Chamber Singers to perform in the Twin Cities, California

The Chamber Singers will perform in Minneapolis and Columbia Heights, Minn., and in California as part of their 2014 concert tour.

The 26-voice select ensemble is directed by Dr. Patrick O’Shea. Tour performances will include the following liturgies and concerts:

• Basilica of Saint Mary, Minneapolis, Saturday, March 1, Mass 5 p.m.
• Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Columbia Heights, Minn., Sunday, March 2, Mass 10 a.m., Concert 3 p.m.
• San Antonio Winery, Los Angeles, Tuesday, March 4, 7 p.m. (alumni event)
• Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church, El Cajon, Calif., Wednesday, March 5, Vespers 7 p.m.
• St. Joseph Cathedral, San Diego, Calif., Saturday, March 8, Mass 5:15 p.m.
• Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church, El Cajon, Calif., Sunday, March 9, Mass 11 a.m., Concert 1:30 p.m.

All concerts are free and open to the public and guests are, of course, welcome at the various liturgies. Repertoire will include a cappella works by Howells, Brahms, Arcadelt, Alice Parker and Moses Hogan.

Upon their return, the Chamber Singers will present a free “Homecoming Concert” at the Chapel of Saint Mary of the Angels, 7th and Vila streets, at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 13.

For more information, call Ext. 1598.

Saint Mary’s to host regional science, engineering fair

The 61st annual Southeast Minnesota and Western Wisconsin Regional Science and Engineering Fair will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday, Feb. 28, in the gymnasium.

The regional fair is a joint venture between SMU, Winona State University and community members, and the two colleges alternate hosting the event. Approximately 120 students from regional middle school and high schools will participate in the fair. These schools will include La Crescent Middle School, Bluffview Montessori School, Winona Middle School, Cotter Junior High and Cotter High School, Cochrane-Fountain City High School, Luck High School, Chatfield Schools, Shattuck St. Mary’s and Winona Senior High School.

The student exhibits are open to the public from 3 to 5 p.m. An awards ceremony will begin at 7 p.m. in the gymnasium. Students are chosen to advance to either the Minnesota Academy of Science or the Badger State Science fairs. One senior-level project is chosen to advance to the International Science and Engineering Fair.

SMU presents six plays in ‘SPLaSH’ Feb. 21-23

The Theatre and Dance Department will present the spring “SPLaSH” series — six one-act plays produced by students — Feb. 21-23. The plays will be held at the Studio Theatre, located in the Performance Center.

SPLaSH, which stands for “short play showcase,” will feature six one-act plays. Four of the one-acts, “English Made Simple,” “Words Words Words,” and “Sure Thing” from All in the Timing as well as “Lives of the Saints” from Seven Short Plays, are comedies by David Ives.

Two of the featured plays, “Meeting of the Mind” and “The Well-Wishers,” were written by Alexander Green ’14 specifically for this production. Another Green original one-act, “He Who Fights Monsters,” was produced in the Studio Theatre in January.

Directors for SPLaSH include Lydia Munroe ’14, Brian Pipal ’14, Kathleen Bryant ’15 and Colleen Morgan ’15. Students cover all design, production, and performance areas for this studio production.

Shows are scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Feb. 21-22, and 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 22-23.

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.

News from Nairobi

MIASMU director Father Michael Kirwen gives way to Professor Eric Aseka after a brief introduction during the public lecture.

Students and field assistants from the Contemporary Political and Economic Realities in Kenya class team up to present a skit during the PR session.

By James Chege
Librarian
Maryknoll Institute of African Studies

Public Lecture and PR Session 

On Feb. 12, the Maryknoll Institute of African Studies sponsored  a public lecture on the contemporary political and economic realities in Kenya. This lecture is arranged once per semester to give students an overview of  political and economic issues.

The lecture was given by Eric Aseka, a full professor of Kenyatta University and current vice-chancellor of the International Leadership University based in Nairobi.  The lecture touched on various issues affecting Kenya and the political landscape. Aseka talked at length about Kenya’s current state leadership, noting that it is driven more by selfish interests than the common interest of the nation. Sentiments were shared by many who use clichés such as “It’s our turn to eat!” which serve as indication that the leaders are out to eat the fruits of independence instead of increasing the productivity through using the said fruits. The lecture also covered some of the challenges facing Kenya and the reasons these problems exist.

Thereafter the first pastoral reflection session of the semester was held, with skits presented by students from the Contemporary Political and Economic Realities in Kenya class and those of the Sage Philosophy: The Root of African Philosophy class, taught by Edward Oyugi and Dr. Oriare Nyarwath.

The first class presented a skit about a young man looking to get permission from his parents to join the priesthood. Unfortunately his parents refused to give their blessing as they wanted to see grandchildren. The young man was then torn between two decisions; to abandon his calling to the priesthood or to shun his parents, culture and traditions and join the priesthood.

In the second skit a council of elders meeting had been convened to deliberate and give judgment on an issue concerning wife inheritance. This scenario pitted folk philosophers against their sage counterparts in a heated debate on whether the brother of the deceased should inherit his wife. From this several arguments and counter arguments emerged from the two camps with the conclusion being that the man should not inherit the widow but instead should help provide for his dead brother’s family. The day closed with a plenary session where all students gathered and shared their views on the presentations and various questions raised.

MMEA conference overview

Saint Mary’s had a big presence at the Minnesota Music Educators Conference Feb. 13 at the Minneapolis Convention Center.

Dr. Janet Heukeshoven, Music Department, performed on both flute and piccolo with the Winona Senior High School ninth-grade band. Dr. Heukeshoven performed “In a Gentle Rain” by Robert W. Smith on flute, followed by “Flight of the Bumble Bee” (Rimsky-Korsakoff/arr. Davis) on piccolo (800 notes in 1 minute, 15 seconds!).

She, Eric Heukeshoven and Dr. David Leung also recruited students at the Saint Mary’s exhibit booth.

And, 12 SMU students attended as performers in the intercollegiate honor band and as student attendees. Performers included, from left: back, Katie Lieder, Eric Doyle, Kelsey Engesser; front, Ed Wendt, Kirsten Hoffman and Camden Webster.

Leung performs at several regional venues

Maureen Yuen, professor of violin from State University of New York (Fredonia), played Russian violin duets by Prokofiev and Gliere with Dr. David Leung of the Music Department at the interdisciplinary student research symposium, hosted by The Museum of Russian Art in Minneapolis.

Yuen and Leung also played Baroque masterpieces with the SMU Chamber Orchestra at the Sugar Loaf senior living facility on Saturday and Central Lutheran Church on Sunday.

Students inducted into Delta Epsilon Sigma

More than 30 students were inducted into Delta Epsilon Sigma Beta Chapter Tuesday during a special ceremony. Delta Epsilon is the national honor society of Catholic institutions.

The new student members include: Nick Beaudoin, Nicole Becher, Jessica Bjick, Sabrina Bushlack, Taylor Collins, Augustine Esterhammer-Fic, Andrea Fogel, Janae Frye, Gregory Gardiner, Molly Grover, Aaron Haley, Alexis Hamilton, Taylor Hanson, Mary Hayes, Marissa Jacob, Tiffany Johnson, Lucas Kubic, Theresa LaValla, Janie Maki, Heidi Martin, Rachel McQuiston, Mary Mieszala, Katie Miller, Sarah Mills, Mary Moats, Theresa Niedzwiecki, Collin Nienhaus, Andru O’Brien, Abigail Osborne, Amanda Patt, Katarzyna Plawiak, Melissa Radermacher, Lindsey Reinisch, Lauren Salonek, Elizabeth Schmidt, Evan Shockley, Madelyn Stiehl, Evelyn Vergara Zuniga, Christine Volk, Marilyn Yennie, Grace Zachman, Santiago Zarate and Abigail Zuzek.

New faculty inductees include: Rose Beal, Stephen Pattee, Patricia Calton, Preston Lawing, Nathan Lien and Elizabeth Seebach.

Current student members are: Marta Aleszewicz, Elizabeth Arnold, Jacquelyn Bongard, Kaylee Jo Bunne, Sarah Collova, Clinton Coulter, Sister Mary Hanah Doak, Yasmin Duarte, Dylan Ethen, Loren Galloway, Maria Glenski, Gabriel Grundtner, Andrea Hillesheim, Grace Hoffman, Kelsey Hulbert, Jillian Martin, Elizabeth Niedbala, LeiLani Oas, Lisa Obasi, Samuel Pflughoeft, Angela Powell, Bethany Rajdl, Maija Rannikko, Bethany Schmidt, John Soucheray, Amy Spitzmueller, Kristen Thelen, Fabriel Thiel, Matthew Traxler, Amanda Weber, Kristin Wilkes, Anastasia Willard and Katherine Zuzek.

Current faculty and staff members include: Donna Aronson, Carolyn Ayers, Mark Barber, Dean Beckman, James Bedtke, Brett Bodsgard, Daniel Bucknam, Philip Cochran, Father Andrew Fabian, Mary Fox, Janet Heukeshoven, John Kerr, Melissa Luedtke, Brother William Mann, Thomas Marpe, Debra Martin, Shelly McCallum, Christian Michener, Jeanne Minnerath, Jay Mutter, Father Paul Nienaber, Roger Peckover, John Poling, Lawrence Price, Kevin Rickert, Valerie Edwards Robeson, Gregory Sobolewski, David Sokolowski, Karen Sorvaag, Scott Sorvaag, Teresa Speck, Joseph Tadie and Richard Tristano.

Chemistry Club presents ‘The Science of Rock ’n’ Roll’

Dr. Ning Fang, U.S. Department of Energy and Iowa State University, will present “The Science of Rock ‘n’ Roll: Single Molecule and Nanoparticle Imaging in Biophysical, Surface, and Photocatalysis Studies” at 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 25, in Room 301, Hoffman Hall. The event is sponsored by the Chemistry Club.

The research in the Fang Laboratory aims to open up new frontiers in chemical and biological discovery through the development and use of novel optical imaging platforms, which provide sub-diffraction-limited spatial resolution, high angular resolution, excellent detectability, and/or nanometer localization precision for single molecules and nanoparticles.

Faculty display works at current art exhibition

Faculty members of the Department of Art and Design have joined talents for the current art exhibit, on display through March 8 in the Lillian Davis Hogan Galleries.

The show features new works — ranging from sculpture to photography — by Lisa Truax, Matt Winkler, Preston Lawing, Rob McColl, Rod Robertson and Tony Calabrese.

Gallery hours are 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily, and the show is free and open to the public.

Fifteen chili makers to battle it out during today’s cookoff

In what has become one of the hottest competitions at Saint Mary’s, the annual SMU Chili Cookoff is scheduled for Friday, Feb. 21.

All faculty and staff are invited to taste these culinary delights and see who brings home the golden ladle.

No beans about it, the Volunteer Committee believes this is a great fundraiser.

Let Deb Nahrgang (Ext. 6966 or dnahrgan@smumn.edu) know if you plan to enter the contest. Then, just bring your unmarked crockpot to the Common Room by 11:15 a.m. sharp and check in.

Everyone is invited to eat chili between 11:45 a.m. and 1 p.m. You do not need to compete to enjoy. Toppings, sides and desserts will also be provided. Awards will be presented at noon.

Proceeds will benefit our students in Jamaica.

Donations now accepted for Taylor Richmond benefit, auction

The beneficiary for the 2014 Taylor Richmond Benefit is Jason Richter.

Richter is well-known to the Saint Mary’s community as he worked from 1998 to 2010 as the Student Activities director, and as such he was responsible for overseeing this benefit.

Richter was diagnosed with multiple myeloma last summer. He had pain in his lower back that turned out to be a mass, hindering the flow of liquids in his spinal cord. This is a disease that is more commonly found in people around the age of 60; because of his young age, he has responded well to treatments. He has undergone 10 radiation sessions, as well as recent bone and stem cell transplants. On top of that, the Richter family lives an hour away from the hospital Jason is receiving treatment at in Iowa City.

Although now in remission, Richter is still undergoing chemotherapy treatments. This year’s proceeds will assist his family, which includes three young sons, with their medical expenses and travel costs.
The silent auction will be March 13-14. Donations for the auction are now being accepted. Past items have consisted of: all-expense paid trips, electronics, dinners, themed baskets, tickets to sporting or music events and gift cards.

The benefit 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 Nick Richmond. Each year this event benefits continues to help someone in need who has ties to the SMU community.

Donations for the silent auction or monetary donations to help with cost of dance or supplements for the silent auction can be sent to Hannah Friedrich at Box 1090.

Next Cineclub movie is Feb. 24

The Department of Modern and Classical Languages announces the dates for Cineclub for spring 2014. All showings will be on Mondays at 7 p.m. in the student lounge of St. Edward’s Hall. Contact Dr. Kyle Black at kblack@smumn.edu for more information.

Feb. 24: “El niño pez (The Fish Child),” a crime/drama/thriller from Argentina, directed by Lucía Puenzo, is a desperate love story between two young girls of extremely different social backgrounds who, unable to find a place for their love in the world they live in, are pushed to commit a crime.

One of the main objectives of Cineclub is to provide an opportunity for the Saint Mary’s and Winona communities to enjoy some films in Spanish and Portuguese that may not typically be shown in local theaters. All films will have English subtitles. In addition to viewing the films, participants will be invited exchange ideas related to the films and their underlying socio-cultural contexts.

Admissions to host Scholarship Recognition Day Saturday

Scholarship Recognition Day, planned for Saturday, Feb. 22, is a special event for De La Salle, Heffron, Presidential, Trustee and Tomorrow’s Leaders scholarship recipients and their families. This event, hosted by the Office of Admission, recognizes the accomplishments of the university’s highest-achieving admitted students.

Attendees will take a motor coach tour of Winona; learn more about the honors program, study abroad, financial aid, and other important topics; and enjoy a dinner hosted by Brother William.

Details announced about DRC’s 40th anniversary concert

The Dance Repertory Company’s 40th anniversary concert, planned for 7:30 p.m. April 25 and 3 p.m. April 26, will celebrate both the history and the future of the school through the re-staging of past repertory and new choreography by MCA alums.

Ticket prices are $10 for adults, $5 for students and seniors and are available at the SMU Box Office, Ext. 1715, or online at www.pagetheatre.org.

On April 25, a reunion reception will be held at Green Mill Restaurant from 9:30 p.m. until midnight, following the evening’s performance. Enjoy hors d’oeuvres, beverages and desserts (with a cash bar) while catching up with old friends and making new ones. RSVP online at www.mnconservatoryforthearts.org.

On April 26, a continental breakfast will be offered from 9 to 10:30 p.m. at the Valéncia Arts Center. Take a tour of the center, exploring the Stefannié Valéncia Kierlin memorial museum from 9 a.m to noon. A creative music and movement workshop for children ages 3 to 6 will run from 10 to 11 a.m. An adult workshop, including ballet barre for those 15 and older, will run from 10 to 10:45 a.m. (with Tammy Schmidt) followed by modern/improvisation from 10:45 a.m. to noon (with Maria Breza and Megan Jenkins). Space is limited; RSVP online.

Last ‘Campus Notes’ before break is next week

Look ahead on your calendars. The next “Campus Notes,” Feb. 28, is the last issue before break; the deadline for that issue is Wednesday, Feb. 26. The following issue will be Friday, March 14; the deadline for that issue is Wednesday, March 12.