Saint Mary's University of Minnesota

Thursday, April 23, 2009

Volunteers needed to clean Gilmore Creek today

Faculty, staff and students are joining together today, Friday, April 24, to clean up Gilmore Creek as part of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resource’s Adopt-a-River program.

Volunteers will clean a 2-mile stretch of the creek surrounding our campus.

The cleanup will run from 2 to 4 p.m. Materials and instructions will be given out at 2 p.m. near the Information Desk. For information, call Katie LaPlant at Ext. 6936 or e-mail volunteerservices@smumn.edu.

Gloves and bags will be provided. Please wear comfortable clothing that can get wet and dirty.
Saint Mary’s employees may volunteer up to two hours of work time for Spruce Up Winona and the Gilmore Creek cleanup. Any volunteer time must be approved by the employee’s appropriate supervisor.

Famous Dave’s founder presentation includes food

SMU in the news

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

• The Winona Daily News ran a story titled “the beauty of bells” about visiting composer William Neil in its April 17 edition.

• Monta May’s work was featured in the Winona Post April 22 and the Winona Daily News April 23. May is participating in the Bluff Country Studio Art Tour April 24-26. The tour runs 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. May’s work will be located at the Village House Inn.

Employee changes

New:
• Eric Miller, April 20, 2009, GSS-GIS Applications Developer.

Leaving:
• Colleen Rubinoff, April 30, Twin Cities Transfer Credit Coordinator.
• Aretta-Rie Johnson, April 21, Twin Cities Rochester site coordinator.
• Vernell Beal, March 20, Twin Cites, security.

Jazz notes

John Paulson and the Miles Johnston Quartet will perform 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. today, April 24, at the Starlite Lounge in La Crosse, Wis.

Science initiative is April 24-25

The SMU Alumni Association is hosting the “Saint Mary’s Science Initiative” for alumni of science-related fields on April 24-25.

A variety of activities — including an alumni social, presentations and tours — are planned through which alumni can learn about SMU’s vision to create a 21st century Center for Science Education and Research.

Alum to speak about Phoenix Mars Mission on April 24

As part of the Science Initiative events at 3 p.m. today, Friday, April 24, Dr. John Hoffman ’51, professor of physics at the University of Texas at Dallas, will present “Phoenix Mars Mission” in the World Room. The SMU community is invited to hear this presentation.

Launched in August 2007, the Phoenix Mars Mission was the first in NASA’s Scout Program. Phoenix was designed to study the history of water and habitability potential in the Martian arctic’s ice-rich soil. Hoffman was a co-investigator for the TEGA experience that flew on the Mars Scout Phoenix Mission. Hoffman Hall is named in honor of Dr. Hoffman’s father.

Ice cream dates announced

Let’s Do Ice Cream fundraisers have been set for the summer. Enjoy sundaes from 3 to 4 p.m. June 4 and Aug. 13 and root beer floats from 3 to 4 p.m. July 16.

SMU-stock festivities are today

SMU’s Earth Week festivities will culminate with SMU-stock today, April 24. A Frisbee golf tournament begins at 3:30 p.m., SMU-stock begins at 5 p.m., and a bonfire is planned for 9 p.m. at Yon’s Field. Live music and a cookout are planned.

Dahlstrom awarded scholarship by Financial Execs

David Dahlstrom was awarded one of six scholarships granted by the Twin Cities Chapter of Financial Executives International. The scholarship was awarded at the chapter’s annual Academic Awards dinner on April 14 at the Town and Country Club in St. Paul. The scholarship was awarded to current junior students whose major field of study is in finance and/or accounting and selection was based on academic achievement and leadership potential.

Dahlstrom is a junior accounting and human resource management major from Rochester. He is the son of Bill and Roseanne Dahlstrom

Chorus and orchestra to perform McCullough’s work

Ken McCullough, Academic Advising and the PASS program, will have his translations of Cambodian poet U Sam Oeur featured in a piece for chorus and orchestra by composer Libby Larsen which was commissioned for the Bemidji Symphony. The piece will be performed on April 26 as part of the symphony's Final Fanfares concert, and will be narrated by Michael Barone.

McCullough also had six poems published by The Other Voices International Project, a journal sanctioned by UNESCO, as well as a poem in memory of Bill Holm in Minnesota Law and Politics.

Next week is last ‘Campus Notes’

Next Friday, May 1, is the last edition of “Campus Notes” for the semester. The deadline for this edition is Wednesday, April 29. Remember that the Communication and Marketing Office can continue to help you promote activities both externally and internally throughout the summer.

BUGSS events raise about $1,500

Nine groups competed in the “Iron Chef” competition, with nearly 100 people in attendance. Approximately $1,500 was raised in loose change, ticket sales, and donations. The money will be sent to Bethlehem University.

News from Eta Beta Chapter

On March 27, the SMU Business Department held its annual induction ceremony for the Eta Beta Chapter of the Delta Mu Delta International Honor Society in Business. All undergraduate students inducted are juniors or seniors with overall and major GPA of 3.25, as well as ranking in the top 20 percent of their class. The following students were inducted this year: Holly Roffler, Melissa Paulson, Meghan Johnson, Zhe Song, David Dahlstrom, Katherine Drazkowski, Jessica Larson, Qiaoyu Wu, Jeffrey Miller and Lisa Aguado.

Graduate students in the Master of Arts in International Business program must meet the academic criteria of having earned a minimum GPA of 3.60, while also ranking in the top 20 percent of their class. The following students were inducted this year: Sarah Bearbower and Lionel Binobanzi Ndayishimiye.

Current members of Delta Mu Delta who have been previously inducted include: Emily Laurent, Alison Kay, Leah Hoglin, Danielle Dehning, Ann Dickey, Nicholle Hanson, Kathleen Pawlowski, MaryAnn Plourde, Katelyn Rizzi, Courtney Runge, Jakub Szymanski, Radoslaw Tomczak, Joseph Weinmann, Amanda Wiste and Ye Zhang.

Sympathy to Weisbrod family

Evelyn Weisbrod, mother-in-law of Angel Weisbrod (student health director) and grandmother to Jon (’06) and Jess (’08) died Thursday, April 16. A card of condolence may be sent to the family at Campus Box 81. The Saint Mary’s community extends its sympathy to the Weisbrod family.

Congratulations to Lunde family

Layla and Matt Lunde (Development and Alumni Relations) had a baby girl, Elizabeth Lorraine, on Sunday, April 19. The Saint Mary’s community congratulates the Lunde family.

Thursday, April 16, 2009

Student History Research Symposium is April 18 at SMU

Seniors from five area universities will present the results of their historical research at the Student History Research Symposium on Saturday, April 18, at Saint Mary’s. The event — free and open to the public — is sponsored by the history departments of the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, Saint Mary’s University, Viterbo University, and Winona State University.

In addition to the student presenters, Dr. Kendall Staggs, lecturer in history at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, will speak on “The Politics of Foreign Oil Dependency: A Historical Perspective.”

Each school asks senior history majors — and at Winona State, law and society majors — to write a senior thesis based on their original research of a historical question of their own choosing. In this way, the students actually do the work of historians, and in the process, deepen their research, writing and speaking skills.

All symposium sessions will be held on the third and fourth floors of Saint Mary’s Hall. The symposium opens at 9 a.m. in Salvi Lecture Hall (Room 332) with a short welcoming ceremony and coffee. Students will present their research in concurrent panels of three students each. The first panel session starts at 9:15 a.m., the second at 10:45 a.m. Dr. Staggs’s talk will start around noon and will be accompanied by a complimentary lunch.

For information, contact Dr. Tycho de Boer, at Ext. 6995 or tdeboer@smumn.edu.

Saint Mary’s to host third Row, Ride, Run Triathlon

The third Saint Mary’s University Heart & SOUL “Row, Ride, Run Triathlon” will take place on Saturday, April 25, at 9 a.m.; check-in begins at 7:30 a.m. on the west end of Lake Winona. The public is encouraged to take part in the triathlon.

Participants will canoe or kayak a 2.5-mile loop around Lake Winona, then bike 14 miles from Lake Winona to the SMU campus. Once on campus, racers will run 3.1 miles through the bluffs surrounding the university.

Serving Others United in Love (SOUL) is a program of the Office of Campus Ministry, and offers opportunities to members of the SMU community to serve and be served through both national and international mission trips.

Racers are responsible for bringing their own bike, and are required to wear helmets for the bicycling leg of the event. Canoeists and kayakers are required to wear life jackets; a limited number of canoes and kayaks are available to rent for $20. SMU students and employees can use canoes and kayaks at no charge.

For more information, visit www.smumn.edu/heartandsoul. For information, call Ext. 1643.

Ropes course opens June 1

The new Saint Mary’s Challenge Ropes Course is now complete. The public is invited to use the course for personal and team development, beginning June 1. Reservations may be made beginning mid May.

The course provides a unique and fun environment for experiential and adventure-based education, where diverse populations can participate in activities designed to build self-confidence, team work and develop an understanding of the complexities of human nature through the use of a wide variety of initiative games.

The course includes low challenge elements that are 2 to 3 feet above the ground, and high challenge elements that are 25 to 40 feet above the ground. The low elements challenge course includes seven elements and assorted games and initiatives. The high elements course is comprised of nine elements, including a zip line. The tower includes a climbing wall with multiple routes for varying skill levels.

All booking requests must be made no less than two weeks in advance to Davey Warner, Ext. 8740 or e-mail outdoorleadership@smumn.edu. SMU students and staff were trained for certification on the course last week.

More information about the cost to use the course will be available online soon. Costs are based upon number of hours on the course, number of participants, and type of group (university, non-profit or corporate).

Saxophonist David Liebman to complete two-day residency

Photo by Pin Lim

The community is invited to listen to and learn from world-renowned saxophonist David Liebman today, April 17, as he completes a two-day residency at Saint Mary’s University.

Liebman will perform with the Jazz Ensemble and Combos, under the direction of Dr. John Paulson, at 7:30 p.m. today, Friday, April 17, in Page Theatre. He will also give a special “meet the artist” session at 6:30 p.m. in Figliulo Recital Hall. Both venues are located in the Performance Center. Tickets to the performance are $10 for adults, $5 for students and seniors and are available at the Box Office, Ext. 1715, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday or online at www.pagetheatre.org.

Additionally, he will teach an Improv Master Class for teachers and pros, 1:30 to 3 p.m. Friday, April 17, in Page Theatre. The event is free and open to the public.

The residency is made possible through funding from the Helen and Sam Kaplan Foundation and the Department of Music. For more information, contact Paulson at jpaulson@smumn.edu Ext. 1596, or go online to www.daveliebman.com.

Choirs concert features world premiere by William Neil

The Chamber Singers and Concert Choir, under the direction of Dr. Patrick O’Shea, and Women’s Choir, under the direction of Lindsy O’Shea, will perform at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 18, at the Chapel of Saint Mary of the Angels, Saint Teresa campus.

The performance will include a world premiere performance of Oratoria for choir, soloists, brass, percussion and the church bells of Winona, by William Neil.

The work features the Chamber Singers, percussion and a brass quintet coached by Eric Heukeshoven. Also involved with be Music Technology faculty member Brett Huus, assisting with electronically sampled sounds used in the work.

The evening will also include a special performance of O’Shea’s Due Sonetti di Petrarca and Jake Runestad’s I Will Lift Mine Eyes, as well as works by Pablo Casals and spirituals.

Neil is a 2008 McKnight Visiting Composer. For more information, go to http://duisigh.thecomposerstudio.com.

Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for students and seniors and are available at the Box Office, Ext. 1715 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays or online at www.pagetheatre.org.

Spring Chamber Music Recital is April 26

A recital of student chamber ensembles is scheduled for 3 p.m. Sunday, April 26, in Figliulo Recital Hall, located in the Performance Center. Performing groups will include the Flute Choir, Clarinet Quartet, Brass Quintet, String Ensemble and Wind Ensemble. The ensembles are coached by SMU music faculty members Janet Heukeshoven, Eric Heukeshoven, and Ned Kirk. This recital will feature a variety of music by Mozart, Vivaldi, Schubert, and Schumann.

Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for students and seniors and are available at the Box Office, Ext. 1715, weekdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. or online at www.pagetheatre.org.

For additional details, contact Janet Heukeshoven at Ext. 1675 or jheukesh@smumn.edu.

Special discounts available for upcoming concerts

Don’t forget that students are eligible for discounted student rush tickets, and faculty and staff are eligible for two free tickets to all SMU performance events (all upcoming music performances). Contact the Box Office.

Saint Mary’s planning for next ‘Spruce up Winona Day’

In recognition of “Spruce Up Winona Day,” Saint Mary’s is hoping to send 125 faculty, staff and students into the community between 1 to 5 p.m. Thursday, April 23, to help groups and organizations.

To sign up for a 1 to 3 p.m., 3 to 5 p.m., or 1 to 5 p.m. shift, call Katie LaPlant at Ext. 6936 or e-mail volunteerservices@smumn.edu. Saint Mary’s employees may volunteer up to two hours of work time for Spruce Up Winona and the Gilmore Creek cleanup. Any volunteer time must be approved by the employee’s appropriate supervisor.

Volunteers needed to clean Gilmore Creek April 20

Faculty, staff and students are joining together Monday, April 20, to clean up Gilmore Creek as part of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resource’s Adopt-a-River program.

Take a break and get away from your desks; here’s a chance to enjoy some fresh air, get some exercise and help the environment. Volunteers will clean a 2-mile stretch of the creek surrounding our campus.

The cleanup will run from 1 to 4 p.m. Materials and instructions will be given out at 1 p.m. near the Information Desk. Please call Katie LaPlant at Ext. 6936 or e-mail volunteerservices@smumn.edu and sign up. Please also specify which hours you will be able to work.

Gloves and bags will be provided. Please wear comfortable clothing that can get wet and dirty.

Saint Mary’s employees may volunteer up to two hours of work time for Spruce Up Winona and the Gilmore Creek cleanup. Any volunteer time must be approved by the employee’s appropriate supervisor.

Art students to display work through May 9

Ann Kolaczkowski is one of seven students displaying work in the senior art show, “Squaring the Circle: Constructing the Impossible” March 29 through May 9 at Saint Mary’s University.

Senior art students will display their work through May 9 in “Squaring the Circle: Constructing the Impossible.” The show — free and open to the public — is on display in the Lillian Davis Hogan Galleries.

Displaying work will be: Michael DeGidio, Mary Margaret Gill, Ann Therese Kolaczkowski, Natalie Nemetz, Samantha Oreskovich, Andrew Rath and Cassie Ward.

An opening reception is scheduled for 4 to 6 p.m. Saturday, April 18. The Lillian Davis Hogan Galleries are open daily between 9 a.m. and 8 p.m. For more information, call Ext. 1652

Famous Dave’s founder presentation includes food

Iron Chef competition Sunday will raise money, awareness

BUGGS Month will end on Sunday, April 19, at 5 p.m. with an Iron Chef competition in the Common Room. This event is the major fundraiser for the Bethlehem University Gaza Student Scholarships. Ten student teams and two faculty teams are competing for the Iron Chef SMU title.

If you didn’t get your ticket yet, you can still purchase one from Amira Sadek or Dorothy Diehl ($5 for faculty/staff and $3 for students). Your ticket will let you sample the various entries and enjoy a falafel sandwich, hummus, and tabouleh, prepared by Brother Tom Houde, John Schollmeier, and Diehl.

Come sample some great food and watch the three highly qualified judges, Brother Stephen Rusyn, Dr. Gary Diomandes and Joe Piscitiello, at work.

If you can't make it but would like to make a donation towards this charitable event, contact Sadek, student coordinator, at amsade06@smumn.edu or Diehl at ddiehl@smumn.edu.

Sign up now for summer camps

The Winona campus is filled with camp activities all summer long including:

• Learn to Lead camp from July 12-16. Learn to Lead is a new four-day on-campus experience for girls entering grades six, seven and eight in fall 2009. Participants will focus on the discovery of the leader within through fun activities, outdoor adventures and leadership skill development. The camp is being developed in conjunction with the Saint Teresa Leadership and Service Institute for Women. The cost is $375.

• Girls volleyball camps for girls in grades six through eight July 19-23, and for grades nine through 12 July 26-30. Develop as a player and as a person during this residential athletic camp, which focuses on both individual skills and team play. The cost is $375.

• Girls basketball camp for girls in grades five through 10 July 12-16. This instructional camp gives special attention to the fundamentals of shooting, ball handling, passing and defense. Time is spent developing team concepts as well as offensive and defensive games plans. Each age group is challenged to compete and improve their skills against other campers their age. The cost is $375.

• PDP Hockey School for girls and boys ages 8 through 18. Squirts, ages 9-10, meet June 28 through July 2; pee wees, ages 11-12, meet June 28 through July 2; boys goalies, ages 8 through 12, meet June 28 through July 2; U-10/U-12 girls meet July 5-9; U-14/high school girls meet July 5-9; and girls goaltenders, ages 8 through 18, meet July 5-9. The five-day residential camp cost is $595 ($575 by April 15). Contact Bill Moore or pdphockeyschool@comcast.net.

• Mid-States Swim Camp June 14-18 and June 21-25. The five-day residential camp is $540. Contact midsts@nconnect.net.

• “Turning Point” Figure Skating Camp July 19-22 and 20-21. The cost for the four-day residential camp is $575. For the day camp, the cost is $125 per day or $225 for both days. Contact John Meier at 452-5305 or winonafigureskating@charter.net.

*Registration for PDP Hockey, Mid-States Swim and Turning Point Figure Skating must be done through these individual camps. Although the camps are hosted on the SMU campus, SMU is not handling registration or payment.

For more information, go to www.smumn.edu/camps. Register and pay online, or call Ext. 6921.

SMU in the news

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

• The Winona Daily News ran a story titled “New SMU ropes course is a swingin’ good time” in its April 10 edition.

• Davey Warner, Outdoor Leadership coordinator, was quoted in a story titled, “Easy ways to go green” in the April 12 edition of the Winona Daily News.

• An article appeared April 6 in BusinessWeek highlighting how we (and other private universities) are making tuition affordable. It can be found at this link: http://www.businessweek.com/print/bschools/content/apr2009/bs2009046_750007.htm.

• An article titled “Saxophonist David Liebman at Saint Mary’s University April 16-17” appeared in Jazz Notes, from the Twin Cities Jazz Society in St. Paul-Minneapolis.

• SMU’s Hendrickson Lab 13 is featured in Educause Quarterly, the IT Practitioner’s Journal in a section titled “Learning Spaces.” To see the photo features section, go to the bottom of www.educause.edu/eq.

Jazz notes

John Paulson and the Miles Johnston Quartet will perform 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Friday, April 24, at the Starlite Lounge in La Crosse, Wis.

Science initiative is April 24-25

The SMU Alumni Association is hosting the “Saint Mary’s Science Initiative” for alumni of science-related fields on April 24-25.

A variety of activities — including an alumni social, presentations and tours — are planned through which alumni can learn about the SMU’s vision to create a 21st Century Center for Science Education and Research.

Alum to speak about Phoenix Mars Mission on April 24

As part of the Science Initiative, on Friday, April 24, Dr. John Hoffman ’51, professor of physics at the University of Texas at Dallas and a co-investigator of the NASA mission, will present “Phoenix Mars Mission” in the World Room. The SMU community is invited to hear this presentation.

Ice cream dates announced; thanks from Nairobi

Let’s Do Ice Cream fundraisers have been set for the summer. Enjoy sundaes from 3 to 4 p.m. June 4 and Aug. 13 and root beer floats from 3 to 4 p.m. July 16.

Brother Paulos Welday Mesmer, director of Christ the Teacher Institute for Education in Nairobi, thanked the SMU community for donations that were raised at Let’s Do Lunch, Jeans for a Cause and other fundraisers throughout the year.

“Thanks for the wonderful news. You know, I have four students whom I was not sure whether they will be able to graduate this coming May. They have struggled as much as they could to raise tuition funds but they were defeated. The harsh realities of poverty! This is a great news that you are sharing. These four students will now be able to graduate.

“Many thanks to you and to all of the people of good heart who have indeed worked hard to brighten/change someone’s life/fortune forever.”

Beekeeping is the next topic in Knowledge Acknowledged

Chris Kendall, Gary LeMasters and Wes Miller will share their passion for bees at the next Knowledge Acknowledged presentation from 2 to 3 p.m. Tuesday, April 21, at the McEnery Center. Light refreshments will be served. Get the buzz on the honey bee and hear tales of beekeeping and honey harvesting.

Hendrickson Institute hosts John Howard April 21

Service Recognition Reception planned for April 23

The Service Recognition Awards and Reception will be 4 to 5:30 p.m. Thursday, April 23, at the Common Room. Awards will be presented to those celebrating anniversary years, as well as this year’s retirees, Sandra Beth, Dr. Jeffrey Highland, Robert (B.J.) Jonsgaard, Dr. Larry Luttmers, Jerrie Seibert and Dr. James Vogel.

Student Life Awards to be given out April 23

The second Annual Student Life Awards Ceremony will held Thursday, April 23, at 7:30 p.m. in the Common Room.

Join Brother William and the Student Development staff in recognizing nine individuals and one student organization for their outstanding contributions to co-curricular service and leadership this year.

Senior Academic Honors Banquet is April 22

The annual Senior Academic Honors Banquet will be held on Wednesday, April 22, beginning with a reception in the President's Room at 6:30 p.m. Dinner and the awards program will follow at 7 p.m. in the Dining Room.

Mayo Scholars Program info session is April 22

All junior and senior business and science majors interested in scholarship opportunities for the 2009/10 academic year are invited to an information session to learn more about the Mayo Innovation Scholars Program.

The Mayo Innovation Scholars Program offers an opportunity for selected undergraduate science and business students, along with MBA students, to research projects submitted by Mayo Clinic professionals through the Mayo Clinic Office of Intellectual Property. Saint Mary’s will have one student team consisting of four or five students. Participating students will receive a financial award and course credit.

Please join the 2008/09 Mayo Innovation Scholars from Saint Mary’s (Nicole Haese, Leah Hoglin, Joe Weinmann, and Jim Mazzuca), faculty advisors Dr. Deb Martin and Dr. Shelly McCallum, and Jackie Baker from the SMU Internship Office on Wednesday, April 22, at 12:30 p.m. in Saint Mary’s Hall, Room 420, to learn more about application and participation in this scholarship opportunity,

Questions about this session may be directed to Dr. McCallum (Ext. 7279, Room 429-A Saint Mary’s Hall).

Professional Conference on Teacher Inquiry April 18-19

“Growing by Giving” is the thematic focus for the Master of Education in Teaching and Learning’s annual conference at Champlin Park High School April 18-19.

Approximately 600 learners in the M.Ed. Program from across the state of Minnesota and Wisconsin will come together for two days of shared learning. Participants will be given the opportunity to explore the fruits of applied inquiry into the use of strategies that support student learning and development. The conference provides an opportunity to deepen participants’ understanding of their practice, explore ways to use classroom-based action research, and to develop instructional habits of mind that improve student learning and promote the well being of all learners.

During the two-day conference, participants will attend a total of six sessions. Six sessions will be seminars following a forum, round table, or Socratic seminar format. Here, participants will experience learning seminars grounded in action research sharing, with seminar leaders communicating both an understanding and application of strategies being applied in their classroom. A seventh session will bring teachers of like grade, subject matter, and curricular interests together for a time of sharing new strategies and developing possibilities for future collaboration.

Each seminar at the conference will be led by a second year M.Ed. Program participant. Each leader will facilitate a seminar engaging participants in active learning and dialogue focused on instructional problem solving. Ultimately, the conference is designed to facilitate teacher efforts to realize their personal visions and goals through opportunities to gain relevant information, engage in instructional exploration through dialogue, and renew the purpose that fuels their passion for teaching.

Anyone who may be interested in more information about the conference or who may wish to attend should contact Suzanne Peterson, program director, at Ext. 6615 or at speterso@smumn.edu.

Geheren family thanks SMU community

The following letter was written to the Saint Mary’s community by the Geheren family, this year’s recipients of the Taylor Richmond Benefit Dance.

We wanted to write to try and express our appreciation for everything you did for us over the past weekend. As beneficiaries of the ninth annual Taylor Richmond Benefit Dance, our lives have truly been touched. We already felt blessed that we have been able to adopt three beautiful children (in addition to the one we raised at SMU), but to be associated with such a special event is remarkable.

The eight plus years we spent in Winona as students and employees of Saint Mary’s have been the most influential time we have had. Our values and family ideals were created on campus. All of the wonderful teachers, staff, hall directors, friends and co-workers we had the opportunity to meet, helped us grow into the people and family we currently are. We will always be grateful for the influence Saint Mary’s has had on us as we try to live Lasallian lives.

The benefit was an eye opener for us. As we have mentioned, we do not see what we are doing as anything special. We wanted more children and believed that we were capable of being caretakers for children with special needs. Last weekend opened our eyes to the possibility that maybe we can influence others to do things that seem small in our lives but can have a bigger impact in the world.

The benefit itself is a wonderful event that is supported by the university. In addition to supporting a wonderful family in the Richmonds, there are many other people and families associated with Saint Mary’s that receive a great benefit as well. I know our entire extended family was very positively affected by the entire experience. Also, the benefit is a great opportunity for all of the students who participate in the planning an execution of the event. We hope and pray that Saint Mary’s will continue to support this fantastic cause.

Finally, we would like to say that we have never been more proud to say we are graduates of Saint Mary’s University. We hope that someday we can help “pay it forward” to other Saint Mary’s families and that everyone at SMU understands the profound impact they had on the Geheren family.

Love, the Geherens — Bill, Mia, Michael, Tommy, Charlie and Danny

Hull named new director of study abroad

Dr. Philip Hull has been named the new Director of Study Abroad and Career Services associate. He officially began his duties on April 1.

Dr. Hull joins Saint Mary’s following three years as director of Study Abroad at Emporia State University in Kansas. Prior to that, he was a faculty member in the English Department at Bethany College in Kansas. Dr. Hull completed his B.A. at Luther College; his M.A. at Washington State University; and his Ph.D. in English at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Please stop in Room 136, Saint Mary’s Hall, and welcome him to the Saint Mary’s University community.

Pattee presents paper about Darfur genocide

Dr. Steve Pattee, associate professor of Interdisciplinary Studies, presented a paper titled “ ‘Why Should I Care?’ Responding to the Genocide in Darfur” at the Upper Midwest Regional Meeting of the American Academy of Religion and Society of Biblical Literature. At the same meeting, he was appointed the regional program coordinating officer for the region.

Bodsgard publishes article on decontamination materials

Dr. Brett Bodsgard, Department of Chemistry, had an article published in Dalton Transactions titled “Silica-bound copper(II)triazacyclononane as a phosphate esterase: effect of linker length and surface hydrophobicity” (Dalton Trans., 2009, 2365–2373). The article details the study of a family of insoluble copper-containing materials that may be useful in the decontamination of chemical warfare agents.

SMU faculty’s research accepted for presentation

Dr. Roger Peckover, Suzanne Peterson, Pat Christiansen, and Brenda Fischer, members of the Development Team of the Master in Teaching and Learning Program (M.Ed.), have had their research accepted for presentation at the 2009 Annual Meeting of the America Research Association in San Diego.

The paper titled, “Building Teacher Capacity for ‘Disciplined’ Self Study,” reports results of an ongoing programmatic case study of developing teachers’ capacity for using principles of social constructivist learning and discipline based structures of knowledge to build transformative communities of inquiry. The goal of this particular professional development program is to nurture, across two years, teacher capacity to become collaborative inquirers integrating structures of content knowledge into their self-study practices in their teaching.

The program supports teacher development by giving them apprentice experiences in a community of fellow teacher inquirers characterized by a safe cohort in which to engage in classroom inquiry grounded in use of discipline-based structures of knowledge, collaborative problem solving, and mutual care. Results of ongoing programmatic study into how the design of such experiences impact teachers across two years reveal challenges in teacher understanding of discipline-based structures of knowledge and their integration into the process of classroom inquiry into student understanding of content knowledge. Ongoing longitudinal case study examination of teacher thinking and action is yielding insights into the challenges of teachers’ understanding of the structural nature of knowledge in their inquiry into how students learn in their classrooms. Implications for helping teachers understand the structures of knowledge in disciplines and their implications for classroom inquiry are discussed.

SMU student Danielle Scholbrock is the 2009 honoree for the Dubuque, Iowa, Arthritis Walk, to be held May 16 in Murphy Park. To read Scholbrock’s stor

SMU student Danielle Scholbrock is the 2009 honoree for the Dubuque, Iowa, Arthritis Walk, to be held May 16 in Murphy Park. To read Scholbrock’s story or learn more about donating to this cause, go to: http://dubuquearthritiswalk.kintera.org.

Thursday, April 2, 2009

Student History Research Symposium is April 18 at SMU

Seniors from five area universities will present the results of their historical research at the Student History Research Symposium on Saturday, April 18, at Saint Mary’s. The event — free and open to the public — is sponsored by the history departments of the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, Saint Mary’s University, Viterbo University, and Winona State University.

In addition to the student presenters, Dr. Kendall Staggs, lecturer in history at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, will speak on “The Politics of Foreign Oil Dependency: A Historical Perspective.”

Saint Mary’s and Winona State have co-sponsored a student research symposium for nine years, with UW-La Crosse, Viterbo University, and UW-Eau Claire joining in the past two years. Each school asks senior history majors — and at Winona State, law and society majors — to write a senior thesis based on their original research of a historical question of their own choosing. In this way, the students actually do the work of historians, and in the process, deepen their research, writing and speaking skills.

All symposium sessions will be held on the third and fourth floors of Saint Mary’s Hall. The symposium opens at 9 a.m. in Salvi Lecture Hall (Room 332) with a short welcoming ceremony and coffee. Students will present their research in concurrent panels of three students each. The first panel session starts at 9:15 a.m., the second at 10:45 a.m. Dr. Staggs’s talk will start around noon and will be accompanied by a complimentary lunch.

For information, contact Dr. Tycho de Boer, at Ext. 6995 or tdeboer@smumn.edu.

Saint Mary’s to host third Row, Ride, Run Triathlon

The third Saint Mary’s University Heart & SOUL “Row, Ride, Run Triathlon” will take place on Saturday, April 25, at 9 a.m.; check-in begins at 7:30 a.m. on the west end of Lake Winona. The public is encouraged to take part in the triathlon.

Participants will canoe or kayak a 2.5-mile loop around Lake Winona, then bike 14 miles from Lake Winona to the SMU campus. Once on campus, racers will run 3.1 miles through the bluffs surrounding the university.

Serving Others United in Love (SOUL) is a program of the Office of Campus Ministry, and offers opportunities to members of the SMU community to serve and be served through both national and international mission trips.

Participants may begin registering now, either as an individual or as a team. Teams may consist of two, three or four members. The registration period ends April 14. The fees are $35 per individual or $60 per team; registration spots are limited.

Racers are responsible for bringing their own bike, and are required to wear helmets for the bicycling leg of the event. Canoeists and kayakers are required to wear life jackets; a limited number of canoes and kayaks are available to rent for $20. SMU students and employees can use canoes and kayaks at no charge.

For more information, or to register online, visit www.smumn.edu/heartandsoul. For information on reservations, call Ext. 1643.

Saxophonist David Liebman to complete two-day residency

Photo by Pin Lim

The community is invited to listen to and learn from world-renowned saxophonist David Liebman Thursday and Friday, April 16-17, as he completes a two-day residency at Saint Mary’s University.

Liebman will perform with the Jazz Ensemble and Combos, under the direction of Dr. John Paulson, at 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 17, in Page Theatre. He will also give a special “meet the artist” session at 6:30 p.m. in Figliulo Recital Hall. Both venues are located in the Performance Center. Tickets to the performance are $10 for adults, $5 for students and seniors and are available at the Box Office, Ext. 1715, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday or online at www.pagetheatre.org.

Additionally, Liebman will offer two master classes — both free and open to the public — including:

• A Jazz Improvisation Master Class for students, 7:30-9:30 p.m. Thursday, April 16, in Page Theatre, and

• An Improv Master Class for teachers and pros, 1:30 to 3 p.m. Friday, April 17, in Page Theatre.

The residency is made possible through funding from the Helen and Sam Kaplan Foundation and the Department of Music. For more information, contact Paulson at jpaulson@smumn.edu Ext. 1596, or go online to www.daveliebman.com.

‘Talkin’ Jazz’ luncheon is April 17

Faculty members should mark their calendars for a special luncheon Friday, April 17, at 12:15 p.m. in the President’s Room hosted by Dr. Tom Mans. The subject is “Talkin’ Jazz” and special guests include world renowned saxophonist and Miles Davis group veteran David Liebman, Dr. Rich MacDonald, director of Jazz Studies at WSU, and Dave Gudmastad, band director at Cotter High School. The panel will have a spirited discussion about the current status of jazz. The event is being organized by Dr. John Paulson, professor of music. Those planning should attend, should contact Christina Pruka at cpruka@smumn.edu.

Chemistry faculty/students attend ACS national meeting

Drs. Jaime Mueller and Roger Kugel and four senior chemistry majors, Bethany Kaufmann, Emily Mason, Jim Mazzuca and Justin Steinke, attended the 237th American Chemical Society national meeting in Salt Lake City March 22-24.

Dr. Mueller presented a poster titled: “Chemistry Night: Formula for a Successful Program of Outreach and Recruitment,” and Dr. Kugel presented a poster titled: “Deriving the Boltzmann Distribution from Simple Combinatorics.” Both posters generated considerable interest among chemists in the Chemical Education Division’s poster session. The group also attended many of the more than 7,000 technical papers presented at this national conference and also benefited from the informal interactions and professional networking opportunities. Student travel was subsidized by Student Senate and by a grant from the Fugere Family Foundation.

Art students to display work through May 9

Ann Kolaczkowski is one of seven students displaying work in the senior art show, “Squaring the Circle: Constructing the Impossible” March 29 through May 9 at Saint Mary’s University.

Senior art students will display their work through May 9 in “Squaring the Circle: Constructing the Impossible.” The show — free and open to the public — will be held in the Lillian Davis Hogan Galleries.

Displaying work will be: Michael DeGidio, Mary Margaret Gill, Ann Therese Kolaczkowski, Natalie Nemetz, Samantha Oreskovich, Andrew Rath and Cassie Ward.

An opening reception is scheduled for 4 to 6 p.m. Saturday, April 18. The Lillian Davis Hogan Galleries are open daily between 9 a.m. and 8 p.m. For more information, call Ext. 1652.

Famous Dave’s founder presentation includes food

Annual SMU benefit dance raises $17,000 for Geherens

Approximately 650 people danced to the Johnny Holm Band during this year’s Taylor Richmond Benefit Dance March 28 at Saint Mary’s University.

Money raised at this year’s Taylor Richmond Benefit Dance will help SMU alumni Bill and Mia Geheren of Huntley, Ill., purchase a handicapped accessible van for their family. The Geheren family includes, from right, Bill, Tommy, Charlie, Michael and Danny; Mia is not pictured. Nikki and Taylor Richmond (the benefit’s namesake), at left, joined the activities.

About 650 people attended the ninth annual Taylor Richmond Benefit Dance on March 28.

Proceeds from the dance — and silent auction — raised approximately $17,000 for this year’s beneficiaries, Bill and Mia Geheren of Huntley, Ill., and their four children. Their three adopted children were born addicted to cocaine; one child is addicted to heroin and meth as well. Money from the benefit dance and silent auction will help the family purchase a handicapped accessible van.

Donations are still being accepted. To help, send checks — payable to the Taylor Richmond Benefit Dance — to Katie LaPlant, Box 1471. To see photos of the event, go to www.geheren.com.

Iron Chef competition planned as part of BUGSS month

An Iron Chef competition is planned for Sunday, April 19, to raise money for the Bethlehem University Gaza Student Scholarships (BUGSS). Faculty, students and staff are asked to gather into teams of four and sign up. Registration ends today.

Three highly qualified judges, Brother Stephen Rusyn, Dr. Gary Diomandes and Joe Piscitiello, are lined up.

Teams will create one main dish and dessert enough for 10 people. The main dish must include the secret ingredient announced two days before the competition. Team fans will enjoy the creations and watch the competition for an entrance fee that will benefit the scholarship. Tickets will be on sale the week after break ($5 for faculty/staff and $3 for students). Your ticket will let you sample the various entries and enjoy a falafel sandwich, hummus, and tabouleh, prepared by Brother Tom Houde, John Schollmeier, and Dr. Dorothy Diehl.

Sign up in the game room or contact Amira Sadek, student coordinator, at amsade06@smumn.edu with questions.

Choirs concert features world premiere by William Neil

The Chamber Singers and Concert Choir, under the direction of Dr. Patrick O’Shea, and Women’s Choir, under the direction of Lindsy O’Shea, will perform at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 18, at the Chapel of Saint Mary of the Angels, Saint Teresa campus.

The performance will include a world premiere performance of Oratoria for choir, soloists, brass, percussion and the church bells of Winona, by William Neil.

The work features the Chamber Singers, percussion and a brass quintet coached by Eric Heukeshoven. Also involved with be Music Technology faculty member Brett Huus, assisting with electronically sampled sounds used in the work.

The evening will also include a special performance of O’Shea’s “Due Sonetti di Petrarca” and Jake Runestad’s “I will Life Mine Eyes,” as well as works by Pablo Casals and spirituals.

Neil is a 2008 McKnight Visiting Composer. For more information, go to http://duisigh.thecomposerstudio.com.

Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for students and seniors and are available at the Box Office, Ext. 1715 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays or online at www.pagetheatre.org.

Brother William, Mary Fox present at Lasallian Institute

Brother President William Mann and Mary Catherine Fox, Ph.D., professor of interdisciplinary studies were invited to present the Capstone experience of the Lasallian Leadership Institute (LLI) for the United States Toronto Region of the Brothers of the Christian Schools. The Capstone weekend culminates three years of Lasallian study for each cohort.

Over the last month, Brother William and Dr. Fox presented to the Midwest District LLI cohort March 12-14 in Illinois, the Long Island -New England, New York and Baltimore District cohort March 19-21 in Pennsylvania, and the California, New Orleans-Santa Fe District cohort March 26-28 in California.

The focus of Brother William’s and Dr. Fox’s joint presentation utilized metaphor as a tool for both reflecting upon our lived reality and creating new structures for our collective future — our Lasallian home — “together and by association.”

Nearly 200 participants attended the Capstone weekend experiences. Attendees represented diverse Lasallian ministries including university, middle and secondary schools and social service agencies. Brother Visitors from the districts, councilors from the international Institute and secretaries of international Lasallian commissions joined district cohorts in the Capstone weekend experience.

Jazz notes

Swing Inc. (including Eric Heukeshoven) will perform 7 to 10 p.m. Friday, April 3, at Jefferson Pub & Grill.

SMU in the news

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

• The Winona Daily News ran an article titled, “Children First: SMU grads who adopted three kids with special needs focus of benefit” about this year’s Taylor Richmond Benefit recipients in its March 27 edition.

• Winona Police Chief Frank Pomeroy mentioned his experience as a student of Saint Mary’s in his retirement column in the March 31 edition of the Winona Daily News.

Beekeeping is the next topic in Knowledge Acknowledged

Hendrickson Institute hosts John Howard April 21

The Hendrickson Institute for Ethical Leadership will host the 2009 Forum on Leadership on Tuesday, April 21. John Howard, former prime minister of Australia, will speak about “Leadership in a Global Economy,” and the Hendrickson Institute Medal for Ethical Leadership will be awarded to Charles M. Denny.

As the prime minister of Australia from March 1996 until December 2007, the Honorable John Winston Howard served a distinctively Western role in the Asian-Pacific Rim. Howard approached his responsibilities from a global viewpoint, providing economic vision and security strategies that raised Australia’s profile and impact around the world as well as improving economic stability at home.

Howard will discuss the role of world leaders in a new century, addressing the growing concerns of globalization and global economics, the environment, and threats to international security. He will explain in what ways, and to what degrees, China, India and the Pacific Rim may participate. Finally, he will respond to questions submitted by Forum participants.

Denny will be honored for his years of ethical leadership as chairman and CEO of ADC Telecommunications Inc; his commitment to equity and justice (for example, by providing jobs through Project for Pride in Living Industries); and his decades of volunteer work in the nonprofit sector. He is also recognized for his legacy of written ethical guidelines for corporations, from the Minnesota Principles to his research and writing as a recipient of the Louis W. Hill Jr. Fellowship.

Registration begins at 3 p.m., the forum runs from 3:30 to 5 p.m., and a reception will follow at the Nicollet Island Pavilion, 40 Power St., in Minneapolis.

Tickets are $50 for the public, with a special student rate of $10, and a faculty and alumni rate of $40. For more information, contact Barb Hall at bhall@smumn.edu or (612) 238-4517. More details can be found online at hendricksonforum.smumn.edu.

SMU invited to Polish-American Art Show and Lecture

The Polish Art Museum (at 102 Liberty St.) will celebrate its annual “Dyngus Day” on Monday, April 13. Dyngus Day is a celebration of Easter Monday. The celebration is based on traditions of baptism and the suffering of Jesus during the Easter season. A Polish-American art exhibit, displaying past and present paintings of local Minnesota artists of Polish descent, will be a major part of the festivities. The exhibit will be open between 4 and 9 p.m.

Additionally, Dr. Tomas Tolvaisas, an assistant professor in the Department of History at WSU, will lecture on the numerous intersections and mutual influences of American and Polish modern art during the 1960s. His presentation and a question-and-answer session will take place in the museum theater between 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. The exhibit will continue through Saturday, April 18, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

For more information, go to www.lacrossetribune.com/brochures/polishmuseum/polishci.htm or call the Polish Museum, 454-3431.

Windley-Daoust presents paper at academic religion conference

Dr. Susan Windley-Daoust, assistant professor of theology, presented a paper titled “Natural Childbirth as Phenomenological Icon in an Iconoclastic Medical Culture” at the Upper Midwest American Academy of Religion/Society of Biblical Literature conference in St. Paul, Minn., on March 27.

Spartz, Bearbower present iT poster session

Jason Spartz and Sarah Bearbower, iT, presented a poster session at the Educause Midwest Regional Conference in Chicago on March 21. The topic was titled “Tracking Transformative Change with Classroom Capture at a Liberal Arts Institution.” The presentation content was co-created with Dr. Chad Kjorlien.

The presentation was well-received by many. Gib Smart from Tegrity relayed comments from Dr. Kelly Wilkinson (director, Center for Instruction, Research, and Technology at Indiana State University) saying “she was raving about you guys, was very impressed…” while Bryon Glock, (IT director at Western Michigan University) said “Saint Mary’s has had some great presentations the past two years. Keep it up!”

Tadie presents paper at philosophy conference

Dr. Joseph Tadie, assistant professor, Department of Philosophy, is presenting at a philosophy conference titled, “TEMPERANCE — A conference on the Cardinal Virtues,” sponsored by the D.B. Reinhart Institute for Ethics in Leadership at Viterbo University on April 2-4.

He will present his paper, “Hovering Between Humilities: Aquinas Face to Face with Aristotle and Augustine,” from 11:15 to 12:30 p.m. today, Friday, April 3, in Session III in RC 107 at Viterbo.

Marpe presents at marketing management conference

Dr. Thomas Marpe, dean of the School of Business, presented a paper titled “Catholic Parishioner Satisfaction and Religious Giving” at the (MMA) Marketing Management Association Conference March 20 in Chicago. This paper is part of a larger study that looks at the types of parishioner satisfaction and its impact on financial contributions to parishes. The MMA conference was part of the larger MBAA International conference that was attended by professor Teresa Speck, professor Jeffrey Hefel, assistant professor Benjamin Huegel, and assistant professor Chandu Valluri.

Student Senate election results announced

The following students were elected to Student Senate Executive Board positions for 2009-2010:

President: Mary Gleich
VP - International Affairs: Scott (Zhe) Song
VP - Financial Affairs: Travis Fick
VP - Academic Affairs: Karina Rajtar
VP - Media Communication: Alex Bilski
VP - Campus Life: Brenda Welscher
VP - Social Affairs: Molly Jewison
VP - Student Life: Brandon Wanless
VP - External Affairs: Marie Allen/Ali Kremer
Executive Assistant: Gabbi Langan

Brey and Dahlstrom winners of Kabara business plan

The Kabara Institute for Entrepreneurial Studies is pleased to announce the winners of this year’s business plan competition, D.J. Brey and David Dahlstrom. Their plan, “Sugar Loaf Scouting Combine,” earned them the $1,000 prize for first place in the competition.

Brey is a junior sport management major from St. James, Minn., and Dahlstrom is a junior accounting and human resources management major from Rochester, Minn.

The Kabara Institute aims to incite a passion for entrepreneurial spirit in students across the university, regardless of their major field of study, to enhance the entrepreneurship program offerings at Saint Mary’s by providing opportunities for students to interact with entrepreneurs and experience entrepreneurship first-hand, and to foster a greater understanding and appreciation of the importance of entrepreneurs and entrepreneurship in our society.

The Kabara Institute has sponsored a series of guest speakers and company tours during this academic year. Look for more events, including another competition, during the 2009 – 2010 academic year.

Service Recognition Reception planned for April 23

SMU student is honoree in Dubuque arthritis walk

Students sleep outside to raise awareness of homeless

Saint Mary’s students slept outside in cardboard boxes Thursday, April 2, during the annual “shak-a-thon,” part of Habitat for Humanity’s Act!Speak!Build! Week. A week of activities raised awareness about the millions of people who do not have adequate shelter to sleep.

No ‘Campus Notes’ next week

This is a reminder that, because of Easter break, there will be no ‘Campus Notes’ next week. Look ahead on your calendars. The next edition will be Friday, April 17. The deadline for that issue is Wednesday, April 15.

Sympathy to Watters family

Bishop Loras Watters died Monday, March 30. Bishop Watters, 93, was installed as the 5th Bishop of the Winona Diocese in 1969, where he remained until his retirement in 1986. During his tenure, Bishop Watters served on the SMU Board of Trustees from 1970 to 1980, and was subsequently named a trustee emeritus. Watters Hall on SMU’s Winona campus is named in his honor.

Bishop Watters’ Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at noon today, Friday, April 3, at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart.

Daily Mass on Friday, April 3, in the Saint Thomas More Chapel will be canceled in lieu of Bishop Watters’ funeral.

Thursday, March 26, 2009

Saint Mary’s receives $418,000 from U.S. Department of Education

With $418,000 in grants from the U.S. Department of Education, Saint Mary’s University plans to assist and mentor K-12 educators in targeted Minnesota school districts.

The “Teachers Teaching Teachers” program received a $228,000 grant for professional development for teachers from the DOE’s Fund for the Improvement of Education Programs of National Significance, and a grant of $190,000 for technology upgrades from the Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education. Sponsors of the grants included Rep. Tim Walz (D-Minn.), Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) and Sen. Norm Coleman (R-Minn.).

The “Teachers Teaching Teachers” project will enhance educators’ professional development through technology, and enable K-12 teachers from high-need Minnesota school districts to engage in meaningful collaboration with each other and with content specialists from Saint Mary’s University, especially in the areas of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).

The DOE funds support nationally significant programs to improve the quality of elementary and secondary education at the state and local levels, which will help students meet challenging state academic content standards and achievement standards. STEM projects such as Saint Mary’s are considered critical to meeting the demands of the science labor force in the state and the nation.

Doctor of Education in Leadership Program to begin Winona cohort in May

The Doctor of Education in Leadership program will be starting a Winona cohort this May, 2009. Classes will be offered on Friday evenings and Saturdays every other weekend.

To view the summer schedule and view course descriptions on the program website, go to www.smumn.edu/EDD.aspx.

The Ed.D. is a practitioner-oriented program with a curriculum and schedule designed around the needs of adult learners. This 67 credit program incorporates coursework in leadership, education, and research followed by a comprehensive exam and dissertation. The program is $505 per credit with possible tuition reduction for SMU faculty and staff.

This program provides relevant education to students who have an interest in leadership, however, a background or interest in education is not necessary. Students may choose to follow one of three curricular paths: K-12 Educational Leadership, Higher Education Leadership, or Organizational Leadership. The program typically takes about three years to complete the coursework and an additional 2-5 years to complete the comprehensive exam and dissertation.

For more information, call Sarah Fisher at (612) 728-5122.

Kowles is guest speaker at biology research symposium

The Saint Mary’s University Biology Department will host the 36th annual Undergraduate Research Symposium in Biology on Friday, March 27, in the Adducci Science Center.

Students from Saint Mary’s and other colleges and universities in the tri-state region will present the results of their undergraduate research projects. Registration is free and begins at 8 a.m. Presentations begin at 8:20 a.m. and continue until the 11:45 a.m. lunch break; presentations will then continue from 2 to 4 p.m.

The symposium’s featured presentation has been named the “R.V. Kowles Lecture” in honor of SMU Professor Emeritus Dr. Richard Kowles, longtime biology educator, author, and nationally known geneticist. Dr. Kowles is a driving force in support of undergraduate research and a founder of the symposium.

Dr. Kowles is also serving as the inaugural “R.V. Kowles Lecture” presenter. He will discuss “Can photosynthesis efficiency be increased in crops with biotechnology?: The merging of scientific disciplines to find answers” from 12:45 to 2 p.m. in Page Theatre, located in the SMU Performance Center.

The public is invited to attend the lecture, as well as the student presentations, free of charge.

Saint Mary’s to host third Row, Ride, Run Triathlon

The third Saint Mary’s University Heart & SOUL “Row, Ride, Run Triathlon” will take place on Saturday, April 25, at 9 a.m.; check-in begins at 7:30 a.m. on the west end of Lake Winona. The public is encouraged to take part in the triathlon.

Participants will canoe or kayak a 2.5-mile loop around Lake Winona, then bike 14 miles from Lake Winona to the SMU campus. Once on campus, racers will run 3.1 miles through the bluffs surrounding the university.

Serving Others United in Love (SOUL) is a program of the Office of Campus Ministry at SMU, and offers opportunities to members of the SMU community to serve and be served through both national and international mission trips.

Participants may begin registering now, either as an individual or as a team. Teams may consist of two, three or four members. The registration period ends April 14. The fees are $35 per individual or $60 per team; registration spots are limited.

Each racer is responsible for bringing their own bike, and is required to wear helmets for the bicycling leg of the event. Canoeists and kayakers are required to wear life jackets; a limited number of canoes and kayaks are available to rent for $20. SMU students and employees can use canoes and kayaks at no charge.

For more information, or to register online, visit www.smumn.edu/heartandsoul. For information on reservations, call Ext. 1643.

Saint Mary’s students to stage ‘A Chorus Line’ March 27-30

The Department of Theatre and Dance, under the direction of Judy Myers, will stage the Pulitzer Prize-winning musical “A Chorus Line” March 27-30.

The show is set in an empty theatre, on a bare stage, during casting for a new Broadway musical. For 17 dancers, this audition is the chance of a lifetime. It’s what they’ve worked for every day of their lives. It’s the one opportunity to do what they’ve always dreamed — to have the chance to dance. The storyline delves into the personalities of the performers as they describe events that have shaped their lives and their decisions to become dancers.

The timeless classic about passion, despair and joy is the longest-running musical in Broadway history. Audiences will find themselves singing along to familiar favorites by Marvin Hamlisch and Edward Kleban like “One (Singular Sensation),” “What I Did for Love,” and “I Hope I Get It.”

“A Chorus Line,” is the musical for everyone who’s ever had a dream and put it all on the line — a powerful metaphor for all human aspiration.

Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. Friday, March 27; Saturday, March 28; and Monday, March 30; with a 3 p.m. showing on Sunday, March 29 — all at Page Theatre, in the Performance Center.

Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for students and seniors and are available at the Box Office, Ext. from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays or online at www.pagetheatre.org. Because of adult content, this play is suitable for mature audiences only.

Saint Mary’s art students to display work March 29-May 9

Saint Mary’s University senior art students will display their work March 29 through May 9 in “Squaring the Circle: Constructing the Impossible.”

The show — free and open to the public — will be held in the Lillian Davis Hogan Galleries.

Displaying work will be: Michael DeGidio, Mary Margaret Gill, Ann Therese Kolaczkowski, Natalie Nemetz, Samantha Oreskovich, Andrew Rath and Cassie Ward.

An opening reception is scheduled for 4 to 6 p.m. Saturday, April 18. The Lillian Davis Hogan Galleries are open daily between 9 a.m. and 8 p.m. For more information, call Ext. 1652.

Annual benefit dance to help Geheren family

Saint Mary’s will present the ninth annual Taylor Richmond Benefit Dance from 8:30 p.m. to midnight on Saturday, March 28.

The beneficiaries of this year’s formal dance — open to the public — are 1990 SMU alumni Bill and Mia Geheren of Huntley, Ill., and their four children. Their three adopted children were born addicted to cocaine; one child is addicted to heroin and meth as well. Money from the benefit dance and silent auction will help the family purchase a handicapped accessible van.

This benefit dance has become an annual tradition since it was started by students in 2001 in honor of Taylor Richmond, son of Saint Mary’s Campus Ministry and Student Activities staff member Nikki Richmond. Taylor has a genetic terminal illness called Ataxia Telangiectasia (A-T) and the money from his benefit was used to fulfill Taylor's dream of going to Disneyworld. Each year this event benefits someone in the SMU community in need.

The dance, featuring music by the Johnny Holm Band, will be held in the Toner Student Center dining room. Ticket prices are $15 per person or $25 per couple.

To purchase tickets or receive more information, contact Jason Richter at Ext. 1648 or Katie LaPlant at Ext. 6936. Dance tickets will also be available at the door.

To make a donation, send checks — payable to the Taylor Richmond Benefit Dance — to Katie LaPlant, Box 1471.

Bids for the silent auction can be made from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. today in the Toner Student Center game room. A variety of homemade goods, gift baskets and specialty items are on display.

Famous Dave’s founder to speak April 27

Dave Anderson, founder of the popular barbecue franchise Famous Dave’s of America, will speak at Saint Mary’s on Monday, April 27.

The event, hosted by the Kabara Institute for Entrepreneurial Studies at SMU, is free and open to the public. Anderson’s presentation, “Me, Inc. — The Spirit of Entrepreneurship,” will run from 6 to 7 p.m. in Page Theatre.

A highly sought-after keynote speaker, Anderson shares his heartfelt optimism using his life’s story to share insight and life lessons in dealing with today’s fast-changing world. He is an enthusiastic advocate of the American dream and stresses that no matter how tough things may seem today, if you never give up your dream and work hard, tomorrow’s rewards will always come.

Anderson founded Famous Dave’s of America, which has more than 120 restaurants and growing. He is also known for helping found the Rainforest Café, another successful nationwide restaurant company. Throughout his career, he has helped found three publicly traded companies on Wall Street and created more than 20,000 new jobs.

In his own life, Anderson has experienced adversity, frustration and bankruptcy, as well as tremendous success. His life story is featured in two New York Times bestsellers. He has served two presidents and three governors in advisory positions. Anderson has also provided key testimony before Congress and the U.S. Senate. Always tackling the impossible, this bottom-half-of-the-class high school student earned his master’s degree from Harvard University without an undergraduate degree. He has appeared on all major networks including “Regis and Kathy Lee,” “Oprah Winfrey,” “The Discovery Channel,” “The Food Network,” “National Public Radio,” and more than 200 radio shows.

Anderson, a Native American, devotes his life to making a difference in his community and in the lives of others less fortunate. Oprah Winfrey’s Angel Network recently recognized his leadership development work with at-risk youth.

Anderson will be available following the presentation to sign his books, “LifeSkills for Success” and “Backroads and Sidestreets Cookbook” in the Performance Center lobby. Copies of the books will be available for purchase, with proceeds going to the Lifeskills Center for Leadership in Minneapolis.

Learn more about LTIP today

Lasallian Teacher Immersion Program students

Current Lasallian Teacher Immersion Program students, including five SMU students, are on campus today, accompanied by program director Brother Pat Conway.

They will give a presentation to faculty and staff during lunch today, Friday, March 27. From 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. go through the lunch line and indicate to the cashier that you are with the LTIP luncheon.

Faculty, staff, and students are also invited to a reception and presentation from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. today in the President’s Room. Refreshments will be served.

The Lasallian Teacher Immersion Program (LTIP) is designed to attract young men to a career teaching in the tradition of Saint John Baptist de La Salle.

LTIP students earn 16 SMU credits (6 Theology and 10 Education). Students live, study, and serve in four immersion sites: a homeless shelter in Kansas City, an inner-city elementary school in Memphis, a Miguel middle school in Minneapolis, and a St. Louis suburban secondary school.

Dance Repertory Company bowling fundraiser is Saturday

Dance Repertory Company cast members are selling tickets to a bowling fundraiser, to be held Saturday, March 28, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Westgate Bowl, located in the Westgate Shopping Center. The proceeds from the fundraiser will go toward the DRC Spring Concert (May 15-16 at the Page Theatre) and the Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts, a member of the SMU School of the Arts. Families and students of all ages are welcome.

Tickets are $15 each and this includes pizza, bowling, and shoe rental. Find a DRC member or stop in the MCA office (located at the Valéncia Arts Center on the Saint Teresa Campus) to purchase your tickets.

For more information or to reserve your tickets, call Christine Martin at Ext. 5501.

Alumni and friends arts event scheduled for March 28

The SMU Department of Theatre and Dance, the Friends of the School of the Arts, and the the Alumni Association will host an alumni and friends event on Saturday, March 28, featuring a performance of “A Chorus Line.” Faculty and staff are invited and welcome to attend this gathering.z

From 2 to 3:30 p.m., a panel of theater majors will meet with current theatre students in the President’s Room, Toner Student Center.

At 5 p.m. a social hour and dinner will be offered in the Toner Student Center lounge, and “A Chorus Line” begins at 7:30 p.m. in Page Theatre. At 9:30 p.m., a dessert reception — with cash bar — will be held in the Presidents Room.

The cost is $35 for the dinner, performance and reception or $15 for the performance and reception.

To register for this event, contact the alumni office at Ext. 1499 or register online at www.smumn.edu/sitepages/pid819.php.

BUGSS month to raise funds, awareness

The Bethlehem University Gaza Student Scholarship (BUGSS) month kicked off on Monday, March 27. A variety of activities are planned. Today, check out the television in the dining hall over lunch to learn more about Bethlehem University.

Next week see “Palestine through the Media.” On Monday, a loose change kick-off day is planned. Help send a student from Gaza to Bethlehem University. Put your loose change to work by dropping it off in one of the collection jars across campus.

On Tuesday, March 31, Dr. Dorothy Diehl, Modern/Classical Languages, will present on her fall sabbatical at 3 p.m. in the Common Room. Snacks and drinks will be provided.

Dr. Diehl’s sabbatical had a double focus, to gather information for a Global Issues course on refugees, which she will teach next fall, and to investigate the possibility of arranging a three-week immersion program at Bethlehem University for interested students the following spring. She spent seven weeks in the West Bank last fall. Although the majority of her time was spent in Bethlehem, she also spent two days in Tuwani, a small village near Hebron, staying with a Christian Peacemaker Team. She also traveled briefly through the Galilee and Jordan. Her presentation is open to all students, faculty, and staff and will include a PowerPoint presentation with pictures.

On Wednesday, April 1, loose change jars will be put around the Winona community at various businesses.

And on Thursday, April 2, Ben Scott will lead a poetry reading of Middle Eastern literature at 7 p.m. in the President’s Room.

Additional activities are planned, including IronChef SMU on April 19. Additionally, SMU students will be receiving information from students at Bethlehem University, and a video conference with BU students and Brothers is planned. Watch for more information. Contact Amira Sadek, student coordinator, at amsade06@smumn.edu with questions.

Jazz notes

Swing Inc. (featuring Eric Heukeshoven) performs 8 to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday, March 27-28 at the Waterfront in La Crosse, Wis.

A Saint Mary’s University Jazz Workshop Combo, directed by Dr. John Paulson, will perform at 7 p.m. Friday, March 27, at the Winona Arts Center, 228 5th St., for a special slide lecture and jazz presentation on painter Robert Ryman, given by Dr. Vittorio Colaizzi, WSU assistant professor of art history. The combo includes John Kamp, guitar; Zach Hansmann, drums; Ryan Ballanger, alto sax; and Neil Leibundguth, bass. Admission is based on individual donations. For more information, call 453-9959 or visit www.winonaarts.org/events.html.

The John Paulson Jazz Quartet will also perform a concert of jazz standards and original works Friday, March 27, at 7:30 p.m. at the Paramount Theatre, Austin, Minn. Tickets are $12 for adults and $6 for students and senior citizens. For information on tickets, go to www.paramounttheatre.org or call 434-0934.

SMU in the news

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

• The Winona Daily News ran an article titled, “SMU scales back tuition, housing increase” in its March 24 edition.

• The Rochester Post Bulletin’s March 24 issue included an article about Dr. John Paulson titled, “Musician tries to break the mold.”

Mayo Innovation Scholarship winners announced

The SMU Business and Biology Departments congratulate the 2008/09 Mayo Innovation Scholarship award winners upon completion of their outstanding project work. Biology students Nicole Haese and James Mazzuca, along with business students Leah Hoglin and Joseph Weinmann, presented their product and market assessment report on the “New Use of Generic Drug to Treat Psoriasis” to the Mayo Clinic Office of Intellectual Property on March 13.

SMU is fortunate to be one of a select number of private Minnesota Colleges eligible for participation in the Mayo Innovation Scholarship program. The program offers undergraduate students the opportunity to work alongside a selected MBA student addressing research project submitted by Mayo Clinic researchers for development consideration. The Mayo Innovation Scholarships are available to junior and senior business and science students with applications requested in the fall semester.

Employee changes

New Employees:
• Philip Hull, April 1, director Study Abroad and Career Services associate
• Travis Bare, April 1, interim director Campus Safety

Hendrickson Institute hosts John Howard April 21

The Hendrickson Institute for Ethical Leadership will host the 2009 Forum on Leadership on Tuesday, April 21. John Howard, former Prime Minister of Australia, will speak about “Leadership in a Global Economy,” and the Hendrickson Institute Medal for Ethical Leadership will be awarded to Charles M. Denny.

As the Prime Minister of Australia from March 1996 until December 2007, the Honorable John Winston Howard served a distinctively Western role in the Asian-Pacific Rim. Howard approached his responsibilities from a global viewpoint, providing economic vision and security strategies that raised Australia’s profile and impact around the world as well as improving economic stability at home.

Howard will discuss the role of world leaders in a new century, addressing the growing concerns of globalization and global economics, the environment, and threats to international security. He will explain in what ways, and to what degrees, China, India and the Pacific Rim may participate. Finally, he will respond to questions submitted by Forum participants.

Denny will be honored for his years of ethical leadership as chairman and CEO of ADC Telecommunications Inc; his commitment to equity and justice. (For example, by providing jobs through Project for Pride in Living Industries); and his decades of volunteer work in the nonprofit sector. He is also recognized for his legacy of written ethical guidelines for corporations, from the Minnesota Principles to his research and writing as a recipient of the Louis W. Hill Jr. Fellowship.

Registration begins at 3 p.m., the forum runs from 3:30 to 5 p.m., and a reception will follow at the Nicollet Island Pavilion, 40 Power St., in Minneapolis.

Tickets are $50 for the public, with a special student rate of $10, and a faculty and alumni rate of $40. For more information, contact Barb Hall at bhall@smumn.edu or (612) 238-4517. More details can be found online at hendricksonforum.smumn.edu.

Art department unveils new blog

The Art Department has created a new blog. To view student work, click on http://artanddesignatsmu.blogspot.com.

Budget-saving ideas welcome

As the SMU community works together to think of new ways to save money, everyone is invited to e-mail budget-saving ideas to budgetsaver@smumn.edu.

Funds from ‘Let’s Do Lunch’ to benefit Nairobi

Last week’s “Let’s Do Lunch,” hosted by the Schools of Graduate and Professional Programs raised $314.66 for the Nairobi campus. A big thank you goes to SGPP folks for hosting the event.

Sympathy to Spitzer family

Richard “Pat” Kramer, father of Jami Spitzer (SGPP program secretary), died Wednesday, March 18. Notes of condolence can be sent to Jami Spitzer and family, Campus Box 77.

Thursday, March 19, 2009

Biology symposium set for March 27; Kowles to speak

The 36th annual Undergraduate Research Symposium in Biology will be held on Friday, March 27. Biology students from the Winona campus — and five to eight regional colleges and universities — will present the findings of their research at the Adducci Science Center.

The symposium’s featured presentation has been named the “R.V. Kowles Lecture” in honor of Dr. Richard Kowles, professor emeritus. Dr. Kowles served Saint Mary’s University as a distinguished university professor of biology and was a driving force in support of undergraduate research and a founder of the symposium.

Dr. Kowles will present “Can photosynthesis efficiency be increased in crops with biotechnology?: The merging of scientific disciplines to find answers” during the noon hour in Page Theatre. The campus community and the public are invited to attend the symposium and the inaugural “R.V. Kowles Lecture.”

Saint Mary’s to host third Row, Ride, Run Triathlon

The third Saint Mary’s University Heart & SOUL “Row, Ride, Run Triathlon” will take place on Saturday, April 25, at 9 a.m.; check-in begins at 7:30 a.m. on the west end of Lake Winona. The public is encouraged to take part in the triathlon.

Participants will canoe or kayak a 2.5-mile loop around Lake Winona, then bike 14 miles from Lake Winona to the SMU campus. Once on campus, racers will run 3.1 miles through the bluffs surrounding the university.

Serving Others United in Love (SOUL) is a program of the Office of Campus Ministry at SMU, and offers opportunities to members of the SMU community to serve and be served through both national and international mission trips.

Participants may begin registering now, either as an individual or as a team. Teams may consist of two, three or four members. The registration period ends April 14. The fees are $35 per individual or $60 per team; registration spots are limited.

Each racer is responsible for bringing their own bike, and is required to wear helmets for the bicycling leg of the event. Canoeists and kayakers are required to wear life jackets; a limited number of canoes and kayaks are available to rent for $20. SMU students and employees can use canoes and kayaks at no charge.

For more information, or to register online, visit www.smumn.edu/heartandsoul. For information on reservations, call Ext. 1643.

Thursday, April 23, 2009

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Thursday, April 2, 2009

Thursday, March 26, 2009

Thursday, March 19, 2009

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