Saint Mary's University of Minnesota

Thursday, February 23, 2012

Nominations being accepted for Bishop Heffron Award

The deadline has been extended to nominate someone for the Bishop Heffron Award, to be recognized at this year's Founder's Day ceremony. Review the eligibility and nomination process information below.

Award Eligibility
• Nominees must be full-time or benefits-eligible and have a minimum of 10 years of service with the university.

Award Criteria
• Nominee has demonstrated a long-term commitment to the values of the university

• Nominee has been a positive member of the university community as demonstrated by his/her ability to work successfully across constituencies for the good of the university

• Nominee serves as a model of the Lasallian spirit, which is a hallmark of the university, in his/her interactions with colleagues and students.

• Staff, Faculty and Administration submit a nomination outlining how the nominee (eligible employee) satisfies the award criteria (listed above) for this specific award.

This nomination should be electronically prepared, be no longer than one page (2 pages double spaced), and be submitted to human resources as soon as possible. The nomination should include the employee’s name, job title, campus location, date, and description of how he/she meets the criteria for this award.

Human Resources will verify eligibility, consolidate the awards by cabinet member, and present the eligible nominations to the President’s cabinet prior to Founder’s Day.

The recipient of the award, selected by the President, will be announced on Founder’s Day.

Award

The Bishop Heffron Award is given out every other year at Founder’s Day. The award includes name recognition on the University posted Heffron Award plaque, an award payment of $500.00, and a personal plaque or token gift in its place. Family members of the recipient are invited to the luncheon.

Thursday, February 16, 2012

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

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

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

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

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

Refreshments and a light lunch will be available.

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

Multicultural Showcase is Saturday

The annual Multicultural Showcase will feature music and dance at 8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 18, in the dining room of the Toner Student Center.

A freewill offering at the door will help Project Fine in Winona.

Food will be provided. Hmong songs, Mexican dance, Irish dance, the Jazz Workshop Combo the World Drum Ensemble — and many others — are scheduled to perform.

Chamber Singers to tour Wisconsin, Illinois, Ontario

The Chamber Singers will perform in Wisconsin, Illinois and the Canadian province of Ontario as part of their 2012 Concert Tour. The 27-voice select ensemble is directed by Dr. Patrick O’Shea.

Tour performances will include the following liturgies and concerts:

• St. Mary’s Parish, Appleton, Wis., Sunday, March 4 — Mass 11 a.m., Concert 2 p.m.
• Church of St. John the Divine, North Bay, Ontario, Wednesday, March 7, 8 p.m.
• All Saint’s Kingsway Anglican Church, Toronto, Ontario, Thursday, March 8, 7 p.m.
• Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church, Aurora, Ill., Sunday, March 11 — Mass 10 a.m., Concert 3 p.m.

All concerts are free and open to the public (with the exception of an admission fee for the North Bay concert), and guests are welcome at the various liturgies. Repertoire will include a cappella works by Marenzio, Duruflé, Bruckner, and Stephen Paulus.

Upon their return, the Chamber Singers will present a free “Homecoming Concert” at the Chapel of Saint Mary of the Angels, 7th and Vila streets, Winona, on Thursday, March 15, at 7:30 p.m.

For more information, call Dr. O’Shea at Ext. 1598.

‘Duck for President,’ other stories on stage Feb. 29

The Page Series will bring “Duck for President” and other favorite children’s stories to life Wednesday, Feb. 29.

Beginning at 6:30 p.m., Theatreworks USA will present an all-new musical revue featuring mini-musicals based on the best-selling children’s books “Duck for President,” “Fancy Nancy,” “Pirates Don’t Change Diapers” and more. This is an excellent adventure for families with children in kindergarten through fourth grade.

Tickets are $12 for adults, $5 for students and seniors and are available at the SMU Box Office, Ext. 1715, Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. or online at www.pagetheatre.org.

Read Aloud Day at the library

In cooperation with the Winona Public Library, local celebrities will share their favorite books at 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 25, in the library’s second floor art room. Bring your family and join the fun of Read Aloud Day. Win a chance at tickets to see the Page Series presentation “Duck for President and Other Stories” on Feb. 29.

Register early for Row, Ride, Run Triathlon

The annual Saint Mary’s “Row, Ride, Run Triathlon” will take place on Saturday, April 28, beginning at 9 a.m. at Lake Lodge in Winona and finishing on SMU’s Winona campus.

About 100 athletes from throughout the Midwest are expected to register for the race.

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.

Proceeds assist Serving Others United in Love (SOUL), a program of SMU’s Office of Campus Ministry. Through SOUL, students are able to connect with diverse communities by participating in national and international service trips.

Registration before March 16 is $20 per individual or $40 per team. After March 16, the cost is $30 per individual or $60 per team. Teams can be made up of two, three or four members.

Participants must be 10 or older to row or run and 15 or older to bike.

Awards will be presented to top three fastest individuals and the top finishing team.

For more information, visit www.smumn.edu/rowriderun or call Ext. 7268.

‘Guys and Dolls’ on stage Feb. 23-26

Saint Mary’s to host panel discussion on population

National Geographic editor
serves as guest panelist

The public is invited to participate in a discussion of “Population in Perspective: How Will 7 Billion People Change Your Life?” Tuesday and Wednesday, March 13-14, at Saint Mary’s.

This event is sponsored by Hendrickson Institute for Ethical Leadership and UnderTold Stories Project, and part of a collaboration with the Pulitzer Center on Crisis Reporting, PBS NewsHour and National Geographic.

How will our lives be affected and how can young Americans engage with solutions to the challenge of sustaining a planet that will have 9 billion inhabitants by 2050?

Special guest Dennis Dimick, executive editor on the environment for National Geographic, designed a year-long 2011 National Geographic series called “7 Billion” on global population and its impact. Dimick will join panelists Fred de Sam Lazaro, director of the “Undertold Stories Project” and a correspondent for PBS NewsHour with Jim Lehrer; and Dr. David Lynch, chair of the SMU Department of Social Science.

SMU will host two of these critical discussions. The first will be on the Twin Cities campus, Tuesday, March 13, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. in Saint Mary’s Event Center. The second is from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 14, in Page Theatre.

The Under-Told Stories Project, produced by and in partnership with Saint Mary’s University, shares stories from some of the world’s most remote locations through PBS NewsHour and other media organizations. The partnership brings de Sam Lazaro to the university’s Minneapolis campus, provides new learning opportunities to Saint Mary’s students, and is intended to raise awareness for the local ramifications of global issues.

For more information, contact Sabrina Kelly at skelly@smumn.edu or (612) 238-4507.

GeoSpatial staff kicks off National Park Service project

At the end of January, GeoSpatial Services analysts Andy Nadeau and Kathy Kilkus traveled to Guadalupe Mountains National Park in west Texas to kick off a new collaborative project with the National Park Service.

The two spent a day and a half in meetings with National Park Staff from the park and Chihuahuan Desert Inventory and Monitoring Network. They created an outline for the park’s Natural Resource Condition Assessment (NRCA). They also toured the park, receiving first-hand knowledge about key natural features, including gypsum dunes, marine fossils, and the well-known El Capitan rock formation. The highlight of the trip was a seven-mile hike into McKittrick Canyon. GSS will be working on the Guadalupe Mountains NRCA through the summer of 2013.

Benefits help wounded alum, veteran

Saint Mary’s raised $1,274 during an Armed Forces Night at the Feb. 11 men’s hockey game for alumnus Josh Misiewicz, a Marine veteran who was severely injured this past summer while serving in Afghanistan.

Misiewicz has also been named the recipient of the 12th annual Taylor Richmond Benefit Dance, planned for Saturday, March 24. The public is invited to this formal dance, which features the Johnny Holm Band.

Marine Lance Corporal Misiewicz grew up in La Grange, Ill., where he was a well-known hockey star. He attended Saint Mary’s for two years before pursuing his passion to become a U.S. Marine.

In July, his life changed in a flash: a landmine exploded and he suffered the loss of both legs and two shattered eardrums. He recovered at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Maryland, where his positive attitude and enduring spirit served as an example to others.

Misiewicz received the Purple Heart medal this past fall.

Even though the federal government covers Misiewicz's medical expenses, the family is facing many other long-term costs including transportation, home improvements, and a hand-controlled vehicle.

To make a donation, send checks — payable to the Taylor Richmond Benefit Dance — to Lance Thompson at Campus Box 1528.

Donations to the silent auction, planned for March 22-23, are needed by March 16 and can be picked up or sent to the Student Activities Office, Toner 5, Box #1528.

International Student Open House a success

The International Center Open House, held Tuesday, Feb. 14, included a wide variety of ethnic food, games, cultural displays and presentations. Participants learned about SMU’s international students from Saudi Arabia, South Korea, and China. The Center for International Students thanks everyone for attending.

Employee campaign kicks off with Mardi Gras theme

Join the Mardi Gras Kick-Off for the Employee Giving Campaign on Fat Tuesday, Feb. 21, at 3:30 p.m. in the Common Room, Saint Mary’s Hall. This festive kick-off wouldn’t be complete without jazz tunes, King Cake and coffee. March to the beat as we celebrate the beginning of our Employee Giving Campaign touting the slogan, “One University. One Mission.” Wear your mask and be entered into a door prize drawing!

Student researchers to present at Scholars at the Capitol

Three students from Saint Mary’s, along with their faculty advisors, will head to the Minnesota State Capitol Rotunda on Wednesday, Feb. 22, to present the results of their independent research and creative scholarship at the annual Minnesota Private College Scholars at the Capitol event.

The Minnesota Private College Council hosts this event in an attempt to publicize and celebrate the achievements of just a few of the many thousands of students who attend private schools of higher learning in Minnesota, and to share research that may have long-term implications for Minnesotans.

This event will showcase current research projects completed by approximately 40 undergraduate scholars from Minnesota private colleges and universities. Saint Mary’s students attending this year’s event include:

• Grace Christensen and Paige Jensen, presenting on “The Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Glycerol Monolaurate on TPA-Induced Inflammation in Mus Musculus.” Their faculty advisor is Dr. Jeanne Minnerath.

• Alex Braun, presenting on “The Effects of Atrazine on BMP4 Protein Levels in Liver and Serum Isolated From Phasianus Colchisus and Gallus Gallus.” Her faculty advisor is Dr. Debra Martin.

The Minnesota Private College Council represents 17 respected liberal arts colleges and universities with 60,000 students. These institutions award 30 percent of the baccalaureate degrees in the state.

SMU hosts sustainability forums

Student Life will once again hold a series of forums this semester on issues related to sustainability. The forums are intended to provide interested students, staff and faculty with the opportunity to learn more about the broad concepts of sustainability, discuss these issues as they relate to our daily lives both on and off campus, and then identify actions to contribute toward a more sustainable future.
The series includes:

• “Sustainability & Catholic Higher Education” — Tuesday, Feb. 28, 7:30 p.m., Damien Commons in Watters Hall

How and why should we (as members of a Catholic and Lasallian community) become better stewards of God’s creation and champions for environmental justice? This forum features Chris McClead, co-director of Campus Ministry.

• “Food, Compost and Recycling” — Tuesday, March 20, 7:30 p.m., Damien Commons in Watters Hall

It has been said that “Food goes to the heart of civilization.” Topics for dialogue will include: Food and nutrition security, famine, waste, organic food, composting, fair-trade, “eat local,” community gardens, “foodies,” carbon-free diet, etc. We are what we eat, so come and share your point of view.

• “Water” — Tuesday, April 24, 7:30 p.m., Toner Student Center Lounge

If today the issue is oil, then tomorrow the issue will be water. Whether gathered in your reusable container, flowing down the Mississippi River, pumped from the ground, or falling from the sky, water is at the core of all life on earth and we can’t take it for granted anymore. Come and dialogue with us about water!

Medieval and Renaissance Studies minor hosts talks

The Medieval and Renaissance Studies minor will offer the second of three talks this semester, “Before Gerbert Met Erbert: A Selective Look at Quelques Petites Choses from ‘Science’ and Religion in the Middle Ages” by Dr. Paul Nienaber SJ, Department of Physics, at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 29, in Room 238, Brother Charles Hall.

Faculty to display diverse art through March 18

Seven faculty members from the Department of Art & Design will exhibit their work through March 18 at SMU’s Lillian Davis Hogan Galleries.

The show, “Verisimilitude,” includes work by Tony Calabrese, Charlie Campbell, Preston Lawing, Rob McColl, Brother Roderick Robertson, Lisa Truax and John Whelan.

The exhibit — free and open to the public — will be open 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.

SMU 10K ski race cancelled

With little snow in the forecast, the SMU 10K cross-country ski race, planned for Sunday, Feb. 19, has been cancelled.

Diversity coffee hours offered Fridays

All students, faculty and staff are invited to a diversity coffee hour Fridays from 3 to 4 p.m. in the Cardinal Club.

Free coffee and engaging discussion will be provided. Come when you can; leave when you must. Learn about others’ perspectives. For more information, contact Jeff Walter at jwalter@smumn.edu. These gatherings are sponsored by the Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs and the Wellness Center

Today’s Chat & Chow topic is about going green

The next “Chat, Chow & Web 2.0” event, “Who Wants Yesterday’s Papers?” will be held today, Friday, Feb. 17, from noon to 1 p.m. in the McEnery Center. These events are hosted by the Fitz, IT and Instructional Technology.

No one in Dr. Scott Sorvaag’s paperless classes needs to worry about a pile-up of yesterday's papers and reports. Sorvaag, dean of the Department of Education, along with some of his students, will talk about how a paperless class works and provide us with a primer for a “greener” classroom.

Lunch is provided. An RSVP to Jason Spartz, jspartz@smumn.edu, is appreciated, but not necessary. Everyone is welcome!

Jewelry exchange raises money for CTIE

The jewelry and accessory sale, hosted by the Volunteer Committee, raised more than $750 for CTIE in Nairobi. Thanks go to everyone who donated, as well as everyone who made purchases!

Charron reappointed to Minnesota State Arts Board

Michael Charron has been reappointed to the Minnesota State Arts Board. Charron is the dean of Saint Mary’s School of the Arts. He was first appointed to the State Arts Board by Governor Tim Pawlenty in 2008, served as chairman from 2009-11, and currently serves as vice chair.

SMU Concert Band members perform in honor band

Five SMU students will perform with the Minnesota Intercollegiate Honor Band. Back row, left: Tyler Ringiesen, Hans Heukeshoven, Matt Kotek. Front row: Mary Gerty, Katie Lieder.

Five select SMU Concert Band members will represent Saint Mary’s in this year’s intercollegiate honor band. After two days of rehearsals, they will perform at 9:15 Saturday morning at the Minneapolis Convention Center. This ensemble is made up of “the best of the best” from colleges and universities all across the state. The performance is free and open to the public.

There are also four music education majors attending the conference this year, including Jessica Bouska, Katie Kosiek, Marilyn Yennie and Sara Kua. For additional information regarding the annual MMEA Mid-Winter Clinic, go to mmea.org.

Chamber Singers to perform at MMEA Midwinter Clinic

The Chamber Singers, under the direction of Dr. Patrick O’Shea, will perform today, Friday, Feb. 17, for the Midwinter Clinic of the Minnesota Music Educators Association. The Chamber Singers were the only choral group invited to perform at this year’s conference, and will present a 40-minute program at 5:15 p.m. at Central Lutheran Church, 333 South 12th Street, Minneapolis.

The MMEA performance presents a “preview” of repertoire that the Chamber Singers will perform on their upcoming concert tour, March 2-11.

Elevator contest winners announced

The Kabara Institute for Entrepreneurial Studies has announced that Mary Glenski, Freddie Metzger, Will Johnson, Kelsey Brown, and Jaime Carreno-Moran were awarded monetary prizes in the recent Elevator Pitch Competition.

Contestants created an idea for a business or an event and had 90 seconds (the length of an average elevator ride) to convince a panel of judges that the idea was a worthwhile investment. Judges considered the feasibility and creativity of the idea and the enthusiasm and professionalism of the presentation when awarding the prizes.

The Kabara Institute is sponsoring a series of “Business Plan Basics” workshops this month. These workshops will help students construct an entry for the annual Kabara Business Plan Competition later this semester. Watch for details or contact Trevor Hall, director of the Kabara Institute for Entrepreneurial Studies, for more information.

Panel discussion gets front-page coverage

The Winona Daily News featured “Struggles, triumphs: Black professionals share stories, advice at SMU event” in its Thursday, Feb. 16 edition. The story detailed an event hosted Wednesday by the Black Students and Allies at SMU. To read the story, go to www.winonadailynews.com/news/local/article_098085ca-5863-11e1-9889-0019bb2963f4.html.

Heukeshovens to present at MMEA Mid-Winter Clinic

Dr. Janet and Eric Heukeshoven (Music Department) will be presenting special interest sessions at this year’s Minnesota Music Educator’s Association conference. Eric’s (Friday afternoon) is a music technology session, “Sibelius notation program, iPad use, etc.,” and Janet’s Thursday afternoon session was about flute tone and vibrato teaching and learning pedagogy.

Michener publishes short stories

Dr. Christian Michener’s short story, “The Strongest Thing in the World,” was published in the spring issue of Binghamton University’s literary magazine Harpur Palate. The story recounts the lives of early 20th century Slavic steelworkers in Pittsburgh. In addition, his short story “Afterday” was recently included in the Rattlesnake Valley Sampler, a collection of works from writers in the Upper Mississippi Valley.

Daffodil orders end today

Daffodil orders (and payment) are due today, Friday, Feb. 17. The American Cancer Society's Daffodil Days are the week of March 12 this year, right after the spring break.

For more information, contact Sylvia Pflughoeft, spflugho@smumn.edu, or go to https://docs.google.com/a/smumn.edu/viewer?a=v&pid=explorer&chrome=true&srcid=0B0zF_netAe66ZThkZmFjOGQtYmRhMC00NmZkLWI4NDAtMGY0NjQ3ZTQ3YzE5.

Sympathy to Eide, Rademacher families

Rosemary Eide, mother of Diane Kruger (Maintenance Department) died Sunday, Feb. 12. Notes of condolence can be sent to Diane Kruger and Family, 22151 East Burns Valley Rd., Winona, MN 55987 or to Campus Box #39.

Brother Jerome Rademacher, FSC ‘58, Ph.D., died Wednesday, Feb. 15. A visitation has been set for 3 p.m. Monday, Feb. 20, in the Toner Student Center Lounge. A funeral Mass will begin at 7 p.m. in the SMU gymnasium, followed by a reception.

A community Facebook page, “In Memory of Brother Jerome,” has been set up at http://www.facebook.com/pages/In-memory-of-Brother-Jerome/354363291250574 for everyone to share personal photos, memories and messages about Brother Jerome.

The Saint Mary’s community extends its sympathy to the Eide and Rademacher families and to the Christian Brothers community.

Thursday, February 9, 2012

‘Guys and Dolls’ on stage Feb. 23-26

The Department of Theatre and Dance will present the classic Broadway musical “Guys and Dolls” from Feb. 23-26.

The Tony-Award-winning musical, with music and lyrics by Frank Loesser, was first presented in 1950 and has enjoyed many revivals. It's considered by many to be the perfect musical comedy.

Set in Damon Runyon’s mythical New York City, "Guys and Dolls" soars with the spirit of Broadway as it introduces us to a legendary cast of vivid characters: Sarah Brown, the upright but uptight missionary out to reform the evildoers of Time Square; Sky Masterson, the slick, high-rolling gambler who woos her on a bet and ends up falling in love; Adelaide, the chronically ill nightclub performer whose condition is brought on by a 14-year marriage engagement; and Nathan Detroit, her devoted fiancé, desperate as always to find a spot for his infamous floating craps game.

“Guys and Dolls” is directed by Gary Diomandes with music direction by Judy Myers and choreography by Christine Martin. Showtimes in Page Theatre are 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, Feb. 23-25, and 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 26.

Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students and seniors. They’re available online at www.pagetheatre.org or at the Performance Center Box Office, Ext. 1715, Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Saint Mary’s to host panel discussion on population

Benefits planned to help wounded alum, veteran

Saint Mary’s is planning two public benefits for alumnus Josh Misiewicz, a Marine veteran who was severely injured this past summer while serving in Afghanistan.

On Feb. 11, the Saint Mary’s men’s hockey team will host an Armed Forces Night in Misiewicz’s honor during their game against Gustavus Adolphus at 7:30 p.m. The Color Guard has been invited to render honors when the National Anthem is played, and all proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to Misiewicz, who played junior varsity hockey at Saint Mary’s from 2006-2008.

Misiewicz has also been named the recipient of the 12th annual Taylor Richmond Benefit Dance, planned for Saturday, March 24. The public will be invited to this formal dance, which features the Johnny Holm Band.

Marine Lance Corporal Misiewicz grew up in La Grange, Ill., where he was a well-known hockey star. He attended Saint Mary’s for two years before pursuing his passion to become a U.S. Marine.

In July, his life changed in a flash: a landmine exploded and he suffered the loss of both legs and two shattered eardrums. He recovered at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Maryland, where his positive attitude and enduring spirit served as an example to others.

Misiewicz received the Purple Heart medal this past fall.

Even though the federal government covers Misiewicz's medical expenses, the family is facing many other long-term costs including transportation, home improvements, and a hand-controlled vehicle.

To make a donation, send checks — payable to the Taylor Richmond Benefit Dance — to Lance Thompson at Campus Box 1528.

Student researchers present at Scholars at the Capitol Feb. 22

African-American professionals to share their stories

In recognition of Black History Month, African-American professionals from throughout the nation have been invited to share their stories Wednesday, Feb. 15, at Saint Mary’s.

The panel discussion, free and open to the public, will begin at 5:30 p.m. in Salvi Lecture Hall. These six panelists will share their stories, challenges and victories:

• Duchesne Drew, Minneapolis Star Tribune
Drew is the Star Tribune’s managing editor for operations. He’s the newsroom’s liaison to the circulation, production, marketing and advertising departments.
• Sarah Hoye, CNN
Hoye is an award-winning journalist for CNN. She is currently based in Philadelphia where she covers regional assignments and breaking news.
• Minnesota Rep. Bobby Joe Champion (DFL-District 58B)
Rep. Champion has represented portions of downtown and north Minneapolis since he was elected in 2008. He is currently a member of the House’s Civil Justice Committee and Finance Committee.
• Beatrice Tayui, Diamond International Inc. and Lion Aviation Group
Tayui is president and senior managing partner at Lion Aviation Group, Inc., an airline management and turnaround specialist that is focused on the growing African aviation sector. She is also president and CEO of Diamond International, Inc. in Chicago, a privately held domestic and international business strategies company.
• Ebenezer Tayui, M.D., Franciscan St. Margaret Health
Dr. Tayui specializes in cardiac and obstetric anesthesiology in Hammond, Ind.
• Xavier Wilson ’97, Winona State University
Wilson is currently serving as interim assistant director of Housing and Residence Life at WSU.

Refreshments will be served following the discussion and a question-and-answer period.

The event is part of a month-long series of events hosted by the Black Students and Allies at Saint Mary’s. For more information, contact Keotta House at klhous11@smumn.edu or (507) 279-1806.

Other Black History Month events

• Feb. 17 — Friday Night Fish Fry
• Feb. 29 — Karaoke Night

SMU hosts sustainability forums

Medieval and Renaissance Studies minor hosts talks

Faculty to display diverse art through March 18

SMU 10K ski race cancelled

With little snow in the forecast, the SMU 10K cross-country ski race, planned for Sunday, Feb. 19, has been cancelled.

Diversity coffee hours offered Fridays

Next Chat & Chow topic is about going green

The next “Chat, Chow & Web 2.0” event, “Who Wants Yesterday’s Papers?” will be held Friday, Feb. 17, from noon to 1 p.m. in the McEnery Center. These events are hosted by the Fitz, IT and Instructional Technology.

No one in Dr. Scott Sorvaag’s paperless classes needs to worry about a pile-up of yesterday's papers and reports. Sorvaag, dean of the Department of Education, along with some of his students, will talk about how a paperless class works and provide us with a primer for a “greener” classroom.

Lunch is provided. An RSVP to Jason Spartz, jspartz@smumn.edu, is appreciated, but not necessary. Everyone is welcome!

Jewelry exchange today to raise money for CTIE

Just in time for Valentine’s Day, the Volunteer Committee is selling purses, scarves, belts and jewelry at the Saint Mary’s Hall first floor steps from 8 to 11 a.m. today. Leftover items will move to the Business Office. Come shopping for a good cause; all proceeds will be donated to CTIE in Nairobi.

Fireside planned for Feb. 10-11

The Sisters of SAI (SMU’s women’s music fraternity) invites everyone to attend “Fireside,” an annual coffeehouse-style student music performance 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 10, and 6 and 9 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 11. Tickets are $7 in advance or $8 at the door.

Business Office selling Valentines as fundraiser

The Business Office is selling valentines to raise money for Feed My Starving Children. Homemade valentines are available for $2, chocolate pretzels and heart boxes are $1. Browse the selection at the Business Office windows.

Thursday, February 2, 2012

Saint Mary’s to host panel discussion on population

National Geographic editor serves as guest panelist

The public is invited to discuss “Population in Perspective: How Will 7 Billion People Change Your Life?” Tuesday and Wednesday, March 13-14, at Saint Mary’s.

This event is sponsored by Hendrickson Institute for Ethical Leadership and UnderTold Stories Project, and part of a collaboration with the Pulitzer Center on Crisis Reporting, PBS NewsHour and National Geographic.

How will our lives be affected and how can young Americans engage with solutions to the challenge of sustaining a planet that will have 9 billion inhabitants by 2050?

Special guest Dennis Dimick, executive editor on the environment for National Geographic, designed a year-long 2011 National Geographic series called “7 Billion” on global population and its impact. Dimick will join panelists Fred de Sam Lazaro, director of the “Undertold Stories Project” and a correspondent for PBS NewsHour with Jim Lehrer; and Dr. David Lynch, chair of the SMU Department of Social Science.

SMU will host two of these critical discussions. The first will be on the Twin Cities campus, Tuesday, March 13, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. in Saint Mary’s Event Center. The second is from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 14, in Page Theatre.

The “Under-Told Stories Project,” produced by and in partnership with Saint Mary’s University, shares stories from some of the world’s most remote locations through PBS NewsHour and other media organizations. The partnership brings de Sam Lazaro to the university’s Minneapolis campus, provides new learning opportunities to Saint Mary’s students, and is intended to raise awareness for the local ramifications of global issues.

For more information, contact Sabrina Kelly at skelly@smumn.edu or (612) 238-4507.

Benefits planned to help wounded alum, veteran

Cardinal Corner proceeds to also benefit Misiewicz

The SMU spring 2012 Entrepreneurship class has unanimously chosen the Taylor Richmond Benefit Dance as their cause for the current semester. All profits from the sale of merchandise sold at the Cardinal Corner will benefit campus organizations and alumnus Josh Misiewicz.

The Cardinal Corner is a non-profit retail store located in the lower level of the Toner Student Center. Managed by the students of MG315 Entrepreneurship and supported by the College of Business, the goal of the store is to create an opportunity for entrepreneurship students to gain hands-on experience in operating a small business. Each semester, the class donates profits from the Cardinal Corner to a charity of their choice. In addition, the store sells products for various SMU clubs, teams, departments, and organizations and returns 100 percent of the sales to benefit the SMU community.

For more information, contact Jana Craft at Ext. 1491 or jcraft@smumn.edu. Become a fan and receive the latest updates at www.facebook.com/cardinalcorner .

Alumni Relations launches website, online community

On Tuesday, Jan. 31, Alumni Relations launched a new alumni association website and online community! “SMU 4 U” has been almost a year in the making. Feel free to view the new site at www.mysmumn.org. This new venture allows alumni to stay connected with Saint Mary’s, their classmates, friends, program cohorts and more. Alumni can create a profile, upload pictures, join or start specific groups, find friends, search the alumni directory, browse the career networking center, sign up for newsletters, register for upcoming events, buy SMU gear, view and submit class notes, view alumni photos and so much more.

African-American professionals to share their stories

In recognition of Black History Month, African-American professionals from throughout the nation have been invited to share their stories Wednesday, Feb. 15, at Saint Mary’s.

The panel discussion, free and open to the public, will begin at 5:30 p.m. in Salvi Lecture Hall. These six panelists will share their stories, challenges and victories:

• Duchesne Drew, Minneapolis Star Tribune
Drew is the Star Tribune’s managing editor for operations. He’s the newsroom’s liaison to the circulation, production, marketing and advertising departments.
• Sarah Hoye, CNN
Hoye is an award-winning journalist for CNN. She is currently based in Philadelphia where she covers regional assignments and breaking news.
• Minnesota Rep. Bobby Joe Champion (DFL-District 58B)
Rep. Champion has represented portions of downtown and north Minneapolis since he was elected in 2008. He is currently a member of the House’s Civil Justice Committee and Finance Committee.
• Beatrice Tayui, Diamond International Inc. and Lion Aviation Group
Tayui is president and senior managing partner at Lion Aviation Group, Inc., an airline management and turnaround specialist that is focused on the growing African aviation sector. She is also president and CEO of Diamond International, Inc. in Chicago, a privately held domestic and international business strategies company.
• Ebenezer Tayui, M.D., Franciscan St. Margaret Health
Dr. Tayui specializes in cardiac and obstetric anesthesiology in Hammond, Ind.
• Xavier Wilson ’97, Winona State University
Wilson is currently serving as interim assistant director of Housing and Residence Life at WSU.

Refreshments will be served following the discussion and a question-and-answer period.
The event is part of a month-long series of events hosted by the Black Students and Allies at Saint Mary’s. For more information, contact Keotta House at klhous11@smumn.edu or (507) 279-1806.

Other Black History Month events

• Feb. 6-10 — Black Student Allies Volunteer Days
• Feb. 9 — Night of African-American music featuring Markeise Russell, 5 p.m. Figliulo Recital Hall (see Jazz notes for more information).
• Feb. 17 — Friday Night Fish Fry
• Feb. 29 — Karaoke Night

Additionally, Africa Night was held Thursday, Feb. 2.

SMU hosts sustainability forums

Student Life will once again hold a series of forums this semester on issues related to sustainability. The forums are intended to provide interested students, staff and faculty with the opportunity to learn more about the broad concepts of sustainability, discuss these issues as they relate to our daily lives both on and off campus, and then identify actions to contribute toward a more sustainable future.

The series includes:

• “Sustainability & Catholic Higher Education” — Tuesday, Feb. 28, 7:30 p.m., Damien Commons in Watters Hall

How and why should we (as members of a Catholic and Lasallian community) become better stewards of God’s creation and champions for environmental justice? This forum features Chris McClead, co-director of Campus Ministry.

• “Food, Compost and Recycling” — Tuesday, March 20, 7:30 p.m., Damien Commons in Watters Hall

It has been said that “Food goes to the heart of civilization.” Topics for dialogue will include: Food and nutrition security, famine, waste, organic food, composting, fair-trade, “eat local,” community gardens, “foodies,” carbon-free diet, etc. We are what we eat, so come and share your point of view.

• “Water” — Tuesday, April 24, 7:30 p.m., Toner Student Center Lounge

If today the issue is oil, then tomorrow the issue will be water. Whether gathered in your reusable container, flowing down the Mississippi River, pumped from the ground, or falling from the sky, water is at the core of all life on earth and we can’t take it for granted anymore. Come and dialogue with us about water!

Lasallian regional leadership advocates for children’s rights

The Lasallian leadership in the USA-Toronto Region signing the public statement “Standing for Children” before a gathering of over 250 Lasallian educators: (L-R) Bro. Timothy Coldwell, Provincial, New Orleans-Santa Fe District; Bro. Dennis Malloy, Provincial, District of Eastern North America; Bro. Larry Schatz, Provincial, Midwest District; and Bro. Robert Schieler, General Councilor. Not in photo, Bro. Donald Johanson, Provincial, San Francisco District.

The leadership of the Brothers of the Christian Schools in the USA-Toronto Region has given its full support for the promotion and protection of the rights of children with the signing of a statement advocating and committing themselves to helping children achieve their full human dignity. The public signing was held on Nov. 19, before a national gathering of more than 250 Lasallian educators in Washington, D.C.

This public expression of support and solidarity for the U.N. Convention on the Rights of the Child, which was adopted in 1989 and ratified by all countries except the U.S. and Somalia, calls upon political and religious leaders, as well as civil society organizations in this country and throughout the world, to move toward achieving real progress in the protection of children's rights. Today, 14.1 million children in the U.S. are economically poor and much work remains to be done.

The Defense of the Rights of the Child has become a focus of the Lasallian Mission since the turn of the 21st century with the release of the Pastoral Letter from Superior General, Brother John Johnston, FSC, to the Brothers and to all members of the Lasallian family in 1999. A year later the delegates to the 43rd General Chapter of the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools overwhelmingly endorsed this initiative. Since that time there have been educational and formation events promoting the Defense of the Rights of the Child in the United States-Toronto Region, culminating in the April 2010 Lasallian Convocation at the United Nations.

Flamenco dance highlights next ‘Off the Page’ Series

Tickets are sold out for Deborah Elias Danza Española today, Friday, Feb. 3, through Saint Mary’s “Off the Page” Series. A few tickets may become available at the door. The show — which energetically blends together flamenco dance, guitar and song — will begin at 7:30 p.m. at the Valéncia Arts Center, 1164 West 10th St.

This is the third Saint Mary’s “Off The Page” event — a showcase of Minnesota artists featured in venues around town.

Wockenfus, basketball team join forces to fight spina bifida

The Saint Mary’s men’s basketball team is joining with team alumnus Ryan Wockenfus ’11 in a fundraising effort to help fight spina bifida.

On May 19, Wockenfus, a current member of the SMU Admission staff in Winona, will be participating in the upcoming “Tough Mudder,” a 10-12 mile obstacle course designed by British Special Forces to test athletes’ all-around strength, stamina, mental grit and camaraderie.

The grueling event will take place in Somerset, Wis., and Wockenfus — whose younger sister, Kaley, was born with spina bifida in 1991 — will be a part of “Team Spina Bifida.”

“This is our chance to support my younger sister, along with all other individuals and families who have been affected by spina bifida,” said Wockenfus, a four-year member of both the SMU men’s basketball and track and field teams.

While Wockenfus will be tackling the “Tough Mudder” — and its underground mud tunnels, fire, ice-water, 12-foot walls and 10,000 volts of electricity — the Cardinal men’s basketball team will be doing its part during their Saturday, Feb. 4, game against Macalester, beginning at 3 p.m.

The Cardinals will be soliciting pledges based on the Cardinals’ performance against the Scots in the “hustle areas” — offensive rebounds, assists, steals and drawing offensive fouls. (For example, if you pledge 10 cents, and the Cardinals total 11 offensive rebounds, 12 assists and four steals, you would donate $2.70.)

For more information, or to make a pledge, contact SMU men’s basketball coaches Todd Landrum (tlandrum@smumn.edu) or Kevin Landrum (klandrum@smumn.edu) or Ryan Wockenfus (rwockenf@smumn.edu). Pledges will also be accepted any time prior to the game on Feb. 4.

Medieval and Renaissance Studies minor hosts three talks

The Medieval and Renaissance Studies minor will offer the first of three talks this semester at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 7, in the Common Room of Saint Mary’s Hall. Dr. Richard Tristano, Department of History, will present “From Humanism to the Humanities: A Book Review.”

Dr. Tristano will review the central argument of Anthony Grafton and Lisa Jardine’s From Humanism to the Humanities: Education and the Liberal Arts in Fifteenth- and Sixteenth-Century Europe, and then consider our Saint Mary’s context by exploring such questions as whether we have the goal of the moral education of our students, or if we are in the business of offering education as an investment and an entrée into the power structure. The talk should be provocative, and faculty are especially encouraged to attend and help think through these issues.

The talk, co-sponsored by the School of Humanities and the Department of History, is free and open to the public; refreshments will be provided.

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

The remaining two MRSM talks this semester are as follows:

• “Before Gerbert Met Erbert: A Selective Look at Quelques Petites Choses from ‘Science’ and Religion in the Middle Ages” by Dr. Paul Nienaber SJ, Department of Physics, at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 29, in Room 238, Brother Charles Hall

• “The Dialectic of American Humanism: John Kennedy Toole’s A Confederacy of Dunces, Marsilio Ficino, and Paul Oskar Kristeller” by Vernon Leighton, librarian, Winona State University at 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 28, in the President’s Room.

Faculty to display diverse art through March 18

SMU 10K ski events planned for Feb. 19

The next SMU 10K cross-country ski race will be held Sunday, Feb. 19, at Saint Mary’s.

The public is invited to a classic-style citizens’ ski event at 10 a.m., and a skate race will begin at 1 p.m.

Participants can register in competitive or recreational classes.

Both races wind through the beautiful and challenging bluffs and valleys surrounding the Saint Mary’s campus. Tickets are $10 for one race or $20 for both races.

Registration and the finish line will both be near Saint Yon’s Hall, located on the back east portion of campus.

For more information or to receive a registration form, call Gary Borash at Ext. 8740 or e-mail gmbora05@smumn.edu.

Biology club hosts bone marrow registry drive

The SMU Biology Club and Beta Beta Beta (Biology Honor Club) are hosting a “Be the Match” bone marrow registry drive on today, Friday, Feb. 3. The drive will be from 7:30 am. to noon in the Toner Student Center.

Diversity coffee hours offered Fridays

Next Chat & Chow topic is about going green

Chili cookoff, jewelry exchange to raise money for CTIE

A total of $335 was raised during the annual chili cookoff Thursday, Feb. 2, to benefit CTIE in Narobi.

First place went to Terrie Lueck, conferencing and camps; second place went to Tracy Lehnertz, academic affairs; and third place went to Valerie (and Lane) Robeson, Social Science.

A huge thanks go to the 12 chili contestants and to this year’s judges: Phil Gaddis, security; Darlene Paulson, Toner Student Center; and Nick Lemmer, Marketing & Communication.

Don’t forget that another opportunity to support CTIE is right around the corner. The SMU community will have an opportunity to buy and recycle some bling Feb. 10.

Donate any good, usable jewelry, belts, purses and scarves to the Business Office by Monday, Feb. 6.

Then, come shopping for a good cause. The sale will be held at the first floor of Saint Mary’s Hall from 8 to 11 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 10.

The Volunteer Committee thanks you for all your support!

Jazz notes

Swing Inc. will perform 6 to 9 p.m. today, Friday, Feb. 3, at Signatures.

John Paulson and Larry Price and the Miles Johnston Jazz Quartet will perform 8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 4, at the Oak Center General Store, Lake City, Minn.

On Thursday, Feb. 9, beginning at 5 p.m., Markeise Russell and the SMU Jazz Combo will perform in recognition of Black History Month. Learn about Cannonball Adderly and Charlie Parker. Dr. Paulson will be the director. The event will be held in the Figliulo Recital Hall.

Fireside planned for Feb. 10-11

The Sisters of SAI (SMU’s women’s music fraternity) invites everyone to attend “Fireside,” an annual coffeehouse-style student music performance Friday and Saturday, Feb. 10-11.

Poem, artwork by McCullough, Oas hang in City Hall

Ken McCullough, director of the PASS program, and Leilani Oas, SMU graphic design major, collaborated on a framed poster of a poem written by McCullough, dedicated to the citizens of Misato, Japan — Winona’s sister city. The poster hangs in the Misato Room of Winona’s City Hall. McCullough selected Oas’ design from among others submitted as a class project for Brother Rod Robertson’s typography class. Oas was a PSEO student at the time.

Tennis team plans fundraiser for young cancer patient today

The women’s tennis team will be holding a “Trains for Shay Day” cancer fundraiser during their season-opening match against Winona State Friday, Feb. 3, at the Winona Tennis Center.

Shaymus “Shay” Guinn is the son of former SMU women’s soccer coach Tony Guinn. The 10-year-old has been courageously battling a rare form of bone cancer called Ewings Sarcoma for the past three years. This year, Shaymus was also diagnosed with a form of leukemia called “ALL.” This form of leukemia was caused by the years of radiation Shay has had to undergo.

Shay’s 11th birthday is coming up on Feb. 23, and the SMU women’s tennis team is joining forces with Western Illinois University, where Tony Guinn is currently serving as the head women’s soccer coach, to make this the best birthday ever. In recognition of Shay’s love for trains, the Cardinals have decorated one of several hundred paper train carts that will be assembled into “the biggest, strongest, most unique train ever made.”

From 3-6 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 3, members of the Cardinals women’s tennis team will be hosting a table during the SMU-WSU match for anyone wishing to contribute monetarily, or to sign SMU’s “Train for Shay.” All proceeds will be given to the Guinn family to help with their mounting hospital costs.

For more information, or to make a donation, contact Jeff Halberg , Ext. 8711, or e-mail jhalberg@smumn.edu.

Thursday, January 26, 2012

SMU hosts sustainability forums

As in past years, Student Life will once again be holding a series of forums this semester on issues related to sustainability. The forums are intended to provide interested students, staff and faculty with the opportunity to learn more about the broad concepts of sustainability, discuss these issues as they relate to our daily lives both on and off campus, and then identify actions that we can all take away to contribute toward a more sustainable future.

The series includes:

• “Sustainability, Leadership & the Human Spirit” — Wednesday, Feb. 1, 7:30 p.m., Damien Commons in Watters Hall

Sustainability is a concept with many potential meanings. To some, it is limited to issues of environmental concern. This forum will explore how we look into a sustainable future by engaging the environmental, social, economic, and cultural aspects of sustainability. Finally, we hope to pose the question, “How do we become more fully human?” This forum features Dr. Scott Sorvaag, dean of education.

• “Sustainability & Catholic Higher Education” — Tuesday, Feb. 28, 7:30 p.m., Damien Commons in Watters Hall

How and why should we (as members of a Catholic and Lasallian community) become better stewards of God’s creation and champions for environmental justice? This forum features Chris McClead, co-director of Campus Ministry.

• “Food, Compost and Recycling” — Tuesday, March 20, 7:30 p.m., Damien Commons in Watters Hall

It has been said that “Food goes to the heart of civilization.” Topics for dialogue will include: Food and nutrition security, famine, waste, organic food, composting, fair-trade, “eat local,” community gardens, “foodies,” carbon-free diet, etc. We are what we eat, so come and share your point of view.

• “Water” — Tuesday, April 24, 7:30 p.m., Toner Student Center Lounge

If today the issue is oil, then tomorrow the issue will be water. Whether gathered in your reusable container, flowing down the Mississippi River, pumped from the ground, or falling from the sky, water is at the core of all life on earth and we can’t take it for granted anymore. Come and dialogue with us about water!

Flamenco dance highlights next ‘Off the Page’ Series

Wockenfus, basketball team join forces to fight spina bifida

The Saint Mary’s men’s basketball team is joining with team alumnus Ryan Wockenfus ’11 in a fundraising effort to help fight spina bifida.

On May 19, Wockenfus, a current member of the SMU Admission staff in Winona, will be participating in the upcoming “Tough Mudder,” a 10-12 mile obstacle course designed by British Special Forces to test athletes’ all-around strength, stamina, mental grit and camaraderie.

The grueling event will take place in Somerset, Wis., and Wockenfus — whose younger sister, Kaley, was born with spina bifida in 1991 — will be a part of “Team Spina Bifida.”

“This is our chance to support my younger sister, along with all other individuals and families who have been affected by spina bifida,” said Wockenfus, a four-year member of both the SMU men’s basketball and track and field teams.

While Wockenfus will be tackling the “Tough Mudder” — and its underground mud tunnels, fire, ice-water, 12-foot walls and 10,000 volts of electricity — the Cardinal men’s basketball team will be doing its part during their Feb. 4 game against Macalester, beginning at 3 p.m.

The Cardinals will be soliciting pledges based on the Cardinals’ performance against the Scots in the “hustle areas” — offensive rebounds, assists, steals and drawing offensive fouls. (For example, if you pledge 10 cents, and the Cardinals total 11 offensive rebounds, 12 assists and four steals, you would donate $2.70)

For more information, or to make a pledge, contact SMU men’s basketball coaches Todd Landrum (tlandrum@smumn.edu) or Kevin Landrum (klandrum@smumn.edu) or Ryan Wockenfus (rwockenf@smumn.edu). Pledges will also be accepted any time prior to the game on Feb. 4.

The Cardinals’ support of Wockenfus and his cause is the latest in a long line of partnerships for the men’s basketball team. In 2009, SMU teamed up with the Jimmy V Foundation for cancer awareness; in 2010, they joined forces with SMU alum Suzanne Deranek ’83 to help her make her $2,500 goal to participate in athree-day cancer walk; and last year they kicked off the Relay For Life event held on the SMU campus.

Faculty to display diverse art through March 18

SMU 10K ski events planned for Jan. 29 and Feb. 19

This year the SMU 10K cross-country ski race will be held twice — on Sunday, Jan. 29, and Sunday, Feb. 19, at Saint Mary’s University.

On both dates, the public is invited to a classic-style citizens’ ski event at 10 a.m., and a skate race will begin at 1 p.m.

Participants can register in competitive or recreational classes.

Both races wind through the beautiful and challenging bluffs and valleys surrounding the Saint Mary’s campus. Tickets are $10 for one race or $20 for both races.

Registration and the finish line will both be near Saint Yon’s Hall, located on the back east portion of campus.

For more information or to receive a registration form, call Gary Borash at Ext. 8740 or e-mail gmbora05@smumn.edu.

Heukeshoven to perform with Kid Chocolate Sunday

One of the rising stars on the New Orleans jazz scene is trumpeter Leon “Kid Chocolate” Brown.

Music faculty member A. Eric Heukeshoven, on keyboard, will join an all-star lineup Sunday, Jan. 29, as part of a traditional jazz performance featuring this outstanding young artist.

The performance will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. at Boot Hill Pub, La Crosse, Wis.

For more information, visit www.facebook.com/Kidchocolatejazz.

Diversity coffee hours offered Fridays

All students, faculty and staff are invited to a diversity coffee hour Fridays, beginning today, Jan. 27, from 3 to 4 p.m. in the Cardinal Club.

Free coffee and engaging discussion will be provided. Come when you can; leave when you must. Learn about others’ perspectives. For more information, contact Jeff Walter at jwalter@smumn.edu. These gatherings are sponsored by the Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs and the Wellness Center.

Next Chat & Chow topic is about going green

Chili cookoff, jewelry exchange to raise money for CTIE

Just in time for the Super Bowl, enjoy a super bowl of chili during the annual SMU chili cookoff Thursday, Feb. 2, in the Common Room. No beans about it, the Volunteer Committee believes this is a great fundraiser!

Test your award-winning chili in the annual faculty/staff chili cookoff. The competition’s getting hot! Prizes will be awarded to the top three entries.

Please let Deb Nahrgang (Ext. 6966 or dnahrgan@smumn.edu) know if you plan to enter the contest, so we can be sure we have enough to go around! More chili-makers are needed! Then, just bring your “unmarked” crockpot to the Common Room by 11 to 11:15 a.m.

Everyone is invited to eat chili between 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. You do not need to compete to enjoy!

Additionally, with the overwhelming success of a jewelry exchange a couple of years ago, the SMU community will have another opportunity to buy and recycle some bling this February.

Donate any good, usable jewelry, belts, purses and scarves to the Business Office by Monday, Feb. 6.

Then, come shopping for a good cause. The sale will be held at the first floor of Saint Mary’s Hall from 8 to 11 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 10.

Proceeds from both events will benefit CTIE in Nairobi. Donations are accepted.

Winterfest volunteers needed

The Intramural Department will kick off WinterFest 2012 Feb. 5-11. Organizers hope to revive the fun and exciting atmosphere of the Winter Carnival of days past.

Faculty and staff are being asked to volunteer to help run each event. The activities that are still available are: tray sled races, human bowling, and the tug-of-war.

Contact Jenna Freudenberg at jfreuden@smumn.edu or Andrea Moore at almoor10@smumn.edu to volunteer or for more information.

Jazz notes

Swing Inc. will perform 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Jan. 27, at Signatures Restaurant.

The John Paulson/Eric Heukeshoven Jazz Duo will perform 2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 28, at Salem Glen Vineyard, Rochester, Minn.

John Paulson and Larry Price and the Miles Johnston Jazz Quartet will perform 8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 4, at the Oak Center General Store, Lake City, Minn.

On Thursday, Feb. 9, beginning at 5 p.m., Markeise Russell and the SMU Jazz Combo will perform in recognition of Black History Month. Learn about Cannonball Adderly and Charlie Parker. Dr. Paulson will be the director. The event will be held in the Figliulo Recital Hall.

Fireside planned for Feb. 10-11

The Sisters of SAI (SMU’s women’s music fraternity) invites everyone to attend “Fireside,” an annual coffeehouse-style student music performance Friday and Saturday, Feb. 10-11.

Rodgers’ film to premiere Saturday

A film by SMU alumnus Wade Rodgers, son of Dr. James Rodgers, Political Science, will premiere at the River Film Festival Saturday, Jan. 28, at 6 p.m. at Winona State University.

“Inertia” is an experimental dance film exploring how the environment affects the way we move. Film and dance have been married through the collaborative artistic vision of Rodgers as director and Heidi Draskoci-Johnson as choreographer. Dancers and crew from Winona, Chicago, Minneapolis and Northampton, Mass., converged in Gary, Ind., for filming in August. The choreographer and dancers, along with Rodgers, are all alums of SMU’s Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts.

To view the trailer, go to www.vimeo.com/strictdiet/inertiatrailer.

Tickets are available at the Frozen River Film Festival Box Office, located at 79 East 3rd St., from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

Tennis team plans fundraiser for young cancer patient Feb. 3

The women’s tennis team will be holding a “Trains for Shay Day” cancer fundraiser during their season-opening match against Winona State Friday, Feb. 3, at the Winona Tennis Center.

Shaymus “Shay” Guinn is the son of former SMU women’s soccer coach Tony Guinn. The 10-year-old has been courageously battling a rare form of bone cancer called Ewings Sarcoma for the past three years. This year, Shaymus was also diagnosed with a form of Leukemia called “ALL.” This form of leukemia was caused by the years of radiation Shaymus has had to undergo.

Shaymus’ 11th birthday is coming up on Feb. 23, and the SMU women’s tennis team is joining forces with Western Illinois University, where Tony Guinn is currently serving as the head women’s soccer coach, to make this the best birthday ever. In recognition of Shaymus’ love for trains, the Cardinals have decorated one of several hundred paper train carts that will be assembled into “the biggest, strongest, most unique train ever made.”

From 3-6 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 3, members of the Cardinals women’s tennis team will be hosting a table during the SMU-WSU match for anyone wishing to contribute monetarily, or to sign SMU’s “Train for Shay.” All proceeds will be given to the Guinn family to help with their mounting hospital costs.

For more information, or to make a donation, contact Jeff Halberg, Ext. 8711, or e-mail jhalberg@smumn.edu.

Thursday, January 19, 2012

Flamenco dance highlights next ‘Off the Page’ Series

Experience the excitement and beauty of authentic flamenco dance with Deborah Elias Danza Española Friday, Feb. 3, through Saint Mary’s University’s “Off the Page” Series. The show — which energetically blends together dance, guitar and song — will begin at 7:30 p.m. at the Valéncia Arts Center, 1164 West 10th St.

Lead dancer Deborah Elias’ rhythmic footwork, graceful arm and hand movements, and hand clapping will be accompanied by the powerful strumming and soulful chords of the guitar to express a wide variety of styles, or palos, from the most serious cante jondo, to the light-hearted cante chico.

Elias is a member of the Minnesota State Arts Board’s Juried Arts in Education Roster of Artists. She has taught at Zorongo Flamenco Dance Theatre and School, the Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts, and the University of Minnesota. She also performs and choreographs with Zorongo Flamenco Dance Theatre. She recently presented, in conjunction with the Winona Public Library, “The Moon’s Desire,” a collaboration that revolved around the work of Spanish poet Federico Garcia Lorça.

Special guest singer Vicente Griego “is striking for his deep, sonorous wails that seem to come from a cavern, someplace deep within his soul” (Anna Poplawska, “Chicago Artist’s News”). Coming from New Mexico, Griego has devoted his life to the study of cante flamenco, the art of flamenco singing. He has toured the U.S., Canada and Latin America with the Jose Greco II Flamenco Dance Company.

This is the third Saint Mary’s “Off The Page” event — a showcase of Minnesota artists featured in venues around town.

Tickets are $12 for adults, $5 for seniors and students 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.

Page Series welcomes Yuval Ron Ensemble Jan. 24

The Yuval Ron Ensemble will enlighten audiences with a mystical, spiritual and inspiring musical celebration Tuesday, Jan. 24, at Saint Mary’s University. This Page Series event is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. in the SMU Performance Center.

The ensemble endeavors to alleviate national, racial, religious and cultural divides by uniting the music and dance of the opposing people of the Middle East. Throughout the program — “Seeker Of Truth” — the ensemble will perform the ecstatic music of the mystical Sufi traditions of the Middle East and Pakistan with the Whirling Dervish Aziz.

These Jewish and Arabic musicians, as well as Christian Armenian artists, have been actively involved in creating musical bridges between people of various faiths and ethnic groups worldwide. Led by Oscar-winning composer Yuval Ron (who composed music for “West Bank Story,” the Oscar-winning musical-parody of “West Side Story”) the ensemble features the oud, harmonium and woodwinds.

Tickets are $25 for adults, $20 for seniors and students and are available online at www.pagetheatre.org or by calling the SMU Box Office, Ext. 1715, Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Additionally, members of the ensemble will present a lecture and demonstration about the history of their instruments, including the oud, from 9th Century Bagdad to Andalusia. Several songs will be performed. This event – free and open to the public – will be held 7:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 23, at the Winona County History Center, 160 Johnson St. These “Page in History” events are made possible through funding from the Xcel Energy Foundation and Winona Community Foundation.

Faculty to display diverse art through March 18

SMU 10K events planned for Jan. 29 and Feb. 19

This year the SMU 10K cross-country ski race will be held twice — on Sunday, Jan. 29, and Sunday, Feb. 19, at Saint Mary’s University. Details of the Feb. 19 event will be announced at a later date.

On Jan. 29, the public is invited to the classic-style citizens’ ski event at 10 a.m., and a skate race will begin at 1 p.m.

Both races wind through the beautiful and challenging bluffs and valleys surrounding the Saint Mary’s campus. Tickets are $10 for one race or $20 for both races. Medals will be awarded for men and women in open and recreational classes.

For more information or to receive a registration form, call Gary Borash at Ext. 8740 or e-mail gmbora05@smumn.edu.

Next Chat & Chow topic is tweeting

The next “Chat, Chow & Web 2.0” event will be held Friday, Jan. 20, from noon to 1 p.m. in the McEnergy Center. These events are hosted by the Fitz, IT and Instructional Technology.

Lunch is provided. An RSVP to Jason Spartz, jspartz@smumn.edu, is appreciated, but not necessary. Everyone is welcome!

As the world discovered during the “Arab Spring,” one of the most important ways to get the real news was in a tweet. Can educators get in on that trend? Find out how Brett Bodsgard and Dean Beckman are using Twitter in their classrooms. If we can’t “addict” our students to learning, at least we can keep them engaged.

Chili cookoff, jewelry exchange to raise money for CTIE

Just in time for the Super Bowl, enjoy a super bowl of chili during the annual SMU chili cookoff Thursday, Feb. 2, in the Common Room. No beans about it, the Volunteer Committee believes this is a great fundraiser!

Test your award-winning chili in the annual faculty/staff chili cookoff. The competition’s getting hot! Prizes will be awarded to the top three entries.

Please let Deb Nahrgang (Ext. 6966 or dnahrgan@smumn.edu) know if you plan to enter the contest, so we can be sure we have enough to go around! Then, just bring your “unmarked” crockpot to the Common Room by 11 to 11:15 a.m.

Everyone is invited to eat chili between 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. You do not need to compete to enjoy!

Additionally, with the overwhelming success of a jewelry exchange a couple of years ago, the SMU community will have another opportunity to buy and recycle some bling this February.

Donate any good, usable jewelry, belts, purses and scarves to the Business Office by Monday, Feb. 6.

Then, come shopping for a good cause. The sale will be held at the first floor of Saint Mary’s Hall from 8 to 11 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 10.

Proceeds from both events will benefit CTIE in Nairobi. Donations are accepted.

SMU alum to speak about E/V Nautilus Jan. 26

The first Biology Seminar of the new year will be given by Martin Momsen ’97, a high school biology teacher at Cochrane-Fountain City School. The title of his talk is “Research on the E/V Nautilus.” The E/V Nautilus traveled during the summer and fall months of 2011 through the waters of the Atlantic Ocean and the Black, Aegean, and Mediterranean Seas. On board the Exploration Vessel, scientists studied underwater life forms, examined ship wrecks and surveyed the sea floor as part of their many research activities. Come and hear how Momsen participated in this exciting voyage.

The seminar will take place on Thursday, Jan. 26, beginning at 4 p.m. in Room 112 of Hoffman Hall.

United Way, SMU join efforts to help with free tax preparation

The United Way of the Greater Winona Area is offering free tax preparation assistance to anyone with low to moderate income. Saint Mary’s University has donated used computers for this service and is considered a sponsor in this program, which will be held 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 1., at Winona Health’s Sarnia Square building, 420 E. Sarnia St. Participants should use the back entrance.

For more information, call United Way of the Greater Winona Area at (507) 452-4524, visit the website at www.unitedwaywinona.org, or e-mail unitedway@unitedwaywinona.org.

Winterfest volunteers needed

Kowles to speak at U of M-Rochester

Dr. Dick Kowles, professor emeritus in Biology, will give a talk at the University of Minnesota-Rochester on the evening of Tuesday, Jan. 24. Kowles will present “The Fountain of Youth - possible or not?” The presentation is part of the university’s Outreach Program that includes students, along with being open to the public. The theme for the Outreach Program in January is focused on healthcare. The talk fits into this theme since the possibility of increasing the life span in humans would certainly have an effect on healthcare.

Alliance Publications offers Heukeshoven choral works

Four compositions for choir by SMU music instructor A. Eric Heukeshoven have recently been added to the “New Choral Works Series “by Alliance Publications, Inc.

• Beloved Son — An original Gospel tune composed for the baptism of Heukeshoven’s son Max based on Mark 1:1-12.

• Pathway of Life — A 2006 commission based on a poem dedicated to April Larson, former La Crosse Bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America (ELCA).

• Preghiera Semplice (Simple Prayer) — Heukeshoven’s worked based on The Prayer of Saint Francis premiered by the SMU Chamber Singers at St. Peter’s Basilica, Rome in March 2011.

• Just Believe — A work commissioned for the La Crosse Chamber Chorale’s Words to Music program – premiered in November 2011.

Heukeshoven will be the featured guest composer at Alliance’s exhibit during the Wisconsin Association of Choral Directors (WACDA) conference in Madison, Wis., in February.

Jazz notes

Swing Inc. will perform today, Friday, Jan. 20, from 6 to 9 p.m. at Signature’s Restaurant.

Severe weather policy reminder for faculty, staff

Severe weather conditions may occur this winter that necessitate the official cancellation of classes or create conditions that make traveling unsafe, even if the university remains open. Saint Mary’s is reluctant to close the Winona campus because so many of its students are in residence. However, weather conditions may occasionally prevent individual faculty members and other staff from traveling safely to campus.

A determination to declare a snow day will be made in consultation with other administrators by 6:30 a.m. A snow day means that classes are canceled and offices are closed.

In the event classes are canceled for an entire day, the following area radio and TV stations will announce this:

Winona: (KWNO FM99.3 and AM1230)
KAGE (FM95.3 and AM1380)
KHME (FM101)
La Crosse: WIZM (FM93)
WXOX-TV
Rochester: KROC (FM106.9 and AM1340)
KTTC-TV

If a cancellation takes place right before or after a break period, the following will be notified:

Twin Cities:WCCO Radio/TV (AM830/Channel 4)
KSTP-TV
Chicago: WBBM-AM, WGN-AM (radio stations)
WBBM, WFLD, WGN, WLS, WMAQ (TV stations)

When calling the Emergency Closing Center, 1-312-222-1669, enter SMU’s main telephone number (507) 452-4430 when prompted to do so, and you will receive an automated message. You may also check online at www.emergencyclosings.com.

As with any class cancellation, you may refer to the main bulletin board in Saint Mary’s Hall or call the Class Info Line (Ext. 7878 or 457-7878 from off campus).

Wednesday, January 11, 2012

Updates from December visits of Kenyan directors

Brother Larry Humphrey, left, and Brother William, greet Brother Paulos Mesmer, right, and Father Michael Kirwen, second from left.
The Volunteer Committee presents a check to Brother Paulos.
The Campus Mission Awareness group presents a check to Brother Paulos.

SMU presents funding for scholarships

SMU’s two directors from its programs in Nairobi, Kenya visited the university in December for annual meetings and interaction with the SMU community.

Brother Paulos Mesmer, director of Christ the Teacher Institute for African Studies of SMU, and associate dean and associate professor of education, spent 10 days at the university meeting with administrators, presenting new proposed curriculum to the SGPP Curriculum Committee, and interacting with staff and students.

Father Michael Kirwen, director of the Maryknoll Institute of African Studies of SMU and associate dean, spent seven days at the university meeting with administrators, faculty and staff on issues related to the Institute.

Both colleagues attended the SGPP Christmas Luncheon and the Winona Campus Christmas Dinner, as well as a reception and African art sale.

The SMU community presented $5,000 to Brother Paulos Mesmer for student scholarships, as part of the Friends of CTIE fundraising activities. The Winona Campus Volunteer Committee presented $3,000; the SGPP Campus Spirituality Team presented $1,250; and the Campus Ministry Mission Awareness Committee presented $700. Additionally, an anonymous donor provided a donation of $4,250 to match those funds raised by SMU employee groups.

Father Michael Kirwen was presented $1,000 for student scholarships from a fundraising effort this past fall. Both Brother Paulos and Father Michael extended their thanks to the SMU community for the engagement and support, and indicated that their visit was again productive and affirming of their affiliation with SMU.

Thursday, February 23, 2012

Thursday, February 16, 2012

Thursday, February 9, 2012

Thursday, February 2, 2012

Thursday, January 26, 2012

Thursday, January 19, 2012

Wednesday, January 11, 2012

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