Saint Teresa Institute hosts special ceremony tonight

The Saint Teresa Institute year-end ceremony is planned for 5:30 p.m. today, April 24, at Chapel of Saint Mary of the Angels. A reception will follow at the Alverna Center. Nine women have completed their undergraduate membership in the Institute and will be graduating from Saint Mary’s this May including Laura Holupchinski, Robyn Perez, Tamika Robinson, Katie Simon, Maria Sullivan, Yer Thao, Elizabeth Therneau, Martha Walters and Danielle Zauhar. State Sen. Sharon Erickson Ropes will give an inspirational speech as part of the ceremony. Faculty and students are invited to attend.

Saint Mary’s to host third Row, Ride, Run Triathlon

The third Saint Mary’s University Heart & SOUL “Row, Ride, Run Triathlon” will take place on Saturday, April 25, at 9 a.m.; check-in begins at 7:30 a.m. on the west end of Lake Winona. The public is encouraged to take part in the triathlon.

Participants will canoe or kayak a 2.5-mile loop around Lake Winona, then bike 14 miles from Lake Winona to the SMU campus. Once on campus, racers will run 3.1 miles through the bluffs surrounding the university.

For more information, visit www.smumn.edu/heartandsoul. For information, call Ext. 1643.

Ropes course opens June 1

The new Saint Mary’s Challenge Ropes Course is now complete. The public is invited to use the course for personal and team development, beginning June 1. Reservations may be made in May.

The course includes low challenge elements that are 2 to 3 feet above the ground, and high challenge elements that are 25 to 40 feet above the ground. The low elements challenge course includes seven elements and assorted games and initiatives. The high elements course is comprised of nine elements, including a zip line. The tower includes a climbing wall with multiple routes for varying skill levels.

All booking requests must be made no less than two weeks in advance to Davey Warner, Ext. 8740 or e-mail outdoorleadership@smumn.edu.

More information about the cost to use the course will be posted on the SMU website. Costs are based upon number of hours on the course, number of participants, and type of group (university, non-profit or corporate).

Spring Chamber Music Recital is April 26

A recital of student chamber ensembles is scheduled for 3 p.m. Sunday, April 26, in Figliulo Recital Hall, located in the Performance Center. Performing groups will include the Flute Choir, Clarinet Quartet, Brass Quintet, String Ensemble and Wind Ensemble. The ensembles are coached by SMU music faculty members Janet Heukeshoven, Eric Heukeshoven, and Ned Kirk. This recital will feature a variety of music by Mozart, Vivaldi, Schubert and Schumann.

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

For additional details, contact Janet Heukeshoven at Ext. 1675 or jheukesh@smumn.edu.

Batucada, jazz combos, music technology students to perform April 29

The Batucada Nossa Senhora ethnic percussion ensemble of Saint Mary’s will present its 17th annual spring concert 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 29, in Page Theatre. Batucada Nossa Senhora translates to Percussion Ensemble of Our Lady.

The performance, under the direction of Denny McGuire, will consist of music from Brazil, Cuba and Puerto Rico, combining for an enriching multi-cultural experience for all ages. Batucada members include SMU students, many of whom are music majors, as well as community members.

Performers use a variety of unique instruments including the authentic surdo, tamborim, agogó, reco-reco, ganzá and pandeiro from the Samba Baterias of Brazil as well as hand-drums such as conga and bongó from the Cuban tradition. From Africa, they also use gongoque and beaded gourds of many types (most of which are made by members of the group) as well as instruments such as the berimbau and talking drum.

Additionally two SMU jazz workshop combos, under the direction of Dr. John Paulson and Eric Heukeshoven, will play some favorite pieces from past performances, and three SMU music technology students will premiere their electronic music pieces.

One of the jazz workshop combos will perform a Latin jazz piece, written by McGuire.

Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for students and seniors and may be purchased online at www.pagetheatre.org or at the Performance Center box office, (507) 457-1715, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays.

Special discounts available for upcoming concerts

Don’t forget that students are eligible for discounted student rush tickets, and faculty and staff are eligible for two free tickets to all SMU performance events (all upcoming music performances). Contact the Box Office.

Students honored by ASCD

Molly Jewison, Brittney Nielson, Mara Sonday and Kristina Scherber, the leadership team of SMU’s student chapter of the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD) have been awarded the 2009 Minnesota ASCD Stan Hooper Student Award for Educational Excellence. This award is given to an individual or leadership team for their commitment to the aim of ASCD international — the success of each learner.

Our Saint Mary’s chapter of the ASCD hosts leaders in education in sharing with SMU students interested in ethical and effective service to others, particularly through education. Presenters have included the local superintendent of schools, a scholar in the area of using arts to promote literacy, and the Minnesota Teacher of the Year. The team has also led various community and school service projects to support the growth and best interests of learners in our area.

Volunteers needed to clean Gilmore Creek today

Faculty, staff and students are joining together today, Friday, April 24, to clean up Gilmore Creek as part of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resource’s Adopt-a-River program.

Volunteers will clean a 2-mile stretch of the creek surrounding our campus.

The cleanup will run from 2 to 4 p.m. Materials and instructions will be given out at 2 p.m. near the Information Desk. For information, call Katie LaPlant at Ext. 6936 or e-mail volunteerservices@smumn.edu.

Gloves and bags will be provided. Please wear comfortable clothing that can get wet and dirty.
Saint Mary’s employees may volunteer up to two hours of work time for Spruce Up Winona and the Gilmore Creek cleanup. Any volunteer time must be approved by the employee’s appropriate supervisor.

Famous Dave’s founder presentation includes food

Dave Anderson, founder of the popular barbecue franchise Famous Dave’s of America, will speak at Saint Mary’s on Monday, April 27.

The event, hosted by the Kabara Institute for Entrepreneurial Studies, is free and open to the public. Anderson’s presentation, “Me, Inc. — The Spirit of Entrepreneurship,” will run from 6 to 7 p.m. in Page Theatre.

Famous Dave’s of La Crosse is donating samples and appetizers in honor of the event. Food will be served on a first-come, first-served basis after the presentation outside of the Performance Center. Freewill offerings will be accepted to benefit the Kabara Institute.

Anderson shares his heartfelt optimism using his life’s story to share insight and life lessons in dealing with today’s fast-changing world. He is an enthusiastic advocate of the American dream and stresses that no matter how tough things may seem today, if you never give up your dream and work hard, tomorrow’s rewards will always come.

Anderson will be available following the presentation to sign his books, “LifeSkills for Success” and “Backroads and Sidestreets Cookbook” in the Performance Center lobby. Copies of the books will be available for purchase, with proceeds going to the Lifeskills Center for Leadership in Minneapolis.

SMU in the news

Here are recent mentions of SMU “making the news” — in the Winona area and beyond.

• The Winona Daily News ran a story titled “the beauty of bells” about visiting composer William Neil in its April 17 edition.

• Monta May’s work was featured in the Winona Post April 22 and the Winona Daily News April 23. May is participating in the Bluff Country Studio Art Tour April 24-26. The tour runs 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. May’s work will be located at the Village House Inn.

Employee changes

New:
• Eric Miller, April 20, 2009, GSS-GIS Applications Developer.

Leaving:
• Colleen Rubinoff, April 30, Twin Cities Transfer Credit Coordinator.
• Aretta-Rie Johnson, April 21, Twin Cities Rochester site coordinator.
• Vernell Beal, March 20, Twin Cites, security.

Jazz notes

John Paulson and the Miles Johnston Quartet will perform 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. today, April 24, at the Starlite Lounge in La Crosse, Wis.

Science initiative is April 24-25

The SMU Alumni Association is hosting the “Saint Mary’s Science Initiative” for alumni of science-related fields on April 24-25.

A variety of activities — including an alumni social, presentations and tours — are planned through which alumni can learn about SMU’s vision to create a 21st century Center for Science Education and Research.

Alum to speak about Phoenix Mars Mission on April 24

As part of the Science Initiative events at 3 p.m. today, Friday, April 24, Dr. John Hoffman ’51, professor of physics at the University of Texas at Dallas, will present “Phoenix Mars Mission” in the World Room. The SMU community is invited to hear this presentation.

Launched in August 2007, the Phoenix Mars Mission was the first in NASA’s Scout Program. Phoenix was designed to study the history of water and habitability potential in the Martian arctic’s ice-rich soil. Hoffman was a co-investigator for the TEGA experience that flew on the Mars Scout Phoenix Mission. Hoffman Hall is named in honor of Dr. Hoffman’s father.

Ice cream dates announced

Let’s Do Ice Cream fundraisers have been set for the summer. Enjoy sundaes from 3 to 4 p.m. June 4 and Aug. 13 and root beer floats from 3 to 4 p.m. July 16.

SMU-stock festivities are today

SMU’s Earth Week festivities will culminate with SMU-stock today, April 24. A Frisbee golf tournament begins at 3:30 p.m., SMU-stock begins at 5 p.m., and a bonfire is planned for 9 p.m. at Yon’s Field. Live music and a cookout are planned.

Dahlstrom awarded scholarship by Financial Execs

David Dahlstrom was awarded one of six scholarships granted by the Twin Cities Chapter of Financial Executives International. The scholarship was awarded at the chapter’s annual Academic Awards dinner on April 14 at the Town and Country Club in St. Paul. The scholarship was awarded to current junior students whose major field of study is in finance and/or accounting and selection was based on academic achievement and leadership potential.

Dahlstrom is a junior accounting and human resource management major from Rochester. He is the son of Bill and Roseanne Dahlstrom

Chorus and orchestra to perform McCullough’s work

Ken McCullough, Academic Advising and the PASS program, will have his translations of Cambodian poet U Sam Oeur featured in a piece for chorus and orchestra by composer Libby Larsen which was commissioned for the Bemidji Symphony. The piece will be performed on April 26 as part of the symphony's Final Fanfares concert, and will be narrated by Michael Barone.

McCullough also had six poems published by The Other Voices International Project, a journal sanctioned by UNESCO, as well as a poem in memory of Bill Holm in Minnesota Law and Politics.

Next week is last ‘Campus Notes’

Next Friday, May 1, is the last edition of “Campus Notes” for the semester. The deadline for this edition is Wednesday, April 29. Remember that the Communication and Marketing Office can continue to help you promote activities both externally and internally throughout the summer.

BUGSS events raise about $1,500

Nine groups competed in the “Iron Chef” competition, with nearly 100 people in attendance. Approximately $1,500 was raised in loose change, ticket sales, and donations. The money will be sent to Bethlehem University.

News from Eta Beta Chapter

On March 27, the SMU Business Department held its annual induction ceremony for the Eta Beta Chapter of the Delta Mu Delta International Honor Society in Business. All undergraduate students inducted are juniors or seniors with overall and major GPA of 3.25, as well as ranking in the top 20 percent of their class. The following students were inducted this year: Holly Roffler, Melissa Paulson, Meghan Johnson, Zhe Song, David Dahlstrom, Katherine Drazkowski, Jessica Larson, Qiaoyu Wu, Jeffrey Miller and Lisa Aguado.

Graduate students in the Master of Arts in International Business program must meet the academic criteria of having earned a minimum GPA of 3.60, while also ranking in the top 20 percent of their class. The following students were inducted this year: Sarah Bearbower and Lionel Binobanzi Ndayishimiye.

Current members of Delta Mu Delta who have been previously inducted include: Emily Laurent, Alison Kay, Leah Hoglin, Danielle Dehning, Ann Dickey, Nicholle Hanson, Kathleen Pawlowski, MaryAnn Plourde, Katelyn Rizzi, Courtney Runge, Jakub Szymanski, Radoslaw Tomczak, Joseph Weinmann, Amanda Wiste and Ye Zhang.

Sympathy to Weisbrod family

Evelyn Weisbrod, mother-in-law of Angel Weisbrod (student health director) and grandmother to Jon (’06) and Jess (’08) died Thursday, April 16. A card of condolence may be sent to the family at Campus Box 81. The Saint Mary’s community extends its sympathy to the Weisbrod family.

Congratulations to Lunde family

Layla and Matt Lunde (Development and Alumni Relations) had a baby girl, Elizabeth Lorraine, on Sunday, April 19. The Saint Mary’s community congratulates the Lunde family.