Thursday, November 6, 2014

Saint Mary’s Red Bird Club opens for one night, Nov. 21

Darvell Jones and Kelsey Thurston


On Friday, Nov. 21, at 7:30 p.m. the Valéncia Studio Theatre (10th and Vila streets) will be transformed into the The Red Bird Club Jazz Cabaret, showcasing the talents of Saint Mary’s student jazz musicians.

The Jazz Ensemble and Jazz Combo 1 will salute the classic American jazz cabarets of the 1940s and ’50s. Joining forces with the jazz groups will be sultry torch singer Kelsey Thurston, and talented young crooner Darvell Jones. The emcee for the evening will be Sean Vaske, and music will be led by “Professor Jazz” himself, Eric Heukeshoven.

Great arrangements of classic big band favorites such as “String of Pearls,” “Woodchopper’s Ball,” “Tico Tico,” and many others will keep toes tapping. Table seating and cash bar service will add to the ambience of the evening.

Reserve your spot at the Red Bird Club soon. Seating is limited, and you won’t want to miss this one-night-only event!

Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for students and seniors. For tickets or more information, contact the Performance Center box office 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday at Ext. 1715 or go online to www.smumn.edu/tickets.

Sugar Plum Fairy Tea Party fundraiser is Nov. 16


The Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts will host its eighth biennial Sugar Plum Fairy Tea Party, Sunday, Nov. 16, at the Valéncia Arts Center, 1164 West 10th St.

This year’s Sugar Plum Fairy Tea Party will feature two tea sittings (1 and 4 p.m.). Specialty teas and exquisite finger foods will be served. Additionally, the Land of the Sweets Gift Boutique, featuring holiday gifts and crafts, is available to the public from 12:30 to 5:30 p.m.

Tickets are $15 for children and $18 for adults.  All children attending the tea party will receive a complimentary photo with their favorite character from the “Nutcracker” ballet. Tea attendees will enjoy the sounds of live cello by MCA’s music division instructor, Rachael Ryan Dahlgren, and a dance demonstration by the Sugar Plum Fairy.

The Sugar Plum Fairy Tea party is the first big event of the “Nutcracker” production season for MCA and its performing group, the Dance Repertory Company. The company will present the full-length ballet Dec. 3-7 at Saint Mary’s Page Theatre. This year’s cast totals more than 85 members, including students from Saint Mary’s, Winona State University, and children and community members from the Winona area. For tickets to the production, call 457-1715 or visit www.pagetheatre.org.

Proceeds from the Sugar Plum Fairy Tea Party go toward the MCA student scholarship fund and “Nutcracker” production costs.

To reserve seats or a full table of six for the tea, call 453-5500 or visit www.mnconservatoryforthearts.org. The Valéncia Arts Center is handicapped accessible.

Saint Mary’s, Cotter bands to perform in fall festival Nov. 16


The public is invited to hear four bands perform beginning at 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 16, at the Fall Band Festival to be held at Cotter High School’s Saint Cecilia Theatre.

Performing bands include the Cotter Concert Band and Symphonic Band, Saint Mary’s Wind Ensemble and Concert Band, plus two combined pieces with the Cotter Symphonic Band and the Saint Mary’s Concert Band.

Cotter’s Concert Band will perform “Synergies” by Robert Sheldon and “Benediction” by John Stevens; the symphonic band will perform “Hallelujah” by Johnnie Vinson and “American Riversongs” by Pierre LaPlante; Saint Mary’s Wind Ensemble will follow with “Celebration for Winds and Percussion”; and the Saint Mary’s Concert Band will perform “Prelude, Siciliano and Rondo” by Malcolm Arnold. The combined bands will round out the performance with “Rest” by Frank Ticheli and “Rough Riders March” by Karl King.

The event is free. Directors are Rick Peters and Dr. Janet Heukeshoven.

Saint Mary’s students to stage drama ‘Pentecost’ Nov. 7-9


Art, religion, and politics collide in the Saint Mary’s Department of Theatre and Dance production of the complex British drama “Pentecost” Thursday through Sunday, Nov. 7-9.

Written by David Edgar and directed by Judy Myers, “Pentecost” tells the story of Gabrielle Pecs, a beautiful and passionate art curator in a small village in an unnamed Eastern European post-communist country. Gabrielle believes she has discovered something wonderful in an ancient, abandoned church near her country’s border. Realizing that a celebrated art historian from England is arriving in her country to give a talk, Gabrielle brings him face to face with what very well may be a work of art that will change the course of history.

This play contains adult language and adult situations. Patron discretion is advised.

Shows are scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Nov. 6-8, and 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 9, in Page Theatre.

Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for students and seniors and are available at the box office, Ext. 1715, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, or online at www.pagetheatre.org.

Garment industry is topic of next Under-Told Stories Forum Nov. 12


The next Under-Told Stories Project Forum asks the question, “Is What You’re Wearing Enslaving or Liberating?” A panel of speakers will conduct a public discussion about issues related to the garment industry Wednesday, Nov. 12, at the Winona Campus.

The event’s keynote speaker is Joe Bozich, CEO of Knights Apparel, who is convinced his Alta Gracia collegiate sportswear subsidiary can compete with Adidas and Nike while providing a living wage to the Dominican workers who make the clothes.

Bozich has more than 20 years of manufacturing, sourcing, marketing, and operations experience. He founded Knights Apparel in 2001, and by 2009 Knights Apparel became the largest supplier of college apparel in the United States. Knights Apparel also holds exclusive rights with the NHL. Bozich was named Ernst & Young’s 2005 Entrepreneur of the Year for the Illinois Region and in 2010 the Huffington Post nominated him as one of the top 100 Game Changers in the nation.

Participants will be asked to think about these questions:

Bozich pays Alta Gracia garment workers 3.5 times the legal minimum wage. What’s your price point for fairness?
In Bangladesh, 4 million people are employed in the garment industry, many in unsafe conditions with poverty-level pay. Are “non-living wages” better than the alternative?
From “fair trade” to “green washing,” can consumers be persuaded to make socially responsible choices?

The moderator will be Fred de Sam Lazaro, who directs the Under-Told Stories Project at Saint Mary’s—a program that combines international journalism and teaching—and is a senior distinguished fellow at the university’s Hendrickson Institute for Ethical Leadership. He has served as a correspondent for PBS NewsHour since 1985 and is a regular contributor to Religion and Ethics Newsweekly on PBS.

Panelists will also include:

• Chandu Valluri, assistant professor of marketing at Saint Mary’s. Valluri has advised CEOs and senior business leaders in the textile, information communication technology, and food and beverage industries, both domestically and internationally.

• Nikki See, producer and editor, Under-Told Stories Project. See covers a variety of global issues for PBS, including those in the apparel trade and human rights. See brings the rare perspective of one who has spent time amid the garment racks in Cambodian and Bangladeshi factories, as well as those of the fashion retailers she browses for her own consumption.

This event—free and open to the public—is planned for 7 to 8:30 p.m. in the Page Theatre. (The same event will be held 6 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 11, at Saint Mary’s Twin Cities Campus.)

This event is made possible by the Under-Told Stories Project as seen on the PBS NewsHour, and is sponsored by the Hendrickson Institute for Ethical Leadership at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota.

Support Saint Mary’s at Give to the Max Day Nov. 13


What if you could turn a $10 donation into an additional $1,000 donation for Saint Mary’s?

Participate Nov. 13 in Give to the Max Day, and you could help make that happen! Make your donation on GiveMN.org and help the Office of Development and Alumni Relations continue to change lives here at the university.

On Nov. 13, every gift made on GiveMN.org will be entered into an hourly drawing for a $1,000 GiveMN Golden Ticket to be awarded to a Minnesota school. That adds up to 24 opportunities for you to help us receive an extra $1,000!

Here’s the really exciting part: At the end of Give to the Max Day, one donation made on GiveMN.org will be randomly selected to receive a $10,000 Super-Sized GiveMN Golden Ticket just for schools.

The more gifts the university generates on GiveMN.org on Nov. 13, the more our chances increase to receive that additional $10,000 donation. Imagine what we could do with $10,000!

The goal is to raise $42,014, and you can help the university reach it!
For more information and prize incentives go to: www.mysmumn.org/givetomax14.

Be sure to mark your calendar and make your gift on Nov. 13 by visiting GiveMN.org and searching for Saint Mary’s. Or schedule your gift today at https://givemn.org/organization/Saint-Marys-University-Of-Minnesota.

Show your Cardinal Pride and Give to the Max!

Student event combines games with Give to the Max support

As a fun way for the Future Alumni Committee student members to raise awareness about Give to the Max Day, they’ve planned a game night (including root beer pong and a pie-eating contest). Students are invited to the game room between 6:30 and 9:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 13.

Cardinal Plunge beneficiary is Juliana Piscitiello


The Future Alumni Committee and the Alumni Relations Office have announced  this year’s beneficiary of the Cardinal Plunge. Juliana Piscitiello ‘06 was diagnosed with Ankylosing Spondylitis, a genetic, auto-immune disease and a chronic progressive form of arthritis which is destroying her spine. Piscitiello, former part-time faculty member at the Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts, has enjoyed ballet since the age of 3 and has assisted with dance choreography on campus. Funds will be used to assist with the expense of her ongoing therapy, much of which is needed to reduce the severity of her painful symptoms. She could also benefit from adaptive equipment. Juliana is the daughter of Kathy and Tony Piscitiello, senior advancement director.

The Cardinal Plunge will be held Saturday, Feb. 7, at Lake Winona as part of the Winona Winter Carnival. Watch for more information on registration and how to donate for a silent auction.

Rouault’s ‘Seeing Christ in the Darkness’ on display


“Seeing Christ in the Darkness,” a collection of the world-class prints of one of the most important printmakers of the 20th century, Georges Rouault, will be on display through Nov. 16 at Saint Mary’s.
Rouault (1871-1958) was a lifelong Roman Catholic, but the Church resisted the darkness of his work. It wasn’t until the end of his life that he received a church commission. But the graphic art in this exhibition, done at the height of the artist’s powers, shows how deeply the artist identified with people’s sufferings and, indeed, saw within this darkness the salvation that Christ brought.

Rouault’s work will be on display in the Lillian Davis Hogan Galleries. The exhibit is free and open to the public from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.

Fact book now online


The Office of Institutional Research has released the Saint Mary’s University Fact Book 2013-2014. An online version of the Fact Book may be found at http://www.smumn.edu/factbook13-14. The Saint Mary’s University Fact Book is a compilation of historical and current data designed to facilitate internal communication; provide data to use in decision-making, planning, and improvement efforts; and answer frequently asked questions about the university.


Chat and Chow events


The next Chat, Chow & Web 2.0 event, “Freedom to Roam,” will be noon to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 19. Dr. Moni Berg-Binder (biology), Dr. Demian Cho (physics), Todd Iverson (math), and Dr. Kristen Sellke (math) have reinvented  their classrooms using iPads. They will talk about how they can now move easily through their classrooms carrying their technology with them.

The Chat, Chow & Web 2.0 professional development series, hosted by the library, IT, and Instructional Technology, is open to all faculty and staff. Meet in the main lounge of McEnery; lunch is provided. An RSVP is appreciated, but not necessary, to Jason Spartz at jspartz@smumn.edu.


Off the Page event explores Western, Eastern music



The Saint Mary’s “Off the Page” series invites audiences to explore the intersection of Western and Eastern music with a visit from the Twin Cities-based new music ensemble Zeitgeist, with guest artist Nirmala Rajasekar on veena.“Summer Rain” is a new production, with music developed and performed by Zeitgeist with composer and veena virtuoso Nirmala Rajasekar. A blend of Indian classical music (Carnatic tradition) and Western classical new music, Summer Rain features five musical compositions interspersed with discussion and interactive opportunities designed to bring audiences a greater understanding of the two traditions.

The event is 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 14, in Figliulo Recital Hall. Tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for seniors and students and are available at www.pagetheatre.org or by calling the box office, Ext. 1715, Monday through Friday between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.

A Page in History event with these artists is planned for noon on Nov. 14 at the Winona County History Center. Zeitgeist and Nirmala Rajasekar will talk about their collaboration, the instruments they use, and about composing Eastern and Western music together.

Results from Halloween Boofet announced

First-place winners
Second-place winners

The Halloween costume traveling trophy was awarded to the iT department for their ingenious technology skit, and second place went to the minions in Marketing and Communications. It was a “monster-ously” good time! The event raised $227 for our Nairobi progras.

The Volunteer Committee would like to thank brave judges Michael Hagarty and Chris Verch and emcee Dean Beckman (despite his bad jokes). Thank you also to the folks in the library, Registrar’s Office and Business Office who provided delicious food.

MPR digital producer to speak Nov. 12



Jay Gabler, digital producer at The Current and Classical Minnesota Public Radio and co-founder of The Tangential, will present “Does Writing for the Internet Mean Writing for Dummies?” at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 12, in the President’s Room. The event, sponsored by Sigma Tau Delta—the international English honor society—and The Writing Studio, is free and open to the public.

O’Shea, Heukeshoven to premiere choral compositions



Two new works for choir by Saint Mary’s University music faculty Dr. Patrick O’Shea and A. Eric Heukeshoven will receive their world premiere by the La Crosse Chamber Chorale as part of the ensemble’s “Words to Music” project.

Words to Music is a project in which poetry written by local students is set to music by area composers. Last April, over 200 area students submitted poems based on the theme of compassion. The poems were given to five area composers who each chose one to become the text of a new musical work.

Both of the new compositions will feature performances by fellow Saint Mary’s music department faculty. O’Shea’s “Unlock Your Heart” will include a performance by Dr. David Leung on violin and Heukeshoven’s “And They Have Lies” will be assisted by Dr. Janet Heukeshoven playing a Swiss folk instrument known as a “talerschwingen.”

“The Energies of Love” concert will be presented twice:

Saturday, Nov. 8 • 7:30 p.m.
First Lutheran Church
410 Main St.
Onalaska, Wis.

Sunday, Nov. 9 • 3 p.m.
English Lutheran Church
16th and King streets
La Crosse, Wis.

Tickets will be available at the door, $20 for adults and $10 for students/seniors. More information can be found at http://chamberchorale.org/index.html or by contacting A. Eric Heukeshoven at Ext. 7292.

Fall Preview Day is Nov. 11


Fall Preview Day provides prospective students with an introduction to Saint Mary’s. On Nov. 11, the Office of Admission is inviting visitors to tour the campus, learn about academic departments, and speak with Saint Mary’s staff and students. There are sessions reviewing the college search timeline, applying to Saint Mary’s, and how to access scholarship and financial-aid resources.

Please join the Office of Admission in warmly welcoming these students and families to campus and assisting them with any questions or needs they may have.

Men’s hockey team hosts Teddy Bear Toss Nov. 9


The men’s hockey team will hold a Teddy Bear Toss Sunday, Nov. 9, during the Cardinals’ 5 p.m. home game against St. Thomas at the Saint Mary’s Ice Arena.

Fans are encouraged to bring a teddy bear or stuffed animal—preferably new, but those in good used condition will also be accepted and appreciated. Teddy bears will also be available at the arena for a donation of $1.

After the first Saint Mary’s goal in the first period—or at the end of the first period—fans will have an opportunity to throw their teddy bears and/or stuffed animals onto the ice. They will then be collected and distributed to children in the Winona area through the Hiawatha Valley Marines Toys for Kids program.

The Marines formerly supported the Toys for Tots program; this new organization operates under the Winona Community Foundation, but the goal remains the same: to provide toys for area children at Christmas.

Funds from Nov. 21 bake sale for Jamaica students

A “Sweets for Jamaica” bake sale will be held 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, Nov. 21, on the first floor of Saint Mary’s Hall. Buy a single treat for yourself, treat your roommate or officemates, or take some home to your family. The event is sponsored by the Friends of M.Ed. Jamaica employee group.

Senior class auction raises funds for activities

Senior Week includes various events including a picnic, a boat cruise, and a night of bowling. Each of these activities requires a significant amount of funding, which has predominantly come from the Class of 2015 Silent Auction. This year’s auction will take place on Wednesday and Thursday, Nov. 12-13, in the Toner Student Center game room. Check out the auction and support our students.

The John Paulson Big Band reunites for Nov. 23 event


John Paulson’s 17-piece contemporary jazz big band returns to Winona Sunday, Nov. 23, at 6:30 pm. They will be performing two sets of all-original music at Wellington’s Pub & Grill.

The group is comprised of 17 of the best jazz players and teachers in the region and the program will highlight their exceptional soloing skills.

Professor emeritus Dr. John Paulson taught jazz and woodwinds at Saint Mary’s University for over 30 years and he is currently an adjunct instructor at Winona State University.

There is no cover charge for the concert but contributions will be welcome to offset expenses. Arrive early because seating will be limited. Wellingtons is located at 1429 W. Service Dr.

Photographs on display in Performance Center lobby


Sarah Johnson will present “Grounded,” a photographic meditation on grief and loss through Nov. 25 in the Ben Miller Lobby of the Performance Center. An artist’s reception is scheduled for 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 20.

A local artist, Johnson explores issues of grief and loss in a series of photographs captured while exploring the region on a bicycle. Seeking a grounding after experiencing the loss of her mother, she has used the photographing of found nature as a meditative and grieving process.

Veterans Day program planned

On Nov. 11, in recognition of Veterans Day—an annual holiday observed in honor of those who have served the U.S. armed forces—a small ceremony will be held at the Veterans Memorial beginning at 11 a.m. 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. Saint Mary's 1969 alumnus and retired  senior Naval Officer Captain Timothy Tyre will speak at the ceremony.

Sympathy to Highland, Fabian families


Marit Josten Highland, 100, died Wednesday, Oct. 29. She is the mother of Jeffrey R. Highland, who served for many years as university provost and vice president for the College. Messages of condolence may be sent to Jeff Highland at 76 Utsalady Road, Camano Island, Wa. 98282.

Father John Charles Fabian, OP, brother of Father Andrew Fabian, OP, passed away on Oct. 29 in San Diego, Calif. Father John Charles Fabian was a 1954 graduate of Saint Mary’s.

The Saint Mary’s community extends its sympathy to the Highland and Fabian families.