Watch for SMU float in Goodview Days Parade

As part of our community visibility initiative, SMU will participate in the Goodview Days Parade at 1 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 18. Watch for a large group of resident assistants who will represent Saint Mary’s and hand out SMU sunglasses!

Father Fabian named Lasallian Scholar in Residence

Father Andrew Fabian has been named a Lasallian Scholar in Residence at Saint Mary’s and as such will retain his office on the Winona campus. Father Fabian will be available this fall to tutor students and will continue his valuable interactions with faculty and students. A special event is being planned for this fall in recognition and in celebration of his many years of service to Saint Mary’s.

SMU ‘In the News’

Here are just a few ways Saint Mary’s is making the news this summer:

• Minnesota Public Radio continues to feature Saint Mary’s University for its classroom flipping. The latest article describes how peer pressure plays a role in encouraging students to come to class better prepared. Read it at http://blogs.mprnews.org/oncampus/2013/07/who-cracks-the-whip-in-a-flipped-classroom/

• The Winona Post (July 28), Winona Daily News (July 25) and Minnesota Public Radio  (July 25) posted stories on Brother Peter Clifford’s death.

• The Winona Daily News featured a story about the first group of Countdown to College students graduating (July 21). To read it, go to http://bit.ly/1edINHL.

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 post marked 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.

‘Campus Notes’ to continue August 16

The faculty/staff newsletter will come out periodically throughout the summer to update the SMU community on all the news and events that occur on campus June through August. The next edition will be Aug. 16.

Sympathy to family, friends of Dan Maloney

Daniel J. Maloney, 57, who served Saint Mary's from 1985-1994 and 1997-2000 in a variety of administrative roles, died Monday, June 3, 2013, in Fond du Lac, Wis. To read his obituary, go to http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/fdlreporter/obituary.aspx?pid=165258935#fbLoggedOut. The Saint Mary's community extends its sympathy to Dan Maloney's family and friends.

MCA presents 2013 Summer Dance Intensive Showcase

The Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts will present the Summer Dance Intensive showcase at 3:30 p.m. Sunday, July 21, at the Valéncia Arts Center Academy Theatre, 1164 West 10th St.

The showcase, which is free and open to the public, features works that the students participating in the Summer Dance Intensive have learned in their two-week dance camp.

A variety of dance forms will be presented, including classical and contemporary ballet, jazz, musical theatre dance, and modern dance. The works were choreographed by MCA guest artists Dustyn Martincich, Allan Kinzie, Jen TeBeest and Tammy Schmidt.

In addition to learning showcase pieces, students have been participating in comprehensive dance training including technique and theory classes throughout the two-week process. Class studies have included ballet, pointe, variations, pas de deux, repertory, jazz, hip hop, rhythm tap, modern, musical theatre dance, piyo, choreography and improvisation.

The students are from Minnesota, Wisconsin, South Dakota and Iowa; the range in age from 12 to 18 and were selected for the program by audition.

Conservatory fall semester registration now open

The new fall semester 2013 brochure for the Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts is now available. The MCA offers programming in dance, music, visual art and theatre year-round. Classes, lessons, workshops and camps are offered for youth (beginning at age 3) through adults at the Valéncia Arts Center, located at 1164 West 10th St.

Registrations are now being accepted. Some of the 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 register 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.

Public invited to play in Tom Farren Memorial Golf Classic

The public is invited to play in the fifth annual Tom Farren Memorial Golf Classic Sunday, July 21. The deadline to register has passed.

This outing honors former SMU golf coach Tom Farren and is a fundraiser for the men’s and women’s golf teams. For more information, contact Ryan Egan, SMU men’s and women’s golf coach at regan@smumn.edu or Ext. 6918.

Countdown to College to welcome 92 students

Cohorts 3 and 4 of Countdown to College

Countdown to College students will continue to be on campus through Aug. 3. The first two weeks (July 6-19), SMU welcomed cohorts 3 and 4 on campus (21 incoming high school seniors and 23 incoming juniors). This summer will mark the first C2C graduation ceremony today, July 19. Parents of the seniors are invited to join the celebration.

On July 20, C2C will welcome a new cohort of  25 freshmen, and on July 21, 23 returning sophomores will join them. These two cohorts will study on campus through Aug. 3.

This two-week program for students from under-resourced communities is offered each summer for four years, beginning just after they complete eighth grade and continuing until their senior year — helping to assure each student is prepared for a successful college experience.

The camp is free to student participants from San Miguel and Nativity middle schools and Cristo Rey and Lasallian high schools, their parents (who come the first weekend) and teachers from their schools, who co-teach with SMU instructors, and help prepare SMU instructors on how to effectively work with this growing population of students.

This is one portion of the First-Generation Initiative, which helps students prepare for and succeed at college.

Shives Road cleanup July 20

The SMU community is invited to participate in phase 2 of the Shives Creek cleanup Saturday, July 20, from 9 am to noon. The cleanup is sponsored by Saint Mary's GeoSpatial Services, the Will Dilg Chapter of the Izaak Walton League, and NorthPoint Supply. This is the second phase of a community cleanup started last fall. NorthPoint Supply is providing trash bags, safety vests, and gloves.

For more information, contact Mike Komp at Ext. 8728 or mrkomp09@smumn.edu or Barry Drazkowski at Ext. 6925 or bdrazkow@smumn.edu.

Ice cream social raises $224

The SMU Volunteer Committee announced that Thursday’s root beer float fundraiser raised $224.50 for our Nairobi students.

Thank you to everyone for attending, for the Office of Admissions for hosting and to Chartwells for supplying the ice cream.

NASM reaccredits Saint Mary’s

The National Association of Schools of Music Commission on Accreditation, at its June 2013 meetings, voted to continue SMU in good standing. The next NASM accreditation visit will be in 2020-2021. In addition to all of SMU’s curricular programs receiving approval, the Minnesota Conservatory of the Arts achieved approval for listing as well. Congratulations to everyone who was involved with this reaccreditation process.

SMU ‘In the News’

Here are just at few ways Saint Mary’s is making the news this summer:

• Minnesota Public Radio featured Saint Mary’s University for its classroom flipping and how this format has helped a student with a learning disability. The second portion of this report is pending. To read it, go to: http://bit.ly/12YyPaP.

• Brother William was interviewed by the Winona Post. To see the article, go to: http://bit.ly/15PyqIU.

• Brother William was interviewed on Winona Radio. To listen, go to: bit.ly/18qyOBt and click on the bottom link.

• Brother Robert Smith was interviewed on WCCO radio.  The 15-minute segment aired on Thursday, June 20. WCCO host Roshini Rajkumar will schedule a “back to school” segment with Brother Robert in August. To listen, go to: http://cbsloc.al/12LlSln.

• The Hendrickson Forum will be re-broadcast on TV. Keynote speaker Ian Bremmer’s presentation on global uncertainty from the April event will air on TPT this Sunday, July 21, at 7 p.m.  Bremmer’s speech will rebroadcast Sunday, July 28, at 1 a.m., 7 a.m., and 1 p.m.

• Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota congratulated alumnus and president and CEO of the Chicago Blackhawks John McDonough, class of 1975, on his team’s victory in the 2013 Stanley Cup Championship in a special video salute that aired during the rebroadcast of the Stanley Cup Series this past week on Comcast SportsNet. To watch, go to http://bit.ly/17ohVmp.

• The Chicago Tribune published a story about the Blackhawks’ McDonough, in which he mentions his time at Saint Mary’s. To read, go to http://trib.in/151IID6.

• Mike and Joette Gostomski were interviewed by the Winona Daily News prior to receiving their Heritage Award during the Red Carpet Centennial Gala. To read the article, go to: http://bit.ly/1452Tjd.

• The Winona Post highlighted the Centennial Gala in its June 26 edition in an editorial titled, “Saint Mary’s puts the ‘Gee!’ into Gala. Go to: http://bit.ly/1bsJoIn.

• The Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools printed highlights and photos from the  Red Carpet Centennial Gala and All-School Reunion online at LaSalle.org. Check it out at: http://bit.ly/112qrXa.

‘Campus Notes’ to continue August 2

The faculty/staff newsletter will come out periodically throughout the summer to update the SMU community on all the news and events that occur on campus June through August. The next edition will be Aug. 2.

Centennial ends with a flourish; 1,200 at All-School Reunion

It literally ended with a bang! A bevy of colorful fireworks helped to cap off the year-long celebration of Saint Mary’s Centennial Saturday, June 22, on the Winona campus. But, even more importantly, the university community came together to launch its second century in style.

At the Red Carpet Centennial Gala, more than 800 guests were treated like Hollywood stars, beginning with a red carpet entrance (complete with student paparazzi and live interviews).

Attendees followed the red carpet gold “stars” to the festivities. Names on the stars recognize SMU’s philanthropic partners whose extraordinary cumulative giving to SMU has transformed the university during its first century and who continue to help dynamically position the university into the future.

The Gostomski Fieldhouse was transformed for the reception into a giant, glittering celebrity lounge, with entertainment provided by the John Paulson Big Band. The reception also included butlered hors d’oeuvres, elegant lounge decor, signature drinks and a special Centennial ice sculpture.

As the curtains parted, the crowd was ushered into the dining area, where a gourmet meal was served under glittering chandeliers.  Alum Bill Lunn ’87, news anchor for KSTP-TV in the Twin Cities kicked off the program in true Oscar-esque style as music and movies set the scene for the glamorous evening.

The event program spoke to the transforming nature of the university, past, present and future.

Honorary co-chairs Mike ’66 and Claudia (Drvota CST’69) Dooley and Jack and Mary Ann (Wera CST’64) Remick were recognized for serving as ambassadors throughout the university’s Centennial year.

Centennial Awards were presented to Brother Álvaro Rodríguez Echeverría, Superior General of the Institute of Brothers of the Christian Schools, on behalf of the Institute, and to Brother Larry Schatz, Visitor, on behalf of the Midwest District of the Christian Brothers. The university gratefully recognized the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools for its continued leadership and vision, inspired by the teachings of its founder. The university gratefully recognized the Midwest District for its work to inspire new Lasallian educational partnerships through the strength of its dedication and vision.

Mike ’62 and Joette Gostomski of Winona received a Heritage Award for their outstanding support, engagement and philanthropy. The Gostomskis have shown their generosity in support of numerous university initiatives through gifts of time, talent and treasure, which know no bounds. Mike has served on the university’s Board of Trustees for 17 years. Their largest single gift to the university made possible the completion of the athletics fieldhouse bearing their name. They have also partnered with Saint Mary’s and The Wasie Foundation for more than a decade to support full scholarships for students from Poland. Other gifts to the university include support of the First-Generation Initiative, as well as campus expansion and facilities projects. Mike speaks proudly of the impact Saint Mary’s had on his own success as a local entrepreneur — one of the original founders of Fastenal Company and current president/CEO of Winona Heating and Ventilating, Inc.

Brother William reflected back on key points in Saint Mary’s history and told stories of alumni who have gone on to do wonderful things, strengthened by the knowledge they gained at Saint Mary’s; and he invited participants to join SMU as it steps boldly into its second century.

After dinner and in between thunderstorms guests viewed fireworks in the university plaza, provided by RES Specialty Pyrotechnics (founded by 1978 alum Steve Coman. Portions of the Centennial Suite and other exciting music were incorporated into the on-campus show, which came alive from the sky, as well as on the plaza. The night was capped with dancing to the cool sounds of Nicholas David, finalist in NBC's “The Voice.”

Approximately 1,200 visitors were on campus throughout the weekend. Special guests included the more than 50 Christian Brothers who gathered for the unveiling of a new statue, designed by Brother Jerome Cox ’60, which honors all members of the international Catholic teaching order who have served the university. Brother William spoke to the All-School Reunion crowd and to the Brothers from around the nation and the world.

Numerous other activities were held over the All-School Reunion weekend, including decade and reunion class gatherings, canoe trips, an alumni art exhibition, ropes course demonstrations, city and campus tours, a 5K fun run, and an all-school picnic.

Thanks go out to everyone who donated so much of their time throughout the weekend and to everyone who joined in the celebration and in making our guests feel welcome throughout the weekend.

To view photos from throughout the weekend, go to www.smumn.edu/alumniphotos.

Public invited to play in Tom Farren Memorial Golf Classic

The public is invited to play in the fifth annual Tom Farren Memorial Golf Classic Sunday, July 21. The four-person scramble will have a 9 a.m. shotgun start at Cedar Valley Golf Course. The $80 entry fee includes a Sunday brunch from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m., a Saint Mary’s pullover jacket and 18 holes of golf with a cart.  The deadline to register is Monday, July 8.

This outing honors former SMU golf coach Tom Farren and is a fundraiser for the men’s and women’s golf teams.

Raffle prizes are available. Team prizes will include: first place — four FootJoy shirts; fifth place — four Greg Norman shirts; 10th place — four Cutter & Buck shirts; second-to-last place — Twins pint glass and sleeve of balls; and last place — Twins pint glass and sleeve of balls. Games will include closest to pin (holes 4, 8, 11 and 15), long drive (holes 1 and 10), longest putt (holes 9 and 13) and closest to pin in two shots (a team prize on hole 18). Game prizes will include golf caps, with a team prize of four 18-hole rounds of golf.

Sponsors include Minnesota City Custom and RTP Co.

Send a check and shirt sizes for foursomes to Cedar Valley Golf Course, P.O. Box 1148, Winona, MN 55987. For more information, contact Ryan Egan, SMU men’s and women’s golf coach at regan@smumn.edu or (507) 457-6918.

‘Campus Notes’ to continue July 19

The faculty/staff newsletter will come out periodically throughout the summer to update the SMU community on all the news and events that occur on campus June through August. The next edition will be July 19.

Steamboat Days parade thanks

The Marketing and Communication Office thanks the many students (along with Lance and Amber Thompson, Nick Lemmer, Terri Lieder and Janet Heukeshoven) who volunteered for year’s Steamboat Days parade Sunday. Saint Mary’s float was a highlight at the beginning of the parade, and the many drawstring backpacks given away painted the streets red with SMU visibility.

Countdown to College to welcome 92 students

Countdown to College students will be on campus July 6-Aug 3. The first two weeks (July 6-19), SMU will welcome cohorts 3 and 4 on campus (21 incoming seniors and 23 incoming juniors). This summer will mark the first C2C graduation ceremony on July 19. Parents of the seniors are invited to join the celebration.

On July 20, C2C will welcome a new cohort of  25 incoming freshmen, and on July 21, 23 returning sophomores will join them. These two cohorts will study on campus through Aug. 3.

This two-week program for students from under-resourced communities is offered each summer for four years, beginning just after they complete eighth grade and continuing until they reach college age — helping to assure each student is prepared for a successful college experience.

The camp is free to student participants from San Miguel and Nativity middle schools and Cristo Rey and Lasallian high schools, their parents (who come the first weekend) and teachers from their schools, who co-teach with SMU instructors, and help prepare SMU instructors on how to effectively work with this growing population of students.

This is one portion of the First-Generation Initiative, which helps students prepare and succeed at college.