Cardinal Plunge Feb. 7 to raise money for alumna

Several celebrity plungers are braving the cold for a good cause this Saturday including: the Cardinal softball team; Chris Kendall, vice president of student life; John Duerst, residence life director; and Christian Brothers Robertolino, Christhian, Peter, and Miguel.

Brave souls and warm hearts are invited to join Saint Mary’s for the sixth annual “Cardinal Plunge” noon to 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 7, at the Lake Lodge Recreation Center, in coordination with the Winter Carnival Goose Bump Jump.

This year, Cardinal Plunge participants will again be freezin’ for a reason. Proceeds will be given to Juliana Piscitiello, a 2006 Saint Mary’s alumna who 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.

She is the daughter of Kathy (Ordahl) CST’70 Piscitiello and Tony Piscitiello ’69, senior advancement director at Saint Mary’s.

The cost to plunge is $20 ($15 for the Saint Mary’s community). Registration runs from 11:30 a.m. to noon, and a silent auction will be held inside the lodge between 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. This event is sponsored by the Saint Mary’s Future Alumni Committee. Donations can be dropped off with Alex Bilski in the Development Office (60 Heffron Hall) or mailed to campus mailbox #21 with attention to “Cardinal Plunge.”

Pre-register online at www.mysmumn.org/plunge2015. For more information, contact Alex Bilski at 457-6675 or Conner Ellinghuysen at 429-7960.

Cardinal Plunge Feb. 7 to raise money for alumna

Brave souls and warm hearts are invited to join Saint Mary’s University for the sixth annual “Cardinal Plunge” noon to 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 7, at the Lake Lodge Recreation Center, in coordination with the Winter Carnival Goose Bump Jump. Several celebrity plungers including Chris Kendall, vice president of student life; John Duerst, residence life director; and Christian Brothers Robertolino, Christhian, Peter, and Miguel are braving the cold for a good cause.

This year, Cardinal Plunge participants will again be freezin’ for a reason. Proceeds will be given to Juliana Piscitiello, a 2006 Saint Mary’s alumna who 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.

She is the daughter of Kathy (Ordahl) CST’70 Piscitiello and Tony Piscitiello ’69, senior advancement director at Saint Mary’s.

The cost to plunge is $20 ($15 for the Saint Mary’s community). Registration runs from 11:30 a.m. to noon, and a silent auction will be held inside the lodge between 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. This event is sponsored by the Saint Mary’s Future Alumni Committee. Donations can be dropped off with Alex Bilski in the Development Office (60 Heffron Hall) or mailed to campus mailbox #21 with attention to “Cardinal Plunge.”

Pre-register online at www.mysmumn.org/plunge2015. For more information, contact Alex Bilski at 457-6675 or Conner Ellinghuysen at 429-7960.

Future alumni begins tradition with ‘Mugsgiving’ Sunday

The Future Alumni Committee and Office of Alumni Relations are offering all current undergrad students special commemorative mugs on Sunday, Nov. 23, as part of “Mugsgiving.” Organizers hope the event will become an annual tradition, with alumni returning to campus with their mugs to socialize with students.

In addition to receiving their mugs, students are invited to a social (with hot cocoa and whipped cream) between 7 and 9 p.m. in the cafeteria. Providing music will be Ryan Weis, Lucas Sansovich, Destiny Dux, Aiden Goodman, and Michael Flicek. Door prizes  include a 32” TV, Beats headphones, a wireless Bluetooth speaker, and Kindle Fire HD.

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.

Cardinal Plunge raises $1,600 for local family

Before taking the plunge, some participants were a little hesitant.

But they knew they were freezin' for a reason!

This year's beneficiaries, the Ellinghuysen family

Approximately 25 Saint Mary’s University students braved the icy water during the fifth annual “Cardinal Plunge,” held Feb. 8 in conjunction with the Winter Carnival Goose Bump Jump in Lake Winona.

This year, about $1,600 was raised for SMU junior Conner Ellinghuysen’s father, Robert Ellinghuysen of Winona. Robert was hit head-on in a traffic accident in June 2012 along Highway 14 in Stockton. He underwent numerous surgeries and lengthy hospital stays. Proceeds will help the Ellinghuysen family with ongoing medical expenses and other family needs.

The event was sponsored by the Saint Mary’s Future Alumni Committee. To see pictures of the event, go to www.smumn.edu/photos.

Cardinal Plunge Feb. 8 to raise money for Ellinghuysen family

Two of last year's brave Cardinal Plunge participants

Brave souls and warm hearts are invited to join Saint Mary’s University for the fifth annual “Cardinal Plunge” 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 8, at the Lake Lodge Recreation Center, in coordination with the city’s Winter Carnival Goose Bump Jump.

This year, Cardinal Plunge participants will be freezin’ for a reason. Proceeds will be given to SMU junior Conner Ellinghuysen’s father, Robert Ellinghuysen of Winona. Robert was hit head-on in a collision in June 2012 along Highway 14 in Stockton. He underwent numerous surgeries and lengthy hospital stays. Proceeds will help the Ellinghuysen family with ongoing medical expenses and other family needs. A silent auction will also be held. Cash donations and items can be brought to the SMU Alumni Office.

The cost to plunge is $20 ($15 for the SMU community). This event is sponsored by the Saint Mary’s Future Alumni Committee.

Pre-register online at www.mysmumn.org/plunge2014. For more information, contact Kenzie Corrow at (507) 995-4863 or Conner Ellinghuysen at (507) 429-7960.

Cardinal Plunge Feb. 8 to raise money for Ellinghuysen family

Brave souls and warm hearts are invited to join Saint Mary’s University for the fifth annual “Cardinal Plunge” 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 8, at the Lake Lodge Recreation Center, in coordination with the Winter Carnival Goose Bump Jump.

This year, Cardinal Plunge participants will be freezin’ for a reason. Proceeds will be given to SMU junior Conner Ellinghuysen’s father, Robert Ellinghuysen of Winona. Robert was hit head-on in a collision in June 2012 along Highway 14 in Stockton. He underwent numerous surgeries and lengthy hospital stays. Proceeds will help the Ellinghuysen family with ongoing medical expenses and other family needs. A silent auction will also be held. Cash donations and items can be brought to the SMU Alumni Office.

The cost to plunge is $20 ($15 for the SMU community). This event is sponsored by the Saint Mary’s Future Alumni Committee.

Pre-register online at www.mysmumn.org/plunge2014. For more information, contact Kenzie Corrow at (507) 995-4863 or Conner Ellinghuysen at (507) 429-7960.

‘Cardinal Plunge’ a big splash

More than 50 jumpers participated in the fourth annual “Cardinal Plunge” Saturday, Feb. 9, at Lake Goodview’s Michael LaCanne Park.

This year, Cardinal Plunge participants were freezin’ for a reason. About $850 in proceeds will be given to SMU junior Arianna Williams and her family of Rochester. Proceeds will help the Williams family with ongoing medical expenses and other family needs after a serious accident. To see photos from the day, go to www.smumn.edu/photos.

Faculty to brave the cold in ‘Cardinal Plunge’ Feb. 9

Brave souls and warm hearts are invited to join Saint Mary’s University for the fourth annual “Cardinal Plunge” 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 9, at Lake Goodview’s Michael LaCanne Park.

This year, Cardinal Plunge participants will be freezin’ for a reason. Proceeds will be given to SMU junior Arianna Williams and her family of Rochester. Williams’ life was changed in October 2012, when an accident claimed the life of her stepfather and left her mother seriously injured. Proceeds will help the Williams family with ongoing medical expenses and other family needs.

Check out faculty who are committed to plunge! Dr. David Lynch (political science) and Matt Klosky (sociology adjunct) will jump at 11:30 a.m., and Dr. Nathan Lien (chemistry) will  plunge at 12:30 p.m.

Additionally, if $2,000 is raised (or if 200 people participate or donate), Bob Fisher (Development) will be the highlight of the event.

The cost to plunge is $15, and all participants will receive a “Cardinal Plunge” towel. This event is sponsored by the Saint Mary’s Future Alumni Committee with support from Student Life, Chartwells and Winona County Dive and Rescue.

Registration (cash or checks only) begins at 10 on-site. Participants are also encouraged to pre-register online at www.mysmumn.org/plunge2013. Donations can be made to the Cardinal Plunge Student Emergency Fund, Campus Box #21.

Refreshments and a light lunch will be available. Teams and costumes are encouraged.

For more information, contact Bob Fisher at

Public invited to SMU’s ‘Cardinal Plunge’ Feb. 9

Brave souls and warm hearts are invited to join Saint Mary’s University for the fourth annual “Cardinal Plunge” 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 9, at Lake Goodview’s Michael LaCanne Park.

This year, Cardinal Plunge participants will be freezin’ for a reason. Proceeds will be given to SMU junior Arianna Williams and her family of Rochester. Williams’ life was changed in October 2012, when an accident claimed the life of her stepfather and left her mother seriously injured. Proceeds will help the Williams family with ongoing medical expenses and other family needs.

The cost to plunge is $15, and all participants will receive a “Cardinal Plunge” towel. This event is sponsored by the Saint Mary’s Future Alumni Committee with support from Student Life, Chartwells and Winona County Dive and Rescue.

Registration (cash or checks only) begins at 10 on-site. Participants are also encouraged to pre-register online at www.mysmumn.org/plunge2013. Donations can be made to the Cardinal Plunge Student Emergency Fund, Campus Box #21.

Refreshments and a light lunch will be available. Teams and costumes are encouraged.

For more information, contact Bob Fisher at rfisher@smumn.edu or Ext. 6658.

Public invited to SMU’s ‘Cardinal Plunge’ Feb. 9

Brave souls and warm hearts are invited to join Saint Mary’s University for the fourth annual “Cardinal Plunge” 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 9, at Lake Goodview’s Michael LaCanne Park.

This year, Cardinal Plunge participants will be freezin’ for a reason. Proceeds will be given to SMU junior Arianna Williams and her family of Rochester. Williams’ life was changed in October 2012, when an accident claimed the life of her stepfather and left her mother seriously injured. Proceeds will help the Williams family with ongoing medical expenses and other family needs.

The cost to plunge is $15, and all participants will receive a “Cardinal Plunge” towel. This event is sponsored by the Saint Mary’s Future Alumni Committee with support from Student Life, Chartwells and Winona County Dive and Rescue.

Registration (cash or checks only) begins at 10 on-site. Participants are also encouraged to pre-register online at www.mysmumn.org/plunge2013. Donations can be made to the Cardinal Plunge Student Emergency Fund, Campus Box #21.

Refreshments and a light lunch will be available. Teams and costumes are encouraged.

For more information, contact Bob Fisher at rfisher@smumn.edu or Ext. 6658.

Public invited to SMU’s ‘Cardinal Plunge’ Feb. 9

Brave souls and warm hearts are invited to join Saint Mary’s University for the fourth annual “Cardinal Plunge” 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 9, at Lake Goodview’s Michael LaCanne Park.

This year, Cardinal Plunge participants will be freezin’ for a reason. Proceeds will be given to SMU junior Arianna Williams and her family of Rochester. Williams’ life was changed in October 2012, when an accident claimed the life of her stepfather and left her mother seriously injured. Proceeds will help the Williams family with ongoing medical expenses and other family needs.

The cost to plunge is $15, and all participants will receive a “Cardinal Plunge” towel. This event is sponsored by the Saint Mary’s Future Alumni Committee with support from Student Life, Chartwells and Winona County Dive and Rescue.

Registration (cash or checks only) begins at 10 on-site. Participants are also encouraged to pre-register online at www.mysmumn.org/plunge2013. Donations can be made to the Cardinal Plunge Student Emergency Fund, Campus Box #21.

Refreshments and a light lunch will be available. Teams and costumes are encouraged.

For more information, contact Bob Fisher at rfisher@smumn.edu or Ext. 6658.

‘Cardinal Plunge’ draws 40

About 40 people were freezin’ for a reason during the third annual “Cardinal Plunge” Feb. 25. The event, hosted by the Future Alumni Committee, raised $560 for the Student Emergency Fund.

To see photos from the event, go to https://picasaweb.google.com/114377451740748435026/CardinalPlunge2012.

Public invited to SMU’s ‘Cardinal Plunge’ Feb. 25

Brave souls and warm hearts are invited to join Saint Mary’s University in the third annual “Cardinal Plunge” Saturday, Feb. 25. This freezing fundraiser begins at 1 p.m. at Lake Goodview, located at Michael LaCanne Park.

This year, “Cardinal Plunge” proceeds will be given to the Future Alumni Committee Student Emergency Fund, a fund set aside for students in need or in emergency situations. A portion of last year’s proceeds went to the family of Millie Harrison, a freshman at Saint Mary’s who passed away suddenly in April 2011.

The cost to plunge is $10, and all participants will receive a “Cardinal Plunge” T-shirt. This event is sponsored by several organizations at Saint Mary’s including Student Life, the Future Alumni Committee, and Chartwells. Community sponsors include the Winona County Dive and Rescue and the Winona Area Ambulance Service.

Registration begins at noon on-site. Participants are encouraged to pre-register online at www.mysmumn.org/cardinalplunge and pay the day of the plunge. Donations can be made to the Cardinal Plunge Student Emergency Fund, Saint Mary’s University, 700Terrace Heights #21, Winona, MN 55987.

Refreshments and a light lunch will be available.

For more information, contact Bridget McDonough at (847) 521-3206 or bmmcdo08@smumn.edu.

Public invited to SMU’s ‘Cardinal Plunge’ Feb. 25

Brave souls and warm hearts are invited to join Saint Mary’s University in the second annual “Cardinal Plunge” Saturday, Feb. 25. This freezing fundraiser begins at 1 p.m. at Lake Goodview, located at Michael LaCanne Park.

This year, “Cardinal Plunge” proceeds will be given to the Future Alumni Committee Student Emergency Fund, a fund set aside for students in need or in emergency situations. A portion of last year’s proceeds went to the family of Millie Harrison, a freshman at Saint Mary’s who passed away suddenly in April 2011.

The cost to plunge is $10, and all participants will receive a “Cardinal Plunge” T-shirt. This event is sponsored by several organizations at Saint Mary’s including Student Life, the Future Alumni Committee, and Chartwells. Community sponsors include the Winona County Dive and Rescue and the Winona Area Ambulance Service.

Registration begins at noon on-site. Participants are encouraged to pre-register online at www.mysmumn.org/cardinalplunge and pay the day of the plunge. Donations can be made to the Cardinal Plunge Student Emergency Fund, Saint Mary’s University, 700 Terrace Heights #21, Winona, MN 55987.

Refreshments and a light lunch will be available.

For more information, contact Bridget McDonough at (847) 521-3206 or bmmcdo08@smumn.edu.

Public invited to SMU’s ‘Cardinal Plunge’ March 19

Brave souls and warm hearts are invited to join Saint Mary’s in the second annual “Cardinal Plunge” Saturday, March 19. This freezing fundraiser begins at 1 p.m. at Lake Goodview, located at Michael LaCanne Park.

This year, “Cardinal Plunge” proceeds will be given to the Cardinal Plunge Student Emergency Fund, a fund set aside for students in need or in emergency situations. A portion of last year’s proceeds went to Michael Mockler, a current junior at Saint Mary’s who had recently been diagnosed with a brain tumor.

The cost for this event is $10, and all participants who preregister will receive a “Cardinal Plunge” T-shirt. This event is sponsored by Student Life, The Future Alumni Committee, and Chartwells. Community sponsors include the Winona Dive and Rescue, EMS of Winona, and Aaron Repinski with Rip-Roaring Entertainment.

Registration begins at noon on site, or participants can pre-register online at www.smumn.edu/cardinalplunge and pay the day of the plunge. Donations can be made to the Cardinal Plunge Student Emergency Fund, Box 24.

Refreshments and a brief lunch will be available.

More than 300 people attended the first “Cardinal Plunge” in March 2010. A total of 120 people “plunged” into Lake Goodview to raise money for Haiti relief efforts and for Mockler, who underwent surgery in June 2010.

The event raised $1,600, and approximately $1,400 was collected in outside donations. Video of the event is at www.youtube.com/smuwinona.

For more information, contact Sarah McDonough at Ext. 1452 or spmcdo07@smumn.edu.