Alumna featured on ‘Jeopardy’

A Saint Mary’s alumna Mary (Schmolke) Bayer ’01 (theatre), M'04 (MAI) was a participant on “Jeopardy” this week.

Bayer, who currently teaches theatre in Elgin Academy in Illinois, competed on the fourth day of the “teachers tournament” on Thursday afternoon’s show: www.jeopardy.com/minisites/teacherstournament/.

For the story, go to www.smumn.edu/newsblog/6761/alumnas-jeopardy-dream-realized.

Vondrasek completes doctoral work

Congratulations to Dr. Tammy Vondrasek, assistant director of financial aid and adjunct professor in the Business Department, upon completion of her doctoral work. Her dissertation is titled: “A Phenomenological Study of Maternal Influence on the Leadership Development of Women Presidents at Institutions of Higher Learning.” She received her Doctor of Education in Leadership degree on Jan. 18 in the commencement ceremony on the Twin Cities campus.

Congratulations to Lunde family

Matthew (Development and Alumni Relations) and Layla Lunde (adjunct Music Department) had a daughter, Anna Madeline Lunde, on Dec. 29, 2014. The Saint Mary’s community extends its congratulations to the Lunde family.

Rannikko named Miss Winona

Photo courtesy of Jacob Hilsabeck, Winona Daily News

Maija Rannikko, a biology major at Saint Mary’s, was named Miss Winona on Sunday. Rannikko’s platform is “Conquering Chiari: Raising Awareness, Creating Hope.” Chiari is a neurological deformation of the brain. Her talent was a trombone solo to the song “Locked Out of Heaven” by Bruno Mars.

The Duluth native, who currently is a student worker in the President’s Office, was also awarded the spirit award and a $1,300 scholarship.

Two other Saint Mary’s students, Shauna Mayer and Catie Deysach, also competed for the crown.

Former Saint Mary’s president celebrates 80th Jubilee

Brother I. Basil Rothweiler, FSC, former president of Saint Mary’s, celebrated his 80th Jubilee as a De La Salle Christian Brother in July.

It was just one more in a lengthy list of celebrated accomplishments for a man who dedicated his life to education, leading multiple schools with quiet strength and great character.
Brother Basil became a De La Salle Christian Brother in 1934.

After graduating from Saint Mary’s University (then College) in 1938, he began his teaching career as a Christian Brother at Price College, Amarillo, Texas, and in 1943, he returned to his alma mater as dean of students. He remained at Saint Mary’s until 1947 when he was appointed principal of Price College. Following a three-year term at Price, Brother Basil was named principal at De La Salle High School in Chicago.

He served as president of Saint Mary’s from 1956 to 1963, growing the college both academically and physically throughout his presidential term.

The campus underwent a significant transformation: two new residence halls, Saint Thomas More Chapel, the library, the Christian Brothers faculty residence, the novitiate, and a minor seminary were all constructed under his guidance. Additionally, enrollment nearly doubled from 688 to approximately 1,200 in 1962.

After leaving Saint Mary’s, he served as a Visitor and finance director for the Brothers, and as principal of Cretin High School in St. Paul and DeLaSalle High School in Minneapolis. He would return to Saint Mary’s once more from 1986-89, working in development. Until recent years, Brother Basil, 97, was a familiar face at Saint Mary’s, particularly during summer Homecoming events. He currently resides in Saint Paul.

Read a story about him in the Catholic Spirit at: http://thecatholicspirit.com/news/local-news/brother-basil-rothweiler-celebrating-80-years-ministry.

Piscitiello, Fox honored as affiliated Christian Brothers

A group of Affiliated De La Salle Christian Brothers joined Fox and Piscitiello (center) for a photo including, from left: Father Robert Stamschror ’57, Loras “Red” Sieve ’60, Father Andrew C. Fabian, OP, and Jeffrey Highland, Ph.D.

Tony Piscitiello and Mary Catherine Fox

Two dedicated and treasured colleagues at Saint Mary’s, Tony Piscitiello ’69, M’82 and Mary Catherine Fox ’75, Ph.D., have become part of the largest congregation of Brothers in the Catholic Church that is devoted exclusively to education. On Monday, Aug. 4, the two longtime champions of education on Saint Mary’s Winona campus became affiliated members of the Brothers of the Christian Schools at a special ceremony held in Saint Thomas More Chapel.

Affiliation is the highest and rarest honor bestowed by the De La Salle Christian Brothers. By affiliation, men and women, lay, religious, and members of the clergy are made members of the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools. At great personal sacrifice, affiliated members have participated to an extraordinary degree in the life and work of the De La Salle Christian Brothers. Fox and Piscitiello live the reality of faith, service and community on a daily basis.

Fox is a respected graduate of Saint Mary’s and has been employed at her alma mater since 1990, serving as dean of the School of Business, Computer Science and Media Communications; vice president for University Relations; and professor of Interdisciplinary Studies.

She was a delegate to the De La Salle Christian Brothers USA/Toronto Regional Assembly in 2005 and the 1st International Assembly on Association & Mission in 2006. She served on the first Midwest District Mission Council including a term as chair, and has also served on the board of directors for Saint Mary’s Press. She received a Distinguished Lasallian Educator Award at the Huether Conference in 2013. She serves on the advisory board of the Institute for Lasallian Studies at Saint Mary’s, and has presented at both the International Leadership Conference of the International Association of Lasallian Universities and the Regional Lasallian Leadership Institute.

Piscitiello is an esteemed and invaluable member of the university’s Lasallian community for the past 45 years serving Saint Mary’s as an admissions counselor, vice president for admissions, executive vice president and senior development director. Piscitiello, a Catholic layman, has in thought, word and action helped the presidents of the university to ensure the future of the Lasallian Catholic educational mission at Saint Mary’s. He has served on numerous committees and task forces of the university and has been, for generations of Saint Mary’s graduates, the welcoming face of the university. In addition, he has served on the boards of directors of Cotter High School, Saint Mary’s Elementary Catholic School, and the Winona Area Catholic Schools Foundation and on the board of advisors of Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary. He received the Distinguished Lasallian Educator Award at Saint Mary’s University on Founders’ Day in 2013. Piscitiello received his undergraduate degree in 1969 and his master’s in 1982, both from Saint Mary’s University.

The letters of affiliation, signed by then Superior General Brother Álvaro Rodríguez Echeverría, read:

“I, the undersigned Superior General of the Brothers of the Christian Schools, acknowledge with joy and gratitude your outstanding collaboration with our Institute, the quality of your personal life inspired by Lasallian spirituality, and your active and long-lasting participation in our work of education. My Council and I wish to demonstrate our gratitude by associating you more closely with our religious family, and by presenting you with the present Letter of Affiliation. As an affiliated member, you share in the spiritual benefits of the prayers and apostolic activities of all those who are serving in the Lasallian mission, and of the Brothers of the Institute. ...”

Congratulations to Rodgers family

Jim Rodgers, professor of Social Sciences on the Winona campus, and Stephanine Dustrud M’90, adjunct associate professor in the M.A. in Organizational Leadership program, joyfully announce the birth of their first granddaughter, Stella Jade Gramlich. She was born to Ana (Rodgers) and Chris Gramlich on Saturday, July 12, in Greenwich, CT.  Stella weighed in at 7 pounds, 13 ounces and was 19 inches long.

Ana attended dance classes at the Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts and was a member of the Dance Rep Company, performing in many productions. She also attended classes at Saint Mary's through PSEO during 2003-2004, her senior year at Cotter High School.

The Saint Mary’s community extends its congratulations to the Rodgers family.

Congratulations to Murray, Ratajczyk

Ben Murray ’96, vice president for financial affairs, married Robyn Hanson June 13 at Holy Rosary Church in Minneapolis. Michael Ratajczyk, assistant professor of business, married Stacey May 31 at Windom Park in Winona. The Saint Mary’s community congratulates these couples.

Congratulations to Popp, Thompson families

Ponder Nevan Fabian Thompson was born June 7 to Lance (Student Activities) and Amber Thompson. He weighed 3 pounds, 7 ounces and was 16 3/4 inches long. Both the baby and mom are both doing well.

Pailyn Praxedes Popp was born May 24 to Stacy (Marketing and Communications) and Steve Popp. She was 7 pounds, 4 ounces and 20 1/2 inches long.

The Saint Mary’s community extends its congratulations to the Popp and Thompson families.

Congratulations to Berggren

Jessica Berggren won an iPad, and Kelly Hall won a pizza party for filling out a student health survey.

The Alcohol and Other Drug Biennial Review is prepared to comply with the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendment of 1989.

The purpose of this review is to provide Saint Mary’s with an opportunity to assess current student alcohol/drug use and related sanctions, determine the effectiveness and consistency of policies, interventions, programming, and sanction enforcement, and to identify and implement any necessary changes.

Current data and changes in these areas over the last two years will be followed by assessment data and recommendations. About 340 students, or a third of students, filled out the survey. Thanks to everyone who participated.

Saint Mary’s presents Student Life awards

Saint Mary’s recognized outstanding students, faculty and staff Wednesday, April 23, at the Student Life Awards Ceremony. Individuals who have exhibited outstanding leadership and service through co-curricular activities at Saint Mary’s were recognized.

Awards included:

Brother Finbar McMullen Award (presented to an SMU community member who demonstrates him/herself to be an individual who unselfishly meets the needs of the undergraduate students of Saint Mary’s) — Brother Lawrence Humphrey, FSC, assistant vice president for mission

Charlene “Char” Tjaden Outstanding Resident Assistant Award — Theresa LaValla

Intramural Official of the Year — Courtney Euerle

Outdoor Leadership Recognition — Jamie Herrick, strength and conditioning coach, physical education instructor and facilities assistant, as well as ropes course facilitator

Club/Organization of the Year — Big and Little Pals (accepted by Mae Yang and Kacie Kusinski)

Outstanding Student Senator of the Year Award — Miles Dunna

Club and Organization Advisor of the Year — Steven McGlaun, dean of campus ministry

Winona Community Service Award — Katie Wall

Saint Benilde Award (presented to students who reach out to new members of the university community, are inclusive and inspiring, and lead by being hospitable, open and accepting) — Sarah McNary

Brother James Miller Award (presented to a student who has dedicated his/her college experience to promoting the legacy of Brother James Miller, spreading the compassion of God and continually serving the community) — Elizabeth Arnold

Brother Charlie Burke Award (presented to a faculty or staff member who has made significant contributions to the entire Student Life Department. This individual has promoted the growth of the whole student through their exemplary standard of ethical service, dedication to creating developmental relationships, and their desire to promote lifelong learning) — Lance Thompson, director of student activities

Student Service Award — Abi Osborne

Leadership Certificate (presented to students who have completed the co-curricular program designed to give both emerging and advanced leaders the skills and knowledge to enhance his or her leadership development) — Samantha Borawski, Maetzin Cruz-Reyes, Conner Ellinghuysen, Hannah Friedrich, Peter Hegland, Jose Herra, Elisabeth Ortega, Christine Volk and Emily Weber.

Employee service award congratulations

Dr. Wes Miller and Dr. Paul Weiner celebrate their 30-year anniversaries.

This year's retirees include Dr. Jim Towers, Dr. Ting Ni and Denny Grandl. Not pictured is Bruce Hill.

The 2014 employee service awards were handed out Wednesday. Five, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, and 45-year honorees were recognized.

Celebrating their 30-year anniversaries are: Les McElmury, Dr. Wes Miller and Dr. Paul Weiner; celebrating 35 years is Fritz Speck; and celebrating 45 years is Tony Piscitiello.

Congratulations also go to retirees Denny Grandl, maintenance (30 years); Bruce Hill, maintenance (37 years); Dr. Ting Ni, history department (17 years); and Dr. Jim Towers, education department (26 years). For more photos, go to www.smumn.edu/photos.

Congratulations to Logan family

Maleigha Pearl Logan, daughter of Coral (Development and Alumni Relations) and Sean Logan was born Friday, April 11. The Saint Mary’s community extends its congratulations to the Logan family.

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.

Congratulations to Palermo

Richard Palermo was elected Student Senate President for the 2014-2015 academic year.

Rodgers to be honored by alma mater

Dr. James Rodgers, Social Science, was selected by the alumni board of his undergraduate alma mater, Northwestern Oklahoma State, as the Most Outstanding Graduate from NWOSU in the field of education. He will travel to NWOSU, located in Alva,  to receive the award on April 26. He received his bachelor’s degree from there in 1975.

Three students win $100 for survey participation

Three students were chosen to receive a cash award for participating in the Noel-Levitz Student Satisfaction Inventory in February. The survey measured student satisfaction and priorities, showing how satisfied students are as well as what issues are important to them.

The students winning $100 each are Selena Bergstrom, Colin Hennessy and Natalie Williams.  

Congratulations to Lunde family

Layla, former Music Department adjunct instructor, and Matt Lunde, prospect management director with the Development Office, had a son, Philip David, March 1. The Saint Mary’s  community extends its congratulations to the Lunde family.

Happy belated birthday

Brother Finbar McMullen celebrated his 90th birthday Tuesday, March 4. Be sure to wish him a belated birthday.

Congratulations to Baker family

Cory and Jackie (Internships and Career Services) Baker had a daughter, Brooklyn Rose, on Jan. 8. The Saint Mary’s community extends its congratulations to the Baker family.