Saint Mary’s expands program to make private college accessible to more families

Saint Mary’s announced this week that it is expanding its Brother James Miller Program for Access, making a private college education affordable to even more students and families.

Through the innovative program, Saint Mary’s guarantees that the total cost for qualified freshmen will be equal to or less than the cost to in-state students attending the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities (including tuition, room, meals and fees).

Most lower-income families will also qualify for federal and state aid to further reduce their expenses.

The U of M was chosen for comparison because it is Minnesota’s flagship public university, with costs in the median range of other Big 10 schools.

When the Brother James Miller Program was introduced in 2007, the adjusted gross income (AGI) limit for qualifying families was $75,000. For freshmen enrolling in fall 2009, Saint Mary’s will expand the program to include families with up to $100,000 AGI.

Over a four-year period, the estimated minimum value of the Brother James Miller Program for Access will exceed $50,000 per student. For 2009-10, Saint Mary’s has allocated more than $4,300,000 to fund this program as well as other freshman scholarships and grants.

“We’re excited to offer this guarantee,” said Tony Piscitiello, vice president for admission. “The current economic climate is challenging to many families. Some students whose parents are in the low- to middle-income range do not consider attending private schools -- even Saint Mary’s, where costs are lower than most Minnesota private colleges. They believe it is not affordable, despite the available grants and financial aid.”

The aid program is named for Brother James Miller, a 1966 Saint Mary’s graduate who did mission work in Nicaragua and Guatemala. He was doing “God’s work” of bringing education, faith and hope to marginalized Guatemalans when he was shot and killed on Feb. 13, 1982.

To qualify for the Brother James Miller Program for Access, students must be entering freshmen in fall 2009, have parental adjusted gross income of $100,000 or less, be dependent of parent(s), have a “B” average, and meet other requirements.

Check www.smumn.edu/access for details, or call SMU Admission at Ext. 5987.

Rugby team takes Div. III Minnesota championship

The Saint Mary’s men’s rugby team won the Div. III Minnesota state tournament on Oct. 18 and 19 in Eagan.

The Saint Mary’s club entered the four-team tournament with a 4-0 season record. The SMU team finished the weekend 6-0 and celebrated its first Minnesota state championship.

Other clubs competing included St. Olaf College, Bemidji State University, and Minnesota State University-Moorhead.

In its first game on Saturday, SMU controlled play for much of the second half to defeat Saint Olaf, 43-12.

On Sunday, the championship game matched SMU against Bemidji State. SMU scored a five-point try but missed the two-point conversion kick, while Bemidji scored two tries and one conversion to lead at the half, 12-5. Saint Mary’s dominated the scrums and rucks of the second half, aggressively running and passing the ball on its way to a 22-19 victory.

The Saint Mary’s team includes Eric Anthaney, Josh Barrett, T.J. Bollis, D.J. Brey, Joe Bush, Ryan Bush, Brian Driscoll, Marty Erfort, Joseph Haynes, Dustan Hoffman, Paul Lambert, Gerry Lentino, Dan Lewis, Andrew Noyes, John O'Malley, Nick Powers, Stewart Schuster, Ryan Soukup, Jack Sullivan, Kevin Sweeney, Mitch Swartout, James Tandberg, Jesse Valdez, Kevin Voris and Anthony Wolfe.

Saint Mary’s to host Sylvia Nasar as part of Global Citizenship Symposium

Professor Sylvia Nasar, author of “A Beautiful Mind” and First Knight Professor of Business Journalism at Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism, will speak at both Saint Mary’s and Viterbo University in La Crosse at the end of October.

At Saint Mary’s, her presentation, “Globalization Then and Now: Historical Parallels to Contemporary Events,” will begin at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 30, in the Common Room. She writes, “What was true during the first wave of globalization in the 19th century is still true today. As Thomas Carlyle insisted in 1940, ‘What you have is less important than what you do with what you have.’ ” The event is free and open to the public; no registration is required.

Nasar’s keynote presentation highlights the Global Citizenship Symposium, planned for Oct. 30-31 at SMU’s Common Room. The symposium is sponsored by the SMU Department of Social Sciences and Provost’s Office and is free and open to the public. Other universities participating and attending include Winona State University, Viterbo University and University of Wisconsin-La Crosse.

Thursday

Creating Sustainable Communities: Environmental Imperatives and Human Responses

11:30 a.m. — Land Stewardship Project, Lewiston, Minn.
12:15 p.m. — Lunch
1:15-1:30 p.m. — “Renewable Energy in Sustainable Development,” Pat Papachristou, Christian Brothers University, with Thomas Harris, UW-La Crosse, as discussant

Lasallian Perspectives on Global Citizenship: Meaning, Purpose and Practice

2:30 p.m. — “Lasallian Perspective on Global Citizenship: A Historical Review,” Richard Tristano, SMU; “Why Should I Care?: Student Responses to Darfur,” Stephen Pattee, SMU; “Bethlehem University,” Dorothy Diehl, SMU, with Joyce Altobelli, SMU, as discussant.

Friday

Living Locally and Visioning Globally: Scholarship, Research, Performance and Service Regarding 21st Century Citizenship

10 a.m. — “Citizenship, diversity and community programs,” Project FINE of Winona
11 a.m. — “Global Trade,” David Lynch, Saint Mary’s
Noon — Lunch
1:15 p.m. — “Globalization of Crime,” Tim Kullman, UW-La Crosse
1:45 p.m. — “Globalization” open discussion with Cecilia Manrique, UW-La Crosse as discussant
2:15 p.m. — “Creating Community Within Profit-Centered Organizations: Pitfalls and Possibilities” open discussion with Jeff Hefel, SMU, as discussant.

‘Horrible Harry’ goes from page to stage Nov. 5

Harry may be horrible, but audiences are sure to find his transition from page to stage entertaining when the Omaha Theater Company presents “Horrible Harry” at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 5, at the Page Theatre.

This brand-new theatrical production of author Suzy Kline’s popular children’s books “Horrible Harry in Room 2B” and “Horrible Harry Moves Up to Third Grade,” was adapted for the stage by Omaha Theater Company Artistic Director James Larson and will captivate children ages 4 to 12, as well as entertain audiences of any age.

The meaning of “double revenge” will become clear as spectators get a double dose of Harry’s antics as a school-aged prankster who is transitioning between grades. Doug, Harry’s best friend, frequently speaks to the audience, giving an inside look at Miss Mackle’s classroom. The production follows Harry, Doug, Sidney, Song Lee, Miss Mackle and the rest of the class from room 2B to room 3B, with amusing moments all along the way.

Kline’s vivid characters will take audiences on a lighthearted ride through a hilarious, prank-ridden storyline that will make everyone realize that maybe Harry isn’t so horrible after all.

In addition to Harry’s mischievous shenanigans, the audience will experience a clever rendition of a Thanksgiving play and a class field trip to the aquarium, brought to life by the clever stage design for “Horrible Harry.” Harry and friends move from Room 2B to recess to the bus to the aquarium and back again, without time for set changes, allowing Omaha Theater Company Set Designer Will Davis to skillfully combine all of the scenes into one set.

Tickets to this Page Series performance are $10 for adults, $5 for seniors and students and available anytime online at www.pagtheatre.org, or by calling the Performance Center box office, Ext. 1715, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. Omaha Theater Company’s national tour is sponsored by Children’s Hospital. Local sponsors include HBC and Winona Radio.

Saint Mary’s students to stage ‘Playhouse Creatures’ Nov. 6-9

The Saint Mary’s Department of Theatre Arts will stage the racy historical drama “Playhouse Creatures” Nov. 6-9.

Set in 1669, a bawdy and troublesome time, “Playhouse Creatures,” by April DeAngelis details a time when theatres have just reopened after 17 years of Puritan suppression. With this surge in theatrical activity, comes a new British novelty — the actress. Too often the lines between actress and prostitute become obscured as these women walked a tightrope between admiration and derision.

Directed by Dr. Steven Bouler, “Playhouse Creatures” captures the pioneering struggles of these extraordinary women, including six of the most famous — Nell Gwyn, Elizabeth Farley, Rebecca Marshall, Elizabeth Barry, Doll Common and Mary Betterton.

This tale of theatrical heroism and perseverance is a moving, and often comic, account of the precarious lives of Restoration actresses. Please note that this play contains adult language and situations.

“Playhouse Creatures” begins at 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, Nov. 6-8, and 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 9. All performances will be held in the Academy Theatre of the Valéncia Arts Center, located at 1164 West 10th St.

Tickets are $10, $5 for students and seniors and are available at the SMU Box Office, Ext. 1715, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays or online at www.pagetheatre.org.

Blue Angel music show set for Oct. 31 and Nov. 1

The brothers of Phi Mu Alpha invite members of the faculty and staff to Blue Angel 2008, the annual fall musical variety show on campus. This year’s performances are scheduled for 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 31, and 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 1, in the Dining Hall. The 42nd show is titled “Boo Angel,” in honor of Halloween.

Faculty and staff may receive complimentary admission to the show of their choice by contacting, Dr. Jeff Highland at Ext. 1459 or campus box 1.

Regular tickets are $6 and will be available in the lobby of the Toner Student Center, or at the door.

Get set to scream at annual Walk of Horror

This year’s Walk of Horror is again guaranteed to give you goosebumps. New scares are planned around every corner.

The 12th annual hair-raising fundraiser for the SMU Cardinal fastpitch softball team will take place from 7 to 10 p.m. today and Saturday, Oct. 24-25, and Thursday and Friday, Oct. 30-31, in the bluffs. Walkers are asked to meet on the lighted path between the baseball and softball fields, where the haunted walk will begin.

Groups are then escorted through the dark bluffs surrounding the campus for approximately 20 minutes. The cost is $5 for adults, $4 for students with ID, and $4 for children 12 and younger. Tickets are available at the gate.

Head fastpitch softball coach Jen Miller said the event is fun for all ages. The scare level is toned down for younger children and turned up for groups bold enough to face their fears. Last year more than 1,000 brave souls took SMU’s Walk of Horror.

Proceeds from this event will be used for the softball team’s travel expenses. For more information, contact Miller at Ext. 6923.

Halloween Fun Night is Oct. 27 at Saint Mary’s

Elementary and preschool children from the Winona area are invited to attend the eighth annual Saint Mary’s Halloween Fun Night from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 27.

Participants should stop at the guard booth at the main entrance of the Winona campus for directions on where to park.

Young trick-or-treaters should start out the evening at the Hall of Fame Room, where tattoos and stickers, a coloring station, and other fun games will be offered, and the Cardinal mascot will greet pint-sized ghosts and goblins.

From there, SMU students will lead groups of trick-or-treaters through the residence halls of the university, where they can go door to door for candy.

Last year more than 600 youth participated in this free, safe and fun event, sponsored by the Office of Residence Life.

Candy donations needed for Halloween Fun Night

Candy donations are needed for the upcoming Halloween Fun Night. It takes a lot of candy to feed more than 600 area trick-or-treaters. Candy can be dropped off at the Residence Life Office, Toner Basement Room 14. Any amount would be appreciated.

SMU flu shot clinic returns Nov. 13

Saint Mary’s will host a flu shot clinic for employees on Thursday, Nov. 13, in the Faculty/Staff Lounge, Room 115, Saint Mary’s Hall. The clinic will be held from 8:30 to 10 a.m. and from 4 to 5 p.m.

Flu shots are free to employees (and their dependents) covered by Saint Mary’s health insurance through CCStpa. The cost for others is $23, which will need to be paid at the time of the shot.

To register for the clinic, contact Paul Wildenborg by e-mail at pwildenb@smumn.edu or Ext.1442.

Jazz News

Swing, Inc. (including Eric Heukeshoven, Music Department) will perform 8-11 p.m. today, Oct. 24, at the Waterfront Restaurant in La Crosse, Wis.

Annual research symposium set for Nov. 1 in Minneapolis

The Ed.D. in Leadership program at Saint Mary’s will host the fifth annual EDD Research Symposium at the Minneapolis campus on Saturday, Nov. 1, from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Saint Mary’s annual research symposium attracts numerous members of the SMU community, including current doctoral students, faculty, and graduates of the program. This event highlights the accomplishments of our recent graduates, allows current students to receive valuable feedback from their peers, and provides an opportunity for Saint Mary’s students to share their accomplishments with a wider professional audience.

The keynote speaker at the symposium luncheon this year is expected to be Brother Michael Collins, president of De La Salle High School in Minneapolis. Brother Michael is a renowned Lasallian leader who has served the Christian Brothers in key leadership positions for many years. He has served on the Board of Trustees of Saint Mary’s for 29 years and has been a strong supporter of the provision of higher education to adults in the Twin Cities. In addition, Brother Michael has been the recipient of numerous awards recognizing his contribution to the continuing dialog on educational access and inclusion.

If you have any further questions contact Britt Bakken at bbakken@smumn.edu or Ext. 5127.

Area students invited to SMU Chemistry Night

Many area high school juniors and seniors (and their teachers) will be experiencing the importance of chemistry in an athlete’s life via hands-on experiments during upcoming Chemistry Nights at Saint Mary’s. Interested students are invited onto campus from 5 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 30.

Chemistry Night, sponsored by the SMU Department of Chemistry and the La Crosse-Winona local section of the American Chemical Society, is an annual event designed to help students explore the discipline of chemistry and appreciate the positive role that chemistry plays in our everyday world.

Each year students solve a challenging but fun chemical problem, based on the National Chemistry Week (Oct. 19-25) theme. This year’s theme is “Having a Ball with Chemistry – The Chemistry of Sports.”

Students will work in small teams, using wet chemistry and working with chemical instrumentation in the SMU Department of Chemistry, under the guidance of SMU chemistry majors.

Prizes will be awarded to the teams that have the greatest success in solving the chemical problems arising within the sports area. Prizes will include SMU scholarships of $2,000 and $1,000.

For more information, contact Dr. Jim Vogel at Ext. 1558.

Page Series to feature African song, dance Oct. 28

The Song and Dance Ensemble of West Africa will combine various African music styles into an explosion of color, sound and dance, beginning at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 28, on the Page Theater stage. Twelve tickets have now been made available, but will go fast. Call the Box Office, Ext. 1715.

Sister Clairvaux presents Iconography Nov. 2

Sister Clairvaux McFarland, a Rochester Franciscan, will present “Iconography:Through the Date of the Visible to the Mystery of the Invisible” from 2 to 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 2, at the Common Room.

Iconography is the science of the description, history, and interpretation of the traditional representations of God, the saints and other sacred subjects in art. The object of iconography is to give the history of these various representations, to note their prevalence or absence at some particular time or in some particular place, to compare those of different lands and different periods, to explain the personal or historical, and to interpret the symbolical.

An artist reception, where guests will have an opportunity to view Sister Clairvaux’s work and talk with her, will follow her presentation. Her work can be viewed at St. Mary's Hospital in Rochester.

The event is hosted by the Saint Teresa Leadership and Service Institute for Women. To register, contact Tammy Pape, tpape@smumn.edu or Ext. 1733. For more information, contact Peg Winters at Ext. 6651.

Career Services offers upcoming events

Government Fair
The Minnesota College & University Career Services Association is sponsoring the fifth annual Government Fair on today, Oct. 24, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Great Hall of the Coffman Memorial Union at the University of Minnesota campus in Minneapolis.

Long-term Volunteer Fair
On Thursday, Nov. 6, WSU and SMU are hosting long-term volunteer fairs (from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the Hyphen of Kryzsko Commons on the WSU campus, and from 3 to 5 p.m. in the game room of the Toner Student Center on the SMU campus).

Long-term volunteering involves committing one or two years assisting with a particular need in communities that are underserved and have few resources. The Nov. 6 fairs at WSU and SMU welcome approximately 15 long-term volunteer programs from around the country that place recent college graduates into volunteer placements nationally and internationally.

Some of the programs that are registered include Lasallian Volunteers, St. Joseph the Worker in St. Paul, Mercy Home Volunteer Corps, Christian Brother Volunteer Program, Holden Village, Inner City Teaching Corps, and more. The fairs are open to all interested in learning more about long-term volunteering and the diversity of options available. For more information, contact Chris McClead in the Office of Campus Ministry: cmcclead@smumn.edu or Ext. 7268.

Wangberg competes in Ironman Championship

Robyn Wangberg of the Physics Department competed in the world championship of the Ironman Triathlon in Kona, Hawaii on October 11. The event includes a 2.4-mile swim in the ocean, a 112-mile bike ride, and a marathon run (26.2 miles). During the biking and running portions, Wangberg steadily moved up in the standings, finishing 8th in her age division, and 97th of all 500 female entrants, in 10 hours, 55 minutes, and 57 seconds.

SMU to welcome students from Chicago San Miguel

Sixth-graders from the San Miguel School in Chicago are visiting Saint Mary’s Oct. 26-30.

San Miguel is a Christian Brothers’ mission school, part of a nationwide network of schools dedicated to teaching underserved populations of urban and rural school children. The Chicago school, located in a Mexican-American immigrant neighborhood, serves primarily children whose first language is Spanish, but they are also fluent in English.

The goals of the program are to acquaint these children with college life and begin to inspire them to consider post-secondary education. The program also gives Saint Mary’s students – particularly education students – the opportunity to work with urban children from another culture.

Volunteer Services plans ‘Make a Difference Day’

In recognition of national “Make a Difference Day,” Saint Mary’s Volunteer Services group has invited Winona nonprofit agencies to submit requests for service.

Approximately 150 Saint Mary’s University students will be teamed up from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. to help groups and organizations on Saturday, Oct. 25, in recognition of “Make a Difference Day.”

“Make a Difference Day” is the most encompassing national day of helping others, a celebration of neighbors helping neighbors. For more information, call Katie LaPlant at Ext. 6936 or e-mail volunteerservices@smumn.edu.

Common Threads clothing drive starts today

The Common Threads Clothing Drive will be held Oct. 24-26. The annual event, sponsored by the SMU Peace and Justice Club, will be open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. today and Saturday, Oct. 24-25, and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 26, in the Hall of Fame Room. Proceeds will benefit the Winona Catholic Worker Community.

McCullough publishes several poems

Ken McCullough (Academic Advising) recently had several poems published: a five-sonnet sequence in Or, a poetry tabloid (Los Angeles); four poems in Bombay Gin (Jack Kerouac School of Disembodied Poetics, Boulder); and a poem in The Great River Review (Anderson Center, Red Wing). McCullough's review of Toby Thompson's "Positively Main Street: Bob Dylan's Minnesota" appeared in Tapestry and was picked up by the primary Dylan blog, Expecting Rain.

Gaut’s review published in National Catholic Reporter

Dr. Greg Gaut, Department of History, published a review of “Orlando Figes’s The Whisperers: Private Life in Stalin's Russia,” in the Fall Books Section of the October 3, 2008 issue of the National Catholic Reporter. The review can be accessed at http://ncronline3.org/drupal/?q=node/2048.