News from Nairobi

By James Chege, librarian MIASMU
A New Academic Year Begins

The first semester of the new academic year 2013-14 began on Sept. 13 in Nairobi with the MIASMU director, Father Michael Kirwen, giving a welcoming address to the new and returning students. He urged them among other things to make use of the wonderful opportunity before them to understand better African cultures and by extension, for those who are not African, their own cultures.

This semester program marks the 24th year that the Maryknoll Institute of African Studies has been in existence. There is a 35 percent increase from the previous year’s enrollment indicating continuing growth of the institute. And, as has come to be expected, this semester’s students continue to reflect the diverse and dynamic nature of the student body with students from Kenya, Uganda, Democratic Republic of Congo, Malawi, Zambia, Ireland, Spain, Italy, Brazil and the USA. The participants stand to learn a great deal from each other by experiencing the different cultural traditions while  interacting.

The courses offered this semester include: Spirituality, Personhood and Psychotherapy in an African Context taught by the Rev. Hubert Pinto; Justice and Peace in East Africa taught by Dr. Emmanuel Manyasa; Towards the Inculturation of Religious Life taught by Sister Dr. Joan Burke; African Marriage and Family: Challenge and Change taught by Mary Getui; Moral Teachings and Practices of African Traditional Religion taught by Dr. Michael Katola and finally, Sage Philosophy: The Root of African Philosophy and Religion taught by Dr. Oriare Nyarwath.

Richter chosen as recipient of Taylor Richmond Benefit

All proceeds from the 2014 Taylor Richmond Benefit will be awarded to Jason F. Richter M’09.

Richter, 37, is a former assistant dean of students, Student Activities coordinator, and hall director at Saint Mary’s and a M.A. in Human Development alumnus. He was also a staff advisor for the Taylor Richmond Benefit for its first eight years. He worked at SMU for more than 12 years.

He is the father of three young sons ages 10, 6, and 1. He, his wife, Tina, and their three boys moved to Iowa to be closer to grandparents and family in 2009.

Richter was recently diagnosed with multiple myeloma. He had pain in his lower back that turned out to be a mass, hindering the flow of liquids in his spinal chord. He has undergone 10 radiation sessions, as well as bone and stem cell transplants.

The proceeds of the benefit dance and auction will go towards medical and travel costs for the family.

This year’s silent auction will be held March 13-14 in the Toner Student Center game room and the  dance will be held on March 15 in the gymnasium.

Career fair scheduled for Oct. 2

All students are invited to attend the career fair on Wednesday, Oct. 2. This annual fall event is sponsored by the offices of Career Services at Saint Mary’s, Winona State University and Minnesota State College - Southeast Technical.

The career fair is open to all students, freshmen through seniors, who are exploring career options or looking for internship and job opportunities. Participants can speak with employers about their organization in general, about coursework and extracurricular activities that are helpful or necessary for entry into certain fields, or about specific opportunities within their organization, including internships, summer jobs, and permanent positions. No pre-registration is required for students.

The fair will run 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 2, at WSU’s McCown Gymnasium. Interviews will be held Thursday, Oct. 3.

The shuttle van departs Toner Student Center’s turnaround at 10:30 a.m., 11 a.m., noon, 1 p.m., 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. and returns to SMU at 11:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 1:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m. and 3:45 p.m.

For more information about this fair and other fairs, visit the Career Services & Internship Office in Room 70, Griffin Hall, or www.smumn.edu/csifairs.

SMU Page Series to feature folk singer Susan Werner

The next Page Series will feature some sweet songs about sustainability by folk singer Susan Werner.

Werner will present work from her “Hayseed” project at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 9, in  Page Theatre.

Born in Manchester, Iowa, Werner grew up on her family's hog farm, but she took to singing rather than farming. She began making a name for herself in the folk scene of the early 1990s in Philadelphia, New York and Boston. She recorded five albums from 1993 to 2001 in the folk genre. Her next recording in 2004, “I Can't Be New,” was a departure encompassing Tin Pan Alley, early torch, and jazz standards. Now based in Chicago, Warner's most recent music is infused with the rustic roots of American folk, blues and country music. Her 11th recording “Kicking the Beehive” includes guest appearances by Vince Gill, Mo'Keb and Paul Franklin.

Werner’s newest project, “Hayseed,” contains 12 songs on the subject of farming, rural America, locavores, food safety, and the comic potential of herbicides. With this work, she returns to the language and characters she knows best.

Tickets are $24 for adults, $22 for students and seniors and are available at www.pagetheatre.org or at the SMU Box Office, Ext. 1715, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday.

A Page in History event is planned for noon Wednesday, Oct. 9, at the Winona County History Center. Come and celebrate local food and food growers, along with Werner. Folks from the Winona Farmer’s Market, Bluff Country Co-op and local food growers will be attending. Meet your local farmers and hear a preview of Werner’s evening performance. She is supporting three organizations: Practical Farmers of Iowa, Ames’ Midwest Organic Sustainability Education Service of Spring Valley, Wis.; and the Land Institute, Salina, Kan.

Lasallian Week of Peace schedule announced

Join in on this annual week of exciting, engaging and informative events. The theme of this year’s Lasallian Week of Peace is “Care for God’s Creation.“ Events during the week are open to the SMU community.

Sunday, Sept. 29: 
Sarah Hart Concert (7 p.m. in the Plaza)
Award-winning contemporary Catholic musician

Monday, Sept. 30
Dine with the Divine — “A Faith-Inspired Farm” (5:30 p.m. in Hillside). Register at www.surveymonkey.com/s/DWDLasallianweekofpeace. This event will be dinner and discussion with members of the Jagerstatter Farm, a Lake City Catholic Worker community. Dinner is provided, but participants must preregister.

Tuesday, Oct. 1
Evening Prayer with the Brothers (8 p.m. in the Common Room). Join the international Christian Brothers for prayer in the Common Room.

Wednesday, Oct. 2
Week of Peace Symposium, “Caring for the Environment in Our Professional and Personal Lives” (6:30 p.m. in the Common Room). Learn from and discuss with a variety of professionals on how care for the environment relates to their personal and professional lives. Presenters will be from Gundersen Health Systems, J.R. Watkins, Hoch Orchard, The Blue Heron, Winona County, and others.

Thursday, Oct. 3
“Our Activities and Unintended Consequences” (12:10 p.m. in the Faculty Dining Room). Pick up your lunch and join in this presentation from Randy Hines, who is a wildlife biologist and partnership coordinator from the Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center.

Friday, Oct. 4
Fair Trade Friday (7:30 a.m. in Saint Mary’s Hall). Stop by for a free cup of fair trade coffee and check out other fair trade items.

Sunday, Oct. 6
Service Opportunity at Jagerstatter Farm (11 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
Connect back to the Monday night Dine with the Divine by helping out at Jagerstatter Farm.

All Week: 
Throughout the week there will be a table where you can contribute to a community mosaic project that depicts the beauty of our natural surroundings.

Prayer for Peace at the Peace Pole (12:35 p.m. daily in front of the chapel). Every day, following daily Mass, community members are invited to gather at the Peace Pole in front of Saint Thomas More Chapel for a brief prayer for peace and the care for God’s creation.

Congratulations to Lallaman family

Joshua Lallaman, assistant professor of biology, and his wife had a baby girl, Emerson Ann Lallaman Monday, Sept. 23. The Saint Mary’s community congratulates the Lallaman family.

Family Weekend Fall Frolic is Sept. 28

The public is invited to participate in the 26th Fall Frolic 5K fun run/walk at Saint Mary’s University Saturday, Sept. 28.

Registration will run from 8 to 9:30 a.m. in SMU’s Toner Student Center with the race beginning at 10 a.m. The $8 cost includes a T-shirt.

The annual event is free to SMU students, faculty and staff, but is open to the community as well. Typically close to 300 people participate; competitors of all levels (including walkers) are welcome.

Participants will enjoy the beautiful bluff trails of SMU’s Winona campus. The online registration form is available at www.smumn.edu/fallfrolic, and a complete weekend schedule is available online at www.smumn.edu/familyweekend.

Family Weekend runs Sept. 27-29 and includes a full slate of activities for families of students and the SMU community. In previous years, as many as 1,000 visitors have come onto campus for Family Weekend music and theatre events, sporting events, the Fall Frolic, and other games and activities.

Saint Mary’s debuts 7th Kaplan Commission Sept. 28

Larry Bitensky

A joint performance of the Saint Mary’s Concert Band, Chamber Singers and Choirs will feature the world-premiere composition, “Katanya” during a family-oriented fall concert 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 28, at Page Theatre.

“Katanya,” written by Larry Bitensky of Centre College, Danville, Ky., is a Jewish oral folk tale from Turkey that tells a variation of the familiar Tom Thumb/Thumbelina story. Bitensky will serve as the tale’s on-stage narrator during the Concert Band premiere, which includes Jewish folk songs the composer heard as a youth.

“Katanya” was commissioned by the Helen and Sam Kaplan Foundation, which supports performances and activities led by Jewish artists and scholars that are designed to increase cultural and religious understanding at Saint Mary’s. Bitensky is SMU’s seventh Kaplan composer.

Known for music described as “extraordinarily sensitive and beautiful” and “speaking directly to the heart,” Bitensky, a composer and pianist, has been hailed for works that are satisfying for performers and communicative to audiences.

Born in 1966 in New York, and educated at Skidmore College, the New England Conservatory of Music, Ithaca College, and Cornell University, Bitensky’s musical personality is rooted in a range of influences. He often seeks to merge the complex structures and expressive range of the classical masters and the innovations of the 20th-century greats with the melodic and rhythmic invention and improvisatory flow of musical traditions from India, Indonesia, the Islamic and Jewish worlds, jazz, and the Grateful Dead. His travels as part of the Centre College study abroad program have also allowed him to explore firsthand the musical cultures of Morocco, Spain, Turkey and Bali.

Recorded on Mark Records and Sea Breeze Vista records, Bitensky’s music has been performed by numerous ensembles and at various festivals around North America, Europe and Asia. His music is published by Silly Black Dog Music.

Bitensky is an associate professor of music at Centre College. He lives in Lancaster, Ky., with his wife Kathy and his silly black dog Chloe.

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

Jazz groups open Family Weekend music performances

Saint Mary’s Jazz Ensemble and Jazz Combo I will begin another great season 6 p.m. Friday, Sept. 27, in Figliulo Recital Hall under the direction of A. Eric Heukeshoven.

Music by classic jazz composers such as Duke Ellington, Antonio Carlos Jobim, Thelonius Monk and George Gershwin, along with contemporary arrangements will be featured in this one-hour tour de force. Junior Thomas Plante will be featured playing flugelhorn on Monk’s haunting “Round Midnight.” And sophomore Nick Novotny on tenor sax will be joined by Tom Nalli on trombone for Dave Wolpe’s swinging arrangement of “Alone Together.”

The concert is open to the public, and seating is limited. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for students and seniors. For tickets or more information, contact the SMU Box Office, Ext. 1715, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday or go online to www.pagetheatre.org.

Students to stage drama about women and war

The Theatre and Dance Department will present a groundbreaking play about women and war Sept. 25-26 and 28-29.

In “Necessary Targets,” two American women, a Park Avenue psychiatrist and an ambitious young writer, travel to Bosnia to help women refugees confront their memories of war. Based on interviews with numerous women who survived the civil war in the former Yugoslavia, “Necessary Targets” is a timely reminder of how America struggles to define its relationship to the rest of the world. Witness the violence of dark memories and the enduring resilience of the human spirit.

Written by Eve Ensler, and directed by Judy Myers, “Necessary Targets” will run 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday, Sept. 25-26 and 28 and 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 29, in the Valéncia Academy Theatre, 10th and Vila streets.

Key design positions for this production are covered by seniors including: scene design, Elyssa Mattson; costume design, Tasha Nelson; and sound design, Charlotte Deranek.

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

Cross/Purpose exhibit on display until Oct. 5

The Lillian Davis Hogan Gallery is hosting an exhibit titled Cross/Purpose, a collection of 49 works of art exploring the image, symbolism, and event of Christ’s crucifixion. Beginning with a 6th century coin, the works represent centuries of interpretation and reflection on this pivotal moment in history. Renowned artists such as George Rouault, Marc Chagall, Otto Dix and Jacques Villon are represented in the exhibit.

The collection is part of a traveling exhibition series by CIVA, Christians in the Visual Arts.

Please note that the Cross/Purpose exhibit has been extended for one week and will run through Saturday, Oct. 5.

Three added to Hall of Fame during ‘M’ Club Weekend

The SMU Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2013 including, from left: Greg (Dick ’84) Arens, Ashley (Dingels ’05) Gossen and Todd Borndale ’85 pose for a picture following the Cardinal ’M‘ Club Sports Hall of Fame and Awards Ceremony on Sept. 13 in the SMU Gym.

SMU announced its 2012-2013 award winners, including, from left: Outstanding Male Athlete Peter Borash ’13, Outstanding Female Athlete Alex Raske ’15, Female Scholar Athlete Bethany Schmidt ’14 and Male Scholar Athlete Jake Traxler ’13.

It was a memorable 2012-13 for Peter Borash ’13 and Alex Raske ’15 — and year became even more memorable Friday evening when the two were named Outstanding Male and Female Athletes during part of the Cardinal 'M' Club Sports Hall of Fame and Awards Ceremony.

Jake Traxler ’13 and Bethany Schmidt ’14, meanwhile, were named SMU's Outstanding Male and Female Scholar Athletes.

Friday’s festivities also included the induction of three new members into the SMU Sports Hall of Fame, as the Cardinal 'M' Club, in association with the Alumni Office, welcomed the Class of 2013 — Greg (Dick ’84) Arens (men’s hockey), Todd Borndale ’85 (baseball) and Ashley (Dingels ’05) Gossen (volleyball/track and field).

See more details at www.smumn.edu/newsblog/1817/smus-borash-raske-traxler-schmidt-honored or for more pics, check out the games, golf outing and awards ceremony folders at www.saintmaryssports.com/galleries/.

Young Alumni Weekend draws 170 to Winona

A record number of Saint Mary’s graduates from the past decade returned to the Winona campus for Young Alumni Reunion Weekend, Sept. 13-15.

Throughout the weekend, students enjoyed a faculty and staff social, a young alumni gathering at Mulligan’s, ropes course activities, a barbecue with live music on the plaza, disc golfing and the Cardinal Dash 5K. New this year, a large Saturday evening crowd converged on Jefferson Pub & Grill, where Ali and the Scoundrels (an all young-alumni band) got alumni and students out on the dance floor.

The weekend also coincided with Cardinal ‘M’ Club Weekend, giving SMU alumni opportunities to cheer on Cardinal athletics.

To see more photos from this event, go to www.smumn.edu/alumniphotos.

Page Series to bring classic fairy tales with twists to life

Young and old alike will enjoy the Griffin Theatre Company performance of “Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales” Thursday, Oct. 3.

This Page Series production will begin at 6:30 p.m. in Page Theatre.

Jack has a problem. He’s successfully grown an enormous beanstalk, scaled to the top, and stolen a golden harp and gold-laying goose from the sleeping giant. Things get a bit sketchy when said giant wakes up. Find out how old, slightly warped, fairy tales come to his rescue.

Over the past 22 years, the Griffin Theatre Company of Chicago has provided a wide range of work including world and Midwest premieres of acclaimed scripts, critically lauded productions of Shakespeare and original adaptations of novels.

Tickets are $14 for adults, $6 for seniors and students and are available online at www.pagetheatre.org or at the SMU Box Office, Ext. 1715, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday.

A “Gathering for Jack” will begin at 4 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 1, in the Winona Public Library Children’s Room. Enjoy some tall tales and fabulous shorts, and take a chance at winning tickets to the Oct. 3 performance.

Music Department faculty to present free recital Sunday

David Leung

Saint Mary’s music faculty members will present a free recital at 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 22. The event, to be held in Figliulo Recital Hall, will include solo compositions as well as collaborative performances, including the trio of Dr. Ned Kirk (piano), Dr. David Leung (violin), and Derek Clark (cello).

The program will include a varied repertoire of works from Bach and Telemann to jazz standards. Other performers include Dr. Janet Heukeshoven (flute), Kristie Krause (oboe), Eric Heukeshoven (piano), Dr. John Paulson (saxophone), Alan Dunbar (voice), Michael Van Ryn (string bass), and Erik Floan (piano). The performance will last approximately one hour.

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

Kowles to give book signing on campus Wednesday

Dr. Richard Kowles, biology professor emeritus, and author of “A Passion To Teach. Fifty-Eight Years of Humorous, Weird & Engaging Tales” will sign copies of his new book at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 25, at McEnery Center Lounge in Fitzgerald Library.

Dr. Kowles will make comments and answer questions, followed by a book signing.  Fitzgerald Library will host the event and also provide refreshments.

Copies of the book will be made available for purchase by a representative of the SMU bookstore during this time.

Saint Mary’s students clean up river

Saint Mary’s students participated in the 33rd annual river cleanup Sept. 7 at Latsch Island. About 35 students, two faculty members and a campus minister were in attendance. The student groups were from the Biology Club and Volunteer Mentors. SMU students picked up trash including barrels, discarded railroad ties, plastic bottles, dilapidated docks, and other pollutants. 

Theatre and Dance students enjoy outing

Cindy Wang, freshman from Houston, Texas, tries cheese curds for the first time.

Freshman Joseph Lozano tees off at the Lark Toys

The Department of Theatre and Dance conducted its fifth annual Secret Rendezvous welcoming incoming majors and minors last week. The outing involved a trip to LARK Toys, where they rode the carousel, enjoyed treats and mini-golfed.

SMU remembers Sept. 11

In remembrance of the 12th anniversary of the tragic events of September 11, 2001, a ceremony followed the daily Mass on campus. Members of the SMU community gathered around the Peace Pole in remembrance and in prayer. American flags were placed around the Peace Pole. 

Study abroad fair scheduled for Sept. 26

A study abroad fair will be held 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 26, at the Toner Student Center President’s Room.

Students can get information on our study abroad programs, talk to program representatives, and meet study abroad returnees. International volunteer opportunities will also be promoted.

For more information, contact Mitch Lawson, director of Study Abroad, at www.smumn.edu/studyabroad, Saint Mary’s Hall Room 136, Ext. 1447, mlawson@smumn.edu.

SMU ‘In the News’

Here are some ways Saint Mary’s is making the news this week:

• The Winona Daily News ran an article Sept. 15 titled “‘It’s pretty cool,’ says Stanley Cup handler”about the life of Howie Borrow who accompanies the Stanley Cup: http://bit.ly/1gEa6vR

• The Winona Daily News interviewed pianist Christopher O’Riley for an article titled “Redefining the Keys” that ran Sept. 15: http://bit.ly/1ghpGNU

• A event preview titled “Lawyers, judges to celebrate Constitution Day with panel at SMU” ran in the Sept. 17 edition of the Winona Daily News: http://bit.ly/16fitt1

Invitation to participate in veterans service

Anyone within the SMU community who has served our country is invited to e-mail your name, years of service and branch of service to alumni@smumn.edu. Everyone is invited to participate in the annual ceremony in recognition of Veterans Day at the Veterans Memorial. If you are interested in participating or bringing a class to this event, please also e-mail alumni@smumn.edu.

Sympathy to Moxness family

Patricia Moxness, mother of Mary Moxness (retired from the library), died Sunday, Sept. 15.

Cards of condolence my be sent to: Mary Moxness, 1079 Marion Street, Winona, Minn. 55987 or to mmoxness@smumn.edu.

More than 1,000 come to view Stanley Cup, rally with John McDonough Sept. 6

John McDonough with the men's and women's hockey teams

McDonough triumphantly lifts the Stanley Cup to the roar of the rally crowd.

More than 1,000 people came to Saint Mary’s Friday, Sept. 6, to get a photo taken with the Stanley Cup, thanks to 1975 alumnus John McDonough, President and CEO of the Chicago Blackhawks, who chose to share the Stanley Cup with his alma mater and with the greater Winona area.

Just prior to the public viewing, McDonough triumphantly lifted the Cup over his head to the cheers of a large crowd in Gostomski Fieldhouse during the rally. SMU hockey legends were also recognized, and the crowd enjoyed presentations by McDonough and Brother William, as well as a Blackhawks highlight video. During the event, a plaque recognizing McDonough’s accomplishments was unveiled. The plaque will permanently hang in the Regan Lobby of the SMU Ice Arena.

“My academic prowess wasn’t great but I learned a lot about commitment; I learned a lot about drive. I learned a lot about relationships,” McDonough told the rally crowd. “I am grateful for what this great university has given to me.”

He told audience members, “Please be brave enough to have big dreams; they just might come true.”

McDonough’s visit also included a meeting with the SMU Athletic Advisory Council and a luncheon with Winona-area business leaders, during which Winona Mayor Mark Peterson presented McDonough with a proclamation declaring Sept. 6, 2013, as “John F. McDonough Day” in Winona.

“We are grateful to John for sharing his time, for sharing the Cup and for sharing his championship spirit and inspiring leadership with our communities,” said Brother William. “We look forward to John’s continued success; we know that he will continue to accomplish amazing things, and we’re proud to call him one of our own.”

To see photos from the day, go to www.smumn.edu/photos.

Cross/Purpose exhibit on display until Oct. 5

The Lillian Davis Hogan Gallery is hosting an exhibit titled Cross/Purpose, a collection of 49 works of art exploring the image, symbolism, and event of Christ’s crucifixion. Beginning with a 6th century coin, the works represent centuries of interpretation and reflection on this pivotal moment in history. Renowned artists such as George Rouault, Marc Chagall, Otto Dix, and Jacques Villon are represented in the exhibit.

The collection is part of a traveling exhibition series by CIVA, Christians in the Visual Arts.

Please note that the Cross/Purpose exhibit has been extended for one week and will run through Saturday, Oct. 5.

Three to be added to Hall of Fame during ‘M’ Club Weekend

The Cardinal 'M' Club, in association with the Alumni Association, will induct three members into the SMU Sports Hall of Fame during Cardinal 'M' Club Weekend Friday-Sunday, Sept. 13-15.

The 2013 Saint Mary's University Sports Hall of Fame induction ceremony will honor former student-athletes Greg (Dick ’84) Arens, Todd Borndale ’85 and Ashley (Dingels ’05) Gossen.

The trio will be honored during an awards ceremony on Friday, Sept. 13. Along with the induction of this year’s Hall of Fame class, Friday’s ceremony will also honor SMU’s 2012-13 postseason award-winners, and recognize the 2012-13 Outstanding Male and Female Athletes, and Outstanding Scholar Athletes.

Annual Young Alumni Weekend is Sept. 13-15

Saint Mary’s graduates from the past decade have been invited back to campus for Young Alumni Weekend, Sept. 13-15.

More than 150 alumni are expected to attend the full weekend of events which will include a faculty and staff social, a young alumni gathering at Mulligan’s, ropes course activities, a barbecue with live music on the plaza, disc golfing and the Cardinal Dash 5K. New this year is an alumni party at Jefferson Pub & Grill, featuring the young alumni band Ali and the Scoundrels, 8 p.m. Saturday.

The weekend also coincides with Cardinal ‘M’ Club Weekend, giving SMU alumni opportunities to cheer on Cardinal athletics.

For more information, contact Bob Fisher at Ext. 6658 or rfisher@smumn.edu. To read more about this event, or to register, go www.mysmumn.org/yaw13.

Page Series presents pianist Christopher O’Riley Sept. 17

Christopher O’Riley, NPR’s most famous pianist, will continue to stretch the piano beyond conventional boundaries Tuesday, Sept. 17, at Saint Mary’s University as part of the Page Series. Audiences will hear O’Riley interpret contemporary popular music including Elliott Smith, Radiohead and Pink Floyd.

O’Riley has taken his unique vision to both traditional classical music venues and symphonic settings, as well as to entirely new audiences on the radio, at universities and even clubs. As host of the popular classical music show, National Public Radio’s “From The Top,”  O’Riley works and performs with the next generation of brilliant young musicians, demonstrating to audiences that these young artists are as interesting and diverse in their personal lives as they are in their music-making.

He has toured the U.S. with the world-famous Academy of St. Martin in the Fields Chamber Orchestra. He has appeared with the philharmonic orchestras of Los Angeles, New York, Moscow and the Royal Philharmonic in London, the Minnesota Orchestra, and the symphonies of Pittsburgh, Atlanta, Baltimore, Philadelphia and San Francisco.

The show will begin at 7:30 p.m. in Page Theatre.

Tickets are $24 for adults, $22 for seniors and students and are available online at www.pagetheatre.org, or at the SMU Box Office, Ext. 1715, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. There will be a limited quantity of $6 tickets available for youth 5-14 years old.

A Page in History event is planned for 12:05 p.m. Sept. 17 in the Winona County History Center. This free event includes a unique opportunity to talk with O’Riley about the making of his popular radio program and the mission behind the program, heard on over more than 200 radio stations nationwide. This is a time for fans of both his music and this program to ask questions about this aspect of his career. He will be in the Slaggie Family Lobby on the 1884 Steinway.

Saint Mary’s is ranked in top tier of U.S. News ‘Best National Universities’

Saint Mary’s is once again ranked in the top tier of the annual U.S. News & World Report ratings of best colleges and universities.

Saint Mary’s is ranked No. 173 in the National Universities category of the U.S. News Best Colleges 2014 guidebook, moving up one slot from No. 174 in the 2013 guide. Saint Mary’s is one of only three public or private schools in Minnesota listed in this elite category.

The ranking of more than 1,500 schools is available online at www.usnews.com. Results were announced today, Sept. 10.

U.S. News ranks Saint Mary’s in the “National Universities” category, which includes schools that offer a wide range of undergraduate majors, as well as master’s and doctoral degrees.

Taking top honors in the “National Universities” ranking are Princeton University, Harvard University, Yale University, Columbia University and Stanford University.

Along with “National Universities,” the other main U.S. News institutional groupings are “National Liberal Arts Colleges,” “Regional Universities” and “Regional Colleges.”

U.S. News categorizes schools primarily by mission and region, and ranking data is gathered from each institution on indicators of academic excellence.

SMU ‘In the News’

Here are some ways Saint Mary’s is making the news this week:

Coverage of the Stanley Cup visit circulated widely in both publications and online news throughout the U.S. after the Associated Press picked up the story.

After-event coverage included: KTTC, Winona Radio, Winona Post, KSTP and the Minneapolis-St. Paul Business Journal. Even John Buccigross, an anchor from ESPN, tweeted a picture of Donny Nadeau’s granddaughter, Avery, sitting in the Stanley Cup.

Check out:

• WKBT La Crosse – http://bit.ly/17HluBV

• Winona Daily News – http://bit.ly/18XJ26R

• WXOW La Crosse – http://bit.ly/15XWOp7

Constitution Day panel presentation is Sept. 17

A Constitution Day panel presentation titled “Justice and the Constitution: The Right to Counsel, Gideon v. Wainwright, and its Legacy at Fifty” will be held Tuesday, Sept. 17, at Saint Mary’s.

The event, free and open to the public, will be held from 7 to 8:30 p.m. in the President’s Room of the Toner Student Center.

Panelists will include:

• Rich McCluer, J.D. — Criminal law attorney with Price, McCluer & Plachecki; formerly chief trial lawyer for the Third Judicial District Public Defenders Office and named a “Minnesota Superlawyer” by the Minnesota Journal of Law and Politics

• Larry Price, J.D. — Assistant professor, Department of Business, Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota

• Karin Sonneman, J.D. — Winona County attorney; formerly public defender for Minnesota’s Third Judicial District and two-time Gideon Award recipient, awarded to a public defender best exemplifying the principles of Gideon

• Judge Jeffrey D. Thompson, J.D. — Chief judge for Minnesota’s Third Judicial District, formerly Rice County attorney and assistant Winona County attorney

Gideon v. Wainwright was the 1963 Supreme Court case which led to the government appointing defense attorneys at no cost to those not able to afford it. This is widely believed to have made the U.S. legal system more accurate and fair, but 50 years later, some question whether the ideals upheld in Gideon have been eroded by underfunding, heavy case loads and plea-bargains. This panel of legal experts will explore the original case and the state of justice in the U.S. court system 50 years later.

This Constitution Day presentation is sponsored by the Department of Social Science. For more information, contact moderator Dr. David Lynch, professor and chair, Department of Social Science, at dlynch@smumn.edu or Ext. 1526.

Leadership workshop series offered at SMU

Saint Mary’s business professors presented one-day workshops to local business leaders as part of the SGPP Journey into Leadership Workshop Series. Professor Jeffrey Hefel addressed workshop participants on the topic of “Difficult Conversations, Accountability and Human Resources” while Dr. Shelly McCallum presented on “Creating an Inspiring Culture.” Leaders from various local companies including Merchant’s Bank, Winona Health, Miller Ingenuity (formerly Miller Felpax Corporation), Family and Children Center, Home and Community Options, and Saint Mary’s University took part in the day-long sessions.

The Journey into Leadership Workshop Series is a six-workshop series offering leaders current insights into managing staff, creating and maintaining a positive organizational culture, fostering innovation and ethical decision making, enhancing the use of financial resources, and building leadership abilities. The last two workshops in the 2013 series will be offered in September (Creating an Innovative and Ethical Workplace) and in November (Financial Intelligence). For more information, contact Dr. Jim Olhoff, program director, at jollhoff@smumn.edu or (651) 295-2454 or Jami Spitzer, program coordinator,  at jspitzer@smumn.edu or (507) 457-7500.

Second City actors work with SMU students

Andrew Hanzelka '17 in a mirror exercise with Matthew Kornegay '16.

Along with their Page Series performance, actors from Second City conducted an actors workshop with Saint Mary’s theatre students.

Sympathy to Edstrom family

Jo Edstrom, 102, mother of Nancy Edstrom Bachler (former lecturer/piano player, OCM) and mother-in-law to Steven Bachler, (Business Department), died Tuesday, Sept. 10, at her home.

Arrangements and a full obituary will be printed in the Sunday edition of the Winona Post.

Saint Mary’s extends its sympathy to the Edstrom family.

Blackhawks President, CEO John McDonough '75 to bring Stanley Cup to SMU today

In case you haven’t noticed, the Stanley Cup is coming to Saint Mary's! Saint Mary’s 1975 alumnus John McDonough, President and CEO of the Blackhawks, is bringing the National Hockey League Championship trophy to the Winona campus today, Friday, Sept. 6, and you are all invited to join us for a public rally and for an exclusive SMU viewing of the Cup.

The Saint Mary’s community private viewing of the Cup will be from 2:30 to 4:15 p.m. At this time, a limited number of SMU students, faculty, staff and alumni (and their immediate families) will have the opportunity for an up-close photo with the Cup. Wristbands will be distributed at 2 p.m. on a first-come, first-served basis at the Plaza entrance into the Toner Student Center nearest Campus Safety. You are welcome to begin lining up at 1:30 p.m. Students should obtain permission from faculty if this event conflicts with class schedules. Everyone must bring their SMU ID cards. Large bags and purses will not be allowed in the facility and smaller bags will be subject to search.

Everyone is then invited to a public rally from 4:30 to 5 p.m. in Gostomski Fieldhouse — during which McDonough will address the crowd, SMU hockey legends will be recognized, and the Cup will be on display. Enjoy a Blackhawks highlight video, along with photos, music and an abundance of championship spirit. A limited number of souvenir mementos will be available. If you are unable to attend, check out a live stream of the rally at http://client.stretchinternet.com/client/smu.portal.

Following the rally, a limited number of attendees will have an opportunity to take pictures with the Stanley Cup from 5 to 7 p.m. in Gostomski Fieldhouse. The public is invited to begin lining up at 1:30 p.m. outside of the entrance to the Toner Student Center’s Hall of Fame Room. Due to time constraints with the Cup, only those with wristbands will have the opportunity for an up-close photo. The doors will open at 3:30 p.m. at which time wristbands will be given out. If you do not receive a wristband, you will still be allowed into the facility to see and photograph the Cup from a reasonable distance. Please note that for security reasons, large bags and purses will not be permitted into the facility, and smaller bags or purses will be subject to search.

Saint Mary’s volunteers will direct attendees on where to park and line up. Please note that due to unforeseen circumstances, the schedule is subject to change.

Three to be added to Hall of Fame during ‘M’ Club Weekend

The  Cardinal 'M' Club, in association with the Alumni Association, will induct three members into the SMU Sports Hall of Fame during Cardinal 'M' Club Weekend Friday-Sunday, Sept. 13-15.

The 2013 Saint Mary's University Sports Hall of Fame induction ceremony will honor former student-athletes Greg (Dick ’84) Arens, Todd Borndale ’85 and Ashley (Dingels ’05) Gossen.

The trio will be honored during an awards ceremony on Friday, Sept. 13. Along with the induction of this year’s Hall of Fame class, Friday’s ceremony will also honor SMU’s 2012-13 postseason award-winners, and recognize the 2012-13 Outstanding Male and Female Athletes, and Outstanding Scholar Athletes.

Saint Mary’s to host annual Young Alumni Weekend

Saint Mary’s graduates from the past decade have been invited back to campus for Young Alumni Weekend, Sept. 13-15.

More than 150 alumni are expected to attend the full weekend of events which will include a faculty and staff social, a young alumni gathering at Mulligan’s, ropes course activities, a barbecue with live music on the plaza, disc golfing and the Cardinal Dash 5K. New this year is an alumni party at Jefferson Pub & Grill, featuring the young alumni band Ali and the Scoundrels, 8 p.m. Saturday.

The weekend also coincides with Cardinal ‘M’ Club Weekend, giving SMU alumni opportunities to cheer on Cardinal athletics.

For more information, contact Bob Fisher at Ext. 6658 or rfisher@smumn.edu. To read more about this event, or to register, go www.mysmumn.org/yaw13.

Saint Mary’s welcomes pianist Christopher O’Riley Sept. 17

Christopher O’Riley, NPR’s most famous pianist, will continue to stretch the piano beyond conventional boundaries Tuesday, Sept. 17, at Saint Mary’s University as part of the Page Series. Audiences will hear O’Riley interpret contemporary popular music including Elliott Smith, Radiohead and Pink Floyd.

O’Riley has taken his unique vision to both traditional classical music venues and symphonic settings, as well as to entirely new audiences on the radio, at universities and even clubs. As host of the popular classical music show, National Public Radio’s “From The Top,”  O’Riley works and performs with the next generation of brilliant young musicians, demonstrating to audiences that these young artists are as interesting and diverse in their personal lives as they are in their music-making.

He has toured the U.S. with the world-famous Academy of St. Martin in the Fields Chamber Orchestra. He has appeared with the philharmonic orchestras of Los Angeles, New York, Moscow and the Royal Philharmonic in London, the Minnesota Orchestra, and the symphonies of Pittsburgh, Atlanta, Baltimore, Philadelphia and San Francisco.

The show will begin at 7:30 p.m. in Page Theatre.

Tickets are $24 for adults, $22 for seniors and students and are available online at www.pagetheatre.org, or at the SMU Box Office, Ext. 1715, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. There will be a limited quantity of $6 tickets available for youth 5-14 years old.

A Page in History event is planned for 12:05 p.m. Sept. 17 in the Winona County History Center. This free event includes a unique opportunity to talk with O’Riley about the making of his popular radio program and the mission behind the program. Heard on over more than 200 radio stations nationwide, this is a time for fans of both his music and this program to ask questions about this aspect of his career. He will be in the Slaggie Family Lobby on the 1884 Steinway.

Leung spends summer performing, recruiting in Asia

David Leung poses with Brother George Van Grieken, FSC, Ph.D., President of SJI international, and Megan, a piano student  who is interested in attending SMU.

Leung performs

David Leung, Music Department, spent time at St. Joseph’s Institution International in Singapore, part of his summer trips in Asia. Leung visited with Lasallian high schools the first week, where he met with students, parents and teachers; gave concerts and masterclasses; and stayed with the Brothers. Ned Kirk will accompany Leung on a follow up recruiting trip in November.

SMU ‘In the News’

Here are some ways Saint Mary’s is making the news this week:

Nikki Fennern, athletic director, was on Winona Radio’s morning talk show Sept. 4, promoting John McDonough and the Stanley Cup visit. Additionally WIZM Radio out of La Crosse, KSTP in the Twin Cities, the Star Tribune and the Saint Paul Pioneer Press have promoted the event. For the latest Winona Daily News coverage, go to http://bit.ly/15yC1rO.

Additionally, Saint Mary’s garnered quite a bit of attention for its New Student Volunteer Day Saturday including:

• KTTC at http://bit.ly/1frU9Zh
• FOX 47 at http://bit.ly/1324Q20
• Winona Daily News at bit.ly/14Q0fBo
• WKBT at http://bit.ly/162oyMo

Minnesota Conservatory fall offerings

The Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts offers programming in dance, music, visual art, and theatre, year-round. Classes, lessons, workshops and camps are offered for youth (beginning with 3-year-olds) through adults at the Valéncia Arts Center located at 1164 West 10th St.

Classes begin on Monday, Sept. 9, and run through Nov. 23. There is some wonderful new programming and registrations are now being accepted. Some of their offerings include:

• New art division classes including Architecture for Kids and Drawing 101
• Dance programming in ballet, pointe, modern, jazz, hip hop and tap with new course divisions.
• Private music lessons with talented teaching artists.
• New partner workshops with the Minnesota Marine Art Museum and Great River Shakespeare Festival.
• Advanced training for those serious about dance with an additional Ballet V/VI/VII class.
• New adult wellness classes including folk music workshops, Intro to Guitar, Self-Portrait Workshop, and Belly Dancing for Beginners.

Class days, times and tuition vary. Financial need-based scholarships are available. For a brochure and a complete listing, visit www.mnconservatoryforthearts.org, e-mail mca@smumn.edu, “like” them on Facebook, or call 453-5500. Interested students may registration online, by mail, or in person at MCA’s Valéncia Arts Center.

This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a Minnesota State Arts Board Operating Support grant, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.

Constitution Day panel presentation is Sept. 17

A Constitution Day panel presentation titled “Justice and the Constitution: The Right to Counsel, Gideon v. Wainwright, and its Legacy at Fifty” will be held Tuesday, Sept. 17, at Saint Mary’s.
The event, free and open to the public, will be held from 7 to 8:30 p.m. in the President’s Room of the Toner Student Center.

Panelists will include:

• Rich McCluer, J.D. — Criminal law attorney with Price, McCluer & Plachecki; formerly chief trial lawyer for the Third Judicial District Public Defenders Office and named a “Minnesota Superlawyer” by the Minnesota Journal of Law and Politics

• Larry Price, J.D. — Assistant professor, Department of Business, Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota

• Karin Sonneman, J.D. — Winona County attorney; formerly public defender for Minnesota’s Third Judicial District and two-time Gideon Award recipient, awarded to a public defender best exemplifying the principles of Gideon

• Judge Jeffrey D. Thompson, J.D. — Chief judge for Minnesota’s Third Judicial District, formerly Rice County attorney and assistant Winona County attorney

Gideon v. Wainwright was the 1963 Supreme Court case, which led to the government appointing defense attorneys at no cost to those not able to afford it. This is widely believed to have made the U.S. legal system more accurate and fair, but 50 years later, some question whether the ideals upheld in Gideon have been eroded by underfunding, heavy case loads and plea-bargains. This panel of legal experts will explore the original case and the state of justice in the U.S. court system 50 years later.

This Constitution Day presentation is sponsored by the Department of Social Science. For more information, contact moderator Dr. David Lynch, professor and chair, Department of Social Science, at dlynch@smumn.edu or Ext. 1526.

River cleanup is Sept. 7

The 33rd annual Mississippi River cleanup will be 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 7, at Latsch Island Beach. Volunteers should wear gloves, boots, and old clothes. Boats are needed to haul trash. Go to www.facebook.com/mrr1980 for more information.

Blackhawks President, CEO John McDonough '75 to bring Stanley Cup to SMU Sept. 6

The Stanley Cup is coming to Saint Mary's! Saint Mary’s 1975 alumnus John McDonough, President and CEO of the Blackhawks, is bringing the National Hockey League Championship trophy to Saint Mary's Winona campus on Friday, Sept. 6, and you are all invited to join us for a public rally and for an exclusive SMU viewing of the Cup!

Three years ago, the Chicago Blackhawks put an end to a 49-year Stanley Cup drought, earning their first NHL title since 1961 with a stunning win over the Philadelphia Flyers.

McDonough was right there hoisting the Cup with the rest of the Blackhawk players and staff.

On June 24, Chicago did it again, as the Blackhawks claimed their second Stanley Cup title in a three-year span with a clinching 3-2 win over the Boston Bruins.

And on Friday, Sept. 6, McDonough will bring the championship spirit — and the cup — to Saint Mary’s.

“On behalf of Saint Mary’s, let me say how honored we are that John has chosen to share the Stanley Cup with his alma mater and how proud we are of John and his continued accomplishments,” said Brother William. “Under his leadership, the Blackhawks have taken home the Cup twice, and the Saint Mary’s community has celebrated with him every step of the way.”

The Saint Mary's community private viewing of the cup will be from 2:30 to 4:15 p.m. At this time, a limited number of SMU students, faculty, staff and alumni (and their immediate families) will have the opportunity for an up-close photo with the cup. Wristbands will be distributed at 2 p.m. on a first-come, first-served basis at the Plaza entrance into the Toner Student Center nearest Campus Safety. You are welcome to begin lining up at 1:30 p.m. Students are encouraged to obtain permission from faculty if this event conflicts with class schedules. Everyone must bring their SMU ID cards.

Everyone is then invited to a public rally from 4:30 to 5 p.m. in Gostomski Fieldhouse — during which McDonough will address the crowd and the Cup will be on display.

Following the rally, a limited number of attendees from the public will also have an opportunity to take pictures with the Stanley Cup from 5 to 7 p.m., in the fieldhouse. Due to time constraints with the Cup, only those with wristbands will have the opportunity for an up-close photo. Wristbands will be given out beginning at 3:30 p.m. in the Hall of Fame room in the Gostomski Fieldhouse. The public is invited to begin lining up in the Hall of Fame room at 1:30 p.m.

Saint Mary’s volunteers will direct attendees on where to park and line up. Please note that due to unforeseen circumstances, the schedule is subject to change.

Welcome back students and faculty!

The Cardinal athletic teams were a huge help!

Showing their SMU pride as they assist students during move-in day are, from left: Lisa Truax, Dr. Joe Tadie, Dr. Moni Berg-Binder, Dr. Kyle Black, Dr. Erich Lippman and Michael Charron.

The campus is back in full swing and thanks go to the faculty, staff and returning students who helped students move in on Saturday, Aug. 24! Parents and new students were extremely grateful for the help.

The Second City kicks off 2013-14 Page Series Sept. 5

Saint Mary’s kicks off its Page Series offerings with the side-splitting comedic talents of The Second City Thursday, Sept. 5.

Drawing on classic material from The Second City archives as well as scenes ripped from the morning headlines, The Second City’s Happily Ever Laughter is your chance to see comedy stars in the making in an evening of smart, cutting edge comedy.

The Second City continues to deliver the leading voices in comedy while touring the globe. With scripted and improvisational elements, audiences always enjoy being part of the show and playing along with the next generation of comic legends. Many of comedy’s brightest stars have hit the road with The Second City Touring Company including Tina Fey, Stephen Colbert, Amy Poehler, Steve Carell, Bill Murray, Keegan Michael Key and most recently, current Saturday Night Live stars Cecily Strong, Tim Robinson and Jason Sudeikis.

The show will begin at 7:30 p.m. in Page Theatre. Tickets are $27 for adults, $24 for seniors and students and are available online at www.pagetheatre.org, or at the SMU Box Office, Ext. 1715, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday.

120 SMU students to volunteer in Winona community Saturday

About 120 students from Saint Mary’s — a mixture of athletes and new students — will serve six organizations in Winona on Saturday, Aug. 31, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. as part of New Student Volunteer Day.

Throughout the day, about 80 students will be painting the main room of the Winona Friendship Center, located at Main and 5th streets. The Friendship Center received a “Picture-It-Painted” grant from Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation, in partnership with Valspar Corporation, and Saint Mary’s students will help bring some much-needed color to their space. The room — after 41 gallons of paint — will go from off-white to a rich green with brown accents. The Saint Mary’s Volunteer Mentors and Campus Ministry are collaborating with the Friendship Center and organizers of the event.

New Student Volunteer Day is dedicated to providing new SMU students with the opportunity to engage with the Winona community, and to be inspired by the Lasallian spirit of service early in their college careers.

Three to be added to Hall of Fame during ‘M’ Club Weekend

The  Cardinal 'M' Club, in association with the Alumni Association, will induct three members into the SMU Sports Hall of Fame during Cardinal 'M' Club Weekend Friday-Sunday, Sept. 13-15.

The 2013 Saint Mary's University Sports Hall of Fame induction ceremony will honor former student-athletes Greg (Dick ’84) Arens, Todd Borndale ’85 and Ashley (Dingels ’05) Gossen.

The trio will be honored during an awards ceremony on Friday, Sept. 13. Along with the induction of this year’s Hall of Fame class, Friday’s ceremony will also honor SMU’s 2012-13 postseason award-winners, and recognize the 2012-13 Outstanding Male and Female Athletes, and Outstanding Scholar Athletes.

Saint Mary’s to host annual Young Alumni Weekend

Saint Mary’s graduates from the past decade have been invited back to campus for Young Alumni Weekend, Sept. 13-15.

More than 150 alumni are expected to attend the full weekend of events which will include a faculty and staff social, a young alumni gathering at Mulligan’s, ropes course activities, a barbecue with live music on the plaza, disc golfing and the Cardinal Dash 5K. New this year is an alumni party at Jefferson Pub & Grill, featuring the Young Alumni Band, Ali and the Scoundrels, 8 p.m. Saturday.

The weekend also coincides with Cardinal ‘M’ Club Weekend, giving SMU alumni opportunities to cheer on Cardinal athletics.

For more information, contact Bob Fisher at Ext. 6658 or rfisher@smumn.edu. To read more about this event, or to register, go www.smumn.edu/yaw13.

Thanks to State Fair volunteers

Thanks to those who volunteered to staff the Saint Mary’s booth at the Minnesota State Fair Aug. 22 - Sept. 2 in St. Paul. The event is a great opportunity to connect with potential students and families, as well as alumni.

SMU ‘In the News’

Here is one way Saint Mary’s is making the news this week:

• KTTC, WKBT, Winona Radio, the Winona Post and the Winona Daily News have announced the Stanley Cup visit to Saint Mary’s Sept. 6. This opportunity will continue to bring the university positive visibility.

Minnesota Conservatory open house Sept. 4

The Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts will be conducting its fall registration open house from 4 to 6 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 4, at the Valéncia Arts Center, 1164 W. 10th St.

MCA offers programming in dance, music, visual art and theatre year-round. Classes, lessons, workshops and camps are offered for youth ages 3 and older through adults at the Valéncia Arts Center.

Register early for:

• New art division classes including “Architecture for Kids” and “Drawing 101.”
• Dance programming in ballet, pointe, modern, jazz, hip hop and tap with new course divisions.
• Private music lessons with talented teaching artists.
• New partner workshops with the Minnesota Marine Art Museum and Great River Shakespeare Festival.
• Advanced training for those serious about dance with an additional Ballet V/VI/VII class.
• New adult wellness classes including folk music workshops, “Intro to Guitar,” “Self Portrait Workshop,” and “Belly Dancing for Beginners.”

Class days, times and tuition vary.  Financial need-based scholarships are available. For a brochure and a complete listing, visit www.mnconservatoryforthearts.org, e-mail mca@smumn.edu, “like” them on Facebook, or call (507) 453-5500. Interested students may register online, by mail, or in person at MCA’s Valéncia Arts Center.

‘Campus Notes’ now weekly

The faculty/staff newsletter has resumed its weekly Friday edition. Deadlines are noon Wednesdays. Send information to dnahrgan@smumn.edu.

River cleanup is Sept. 7

The 33rd annual river cleanup will be 9 am. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 7, at Latsch Island Beach. Volunteers should wear gloves, boots, and old clothes. Boats are needed to haul trash. Go to www.facebook.com/mrr1980 for more information.

Saint Mary's to host veterans roundtable discussion Aug. 26

Saint Mary’s University and Sen. Amy Klobuchar are inviting federal and state veterans affairs leaders and higher education leaders for a roundtable discussion on the challenges and opportunities for veterans returning to Minnesota.

The special focus of a guest panel will be to help veterans achieve their education and workforce skills development goals; a discussion will focus on what policy changes can be enacted to improve their ability to receive post-military service education.

The roundtable is Monday, Aug. 26, from 2 to 4:30 p.m. at the University Center on the Twin Cities campus.

Panelists will include:
• Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN)
• Commissioner Larry Shellito, Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs
• Carin Anderson, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs education liaison
• Captain Aaron Oelschlager, Minnesota National Guard
• Alison Block, director of student services at Saint Mary's
• Gina Sobania, military education academic credit director at MnSCU
• Julie Selander, director of OneStop at the University of Minnesota
• Jacqueline Mahon, Saint Mary's student and Minnesota Air National Guard member

Following the roundtable discussion, the audience will participate in table discussions to provide insights and develop recommendations for policy changes that can enhance veterans’ access to and success in higher education.

The event is free and open to legislators, veterans affairs personnel, veterans, higher education audiences, and Saint Mary's University community members.

To register or for more information, visit http://veteransroundtable.eventbrite.com.

Welcome back students and faculty!

The school year is upon us; student and parent check-in is 7:30 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 24. The President’s Welcome begins at 1 p.m. in the gymnasium, and a full weekend of events are planned. For more information, go to smumn.edu/welcomeweek.

Thanks to State Fair volunteers

Thanks to those who volunteered to staff the Saint Mary’s booth at the Minnesota State Fair Aug. 22 - Sept. 2 in St. Paul. The event is a great opportunity to connect with potential students and families, as well as alumni.

Saint Mary’s wins award in Goodview Days Parade

As part of our community visibility efforts, SMU participated in the Goodview Days Parade Sunday, Aug. 18. Thanks in no small part to the large number of resident assistants who participated — and their high energy — Saint Mary’s took home the “Committee Award” plaque from the parade.

Ice cream social raises money for Nairobi

The Volunteer Committee thanks everyone who attended last week’s ice cream social. A total of $233 was raised and will be given to Christ the Teacher Institute in Nairobi.

SMU ‘In the News’

Here is one way Saint Mary’s is making the news this week:

• Donna Aronson, vice president of Academic Affairs, did a morning radio interview on Winona Radio Aug. 20. Dr. Aronson spoke about academic news as well as campus happenings.

• One of our students just completed a minorities-in-law pre-law session this summer. Manire Vaughn is a double major in Human Services and Criminal Justice You can read a brief story about the program at bit.ly/176HHwV.

Saint Mary’s Ragnar team has smurfing good time

The SMUrfs gathered for a photo. Not pictured is Peggy Johnson.

Saint Mary's faculty and staff members were part of a team that completed the 2013 Great River Ragnar relay race Aug. 16-17. The SMUrfs (SMU Running Fools) donned blue and white Smurf costumes on the 203-mile trek from Winona to Minneapolis, via Wisconsin and Stillwater, Minn.

Each participant ran three legs of the journey, averaging 15-20 miles per runner. Saint Mary's team members included Dorothy Diehl, Randy Krainock, Rob Gordon, Steve Pattee, Trisha Karr, Dean Beckman and SMU alumnae Kelly Momsen. Peggy Johnson and John Schollmeier drove the support vehicles. Non-SMU runners on the team included Diehl’s daughter Erin Buchanan, Phil Cochran’s wife Michelle,  Pattee’s wife Deb, along with Megan O'Connell and Kathryn Stangstalien.

The SMUrfs won first place for best team name among more than 300 entries. All of the “Running Fools” reported having a Smurfing good time!

Be aware of mail delays

Recent changes with the U.S. Postal Service have created a delay in mail service. Mail that is sent through Winona Central Services is picked up promptly at 1 p.m. daily (Monday through Friday), but is not postmarked until the next day. Mail delivery is now taking three or more days to get to the Twin Cities. Express Mail will not be guaranteed for overnight delivery unless you take it to the post office by 2 p.m.

SMU Concert Band invites area musicians to join

Area musicians who love band music are invited to the Saint Mary’s Concert Band’s first rehearsal of the season on Monday, Aug. 26, from 6:45 to 8 p.m. The Concert Band was founded in 1990 as a college-community partnership ensemble and is directed by Dr. Janet Heukeshoven, professor of music and music education.

Rehearsals are held in Saint Yon’s Hall (Room 158). All interested musicians are welcome to attend the first sight-reading informational rehearsal of the season. Advanced high school students, students from Minnesota State College-Southeast Technical who were active in their high school bands, and experienced adult community musicians are welcome to join the SMU collegiate members for an exciting season. The band performs a wide variety of repertoire that includes a world-premiere performance this fall of a composition titled “Katanya,” composed by Larry Bitensky. The new piece was composed for the SMU band through the Kaplan Foundation Commissioning Project.  This delightful new work is for narrator and concert band, and brings us a traditional Jewish folk tale through words and music.

Placement auditions will be individually scheduled; audition music will be given to all players on Aug. 26. If you are interested in the ensemble but cannot attend the initial “info-rehearsal,” please contact Dr. Heukeshoven to make other arrangements. The Concert Band rehearses 6:45 to 8 p.m. Mondays, and 6:45 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesdays. The band’s first performance this year will be the annual Family Weekend Concert (shared with the SMU choirs) on Saturday, Sept. 28.

Detailed information regarding band membership and the auditions (held Aug. 28-31) will be available at the first rehearsal. There is a place for you in the band; contact Dr. Heukeshoven at Ext. 1675 or email at jheukesh@smumn.edu for additional information and to reserve a spot for you at the first rehearsal. If you leave a message, please specify which instrument you play, as well as your full name and contact information.

Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts news

Open house Sept. 4

The Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts will be conducting its fall registration open house from 4 to 6 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 4, at the Valéncia Arts Center, 1164 W. 10th St.

MCA offers programming in dance, music, visual art and theatre year-round. Classes, lessons, workshops and camps are offered for youth ages 3 and older through adults at the Valéncia Arts Center.

Register early for:

• New art division classes including “Architecture for Kids” and “Drawing 101.”
• Dance programming in ballet, pointe, modern, jazz, hip hop and tap with new course divisions.
• Private music lessons with talented teaching artists.
• New partner workshops with the Minnesota Marine Art Museum and Great River Shakespeare Festival.
• Advanced training for those serious about dance with an additional Ballet V/VI/VII class.
• New adult wellness classes including folk music workshops, “Intro to Guitar,” “Self Portrait Workshop,” and “Belly Dancing for Beginners.”

Class days, times and tuition vary.  Financial need-based scholarships are available. For a brochure and a complete listing, visit www.mnconservatoryforthearts.org, e-mail mca@smumn.edu, “like” them on Facebook, or call (507) 453-5500. Interested students may register online, by mail, or in person at MCA’s Valéncia Arts Center.

DRC II auditions Sept. 5

Auditions for the Dance Repertory Company II will be held 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 5, at the Valéncia Arts Center, 1164 W. 10th St.

The DRC II will present a winter dance concert Dec. 6-7 at the Valéncia Arts Center Academy Theatre. Roles are available for beginning- and intermediate-level dance students ages 5 to 13. Auditions are free and open to the public. DRC II members are required to enroll in at least one dance class at the Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts. A $50 performance fee is required. For more information, contact MCA Director of Dance Tammy Schmidt at tschmidt@smumn.edu or call (507) 453-5500.

‘Campus Notes’ goes weekly

The faculty/staff newsletter will now resume its weekly Friday edition. Deadlines are noon Wednesdays. Send information to dnahrgan@smumn.edu.

Death notice for Brother Ed Everett

Brother Ed Everett (formerly known as Brother Dominic Edward Everett), died Wednesday, Aug. 21, in Winona.

Brother Edward was 84, and had been a Christian Brothers for 67 years. Brother Ed graduated from Saint Mary's with a B.A. in 1950, and a M.A.T. in 1955.

He taught at Saint Mary's from 1987-88, and returned to Winona in 2000. Brother Ed was a strong supporter of the arts, and faithfully present at performances and productions both at the university and in the Winona community.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Sunday, Aug. 25, at 5 p.m. in the St. Thomas More Chapel, preceded by visitation at 4 p.m.

Condolences may be directed to the Christian Brothers Community, c/o Brother Francis Carr, at Campus Box 24.

The Saint Mary’s community extends its sympathy to Brother Ed and his family.