‘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 Sunday, Jan. 27.

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. Or visit the “SMU 10K” website at: saintmaryssports.com.

Nairobi classes resume, campus remains safe, despite conflict

Brother Paulos Welday Mesmer and Father Michael Kirwen, directors of SMU programs at the Nairobi campus report that they have resumed classes and the majority of students have returned safely. The few that are still expected have been delayed mainly to transportation problems.

They write, “The political situation is still uncertain, and everybody is praying that the conflicts over the recent election that have sparked the violence be quickly solved in a just and amicable manner.
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“On Tuesday, Jan. 14, Tangaza College gathered all its students, staff and faculty for an hour prayer meeting in which there were scriptural readings, personal reflections from a South African student and a Rwandese student, planting of five peace trees, and culminating in the unveiling of a peace pole. The assembly ended with all joining hands praying the Our Father and singing the Kenyan National Anthem.

“Counseling has been made available to anyone who has been directly or indirectly affected by the violence over the past two weeks. The Kareng'ata area where the school is located has been outside the areas of disturbances.”

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.

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.

Heffron award will go to Joswick at Founder’s Day

The Provost’s Office has announced that Alan Joswick has been named as recipient of the 2008 Bishop Patrick Heffron Award for Service to the University. The award will be presented at the Founder’s Day Convocation on Feb. 26. Joswick has worked in the Maintenance Department on the Winona campus since 1976; he is currently the trades department supervisor. The Heffron Award recognizes Joswick’s dedicated and tireless efforts to maintain and improve the campus physical plant. He provides a daily example of service to all who live and work on Terrace Heights and of commitment to the mission of Saint Mary’s University.

Plans set for Candlelight 2008 dinner on Feb. 9

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.
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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.

Student conferences planned for Jan. 27, Feb. 5

“Real World 101: Surviving Life After Saint Mary’s,” a senior conference sponsored by Student Development, Alumni Relations, and Career Services & Internships, will be held on Sunday, Jan. 27, from 1 to 5 p.m. The conference will concentrate on topics like résumé and interviewing tips, graduate school, and finding an entry-level job.

The “Crossroads” Sophomore Experience Conference, sponsored by Student Development, Career Services, Internships, and Study Abroad, will take place on Tuesday, Feb. 5, from 4 to 6:30 p.m. in Hillside Hall. The conference will inform students about résumé writing, internships, portfolios and more.

Registration is outside the lounge of the Toner Student Center.

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.

Job & Internship Fair planned for Feb. 19-20

Students are invited to the 29th annual Job & Internship Fair on Feb. 19-20, when they will have the opportunity to meet employers, and land a job or internship.

Pre-registration is required; the cost is $14. The registration deadline is Feb. 8 at Career Services & Internships, located in Saint Mary’s Hall, Room 136.

Register online at www.smumn.edu/careerservices under “Career/Job/Volunteer Fairs.”

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.
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“Ignes Fatui” or “creating an illusion” describes the diversity of work to be displayed — whether it be Sister Margaret Mear’s series of fantasy horses or Brother Roderick Robertson’s Giclees, which intertwine antique photographs with computer effects. Michelle Cochran will display a colored pencil drawing titled, “Sixth Summer.” Dr. John Whelan’s drawings focus heavily on the natural human form and the delicate beauty of flowers.

Also displaying works are Preston Lawing, Robert McColl, Charles Campbell, and Randi Campbell.

The exhibit will run through Feb. 17. Admission is free and open to the public, and gallery hours are 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. For more information, call Ext. 1652.

History Book Prizes announced

Since 1995, the Saint Mary's Department of History has awarded book prizes to recognize students for outstanding work. The history department congratulates the following students, chosen for their work during Fall Semester, 2007:

• H125 Europe and the World sections — Jackie Heintz, Alison Hill, Christina Massee and Sara Weir.
• H150 American Experience — Travis Fick and Brittany Kuehn.
• H365 Early Modern Europe — Sam Nothnagel
• H380 Imperial Russia — Lindsay Johnson
• H390 Modern China — Christina Giunta and Carolyn Privet
• H305 Colonial and Revolutionary America — Jessica Paulsen
• Giunta also won the book prize in H460 Historical Research and Writing.

Library adds new online resource, Wilson’s Art Index

Wilson’s Art Index has now been added to the Fitzgerald’s subscription list. It provides indexing for more than 450 art journals and magazines.

You can view art reproductions, artist biographies, reviews of art work, book reviews, and much more. You can find Art Index on the library website in the list of databases for the “fine arts” at www.smumn.edu/sitepages/pid2657.php.

For more information, go to the library blog at http://wlibrarysmumn.blogspot.com/

SMU students can attend Frozen River Film Festival

The Frozen River Film Festival, which takes place from Jan. 24-27, features films, speakers, and events oriented toward environmental issues, sustainable communities, diverse cultures, adventure travel and extreme sports. The events will take place primarily at the Winona State campus.

Saint Mary’s students are allowed to attend speaker and film events for free with their Saint Mary’s ID. For more information, go to www.frff.org.

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

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. Today, Jan. 18, is the last day for interested students to contact Alex Downes-Borowski at madown04@smumn.edu for an application. The application fee is $25; all bands must audition tomorrow, 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. Refreshments will be served.

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.

Center for Innovation, Support Services ready to help

Dave Ansell, executive director of the Saint Teresa campus and financial analyst, is now located in Heffron Hall, Room 142, full time. The Center for Innovation and Support Services is ready to help staff with ideas for new programs and innovations.

Sigma Alpha Iota presents free concert Saturday

The sisters of Sigma Alpha Iota will host Province Day with a free concert Saturday, Jan. 19., in Figliulo. The event, open to the public, will begin at 3:30 p.m.

‘Meet the Pros’ on Jan. 24

The International Association of Business Communicators is hosting “Meet the Pros” Thursday, Jan. 24, in Salvi Lecture Hall. The event, an opportunity to network with business and communication professionals from the Twin Cities area will be held 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.

Speaking are: Sue Kraus, IABC Minnesota president, SMK Marketing & Communications; Jack Stansfield, waste communications coordinator, Olmsted County Public Works; Moria Fredrickson, account executive, Padilla Speer Beardsley; Andrea Tilkes, corporate communications, Wells Fargo; Beth Johnson, marketing communications manager, Three Rivers Park District; and Amy Lavergne, team member communications, Wells Fargo.

The cost is free for IABC student members or $10 for student nonmembers if registered by Jan. 22; $15 at the door. Cost includes food, presentations, résumé review and networking. For more information, e-mail Kaylin Martin at kdmart04@smumn.edu. Or go online to mn.iabc.com and click on the interactive calendar to register.

Families thank Gifts for Winona

The following is one of several letters SMU has received from Gifts for Winona recipients:

“I want to say thank you very much for the gifts my family received from your program. We really appreciate everything. It is nice to know that people like you care about families like mine who don’t have a lot and want to make Christmastime a little more cheerful. We are very grateful. God bless you all.” — Family #320

WSU to hold Martin Luther King Celebration

Winona State University celebrates Martin Luther King Jr. Day with “Building a Civil Rights Movement for the New Millennium” Thursday, Jan. 24, at 7 p.m., in the East Hall, Kryzsko Commons.

The event features activist and speaker Reverend C.T. Vivian lecturing on issues of civil rights, non-violence, racism and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
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In 1947 Vivian, a Baptist minister, began his use of non-violent direction action, working to end segregated lunch counters in Peoria, Ill. Later he founded the Nashville Christian Leadership Conference, organizing the first sit-ins there in 1960 and the first civil rights march in 1961. He also rode the first ever “Freedom Bus” into Jackson, Miss., worked alongside Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and was included among his executive staff.

The event is co-sponsored by Southeast Technical College, WSU Inclusion and Diversity Office and Minneapolis Community & Technical College. For more information, e-mail Alex Hines at: AHines@winona.edu.

Jazz events

John Paulson & Cliff Jack will perform 7 to 11 p.m. today, Jan. 18, at the Broadstreet Cafe in Rochester; the John Paulson Trio performs 8 to 11 p.m. Jan. 19 in Avacado’s World Bistro in Rochester; and Paulson and Jack perform 6 to 10 p.m. Jan. 20 at the Broadstreet Cafe.

Sympathy to Gerth family

Carol Gerth, 20-year food service staff member and wife to Charles Gerth who retired from the Maintenance Department in 1999, died Wednesday, Jan. 16. The family has requested private services. A flower and a memorial book are located near the dining hall; students, faculty and staff are encouraged to write their memories or words of comfort to the family inside. The Saint Mary’s University extends its sympathy to the Gerth family.