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.