared his transition from accounting student to his current position. This was the first session of a speaker series sponsored by the School of Business.  Throughout this academic year, usually the first Friday of the month, presentations will be offered at 12:30 p.m. in the Common Room.    

Sympathy to Gorrell, Frahm families


Mae Gorrell, mother of Larry Gorrell (program director of the M.A. in Human Development) died Nov. 21.

A full obituary and photo gallery can be viewed at www.legacy.com/obituaries/startribune/obituary.aspx?n=mae-resha-gorrell&pid=161294689. Notes of condolence can be sent to campus box 28 at the Twin Cities campus.

Vernon Peterson, father of JoAnn Frahm of the Office of Admission, died unexpectedly last week. Cards of condolence can be sent to campus box 2.

The Saint Mary’s community extends its sympathy to the Gorrell and Frahm families.