Alumni Association welcomes Brother William Mann

The following letter was written to Brother William Mann on behalf of the Alumni Association Board of Directors:

“On behalf of the Alumni Association Board of Directors, congratulations on your new position as our president and welcome to Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota!
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“Throughout your journey over the years, you have had to make many career decisions that not only impacted your own life but the lives of many others. Whenever one makes these decisions, it is only natural to wonder, ‘What does the future hold for me and for others with this decision?’ The answer to this question as it pertains to Saint Mary’s is actually pretty simple.

“You will enjoy the spirit, creativity, dedication, and loyalty of a community of people that truly feel blessed to call Saint Mary’s their ‘home away from home.’ You will enjoy the attitude of a community that says, ‘We may be small, but we’ll go toe to toe with anybody!’ You will enjoy the pride of a community that never settles for just anything. You will enjoy the friendship of a community that looks after their own brothers and sisters. You will enjoy seeing the immediate impact of your leadership on the faces of people every day.

“And finally, you will enjoy having us, the Alumni Association Board of Directors, as your ‘go to’ group to accomplish the things that need to be accomplished for this great institution that we are so very proud to be a part of.

“We’re can’t wait to get started moving forward with you! —The Alumni Association Board of Directors: Bill Herzog ’70, president; Doug Luebbe ’81; Nate Semsch ’04; John Domanico ’77, president-elect; Grace McNamara ’77; Matthew Sheasby ’88; Jim Hoey ’74; Debbie Monahan ’98; Angela Steger ’76; Pam Joachim ’77; Molly Murphy ’97; Dr. Tim Tyre ’69; Elizabeth Kinsella ’93; Bo Rettig ’77; Bill Van Meter ’71; Meg Richtman ’97, executive director; and Joe Sweeney ’81, vice president for development & alumni relations.

Saint Mary's to offer courses in Minnetonka

Saint Mary’s will offer courses in Minnetonka beginning in January 2008. The university’s Schools of Graduate and Professional Programs (SGPP) in Minneapolis is leasing classroom and office space in Ridge Plaza, located on Highway 394 straight north of Ridgedale Mall.

The 7,600-square-foot addition to Saint Mary’s University will initially be used for Bachelor of Science in Marketing degree completion programs and Master of Arts in Business Administration classes.  The site will be referred to as Minnetonka Center.

“The rapidly growing enrollment in our Schools of Graduate and Professional Programs has resulted in a considerable need for more Twin Cities classroom and office space,” said Brother Chancellor Louis DeThomasis. “Minnetonka is an excellent location for us to bring education closer to students in the west metro area.”

‘SMU 10K’ citizens classic ski is Jan. 27 at Saint Mary’s

Saint Mary’s is inviting the public to the annual “SMU 10K” classic ski event on Saturday, Jan. 27.

“We’re very fortunate to have an excellent trail system here that is both scenic, as well as challenging,” said Chris Kendall, vice president for student development. “And this year we actually have snow.”
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The classic-style citizens ski event will wind through the bluffs and valleys of SMU’s trails.

The event is open to all individuals, with a mass start slated for 1 p.m. Pre-registration is encouraged. On-site registration will begin at 11 a.m. at the Toner Student Center. The race is free to SMU students, faculty, staff, alumni and family members. The cost for the general public is $15 in advance or $20 the day of the event. Each skier receives a souvenir race bib and a completion medal. Medals will be awarded to the top finishers — male and female — in two categories: open class and recreational class.

Weather permitting, a hot air balloon launch will mark the start of the race.

For more information or to receive a registration form, call Peggy Walters at Ext. 1640. Visit the “SMU 10K” website at: http://saintmaryssports.com.

Page Series hosts Saint Petersburg Ballet Theatre

The world-renowned Saint Petersburg Ballet Theatre will stage the passionate tragedy of “Carmen” — a story of forbidden love, jealousy and murder — Jan. 24 at Saint Mary’s.

The performance, part of SMU’s Page Series, will begin at 7:30 p.m. in Page Theatre.
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Founded in 1966 by Peter Gusev, the Saint Petersburg Ballet Theatre was the first of its kind in Russia. The professional company is one of few ballet companies in Russia (along with the Kirov and the Bolshoi State and Academic Ballet Theatres) that has been given the title of “State and Academic Ballet,” the highest official status and honor by the Russian government. In December 2000, the celebrated choreographer Yuri Petukhov became the company’s artistic director.

In the upcoming performance of “Carmen,” a soldier, Don Jose, abandons his regiment to run away with the beautiful gypsy Carmen. When the cards foretell of her and Don Jose’s deaths, she abandons him and runs to the bullfighter Escamillo. At the bullfight in Seville, Don Jose finds Carmen alone and begs her to run away with him. She insists their love affair is over and that she now loves Escamillo. In a rage, Don Jose murders Carmen as the crowd inside the bullring cheers Escamillo.

Tickets are $22, $16 for seniors and $14 for students and are available by calling the SMU Box Office, Ext. 1715, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, or online at www.pagetheatre.org.

Make it dinner and a show. Pre-show dinners are provided by Chartwells Catering. Seating begins at 6:30 p.m. in the Toner Student Center. Adult dinners cost $20 and include chicken, beef, and vegetarian options, along with beverages and dessert. Bottles of wine may be purchased for an extra fee. Children’s dinners cost $12 and include mac-n-cheese or chicken fingers with sides, beverages, and dessert. Orders will be accepted up to three days prior to the event; order online or by phone.

Plans set for Candlelight 2008 at Saint Mary's University

Candlelight 2008 committee members including, front, from left: Ann Merchlewitz, Laura Eddy; back, Stacey Mounce-Arnold and Laura Feller begin preparations for this year’s event, to be held Feb. 9, at Saint Mary’s University. Not pictured is Cindy Marek.



Groove back to the funky era of flower power — a time when saddle shoes and poodle skirts were replaced by go-go boots and mini skirts — during Candlelight 2008 at Saint Mary’s.

The social evening, to be held on Saturday, Feb. 9, is a community-wide event, hosted biennially by the university. Formerly a fund-raiser, Candlelight is now simply a fun evening, a celebration of the university and a thank you to the community for its support.
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This year’s theme, “Candlelight, Outta Sight” will come to life in a brightly colored tie-dyed theme, complete with 45 RPM records and, of course, candlelight.

The evening will begin with hors d’oeuvres and cocktails at 6 p.m. in the lounge, followed by a five-course gourmet dinner in the dining hall. A highlight of the evening will include cabaret entertainment by SMU theatre and music students who will perform a variety of favorites from the ’60s and early ’70s by the Beatles, the Monkeys, John Denver, the Carpenters, and many more. Candlelight attendees will then dance the night away to the seven-piece Diane Martinson Band.

The cost of the evening is $75 per person or $140 per couple. Dress is formal attire, and valet parking and coat check services will be available.

If you have questions about Candlelight, call Jo Nesler, Ext. 1664.

Chicago Convention planned for Feb. 29-March 1

Mark your calendars for Feb. 29 and March 1, as Saint Mary’s faculty, staff, students and Christian Brothers will once again hit the road to reconnect with alumni and friends, meet prospective students and share our SMU with Chicago.

The next Chicago Convention will be held at the Westin Chicago Northwest in Itasca, Ill. For more details, go to www.smumn.edu/convention.

Kabara business competition deadline is Feb. 1

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
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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.

Deadline for submissions is Feb. 1. 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.

SMU Oldie Moldies to perform at Visions Feb. 1

The Oldie Moldie All-Stars from Saint Mary’s will perform a live and lively dinner show Friday, Feb. 1, at Visions Event Center.

Rock along to your favorite ’50s, ’60s and ’70s tunes, while you enjoy a menu of garden salad, grilled 6-ounce sirloin, roasted garlic mashed potatoes, green beans and carrots, béarnaise sauce, rolls and butter, and frosted marble cake.
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The Oldies are all members of the national music fraternity Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia at SMU. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., and dinner will be served at 7 p.m. The Oldies will perform two sets, one at 6:30 p.m., and a second at 7:45 p.m.

The price for the dinner and show is $25 per person; reservations can be made by calling Signatures at (507) 454-3767. Payment is by either credit card with the reservation or by only cash or check at the door. The reservation deadline is Jan. 30.

Visions Event Center is located at Signatures Restaurant, 22852 County Road 17 in Pleasant Valley.

Saint Mary’s jazz groups tour to Toronto Jan. 9-13

The 16-piece Saint Mary’s University Jazz Ensemble and Jazz Combo I — under the direction of Dr. John Paulson — are attending the 35th annual International Association of Jazz Educators’ Convention in Toronto, Canada this week.

The IAJE Convention includes concerts and clinics by the top student and professional jazz groups from around the world, in addition to numerous exhibits and a music industry track.

Along the way, the students will perform at Rochester Lourdes High School, Cannon Falls High School and Hill-Murray High School in Woodbury.

The tour is sponsored by the Saint Mary’s Music Department and the SMU Music Industry Club. Additional SMU faculty joining the tour include Eric Heukeshoven, Brett Huus and James Knutson.

SMU faculty join forces for ‘Ignes Fatui’ art show

Eight Saint Mary’s University art faculty members will join forces for the next exhibit, “Ignes Fatui,” in SMU’s Lillian Davis Hogan Galleries.

“Ignes Fatui” describes the diversity of work to be displayed by Preston Lawing, Robert McColl, Sister Margaret Mear, Brother Roderick Robertson, Charles Campbell, Randi Campbell, Michelle Cochran, and John Whelan, M.D.

The exhibit will run Jan. 16 through Feb. 17 with an opening reception from 4 to 6 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 16 at the galleries. Admission is free and open to the public, and gallery hours are 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.

Library adds 570 new items

A total of 570 new items were added to the Fitzgerald Library collection during Fall 2007, including 84 media items and 486 books. These items cover a wide variety of topics, from youth ministry to radiation dosimetry, tiger conservation to tallgrass restoration, particle physics to medical ethics, Supreme Court to tennis court, power of police to power of play, Ludwig Beethoven to Dr. Dre. For a complete list of new items added during Fall 2007, go to http://www2.smumn.edu/deptpages/~wlibrary/lib%20web/lib_about/newitems/newitems2007fall.htm

Next ‘Let’s Do Lunch’ dates announced

Mark your calendars for the next Let’s Do Lunch events. Proceeds continue to benefit SMU faculty and staff who were affected by the August flood.

• Jan. 31 — Super Bowl theme — hosted by academic advising and study skills
• Feb. 21 — Chili cookoff; all faculty and staff are invited to compete for prizes

Sobolewski contributes to ‘New York Times’ article

Dr. Greg Sobolewski, director of the Institute of Pastoral Ministries, was interviewed for a New York Times article titled, “A New Emphasis for the Ministry: Management Skills.”
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Brother Louis named to Marian College Board of Trustees

Marian College in Fond du Lac, Wis., has named Brother Louis DeThomasis as one of 12 new members of its board of trustees. Brother Louis assumed his duties Oct. 10.

Battle of the Bands is Jan. 26

The next Battle of the Bands will be held Jan. 26. Awards ranging from $100 to $500 will be given. Interested students should contact Alex Downes-Borowski at madown04@smumn.edu for an application before Jan. 18. The application fee is $25; all bands must audition Jan. 19.

Sister activists to share stories

Two Dominican nuns, Sisters Carol Gilbert and Ardeth Platte, will visit Saint Mary’s on Thursday, Jan. 24, to share their experiences as activists. The event will take place from 3:15-4:30 p.m., in the Common Room, 3rd floor Saint Mary’s Hall, and is open to faculty, staff and students, as well as the public. Sisters Carol and Ardeth were arrested for an act of civil disobedience at a Minuteman missile site in Colorado, and served 33 and 41 months in federal prison. A film about their experience, “Conviction,” will be featured at the Frozen River Film Festival, 5 p.m., Friday Jan. 25. Contact Ken McCullough at Ext. 8737 for more information.

Congratulations to Huegel family

Benji (Business Department) and Joanna Huegel have adopted a girl, Kaityn Isabella. Kaityn was born on Nov. 17, 2006, and has been with the Huegels as a foster child since March 7, 2007. The SMU community extends its congratulations to the Huegel family.

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.
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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

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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.
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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.