SMU joins Sustain Winona environmental effort

Saint Mary’s University has joined with five other major Winona public and private institutions to look for ways to lessen our impact on the global environment. At a press conference today, the “Sustain Winona” initiative was announced to the public. Partners include Saint Mary's, Winona State University, Minnesota State College SE Technical, Winona Area Public Schools, Winona County, and the City of Winona.

The public and private, government and education collaboration is believed to be unique in the nation. The six local organizations will work together in coming months and years to achieve certification as an ISO 14001 community. That means all of the organizations will eventually meet international standards for energy-efficient and environment-friendly operations.

The first of four community workshops was held today to introduce the ISO 14001 standards, and the Environmental Management System process that will lead to certification. The workshops will be facilitated by Purdue University’s Clean Manufacturing Technology Institute. There will be other related community events, such as a December workshop on building efficiency held at SMU, and a February conference on “green” buildings hosted by WSU.

Look for more information about Saint Mary’s involvement with Sustain Winona in coming months. If you have questions, contact Bob Conover, vice president for communication and marketing, Ext. 1496 or bconover@smumn.edu. To learn more about Sustain Winona, go online to www.sustainwinona.org.

Saint Mary’s names 9 to new SGPP Board of Regents

Nine Twin Cities community leaders have been named to the new Saint Mary’s University Board of Regents. The regents will counsel the president and Schools of Graduate and Professional Programs administration regarding long-range and programmatic strategic planning. Brother Louis DeThomasis, chancellor, appointed the regents to serve three-year terms.

The members of the Board of Regents include: Kent Eklund, president, Fairview Foundation, Minneapolis; Farley S. Kaufmann, partner, Lurie Besikof Lapidus and Company, L.L.P, Minneapolis; G. Carlos Lopez, president, Casa Travel, Inc., Burnsville; Russell V. Michaletz, partner, Deloitte Tax L.L.P., Minneapolis; John Montague, president, Muve Inc., Minneapolis; Julie Morath, chief operating officer, Children’s Hospitals and Clinics, Minneapolis; Kaye O’Leary, chief financial officer, Buca, Inc., Minneapolis; and Willie Mae Wilson, former president and chief executive officer, Saint Paul Urban League, Saint Paul. The first chairman of the board is Loras H. Sieve, retired, General Mills, Inc., Minneapolis.

Saint Mary’s earns All-Steinway distinction

Saint Mary’s has received the distinction of being named an All-Steinway School. The honor demonstrates Saint Mary’s commitment to excellence by providing students and faculty with the best possible instruments for both study and performance.

In order to be eligible for the All-Steinway School distinction, Saint Mary’s made the commitment to offer to its students only instruments designed and built by Steinway & Sons.

“The name Steinway brings a level of integrity and validity that is instant,” said Dr. Ned Kirk, chairman of the Department of Music. “It means that Saint Mary’s is truly dedicated to providing the best for our students.”

Steinway is a name traditionally associated with excellence in piano craftsmanship. Steinway pianos are known for their longevity, and most Steinway instruments appreciate in value over time. Each piano is handcrafted, which can take up to one full year per instrument.

The inspiration to become a Steinway school came from long-time friends of the university, Bob Kierlin and Mary Burrichter. The Winona couple donated a newly restored 1931 Steinway piano to the Minnesota Beethoven Festival. The concert piano, worth more than $100,000, was carefully restored 18 months ago. Saint Mary’s University has the additional honor of using the piano throughout the school year as its concert instrument.

Only 60 colleges and universities in the United States have been designated All-Steinway Schools, including six in Minnesota: Gustavus Adolphus; University of Minnesota, Morris; University of Minnesota, Twin Cities; Bemidji State University; and Concordia University, St. Paul.

Noted faculty featured in new Canon Law program at SMU

An innovative two-year Graduate Certificate in Canon Law program is now accepting applications for a summer 2008 debut at Saint Mary’s.

The program, featuring noted experts as faculty, will be offered to a national student body by the Institute in Pastoral Ministries. Students will engage in a blended-learning format, with both an online delivery as well as a two-week summer residency.

The two-year program will run in conjunction with the Institute’s master degree programs in Pastoral Ministry and Pastoral Administration. The first summer residency is June 16 - 28, 2008, with a second residency planned for summer, 2009.

The Graduate Certificate in Canon Law is aimed at Roman Catholic Church administrators at all levels, school and health-care administrators, and civil attorneys. The course of study is designed for those who do not seek a pontifical degree in canon law, but require canonical knowledge for administrative or pastoral duties.

The outstanding faculty include: Sr. Dominica Brennan, OP, JCL, chancellor for canonical affairs, Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis; Rev. Paul Golden, CM, JCD, Vincentian Canonical Services, Denver; Lawrence Price, JD, JCL, director of the tribunal, Diocese of Winona, Minn.; Rev. Daniel Smilanic, adjutant judicial vicar, Archdiocese of Chicago; and Dr. Greg Sobolewski, director of SMU’s Institute in Pastoral Ministries.

For more information on the Graduate Certificate in Canon Law, contact Sobolewski at Ext. 1767 or email gsobolew@smumn.edu. Or go online to www.smumn.edu/ipm.

Saint Mary’s University choirs to present ‘Lessons & Carols’

The Saint Mary’s Concert Choir, Chamber Singers and Women’s Choir will present their annual holiday tribute, “Lessons and Carols,” at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 1.

The performance — a celebration of Advent and the Nativity through sung and spoken word — will held at Chapel of Saint Mary’s of the Angels, located on the Saint Teresa campus.

Music will include some familiar carols, as well as selections by Morten Lauridsen, Hans Leo Hassler, Gabriel Fauré, Palestrina and a variety of other composers from Renaissance to the present.

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

Saint Mary’s concerts feature 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. Friday, 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.

Judi K began her career singing at weddings and in church; it was not until she met the great mandolinist, Jethro Burns, that her career truly began.

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 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 the pieces mentioned above. 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 up tempo 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, 2008.

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). Batucada Nossa Senhora, 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.

SMU enters Mayo Scholars Program partnership

In June 2007, Saint Mary’s accepted an invitation to partner with Mayo Clinic and other Minnesota private colleges and universities to offer business and science students a unique opportunity to become a Mayo Scholar.

Other participating schools are Augsburg, Carleton, Concordia (Moorhead), Gustavus Adolphus, Macalaster, St. John’s/St. Ben’s, St. Olaf and St. Thomas.

The Mayo Scholars Program offers an opportunity for selected students to research projects submitted by Mayo Clinic professionals through the Mayo Clinic Office of Intellectual Property. The program is a collaborative effort between Mayo Clinic and Minnesota private colleges and universities. Financial support is provided from the Medtronic Foundation and the Mayo Clinic Office of Intellectual Property; administrative support is provided by the Minnesota Private College Council. Student participants may earn academic credit for this experience, with the approval of their department and the program advisors.

Saint Mary’s team members are Amanda Christman, Bethany Kaufmann, Daniel Murray, and Holly Schuh. The Saint Mary’s faculty advisors for 2007-08 are Dr. Tom Marpe (Business Department) and Dr. Randy Krainock (Biology Department). Advisors will work closely with the team on their assigned project, titled “Methods and Material for Treating Digestive Motility Disorders.”

Students will have until March to work on their project, collect research and develop a presentation of their findings. The Saint Mary’s Mayo Scholars Program team will present their final report in March 2008 at the Mayo Clinic. If you have questions about the program, contact one of the advisors mentioned above.

SMU Gifts for Winona trees are up; donations, gifts needed

Last year the Winona community provided holiday gifts to more than 1,400 needy Winona residents. This year we anticipate a greater number due to the recent flooding. In the past, the Saint Mary’s community has helped sponsor individuals and families in need and we are looking for your participation again this year.

We are asking you to either make a monetary donation or take a gift tag from one of the trees located in the Toner Center or Saint Mary’s Hall. Each tag gives you the information you need (wish list, etc.) to purchase a gift.

Please return gifts to Student Services Room 27 by Dec. 13. If you wish to make a monetary donation, please make the check payable to SMU and send to Gifts for Winona, Box #8 or drop off at the Student Service windows.

Breast Cancer Silent Auction Dec. 3-4 in Admission Office

The third annual Breast Cancer auction features: Christmas baskets, restaurant certificates, massage & spa packages, and Mississippi River cruises. The auction also includes Cubs, Vikings, Packers and Timberwolves items — featuring a “Suite Night” at any T-Wolves game this season (22 seats, pop,water & light refreshments — a $4,000 value), a Cubs Hall of Fame Ryne Sandberg autographed baseball, and a Green Bay Packers autographed football commemorating the 50th anniversary of Lambeau Field!

The auction will be held on Dec. 3-4 in the Admission Office, Hendrickson Center.

If you would like to donate any item or basket for this auction, contact Suzanne Deranek at Ext. 1729.

Conservatory plans Winter Showcase Nov. 30 and Dec. 1 at Valéncia

The Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts Dance Repertory Company II and Young Choreographers will present a Winter Showcase Friday, Nov. 30, at 6:30 p.m., and Saturday, Dec. 1, at 3 p.m. — both at the Valéncia Arts Center Academy Theatre.

The DRC II is MCA’s junior performing troupe and showcases students ages 5 to 12 years olds.

The 2007 Winter Showcase presents the DRC II students in classical ballet, tap, jazz, modern, creative movement, and a special just-for-boys piece. In addition to viewing the DRC II performers, audience members will enjoy works by the MCA’s Young Choreographers. These high school- and college-aged students participated in a choreography and improvisation class throughout the semester through which they learned how to create their own works.

Tickets cost $7 and are available at MCA’s Valéncia Arts Center, located on the corner
of 10th and Vila Streets. To reserve your tickets, call 453-5500. For more information about MCA performances, classes and
programs, visit www.smumn.edu/mca. The Conservatory is an affiliate program of
Saint Mary’s.

Theatre department hosting student performances

Upcoming Theatre Department student events include:

• Monday, Dec. 3, 7 p.m. (Studio Theatre), annual directing scenes
• 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)

McCullough to perform ‘Child’s Christmas’ twice

Ken McCullough, Academic Advising, PASS program, will perform Dylan Thomas’s “A Child’s Christmas in Wales” at 2 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 1, at the Winona Arts Center, as entertainment for the Artists’ Christmas Sale. McCullough will also perform “Child’s Christmas” on campus at 7 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 6, in the President’s Room. Both events are free and open to the public.

Donate to Toys for Teens Collection

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 Center foyer for Toys for Teens. They will accept donations until Saturday,
Dec. 5.

Health Advocates to host Mocktail Party

The Saint Mary’s Health Advocates are hosting a Mocktail Party, Tuesday, Dec. 4, in the President’s Room. The party includes live music from Sigma Alpha Iota, beverages, and snacks.

Reserve your spot by calling the health advocate line Ext. 1453 and leaving your name, or by e-mail at healthadvocates@smumn.edu

There is a $4 charge at the door for this event.

Turkey drive winner announced

The winner of this year’s Turkey Drive is Kelly Hall (IHM Seminary). This group had the highest percentage of participation so they will be receiving a catered meal that will be served by the Student Senate Executive Board. Thank you to all who participated. The total number of meals donated was 412.

SMU faculty present at Lasallian conference

Dr. Eileen Daily, Dr. Karen Sorvaag, and Dr. Mary Catherine Fox, attended and presented at the annual Huether Lasallian Conference, Nov. 15-17, in St. Louis.

This year’s conference theme was “Literacy The Gateway to a Human and Christian Education.” Dr. Daily presented “Picturacy? Visual Literacy for a Visual Culture”; Dr. Sorvaag presented “Working with Reluctant Readers and Writers in the Middle School”; and Dr. Fox presented “The Significance of Story,” a Lasallian reflection on the conference’s keynote speakers, Reverend James J. DiGiacomo, S.J. and Sr. Kathleen Ross, SNJM, Ph.D., founding president of Heritage University.

Where to turn for class cancellations

During the winter months, severe weather might necessitate the cancellation of classes. In the event classes are canceled for an entire day, the following area radio stations will announce this:

Winona: KWNO (FM99.3 and AM1230)
KAGE (FM95.3 and AM1380)
KHME (FM101)
La Crosse: WIZM (FM93)
Rochester:KROC (FM106.9 and AM1340)

If a cancellation takes place right before or after a break period, the following will be notified:

Twin Cities: WCCO Radio/TV (AM830/Channel 4)
Chicago: WBBM-AM, WGN-AM (radio stations)
WBBM, WFLD, WGN, WLS, WMAQ (TV stations)

When calling the Emergency Closing Center, 1-312-222-1669, enter SMU’s main telephone number (507) 452-4430 when prompted to do so and you will receive an automated message. You may also check online at www.emergencyclosings.com.

As with any class cancellation, you may refer to the main bulletin board in Saint Mary’s Hall or call the Class Info Line (Ext. 7878 or 457-7878 from off campus).

Senior Class Silent Auction ends today

The Saint Mary’s University senior class silent auction ends today. The event raises money for graduation events and a class gift.

The auction, held in the basement of the Toner Student Center, features items donated by parents of seniors, faculty, staff and local business. Some of the items up for bid include Minnesota Wild tickets, original artwork, an iPod Nano and gift baskets.

The event also integrates a separate silent auction raising money for senior Christy Pickford, who was involved in a serious accident in August and remains in a health care center in Red Wing. A benefit for Pickford was held at Saint Mary’s on Nov. 19, with the silent auction continuing through Nov. 30.

M.Ed. team to present at national meeting

Dr. Roger Peckover, Suzanne Peterson, Pat Christiansen, and Brenda Fischer, members of the Development Team of the Master of Education in Teaching and Learning program (M.Ed.), have had their research accepted for presentation at the 2008 annual national meeting of the America Research Association in New York City.

The paper, titled, “Yes, But How Do We Help Teachers Build Generative Communities of Practice in Their Own Workplace,” reports results of an ongoing programmatic study of teachers “apprenticing” as teacher leaders using principles of social constructivist learning to build transformative communities of practice in their workplace. Implications will be reported for helping teachers engage their workplace communities in ways that scaffold participatory engagement, intellectual confidence, collaborative visioning, classroom inquiry-based praxis, and an inner life grounded in a shared learning and a spirit of mutual care.

SMU alum named president of Blackhawks

John McDonough, a 1975 graduate of Saint Mary’s, was named president of the Chicago Blackhawks hockey team on Tuesday, Nov. 20.

McDonough, 54, joins the Blackhawks after working in the Chicago Cubs organization for close to 25 years, the last year as team president. As the Cubs chief, and in his previous role as senior vice president of marketing and broadcasting, he was widely viewed as a sports marketing and management innovator who was credited with growing the Cubs’ fan base and attracting sponsorships for one of the most successful pro sports franchises in the country.

Employee changes announced

Departures:
Jennifer Leise, Nov. 30, 2007, Twin Cities — Multi-media Technician.