Celebrate Saint Mary’s heritage at Founders’ Day April 1

Saint Mary’s will present awards to two educators, a staff member, a Lasallian educator and two outstanding seniors at its Founders’ Day celebration Tuesday, April 1.

Presidential Awards for Outstanding Merit will be presented to two area educators: Lillie Pang, principal of Hale School in Minneapolis; and Stephen Murray, assistant principal and dean of students at Aquinas High School in La Crosse. Both were chosen because of their exemplary service to public and private education.

Dr. Richard Tristano, professor of history, will receive the Distinguished Lasallian Educator award. 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.

Donny Nadeau, sports information director, will receive the Bishop Patrick Heffron Award for Service to the University. Nadeau, a 1985 alum of Saint Mary’s, has served as sports information director for more than 19 years. His work has earned recognition at both the conference and national levels. Heffron Award winners are chosen because they have contributed positively to the life of the university, have demonstrated a long-term commitment to the values of the university, and have been models of the Lasallian spirit in their interactions with colleagues and students.

The Outstanding Male and Female Senior awards will be presented to students who have demonstrated the ideals of scholarship, character, leadership and service. Above all, these men and women have shown genuine concern for meeting the needs of others. The following students are finalists for the 2014 Outstanding Senior awards: Females, Lisa Obasi, Abigail Osborne, Amy Spitzmueller, Marilyn Yennie, Katherine Zuzek; Males, Miles Dunna, Dylan Ethen, Evan Shockley, John Soucheray, Matthew Traxler.

Below is the truncated schedule for the day.

• 7:45 to 9 a.m. classes meet 7:45 to 8:35 a.m.
• 8:10 to 9 a.m. classes meet 8:05 to 8:35 a.m.
• 8:50 to 10:30 a.m. classes meet 8:30 to 9:35 a.m.
• 9:15 to 10:05 a.m. classes meet 8:45 to 9:15 a.m.
• 9:15 to 10:30 a.m. classes meet 8:45 to 9:35 a.m.
• 10:45 to 11:35 a.m. classes meet 9:45 to 10:15 a.m.
• 10:45 a.m. to noon classes meet 9:45 to 10:35 a.m.
• 12:15 to 1:05 p.m. classes meet 3:20 to 3:50 p.m.
• 12:15 to 1:30 p.m. classes meet 3:20 to 4:10 p.m.
• 1:45 to 2:35 p.m. classes meet 4:20 to 4:50 p.m.
• 1:45 to 3 p.m. classes meet 4:20 to 5:10 p.m.
• 1:45 to 3:25 p.m. classes meet 4:20 to 5:25 p.m.

Classes that have starting times after 3 p.m. start at 5:35 p.m. and end at the discretion of the instructor. Labs meet 60 percent of the scheduled lab time.

De La Salle Week schedule

Saint Mary’s has celebrated Founders’ Day for many years to commemorate its founding in 1912. It has been a time of celebration and recognition of individuals within the Lasallian community.

With so much to celebrate about our Lasallian history and mission, the annual day of celebration has been expanded to become De La Salle Week.

Students, staff and faculty members are invited to a week of participation in these opportunities for learning, reflection, discussion and connection with others.

SUNDAY, MARCH 30

10:30 a.m. and 9 p.m. — Opening liturgy, Saint Thomas More Chapel, followed by refreshments

3 p.m. — SMU Concert Band, Page Theatre

MONDAY, MARCH 31
“Faith in the Presence of God”

7:30 a.m. — Donuts on the first floor of Saint Mary’s Hall

11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. — Lasallian Luncheon for faculty and staff, President’s Room: “Experiencing the Reign of God: The Ecology of the Lasallian Spirituality and Doing Justice” with Brother Ernest Miller, FSC. RSVP to richmond@smumn.edu or Ext. 1643.

12:10 p.m. — Liturgy in Saint Thomas More Chapel

5:30 p.m. — Dine with the Divine for students at Saint Mary’s Press: “Experiencing the Reign of God: The Ecology of the Lasallian Spirituality and Doing Justice” with Brother Ernest Miller, FSC. RSVP in Campus Ministry

TUESDAY, APRIL 1
“Quality Education”

7:30 a.m. — Donuts on the first floor of Saint Mary’s Hall

10:45 a.m. — Founders’ Day Liturgy, Saint Thomas More Chapel with the Most Rev. John Quinn, Bishop of the Diocese of Winona

1:15 p.m. — Convocation in Page Theatre. To watch a live stream, go to  http://client.stretchinternet.com/client/smuadmin.portal.

3 p.m. — Convocation reception, Hall of Fame Room

5 to 6 p.m. — Hunger Banquet, President’s Room. At this interactive event, the place where you sit and the meal that you eat are determined by the luck of the draw, just as in real life some of us are born into relative prosperity and others into poverty.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 2
“Inclusive Community”

7:30 a.m. — Donuts on the first floor of Saint Mary’s Hall

12:10 p.m. — Liturgy in Saint Thomas More Chapel

4:45 p.m. — Interfaith prayer experience for students, faculty and staff, Toner Student Center lounge. Sponsored by the International Center and the Office of Campus Ministry, this event will include sacred texts, reflections and prayers from a variety of faith traditions.

7:30 p.m. — Sustainability Forum Series, “SMU Solar Initiative,” Watters Hall. The students behind the solar panel initiative will explain the details behind this renewable energy project.

THURSDAY, APRIL 3
“Respect for All Persons”

11:45 a.m. — Lasallian Luncheon for faculty and staff, Toner Student Center, Room 9 with presentation at noon. Students will reflect on their experiences from the SOUL mission trip to India and the Holy Land pilgrimage. Hear how the Lasallian mission is lived across the globe. Lunch is provided. RSVPs are required to Campus Ministry.

8 to 9 p.m. — India and Holy Land trip presentations for students, Toner Student Center lounge. Students will reflect on their experiences of the SOUL mission trip to India and the Holy Land pilgrimage. Free T-shirts to the first 50 students. Grab a snack and support international mission-inspired programs at SMU.

9 p.m. — Open mic night, Toner Student Center Lounge

FRIDAY, APRIL 4
“Concern for the Poor and Social Justice”

7:30 to 10 a.m. — Fair Trade Friday, first floor Saint Mary’s Hall, hosted by the Peace and Justice Club; donations to benefit Christ the Teacher Institute for Education in Nairobi.

12:10 p.m. — Liturgy in Saint Thomas More Chapel

7:30 p.m. — SMU jazz ensemble, Page Theatre

Lenten retreat Friday and Saturday evenings — Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary. This OCM-sponsored retreat for all students is a great opportunity to deepen your relationship with God. The retreat will draw on some of the themes and techniques of the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius. Contact Eric Styles in the Office of Campus Ministry for more information. Register  online at www.surveymonkey.com/s/LentenRetreat2014.

SATURDAY, APRIL 5
“Concern for God’s Creation”

1 to 4 p.m. —  Volunteer outdoors. Contribute to the removal of invasive species on campus and allow native flora to flourish. Join Patrick Sweet and others in removing the oriental bittersweet from the bluffs. Contact pksweet11@smumn.edu to sign up.

3 p.m. — Music Department recital, Figliulo Recital Hall.

7:30 p.m. — Earth Rally, Room B of the Toner Student Center. Plant vegetables and microgreens to get your garden started. Organic snacks and refreshments will be served.

Lenten retreat Friday and Saturday evenings — Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary. This OCM-sponsored retreat for all students is a great opportunity to deepen your relationship with God. The retreat will draw on some of the themes and techniques of the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius. Contact Eric Styles in the Office of Campus Ministry for more information. Register  online at www.surveymonkey.com/s/LentenRetreat2014.

Minnesota printmaker features new works in SMU art show through April 6

White Bear Lake printmaker Emily Gray Koehler will present 27 new works in “Burning the Old Growth” through April 6 at Saint Mary’s.

Gray Koehler’s reduction woodblock prints are nature scenes informed by a childhood split between the farm and the forest. In this particular series, her work depicts the beauty of nature, depleted by man’s influence.

“Since its earliest beginnings, humanity has manipulated nature in the pursuit of prosperity,” she writes. “Without these alterations to the environment, our existence in this world would certainly be dubious. However, after millennia of digging, burning, harvesting, and draining we now find ourselves at a crossroads where all possible routes forward have significant obstacles and potent repercussions.”

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

For more information about Gray Kohler’s work, go to www.studioegk.com.

SMU band, wind ensemble concert March 30 celebrates ‘Music in our Schools Month’

Dr. David Leung rehearses with the SMU Concert Band,  under the direction of Janet Heukeshoven.

The Concert Band and Wind Ensemble, under the direction of Dr. Janet Heukeshoven, will present a concert Sunday, March 30, in celebration of “Music in our Schools Month.” The performance will begin at 3 p.m. in Page Theatre.

The featured violin soloist is Saint Mary’s Dr. David Leung, in a rare pairing with winds and percussion. The Concertino (1998) by Evzen Zámecnik is written in a modern jazz style combined with traditional classical violin techniques. Dr. Leung is a graduate of the Eastman School of Music and is a frequent soloist and chamber music performer around the world.

Other performances will include: Bernstein’s delightful overture A Musical Toast, Eric Whitacre’s hauntingly beautiful October, Grainger’s Children’s March, and a recently published piece by Valerie Coleman, founder of the “Imani Winds,” Umoja. Richard Strauss’s moving Allerseelen and Bencriscutto’s Lindbergh Jubilee round out the program.

Tickets are $10 for adults or $5 for students and seniors and may be reserved at the SMU Box Office, Ext. 1715, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday or online at www.pagetheatre.org. Tickets are also available one hour before the concert.

The SMU Concert Band is made up of SMU students and community musicians from the Winona area. The ensemble presents two performances each semester on the SMU campus. For additional information, contact Heukeshoven at Ext. 1675 or jheukesh@smumn.edu.

Next Cineclub movie is April 7

The Department of Modern and Classical Languages announces the next Cineclub movie for spring 2014. All showings arae 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.

April 7 — “Un cuento chino,” the 2011 film directed by  Sebastián Borensztein details how, in Buenos Aires, the bitter and methodic Roberto is a lonely man and the owner of a hardware store. One day, Roberto sees a Chinese named Jun being expelled from a taxi while he is watching the landing of airplanes in the airport. The comedy stars Ricardo Darín.

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.

Fundraiser by FGI program raises $357 for Nairobi programs

On Friday, March 21, students in the First Generation Initiatives (FGI) program sold more than 200 cupcakes to raise money for the university’s two programs in Nairobi, Kenya.  The final tally was $357, which will be donated to both CTIE and MIAS to be used toward student scholarships. A huge thank you to the Winona campus community for again supporting the Cupcakes for a Cause event, the third year that the FGI program has been involved.  A special thanks to student Lisa Obasi who coordinated the event, and to all the students who baked, decorated, made signs, and sold cupcakes.

Kabara Institute speaker addresses entrepreneurship

Stephen Woessner talks with students after his presentation.

As part of the spring 2014 Kabara Institute speaker series, Stephen Woessner, founder of Predictive ROI, spoke to students March 20. The event was sponsored by the Kabara Institute for Entrepreneurial Studies, the Envision Club and the Business School.

The Kabara Institute was started in 2005 by Dr. Jon Kabara, an SMU alum, and his wife Betty.
 
The Kabara Institute aims to incite a passion for entrepreneurial spirit in students across the university, regardless of their major field of study. It also strives to enhance the entrepreneurship program offerings at Saint Mary’s by providing opportunities for students to interact with entrepreneurs and experience entrepreneurship first-hand. And, it fosters a greater understanding and appreciation of the importance of entrepreneurs and entrepreneurship in our society. 

The Kabara Institute provides a number of activities throughout the year such as Elevator Pitch Competitions, Business Planning Workshops, and the annual Business Plan competition in addition to the speaker series.

Woessner is the founder of Predictive ROI  and is a digital marketing authority, entrepreneur, speaker, educator, and bestselling author of two books, The Small Business Owner’s Handbook to Search Engine Optimization and Increase Online Sales through Viral Social Networking. His digital marketing insights have been featured in Inc. Magazine, Forbes, Entrepreneur, and The Washington Post. His presentation focused on entrepreneurship and data analysis.

Gaut, Neff receive award from Society of Architectural Historians

The Minnesota Chapter of the Society of Architectural Historians presented the 2014 David Stanley Gebhard Award for the best article to Greg Gaut (retired history professor) and Marsha Neff for “Downsizing the Public Realm: The Building and Razing of Winona's Grand Post Office.” Published by Minnesota History in the Summer 2013 issue, their article tells the story of how Winona got and lost its impressive post office.

The award was presented at the society’s annual meeting on March 19 at the Minnesota Humanities Center in St. Paul. Thomas Fisher, dean of the School of Design at the University of Minnesota, was the featured speaker.

Every two years the society gives Gebhard Awards for an article and a book on Minnesota’s architectural history. The book award winner this year was John W. Diers for St. Paul's Union Depot (University of Minnesota Press, 2013).

In 2008, Gaut and Neff won the Gebhard Award for their article on a closely related preservation controversy titled “Save the Lady: The Struggle for the Winona County Courthouse.” It was published in the Winter 2005/2006 issue of Minnesota History.

Get tickets now for Gaslight March 27-28

Gaslight shows are 8 p.m. today, Friday, March 28, and 7 and 10 p.m. Saturday, March 29, in the Toner Student Center Dining Room.

Each faculty and staff person can receive one free ticket to one of the shows by e-mailing Lance Thompson at ljthom01@smumn.edu. Regular tickets are $6 or $7 at the door.

The musical variety show is in its 52nd year and is sponsored by the senior class as their main fundraising event.

Employee Giving Campaign ends April 2

The 2014 One University One Mission Community Campaign will end April 2.

The Office of Development is trying to beat last year’s record by raising $82,000 with 62 percent of employees participating.

Each year employees demonstrate a remarkable spirit of community by participating in the Employee Giving campaign. Every investment, whatever the amount, blesses a life in a very significant way.

Complete the online giving form at http://www.smumn.edu/employeegiftform or request a paper form by e-mailing apengra@smumn.edu.

SMU jazz groups present ‘A Night in Havana’ April 4

It’s been a long winter, but things will soon heat up as Saint Mary’s Music Department presents “A Night in Havana” at 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 4, in Page Theatre.

Inspired by the music and rhythms he experienced while visiting Havana, Cuba last December, SMU jazz studies director A. Eric Heukeshoven and the talented student jazz musicians will bring music written and inspired by Cuban composers back home to Winona.

From Caravan — Duke Ellington’s collaboration with Juan Tizol — to Chick Corea’s La Fiesta, the concert will trace the threads of Cuban culture and its extraordinary contributions to jazz.

Special guests for the evening include a select group of percussionists led by SMU World Drum Ensemble director Dennis McGuire. The group will join the celebration on authentic Afro-Cuban instruments.

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.

For more information, please contact A. Eric Heukeshoven at Ext. 7292 or eheukesh@smumn.edu.

Hendrickson Forum to be broadcast on Winona campus

Each year, the Hendrickson Institute for Ethical Leadership sponsors a forum that brings an internationally renowned leader to the Twin Cities campus for a keynote address. This year, the event will be live-streamed to the Winona campus, so that everyone can participate in the event.

This year’s speaker is the Honorable Sheila Bair, former chair of the FDIC during the Great Recession. Bair is an exceptional leader, speaker and commentator on the fiscal health of the United States and beyond, and was named the second most powerful woman in the World by Forbes magazine in 2008. Her address is titled “Main Street vs. Wall Street and the New Financial Paradigm,” through which she will address timely topics including short-term gratifications to long-term economic stability, producing real value to generate meaningful economic gains, global challenges and other 21st century issues.

In addition, Chris Policinski, CEO of Land O’Lakes, will be awarded the Hendrickson Medal for Ethical Leadership during the event. The event will be moderated by Fred de Sam Lazaro, director of SMU’s Under-Told Stories Project and a correspondent for PBS NewsHour.
The Winona community will be able to watch the event live in three locations around campus: Page Theatre, Room 9 of the Toner Student Center, and the Common Room.
        
The full event will take place from 11:30 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. The welcoming remarks and presentation of the Hendrickson Medal for Ethical Leadership will occur between 11:30 and 11:50 a.m. Bair’s remarks will take place from approximately 12:10-1:15 p.m. (There is a break in the event from 11:50 a.m. to 12:10 p.m. as lunch is served to those attending on the Minneapolis campus.)

Everyone is invited to come for all of the event or part of the event, depending on schedules. Faculty may wish to bring your class to this event. For more information, go to www.smumn.edu/HendricksonForum.

Conservatory news

The Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts offers programming in dance, music, visual art, and theatre, year-round. Classes, lessons, workshops, and camps are offered for children ages 3 and older through adults at the Valéncia Arts Center located, 1164 West 10th St.

The new spring and summer 2014 catalog is now available. New programming includes a workshop in partnership with the Minnesota Marine Art Museum, as well as a playground “Stomp” workshop during Screen Free Week. Registrations are now being accepted.

Class days, times, and tuition vary. Financial need-based scholarships are available. For a brochure and a complete listing, visit www.mnconservatoryforthearts.org, e-mail mca@smumn.edu, “like” them on Facebook, or call (507) 453-5500. Interested students may register online, by mail, or in person at MCA’s Valéncia Arts Center.

The MCA Jazz Combos will perform at Jefferson Pub and Grill at 4 p.m. Sunday, March 30, followed by the Gate City Jazz Band. Come and support these talented young musicians.

Leung completes residency in Indiana

Dr. David Leung, Music Department, completed a three-day residency at Indiana Wesleyan University in Marion from March 22-24. He hosted various violin and chamber music masterclasses and performed an all-Beethoven recital with the music faculty of IWU. 

Paulson, Heukeshoven to preview jazz performance

Eric Heukeshoven and John Paulson

The jazz duo of John Paulson, flute, and Eric Heukeshoven, piano, will present a Winona preview of their upcoming performance at FluteFest 2014 in the Twin Cities. The duo will perform a short recital of jazz selections on Wednesday, April 9, from 12:30 to 1 p.m. in  Figliulo Recital Hall.

On Saturday, April 12, the Saint Mary’s music faculty members will be featured performers at the Upper Midwest Flute Association’s annual FluteFest at Hamline University in St. Paul. (More information is available at http://umfaflutes.org/FluteFest2014). The featured guest artist at FluteFest 2014 is internationally renowned jazz flutist and composer/arranger Jim Walker.

The Winona preview event is free, and the public is invited to attend. For more information, contact Heukeshoven at Ext. 7292 or eheukesh@smumn.edu.

SMU volunteers to participate in ‘Spruce Up Winona’ April 12

The Saint Mary’s Volunteer Mentors are encouraging Winona nonprofit agencies to submit requests for service.

Saint Mary’s student volunteers will be available from 1 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, April 12, to help local individuals, groups, churches and organizations in recognition of the ninth annual “Spruce Up Winona Day.”

Do you need someone to help with your spring-cleaning, to rake leaves, to do some painting, or to help with construction? Saint Mary’s will supply the workers, if you supply the materials needed (paint, brushes, rakes, tools, etc.). 

Requests must be made by Tuesday, April 7, to Chris McClead at Ext. 7268 or cmcclead@smumn.edu. Please indicate what you need done, how many students could finish the job and where you are located.