SMU students to stage ‘The Crucible’ Nov. 12-15

The historical events surrounding the infamous witchcraft trials of Salem, Mass., will be portrayed in the Department of Theatre and Dance production of “The Crucible.”

This intense play, written by Arthur Miller in 1953, includes a large, energetic cast under the direction of Larry Gorrell, former SMU dean of the School of the Arts. Show times are scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, Nov. 12-14, and 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 15, in Page Theatre, located in the Performance Center.

One of the greatest plays of the 20th century, “The Crucible” revolves around Reverend Samuel Paris and members of his household involved in allegedly practicing witchcraft during an era when individuals were tortured and put to death for mere insinuations of such involvement. This two-act drama explores how Americans respond to non-traditional and unconventional behavior and how it is so easy to turn our backs on those who differ from us. Also evident in this extraordinary work — still relevant for today — is Miller’s perspective on the way the elders, religious leaders and lawmakers handle the gripping situation.

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

Jazz Ensemble to perform at University Jazz Night

The WSU Jazz Band

The SMU Jazz Ensemble

Don't miss University Jazz Night at Jefferson Pub and Grill 7:30-9:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 3. Hear the SMU Jazz Ensemble, directed by Dr. John Paulson, and the Winona State University Jazz Band, directed by Dr. Rich MacDonald. There is no cover charge. For information, call Jefferson's at 452-2718 or Dr. John Paulson at Ext. 1596.

The SMU musicians will perform “Smack Dab in the Middle,” featuring Ryan Ballanger on tenor sax; “Keep the Stick,” featuring Tom Briese on trombone; “The Nasty Blues,” featuring several student soloists; and the high-energy jazz standard “Blue Skies.”

‘Go Red to Get Ahead’ Nov. 3 to raise awareness of SGPP

SMU’s Schools of & Professional Programs (SGPP) will hold an all-day campus-wide event
to increase awareness of over 50 graduate and professional programs offered in Winona, Minneapolis, Rochester, Apple Valley, Minnetonka, Greater Minnesota and Wisconsin.

The event, scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 3, offers students the opportunity to:
• explore the benefits of continuing their education at SMU;
• learn about SMU’s graduate and bachelor completion programs;
• learn how to achieve a master’s degree while working in the field; and
• Win Target gift cards, iTunes gift cards and SMU gear.

Winona campus faculty and staff are invited to a morning session from 9 to 10 a.m. in the Presidents Room. Refreshments will be provided.

An afternoon brown bag session will be held noon to 1 p.m. in the Presidents Room. Dessert will be served.

For more information, call (612) 728-5100 or (866) 437-2788.

Walk of Horror runs through Saturday

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

The 13th annual hair-raising fundraiser for the softball team will take place from 7-10 p.m. tonight and Saturday, 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 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 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 1,100 brave souls took the 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.

Go to Educause 2009 without leaving campus

On Nov. 4-6, faculty and staff are invited to join members of the Saint Mary's Information Technology Department at EDUCAUSE 2009 Online, a virtual conference for IT professionals in higher education that explores the key issues impacting our institutions today, from understanding emerging technologies to the role that IT can play in developing collaborative, transformative learning environments.

The online conference includes a series of virtual presentations, including keynote addresses from Lawrence Lessig, Brenda Gourley, and Brad Wheeler, expert discussion sessions and streamed point/counterpoint sessions.

Participants will be watching the presentations as a group; however, there are opportunities to interact with fellow participants through chat and discussion boards, helping to drive home key ideas and lay the groundwork for future collaborations.

Saint Mary's Hall Room 8 (Training Lab) has been reserved for this event. The conference will run from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, Nov. 4-5, and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, Nov. 6.

Full schedule details are located at www.educause.edu/E2009/Online/Program. Note that the times on the web agenda are all listed in Mountain Time.

While participants are welcome to come and go as the topics you are interested in arise, please note that only one presentation can be viewed at a time.

If you are interested in a particular session, contact Sarah Bearbower (sbearbow@smumn.edu) with that information. All sessions will be recorded and available after the Educause Online event.

SMU Oldie Moldies to perform at Signatures Nov. 21

Catch dinner and a show with the Oldie Moldie All-Stars on Saturday, Nov. 21, at Visions Event Center.

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

The Oldies are members of the national music fraternity Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia at Saint Mary’s. The group consists of 10 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. 19. A chicken or pasta option is available by reservation.

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

Biology, Computer Science departments co-host seminar

The Biology and Computer Science departments will be co-hosting a seminar at 4:10 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 5, in Hoffman Hall, Room 112.

The speaker, Harry D. Rowland, co-founded Endotronix in June 2007. He currently serves as Endotronix’s Chief Technology Officer and is responsible for strategic planning and execution of technology development, overseeing all engineering operations.

He received his Ph.D. in mechanical engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology in 2007. He received a B.S. in mechanical engineering and an M.A. in economics from the University of California-Santa Barbara in 2002.

Dr. Rowland has been active in research and development of micro- and nanotechnology fabrication methods for the past seven years. His projects have led to invited research at Sandia National Laboratories, New Mexico and Trinity College, Ireland, where he co-developed local temperature-controlled instrumented nanoindentation for the study of polymer manufacturing processes on the molecular scale. Dr. Rowland has authored or presented over 15 conference and journal papers in internationally recognized peer-reviewed publications such as Science and Nano, among others.

The title for his talk is “Engineering Challenges & Biology: A Closer Look at Implantable Wireless Sensor Development.”

Ayers to sign books at closing reception Nov. 6

"Octopus" by Chris Ayers

"Genesis" by Maureen Costa

Chris Ayers, a Los Angeles character designer, and Maureen Costa, an Arizona sculptor, will display their work through Nov. 11 at Lillian Davis Hogan Galleries.

Ayers’ film credits for character design include “Star Trek XI,” “X-Men: The Last Stand,” “Fantastic Four,” “Iron Man,” “The Incredible Hulk” and “Men in Black 2.” In the spring of 2005, Ayers was diagnosed with leukemia, a type of blood cancer. One year later, he started a sketchbook and drew one animal each day for a year to help with his healing process. His SMU show, “The Daily Zoo,” will include a variety of these sketches — now published in the book, “The Daily Zoo: Keeping the Doctor at Bay with a Drawing a Day.”

In “Contemplation,” Costa will display work that serves as a metaphor about the religious imagination, reincarnation and the changing states of consciousness. Her pieces, carved from basswood, have a bulbous shape, from which she is able to create a “moment of blissful liberation.” Costa says that humanity is in a constant state of changing and metamorphosis, and she aspires to reflect that change in her work.

A closing reception will be held 4 to 6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 6, at the galleries. Ayers will be present for the show’s closing to sign his book, which will be available for purchase. A portion of the proceeds from “The Daily Zoo” is used to support cancer-related charities and research.

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.

Let’s Do Lunch and costume contest are today

Dress up for Halloween and earn a traveling trophy for your office or department during the first Let’s Do Lunch “Boo”fet today, Friday Oct. 30, hosted by the Business Office and Academic Skills and Academic Advising. A trophy will be awarded to the group with the best costumes.

The President’s Cabinet will host a Let’s Do Lunch on Dec. 4. If your department or office would like to host a “Let’s Do Lunch” second semester, contact Laurie Haase at Ext. 1464.

This fall the SMU Volunteer Committee will use funds from the “Let’s Do Lunch” events for Volunteer Services Food Shelf, and “Jeans for a Cause” funds will go toward student assistance, especially first generation students.

Ed.D. Research Symposium to be held Oct. 31

Alumni of the doctoral program in leadership (Ed.D.) are invited to attend the sixth annual Ed.D. Research Symposium. The accomplishments of recent graduates will be highlighted, allowing current students to receive valuable feedback from their peers and providing an opportunity for Saint Mary’s students to share their accomplishments with a wider professional audience.

The symposium is planned for 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31, in LaSalle Hall at the Twin Cities campus.

For more information, contact Britt Bakken at (612) 728-5127 or bbakken@smumn.edu.

SMU students to ‘Thrill the World’ today

All over the world people are dancing Michael Jackson’s Thriller Dance. Some Saint Mary’s students participated in “Thrill the World La Crosse” and are hosting a similar event at 12:45 p.m. today, Friday, Oct. 30, in the Plaza.

Today is last day to get Cardinal Pride T-shirt

The Cardinal Pride T-shirt sale ends today, Friday, Oct. 30. Shirts are $10 each. All proceeds benefit the Winona Area Humane Society. If you would like to order via email, contact Jana Schrenkler at jschrenk@smumn.edu or Kathleen Pawlowski at kmpawl06@smumn.edu.

Iron Chef competition Nov. 8 to raise money for scholarship

The second annual Iron Chef Competition will be held at 6:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 8, in the dining hall. All proceeds will support a scholarship that will enable a student from Gaza to attend Bethlehem University.

Teams of four will create a main dish and dessert for judges and fans to enjoy. Faculty, staff and students are encouraged to create teams. Tickets are $5 for faculty and staff and $3 for students and children. A sign-up sheet will be posted in the game room.

Senior class asks for donations for silent auction

Each year, the senior class holds a silent auction that provides funding for Senior Week, the Senior Formal Dance, and many other gatherings and activities throughout the year. This year’s Silent Auction will be held Thursday, Nov. 12, and Friday, Nov. 13.

In the past years, the Silent Auction has been one of the most successful fundraisers for the senior class. Donations are needed to help make this event a success. Past donations have included gift certificates, all expense paid trips, electronics, clothing and other merchandise.

Cash donations will be pooled to purchase merchandise at local businesses.

Donations can be mailed to: Jason Richter, Box 45. For more information, call (507) 456-3961 or e-mail lpkapl06@smumn.edu.

Fox to discuss Lasallian work at fall conference

Dr. Mary Catherine Fox, Interdisciplinary Studies, is the keynote presenter for “Lasallian Heritage and Pedagogy,” the Partners in Learning Fall Conference Oct. 30-31 in Minneapolis.

Dr. Fox will speak from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30, on “The Lasallian Charism: A Rich Heritage, A Practical Present, A Powerful Future.”

Dance for Africa to raise money for CTIE in Nairobi

A Dance for Africa is planned for 9 p.m. to midnight today, Friday, Oct. 30, at the West End Historic Theatre, 685 W. 5th St., in Winona. The cost is $5, and tickets can be purchased during lunch at the Toner Student Center stairwell.

Costumes are encouraged, and transportation to and from the dance will be provided starting at 8:45 p.m. outside of the Toner Center.

Proceeds will benefit students at Christ the Teacher Institute of Education in Nairobi, Kenya.

MIASMU students identify extended family community

In Africa, it is impossible to live without belonging to an extended family community that must be celebrated, nurtured, developed and protected. Maryknoll Institute for African Studies (MIASMU) students, therefore, are asked to identify the extended family community to which they belong and that has given them their human life.

Most non-African students have trouble answering this question as they feel they are hybrids or creolized and belong to many different communities. However, MIASMU argues from field research that everyone is in fact rooted in a primary family community that is the ongoing source of their true identity forever. Can you identify your primary family community?

Faculty, staff invited to Blue Angel Nov. 6-7

The Brothers of Phi Mu Alpha cordially invite the members of the faculty and staff to Blue Angel 2009. This year’s performances are Friday, Nov. 6, at 8 p.m. and Saturday, Nov. 7, at 7 and 10 p.m. To receive a complimentary ticket to the show of your choice, contact Bob Fisher at Ext. 6647 or Box 21.

MCA offers contemporary dance workshops

The Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts welcomes back guest artist Jeffrey Peterson for a weekend of contemporary dance workshops for intermediate and advanced dancers ages 12
and older. The two days of workshops will include classes in modern, jazz, yoga, contemporary partnering and a men’s class for male students.

The workshops run 4 to 9 p.m. Friday, Nov. 13, and 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 14. Tuition is $70 for female students (seven classes) and $90 for male students (nine classes.)

For more information about the Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts, contact Jennifer TeBeest at 453-5500 or e-mail mca@smumn.edu.

Kabara Institute invites students with business ideas

The Kabara Institute for Entrepreneurial Studies is announcing the “Business Idea Elevator Pitch Competition.”

Students are invited to create an idea for a new business and explain that idea in 60-90 seconds on either Thursdays Nov. 12 or 19 at 3:30 p.m., in Saint Mary’s Hall, Room 409. After the presentation, participants will submit a written script of the short speech. This is not a PowerPoint presentation, but rather an explanation of a business idea. Cash prizes will be awarded.

Students should notify Teresa Speck, Business Department, if they intend to participate by Monday, Nov. 9, for the Nov. 12 presentation and by Monday, Nov. 16, for the Nov. 19 presentation. Send your name, e-mail address and business name to tspeck@smumn.edu.

Hendrickson Institute for Ethical Leadership announces its ‘Forum 2010’

The Hendrickson Institute for Ethical Leadership will host its Forum 2010 on April 28 in Minneapolis.

Dr. Marcelo Suárez-Orozco, a world-renowned author and speaker, will give a public presentation titled, “World Migration: Best Practices for Business and Society in a Changing World.”

Tickets will go on sale Jan. 12 and will be $25 for general admission, $10 for students, and $20 for faculty/staff. A limited number of complimentary faculty/staff tickets will be available. Contact Barb Hall at bhall@smumn.edu.

One of every 35 people on the planet is working, living or moving across national borders.

Dr. Suárez-Orozco will show us why this wave of immigration is vastly different from previous ones and discuss profound implications for every facet of business and society. As a world-renowned lecturer, he will share the top-level information that has informed business and political leaders from the United Nations to the Vatican. Because understanding the scope of immigration is only the first step, he will also provide resources and innovative strategies about “best practices” to speed adjustment by both immigrants and current citizens.

Dr. Suárez-Orozco is a distinguished scholar and lecturer on immigration, globalization and education. He is the co-founder of the Harvard Immigration Projects and is currently the Richard Fisher Membership Fellow, Institute for Advanced Study, Princeton, and the Courtney Sale Ross University Professor of Globalization and Education at New York University.

Michael Flanagan’s play to be presented in Oak Park, Ill.

SMU Professor Emeritus Michael Flanagan’s play “Posthumorous” will be presented at the Village Players in Oak Park, Ill., on Nov 12-15, and Nov. 19-22.

“Posthumorous” is a comedy about a man who planned his afterlife and the afterlife he never planned.

It is a comedy of mistaken identity, silly funeral plans, and people who don’t know they are twins. Set in a funeral parlor in a mythical rural Minnesota town on the night man first walks on the moon, a comically nervously funeral director wonders, “Will it be just like the cartoons where the lovable old toy maker goes home at night, and the toys come to life? “

That funeral director is the kind of guy who leaves out milk and cookies for his “guests!”

For more information or to order tickets, go to www.village-players.org/season.htm.

Village Players is a professional non-equity theatre.

Kate Flanagan is featured author at iBAM

Kate Flanagan, Theatre and Dance Department, will be a featured author this week-end, Oct. 31 and Nov. 1, at iBAM, a celebration of Irish books, art, and music.

The event is being sponsored by Chicago’s Irish American News and the Irish American Heritage Center, located at 4626 N. Knox, Chicago. During the two-day celebration of the Celtic New Year, Flanagan will be available to sign copies of her new book, “Steps in Time: The History of Irish Dance in Chicago.”

On Saturday afternoon, Oct. 31, she will give a brief presentation on the topic. Other noted authors who will be in attendance include Malachy McCourt and Mary Pat Kelly. Musicians will include Black 47 and Maura O’Connell.

Employee changes

New
Scott Walker — Associate director, PDI program, Oct. 26.

Leaving
Anna Drennen — Twin Cities inter-library loan coordinator, Oct. 29.

Nearly 200 participate in Make a Difference Day

Katie Peters was one of 195 SMU students — joined by 5 staff members — who participated in Make a Difference Day on Saturday, Oct. 24. These volunteers shoveled dirt, moved bricks, hung sheetrock, painted, sorted clothes and assisted with a variety of other work at 35 locations throughout the Winona area. Make a Difference Day is the most encompassing national day of helping others, a celebration of neighbors helping neighbors.