Multicultural Week schedule announced

A variety of events are scheduled in recognition of Multicultural Week Feb. 9-13. For more information, check with Student Activities.

Monday, Feb. 9

11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. — Peace and Justice Club and CRS Ambassadors Fair Trade Chocolate Sale, Toner Student Center

11 a.m. to 1 p.m. — International Center presents: Around the World in 10 Tables, Saint Mary’s Hall

6 p.m. — Residence Life presents: Boxes and Walls, Saint Mary’s Hall

7:30 p.m. — Yoga with the Yoga Club!, R.A.C. Dance Studio

Tuesday, Feb. 10

11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. — Peace and Justice Club and CRS Ambassadors Fair Trade Chocolate Sale, Toner Student Center

11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. — Chartwells Presents Meatless Day in the Caf!

5 p.m. — Chartwells presents: Cooking 101 – Stir Fry! Toner Student Center kitchen

6 p.m. — Study Abroad Office presents: A Study Abroad Spotlight, Toner Student Center, Room 9

7 p.m. — Ballroom Dance Club presents: Salsa dance lessons, R.A.C. Dance Studio

Wednesday, Feb. 11

11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. — Peace and Justice Club and CRS Ambassadors Fair Trade Chocolate Sale, Toner Student Center

3:30 p.m. — Solidarity Talks: Power in Diversity, Vlazny Lounge

9 p.m. — BSA and SAC present:  “Their Eyes Were Watching God,” Salvi Lecture Hall

Thursday, Feb. 12

11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. — Peace and Justice Club and CRS Ambassadors Fair Trade Chocolate Sale, Toner Student Center

11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. — Chartwells presents Cuisine of India Day in the Caf, Toner Student Center Dining Room

5 p.m. — Office of Campus Ministry presents: Dine with the Divine: Under-Told Stories, Toner Student Center Lounge

Friday, Feb. 13

11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. — Peace and Justice Club and CRS Ambassadors Fair Trade Chocolate Sale, Toner Student Center

8 to 11 a.m. — Fair Trade Friday with the Peace and Justice Club, Saint Mary’s Hall

3:30 p.m. — Solidarity Talks: Multicultural Week Debrief, Vlazny Lounge

Friday, Feb. 20

The International Center presents: “Lunar New Year Celebration,” time and location TBA

UnderTold Stories journalists to work with students

Journalist Fred de Sam Lazaro and producer Nikki See from the Under-Told Stories Project will spend Feb. 11-12 on the Winona Campus. They’ll be educating students in the Department of Communication on various journalism, storytelling, and public relations topics. De Sam Lazaro and See will speak in the classrooms of Dean Beckman and Dr. Steve Schild, in addition to hosting an evening seminar with students from Dr. Lori Charron’s public speaking classes and Kate Carlson’s digital communications strategies class.

Campus Ministry invites the Winona Campus to hear de Sam Lazaro and See from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Thursday as part of its Dine with the Divine series, taking place in the President’s Room in the Toner Center. The focus will be on changing human rights in India over the past 20 years. To RSVP, contact Campus Ministry.

De Sam Lazaro is a senior distinguished fellow at the Hendrickson Institute for Ethical Leadership, director of the Under-Told Stories Project sponsored by Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, and a correspondent for PBS NewsHour. See is an award-winning producer, developing stories and programs for PBS for nearly 15 years from around the world on a wide variety of subjects.

Discussion Feb. 10 about ‘Great Gatsby: Novel to Film’

Join members of the Department of English for a panel discussion on the Baz Luhrmann adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s iconic novel, “The Great Gatsby,” 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 10.

The event, sponsored by the Department of English and Sigma Tau Delta, the international English honor society, will be held in Salvi Lecture Hall. Everyone is welcome, and refreshments will be provided. For more in formation, contact Dr. Carolyn Ayers at cayers@smumn.edu.

Cardinal Plunge Feb. 7 to raise money for alumna

Several celebrity plungers are braving the cold for a good cause this Saturday including: the Cardinal softball team; Chris Kendall, vice president of student life; John Duerst, residence life director; and Christian Brothers Robertolino, Christhian, Peter, and Miguel.

Brave souls and warm hearts are invited to join Saint Mary’s for the sixth annual “Cardinal Plunge” noon to 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 7, at the Lake Lodge Recreation Center, in coordination with the Winter Carnival Goose Bump Jump.

This year, Cardinal Plunge participants will again be freezin’ for a reason. Proceeds will be given to Juliana Piscitiello, a 2006 Saint Mary’s alumna who was diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis, a genetic, auto-immune disease and a chronic progressive form of arthritis which is destroying her spine. Piscitiello, former part-time faculty member at the Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts, has enjoyed ballet since the age of 3 and has assisted with dance choreography on campus. Funds will be used to assist with the expense of her ongoing therapy, much of which is needed to reduce the severity of her painful symptoms. She could also benefit from adaptive equipment.

She is the daughter of Kathy (Ordahl) CST’70 Piscitiello and Tony Piscitiello ’69, senior advancement director at Saint Mary’s.

The cost to plunge is $20 ($15 for the Saint Mary’s community). Registration runs from 11:30 a.m. to noon, and a silent auction will be held inside the lodge between 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. This event is sponsored by the Saint Mary’s Future Alumni Committee. Donations can be dropped off with Alex Bilski in the Development Office (60 Heffron Hall) or mailed to campus mailbox #21 with attention to “Cardinal Plunge.”

Pre-register online at www.mysmumn.org/plunge2015. For more information, contact Alex Bilski at 457-6675 or Conner Ellinghuysen at 429-7960.

Hot employee chili cookoff raises $250

A huge thank you to everyone who came to the Feb. 5 chili cookoff.

Thanks to Development and Alumni Relations for supplying side dishes and toppings and to the Volunteer Committee for bringing desserts. Barnes & Noble and Chartwells also graciously donated prizes.

Special thanks to the gourmet chili-makers: Laurie Haase, Terri Lieder, Roger Peckover,  Matt Lunde, Andrea Pengra, Sarah Nicklay, Michael Ratajczyk, Mariann Miller, Tracy Lehnertz, Scott Sorvaag and Jason Spartz.

Thanks also to this year’s judges, Dr. Janet Heukeshoven, Andrea Gates, and Dr. Jimmy Bickerstaff.

The winning chilis were: first place, Roger Peckover; second place, Scott Sorvaag; and third place, Sarah Nicklay.

A total of $250.50 was raised and will benefit Christ the Teacher Institute for Education in Nairobi.

Chamber Orchestra to perform Feb. 15

The Saint Mary’s Chamber Orchestra, under the direction of Dr. David Leung, will perform “Heart Wounds. Last Spring” 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 15, in Figliulo Recital Hall.

The concert will feature a returning guest-artist, professor Maureen Yuen from State University of New York at Fredonia. She and Dr. Leung performed at Central Lutheran Church last year, and Saint Mary’s is excited to welcome her back to Winona to perform more works by Bach. She will be the featured soloist in Bach’s immortal “E Major Concerto for Solo Violin and Orchestra.”

In light of Valentine’s Day weekend, the Chamber Orchestra will offer two elegiac melodies by Romantic Norwegian composer Edvarg Grieg; Corelli's soulful concerto grosso for two solo violins, solo cello and orchestra; and the heart-breaking “Silouans Song” by mystical Estonian Arvo Part.

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

MCA offers drawing workshops for youth

The Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts Visual Arts Division invites students in grades 4-7 to participate in drawing workshops from 5 to 6:30 p.m. on Feb. 9, March 9, and April 13.

Drawing is a great skill for students to learn observation, memory, and dexterity. Young artists will explore still-life imaginative works, portraiture, and Japanese brush painting during these once-a-month workshops with local artist Julie Johnston.

New students are welcome, and those who have participated previously will be challenged with new themes and works. The price for all three workshops is $35 and includes all supplies.

For more information, go to www.mnconservatoryforthearts.org, email mca@smumn.edu, or call 507-453-5500.

H3O jazz trio fundraiser for Misato student ambassadors

The father and sons jazz trio known as “H3O” will be featured at “Jammin’ at the Well” on Sunday, Feb. 8, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Wellington’s Pub & Grill (1429 Service Drive). Eric Heukeshoven of the Music Department (piano) is joined by his two sons, Hans ’14 on drums, and Max ’19 on bass.

The H3O Trio began this successful fundraiser for the Winona Area Public Schools Misato Ambassadors program in 2013 when Max Heukeshoven traveled with the group to Winona’s sister city in Japan.

Joining the trio this year is Minnesota Music Hall of Famer Les Fields with his pocket cornet. There is no cover charge for the event and rumor has it that several other well-known jazz musicians might stop by to sit in with the trio. There is no cover charge and donations will be gratefully appreciated.

For more information please contact A. Eric Heukeshoven at Ext. 7292 or eheukesh@smumn.edu.

MCA to host free workshop with TU Dance Company

TU Dance company members will teach a modern-based dance class prior to their 7:30 p.m. performance Tuesday, Feb. 24, at Saint Mary’s University’s Page Theatre.

The Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts is hosting a workshop with the professional dancers from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Feb. 24 at the Valéncia Arts Center, 1164 W. 10th St.

Founded in 2004 by Toni Pierce-Sands and Uri Sands in Saint Paul, TU Dance is a leading voice for contemporary dance. The 12-member, professional company is acclaimed for its diverse and versatile artists, performing work that draws together modern dance, classical ballet, African-based and urban vernacular movements.

Intermediate and advanced dancers are invited to register and participate free of charge. The workshop will start with a warmup and then build into more complex dance phrases, allowing the dancer’s body to experience the movements as it uses the space. Students may even have the opportunity to learn choreography from the repertory that will be performed that night.

To register or for more information, e-mail mca@smumn.edu, or call 453-5500. Space is limited to 20 dancers. The Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts offers programming in dance music, visual art, and theatre year-round. Classes, lessons, workshops, and camps are offered for children age 3 and older through adults at the Valéncia Arts Center.

Winona Area Homeschoolers display art at MCA gallery

Galleria Valéncia at the Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts is filled with 28 unique pieces of artwork created by members of Winona Area Homeschoolers. Visitors to the gallery, located at 1164 W. 10th St., will be exposed to work in a variety of mediums including watercolor, photography, pencil, and mixed media.

This exhibit is free and open to the public during the month of February during regular office hours and while classes are in session. Visitors are encouraged to sign the guestbook so that the young artists know who attended the show.

The 22 young artists displaying work are: William Casselman, Hannah Casselman, James Bickerstaff, Azrielle Lemire, Shiloh Lemire, Charlie Lingen, Juniper Lingen, Isaac Meinke, Justine Meinke, Preston Meinke, Jocelyn Olcott, Markarah Olcott, Uvone Olcott, Bethany Peratt, Mario Peratt, Rebekah Peratt, Laura Schleich, Natalie Schleich, Seamus Schwaba, Lani Schul, Aviya Swagger, and Sam Swagger.

Next month Galleria Valéncia will feature artists from Winona Area Catholic Schools.

Band members named to Intercollegiate Honor Band

Five Saint Mary’s students will be representing Saint Mary’s in next week’s performance at the Minnesota Music Educator’s Association conference in Minneapolis Feb. 12-14.

Students include: Lexi Loesel (trumpet), Rachel Prince (clarinet), Kelsey Engesser (clarinet), Katie Stein (flute), and Sarah Fanning (euphonium).

They will be joining collegiate musicians from across the state in rehearsal on Thursday and Friday, and perform at 9 a.m. Saturday in the Minneapolis Convention Center. Admission is free; contact Dr. Janet Heukeshoven for additional details.

Janet Heukeshoven serves as clinician at annual festival

On Wednesday, Feb. 4, Dr. Janet Heukeshoven guest-conducted and rehearsed four regional high school bands at the Hiawatha Band Festival. The ensembles included bands from Byron, Hayfield, Stewartville and Rochester Lourdes high schools. This event assists ensembles as they prepare for the MSHSL large group contest next month.

Alumna featured on ‘Jeopardy’

A Saint Mary’s alumna Mary (Schmolke) Bayer ’01 (theatre), M'04 (MAI) was a participant on “Jeopardy” this week.

Bayer, who currently teaches theatre in Elgin Academy in Illinois, competed on the fourth day of the “teachers tournament” on Thursday afternoon’s show: www.jeopardy.com/minisites/teacherstournament/.

For the story, go to www.smumn.edu/newsblog/6761/alumnas-jeopardy-dream-realized.

Faculty, staff art now on display

“Saint Mary’s Creates,” an exhibition of creative works by the university faculty and staff, is now on display in the Lillian Davis Hogan Gallery. The exhibit is free and open to the public daily.

All members of the Winona Campus staff, faculty, and administration were invited to submit their creative endeavors for this exhibition.

The creative works include painting, drawing, photography, writing, quilts and fiber arts, sculpture and mixed media, and more.

Students attend Power in Diversity conference

Saint Mary’s students and staff attended the sixth annual Power in Diversity Leadership Conference at St. Cloud State University Jan. 29-31.

The conference theme was “Remembering the Sixties, While Charting the Future.” The event helps develop personal growth and leadership for students of color and underrepresented students through workshops, keynote speakers, and programs.

Discussions focused on identifying ways that participants can become leaders for positive change. Students had the opportunity to engage in workshops, listen to keynote speakers, and discuss a vast number of topics related to diversity, inclusion, and social justice.

Saint Mary’s senior, Manire Vaughn, also gave a presentation titled, “The Power of YOU” at the conference.

Participants were Manire Vaughn, Bridget Coffou, Stephanie Cruz, Taylor Lehmann, Graciela Hernandez, Sarah Adams, Christina Weldai, Briana Torres, Cinthya Cazares, Nicholle Ramsey, Abbie Fangman, and Demetrius Young.