UnderTold Stories journalists to work with students

Journalist Fred de Sam Lazaro and producer Nikki See from the Under-Told Stories Project will spend Feb. 11-12 on the Winona Campus. They’ll be educating students in the Department of Communication on various journalism, storytelling, and public relations topics. De Sam Lazaro and See will speak in the classrooms of Dean Beckman and Dr. Steve Schild, in addition to hosting an evening seminar with students from Dr. Lori Charron’s public speaking classes and Kate Carlson’s digital communications strategies class.

Campus Ministry invites the Winona Campus to hear de Sam Lazaro and See from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Thursday as part of its Dine with the Divine series, taking place in the President’s Room in the Toner Center. The focus will be on changing human rights in India over the past 20 years. To RSVP, contact Campus Ministry.

De Sam Lazaro is a senior distinguished fellow at the Hendrickson Institute for Ethical Leadership, director of the Under-Told Stories Project sponsored by Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, and a correspondent for PBS NewsHour. See is an award-winning producer, developing stories and programs for PBS for nearly 15 years from around the world on a wide variety of subjects.

Chamber Orchestra to perform Feb. 15

The Saint Mary’s Chamber Orchestra, under the direction of Dr. David Leung, will perform “Heart Wounds. Last Spring” 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 15, in Figliulo Recital Hall.

The concert will feature a returning guest-artist, professor Maureen Yuen from State University of New York at Fredonia. She and Dr. Leung performed at Central Lutheran Church last year, and Saint Mary’s is excited to welcome her back to Winona to perform more works by Bach. She will be the featured soloist in Bach’s immortal “E Major Concerto for Solo Violin and Orchestra.”

In light of Valentine’s Day weekend, the Chamber Orchestra will offer two elegiac melodies by Romantic Norwegian composer Edvarg Grieg; Corelli's soulful concerto grosso for two solo violins, solo cello and orchestra; and the heart-breaking “Silouans Song” by mystical Estonian Arvo Part.

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

Band members named to Intercollegiate Honor Band

Five Saint Mary’s students will be representing Saint Mary’s in next week’s performance at the Minnesota Music Educator’s Association conference in Minneapolis Feb. 12-14.

Students include: Lexi Loesel (trumpet), Rachel Prince (clarinet), Kelsey Engesser (clarinet), Katie Stein (flute), and Sarah Fanning (euphonium).

They will be joining collegiate musicians from across the state in rehearsal on Thursday and Friday, and perform at 9 a.m. Saturday in the Minneapolis Convention Center. Admission is free; contact Dr. Janet Heukeshoven for additional details.

Students attend Power in Diversity conference

Saint Mary’s students and staff attended the sixth annual Power in Diversity Leadership Conference at St. Cloud State University Jan. 29-31.

The conference theme was “Remembering the Sixties, While Charting the Future.” The event helps develop personal growth and leadership for students of color and underrepresented students through workshops, keynote speakers, and programs.

Discussions focused on identifying ways that participants can become leaders for positive change. Students had the opportunity to engage in workshops, listen to keynote speakers, and discuss a vast number of topics related to diversity, inclusion, and social justice.

Saint Mary’s senior, Manire Vaughn, also gave a presentation titled, “The Power of YOU” at the conference.

Participants were Manire Vaughn, Bridget Coffou, Stephanie Cruz, Taylor Lehmann, Graciela Hernandez, Sarah Adams, Christina Weldai, Briana Torres, Cinthya Cazares, Nicholle Ramsey, Abbie Fangman, and Demetrius Young.

Students raise money, food for 10 Days of Giving

The Student Activities Committee collected $165 and 310 pounds of food for 10 Days of Giving on Dec. 2.

Biology students awarded research scholarships

Four biology students were awarded the national biology honor society Beta Beta Beta Research Foundation research scholarships.  Students submitted a proposal for their senior research project outlining the objectives of the research and a budget.

The students, their proposed projects and their research advisers are (from left): Katie Stolz, “The Effects of In Utero Exposure to Atrazine on the Methylation of the Glucocorticoid Receptor Gene in the Hippocampus of Mus Musculus,” (Dr. Debra Martin); Aleah Bingham, “The Changing of Diet and the Impact of Cuticular Hydrocarbons on a Single Colony of Formica Obscurpies,” (Dr. Moni Berg-Binder); Jacquelyn Bongard, “The Effects of Splenda on Interleukin (IL)-2 and Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF)-α Production by Splenocytes from Mus Musculus,” Dr. Jeanne Minnerath; Madelyn Stiehl, “Using Blood Sex Steroids to Determine Reproduction Status of Paddlefish (Polyodon Spathula) in the Upper Mississippi River,” Dr. Josh Lallaman.

Science students present research at 7 Rivers

Dr. Jeanne Minnerath, Dan Carroll, Cody Gill, Jaci Bongard, Amy Zawacki, Brandon Larsen, Sami Amatuzio, Kelsey Haugh, Dr. Debra Martin, Dr. Matt Rowley

Seven Saint Mary’s biology and chemistry students presented their research projects at the 7 Rivers Undergraduate Research Symposium held Nov. 14, at Viterbo University.

The students, advisers, and their poster titles are: Samantha Amatuzio (Dr. Debra Martin) “Muscle Strength of Contraction and Fatigue rate of Mus Musclus When Treated with Creatine Mono-Hydrate”; Jacquelyn Bongard (Dr. Jeanne Minnerath) “The Effects of Splenda on Interleukin (IL)-2 and Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF)-α Production by Splenocytes from Mus Musculus”; Daniel Carroll (Dr. Minnerath) “The Impact of Sucralose Consumption on Spatial Memory in Mus Musculus”; Cody Gill (Dr. Martin) “The Effects of Creatine Supplementation on Serum Testosterone Response in Mus Musculus”; Kelsey Haugh (Dr. Matt Rowley) “The Effects of Creatine Supplementation on Serum Testosterone Response in Mus Musculus”; and Brandon Larsen (Dr. Martin) “Glutathione S-transferase Expression in Livers of In Utero Exposed Mus Musculus”; Amy Zawacki (Dr. Minnerath) “The effect of Splenda, Containing Sucralose, on the Humoral Immune Response in Mus musculus.” Sami Amatuzio brought home a Best Poster Award.

Psychology symposium is Saturday

The annual psychology symposium will be held Saturday, Dec. 6, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the President’s Room. The symposium will feature 10 student presentations on original research projects; an alumni panel featuring recent graduates who will discuss their post-graduate experiences; and a poster session that will highlight the research of the department’s collaborative laboratories and experimental psychology students. Students’ families often come to this event, in addition to their underclass student peers.

Saint Mary’s Red Bird Club opens for one night, tonight

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

The Jazz Ensemble and Jazz Combo I 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.

Saint Mary’s Chamber Orchestra concert is Sunday

The Saint Mary’s University Chamber Orchestra will perform “The Magical French Horn” 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 23, in Figliulo Recital Hall of the Performance Center.

Under the direction of Dr. David Leung, the orchestra will perform works by Felix Mendelssohn and contemporary Estonian composer Arvo Pärt. The event features Saint Mary’s faculty member Tammy Bartz on French horn playing Joseph Haydn’s beautiful “Concerto No. 1 in D.”  Dr. Leung will play Antonio Vivaldi's “Autumn” concerto from the Four Seasons, with Dr. Kyle Black of the Department of Modern and Classical Languages narrating the Italian and English sonnets.

Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for students and seniors and are available online at www.pagetheatre.org or at the Saint Mary’s Box Office, 507-457-1715 Monday through Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The orchestra will also perform for the residents of Callista Court at 2 p.m. Saturday.

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.

Saint Mary’s ‘Lessons and Carols’ service is Dec. 6

The joyous and uplifting Christmas service of “Lessons and Carols” will be presented by the Department of Music at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 6.

The beautiful service, held in the majestic Chapel of Saint Mary of the Angels, features the Concert Choir and Chamber Singers, directed by Dr. Patrick O’Shea.

“Lessons and Carols” reflects on the Christmas story through several short readings, hymns and Christmas carols sung by the choirs and audience. Music includes familiar carols and selections by composers from the Renaissance to the present.

The Chapel of Saint Mary of the Angels is located at Wabasha and Vila streets in Winona.

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

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

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 I 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.

Movie depicts De La Salle High School football team’s story

A 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., will be shown at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 19, in Salvi Lecture Hall. A discussion will follow. 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.

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

Enjoy free pizza, a great movie, and a chance to take part in a lively discussion.

Accounting class consults with business office

Kareem Rassas makes his presentation.

The Accounting Information Systems class has been working with the Saint Mary’s Business Office on a month-long consulting project. The student teams have been mapping and reviewing office processes in an effort to provide quality documentation for existing processes, provide suggestions for possible improvement, and help to prepare office personnel for future systems changes and/or implementation projects.

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.

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.

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.

Students invited to submit elevator pitches

The annual Elevator Pitch Contest, sponsored by the Kabara Institute for Entrepreneurial Studies at Saint Mary’s, is open to all students on campus, regardless of major. Cash prizes will be awarded.

What is an elevator pitch? Create an idea for a new business, a non-profit or an event, such as a fundraiser that address a social concern. Pretend that you have a chance encounter (such as a 60-90 second elevator ride) with a person who could help make your dream a reality. Use this short time to convince this person to support your project.

A live competition is set for 3:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 6. For more information, contact Chandu Valluri, Dr. Elizabeth Seebach, Dean Beckman or Dr. Phil Cochran. As an alternative to the live presentation, students can submit a video pitch by noon Tuesday, Nov. 4.

New this year: Entries can be submitted by individual students or in teams of two.

Saint Mary’s students to stage drama ‘Pentecost’ Nov. 6-9

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. 6-9.

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. Thursday through 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, 457-1715, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, or online at www.pagetheatre.org.