Brother William Mann named 13th president of Saint Mary's University

Brother William Mann, FSC, D.Min.

The Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota Board of Trustees announced Thursday, Dec. 13, that Brother William Mann, FSC, D.Min., has been named the 13th president of the university. Mann will begin his term of office on June 1, 2008.

Mann, 60, is the former Vicar General of the De La Salle Christian Brothers. As Vicar General, he was the second-highest officer of the international Catholic teaching order that comprises 5,300 Christian Brothers, working in association with 73,000 lay educators to operate 930 schools and universities serving 900,000 students in 82 countries.
Read more...

Chancellor Brother Louis DeThomasis, FSC, Ph.D., has led Saint Mary’s University this past year during the national search for a new president. DeThomasis reassumed the duties of president in February, 2007, after previously serving Saint Mary’s for 21 years in that capacity.

DeThomasis said “Saint Mary’s is so fortunate to have as its new president an internationally recognized educational leader. Brother William Mann is also a renowned Lasallian scholar, who will enhance our vision and mission as a Lasallian institution of higher education.”

DeThomasis added that Mann’s “vast international experience will advance our efforts to bring global education to our students. His experience with multicultural, diverse populations allows him to offer a unique gift to our university setting, and brings a new dimension to the intellectual and spiritual life of students and faculty.”

“We are delighted with the international reputation and stature of our new president,” said Michael Meagher, chairman of the Saint Mary’s Board of Trustees. “The board was impressed with his wisdom, sensitivity, and obvious commitment and dedication to education.”

Mann has spent almost 30 years traveling around the country and the world as a leader in the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools, and as a guiding force in the evolution of the Lasallian educational global network.

“I am excited at the opportunity to focus my experience and passion for the Lasallian educational mission at Saint Mary’s University,” Mann said. He noted that “the many facets of Saint Mary’s are interesting and inspiring, and I believe the university is well-positioned to continue doing great good” within the society of the 21st century.

Mann served in Rome from 2000-07 as Vicar General, a leader with far-ranging responsibilities within the international governance structure of the De La Salle Christian Brothers.

A native of New York City, Mann joined the Christian Brothers in 1965. He began his career as an English and religion teacher, working from 1970-79 at two Christian Brother high schools in New York and Rhode Island. He then held positions directing Christian Brother formation for the Long Island-New England Province and USA/Toronto Region, and from 1990-96 he was International Secretary of Formation in Rome. He later served as Delegate Superior for India, and as Provincial for the LI-NE Province, which operates 10 educational institutions in New York City and Rhode Island.

Mann has also been an organizer, member, delegate and presenter for numerous Lasallian commissions and symposiums. He was a member of the boards of several Christian Brother schools in New York and Rhode Island, and he served on the Saint Mary’s Board of Trustees from 1996-2001.

Mann is a noted scholar and writer on the life and teachings of John Baptist de La Salle, founder of the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools and the patron saint of educators. He has authored and edited numerous publications examining De La Salle’s writings and spirituality, putting them into context for Lasallian educators in today’s world.

Mann’s educational background includes a B.A. in English Literature from The Catholic University of America, an M.A. in Liberal Studies - Literature from State University of New York at Stony Brook, an M.A. in Spirituality from Salve Regina University, and a Doctor of Ministry degree in Family Ministry from Colgate Rochester Divinity School.

The Kabara Institute to host student competition

All SMU Winona campus full-time undergraduates are encouraged to submit business plans for a student-run, on-campus business, hosted by the Kabara Institute for Entrepreneurial Studies. Proposals may be submitted by individuals or by groups of no more than three students. There is a limit of two proposals per student.

Each proposal should include:
• a concept statement
• anticipated startup costs
• a preliminary marketing plan
• potential suppliers and/or manufacturing processes (as applicable)
• a discussion of operating considerations (staffing, operating hours, etc.)
• pro-forma financial statements for the first year of operation
• contact information for the individuals submitting the proposal

Read more...
Entries will be evaluated based on the quality of the proposal and its feasibility, ability to involve students in the operation of the business, and creativity.

The business may not directly compete with services or products offered by the campus Barnes and Noble Bookstore or Chartwells. Plans which call for implementation of illegal or unethical practices will not be considered. Winning proposals become property of SMU and may be implemented at the university’s discretion.

Deadline for submissions is Feb. 1, 2008. Prizes totaling $1,500 will be awarded for meritorious qualifying projects: $900 for first place; $400 for second place; and $200 for third place. Winners will be honored and will make a presentation at the SMU Chicago Convention at the end of February.

Questions and proposals should be directed to
Teresa Speck, Campus Box 56, Ext. 1449 or tspeck@smumn.edu.

Bible Art Exhibit on display at Cathedral in Winona

Rob McColl of the Department of Art & Design and a member of Christians in the Visual Arts (CIVA), was instrumental in bringing a CIVA exhibit of Bible images to the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Winona. The exhibit is a collection of about 40 molas depicting Bible scenes. Molas are the native art form of the woman of the San Blas Island off of Panama. They are textile panels that traditionally serve as the main part of the blouses that the women wear.

The Cathedral of the Sacred Heart has recently undergone a dramatic renovation to bring it more in line with the Catholic Church’s guidelines on liturgical spaces. Among the changes is a new gathering space. The Rector of the Cathedral approached Dr. Eileen Daily, Theology Department, during the summer about collaborating on a way to make visual art a regular part of the space. Look for news about future exhibitions of religious art at the Cathedral in this space.
Read more...

The Cathedral is open most days from about 9 until 3. People are welcome to enter the gathering space from the Central Street entrance and view the exhibit and read more about the Kuna Indian women. The works are accompanied by reflection questions that make this a lovely advent or Christmas reflection for the whole family. The descriptions are printed in English and Spanish. The Cathedral wants the town to know that the molas are there for everyone to enjoy, not just Catholics. If you want to bring a group from your church, please call the Cathedral rectory to arrange a time. Or for more information contact Daily at Ext. 1743.

Free massages available at Wellness Center

Student Health Services in the Jay Johnson Wellness Center, with financial support from SAC, will be offering free head and neck massages today for students studying for finals.

Call Ext. 1492 for an appointment. Appointments are limited.

Jazz events

Swing Inc. with Eric Heukeshoven performs Saturday, Dec. 15, at the Waterfront in La Crosse and 6:30 to 10:3 p.m. Dec. 31 at Signatures in Winona.

The John Paulson Jazz Quartet performs 7:30 to 11:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 15, at the Canadian Honker in Rochester.

Christmas dinner is Dec. 18

The annual faculty and staff Christmas dinner will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 18. The event begins at 6 p.m. in the dining room of the Toner Student Center. Dinner will be served at 7 p.m.

Maloney named first provost at Marian College

Dr. Daniel Maloney, former Saint Mary’s University administrator, has been named the first provost of Marian College, Fond du Lac, Wis., effective Jan. 1. Dr. Maloney has served at Marian since 2001; he is currently a tenured faculty member in the School of Education’s graduate program in Leadership Studies. He is also president of the Faculty Senate.

Dr. Maloney previously served at Saint Mary’s University in many high-level administrative capacities, including executive vice president, vice president at the Twin Cities campus, vice president for student development, and vice president for finance and administration.

Reminder: last ‘Campus Notes’ until next year

Look ahead on your calendars. The next issue of “Campus Notes” will be Jan. 11. The deadline is Wednesday, Jan. 9.

Sympathy to Connor family

Bill Connor, brother of Robert Connor, associate dean for London and Florence Programs and associate professor of theology, died Wednesday, Dec. 5.

Funeral services were held in Peterborough, N.H. Notes of sympathy can be sent to Bob at campus box 55.

Sympathy to McClean family

Philip McClean, a Saint Mary’s physics teacher and graduate office administrator in the late ’60s and early ’70s, died Oct. 11 in Bethesda, Md.

Save the date for October symposium featuring author Sylvia Nasar

The Faculty Development Committee and the Symposium Planning Committee, with support from the Office of the Provost and the vice president for academic affairs, announce a symposium titled “Global Citizenship: Teaching and Learning for the 21st Century” to be held at Saint Mary’s Winona campus, Oct. 30-31, 2008. Presentations and participants from surrounding colleges/universities and community organizations are planned over the better part of the two days.

The keynote speaker will be Dr. Sylvia Nasar of Columbia University, New York and author of “A Beautiful Mind.” Dr. Nasar will speak in regard to the history and impact of economic globalization on the evening of Oct. 30.

These events are currently scheduled for the Common Room, third floor Saint Mary’s.

Saint Mary’s concert features jazz, percussion ensembles

Saint Mary’s will host an evening of rhythmic jazz and the unique ethnic sounds of Batucada Nossa Senhora, beginning at 7:30 p.m. today, Dec. 7, at Page Theatre.

The 18-piece Saint Mary’s Jazz Ensemble and Jazz Combo I, under the direction of Dr. John Paulson, will burn away any thoughts of snow when they perform with Wisconsin vocalist and swing singer Judi K.
Read more...

Her two recordings, “It’s Been A Long, Long Time” and “I’m Nobody’s Baby,” featured the talents of Jim Beebe, Jethro Burns, Truck Parham, Connie Jones and tenor-saxophonist Franz Jackson.

The SMU big band’s set with Judi K will include an arrangement of Irving Mill’s ever-popular “Moonglow” and Johnny Mercer’s “I Remember You.” Judi will also jam with Jazz Combo I on Ellington’s famous tune “Don’t Get Around Much Anymore.” Dave Wolpe arranged all of these pieces. Other soloists with the big band include alto saxophonist Vanessa Grams performing a Mike Tomaro arrangement of Thelonius Monk’s haunting melody “’Round Midnight.” Tenor saxophonist Tony Freeman will solo on several selections with the jazz combo as well as the big band, including “Cold Duck” by Eddie Harris, arranged by Mark Taylor, and Horace Silver’s uptempo tune “Sister Sadie,” arranged by Bryan Kidd.

The SMU Jazz Ensemble and Jazz Combo I will tour the Twin Cities in January, and then attend the International Association of Jazz Educators’ Convention in Toronto, Ont., Jan. 9-13.

Also during the evening of Dec. 7, the SMU Jazz Ensemble, Jazz Combo, and the voice of Judi K will all join forces with Batucada Nossa Senhora (percussion ensemble of our lady). The ethnic drum group, under the direction of Denny McGuire, will warm your hearts with two forms of Maracatu from Bahia in Northeastern Brazil, a West African drum medley from the Ewe people of Ghana, and a set of Sambas from Brazil.

Tickets are $6 for adults and $4 for students and seniors. Tickets are available by calling the Box Office, Ext. 1715, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, or online at www.pagetheatre.org.

Patronal Feast to be celebrated today in the Chapel

Today, Dec. 7, the campus community will celebrate the Patronal Feast Mass at 12:10 p.m. in the Chapel. All faculty, staff and students are invited to attend.

Pre-Finals Breakfast scheduled for Dec. 13

The Office of the Provost and Chartwells Food Service will again sponsor the Pre-Finals Christmas Breakfast for students.

All faculty are invited to participate in this event. The breakfast will be served in the Toner Center Dining Room on Thursday, Dec. 13, from 10-11:30 p.m. This popular event is usually attended by at least 650 students. About 30 faculty and staff assist with cooking, serving, and cleaning up. By tradition, second-year full-time faculty are asked to help cook from 9-10:30 p.m. First-year full-time faculty are asked to cook and clean up from 10:15-11:45 p.m. However, all faculty and staff are welcome to participate in this festive event.

Christmas carols and a visit from Santa are planned.

Christmas light service nears; singers, musicians needed

Singers and musicians are needed for this year’s Christmas Light Service, on Thursday, Dec. 13, at 9 p.m. in Saint Thomas More Chapel. The Christmas Light Service is a Saint Mary’s tradition in which the community gathers to hear the nativity story, sing Christmas carols and light candles. The event concludes around 10 p.m. There will be a rehearsal at 4 p.m. on Tuesday afternoon, Dec. 11, and a 7:30 p.m. final rehearsal will be held on Dec. 13. Contact Rebecca Sallee in the Office of Campus Ministry to sign up or for more details.

Gifts due back to SMU Gifts for Winona trees on Dec. 13

Gifts are due back to the SMU Gifts for Winona trees by Dec. 13. Monetary donations are still being accepted; please make the check payable to SMU and send to Gifts for Winona, Box #8 or drop off at the Student Service windows. This year SMU is helping more than 1,550 people have a happier holiday season. Look for our students, faculty and staff this weekend at Kmart and Shopko from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., where they’ll be wrapping presents!

Theatre department hosts student performances

Upcoming Theatre Department student events include:

• Sunday, Dec. 9, 3 p.m. (Valéncia Arts Center Theatre), “Duck Variations” by David Mamet (directed by Andrew Winecke ’08); and “Cowboy Mouth“ by Sam Shepard (directed by Walt Claassen ’08)
• Monday, Dec. 10, 7 p.m. Senior Portfolio Display (Performance Center Lobby)
• Monday, Dec. 10, 7:30 p.m., Acting and Musical Theatre Showcase (Figliulo Recital Hall)

Donate to Toys for Teens collection next week

Donate a toy for a needy teen this holiday season. The Cardinal Athletic Council will be collecting toys during lunch and dinner hours in the Toner Student Center foyer for Toys for Teens. They will accept donations until Saturday, Dec. 15.

McCullough edits documentary about U Sam Oeur

Ken McCullough, PASS program, Academic Advising, was recently in New York for three days to help edit the documentary “Song of the Dove,” about Cambodian writer U Sam Oeur. McCullough's participation was sponsored by the Martin Foundation, New Mexico.

Jazz events

Swing Inc., including Eric Heukeshoven, performs 7 to 11 p.m. Friday, Dec. 7, at the Canadian Honker in Rochester.

The John Paulson Jazz Quartet performs 7:30 to 11:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 15, at the Canadian Honker in Rochester.