The campus community will celebrate Founder’s Day on Tuesday, March 2. All faculty and staff are invited to join in the festivities. Mass begins at 10:45 a.m. in Saint Thomas More Chapel, and the convocation will begin at 1 p.m. in Page Theatre. The truncated schedule for the day is available on SMU Inside Pages, www2.smumn.edu.
A collection of 11 quirky female characters will take the stage Thursday through Monday, March 4-8, as the Department of Theatre and Dance presents “Talking With …” The production, under the direction of Dr. Gary Diomandes, begins at 7:30 p.m. at the Valéncia Academy Theatre, located at 10th and Vila streets.
Written by Jane Martin, “Talking With …” features 11 very different women including: a young woman who tests her Christian faith by handling poisonous snakes; a baton twirler who sees the face of Jesus 30 feet in the air; a destitute woman who wants to live in McDonald’s, where the sick are cured by Big Macs and no one ever dies; and a housewife who escapes to Oz every day.
They make us laugh and they make us think. And even when their challenges and crises appear larger than life, the characters embody universal issues: unbearable loneliness, crises of confidence, bereavement, loss of hope and struggles with faith. Their idiosyncratic characters amuse, move and frighten audiences while always speaking from the depths of their souls.
Tickets for adults are $10 and $5 for students and seniors and are available at the box office, Ext. 1715, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday or online at www.pagetheatre.org.
The Chamber Singers will perform a series of concerts in Colorado as part of their 2010 Concert Tour. The 22-voice select ensemble is directed by Dr. Patrick O’Shea.
Tour performances will include concerts at:
• Chapel of Our Savior (Colorado Springs) – Friday, Feb. 19; and
• St. Paul Catholic Church (Colorado Springs) – Sunday, Feb. 21.
The Chamber Singers will also serve as guest choir for Masses at St. Paul Catholic Church in Colorado Springs on Sunday, Feb. 21, and before departing at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Winona. (10:30 a.m. Mass Sunday, Feb. 14).
All performances are free and open to the public. Repertoire will include a cappella works by Willan, Scarlatti, O’Shea, Hatfield and Woollen, as well as some vocal jazz material.
The Chamber Singers will present a Homecoming Concert at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 25, at Chapel of Saint Mary of the Angels on the Saint Teresa campus. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, call Ext. 1598.
Three SMU students, along with their faculty advisors, will head to the Minnesota State Capitol Rotunda on Thursday, Feb. 25, to present the results of their independent research and creative scholarship at the annual Minnesota Private College Scholars at the Capitol event.
The Minnesota Private College Council hosts this event in an attempt to publicize and celebrate the achievements of just a few of the many thousands of students who attend private schools of higher learning in Minnesota, and to share research that may have long-term implications for Minnesotans.
This event — to be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. — will showcase current research projects completed by 34 undergraduate scholars from Minnesota private colleges and universities. Saint Mary’s students attending this year’s event include:
• Ryan Soukoup, Sleepy Eye, Minn., presenting on “Cultural Change and the Dakota Uprising.” One of his faculty advisors is Dr. Elizabeth Throop.
• Keith Fahrforth, Warrenville, Ill., and Michelle Hermes, Roseville, Minn., presenting on “The Effects of Atrazine on Pack Cell Volume, Gender and Development of Gallus Gallus.” Their faculty advisor is Dr. Debra Martin.
Campus Ministry is planning a variety of SOUL (Serving Others United in Love) trips Feb. 12-20.
Students will travel to De La Salle Blackfeet School in Browning, Mont.; Camp Hope in New Orleans; Catholic Worker Houses in Missouri and Iowa; De La Salle in Town in Philadelphia; L’Arche Community in Clinton, Iowa; McDowell County in West Virginia; Saguaro National Park in Tucson, Ariz.; San Miguel schools in Chicago; and Tides Family Services in Rhode Island.
Advisors on these trips will include Dr. Tycho de Boer, Chris McClead, Peggy Walters, Kathy Pederson, Katie LaPlant, Dr. Joseph Tadie, Dr. Karen Sorvaag, Dr. Jaime Mueller and Lynn Streefland.
The Saint Mary’s community is finding many unique and fun ways to raise money for Haiti.
Mark your calendars for a list of upcoming events including:
• The next Let’s Do Lunch event is scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 25, in the Common Room. All faculty and staff are invited to enter their favorite chili in the annual chili cookoff. The top three winners will receive prizes. Contestants should bring their crock pots to the Common Room between 11 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. Everyone is invited to eat chili between 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. Sign up with Deb Nahrgang at Ext. 6966 or dnahrgan@smumn.edu if you plan to enter chili, so that the Volunteer Committee can be guaranteed that there is enough to feed everyone. As always, water, paper products and dessert will be provided. Go green and bring your own drinking cup. The Communication and Marketing Department will sponsor the event.
• Brave souls and warm hearts are invited to join Saint Mary’s in the first “Cardinal Plunge” Saturday, March 6. This freezing fundraiser begins at 1 p.m. at Lake Goodview, located at Michael LaCanne Park. “Cardinal Plunge” proceeds will be split between Haiti relief efforts and a fund in honor of Michael Mockler, a current sophomore at Saint Mary’s who has been diagnosed with a brain tumor. The cost for this event is $10, and all participants will receive a “Cardinal Plunge” T-shirt. Registration is available beginning at noon at the event. For more information, contact Izzy Kobs at (608) 547-3868 or Iskobs06@smumn.edu.
• The Entrepreneurship class with Jana Schrenkler has asked local businesses to offer reduced prices on merchandise for a special discount card benefiting Haiti. The “red card” will be sold throughout the community starting the end of February. Proceeds will be used for the Haiti Medical Mission.
• The Volunteer Mentors will host Hope for Haiti from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 25, in the Toner Student Center. Clubs and organizations will set up booths in a carnival atmosphere.
• A Dance for Haiti is tentatively planned for 9 p.m. Friday, March 5, hosted by Campus Ministry.
A few events that have already raised funds include:
• The Office of Residence Life and SAI held an open mic night to help raise money for Haiti on Thursday, Feb. 11.
• More than $950 was raised on Wednesday during the donated jewelry sale, hosted by the Volunteer Committee. Thanks go to everyone who donated jewelry, everyone who purchased items, and everyone who generously donated.
• More than 300 people attended the International Showcase, which raised about $1,450.
Numerous other fundraisers have occurred and are being planned. Check back for more details.
Nikki Fennern, athletic director, presented a discussion during the 2010 Winter Olympic Games centering on women and sports on Thursday, Feb. 11. The discussion was hosted by the Saint Teresa Leadership and Service Institute for Women.
The Alumni Association and Athletic Department will host an event to recognize female student-athletes on Friday, Feb. 26. Women’s hockey alums, current female student-athletes, as well as local alumnae who were athletes are invited. The event will begin at 6:15 p.m. in the Trustees’ Lounge overlooking the Ice Arena. Members of the first womens hockey team will drop a ceremonial puck at 6:50 p.m. Participants will watch the women’s hockey team take on St Olaf College and participate in special activities during the game. The event will conclude with a post-game gathering for alumni, student-athletes and their families.
These event are part of a series of spring events that are being held to commemorate and celebrate the 40th anniversary of women at Saint Mary’s.
A unique exhibit of sculptures, some using found objects, that “exhume, analyze and challenge past and present issues,” will be on display Thursday, Feb. 25, through Friday, March 26, at Saint Mary’s.
Chris Wubbena, assistant professor in the Department of Art at Southeast Missouri State University, will display “the de minimis series” (a term often used to reference trivial or unworthy matters) in the Lillian Davis Hogan Galleries.
Wubbena’s show will feature a group of three large-scale floor pieces, each constructed out of materials such as wood, steel, concrete, paper, clothing and found objects, as well as six slide-projection pieces, each projecting images onto masking tape adhered to bricks. “The de minimis series” also features thunderous sound projection sculptures and wall-mounted sculptures consisting of manipulated books.
An opening reception for the artist is scheduled for 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 25, at the galleries. Gallery hours are 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily, and the exhibit is free and open to the public. For more information, contact Sister Margaret Mear at mmear@smumn.edu.
Saint Mary’s will welcome the mesmerizing and melodious talents of The Wailin’ Jennys on Wednesday, Feb. 24. This acoustic female trio will perform at 7:30 p.m. in Page Theater.
With three extraordinary voices, two founding singer-songwriters and one singular vision, the Wailin’ Jennys — originally from Canada’s mid-western heartland — are continuing to evolve into far more than the melodious sum of their individual talents.
Founding members Nicky Mehta and Ruth Moody are delighted to welcome New York-based alto singer Heather Masse and Vancouver-based fiddler Jeremy Penner.
The Wailin’ Jennys have toured three continents, and are enjoying burgeoning international acclaim and a rapidly growing fan base. They continue to garner rave reviews for their album, “Firecracker,” which has spent more than 30 weeks in the Top 5 on the Billboard Bluegrass chart. “Firecracker” also rose to #2 on the Amazon Top Sellers Chart.
Over the past few years, The Wailin’ Jennys have made many appearances on Garrison Keillor’s “A Prairie Home Companion,” sharing the stage with luminaries such as Bonnie Raitt and Meryl Streep.
Tickets for this Page Series event are $25 for adults, $20 for students and seniors, and $10 for student rush and are available at the box office, Ext. 1715, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday or online at www.pagetheatre.org. This concert is supported in part by Theatre du Mississippi.
The Music Department is planning a recital of music, written by members of the Saint Mary’s community. The event is scheduled for 3 p.m. Saturday, April 10, in Figliulo Recital Hall.
Compositions by music faculty members Dr. Patrick O’Shea, Dr. John Paulson, and A. Eric Heukeshoven will share the program with original music by other SMU composers.
If you are a composer with ties to Saint Mary’s, it is still possible to have your music included in this program. The Music Department will assist in finding performers when possible, but it is preferred that composers provide their own musicians for the event.
For more information, contact Eric Heukeshoven, eheukesh@smumn.edu or Ext. 7292, no later than today.
The February “Brown Bag It at the Fitz” will be held 12:45 to 1:30 p.m. today, Friday, Feb. 12, in the McEnery Center Lounge. This month’s topic is “The Reference Collection — Ask Anything: Making our Reference Collection Work for You.” Participants should bring their own lunch. Desserts and drinks will be supplied. Everyone is welcome.
The Saint Mary’s Green Team is presenting a five-part series on sustainability.
The next event is scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 23, and will be led by faculty Dr. Joe Tadie, Dr. Joyce Altobelli and Dr. Jeff Amundson. They will lead a discussion on how small, daily changes may have the greatest impact on lowering energy consumption.
On Wednesday, March 17, the topic will be “Food.” Mary Gleich, Curt Coshenet, Chris Kendall and Chris McClead will lead a discussion on how food affects and is affected by climate change, including locally grown foods, composting, gardening, farming, Fair Trade, starvation, and other topics.
On Monday, April 23, Dr. Tom Marpe, Chris Kendall and Andy Robertson will lead a discussion on “Green Economy” — how climate change impacts the way we do business including green purchasing, marketing strategies, and new careers related to sustainability.
Everyone is invited to join the discussions on how Saint Mary’s is responding to climate change issues — and how you can help. All events begin at 7:30 p.m. in the Toner Student Center lounge.
Swing Inc., featuring Eric Heukeshoven, will perform 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 13, at Signature’s Restaurant. Two special guests, Larry Price on piano, and Eric Graham on bass, will join regulars Dr. John Paulson on sax and drummer Steve Kulas. They will also perform 5 to 8 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 14, at Signatures. The group will be joined by pianist Larry Price. On Saturday, Feb. 20, Swing Inc. will perform at CG’s Lounge from 7 to 10 p.m.
On Sunday, Feb. 14, from 5:30-7:30 p.m., the SMU Jazz Ensemble performs at Jefferson Pub & Grill in Winona.
Over break, on Feb. 15-16, the jazz ensemble will record their first CD on campus.
On Feb. 11-13, Dr. Janet Heukeshoven, Dr. John Paulson and 14 music students will be either presenting, performing, or attending the state MMEA (Minnesota Music Educator’s Association) Conference at the Minneapolis Convention Center. Students performing with this year’s Intercollegiate Honor Band include: Kate Dullard and Jessica Bouska (flutes), Ryan Ballanger (clarinet), Tommy Quinn, (alto saxophone) and Ulysses Izaola (tuba). Students attending the conference as music education major attendees include Matt Polum, Sara Kuo, Marie Stier, Tony Speltz, Jessica Giers, Tyler Ringiesen, Jessica Ingvalson, Kara White and Trevor Woggins.
Heukeshoven serves as collegiate representative on the MMEA Board of Directors, and is hosting a variety of sessions and meetings. The SMU Music Department will have an exhibit in the lower level exhibit hall and will provide admission-related information to conference attendees.
On Wednesday, Feb. 3, Dr. Janet Heukeshoven served as guest clinician for the Hiawatha Valley League Concert Band Clinic. She heard performances and then rehearsed with bands from throughout the region. The ensembles included the Cotter High School Symphonic Band, Lourdes High School Concert Band, Stewartville High School Band, and the Kasson-Mantorville Concert Band.
Upcoming events that celebrate Black History Month include:
• Tuesday, Feb. 23 — A presentation on Negro baseball will be held at 7:30 p.m. in the Cardinal Lounge.
• Wednesday, Feb. 24 — SAC will be showing the movie “The Blind Side” in Salvi at 9 p.m.
• Saturday, Feb. 27 — “A Taste of Africa“ will include music and dance at 7:30 p.m. in the dining room.
The Faculty Development Committee, in conjunction with the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning, is sponsoring a sabbatical presentation by Kenneth Stenstrup, “Challenges and Opportunities in Teaching Undergraduate Academic Scripture,” on Tuesday, Feb. 23, in Salvi at 3:30 p.m.
The Minnesota Private Colleges Job and Internship Fair will be held Feb. 16-17 at the Minneapolis Convention Center.
Students are invited to meet employers, explore possibilities and possibly land a job or internship. Pre-registration is required by Feb. 12. The cost to attend is $14. Contact the Career Services & Internships Office, Ext 6996, at Saint Mary’s Hall, Room 136 or go to www.smumn.edu/careerservices and click on the “Job and Internship Fairs” graphic.
In past years, over 150 organizations have participated in the Fair including: 3M, Cargill, Ecolab, Hennepin County, Mayo Clinic, Minnesota Life, Minnesota Public Radio, Ordway Center, Padilla Spear Beardsley, Peace Corps, Target Corporation, Teach for America and West Group. For a complete list of companies attending, visit: www.mnpcfair.org.
The first “Love Pink” event, a fundraiser for breast cancer awareness, will be held at noon Saturday, Feb. 27, as the SMU women’s tennis team takes on Winona State University at the Winona Tennis Center, 360 Vila St. SMU fans should wear white for a white out; WSU is doing a black out. Admission is free, and donation jars will be available. Contact Jeff Halberg, Ext. 8711 or jhalberg@smumn.edu, for more information.
Full-time undergraduate students at Saint Mary’s are invited to submit business plans for a chance to win $1,500 in cash through the Kabara Institute for Entrepreneurial Studies. Participants may enter as individuals or as a team of two students. All majors are encouraged to take part.
New this year, there are separate divisions for business majors and non-business majors
Students are invited to develop a business plan for a business that they would like to start. Contents of the plan should include:
• a one-page executive summary
• a concept statement
• a preliminary marketing plan
• a discussion of operating considerations (suppliers, manufacturing processes, staffing, operating hours, etc.)
• anticipated start-up costs and pro-forma financial statements for the first year of operation
• and references for the sources used in the plan and contact information for each of the entrants.
Criteria for judging the plans includes: creativity, feasibility of the proposed project and comprehensiveness of the business plan.
A hard copy and electronic copy of the business plan must be submitted to Teresa Speck by Monday, March 15.
For more information, contact Speck at tspeck@smumn.edu or Ext. 1449. Questions about developing business plans can be directed to Jana Schrenkler at jschrenk@smumn.edu or Ext. 1491 or Sharon O’Reilly at soreilly@smumn.edu or Ext. 1576.
Monta May, Communications and Marketing, and David Hajoglou, Computer Science, have artwork showing in the upcoming Minnesota Institute of Art’s “Foot in the Door, 4” show. The show is open to all artists in Minnesota and only happens once every 10 years. Artists are limited to a single piece of work, and all artwork submitted must be no larger than 12” x 12” x 12”.
May submitted a small mosaic, “Lake Smalti .” The mosaic measures 6” x 6” and is made using a 500-year old mosaic technique. Hajoglou submitted a four-piece pottery setting.
The exhibition, which runs through June 13, is free and open to the public. The opening reception is Thursday, Feb. 18, from 6-9pm. For more information, go to www.artsmia.org
Reminder: because of February break, there will be no “Campus Notes” next week. The next edition will be Friday, Feb. 26. Look ahead on your calendars. Submissions are due on Wednesday, Feb. 24.
Gena Bilden, dean of Enrollment Management and Student Services at the Twin Cities campus, had a son, Nolan Lee, on Saturday, Feb. 6. The Saint Mary’s community extends its congratulations to the Bilden family.
Robert (Bob) Olin, father of Jenny Olin Shanahan (English and Lasallian Honors) and father-in-law of Michael Shanahan (Institute in Pastoral Ministries), died Tuesday, Feb. 9.
Mass will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 13, at Saint Mary’s Catholic Church, with visitation continuing from 10 to 11 a.m.
A visitation at Fawcett-Junker Funeral Home is planned for 4 to 6 p.m. today, Friday, Feb. 12, and one hour prior to services Saturday at the church.
Notes of condolence can be sent to Jenny Olin Shanahan and family at campus box 82.
The Saint Mary’s community extends its sympathy to the Olin family.