Brother William schedules roundtable, town hall meetings

Brother President William Mann is inviting the university community to participate in discussions about institutional priorities.

During the week of Nov. 17, he will host round-table discussions on planning with four constituent groups: faculty, staff and administrators, students, and parents and alumni. Invitations have been sent to 40 individuals from each of these groups to meet on the Winona and Twin Cities campuses.

These small gatherings will be followed by two town-hall meetings, one on the Winona campus and one on the Twin Cities campus, where all members of the Saint Mary’s community will be welcome to contribute insights on the proposed priorities. These town-hall meetings are scheduled as follows:

Town Hall Meeting, Twin Cities campus:
Monday, Nov. 24
PAN building Alumni Room
3:30-5 p.m.

Town Hall Meeting, Winona campus
Thursday, Nov. 20
Salvi Lecture Hall
3:30-5 p.m.

Following these roundtable sessions and town hall meetings, Brother William will finalize a set of priorities which will then be used to guide operational planning for the university over the next several years.

Saint Mary’s congratulates alumni elected to offices

Congratulations go to the following alumni who ran for office on Nov. 4.

• Mike Johanns ’71 (R-Nebraska) was elected U.S. Senator. Johanns formerly served as U.S. Secretary of Agriculture.

• Rep. Tim Walz (DFL-Mankato), who is completing his doctorate with SMU, was re-elected to Congress.

• Debbie White ’00 was re-elected Winona city councilwoman for an at-large position.

• Additionally, Cullen Sheehan ’97 worked as the campaign manager for Sen. Norm Coleman (R-Minnesota) who edged out challenger Al Franken in a close race; a recount is planned.

• Bill Jungbauer (R-Minnesota) ’75 lost his bid for the Minnesota House of Representatives.

If you know of other alums who were involved with major elections, please let Deb Nahrgang know at dnahrgan@smumn.edu.

Saint Mary’s students staging ‘Playhouse Creatures’

The Saint Mary’s Department of Theatre Arts will stage the racy historical drama “Playhouse Creatures” through Nov. 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. today through Saturday, Nov. 7-8, 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.

Area schools compete in SMU High School Challenge

The Saint Mary’s University High School Challenge kicked off its 38th season with Round 1A on Saturday, Oct. 11. High School Challenge is the longest-running, locally produced television program showcasing Eastern Minnesota, Western Wisconsin, and Northeast Iowa high school students in an educational forum. Competition resumes with Round 1B, starting at 8:30 a.m., Saturday, Nov. 8, in the World Room. The public is welcome to attend.

High School Challenge is a contest in which students compete to correctly answer questions dealing with high school subjects, general information and current events. Thirty-two teams compete in winner and consolation bracket tournaments.

High school students receive scholarships to Saint Mary’s for participating in High School Challenge. Schools that win their first game receive $2,000 scholarships to SMU. Schools that lose their first game receive $1,000 scholarships to SMU. These scholarships are for any member of the senior class with a B or above average. Each scholarship is renewable for three consecutive years provided the student remains in good standing and maintains a 2.8/4.0 cumulative grade point average.

The following schools competed in Round 1A Oct. 11 and are moving onto the Consolation Championship on Saturday, Dec. 6: La Crosse Central, Logan White and Riceville (IA). Moving on to the Super Challenge on Saturday, Feb. 21, are La Crescent, Logan Red and Winona Senior High Orange. Other competing schools were Caledonia, Blair-Taylor, North Crawford, and Youth Initiative.

The following schools will participate in Round 1B on Nov. 8: Lewiston-Altura, Onalaska, Holmen White, Viroqua, Eau Claire Regis Green, Eau Claire Regis White, Seneca and Weston.

Teams that win their afternoon game will return for the Consolation Championship games. Teams that win their morning and afternoon games will return for the Super Challenge Championship. The final eight games of the tournament are taped at SMU and are televised on Fox 25 La Crosse and Fox 48 Eau Claire.

For more information, contact Nicole Witt Gerdes, High School Challenge coordinator, at Ext.1761 or ngerdes@smumn.edu.

SMU Oldie Moldies to perform at Signatures Nov. 14

Catch dinner and a show with The Oldie Moldie All-Stars from Saint Mary’s on Friday, Nov. 14, at Visions Event Center.

Rock along to your favorite ’50s, ’60s and ’70s tunes, while you enjoy a menu of garden salad, pan-seared Canadian walleye fillet, wild rice pilaf, mixed vegetables, caper tarter sauce, rolls and butter, and a mini banana split.

The Oldies are members of the national music fraternity Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia at Saint Mary’s. The group consists of 12 talented and engaging singers and band members. 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 $30 per person; reservations can be made by calling Signatures at 454-3767. Payment is accepted at time of reservation. The reservation deadline is Nov. 12.

Visions Event Center is located at Signatures Restaurant, 22852 County Road 17 in Pleasant Valley.

Sugar Plum Fairy Tea Party fundraiser set for Nov. 16

The Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts will host the fifth biennial Sugar Plum Fairy Tea Party on Sunday, Nov. 16, at the Valéncia Arts Center, located at 1164 West 10th St.

Two tea sittings (1 p.m. and 4 p.m.), each with specialty teas and exquisite finger foods, will be offered. The Land of the Sweets Gift Boutique, featuring holiday gifts and crafts, will be available for the public’s shopping pleasure from 12:30 to 5:30 p.m.

All children attending the tea party will receive a complimentary photo of themselves with their favorite live character from “The Nutcracker” Ballet. Additionally, storytelling of this favorite holiday classic will be held in the Land of the Sweets Gift Boutique during shopping hours.

The Sugar Plum Fairy Tea party is the first big event of “The Nutcracker” production season for MCA and its youth performing troupe, the Dance Repertory Company. The company will present the full-length ballet Dec. 4-7 at Saint Mary’s Page Theatre. This year’s cast of 100 includes students from Saint Mary’s, Winona State University, and children and community members from Winona and the surrounding areas. For tickets to the production, call Ext.1715 or visit www.pagetheatre.org.

The Sugar Plum Fairy Tea Party serves as a fundraiser for MCA; all proceeds go toward production costs for “The Nutcracker.”

For tickets to the tea sittings or for more information about the gift boutique, call 453-5501.

Winona Area Youth Singers’ inaugural concert is Nov. 23

The Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts will present the Winona Area Youth Singers (WAYS) in “Musical Menagerie,” an inaugural concert, beginning at 1:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 23, at the Valéncia Arts Center.

WAYS members are students in grades three through six from the Winona area. The youth choir started in September of this year and has been rehearsing a variety of choral material. The program features music about animals, including German and American folk songs; a familiar hymn text; and modern compositions, both serious and humorous.

Lindsy O’Shea serves as the WAYS director. WAYS members include: Alexa Akre, Shea Alcamo, Philippa Armstrong, Andrew Behling, Taylor Cada, Libby Crigler, Kate Dulak, Korto Greene, Trinity Hougin, Justine Meinke and Lucy Wilfahrt. The WAYS assistant conductor is Jeff David, and Anthony Freeman serves as accompanist.

Reserved tickets are not necessary. Admission is $5 (cash or check only) at the door.

In addition to its inaugural concert, WAYS will be featured in the snow scene with MCA’s Dance Repertory Company in “The Nutcracker” (Dec. 4-7), will perform a spring concert second semester, and will participate in community outreach by performing at nursing homes and for other charitable events.

WAYS is the official youth choir of the Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts. WAYS is dedicated to providing quality, artistic and educational programs for all young people, regardless of their financial circumstances.

For more information about WAYS or MCA’s other performing arts programming, visit www.smumn.edu/mca, e-mail dance@smumn.edu or call Ext. 5501.

SMU group photo planned for today in the plaza

The Saint Mary’s community is invited to participate in a large group photo of everyone wearing their “Jeans for a Cause” and spirit red shirts today, Friday, to send to our Lasallian friends on the Nairobi campus.

Saint Mary’s campuswide fundraisers this year have been designated for the Nairobi campus; so far $3,000 has been raised.

Participants can meet in the plaza at 10 a.m. or — in the event of rain — in the Performance Center lobby. The final location will be sent out via e-mail by 9 a.m.

November “Jeans for a Cause” stickers are available for purchase in the Business Office.

The next “Let’s do Lunch” is scheduled for Friday, Dec. 5, sponsored by the SMU Cabinet.

Donations needed for senior class auction Nov. 13-14

The senior class auction is set for Nov. 13-14. In preparation, the senior class is seeking donations from businesses, students and faculty (including cooking a meal, photography, art, tickets, gift baskets etc.) For more information, contact Mandy Haus at alhaus05@smumn.edu or Kaitlin Depuydt at kadepu05@smumn.edu.

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.

Mayo Clinic seeks volunteers for genetic study Nov. 13

Mayo Clinic is seeking volunteers for a study that determines how the genetic makeup of heart, lung, and blood pressure receptors influence blood pressure regulation from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 13 in the Toner Student Center.

The study is necessary to describe the importance of gene variation in heart and lung function. To participate in the study, volunteers need to donate a blood sample for genetic determination. The sample is 4 teaspoons. The genetic makeup of certain receptors will be determined over the subsequent months. Depending on genetic makeup, volunteers may be eligible for studies, which may include arm or leg blood flow measurements, medication administration, exercise (handgrip, leg extension, or bicycling), breathing maneuvers, nerve measurements, or dietary salt manipulation.

For time and inconvenience, a monetary compensation stipend will be offered for all studies. Volunteers may not be on regular prescription medications, except contraceptives.

Pre-registration will be held from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 10. in the Toner Student Center. Walk-ins are welcome, but pre-registration is preferred.

To pre-register in advance call 255-6938 or e-mail: Engrav.pamela@mayo.edu.

Joint jazz, Batucada concert set for Nov. 21

The SMU Jazz Ensemble and Jazz Combo, under the direction of Dr. John Paulson, and Batucada Nossa Senhora, directed by Denny McGuire, will perform a joint performance at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 21, in the Page Theatre.

Tickets for the performance are $10 for adults and $5 for seniors and students and available by contacting the Page Theatre box office at Ext. 1715 or online at www.pagetheatre.org.

SMU guest pianists to give free recital Saturday

Saint Mary’s guest pianists Dr. Mary Ellen Haupert and Dr. Timothy Schorr will present a four-hand piano recital at 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 8, in Figliulo Recital Hall. Admission is free. The program includes works by Corigliano, Gottschalk, Beach and Barber.

Dr. Schorr is a strong advocate of both solo and collaborative piano literature from all musical periods. His performance credits in the United States and Europe include Carnegie Recital Hall in New York, numerous university guest artist concerts, and concerto appearances. He frequently adjudicates, presents workshops, and gives master classes, and has authored and edited publications for Keyboard Companion Magazine and Hal Leonard Publishing. He is currently associate professor of music at Viterbo University in La Crosse, Wis., where he serves as Music Department chair and coordinator of Applied Piano & Pedagogy.

Dr. Haupert divides her time between music directorship at Roncalli Newman Parish and teaching duties as assistant professor of music at Viterbo University in La Crosse, Wis. An avid chamber musician, Dr. Haupert has enjoyed frequent appearances with the Artaria String Quartet, as well as a rewarding collaboration with Dr. Schorr. Since their first concert two years ago, the two have performed four-hand programs at Washington University in St. Louis, Winona State University, and University of St. Francis in Joliet, Ill. They were also featured on Wisconsin Public Radio’s broadcast of “LIVE from the CHAZEN” in February 2006.

Barlow, Beckman attend 2008 Assessment Institute

Patrick Barlow, director of college assessment, and Dean Beckman, mass communication program coordinator, recently attended the 2008 Assessment Institute, sponsored by Indiana University and Purdue University-Indianapolis. Beckman presented a 75-minute workshop on “E-folio Use that Benefits Students and Programs.” The presentation focused on Beckman’s use of an electronic portfolio for students in the senior capstone course for the public relations major to provide feedback to the students, as well as collect information for program improvement. The Assessment Institute is the nation’s oldest and largest event focused exclusively on outcomes assessment in higher education.

O’Shea, Heukeshoven compose music for Words to Music

Dr. Patrick O’Shea and Eric Heukeshoven of the SMU Music Department composed music for this year’s La Crosse Chamber Chorale Words to Music Project.

Through the Words to Music Project, poetry from six La Crosse area students are set to music. The students, as eighth-graders, were the winners of a poetry contest themed “My Favorite Things.” The contest drew 154 contestants.

Audiences can hear these works in concert at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 8, and 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 9, at First Lutheran Church in Onalaska, Wis.

O’Shea wrote a piece for choir, oboe and piano for “Sand Castle” by Erin Brenner. Heukeshoven set to music Laura Nebeck’s “Things, Things, Things You Love.”

Tickets for the event are $15 adults, $12 senior citizens, $8 students. They can be ordered at (608) 780-6107 or by e-mailing chamberchorale@centurytel.net.

Business Office to host First Friday

The Business Office will be hosting the Nov. 7 First Friday gathering today in its reconfigured area. In recognition of everyone’s efforts to work safely, visitors can enjoy a special cake in addition to the regular First Friday offerings.

Jazz news

The John Paulson trio will perform 6:30 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 8, at Michael’s Restaurant in Rochester.

Sympathy to Dotterwick family

Elaine Brosinski, mother of Sally Dotterwick, switchboard operator, died Nov. 4. A funeral is planned for Saturday, Nov. 8, in Stoddard, Wis. Cards of condolence can be sent to Sally Dotterwick, Campus P.O. 15. The Saint Mary’s community extends its sympathy to the Dotterwick family.