125 attend special movie preview, discussion

About 125 students attended Wednesday’s special showing of the movie “When the Game Stands Tall,” which features the true and remarkable story of the De La Salle High School from Concord, Calif.

This recently released movie features the journey of legendary football coach Bob Ladouceur, who took the De La Salle High School Spartans from obscurity to a 151-game winning streak that shattered all records for any American sport.

A panel discussion (including faculty members Dean Beckman and Joe Tadie and coaches Jen Miller, Jenna Sullivan, and David Barry) revolved around relationships that make a difference in our lives, the parallels between the concept of being on team and in a community, and that “We Lasallians” are successfully competitive.

This event was a team collaboration of the Student Activity Committee, the Living Learning Community Wide World and Sports, and the Athletic Department.

Saint Mary’s in the news

Check out this online article about our recent Lasallian Research Symposium, held on the Twin Cities Campus: www.lasallian.info/2014/10/03/lasallian-research-symposium-forges-partnerships-2/

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. ...”

New De La Salle Christian Brothers statue, Brother James Miller bust dedicated

Brother William greets benefactors of the De La Salle Christian Brothers statue including, from left: Brian Thomas (representing the class of 2013); Frances and Robert Skemp and Jan and Bernie Wagnild.

Maria Glenski does a reading for the dedication ceremony.

The new De La Salle Christian Brothers statue on the Winona campus plaza was dedicated during a brief ceremony on Oct. 4. The statue honors the De La Salle Christian Brothers’ 80 years of service to Saint Mary’s. Benefactors of the project, Bernie and Jan Wagnild, Robert ’49 and Frances Perry CST ’51 Skemp, and the Class of 2013, were recognized.

A new bust of 1966 alumnus Brother James Miller, for whom Residencia Santiago Miller is named, was dedicated Oct. 8 during an informal ceremony. The bust is located just off of the path between the Residencia and Brother Leopold Hall. Brother James was doing “God’s work” of bringing education, faith and hope to marginalized Guatemalans when he was shot and killed on Feb. 13, 1982 by four masked gunmen while mending a wall outside the De La Salle Casa Indigena where he worked.

To see photos, go to www.smumn.edu/photos.

Price quoted in article about Lasallian Social Justice Institute experience

Larry Price, Business Department, wrote an article about his Lasallian Social Justice Institute experience which was quoted in an article on the Christian Brothers Conference website: http://lasallian.info/2013/08/23/lsji-highlights-impact-of-violence-and-peacemaking/

Fox defines ‘Lasallian’ in DeLaSalle Today article

Mary Catherine Fox, Ph.D., professor of interdisciplinary studies, has an article published in the current issue of the magazine, DeLaSalle Today. Fox’s article, titled, “What is Lasallian?” suggests a shorthand for responding to questions about mission and purpose in the Lasallian world. DeLaSalle Today is published twice a year by Christian Brothers Conference and is available online and in print. The article may be accessed at:  http://lasallian.info/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/DLST-Fall-2012.pdf.

Fox presents keynote speech at Lasallian symposium

Mary Catherine Fox, Ph.D., presented one of two keynote speeches at the Symposium on Lasallian Research, held on the Twin Cities campus Oct. 29-30. The symposium was co-sponsored by the RELAN  (North America and Canada) region of the Brothers of the Christian Schools and the university’s Institute for Lasallian Studies.

Dr. Fox’s speech, titled, “Capturing Our Time for Theirs: Considerations for the Context of our Future” addressed the reasons why Lasallian research is needed. Her talk included specific research questions in the areas of Lasallian history, heritage, identity, pedagogy and Lasallian art and music. Participants attending the symposium included Brothers and partners from districts across the United States, Australia and Italy.

Lasallian artwork installed in Benilde Hall

Prints of Saint John Baptist De La Salle and Christian Brother Saint Benilde were framed and hung in the lounge of Benilde Hall, along with some biographical information about each person and their significance to Saint Mary’s.

Brother Lawrence Humphrey also came to Benilde and gave a talk to some of the residents about Benilde, De La Salle, and the tradition of the Brothers.

De La Salle Week schedule

A variety of activities are scheduled for this year’s De La Salle Week, which will run Sunday, March 25, through Saturday, March 31.


Sunday, March 25
• 10:30 a.m. and 9 p.m. — Opening Liturgies, Saint Thomas More Chapel; refreshments served after Mass
• 1 to 3 p.m. — Help care for disc golf course. Register in Campus Ministry

Monday, March 26
“Faith in the Presence of God”
• 7:30 a.m. — Free donuts, first floor Saint Mary’s Hall
• 12:10 p.m. — Liturgy, Saint Thomas More Chapel
• 5:30 p.m. — Dine with the Divine — Brother Larry Schatz, FSC, to lead conversation with students. RSVP in Campus Ministry

Tuesday, March 27 (Founder’s Day)
“Quality Education”
• 7:30 a.m. — Free donuts, first floor Saint Mary’s Hall
• 10:45 a.m. — Liturgy, Saint Thomas More Chapel — by the Most Rev. John M. Quinn, Bishop, Diocese of Winona, Celebrant
• 1:15 p.m. — Convocation, Page Theater; with presentation of the Distinguished Lasallian Educator Award; Bishop Patrick Heffon Award; and Outstanding Senior Awards
• 3 p.m. — Convocation Reception, Hall of Fame Room
• 8 p.m. — Lasallian Collegians Meeting, President’s Room, with Brother Claude Reinhardt, FSC

Wednesday, March 28
“Inclusive Community”
• 7:30 a.m. — Free donuts, first floor Saint Mary’s Hall
• 12:10 p.m. — Liturgy, Saint Thomas More Chapel
• 4 p.m. — Young Lasallian Gathering with Joseph Gilson, President’s Room
• 7:30 p.m. — SPLaSH performances, Valéncia Arts Center
• 8 p.m. — Evening prayer, Common Room
• 9 p.m. — Campus movie, “The Human Experience,” Salvi Lecture Hall. Pizza will be served in honor of De La Salle Week

Thursday, March 29
“Respect of all persons”
• 8 a.m. — Morning Prayer, Toner Student Center Lounge. Students, faculty, and staff are invited to join the Christian Brothers for morning prayer. Breakfast will follow – all are welcome
•Noon — Lasallian Luncheon for faculty and staff with Brother Claude Reinhardt, President’s Room. By invitation to participants in Lasallian formation programs
• 12:10 p.m. — Liturgy, Saint Thomas More Chapel
• 2 p.m. —  Cookies and milk, first floor, Saint Mary’s Hall
• 4 p.m. — Wine & Cheese Social for faculty and staff with Brother Claude Reinhardt. Attendees should read this article in advance — http://axis.smumn.edu/index.php/axis
• 5:30 p.m. — Recognition dinner: students, President’s Room with Theresa Breault ‘11. By inviation
• 7:30 p.m. — SPLaSH student performances, Valéncia Arts Center

Friday, March 30
“Concern for the Poor and Social Justice”
• 7:30 a.m. — Free donuts, first floor Saint Mary’s Hall
• 7:30 to 10 a.m. — Fair Trade Friday, first floor, Saint Marys Hall
• 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. — CTIE lunch and ceremony, Hall of Fame Room. Soup and salad for $5 donation, to benefit CTIE in Nairobi. Brother James Miller Social Justice Grant to be given to Rev. Warren Green of Winona’s “Fresh Start”
• 12:10 p.m. — Liturgy, Saint Thomas More Chapel.
• 7:30 p.m. — SPLaSH student performances, Valéncia Arts Center

Saturday, March 31
• 12:30 p.m. — Kickball and refreshments, Leo Ochrymowycz Soccer Field
• 1 p.m. – Baseball and softball, Max Molock Baseball Field/softball field
• 6 p.m. – Gather at the Christian Brothers’ residence for a pasta dinner (limited to 25 people; sign up in Campus Ministry by March 28)
• 7:30 p.m. — SPLaSH student performances, Valéncia Arts Center

Saint Mary’s hosts LVs Ride participants

Saint Mary’s hosted and sponsored the LVs (Lasallian Volunteers) Ride, a cross-country bike ride that is raising money to end poverty in our nation’s underserved communities.

The proceeds of the LVs Ride — which routes from Astoria, Ore., to Long Branch, N.J. — will go to Lasallian Volunteers, a full-time volunteer program serving the nation’s most neglected communities. Lasallian Volunteers is a program of the De La Salle Christian Brothers, and provides dedicated, well-trained volunteers for one or more years of service to schools and agencies whose mission is to serve the poor. Lasallian Volunteers provide over 100,000 hours of service and serve over 8,215 children and families each year.

One SMU alumna, Glenna Kryzyanowski, is joining approximately 14 other LVs Ride participants for the coast-to-coast trip.

A leg of their journey brought the bikers through Winona July 22-24. Saint Mary’s invited the public to meet participants and learn more about Lasallian Volunteers during a picnic on the plaza July 23.

Heritage discussion groups offered

The University Council for Lasallian Mission is offering Heritage Discussion Groups this semester in both Minneapolis and Winona.

Groups will discuss one of two topics: 1) “Lasallian Origins and Heritage” and 2) "The Catholic Intellectual Tradition." In a three-year cycle, the following topics will be covered:

2011: Lasallian Origins & Heritage
The Catholic Intellectual Tradition

2012: Lasallian Pedagogy
Catholic Social Teaching & Tradition

2013: Lasallian Spirituality
Catholic Moral Tradition

Each group will have a volunteer facilitator and assigned readings, and will meet four times this semester (February-May).

Faculty and staff are invited to consider participating in one of these discussion groups as a way to deepen your understanding of the Lasallian Catholic heritage of Saint Mary’s, and to interact with colleagues on these topics.

If you are interested, respond to Mary Williams Bambenek at mbambene@smumn.edu or Ext. 8738 on the Winona campus or Mary Thole at mthole@smumn.edu or Ext. 118 on the Minneapolis campus by today, Friday, Jan. 28.

Learn about employee SOUL trips today

An opportunity to learn about the Staff/Faculty/Administration SOUL trips will take place today from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. in Toner Student Center Room B. Past participants will share their stories.

Learn how the Lasallian mission is being lived out through the San Miguel SOUL trips to Chicago. Last May, staff and and faculty went on the first SOUL trip of this kind. Employees are invited to consider participating in one of the two trips planned for this year or simply learn about the initiative by attending a session. The first trip is Jan. 12-14 and the second trip is May 16-18.

Brother Ernest to speak Wednesday

On Wednesday, Nov. 3, Saint Mary’s will welcome Brother Ernest J. Miller, a Christian Brother of the District of Eastern North America and a leader in promoting the the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.

At 7:30 p.m. in Room B of the Toner Student Center, Brother Ernest will be speak on Catholic Lasallian Education in the Service of Faith and the Promotion of Justice.

The Office of Campus Ministry is pleased to host this visit.

International Lasallian Scholar to visit Saint Mary’s today

Brother Gerard Rummery, FSC, an internationally known and respected scholar in Lasallian spirituality from Australia, will share his passion for and insight into our Lasallian heritage today, Friday, Oct. 8, on the Winona campus. Brother Gerard’s presentation will begin at noon in the Common Room. For more information, contact Sister Judith Schaefer, University Dean, at jschaefe@smumn.edu.

Brother Gerard also gave a short presentation on the Twin Cities campus on Wednesday, Oct. 6, and to the Board of Trustees on Thursday, Oct. 7.

International Lasallian Scholar to visit Saint Mary’s

During the coming week, Brother Gerard Rummery, FSC, an internationally known and respected scholar in Lasallian spirituality from Australia, will be visiting both campuses to share his passion for and insight into our Lasallian heritage.

Brother Gerard, a voice and face well-known to many on SMU’s campuses, will give a short presentation on the Twin Cities campus on Wednesday, Oct. 6, at 11:30 a.m. as part of a luncheon gathering. He will then travel to the Winona campus where he will give a presentation to the Board of Trustees on Thursday, Oct. 7. On Friday, Oct. 8, Brother Gerard will give another short presentation to members of the Winona campus at noon in the Common Room. If you are interested in attending either of the luncheon events, contact Sister Judith Schaefer, University Dean, at jschaefe@smumn.edu.

Alum to discuss Lasallian profession opportunities today

Anthony Holter '00, a Remick Fellow at Notre Dame University, will present, “No Greater Work: Discerning a profession through your Lasallian Education” today, Friday, Sept. 10. The event, co-sponsored by the Psychology, Theology, and Education Departments, will be held from 3 to 4 p.m. in the World Room. Refreshments will be provided.

Three from Saint Mary’s graduate from Buttimer

Twelve people participated in the Buttimer Institute of Lasallian Studies from June 27-July 9, at Saint Mary’s College of California. Finishing up their third and final summer were Mary Thole, coordinator of student services - SGPP; Tim Gossen, dean of students for the College; and Linka Holey, associate vice president/academic dean - SGPP. The Institute provides a deeper understanding and appreciation of the Lasallian charism through in-depth study of John Baptist de La Salle’s personal journey and the Lasallian spirituality and pedagogy.

SMU alums, staff attend Young Lasallian Gathering

A “Young Lasallian Gathering” was held June 20-26 in Memphis at Christian Brothers University. The gathering was for professional young Lasallians from various ministries throughout the region. Young Lasallians are men and women, Brothers and Sisters, married couples, and single adults ages 22 to 35 who recognize they are a vital group that impact the world-wide Lasallian mission.

The weeklong conference focused on the theme, “to see, to judge, and to act.” This was the first of a series of gatherings that will occur throughout every region in the Institute over the next several years. A total of 40 Lasallians participated including Tim Gossen ’01, M‘06 (dean of students) and Ashley Gossen ‘05 (assistant volleyball coach), Sarah (Bellingham) Laitinen ‘07, Adam Runge ’10, Tina Bonacci (current Ed.D. student) and Brothers Frank Carr (SMU Board of Trustees), Pat Conway (SMU Board of Trustees), Larry Schatz, and Tony Elfering (postulant).

For more information, go to http://www.cbmidwest.org/districtnews/?cat=10.

SMU hosts Lasallian Youth Gathering July 11-16

The Midwest District Lasallian Youth Gathering, “Together in Faith ... Service to Others," was held July 11-16 at Saint Mary’s.

A total of 175 students participated at the gathering, including current high school students from Lasallian high schools in the Midwest District. The gathering focuses on the Lasallian Youth tenets of faith, service and community — and the students engaged in a week of activities focused on these themes.

SMU hosts Lasallian Youth Gathering July 11-16

The Midwest District Lasallian Youth Gathering, “Together in Faith ... Service to Others, will be held July 11-16 at Saint Mary’s.

This marks the event’s 22nd year. This year there will be 175 participants at the gathering, including current high school students from Lasallian high schools in the Midwest District. The gathering focuses on the Lasallian Youth tenets of faith, service and community — and the students will engage in a week of activities focused on these themes.