Saint Mary's University of Minnesota

Thursday, February 12, 2009

SMU invites community to decorate fountains

The Heart of the Beast Puppet Mask Theatre residency ended in public performance in celebration of our water on Friday, Feb. 6.
A decorated drinking fountain in Saint Mary's Hall.

The public is invited to adopt a drinking fountain as part of the “Our Drinking Fountains, Our Water!” collaborative project.

Winona State University, Saint Mary’s University, Minnesota State College-Southeast Technical, Southeast Minnesota Water Resources Board and the City of Winona are incorporating the water theme into classes, presentations and activities this year. The goal of the project is for the community to achieve a broader and deeper understanding of water quality and stewardship. This project is funded by the State of Minnesota through the Minnesota Campus Compact.

Through the adopt-a-drinking fountain project, community members are invited to design and implement an artistic design around a drinking fountain. This project was designed to get the community involved in highlighting our drinking fountains and remind everyone how lucky we are to have clean, drinkable water right at our fingertips.

Fountains must be registered by Feb. 27. Decorating must be started and completed between March 2-18, and the design must remain in place until Earth Day celebrations on April 27.

A map of the decorated fountains (along with designer credit) will appear on the project’s website, http://water.southeastmn.edu. Prizes will be awarded in a number of categories including: most educational, most inspirational, best use of water theme, most creative, and most eye catching.

Refer to the project’s website for rules of the contest, as well as details about how to register a fountain, or call Katie LaPlant at Ext. 6936 or kalaplan@smumn.edu.

Next SMU exhibit to feature digital photography, paintings

Painting by Ming Zhou
Digital photography by Jing Zhou

“Old Media, New Ideas and New Media, Old Ideas” — featuring the work of two Chinese-American artists — will be on display Feb. 16 through March 20 at the Lillian Davis Hogan Galleries.

Jing Zhou, Monmouth University in West Long Branch, N.J., will display digital photography that reflects her interest in spiritual experiences, and Eastern and Western art, literature and philosophy. “As a Chinese artist living in the western world, I am aware of art and philosophy from both cultures,” she said. To her, creating art is a process of expressing her nature via “being human.”

Ming Zhou, University of Missouri, Columbia, critiques “China’s new middle class’s tasteless manner, which is also a mirror of superficial, boastful and rash society of contemporary China” with her paintings. “Through the slightly ironic paintings, I intend to euphemistically remind the new Chinese bourgeoisie that good taste actually comes from internal cultivation, not just blind mimicry,” she said.

The Lillian Davis Hogan Galleries are free and open to the public and are open daily between 9 a.m. and 8 p.m. For more information, call Ext. 1652.

Deadline for study abroad extended to Feb. 23

The deadline for submitting applications for the fall semester London Study Abroad program has been extended to Monday, Feb. 23. Applications are no longer due the Friday before break. The extended deadline will allow students additional time over break to complete the application materials.

If students need an application packet or would like additional information about studying abroad in London fall semester, they should stop by the Study Abroad Office located in Saint Mary’s Hall Room 136.

SMU’s Day at the Capitol is March 5

Saint Mary’s students have been actively involved over the last few years in Minnesota’s Private Colleges Day at the Capitol. On this day students meet with their legislators at the State Capitol to advocate for student financial aid, specifically the Minnesota State Grant Program. Between February and April 2007, more than 400 students developed skills on how to be effective citizen lobbyists and urged their hometown legislators to support Minnesota students.

Saint Mary’s will be at the Capitol on March 5. Anyone can attend Day at the Capitol — students, professors, parents, or administrators. Last 40 students took advantage of this opportunity. Student Senate would love to increase these numbers this year.

Minnesota undergraduate students and their families had to borrow more than $1 billion dollars in 2005 to pay for higher education — an amount that has grown 162% since 1995. The value of state grants dropped 14 percent from 2000 to 2005. Only 2 percent of public spending for Higher Education goes to private schools while 28 percent of state graduates come from private schools like Saint Mary’s.

With 71,108 students receiving need-based aid through the State Grant Program and our state budget deficit for the next biennium forecasted to be at least $4.8 billion, preserving the State Grant program and keeping the cost of education low is even more important.

Go to the Minnesota Association of Private College Students’ (MAPCS) website at www.mnprivatecolleges.org/mapcs/index.php for more information. Students will be able to register on the MAPCS website or through Student Senate as the event draws nearer.

In addition to excusing students to attend, faculty are encouraged to promote conversations about the cost of higher education and the problems our state is currently facing.

If you have any further questions, contact Mary Gleich, Student Senate vice president for external affairs, at mtglei04@smumn.edu.

Gaslight auditions will run Feb. 27-March 1

Auditions for Gaslight will be held Feb. 27- March 1 in the Phi Mu Alpha room (in the basement of the Toner Student Center). Performances will be March 13-14. For more information, contact Kaitlin Depuydt, kadepu05@smumn.edu.

SMU in the news

Here is a recent mention of SMU “making the news” — in the Winona area and beyond.

• The Winona Daily News ran an article titled, “Drink it up” Feb. 9 inviting the public to decorate drinking fountains and detailing SMU events in connection with the project.

Daffodil orders due next week

Daffodil orders can be turned in until Feb. 17 (during break), or order online until Feb. 19.

Support the American Cancer Society’s programs of research, education, advocacy and vital patient services by purchasing some of these bright spring flowers, which serve as a symbol of hope.

This year’s Boyd's™ exclusive, limited-edition bear is Carrie N. Hope. She is available through the “Bear Hugs for Hope” (through which a bear will be delivered anonymously to a child at an area cancer center for $25) or “Bear and a Bunch,” (through which the bear and 10 daffodils will be delivered to you for $25).

“Dainty Daffodils” return this year. Plant bulbs outside in fall to enjoy again in your garden next spring, or regrow indoors. — $15

Also available are:

“Bunch of 10” daffodils — $10; “Vase and a Bunch” — $12; “Gift of Hope Bouquet” (bouquet of open flowers in vase delivered anonymously to a local cancer patient) — $25; and “Sunshine Bouquet” (a vibrant arrangement of 6 bouquets and fresh greenery presented in a glass vase) — $75.

Order online at http://main.acsevents.org/goto/smuwinona or contact Sylvia Pflughoeft, spflugho@smumn.edu, Campus Box 17, Ext. 1455.

Payment is required with your order. Make checks payable to the American Cancer Society, and please don’t send cash through campus mail.

Daffodils will be delivered on the Winona Campus during the week of March 9.

Reminder: No ‘Campus Notes’ next week

Look ahead on your calendars. Because of February break, there will be no “Campus Notes” next week. The deadline for the Feb. 27 edition is Wednesday, Feb. 25.

Saint Mary’s Chamber Singers to perform in Provence Feb. 19-22

The Chamber Singers of Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota will perform in Provence, France as part of their 2009 concert tour.

The 24-voice select ensemble is directed by Dr. Patrick O’Shea, associate professor of music.

Tour performances will include concerts at:
• Cercle Naval de Toulon (Vauban) at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 19, and
• Salle Tino Rossi, Les Pennes Mirabeau at 8:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 20.

The Chamber Singers will also serve as the guest choir for Mass at the Église de Notre-Dame de l’Assomption de Lambesc at 11 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 22 (followed by a short concert).

All performances are free and open to the public. Repertoire will include a cappella works by Nystedt, Byrd, Debussy and Stanford; English madrigals; and a world premiere of Due Sonetti di Petrarca, composed by Dr. O’Shea especially for this tour.

A special homecoming concert is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 26, at Chapel of Saint Mary of the Angels. For more information, call Ext. 1598.

Thursday, February 5, 2009

‘Go Red to Get Ahead’ SGPP promotion is Feb. 26 in Winona

The Schools of Graduate and Professional Programs are hosting a “Go Red to Get Ahead” promotional event Thursday, Feb. 26, on the Winona campus.

An open information session will be held for prospective students of all ages who are interested in graduate and bachelor completion programs. Winona residents and SMU undergraduate students are encouraged to attend in order to learn more about the affordable SGPP education opportunities offered at SMU.

The event will run from 4 to 6 p.m. in the Toner Student Center Lounge. A full schedule of activities are planned. Participants will have an opportunity to win an iPod nano, Target gift cards, iTunes gift cards and SMU gear.

Kabara business plan competition for students

The Kabara Institute for Entrepreneurial Studies announces the second annual Student Business Plan Competition.

Participants must be full-time undergraduate students on the Winona campus, may participate as an individual or as a team of two students, and can have any major.

Students are asked to develop a business plan for a business that they would like to start. The business does not need to be an on-campus business. The projected start-up costs and initial capital required may not exceed $10,000.

The plan must include: a one-page executive summary, a concept statement, anticipated startup costs, a preliminary marketing plan, potential suppliers and/or manufacturing processes (as applicable), a discussion of operating considerations (staffing, operating hours, etc.), pro-forma financial statements for the first year of operation, references for the data sources used in the plan, and contact information for each of the individuals submitting the proposal.

Criteria for judging the plans include: feasibility of the proposed project, creativity, comprehensiveness of the business plan, and reasonableness of the assumptions used to create the plan.

Semi-finalists will receive a one-year membership in CEO, the Collegiate Entrepreneurs’ Organization. Additionally, first place is $1,000; second place is $500; and third place is $250.

A hard copy and electronic copy of the business plans must be submitted to Teresa Speck by noon Monday, March 2. Semifinalists will present their plans to a panel of judges on Friday, March 13, and winners will be announced within a week.

For more information, go to www.smumn.edu/kabara or contact Speck at tspeck@smumn.edu or Ext. 1449.

SMU invites community to events as part of ‘Our Drinking Fountains, Our Water’ project

One of several decorated fountains on the Saint Mary's campus.

Five local institutions are collaborating with the Minneapolis-based In the Heart of the Beast Puppet-Mask Theater to spearhead a community-wide program, “Our Drinking Fountains, Our Water.”

Theatre residency

As part of the theater’s residency activities, Saint Mary’s will attempt to raise community awareness about our drinking water through the creation of art and through performance around that art.

The performance/celebration of an ancient English ritual known as well-dressing or, in this case, water-fountain-dressing, will be held at from noon to 2 pm. today. The celebration will involve student-designed installations, the created masks and dragon, and “performances” that are to be centered around drinking fountains in the Toner Student Center, and Hoffman, Lasalle, and Saint Mary’s Halls.

For more information, contact Dr. Joe Tadie, Ext. 6652 or e-mail jtadie@smumn.edu.

Winona State University, Saint Mary’s University, Minnesota State College-Southeast Technical, Southeast Minnesota Water Resources Board and the City of Winona are incorporating the water theme into classes, presentations and activities this year. The goal of the project is for the community to achieve a broader and deeper understanding of water quality and stewardship. This project is funded by the State of Minnesota through the Minnesota Campus Compact.

Adopt-a-fountain

The public is also invited to adopt a drinking fountain as part of the “Our Drinking Fountains, Our Water!” collaborative project.

Through the adopt-a-drinking fountain project, community members are invited to design and implement an artistic design around a drinking fountain. This project was designed to get the community involved in highlighting our drinking fountains and remind everyone how lucky we are to have clean, drinkable water right at our fingertips.

Fountains must be registered by Feb. 27. Decorating must be started and completed between March 2-18, and the design must remain in place until Earth Day celebrations on April 27.

A map of the decorated fountains (along with designer credit) will appear on the project’s website, http://water.southeastmn.edu. Prizes will be awarded in a number of categories including: most educational, most inspirational, best use of water theme, most creative, and most eye catching.

Designs cannot interfere with accessibility to the fountain and must be respectful and appropriate. Permission must be obtained from the owner/management of the building, and only indoor drinking fountains may be decorated. All costs must be borne by the company, organization or participant.

Refer to the project’s website for rules of the contest, as well as details about how to register a fountain, or call Katie LaPlant at Ext. 6936 or kalaplan@smumn.edu.

Next SMU exhibit to feature digital photography, paintings

Painting by Ming Zhou
Digital photography by Jing Zhou
“Old Media, New Ideas and New Media, Old Ideas” — featuring the work of two Chinese-American artists — will be on display Feb. 16 through March 20 at the Lillian Davis Hogan Galleries.

Jing Zhou, Monmouth University in West Long Branch, N.J., will display digital photography that reflects her interest in spiritual experiences, and Eastern and Western art, literature and philosophy. “As a Chinese artist living in the western world, I am aware of art and philosophy from both cultures,” she said. To her, creating art is a process of expressing her nature via “being human.”

Ming Zhou, University of Missouri, Columbia, critiques “China’s new middle class’s tasteless manner, which is also a mirror of superficial, boastful and rash society of contemporary China” with her paintings. “Through the slightly ironic paintings, I intend to euphemistically remind the new Chinese bourgeoisie that good taste actually comes from internal cultivation, not just blind mimicry,” she said.

The Lillian Davis Hogan Galleries, located in the Toner Student Center, are free and open to the public and are open daily between 9 a.m. and 8 p.m. For more information, call Ext. 1652.

Page Series offers ‘If You Give a Pig a Pancake’ and other stories Feb. 6

It’s no ordinary pig tale. Audience members will learn why it’s probably poor judgment to give a pig a pancake Friday, Feb. 6, at Saint Mary’s. The Page Series presentation, which begins at 6:30 p.m., features Theatreworks USA in this familiar children’s story where offering a pig syrup leads to baths, baths lead to bubbles, bubbles lead to rubber ducks, and rubber ducks lead to wanting a trip to the farm. This, along with many other favorite kids’ storybooks will come to life on the Page Theatre stage. Stories may include “Diary of a Worm,” “Fluffy the Classroom Guinea Pig,” “Horace & Morris but Mostly Dolores,” “How I Became a Pirate,” “Lilly’s Big Day,” “The Paper Bag Princess” and “Ruby Mae Has Something to Say.”

Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students and seniors and are available at the SMU Box Office, Ext. 1715, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday or online at www.pagetheatre.org. Excel Energy Foundation is supporting the school matinees of this show.

Dance Repertory Company auditions are today

The Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts will host auditions for the Dance Repertory Company’s annual spring concert, beginning at 5:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 6, at the Valéncia Arts Center, 1164 West 10th St.

The company is seeking intermediate and advanced dancers with modern, jazz, or pointe training. Roles are available for male and female dancers, ages 13 and older.

Interested candidates are asked to bring a photo of themselves, planning calendars, and proper shoes/attire to the audition.

The DRC will present its annual spring concert, featuring the classical ballet “La Bayadère” as well as contemporary jazz and modern works, May 14-16 at Page Theatre.

The Dance Repertory Company is the performing troupe of the Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts at Saint Mary’s University. Company members participate in rehearsals, technique classes and stage performances. Past productions of the company include: “The Firebird,” “Sleeping Beauty,” “The Nutcracker,” “Paquita,” “Excerpts from Swan Lake,” “Cinderella,” “The Goodman Suite,” “Youth In Motion,” “Tappin' to Connick,” and “Pure Entertainment,” among others.

For more information, visit www.smumn.edu/mca or call Ext. 5501.

Deadline for study abroad extended to Feb. 23

Used book sale ends today at Fitzgerald Library

The library used book sale ends today, Feb. 6. The books are donations from staff, faculty, alumni, and Saint Mary’s Press. Hardbound books are 50 cents, and paperbacks are 25 cents.

Jazz notes

Dr. John Paulson and Eric Heukeshoven with Swing Inc. will perform 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 6, at the all-new Riverside Center at Jefferson Pub & Grill in Winona.

Dr. Paulson performs with Cliff Jack from 6 to 9:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 9, at the Redwood Room in Rochester.

Dr. Paulson will perform in a jazz band reading session with an all-pro band at the Minnesota Music Educators In Service Mid-Winter Clinic in Minneapolis Feb. 12. He will also give a clinic Feb. 13 on “Sax Mouthpiece and Reed Selection Guidelines.” The conference is attended by hundreds of Minnesota music educators and features many professional guest artists and performers. Dr. Janet Heukeshoven of the music department will also attend the conference along with several SMU music education majors.

MPCC forms Facebook group about aid expansion

The MPCC now has a new tool in its legislative advocacy toolkit — the Facebook group, “Expand aid for Minnesota college students.” People who join this group can keep up on the latest information about need-based aid and what’s happening at the legislature. They can also share their state grant stories, comments, Day at the Capitol photos and videos and more. Although this group was created by MPCC, its need-based aid proposal benefits all college students and anyone can join. Please become a member and help promote this group.

Just follow these steps:

• If you don’t already have a Facebook account, create one at www.facebook.com.
• When you’re signed into Facebook, go to http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=50037170587 to join “Expand aid for Minnesota college students,” or search for this group on the Facebook site.
• Once you’re on the group page, click on the “join this group” link in the right column.
• Once you’ve joined, click on the “Invite friends to join” link in the right column.
• Look for other ways to help promote this group – in campus communications, Legislative Action Network and Day at the Capitol promotion, etc.

Help the MPCC build the membership of this group which supports expansion of need-based aid.

SMU in the news

Here are some recent mentions of SMU “making the news” — in the Winona area and beyond.

• The Winona Daily News ran an article titled, “Bicycle built for 15” about the National Acrobats of China on Thursday, Jan. 29.

•A story about the high school one-act play competition, held at Saint Mary’s, was featured in the Winona Daily News on Feb. 1.

• An article about the men’s basketball team raising money for the V Foundation appeared in the Winona Daily News on Feb. 2.

Sympathy to Killian, Sullivan families

Donald Peter Killian, father-in-law of Jackie Killian (Academic Advising) died Saturday, Jan. 31.

A card of condolence can be sent to :
Jackie, Brian, Caleb and Abbey
Campus Box 31

Mary Jo Ayotte, mother of Karen Sullivan (Admissions) died Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2009.

Mary Jo is survived by children Karen (Ayotte ’78) Sullivan, Paul ’80, Mark ’82, Christine (Calabrese ‘82) Ayotte ’82, and Neil Ayotte ’85, their father, Walter Ayotte ’53 and granddaughter Abby Ayotte ’11.

A card of condolence can be sent to:
Karen Sullivan
Campus Box 2

Thursday, January 29, 2009

Finalists announced for Outstanding Senior Awards

The following students have been named finalists for the 2009 Outstanding Senior Award: females — Emily Berg, Maria Borgerson, Kaitlin Depuydt, Teresa Gill and Julia Jergenson; males, — Gary Borash, Ryan Langr, Neil Leibundguth, John Nolte and Jakub Szymanski.

Congratulations go to these outstanding students. Final ballots will be e-mailed to faculty and staff next week. Seniors will have an opportunity to vote next week as well. The award for outstanding female and male senior will be presented at Founder’s Day on Feb. 24.

Kabara business plan competition for students

The Kabara Institute for Entrepreneurial Studies announces the second annual Student Business Plan Competition.

Participants must be full-time undergraduate students on the Winona campus, may participate as an individual or as a team of two students, and can have any major.

Students are asked to develop a business plan for a business that they would like to start. The business does not need to be an on-campus business. The projected start-up costs and initial capital required may not exceed $10,000.

The plan must include: a one-page executive summary, a concept statement, anticipated startup costs, a preliminary marketing plan, potential suppliers and/or manufacturing processes (as applicable), a discussion of operating considerations (staffing, operating hours, etc.), pro-forma financial statements for the first year of operation, references for the data sources used in the plan, and contact information for each of the individuals submitting the proposal.

Criteria for judging the plans include: feasibility of the proposed project, creativity, comprehensiveness of the business plan, and reasonableness of the assumptions used to create the plan.

Semi-finalists will receive a one-year membership in CEO, the Collegiate Entrepreneurs' Organization. Additionally, first place is $1,000; second place is $500, and third place is $250.

A hard copy and electronic copy of the business plans must be submitted to Teresa Speck by noon Monday, March 2. Semifinalists will present their plans to a panel of judges on Friday, March 13, and winners will be announced within a week.

For more information, go to www.smumn.edu/kabara or contact Speck at tspeck@smumn.edu or Ext. 1449.

Geherens to benefit from Taylor Richmond dance, auction

Organizers of the ninth annual Taylor Richmond Benefit Dance, coordinated through the Office of Activities, Leadership and Service, have chosen Bill and Mia Geheren as this year’s recipients. Both are 1990 graduates and have worked for both Saint Mary’s University and Saint Mary’s Press. Their family of six includes three adopted children, who were born addicted to cocaine; one child is addicted to heroin and meth as well. Money from the benefit dance and silent auction, planned for March 26-27, will help the family purchase a much-needed handicapped accessable van.

Faculty and staff are invited to donate items and services to help make this year’s silent auction a success. Call Katie LaPlant at Ext. 6936.

SMU invites community to events as part of ‘Our Drinking Fountains, Our Water’ project

Five local institutions are collaborating with the Minneapolis-based In the Heart of the Beast Puppet-Mask Theater to spearhead a community-wide program, “Our Drinking Fountains, Our Water.”

Theatre residency

As part of the theater’s residency activities, Saint Mary’s will attempt to raise community awareness about our drinking water through the creation of art and through performance around that art.

Accordingly, the public is invited to a daily mask-making activity from 3 to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday, Feb. 2-5, at Lake Park Lodge. The activity will celebrate our water commons through the collective creation of papier-mâché masks, bowls and a large water dragon. These creations will be used on Friday, Feb. 6, for the performance/celebration of an ancient English ritual known as well-dressing or, in this case, water-fountain-dressing.

The culminating celebration will be held from noon to 2 p.m. Friday, Feb. 6, at Saint Mary’s University. The celebration will involve student-designed installations, the created masks and dragon, and “performances” that are to be centered around drinking fountains in the Toner Student Center, and Hoffman, Lasalle, and Saint Mary’s Halls. A map of all of the “dressed” fountains will be available at all of the installation sites and at http://water.southeastmn.edu/HOBT.html.

Both opportunities are free, and no experience is necessary. For more information, contact Dr. Joe Tadie, Ext. 6652 or e-mail jtadie@smumn.edu.

Winona State University, Saint Mary’s University, Minnesota State College-Southeast Technical, Southeast Minnesota Water Resources Board and the City of Winona are incorporating the water theme into classes, presentations and activities this year. The goal of the project is for the community to achieve a broader and deeper understanding of water quality and stewardship. This project is funded by the State of Minnesota through the Minnesota Campus Compact.

Adopt-a-fountain

The public is also invited to adopt a drinking fountain as part of the “Our Drinking Fountains, Our Water!” collaborative project.

Through the adopt-a-drinking fountain project, community members are invited to design and implement an artistic design around a drinking fountain. This project was designed to get the community involved in highlighting our drinking fountains and remind everyone how lucky we are to have clean, drinkable water right at our fingertips.

Fountains must be registered by Feb. 27. Decorating must be started and completed between March 2-18, and the design must remain in place until Earth Day celebrations on April 27.

A map of the decorated fountains (along with designer credit) will appear on the project’s website, http://water.southeastmn.edu. Prizes will be awarded in a number of categories including: most educational, most inspirational, best use of water theme, most creative, and most eye catching.

Designs cannot interfere with accessibility to the fountain and must be respectful and appropriate. Permission must be obtained from the owner/management of the building, and only indoor drinking fountains may be decorated. All costs must be borne by the company, organization or participant.

Refer to the project’s website for rules of the contest, as well as details about how to register a fountain, or call Katie LaPlant at Ext. 6936 or kalaplan@smumn.edu.

May is finalist in fountain design contest

Monta May, Communication and Marketing, is one of three finalists in the Lake Park fountain designing competition.

Voting will continue through Tuesday online at water.southeastmn.edu.

Page Series offers ‘If You Give a Pig a Pancake’ and other stories Feb. 6

Tickets sold out for Acrobats of China

Tickets are sold out for the Acrobats of China presentation Tuesday, Feb. 3. The Page Series event, which begins at 7:30 p.m. will be a night of wonder for the whole family. The Acrobats of China will combine martial arts, spectacular costumes and breathtaking acrobatics.

Although the show is sold out at this time, a few seats may become available the evening of the performance. Patrons still wanting to attend are asked to arrive early to be put on a waiting list. The box office opens at 6:30 p.m. the evening of the show. If any seats do become available, they will be available first come, first served. A waiting list will not be created until the box office opens the evening of the show.

Saint Mary’s to feature two unique realist artists

The unique work of two vastly different artists — Larry Holmes and Jason Bronner — will be displayed inside Lillian Davis Hogan Galleries through Feb. 6. Admission is free and open to the public, and gallery hours are 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. For more information, call Ext. 1652.

Chili cookoff is today

The highly competitive SMU faculty/staff chili cookoff will be Friday, Jan. 30, as the next Let’s Do Lunch fundraiser for Nairobi. So far 17 people have signed up to compete, and a variety of tasty chilis are on the menu. Prizes — as determined by a panel of celebrity judges — will be awarded to the top three placers.

Chili will be served between 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. in the Common Room. Be sure to bring your appetite and a freewill offering. Judging starts at 11:15 a.m.

The Chili Cook-off will be sponsored by Student Development (cornbread, cheese, crackers, etc.). Bottled water and desserts will be provided by the volunteer committee as well.

Dance Repertory Company auditions are Feb. 6

Deadline for study abroad extended to Feb. 23

The deadline for submitting applications for the fall semester London Study Abroad program has been extended to Monday, Feb. 23.
Applications are no longer due the Friday before break. The extended deadline will allow students additional time over break to complete the application materials.

If students need an application packet or would like additional information about studying abroad in London fall semester, they should stop by the Study Abroad Office located in Saint Mary’s Hall Room 136.

Knowledge Acknowledged with Wangberg is Feb. 3

Dr. Robyn Wangberg, physics, an Ironman triathlete, will share her passion for triathlon and her recent adventures — competing in the world championship of the Ironman Triathlon in Kona, Hawaii, and the Ironman Canada Triathlon — from 2 to 3 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 3, in the McEnery Center Main Lounge. These events include a 2.4-mile swim in the ocean, a 112-mile bike ride, and a marathon run (26.2 miles). Dr. Wangberg’s presentation is part of the Knowledge Acknowledged series.

Used book sale is next week at Fitzgerald Library

The library is planning a used book sale Feb. 2-6. The books are donations from staff, faculty, alumni, and Saint Mary’s Press. Hardbound books are 50 cents, and paperbacks are 25 cents.

Job and internship fair scheduled for Feb. 4

“Making the most of the Minnesota’s Private Colleges Job & Internship Fair” will be held from 4 to 5 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 4, in Saint Mary’s Hall, Room 132.

Fireside musical variety show is this weekend

Tickets for Fireside, the coffeehouse style variety show hosted by the sisters of Sigma Alpha Iota, are now available. Tickets for the show, to be held 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Jan. 30-31, in the Common Room, are $7 and include pie, a beverage and the show. Tickets are being sold in Toner during lunch and dinner hours, as well as at the door.

Fox receives National Catholic Education Association award

Dr. Mary Catherine Fox, professor of interdisciplinary studies, was presented with the National Catholic Education Association’s Distinguished Graduate Award Sunday, Jan. 25, at Holy Angels School in Aurora, Ill.

Dr. Fox was honored for “exemplifying the highest qualities of Catholic Education” and for “rendering distinguished service to the Catholic Church and the United States of America.” The award is not presented every year, and encompasses the Aurora Deanery of the Rockford, Ill., diocese.

Her nomination for the award came from a fellow classmate and current teacher at Holy Angels, Nancy Nardone.

After graduating from Holy Angels School in 1967, Fox attended Rosary High School in Aurora and then went on to Saint Mary’s College where she received her bachelor’s degree and then master of science in telecommunications.

Fox has worked at Saint Mary’s for 19 years, serving as the dean of business, vice president for university relations and as professor of interdisciplinary studies.

To read a local news article about the award, go to www.suburbanchicagonews.com/beaconnews/news/1394930,2_1_AU24_HOL.YANGELS_S1.article.

Jazz notes

John Paulson and Eric Heukeshoven with Swing Inc. will perform 7 to 10 p.m. Friday, Feb. 6, at Jefferson Pub & Grill in Winona.

Paulson performs with Cliff Jack from 6 to 9:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 9, at the Redwood Room in Rochester.

SMU hosts state high school one-act play competition

The Minnesota State High School League sectional one-act play competition will be held at Saint Mary’s on Saturday, beginning at 8 a.m. and running most of the day at Page Theatre. The winners from this event advance to state competition.

Heukeshoven serves as honor band guest conductor

On Saturday, Jan. 24, Dr. Janet Heukeshoven (music) was featured as the Minnesota Band Directors’ Association 9th- and 10th-grade Honor Band guest conductor for the Southeast Minnesota region. She led an ensemble of 78 students from 22 different public and private schools from St. Paul Central High School to Caledonia, including nine Winona area musicians. The rehearsals and performance took place at the Century High School Auditorium in Rochester.

O’Shea completes work for Chamber Singers

Dr. Patrick O'Shea (music) has just completed two new musical settings of sonnets by Petrarch in Italian for the Saint Mary’s Chamber Singers, “Pace non trovo” (Canzone CXXXIV) and “Benedetto sia ’lgiorno” (Canzone LXI). The works will be premiered, appropriately, in Provence, France, where Petrarch spent a considerable portion of his life.

Employee changes

New employees:

• Samuel Taylor, Jan. 26, Twin Cities — security guard.
• Julie Galaty, Jan. 20, Twin Cities — site coordinator Rochester Center.
• Linda Gfrerer, Jan. 12, Twin Cities — director, B.S. in Nursing.

Annual Twin Cities reception a success

On Sunday, Jan. 25, the admission office hosted a reception at the Minneapolis Airport Mariott Hotel in Bloomington. The event drew 84 students, plus parents.

This successful event could not have happened without the generous support of many faculty, staff, current students and alumni who shared their Sunday to assist in bringing a taste of Saint Mary’s to prospective students. The Department of Admission would like to thank the following individuals for their efforts:

Winona campus faculty, staff and coaches —Katie LaPlant, Shelly McCallum, Karen Hemker, Peg Winters, Deb Martin, Jayne Wobig, Tammy Vondrasek, Gary Diomondes, Ken Stenstrup, Bill Moore, Chandu Valluri, Maria Garza Cienfuegus, Maria Gabriela Guerra Trevino, Sister Margaret Mear, Jim Vogel, Jay Mutter, John Paulson, Dean Beckman, Melissa Luedtke, Aaron Haupert, Paul Weiner, Terry Mannor, Nick Winecke, Jeff Stangl, Tony Piscitiello, Karen Sullivan, Joy Rockwell, Adam Stasica, Katie Trnka, Ken Pelligrini, Sarah Kay, Megan Radke;

Current undergraduate students — Andy Weigman, Dan Spiess, Alex Lam, Megan Mollison;

Undergraduate alumni — Yena Phillip ’07, Emily Babcock ’07, Nick Fritzen ’93, Lindsay Johnson ’08, Sara Sloneker ’06, Val Rodriguez ’08, Dave Karsnia ’00, Jessalyn Karsnia ’02;

Parents of current SMU students — Dave Weiman and Mr. and Mrs. Doug Mollison.

Thursday, January 22, 2009

SMU invites community to events as part of ‘Our Drinking Fountains, Our Water’ project

SMU artist is finalist in fountain design contest

Monta May, Communication and Marketing, is one of three finalists in the Lake Park fountain designing competition, part of the “Our Drinking Fountains, Our Water” program.

The three finalists are being announced this weekend at the Frozen River Film Festival. Voting will begin Monday online at water.southeastmn.edu.

To view May’s submission and to see other examples of her mosaic work, go to Montagael.blogspot.com.

Details of the contest are available at http://water.southeastmn.edu/LakeParkFountain.html

‘SMU 10K’ citizens classic ski event is Jan. 25 at Saint Mary’s

Saint Mary’s is inviting the public to the annual “SMU 10K” classic ski event on Sunday, Jan. 25.

“We’re very fortunate to have an excellent trail system here that is both scenic as well as challenging,” said Chris Kendall, vice president for student development. “And this year we actually have snow, thanks to the weather and to our new snow-making capabilities as a result of a partnership with the Winona Ski Club.”

The event is open to all individuals, with a Mass start slated for 1 p.m. On-site registration will begin at 11 a.m. at the Toner Student Center. The cost is $10, which includes a souvenir race bib and a completion medal. Medals will be awarded for men and women in open and recreational classes.

For more information or to receive a registration form, call Davey Warner at Ext. 8740. Check out more information online at www.saintmaryssports.com.

Students can attend Frozen River Film Festival for free; some events to be held at SMU

SMU students can attend the upcoming Frozen River Film Festival for free.

The Frozen River Film Festival is an event that specializes in documentary films, workshops, and presentations oriented around the areas of world culture, the environment and extreme sports. Between Jan. 21-29 the festival will showcase more than 40 films from around the world. Go to www.frff.org/?page=09/film for more details.

The festival speakers include horticulturist photographer David Cavagnaro, food activist Deborah Koons Garcia, and Dr. John Francis who was silent and on foot for 17 years.

Most events take place on the campus of Winona State University; some are at Saint Mary’s and other locations around town.

The Office of Student Development and the School of the Arts have contributed money to allow all students from Saint Mary’s to attend for free. (Only the Friday night concert is not included.) Students should bring an I.D. to Nikki Richmond at Campus Ministry or Student Activities to receive a pass.

For more information, contact John Kerr at jkerr@smumn.edu or Ext. 1673.

Page Series offers ‘If You Give a Pig a Pancake’ and other stories Feb. 6

Tickets sold out for Acrobats of China

Tickets are sold out for the Acrobats of China presentation Tuesday, Feb. 3. The Page Series event, which begins at 7:30 p.m. will be a night of wonder for the whole family. The Acrobats of China will combine martial arts, spectacular costumes and breathtaking acrobatics. In this long-established Chinese tradition, every-day objects become tools to showcase the skills of the jugglers, spinners, and acrobats of this present-day troupe.

Although the show is sold out at this time, a few seats may become available the evening of the performance. Patrons still wanting to attend are asked to arrive early to be put on a waiting list. The box office opens at 6:30 p.m. the evening of the show. If any seats do become available, they will be available first come, first served. A waiting list will not be created until the box office opens the evening of the show.

Tickets sold out for ‘Sleeping Beauty’ Jan. 27

Tickets are now sold out for the classic fairytale “Sleeping Beauty,” a full-length ballet in three acts, to be performed by the Russian National Ballet Theatre Tuesday, Jan. 27, at Page Theatre. Good will triumph over evil beginning at 7:30 p.m.

Although the show is sold out at this time, a few seats may become available the evening of the performance. Patrons still wanting to attend are asked to arrive early to be put on a waiting list. The box office opens at 6:30 p.m. the evening of the show. If any seats do become available, they will be available first come, first served. A waiting list will not be created until the box office opens the evening of the show.

Saint Mary’s to feature two unique realist artists

The unique work of two vastly different artists — Larry Holmes and Jason Bronner — will be displayed inside Lillian Davis Hogan Galleries through Feb. 6.

Holmes, a realist painter, uses an overhead perspective when creating his pieces, which highlight textural beauty by positioning inanimate objects like shells or statues beside flowers or animals. Holmes’ exhibit, “A Brief History,” features a number of oil paintings depicting mosaics. He is professor emeritus at the University of Delaware, Newark.

Through his exhibit, “Dogs of the Empire,” Bronner depicts scenes of dogs through charcoal drawings on paper, oil paintings on canvas, as well as digitally. In examining the dog’s competing roles as hunter, guardian and companion, Bronner’s work makes a political statement. He is associate professor of painting and drawing at Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania.

Admission is free and open to the public, and gallery hours are 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. For more information, call Ext. 1652.

Chili cookoff is Jan. 30

The next SMU faculty/staff chili cookoff will be Friday, Jan. 30, as the next Let’s Do Lunch fundraiser for Nairobi. If you intend to compete, contact Deb Nahrgang at Ext. 6966 or dnahrgan@smumn.edu, so that we know there will be enough chili to feed the masses. Prizes will be awarded to the top three placers. SMU celebrity judges will be announced later.

Chili will be served between 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. in the Common Room. Be sure to bring your appetite and a freewill offering. Judging starts at 11:15 a.m.

The Chili Cook-off will be sponsored by Student Development (cornbread, cheese, crackers, etc.). Bottled water and desserts will be provided by the volunteer committee as well.

Author Ron Hansen to speak Jan. 27

Ron Hansen, author of “Mariette in Ecstasy” and a book of essays called “A Stay Against Confusion: Essays on Faith and Fiction” will read from his books at 8 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 27, in the Toner Student Center Lounge.

Hansen also has authored “Isn’t it Romantic,” “Desperadoes,” “The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford,” “Nebraska,” “Atticus,” and a children’s book, “The Shadowmaker.” He is Gerard Manley Hopkins SJ Professor of the Arts and Humanities at Santa Clara University. His novel “Atticus” was a finalist for the National Book Award in 1996.

His presentation, free and open to the public, is sponsored by Sigma Tau Delta, the national English honor society. Refreshments will be provided. For more information, call Dr. David Sokolowski at Ext. 1538.

Saint Mary’s hosts coaches clinic

Coaches participate in a team-building exercise.

Saint Mary’s University and the Christian Brothers Midwest District sponsored a Lasallian Coaches Clinic in Winona on Jan. 17-20.

Approximately 20 coaches from Lasallian high schools of the Midwest District and the New Orleans-Santa Fe District attended the clinic, along with our Saint Mary’s coaches who both participated and presented.

Dr. Len DiPaul from Neumann University of Pennsylvania was the keynote speaker. Dr. DiPaul is the executive director for the Department of Pastoral and Theological Studies at Neumann, and is a co-founder of Neumann’s Center for Sport Spirituality and Character Development. His participation in the program was sponsored by Saint Mary’s Press. The topic of his keynote address was “The Spirituality of Coaching and Sportsmanship.”

Schools represented included Bishop Kelley High School, Tulsa, Okla.; Christian Brothers College High School, St. Louis, Mo.; Christian Brothers High School, Memphis, Tenn.; Christian Brothers School, New Orleans, La.; De La Salle High School, Minneapolis; De La Salle Institute, Chicago; Mullen High School, Denver, Colo.; St. Paul's High School, Covington, La.; Totino-grace High School, Fridley, Minn.

Knowledge Acknowledged with Wangberg is rescheduled

Dr. Robyn Wangberg, physics, an Ironman triathlete, will share her passion for triathlon and her recent adventures competing in the world championship of the Ironman Triathlon in Kona, Hawaii, and the Ironman Canada Triathlon from 2 to 3 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 3, in the McEnery Center Main Lounge. These events include a 2.4-mile swim in the ocean, a 112-mile bike ride, and a marathon run (26.2 miles). Dr. Wangberg’s presentation is part of the Knowledge Acknowledged series.

Openings available in MCA’s Winona Area Youth Singers

The Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts invites area students in grades three through six to participate in a new youth choir, the Winona Area Youth Singers (WAYS).

Young people who have been introduced to choir and music in their elementary or middle schools and are seeking additional educational and performance opportunities are encouraged to attend. WAYS is dedicated to providing quality, artistic, and educational programs for all young people, regardless of their financial circumstances.

The repertoire and focus of WAYS will be more intensive by nature. The choir is meant to complement a student’s current vocal training.

Semester II WAYS members will participate in a spring concert (May 3), a special mentorship program with Saint Mary’s, and in community outreach by performing at nursing homes and for other charitable events.

WAYS is directed by Lindsy O’Shea, who holds a Master of Arts in Instruction and a Bachelor of Arts in Vocal Music Performance from Saint Mary’s. She is currently adjunct faculty with Saint Mary’s, where she directs the women’s choir and teaches private voice lessons. She also sings with the La Crosse Chamber Chorale.

WAYS meets weekly throughout the semester on Thursdays, 6:30 to 8 p.m., at the Valéncia Arts Center, 1164 West 10th St. Registration is currently being accepted and will remain open through Jan. 26.

Semester II tuition for participation in WAYS is $150. Full and partial financial need-based scholarships are available for WAYS participants through MCA’s scholarship fund, provided by the Hiawatha Education Foundation.

For more information about WAYS or MCA’s other performing arts programming, visit www.smumn.edu/mca, e-mail dance@smumn.edu or call Ext. 5501.

SMU in the news

Here are some recent mentions of SMU “making the news” — in the Winona area and beyond.

• A story about the Russian National Ballet performing ‘Sleeping Beauty’ was featured in Thursday’s Winona Daily News Live! section.

Thursday, January 15, 2009

‘SMU 10K’ citizens classic ski event is Jan. 25 at Saint Mary’s

Students can attend Frozen River Film Festival for free; some events to be held at SMU

SMU students can attend the upcoming Frozen River Film Festival for free.

The Frozen River Film Festival is an event that specializes in documentary films, workshops, and presentations oriented around the areas of world culture, the environment and extreme sports. Between Jan. 21-29 the festival will showcase more than 40 films from around the world. More details.

The festival speakers include horticulturist photographer David Cavagnaro, food activist Deborah Koons Garcia, and Dr. John Francis who was silent and on foot for 17 years.

Most events take place on the campus of Winona State University; some are at Saint Mary’s and other locations around town.

The Office of Student Development and the School of the Arts have contributed money to allow all students from Saint Mary’s to attend for free. (Only the Friday night concert is not included.) Students should bring an I.D. to Nikki Richmond at Campus Ministry or Student Activities to receive a pass.

For more information, contact John Kerr at jkerr@smumn.edu or Ext. 1673.

Nowakowski to speak on economic challenges and higher education

Matt Nowakowski, director of the MBA program at the university, will speak to faculty and staff on current economic challenges and their impact on higher education. The presentation, followed by questions and answers, will take place on Jan. 22, at 3:30-4:30 p.m. in Salvi Lecture Hall. Light refreshments will be served.

Russian National Ballet to stage ‘Sleeping Beauty’ Jan. 27

The classic fairytale “Sleeping Beauty,” a full-length ballet in three acts, will be performed by the Russian National Ballet Theatre Tuesday, Jan. 27, at Page Theatre.

“Sleeping Beauty,” a crowning jewel of choreographer Marius Petipa’s career, is often considered the finest achievement of classical ballet. Good will triumph over evil beginning at 7:30 p.m. Audiences will enjoy a lavish theatrical set, complete with magical effects and courtly splendor.

Pyotr IIyich Tchiakovsky was delighted with the invitation to write the music for a ballet based on Charles Perrault's well-known fairytale. A baby princess, condemned at her christening by an evil fairy to prick her finger and die on her 16th birthday, is saved by the gift of the good Lilac Fairy, who declares the princess will only sleep until awakened by the kiss of a prince. The fairytale, replete with a king and queen, fairies both good and evil, a beautiful princess and dream prince, lent itself perfectly to the full evening ballet that was Petipa's pride.

The Russian National Ballet Theatre, formerly known as the Soviet National Ballet, was founded in Moscow by graduates from the Russian Choreographic schools of Moscow, St. Petersburg and Perm in the transitional period of Perestroika in the late 1980s. This was a time when many of the great dancers and choreographers of the Soviet Union’s ballet institutions were exercising their new-found creative freedom by starting new, vibrant companies — dedicated not only to the timeless tradition of classical Russian Ballet but to invigorating this tradition as the Russians began to accept new developments in dance from around the world.

In 1994, the legendary Bolshoi principal dancer Sergei Radchenko was selected by Presidential decree to assume the first permanent artistic directorship of the company.

Tickets are $25 for adults, $20 for seniors and students and are available at the Box Office Ext. 1715 or online at www.pagetheatre.org. Pre-show dinners are available at $20 for adults or $12 for youth.

Saint Mary’s to feature two unique realist artists

Chili cookoff is Jan. 30

Author Ron Hansen to speak Jan. 27

Knowledge Acknowledged series begins Jan. 20

A series of presentations celebrating knowledge and passion will be held Tuesdays in the McEnery Center main lounge.

The first presentation, from 2 to 3 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 20, will feature Dr. Robyn Wangberg, physics, who is an Ironman triathlete. Dr. Wangberg will share her passion for triathlons and her recent adventures competing in the world championship of the Ironman Triathlon in Kona, Hawaii, and the Ironman Canada Triathlon. These events include a 2.4-mile swim in the ocean, a 112-mile bike ride, and a marathon run (26.2 miles).

Other upcoming presenters include Eric Heukeshoven, music; Monta May, communication and marketing; and Chris Kendall, student development, Gary LeMasters (husband of Ruth Ann Torstenson LeMasters at the library), and Dr. Wes Miller, social science. Light refreshments will be served.

MLK interfaith prayer service is Jan. 19

A Martin Luther King Jr. Interfaith Prayer Service is scheduled for 8 p.m. Monday, Jan. 19, at Saint Thomas More Chapel. The event, free and open to the public, is sponsored by the Inter Cultural Awareness Association, Lasallian Collegians, the Office of Campus Ministry, Power Hour and Co-exist. Refreshments will be served. For more information, call Campus Ministry at Ext. 1643.

Klosky named state POST coordinator for Saint Mary’s

Dr. Tricia Klosky, criminal justice coordinator, was named the Minnesota Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) coordinator for Saint Mary’s. This position entails keeping current on new laws impacting students who wish to become law enforcement officers, monitoring curriculum to make sure that we are meeting POST educational requirements, and signing off on students applications to take the POST licensing exams.

Heukeshoven serves as guest conductor

Dr. Janet Heukeshoven served as guest conductor of the Maple Grove/Osseo District 270 Junior High Honor Band on Thursday, Jan. 15. Eighty select 8th- and 9th-grade instrumentalists from four schools met for a day of music making and a concert at Maple Grove Junior High.

Jazz notes

The John Paulson Trio will perform 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 17, at Michael’s Restaurant in Rochester, Minn.

SMU in the news

Here are some recent mentions of SMU “making the news” — in the Winona area and beyond.

• A story titled, “It’s too much work,” about a community ski day, hosted by SMU’s Environmental Awareness Center, appeared in the Jan. 4 edition of the Winona Daily News.

• The Jan. 15 edition of The Winona Daily News features a photo of a family touring Saint Mary’s and December admission statistics in a story titled, “Economy dragging local college applications.”

Help more students complete college

Minnesota's policymakers should act now to make college more affordable and accessible for low- and middle-income students. It's more important than ever, if we are going to have the educated workforce we need for future jobs and economic growth. Our state can't compete globally if only one out of three low-income high school students in Minnesota go on to college (that's compared to two out of three when income is not considered).

There are steps the state can take right now: one, put more money into need-based aid, increasing awards and eligibility for thousands of students, and two, fund proven support programs that help those least likely to go to college.

Become an advocate for expanding college opportunity for Minnesota students. Join the Minnesota Private Colleges’ Legislative Action Network to find out more about this issue and keep up with what’s happening at the Capitol. Get the tools and resources you need to make your voice heard. Join today.

Artist reception for Solberg is Jan. 22

A reception will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 22, for local artist Mary Solberg whose mixed-media paintings are featured in the Ben Miller Lobby of the Performance Center through Feb. 9.

“Everyday icons are images of people or animals living or dead, contemporary or historic whom I wish to venerate on a personal level,” Solberg said. “No less an icon for their familiarity, the mixed media paintings incorporate metal leaf, beeswax and oil to create a portrait, which celebrates the sacred in all of us.”

Sympathy to Strickland family

Helen Strickland mother-in-law, mother and grandmother to Donny Nadeau '85 (SMU Sports Information director), Deedee (Strickland) Nadeau ’85, Bob Strickland ’72, Ann (Strickland) Stark ’83, Tom Stark ’82, Corey Strickland ’02, Andy Nadeau ’07, current students Joey Nadeau ’12 and Danny Stark ’12, died Jan. 12.

Cards of sympathy can be sent to Donny and Deedee Nadeau and family at Campus Box 62. The Saint Mary’s community extends its sympathy to the Strickland family.

Thursday, January 8, 2009

NCAA honors SMU athletes for volunteer flood work

Saint Mary’s is one of three schools to receive this year’s National Association of Division III Athletics Administrators awards honoring community-service projects and activities.

Saint Mary’s athletes were recognized for their efforts to aid flood victims in Minnesota.

SMU, along with York College of Pennsylvania and Stevens Institute of Technology each will receive $1,000 contributions to their general scholarship funds as recipients of NADIIIAA/Jostens Community Service Awards for projects during the 2007-08 academic year.

Ten other institutions also earned recognition in the program, which has honored Division III athletics programs’ community-service efforts annually since 2002. All of the institutions will be recognized by NADIIIAA at the NCAA Convention in Washington, D.C.

Saint Mary’s is a category winner for the first time as this year’s honoree for a one-time project or activity. SMU student-athletes returned to campus from summer vacation in August 2007 to find that the university’s fieldhouse was serving as an emergency shelter for victims of flooding in southeastern Minnesota. The Saint Mary’s student-athlete advisory committee, which already had begun planning an event designed to increase camaraderie among the school’s athletics teams, shifted efforts to aiding the flood victims.

In collaboration with SMU’s Volunteer Services, nearly 200 student-athletes and their coaches collected food and water for flood-relief volunteers, and many of those student-athletes fanned out to nearby communities to clean up and repair homes and to help restore a state park. The student-athletes were credited by a relief worker with saving homeowners weeks of clean-up work while demonstrating compassion for flood victims.

To read more about SMU athletes’ flood-relief efforts, go to www.smumn.edu/floodcleanup.

SMU to offer Doctorate of Psychology in Fall 2009

Saint Mary's University of Minnesota has been approved to offer a Doctorate of Psychology (Psy.D.) degree in Counseling Psychology. The university hopes to begin its first Psy.D. cohort of students in Fall, 2009.

Brother President William Mann, FSC, received approval notice December 29 from the university’s accreditor, the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). This is the culmination of three years of work which included an internal program development process; review and approval by the university’s state regulatory agency, the Minnesota Office of Higher Education; and review and approval by the HLC.

Saint Mary’s will spend the upcoming months making plans for implementation, including hiring a program director, finalizing syllabi, hiring faculty, and beginning marketing efforts. In the interim, questions can be directed to Merri L. Moody, dean of the Graduate School of Health and Human Services, (612) 728-5133, mmoody@smumn.edu.

‘SMU 10K’ citizens classic ski is Jan. 25 at Saint Mary’s

Saint Mary’s University is inviting the public to the annual “SMU 10K” classic ski event on Sunday, Jan. 25.

“We’re very fortunate to have an excellent trail system here that is both scenic as well as challenging,” said Chris Kendall, vice president for student development. “And this year we actually have snow, thanks to the weather and to our new snow-making capabilities as a result of a partnership with the Winona Ski Club.”

The event is open to all individuals, with a mass start slated for 1 p.m. On-site registration will begin at 11 a.m. at the Toner Student Center. The cost is $10, which includes a souvenir race bib and a completion medal. Medals will be awarded for men and women in open and recreational classes.

For more information or to receive a registration form, call Davey Warner at Ext. 8740. Check out more information online at www.saintmaryssports.com.

Jamaican learning community completes first semester

The first learning community in Jamaica in the M.Ed. in Teaching and Learning program finished its first full semester in late December 2008. Twenty-one students are participating in the learning community. Reports from students have been very positive and Jamaican colleagues have shared that there is increasing interest in the program as more teachers in the Mandeville area hear about it through their colleagues. The university is planning with its partner, the Catholic College of Mandeville, to begin a second cohort in Fall 2009.

Saint Mary’s will host a site confirmation visit by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), the university’s accreditor, in Jamaica in early February. This one-day visit is the final step with the HLC in affirming the university’s ability to offer the M.Ed. in Jamaica. Questions regarding the Jamaica initiative can be directed to Suzanne Peterson, director of the M.Ed. Program, or Tracy Lehnertz, director of Institutional Effectiveness.

Family entertainer Red Grammer will perform Jan. 13

Grammy-nominated family entertainer Red Grammer will bebop his way onto the Page Theatre stage at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 13.

With a playful, good-natured character, Grammer is a young-at-heart, premier entertainer of children and families. Parents Magazine has described Red as “the best voice in children’s music.” Having been featured on “The Today Show,” “CBS This Morning,” Nickelodeon, Showtime, PBS, and his own Disney Channel concert special, Grammer is practiced in lifting the spirits of families across the United States. He has set the gold standard for writing and performing music that playfully reconnects each one of us with the best in ourselves.

Tickets for the Page Series performance are $10 for adults, $5 for seniors and students, 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.

This presentation is supported by the Performing Arts Fund, a program of Arts Midwest funded by the National Endowment for the Arts, which believes that a great nation deserves great art, with additional contributions from the Minnesota Arts Board, General Mills Foundation, and Land O’Lakes Foundation.

Saint Mary’s to feature two unique realist artists

"Dogs of the Empire" by artist Jason Bronner

"A Brief History," featuring artist Larry Holmes

The unique work of two vastly different artists — Larry Holmes and Jason Bronner — will be displayed inside Lillian Davis Hogan Galleries through Feb. 6.

Holmes, a realist painter, uses an overhead perspective when creating his pieces, which highlight textural beauty by positioning inanimate objects like shells or statues beside flowers or animals. Holmes’ exhibit, “A Brief History,” features a number of oil paintings depicting mosaics. “The concerns that I have in my work range from the formal to the fanciful with several issues between the two extremes,” he said, adding that his work “has come to be largely about the psychology of what is depicted and the gaps that this subsequently leaves for the viewer to fill. Ultimately, I am creating pictorial situations that are intended to leave the audience amused or bemused (sometimes both).” Holmes is professor emeritus at the University of Delaware, Newark.

Through his exhibit, “Dogs of the Empire,” Bronner depicts scenes of dogs through charcoal drawings on paper, oil paintings on canvas, as well as digitally. In examining the dog’s competing roles as hunter, guardian and companion, Bronner’s work makes a political statement.

“The title of this exhibition references two empires. One being that of the Roman Empire and the other being that of what has been called by many as the new Rome, the United States,” he said. “The dog can be a metaphor for the protective element of the government as well as the oppression of the state. The ancient Roman sculptures of dogs that are found in the Vatican … represent for me a romanticized idea of guardians and the positive protective power. If I apply this same concept to the U.S., the new Rome, I wonder if this canine in the 21st century has become feral and may not be a watchdog.” Bronner is associate professor of painting and drawing at Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania.

Admission is free and open to the public, and gallery hours are 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. For more information, call Ext. 1652.

Winona-area alumni gathering is tonight

The annual Winona-area alumni gathering is scheduled for 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. today, Jan. 9, at the Alverna Center’s Great Room. Refreshments and hors d’oeuvres will be served.

Kowles and Crozier co-author article on Winona history

Dr. Dick Kowles, biology professor emeritus, has stepped out of his usual scientific sphere and published an article with Dr. Bill Crozier (SMU archivist) on some Winona history. The article is a historical look at the Polish National Alliance Chapter in Winona and the successful baseball team that the organization sponsored from 1935 to the early 1950s. The team, called the PNAs, consisted of a number of individuals who also had strong connections with SMU and Winona State University, including Max Molock (SMU coach), Max Kulas (SMU head of maintenance), and Clint Wager (SMU athletic star in several sports). The article, “Polish Spirit: Polish National Alliance Baseball and Winona Polonia,” was published in the newsletter of the Polish Genealogical Society of Minnesota (Volume 16, No. 4).

Teacher education programs re-approved

All of Saint Mary’s teacher education programs have been re-approved at the level of paper review — syllabus, program descriptions, course sequences, etc. — until 2015. The onsite visit will be Nov. 15-18, 2009.

The following programs were approved by the Board of Teaching in December: Undergraduate elementary education program, French K-12; Middle Level Endorsement program (5-8); Communication Arts; and Literature 5-12. Congratulations and thanks to Drs. Scott Sorvaag, Dorothy Diehl and John Reed, Susan Moore, and Carolyn Ayers for their work on these re-submissions.

At the November meeting, the BOT approved Physics 9-11 and General Science 5-8. Thanks to Father Paul Nienaber for his work with these standards.

Additionally, the Special Education (EBD/LD) program has been approved. Congratulations to Dr. Kathy Ryan for team leadership and her solitary work on this RIPA (Request for Initial Program Approval).

The Art Education K-12 RIPA is close to submission. Thanks to Michelle Cochran for leading this effort with the Art Department.

Thanks also to Betty Bethke for organization of the Medusa report.

History Book Prize winners announced

Since 1995, the Saint Mary’s Department of History has awarded book prizes to recognize students for outstanding work. The following students were chosen for their work during fall semester:

• Matt Rebernick and David Spriegel won the book prizes in H125 Europe and the World.

• Emily Degallier, Amy Pearson, Jacob Rivet, and Bradlee Rysdahl were chosen in H150 American Experience.

• Benjamin Eirikson was recognized for his work in H250 Historical Thinking.

• Ryan Soukup and Daniel Streefland ended in a virtual tie for the best work in H333 The Reformation, and each will receive a book prize.

• Brian Bakalyar won the prize for both H357 History of Rock and Roll and H367 Europe 1914-1945.

The History Department congratulates these students.

15 honored through SMU Employee Recognition Program

Saint Mary’s employees Suzanne Deranek, Sally Dotterwick, JoAnn Frahm, Nicole Gerdes, Aubrey Hollnagel, Sarah Kay, Mary Kosel, Dr. Jeanne Minnerath, Katherine Pederson, Kenneth Pellegrini, Megan Radke, Joy Rockwell, Adam Stasica, Carol Tarras and Ronald Weimer were recognized during the university’s annual Christmas dinner Dec. 16.

The Saint Mary’s University Employee Recognition Program honors employees whose superior job performance has contributed to the university’s overall growth. Through these annual awards, Saint Mary’s acknowledges the key role these individuals have in the successful operation of the university.

Jazz notes

Swing Inc, including Eric Heukeshoven and Jerry Paulson of the SMU Music Department, will perform 8 to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Jan. 9-10, at the Waterfront in La Crosse, Wis.

Chili cookoff is Jan. 30

The next SMU faculty/staff chili cookoff will be Friday, Jan. 30, as the next Let’s Do Lunch fundraiser for Nairobi, sponsored by the SMU Volunteer Committee. If you intend to compete, contact Deb Nahrgang at Ext. 6966 or dnahrgan@smumn.edu, so that we know there will be enough chili to feed the masses. Prizes will be awarded to top three placers. SMU celebrity judges will be announced later.

Employee changes

New:
• Mary McGaver, Jan. 1, athletics - assistant athletic trainer
Leaving:
• Tina Palmer, Jan. 8, TC director of development
• Renee Knutson, Jan. 9, director of study abroad/career services associate

Author Ron Hansen to speak Jan. 27

Ron Hansen, author of “Mariette in Ecstasy” and a book of essays called “A Stay Against Confusion: Essays on Faith and Fiction” will read from his books at 8 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 27, in the Toner Student Center Lounge.

Hansen also has authored “Isn’t it Romantic,” “Desperadoes, “ “The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford,” “Nebraska,” “Atticus,” and a children’s book, “The Shadowmaker.” He is Gerard Manley Hopkins SJ Professor of the Arts and Humanities at Santa Clara University. His novel “Atticus” was a finalist for the National Book Award in 1996.

His presentation, free and open to the public, is sponsored by Sigma Tau Delta, the national English honor society. Refreshments will be provided. For more information, call Dr. David Sokolowski at Ext. 1538.

Knowledge Acknowledged series begins Jan. 20

A series of presentations celebrating knowledge and passion will be held Tuesdays in the McEnery Center main lounge.

The first presentation, from 2 to 3 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 20, will feature Dr. Robyn Wangberg, physics, who is an Ironman triathlete. Dr. Wangberg will share her passion for triathlon and her recent adventures competing in the world championship of the Ironman Triathlon in Kona, Hawaii, and the Ironman Canada Triathlon. These events include a 2.4-mile swim in the ocean, a 112-mile bike ride, and a marathon run (26.2 miles).

Other upcoming presenters include Eric Heukeshoven, music; Monta May, communication and marketing; and Chris Kendall, student development, Gary LeMasters (husband of Ruth Ann Torstenson LeMasters at the library), and Dr. Wes Miller, social science. Light refreshments will be served.

Learn more about Italy study abroad program

SMU students have the opportunity to study abroad in Italy for three weeks in May. These students will travel and study in Rome, Florence, Venice and the surrounding Veneto region of Northern Italy.

This course is designed to provide students with the opportunity to study Italian art history, architecture, religion, culture and civilization.

An information session will be held 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 13, in the World Room, Hendrickson Center.

For further information or questions, call Preston Lawing, Ext. 1701, or plawing@smumn.edu.

CTIE newsletter available on our website

For a colorful, picture-filled and informative brochure detailing events happening at Christ the Teacher Institute for Education in Nairobi, go to www.smumn.edu/institutes and click on “CTIE newsletter.” The December edition includes a profile of a current student, details of Christmas in Kenya, and other facts about the school, as well as events in Kenya.

SMU in the news

Here are some recent mentions of SMU “making the news” — in the Winona area and beyond.

• The January 9 edition of the Chronicle of Higher Education’s article “Colleges Offer Extra Aid to Strapped Students” mentions the Brother James Miller program at Saint Mary’s.

• The Minnesota Private College Council December newsletter featured a story about SMU Gifts for Winona in a roundup article about what campuses are doing to help those in need this year: www.mnprivatecolleges.org/publications/stories/2008_12/cheer.php.

• An update about SMU’s investments was included in an area education story titled, “Area universities lose millions in investments” Jan. 1 in the Winona Daily News.

• SMU hockey players were thanked publicly for their work with area youth hockey players in a column Dec. 25 in the Winona Daily News titled, “It’s Sunday, do you know where your college student is?”

Congratulations to O’Shea family

Lindsy and Patrick O’Shea, Music Department, had a daughter, Genevieve “Evie” Irene, on Saturday, Dec. 13. The Saint Mary’s community extends its congratulations to the O’Shea family.

Sympathy to Bronk, Lofthus, Taylor families

Franklin Bronk, father of Leon Bronk (Maintenance Department) died Dec. 28, 2008. Cards of condolence can be sent to: Leon Bronk, Campus Box 39.

Lisa Holter, daughter of Cindy Marek’s (vice president for Financial Affairs) husband, Doug Lofthus died Jan. 1 of cancer. Cards of condolence can be sent to: Cindy, Doug and family, Campus Box 8.

Amy Taylor (M.Ed. program facilitator) died Dec. 27, 2008, of cancer. Taylor and her family were the recipients of The Taylor Richmond Benefit 2006. Donations are preferred in Warren Taylor’s name for an education fund for Isabella and Arbor, Amy and Warren’s young children. Cards of condolence can be sent to Warren at P.O. Box 108, South St. Paul, MN 55075. To see a touching news segment about Amy, featured on KARE 11, go to www.kare11.com/video/player.aspx?sid=519872&aid=78109.

The Saint Mary’s community extends its sympathy to the Bronk, Lofthus and Taylor families.

Thursday, December 11, 2008

Saint Mary’s hosts pianist George Winston Dec. 19

Solo pianist George Winston will fill the Page Theatre with the sounds of the transcendent beauty of nature and the changing seasons, as well as a tribute to New Orleans musicians on Friday, Dec. 19.

His 7:30 p.m. performance, part of the Page Series, will also draw attention to the Winona Volunteer Services Food Shelf. A food drive is held at all of Winston’s concerts. Attendees are asked to bring canned goods and nonperishable food to the show; drop-off areas will be set up in the lobby.

Winston, best known for his melodic rural folk piano style, will play selections from his latest CD, “Gulf Coast Blues and Impressions — A Hurricane Relief Benefit,” as well as from his melodic seasonal recordings including “December” and “Winter Into Spring.” Winston has performed more than 2,500 concert dates, with more than 3 million tickets sold.

Tickets for the Page Theatre performance are $25, $20 for seniors and students, and are available by calling the SMU Box Office, Ext. 1715, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Thursday, February 12, 2009

Thursday, February 5, 2009

Thursday, January 29, 2009

Thursday, January 22, 2009

Thursday, January 15, 2009

Thursday, January 8, 2009

Thursday, December 11, 2008

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