News from Nairobi

By James Chege
Librarian
Maryknoll Institute of African Studies

MIAS three-week immersion
course final day activities

Students and field assistants share experiences over lunch during the final day ceremony for the special immersion.

Jan. 29 marked the end of a three-week immersion course at the Maryknoll Institute of African Studies. The program featured the course “African Culture: An Overview,” taught by Dr. Michael Katola, as well as field research workshops given by Dr. Edith Chamwama. The course focused on the basic aspects of African cultural knowledge in general and is one of the prerequisite courses for the master’s degree in African Studies.

As part of the final day celebrations, the class was treated to lunch as they shared their various experiences in the field and in the classroom. The special three-week immersion course was not on the regular academic calendar at MIAS but was organized after a special request from a Franciscan missionary community. The Franciscans opened a mission in the Archdiocese of Juba, Southern Sudan last year where they work in pastoral activities. They are also engaged in sharing Catholic social teaching, and peace building and reconciliation activities. To adequately perform these tasks they recognized a need for a deeper understanding of African culture, hence the program.

Elizabeth Evans hands a gift to her lecturer Dr. Michael Katola as a sign of appreciation for his hard work and effort in teaching the course.

Two students from this Special Immersion course have enrolled full-time in the 12-week second-semester program after getting a taste of the MIAS method of learning, which combines field-research and lectures, and with it an appetite to learn more about African culture as well as their own cultures.

One-week justice and peace 
workshop kicks off

Brother Matthias Kule (right), a participant in the five-day workshop and his field assistant Keta Kida Jacob listen and keenly take notes as a respondent explains a point during one of their field work sessions

The month of February at the Maryknoll Institute of African Studies began on a busy note with a one-week justice and peace workshop given by Dr. Emmanuel Manayasa, running concurrently with the second semester courses. The workshop ran Feb. 3-7.

This workshop is a follow-up to the three-week  immersion course that presented an overview of African culture. The availability of such workshops demonstrates the flexibility and versatility of the MIAS programs, and the eagerness to foster its unique educational method which combines in an equal manner lecturer material with professional-quality field research data. This method helps students who are unable to attend the semester and immersion programs to begin to  learn the deep structures of African cultural knowledge and domains.

The five-day workshop covers areas such as causes and effects of armed conflicts and responses to conflicts and reconciliation from an African perspective. Through the lectures,  the participants are exposed to an in-depth understanding of the concepts of human rights and peace within the context of contemporary, vibrant African cultures, and through field research they begin to understand and appreciate the deep African heritage that exists on issues of human rights and peaceable co-existence within societies.

Tickets sold out for Ladysmith Black Mambazo; waiting list will be available

At this time there are no tickets available for the Page Series Ladysmith Black Mambazo performance Tuesday, Feb. 11, in Page Theatre.

The performance begins at 7:30 p.m. Some tickets will become available at the door the night of the performance. A waiting list will begin at 6:30 p.m. the night of the show. Tickets are $27 for adults, $24 for seniors and students.

Nominated 17 times for the Grammy awards, the South African a cappella group Ladysmith Black Mambazo celebrates more than 50 years of joyous and uplifting music that marries the intricate rhythms and harmonies of their native South African musical traditions to the sounds and sentiments of Christian gospel music.

Assembled in the early 1960s in South Africa by founder Joseph Shabalala, the group took the name Ladysmith Black Mambazo – Ladysmith being the name of Shabalala’s rural hometown; Black being a reference to oxen, the strongest of all farm animals; and Mambazo being the Zulu word for axe, a symbol of the group’s ability to “chop down” any singing rival who might challenge them. Paul Simon visited South Africa in the 1980s and incorporated Black Mambazo’s rich tenor/alto/bass harmonies into his Graceland album.

The ensemble just released an album “Always With Us” on Jan. 15.

As part of the evening concert they will play tribute to the late South African leader Nelson Mandela.

After-show reception

The SMU Solidarity Committee will host an after-show reception in the lobby of the Performance Center as part of the SMU Multi-Cultural Week celebrations. Light refreshments will be available.

Faculty display works at current art exhibition

Faculty members of the Department of Art and Design have joined talents for the current art exhibit, on display through March 8 in the Lillian Davis Hogan Galleries.

The show features new works — ranging from sculpture to photography — by Lisa Truax, Matt Winkler, Preston Lawing, Rob McColl, Rod Robertson and Tony Calabrese.

Gallery hours are 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily, and the show is free and open to the public.

Chamber Music Concert scheduled for Feb. 7 cancelled

The Saint Thomas Trio Chamber Music Concert scheduled for today, Friday, Feb. 7, has been cancelled.

SMU presents free concert featuring Baroque music

The Department of Music will present “The Cuckoo and the Nightingale and other Baroque Spectaculars” at 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 16, at Central Lutheran Church, 259 W. Wabasha St.

The event, free and open to the public, will feature the Saint Mary’s Chamber Orchestra, under the direction of Dr. David Leung. The concert will include music by Handel, Bach and Corelli.

Special guests joining Dr. Leung on violin will be Maureen Yuen, a violinist from State University of New York at Fredonia, and Erik Floan, an organist from Saint Mary’s University.

The group will also perform the same program at Sugar Loaf Senior Living at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 15.

Chat, Chow & Web 2.0

The next Chat, Chow & Web 2.0, hosted by the Fitzgerald Library, Information Technology, and Instructional Technology, will be held noon to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 19. Faculty and staff should meet in the main lounge of the McEnery Center. Lunch will be provided and RSVPs are appreciated to jspartz@smumn.edu.

In this session, titled “Talk to Me,” two faculty members enlist the power of social media technologies to promote engaged student response.  Lisa Truax (Art) will share her experiences with Flipgrid, a video response tool, and Janel Schultz (Math) will talk about how she is using Poll Everywhere, the classroom response system that incorporates mobile devices.

350 join in Chinese New Year celebration

On Friday, Jan. 31, the International Center and the International Students Club sponsored a Chinese New Year celebration. An occasion for families to reunite and celebrate, Chinese New Year is of high significance in China. SMU’s international students were proud to be able to recognize the start of the Year of the Horse together with more than 350 members of the SMU community. Along with Chinese food and cultural presentations, guests enjoyed music played on traditional Chinese instruments, the ruan and the zheng.

More chili makers needed for Feb. 21 cookoff

In what has become one of the hottest competitions at Saint Mary’s, the annual SMU Chili Cookoff is scheduled for Friday, Feb. 21.

No beans about it, the Volunteer Committee believes this is a great fundraiser.

All faculty and staff are invited to submit their award-winning chili and vie for the golden ladle. Prizes will be awarded to the top three entries, and all competitors will get SMU shirts.

Let Deb Nahrgang (Ext. 6966 or dnahrgan@smumn.edu) know if you plan to enter the contest, so that there is enough to go around. Then, just bring your unmarked crockpot to the Common Room by 11:15 a.m. sharp and check in.

Everyone is invited to eat chili between 11:45 a.m. and 1 p.m. You do not need to compete to enjoy. Toppings, sides and desserts will also be provided. Awards will be presented at noon.

Proceeds will benefit our students in Jamaica.

Donations now accepted for Taylor Richmond benefit, auction

The beneficiary for the 2014 Taylor Richmond Benefit is Jason Richter.

Richter is well-known to the Saint Mary’s community as he worked from 1998 to 2010 as the Student Activities director, and as such he was responsible for overseeing this benefit.

Richter was diagnosed with multiple myeloma last summer. He had pain in his lower back that turned out to be a mass, hindering the flow of liquids in his spinal cord. This is a disease that is more commonly found in people around the age of 60; because of his young age, he has responded well to treatments. He has undergone 10 radiation sessions, as well as recent bone and stem cell transplants. On top of that, the Richter family lives an hour away from the hospital Jason is receiving treatment at in Iowa City.

Although now in remission, Richter is still undergoing chemotherapy treatments. This year’s proceeds will assist his family, which includes three young sons, with their medical expenses and travel costs.

The silent auction will be March 13-14. Donations for the auction are now being accepted. Past items have consisted of: all-expense paid trips, electronics, dinners, themed baskets, tickets to sporting or music events and gift cards.

The benefit has become an annual tradition since its start in 2001 by students in honor of Taylor Richmond, son of SMU staff member Nikki Richmond and Nick Richmond. Each year this event benefits continues to help someone in need who has ties to the SMU community.

Donations for the silent auction or monetary donations to help with cost of dance or supplements for the silent auction can be sent to Hannah Friedrich at Box 1090.

Kirk returns from trip to Asia

Dr. Ned Kirk, Music Department, just returned from his ninth trip to Asia in the past four years, this time to serve on the jury of the 2014 Hong Kong International Piano Invitation Competition where he heard 370 pianists ages 5-25. Following the competition, Dr. Kirk taught 38 piano students from four Hong Kong high schools in his continuing efforts to enhance enrollment at Saint Mary’s.

Article by Ziliak published in America Magazine

An article by Laurie Ziliak, adjunct instructor of Theology and Lasallian Core Traditions, was published last week in America Magazine, including a cover mention. The article, titled “Worship at Willow Creek; lessons from a megachurch,” can be found at http://americamagazine.org/issue/worship-willow-creek.

Fireside planned for Feb. 7-8

The sisters of Sigma Alpha Iota, the music sorority, will present Fireside 2014 at 7 and 10 p.m. today, Friday, Feb. 7, and Saturday, Feb. 8, in the Common Room. Tickets are $7 in advance or $8 at the door.

Heukeshoven to be featured soloist at MMEA conference

Dr. Janet Heukeshoven, Music Department, will perform on both flute and piccolo with the WSHS 9th-grade band on Thursday, Feb. 13, at the Minneapolis Convention Center as part of the Minnesota Music Educators conference. The Winona freshman band, under the direction of Melody Snyder, auditioned and was selected to perform at this year’s conference last May. Dr. Heukeshoven will be performing “In a Gentle Rain” by Robert W. Smith on flute, followed by “Flight of the Bumble Bee” (Rimsky-Korsakoff/arr. Davis) on piccolo (800 notes in 1 minute, 15 seconds!).

A preview concert will be presented to Winona audiences on Sunday at 4 p.m. in the Winona Senior High School Auditorium following the Concert and Symphonic Band’s annual Pork and Pops Concert at 2 p.m.

Additionally 12 students will attend the MMEA conference, both as performers in the intercollegiate honor band and as student attendees. The Music Department will also have an exhibit booth at the event.

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

Paulson to perform as part of MMEA conference

American Composers Forum member and professor emeritus Dr. John Paulson (tenor sax) will perform one of his original compositions “Song for D” with the Winona State University Jazz Ensemble Feb. 14, at 3:30 p.m. at the Minneapolis Convention Center as part of the Minnesota Music Educators Conference. “Song for D” is a beautiful ballad featuring the tenor sax with full jazz ensemble composed by Dr. Paulson.

Dr. Paulson will perform the piece with Winona State University’s 18-piece jazz ensemble directed by Dr. Rich MacDonald. “Song For D” is one of the 10 original compositions on the recently released “John Paulson Big Band Project” CD and DVD. The recording is available on iTunes, CDbaby and various other digital sites.

Students, staff attend Power in Diversity conference

Saint Mary’s students and staff attended the fifth annual Power in Diversity Leadership Conference at St. Cloud State University from Jan. 23-26.

The conference theme was “Today’s Vision: Tomorrow's Reality.” The event focused on identifying ways that participants could become leaders for positive changes. Students had the opportunity to engage in workshops, listen to keynote speakers, and expand ideas for learning and leading through the asset of diverse people and experiences.

Fiyazz Karim, Counseling, led two presentations during the conference titled, “Unmasking Microaggressions” and “Credit: Your Adult Report Card.”

Article by Cochran profiled in newsletter

An article on lake sturgeon that Dr. Phil Cochran, Biology, co-authored in 2012 was recently profiled in the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service newsletter on fisheries conservation, Eddies (Fall/Winter 2013, p.6).

Business Office selling valentines as fundraiser

The Business Office is selling homemade valentines for $2. Stop down and load up on valentines for your loved ones. All money raised will go toward the office’s Feed My Starving Children team.

Feed My Starving Children is a Christian non-profit organization which utilizes volunteers to put together specially formulated food packets to be sent around the world to feed starving children. The program serves children who are starving, even in the United States.

Paulson-Price Jazz Quintet to perform Feb. 15

Dr. John Paulson and Larry Price will bring a stellar jazz quintet to Ed’s NoName Bar in Winona to perform their own brand of contemporary original jazz Saturday, Feb. 15, from 8 to 11 p.m. The group includes SMU’s Paulson on sax and flute, and Price on piano as well as bassist Eric Graham, guitarist Scott Gerry and drummer Rich MacDonald.

As composers, Paulson and Price have collaborated on many projects over the last 25 years including two jazz CDs: “Mobley Street Blues” (2005) and “Tower Blues” (2002).  The Winona performance will highlight their best compositions in an evening of all original jazz. Their music reflects the diverse influences of many popular styles including swing, blues, ballads, Latin, funk and hip-hop. Ed’s Bar is located at the corner of 3rd and Franklin Streets, and there is no cover charge for this event.  For more information, visit www.paulsonjazz.com or www.edsnonamebar.com.

Mini-grant lunch presentations are Feb. 12

The Faculty Development Committee has rescheduled the mini-grant luncheon presentations by Dr. Janet Heukeshoven and Lisa Truax for Wednesday, Feb. 12, from 12:30-1:30 p.m. in the Toner Student Center faculty dining room.

Faculty are invited to hear Dr. Heukeshoven talk about the Alexander Method, an approach to health, wellness and better living for all people, especially embraced in the arts. Musicians’ health and wellness is a major initiative by NASM (National Assoc. of School of Music), which is required by our accreditation. Diane Foust (certified Alexander practitioner) is also working with SMU music students to provide an introduction to body awareness and mapping, preventing and correcting common problems related to body alignment, proper use and function to both heal and prevent injuries common to musicians.

Lisa Truax will talk about a mini-grant the Department of Art and Design received to develop materials and examples for both the planned summer Animation Camp and the new Interactive Multimedia and Web Design 2 courses. Faculty developed two demonstration animations, one using Adobe Flash and another using stop motion photography as well as a  step by step handout in beginning to intermediate level Flash animations.

Next Cineclub movie is Feb. 10

The Department of Modern and Classical Languages is pleased to announce the dates for Cineclub for spring 2014. All showings will be on Mondays at 7 p.m. in the student lounge of St. Edward’s Hall. Contact Dr. Kyle Black at kblack@smumn.edu for more information.

The Feb. 10 crime/drama/thriller from Argentina, “Nueve reinas” directed by Fabián Bielinsky, is about two con artists who try to swindle a stamp collector by selling him a sheet of counterfeit rare stamps (the “nine queens”).

One of the main objectives of Cineclub is to provide an opportunity for the Saint Mary’s and Winona communities to enjoy some films in Spanish and Portuguese that may not typically be shown in local theaters. All films will have English subtitles. In addition to viewing the films, participants will be invited exchange ideas related to the films and their underlying socio-cultural contexts.

Sympathy to Seebach family

Willard Jones, father of Beth Seebach, Psychology, died  Monday, Feb. 3. The Saint Mary’s community extends its sympathy to the Seebach family.

Cardinal Plunge Feb. 8 to raise money for Ellinghuysen family

Two of last year's brave Cardinal Plunge participants

Brave souls and warm hearts are invited to join Saint Mary’s University for the fifth annual “Cardinal Plunge” 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 8, at the Lake Lodge Recreation Center, in coordination with the city’s Winter Carnival Goose Bump Jump.

This year, Cardinal Plunge participants will be freezin’ for a reason. Proceeds will be given to SMU junior Conner Ellinghuysen’s father, Robert Ellinghuysen of Winona. Robert was hit head-on in a collision in June 2012 along Highway 14 in Stockton. He underwent numerous surgeries and lengthy hospital stays. Proceeds will help the Ellinghuysen family with ongoing medical expenses and other family needs. A silent auction will also be held. Cash donations and items can be brought to the SMU Alumni Office.

The cost to plunge is $20 ($15 for the SMU community). This event is sponsored by the Saint Mary’s Future Alumni Committee.

Pre-register online at www.mysmumn.org/plunge2014. For more information, contact Kenzie Corrow at (507) 995-4863 or Conner Ellinghuysen at (507) 429-7960.

Brother Louis, other Christian Brothers leaders to be honored

Brother Louis DeThomasis, president emeritus of Saint Mary’s, will be honored Thursday, Feb. 13, at a special event at the university’s Twin Cities campus.

The event will include a dedication of Brother Louis Hall, formerly Park Avenue North (PAN). In addition, Brother Louis and four other Christian Brothers who have served as presidents at institutions throughout the nation will be recognized and presented with honorary doctorates. The event is scheduled to begin at 4:45 p.m. in the Saint Mary’s University Center, 2540 Park Ave. S., Minneapolis. The indoor ceremony will be followed by a reception with light refreshments.

The four other Christian Brothers to be recognized include:

• Brother Mel Anderson, FSC, past president of Saint Mary's College of California
• Brother James Gaffney, FSC, president of Lewis University (Ill.)
• Brother Michael McGinniss, FSC, president of La Salle University (Pa.), past president of Christian Brothers University (Tenn.)
• Brother Thomas Scanlan, FSC, past president of Manhattan College (N.Y.), past vice chancellor of Bethlehem University (Palestine)

Together the five have served more than 125 years as leaders of Christian Brothers institutions that follow a heritage of innovative, student-centered education.

Tickets sold out for Ladysmith Black Mambazo; waiting list will be available

At this time there are no tickets available for the Page Series Ladysmith Black Mambazo performance Tuesday, Feb. 11, in Page Theatre.

The performance begins at 7:30 p.m. Some tickets will become available at the door the night of the performance. A waiting list will begin at 6:30 p.m. the night of the show. Tickets are $27 for adults, $24 for seniors and students.

Nominated 17 times for the Grammy awards, the South African a cappella group Ladysmith Black Mambazo celebrates more than 50 years of joyous and uplifting music that marries the intricate rhythms and harmonies of their native South African musical traditions to the sounds and sentiments of Christian gospel music.

Assembled in the early 1960s in South Africa by founder Joseph Shabalala, the group took the name Ladysmith Black Mambazo – Ladysmith being the name of Shabalala’s rural hometown; Black being a reference to oxen, the strongest of all farm animals; and Mambazo being the Zulu word for axe, a symbol of the group’s ability to “chop down” any singing rival who might challenge them. Paul Simon visited South Africa in the 1980s and incorporated Black Mambazo’s rich tenor/alto/bass harmonies into his Graceland album.

The ensemble just released an album “Always With Us” on Jan. 15.

As part of the evening concert they will play tribute to the late South African leader Nelson Mandela.

After-show reception

The SMU Solidarity Committee will host an after-show reception in the lobby of the Performance Center as part of the SMU Multi-Cultural Week celebrations. Light refreshments will be available.

Faculty display works at current art exhibition

Faculty members of the Department of Art and Design have joined talents for the current art exhibit, on display through March 8 in the Lillian Davis Hogan Galleries.

The show features new works — ranging from sculpture to photography — by Lisa Truax, Matt Winkler, Preston Lawing, Rob McColl, Rod Robertson and Tony Calabrese.

Gallery hours are 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily, and the show is free and open to the public.

Chamber Music Concert scheduled for Feb. 7

The Saint Thomas Trio Chamber Music Concert will be held 7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 7, in Figliulo Recital Hall. The event, sponsored by the Department of Music, will feature Winona State University musicians Dr. Woobin Park on piano and Dr. Dan Sheridan on clarinet, along with Dr. David Leung from Saint Mary’s on viola. The performance is free and open to the public and will include music by Mozart, Schumann and Bruch.

SMU presents free concert featuring Baroque music

The Department of Music will present “The Cuckoo and the Nightingale and other Baroque Spectaculars” at 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 16, at Central Lutheran Church, 259 W. Wabasha St.

The event, free and open to the public, will feature the Saint Mary’s Chamber Orchestra, under the direction of Dr. David Leung. The concert will include music by Handel, Bach and Corelli.

Special guests joining Dr. Leung on violin will be Maureen Yuen, a violinist from State University of New York at Fredonia, and Erik Floan, an organist from Saint Mary’s University.

The Singers to premiere work by Dr. O’Shea

The Twin Cities-based critically acclaimed choral ensemble “The Singers” will perform in Winona as part of its 10th anniversary legacy tour.

The performance is scheduled for 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 2, at Chapel of Saint Mary of the Angels, 1155 W. Wabasha St.

Under the direction of Matthew Culloton, the group will perform music by Morten Lauridsen and Benjamin Britten, as well as beloved American folk songs and spirituals.

The choir will combine with the Saint Mary’s Chamber Singers on two pieces, including the world premiere of a new work, “Nocte fletuum angelis” by Saint Mary’s music faculty member Dr. Patrick O’Shea, which commemorates the lives lost in the tragic school shooting in Connecticut.

The concert is free and is funded, in part, by Minnesota arts and cultural heritage fund as appropriated by the Minnesota State Legislature with money from the Legacy Amendment vote of the people of Minnesota on Nov. 4, 2008.

Tickets are available at the SMU Box Office, Ext. 1715, Monday through Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. or at the door.

Chat, Chow & Web 2.0

The next Chat, Chow & Web 2.0, hosted by the Fitzgerald Library, Information Technology, and Instructional Technology, will be held noon to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 19. Meet in the main lounge of the McEnery Center. Lunch will be provided and RSVPs are appreciated to jspartz@smumn.edu.

In this session, titled “Talk to Me,” two faculty members enlist the power of social media technologies to promote engaged student response.  Lisa Truax (Art) will share her experiences with Flipgrid, a video response tool, and Janel Schultz (Math) will talk about how she is using Poll Everywhere, the classroom response system that incorporates mobile devices.

SMU to host Missing Voices Summit Feb. 6 on TC campus

Gloria Ladson-Billings, a leading voice in culturally responsive teaching and equity in education, will speak at the second Missing Voices: Equity in Education Summit Thursday, Feb. 6, on the Twin Cities campus.

Ladson-Billings will share from her experiences as an award-winning author and scholar. Specializing in pedagogical practices of teachers who are successful with African American students, Ladson-Billings is the Kellner Family Professor of Urban Education at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Hosted by the Culturally Responsive Teaching program and the Graduate School of Education, Missing Voices focuses on bringing together diverse educators, youth and parents in the Twin Cities and beyond who want to work collaboratively to reduce the opportunity and academic achievement gap in Minnesota. Throughout the day, participants will engage in dialogue and gain insight from multiple perspectives that will lead toward solutions to eliminate the gaps.

The event will be held at the Saint Mary’s University Center from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The cost to attend is $40, which includes the keynote, world cafe discussion, breakout sessions, continental breakfast, lunch and parking. Although this event is currently at capacity, a waiting list has been formed.

Celebrate Chinese New Year today at the Heights

The faculty, staff and students are invited to celebrate the Chinese New Year and enjoy a  free lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. today, Friday, Jan. 31, in the Heights building. Enjoy a variety of cultural activities and performances.

Chili cookoff will warm up cold winter

In what has become one of the hottest competitions at Saint Mary’s, the annual SMU Chili Cookoff is scheduled for Friday, Feb. 21.

No beans about it, the Volunteer Committee believes this is a great fundraiser.

All faculty and staff are invited to submit their award-winning chili and vie for the golden ladle. Prizes will be awarded to the top three entries, and all competitors will get SMU shirts.

Let Deb Nahrgang (Ext. 6966 or dnahrgan@smumn.edu) know if you plan to enter the contest, so that there is enough to go around. Then, just bring your unmarked crockpot to the Common Room by 11:15 a.m. sharp and check in.

Everyone is invited to eat chili between 11:45 a.m. and 1 p.m. You do not need to compete to enjoy. Toppings, sides and desserts will also be provided. Awards will be presented at noon.

Proceeds will benefit our students in Jamaica.

Donations now accepted for Taylor Richmond benefit, auction

The beneficiary for the 2014 Taylor Richmond Benefit is Jason Richter.

Richter is well known to the Saint Mary’s community as he worked at the university from 1998 to 2010 as the Student Activities director, and as such he was responsible for overseeing this benefit.

Richter was diagnosed with multiple myeloma last summer. He had pain in his lower back that turned out to be a mass, hindering the flow of liquids in his spinal cord. This is a disease that is more commonly found in people around the age of 60; because of his young age, he has responded well to treatments. He has undergone 10 radiation sessions, as well as recent bone and stem cell transplants. On top of that, the Richter family lives an hour away from the hospital Jason is receiving treatment at in Iowa City.

Although now in remission, Richter is still undergoing chemotherapy treatments. This year’s proceeds will assist his family, which includes three young sons, with their medical expenses and travel costs.

The silent auction will be March 13-14. Donations for the auction are now being accepted. Past items have consisted of: all-expense paid trips, electronics, dinners, themed baskets, tickets to sporting or music events and gift cards.

The benefit has become an annual tradition since its start in 2001 by students in honor of Taylor Richmond, son of SMU staff member Nikki Richmond and Nick Richmond. Each year this event benefits continues to help someone in need who has ties to the SMU community.

Donations for the silent auction or monetary donations to help with cost of dance or supplements for the silent auction can be sent to Hannah Friedrich at Box 1090.

Baseball team examines relationships with God, self and others on retreat

The baseball team and coaches spent Jan. 17-19 on retreat in Watters Hall. For three days, the athletes examined more deeply their relationship with their God, self and others.

The retreat was coordinated and facilitated by the Christian Brothers on campus, as well as Brother Armand Alcazar, a theologian from Lewis University, near Chicago.

The theme of the retreat revolved around relationships and was based on the two commandments from Matthew 22: 37–40,  “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”

The retreat included three presentations by Brother Armand, large- and small-group discussions, morning and evening prayer and reflections, journaling, meals in Watters Hall (and one at the Brothers’ residence), a film, a two-hour service project at the YMCA, a block of free time on Saturday afternoon, and an affirmation service.

These types of experiences set Saint Mary’s apart as the only Lasallian Catholic University in the State of Minnesota.

Sympathy to Wiltgen family

Leonard Wiltgen, the father of Nancy Wiltgen ’75, J.D. (Development), died Thursday, Jan. 23. He was also the business manager at Saint Mary’s in the 1950s and the younger brother of long-time Saint Mary's coach and teacher Ken Wiltgen.

The Saint Mary’s community extends its sympathy to the Wiltgen family.

Brother Louis, other Christian Brothers leaders to be honored

Brother Louis DeThomasis, president emeritus of Saint Mary’s, will be honored Thursday, Feb. 13, at a special event at the university’s Twin Cities campus.

The event will include a dedication of Brother Louis Hall, formerly Park Avenue North (PAN). In addition, Brother Louis and four other Christian Brothers who have served as presidents at institutions throughout the nation will be recognized and presented with honorary doctorates. The event is scheduled to begin at 4:45 p.m. in the Saint Mary’s University Center, 2540 Park Ave. S., Minneapolis. The indoor ceremony will be followed by a reception with light refreshments.

During a 21-year tenure that began in 1984, Brother Louis helped increase Saint Mary’s enrollment from 1,400 students to more than 5,000. He also oversaw expansion from a single Winona campus to locations in the Twin Cities, Rochester and Nairobi, Kenya. By 1996, graduate school enrollment had grown dramatically, and Twin Cities Business named Saint Mary’s the “Best College Turnaround” for that year. The Saint Mary’s University Schools of Graduate and Professional Programs have continued to build upon the strong foundation that was established 30 years ago under the leadership of Brother Louis.

The four other Christian Brothers to be recognized include:

• Brother Mel Anderson, FSC, past president of Saint Mary's College of California
• Brother James Gaffney, FSC, president of Lewis University (Ill.)
• Brother Michael McGinniss, FSC, president of La Salle University (Pa.), past president of Christian Brothers University (Tenn.)
• Brother Thomas Scanlan, FSC, past president of Manhattan College (N.Y.), past vice chancellor of Bethlehem University (Palestine)

Together the five have served more than 125 years as leaders of Christian Brothers institutions that follow a heritage of innovative, student-centered education.

News from Nairobi

Father Michael Kirwen displays a copy of Professor Laurenti Magesa’s latest book “What is not sacred? African Spirituality” Magesa is a faculty member and has lectured at MIAS since 1989.

By James Chege
Librarian at the Maryknoll Institute of African Studies

Second Semester Begins at MIAS

Jan. 17 was the official opening day of the second semester 2013-2014 academic year at the Maryknoll Institute of African Studies. As is required, the new and continuing students assembled in the main hall for an orientation session conducted by the program director Father Michael Kirwen and the assistant directors Denis Odinga and Dr. Edith Chamwama.

At the orientation exercise, emphasis was laid on the unique MIAS method that attaches high importance to field research. This allows students to discuss first-hand what they learn in class and read in books about African culture and more importantly it facilitates an in-depth understanding of their own cultural realities.

Following the orientation, the first field research workshop was conducted. In order to equip the students with skills needed when going about their field research, the workshop focused on data gathering methods with particular emphasis on stream-of-consciousness oral interviews and participant observation.

Brother Peter Iorlano visiting Saint Mary’s

Brother Peter Iorlano, an English teacher and coordinator of institutional values at Bethlehem University, is visiting Saint Mary’s for the next five weeks as part of his sabbatical.

Brother Peter is a member of the District of Eastern North America. While on sabbatical, he spent five weeks at Lewis University and five weeks at La Salle University. And in the spring he will visit a Jesuit university, St. Joseph’s, in Lebanon. He also recently hosted a group of SMU and Lewis students and staff who were on a Holy Land social justice pilgrimage over the Christmas break.

During his time at Saint Mary’s, Brother Peter is connecting with faculty, staff and administrators. He is particularly looking at what is going on in campus ministry and mission offices, and in the areas of Lasallian formation. He is interested in seing how he can  incorporate what other Lasallian schools are doing into his work at Bethlehem University, where he is responsible for the pastoral care of faculty and students as well as mission integration. “I’ve have the opportunity, after nine years at Bethlehem University, to look at what I’ve been doing and what can be done in the context of a Lasallian Catholic university in a predominantly Muslim culture,” he said. He will depart Saint Mary’s on Feb. 22.

Page Series event Jan. 28 brings favorite stories to life

Theatreworks USA will perform “Teacher From the Black Lagoon and Other Storybooks” Tuesday, Jan. 28, as part of the Page Series.

The event will begin at 6:30 p.m. in Page Theatre.

Introducing children to the wonderful world of live theatre is something Theatreworks USA knows about. For 50 years they have brought together some of the finest young talent and seasoned professionals to tour the country, bringing literature to life on stage.

This production is a new musical adaptation of seven story books including “The Teacher From The Black Lagoon,” “Dogzilla,” “Grumpy Bird,” “I Want My Hat Back,” “Lily’s Purple Plastic Purse,” “Love Splat (Splat The Cat),” and “The Grasshopper And The Ant.” These classics are on every child’s must-read story list.

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

A gathering at the Winona Public Library is planned for 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 25. Everyone is invited to a reading of the seven storybooks to be featured in the Jan. 28 performance. Tickets to the Page Series performance will be given away.

Leung, Heukeshoven recruit in La Crosse

Dr. David Leung and Dr. Janet Heukeshoven, Music Department, visited La Crosse Logan High School last week to recruit music students. They played duets, talked to the students about the music program and practice methods, and Dr. Leung conducted the string orchestra rehearsal.  

Faculty display works at current art exhibition

Faculty members of the Department of Art and Design have joined talents for the current art exhibit, on display through March 8 in the Lillian Davis Hogan Galleries.

The show features new works — ranging from sculpture to photography — by Lisa Truax, Matt Winkler, Preston Lawing, Rob McColl, Rod Robertson and Tony Calabrese.

Gallery hours are 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily, and the show is free and open to the public.

SMU 10K event scheduled for Jan. 26

This year’s SMU 10K cross-country ski races will be held on Sunday, Jan. 26, at Saint Mary’s.
The public is invited to the classic-style citizens’ ski event at 11 a.m., while the 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. The cost to participate is $10 for one race or $20 for both races.

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

For more information, or to pre-register online, go to www.saintmaryssports.com.

Area students invited to submit ideas for contest

The Kabara Institute for Entrepreneurial Studies and the Business Department of Saint Mary’s University are offering an Elevator Pitch Business Idea Contest.

All high school students who have ideas for starting a new business are encouraged to enter.

Winners will receive $1,000 in prize money, Saint Mary’s University scholarships and many other prizes.

Contestants will create an idea for a new business and answer a brief series of questions about that idea. Entries must be submitted online by Feb. 15. For complete information and a contest entry form, go to www.smumn.edu/businessidea.

Winners will be announced before March 1. For more information, e-mail Dr. Tom Marpe at tmarpe@smumn.edu or call Ext. 6963.

Cardinal Plunge Feb. 8 to raise money for Ellinghuysen family

Brave souls and warm hearts are invited to join Saint Mary’s University for the fifth annual “Cardinal Plunge” 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 8, at the Lake Lodge Recreation Center, in coordination with the Winter Carnival Goose Bump Jump.

This year, Cardinal Plunge participants will be freezin’ for a reason. Proceeds will be given to SMU junior Conner Ellinghuysen’s father, Robert Ellinghuysen of Winona. Robert was hit head-on in a collision in June 2012 along Highway 14 in Stockton. He underwent numerous surgeries and lengthy hospital stays. Proceeds will help the Ellinghuysen family with ongoing medical expenses and other family needs. A silent auction will also be held. Cash donations and items can be brought to the SMU Alumni Office.

The cost to plunge is $20 ($15 for the SMU community). This event is sponsored by the Saint Mary’s Future Alumni Committee.

Pre-register online at www.mysmumn.org/plunge2014. For more information, contact Kenzie Corrow at (507) 995-4863 or Conner Ellinghuysen at (507) 429-7960.

Chamber Music Concert scheduled for Feb. 7

The Saint Thomas Trio Chamber Music Concert will be held 7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 7, in Figliulo Recital Hall. The event, sponsored by the Department of Music, will feature Winona State University musicians Dr. Woobin Kim on piano and Dr. Dan Sheridan on clarinet, along with Dr. David Leung from Saint Mary’s on viola. The performance is free and open to the public and will include music by Mozart, Schumann and Bruch.

Tickets sold out for Ladysmith Black Mambazo; waiting list will be available

At this time there are no tickets available for the Page Series Ladysmith Black Mambazo performance Tuesday, Feb. 11, in Page Theatre.

The performance begins at 7:30 p.m. Some tickets will become available at the door the night of the performance. A waiting list will begin at 6:30 p.m. the night of the show. Tickets are $27 for adults, $24 for seniors and students.

The Singers to premiere work by Dr. O’Shea

The Twin Cities-based choral ensemble, “The Singers,” will perform in Winona as part of its 10th anniversary legacy tour.

The group will perform music by Mortin Lauridsen and Benjamin Britten, as well as beloved American folk songs and spirituals. The event will also include the premiere of a work by Dr. Patrick O’Shea (Music Department) commemorating the lives lost in the tragic school shooting in Connecticut.

Under the direction of Matthew Culloton, The Singers will perform at 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 2, at Chapel of Saint Mary of the Angels, 1155 W. Wabasha St. The concert is free and is funded, in part, by Minnesota arts and cultural heritage fund as appropriated by the Minnesota State Legislature with money from the Legacy Amendment vote of the people of Minnesota on Nov. 4, 2008.

Tickets are available at the SMU Box Office, Ext. 1715, Monday through Friday or at the door.

SMU news

Here are just some of the ways SMU has made headlines recently:

• The Winona Daily News featured stories on one of the Dr. Martin Luther King events on campus in “Let Freedom Ring” on Jan. 21. Read it online at http://bit.ly/1g5wFio.

• An interview Dave Dicke from HBC conducted with Eric Heukeshoven about his recent trip to Cuba can be found online at http://youtu.be/YcOPiPzr07g.

• On Jan. 17, the Rochester Post Bulletin profiled a women’s basketball player in “Auseth gets defensive with Saint Mary’s.” Read it at http://bit.ly/1mkpqDJ.

Seebach presents on use of E-folios

Dr. Elizabeth Seebach, Psychology Department, presented “Using E-folios for Developmental Advising” at the National Institute on the Teaching of Psychology on Jan. 4.

Chili cookoff will warm up cold winter

In what has become one of the hottest competitions at Saint Mary’s, the annual SMU Chili Cookoff is scheduled for Friday, Feb. 21.

No beans about it, the Volunteer Committee believes this is a great fundraiser.

All faculty and staff are invited to submit their award-winning chili and vie for the golden ladle. Prizes will be awarded to the top three entries, and all competitors will get SMU shirts.

Let Deb Nahrgang (Ext. 6966 or dnahrgan@smumn.edu) know if you plan to enter the contest, so that there is enough to go around. Then, just bring your unmarked crockpot to the Common Room by 11:15 a.m. sharp and check in.

Everyone is invited to eat chili between 11:45 a.m. and 1 p.m. You do not need to compete to enjoy. Toppings, sides and desserts will also be provided. Awards will be presented at noon.

Proceeds will benefit our presence in Jamaica.