Winona commencement ceremonies are May 8

On Saturday, May 8, the Winona campus of Saint Mary’s will host two commencement ceremonies to mark the end of the academic year.

The Winona campus undergraduate commencement will begin at 11 a.m. in the gymnasium. Student perspectives will be offered by this year’s Outstanding Male and Female Seniors, David Dahlstrom of Rochester and Mariana Sanchez of Puebla, Mexico. A Presidential Award for Outstanding Merit will be given to long-time SMU supporter and 1977 alum Dr. John Domanico.

The Winona campus Schools of Graduate and Professional Programs commencement will begin at 4 p.m. in the gymnasium. Along with the conferring of degrees, student perspectives will be offered by Jonathan Harmer, M.Ed. in Teaching and Learning, from Plymouth; and Jan Millner, M.A. in Pastoral Ministries, from Carmichael, Calif. A Presidential Award for Outstanding Merit will be given to Sister Una O’Connor, president of Catholic College of Mandeville, Jamaica, Saint Mary’s parterning institution in the M.Ed. Jamaica initiative.

Receptions on the plaza will follow both ceremonies. In case of inclement weather, the receptions will be held in Gostomski Fieldhouse.

Prior to the ceremonies, a Baccalaureate Mass will take place in Saint Thomas More Chapel at 8:30 a.m.

The Saint Mary's Nairobi campus will host its commencement ceremony on April 30. The Twin Cities campus will conduct its commencement ceremonies on June 6.

Saint Mary’s University has an App for that

Two students in Saint Mary’s iPhone programming class have created an SMU Application (or ‘App’) for the iPhone and iPod Touch. Christopher Engesser and Stephanie Valentine have designed a new App that allows students, parents, alums and others easy access to SMU news and information.

The students, taught by Ann Smith, chair of the Computer Science Department, completed the project in April. The App (named iSMU) will be available for free iTunes download by early summer and includes the following features:

• Access to campus news and blogs
• Live sports updates
• Activities calendar
• Performance calendar and ticket information
• Daily Chartwells menu options
• Campus YouTube videos
• Donate to SMU opportunities

“Mobile devices like the iPhone give our students the opportunity to develop interesting, useful and educational applications that are accessed via their cell phones,” Smith said. “The beauty of this class is that students can build applications for their peers from the perspective of what is important to students. For example, all of my students loved the Chartwells menu feature — today’s dinner entrees accessible immediately with the touch of a button!”

Faculty, staff SOUL trip planned for May 12-14

Faculty and staff are invited to consider going on a SOUL trip to Chicago for staff, faculty, and administration May 12-14/15.

SOUL trips have proven to be one of the most exciting ways this university involves students in the university’s Lasallian Catholic mission. The aim of this SOUL trip is to provide such an opportunity for faculty, staff, and administration from the Winona campus. The trip will engage participants with the San Miguel schools in Chicago from Wednesday, May 12, to Friday, May 14 (or Saturday, May 15, depending on the consensus of the group, once it is formed). At this time, the trip is limited to 10 participants.

The trip will give participants a direct experience with the mission and people of the San Miguel schools — to witness, to listen, and to serve “together and by association.” At the same time, such a visit demonstrates to the San Miguel communities a sincere commitment to understanding and providing access and support for their students when it comes time for them to attend college.

The main objectives of this SOUL trip are to:
• build personal connections across different cultures that are mutually enriching and energizing;
• allow faculty and staff to experience the SOUL program through a 3-day commitment;
• develop understanding of the core themes of our Lasallian Catholic mission;
• provide a quality service-learning experience and witness to students and the whole campus community the participants’ commitments to our shared Lasallian mission.

Members of the staff, faculty, and administration who would like to participate are asked to register by sending a brief (one page) explanation of their interest to Joe Tadie at jtadie@smumn.edu by 4 p.m. on Monday, May 3. Consult with your direct supervisor(s) before submitting the letter of interest.

For more information, contact Chris McClead at cmcclead@smumn.edu.

SOUL Guatemala 2010 trip to follow in Brother James’ steps

Chris McClead will lead nine students (Abby Voigt, Allison Stephens, Shannon Nelson, Rachel Elbert, John Speedling, Kelly Holt, Diana Lundeen, Ellen Bina and Emily DeWitt) on a SOUL trip to Guatemala May 9-19.

The group will travel to Antigua, Huehuetenago and San Lucas Toliman to allow students to see how some Guatemalans live from day to day. The services performed will be the work of listening ears and open hearts. This trip is intended to ignite a flame on the Winona campus for the life and work of Brother James Miller.

The trip’s objectives are:
• To provide students with an opportunity to see various non-profit organizations serving the marginalized of Guatemala.
• To have students connect to the Lasallian family and witness the Lasallian mission specifically with the communities of Antigua and Huehuetenango.
• To inspire students to live a life dedicated to others by visiting the Brother James Miller House, the school for the indigenous in Huehuetenango, and reflect on how their lives might also serve the common good.

Social justice issues to be encountered include: global solidarity, poverty, education, immigration, advocacy, fair wages, and economic policies in a global market.

Students honored at Senior Honors Banquet

Saint Mary’s recognized outstanding senior students Wednesday, April 21, at the annual Senior Academic Honors Banquet. Highlights of the evening included the announcement of graduate and professional school acceptances, grants and fellowships, and the awarding of the following special honors:

American Institute of Chemists Award (chemistry award) — Aaron Clark, son of Carol Clark of Woodbury, Minn., and Thomas Briese, son of John and Catherine Briese of Rochester, Minn.

American Chemical Society Award (chemistry award) — Sarah Murphy, daughter of William and Theresa Murphy of New London, Minn.

Kevin Martineau Award (business award) — Agnieszka Kadej of Luban, Poland, and David Dahlstrom, son of William and Rosanne Dahlstrom of Rochester.

Outstanding Accounting Student (business award) — Katherine Drazkowski, daughter of Barry and Tammy Drazkowski of Fountain City, Wis.

Outstanding International Business Student (business award) — Pawel Jan Szczpkowski of Kluczbork, Poland.

Outstanding Entrepreneurship Student (business award) — Matthew Wilgenbusch, son of Dale and Sue Wilgenbusch of Dubuque, Iowa.

Outstanding Human Resource Management Student (business award) — David Dahlstrom, son of William and Rosanne Dahlstrom of Rochester.

Outstanding Sport Management Student (business award) — Zhe Song of Xi’an, China.

Outstanding Marketing Student (business award) — Agnieszka Kadej of Luban, Poland.

Wall Street Journal Award (business award) — Zhe Song of Xi’an, China.

Saint Thomas Aquinas Award for Excellence (philosophy award) — Thomas Howes, son of Ronald and Hazel Howes of Princeton, Minn.

Grove Bree Holman Award for Musical Theatre (theatre award) — Peter Snell, son of Michael and LouAnn Snell of Lino Lakes, Minn.

Michael G. Flanagan Ghost Light Award (theatre award) — William Ronchak, son of Ronald and Dorothy Ronchak of St. Paul, Minn.

Gerald Sullivan Outstanding Theatre Major Award (theatre award) — Timothy Schmall, son of Stephen and Kelly Schmall of Dubuque, Iowa.

Brother Leo Northam Awards (math award) — Stephanie Marnocha, daughter of Jay and Jan Marnocha of Appleton, Wis., and Changyu Yang of Xi’an, China.

Distinction in Studies/Academic Work Award (social sciences award) — Mary Gleich, daughter of Peter and Kathleen Marek Gleich of Hastings, Minn.

Distinction in Studies/Academic Work-Social Activism (social sciences award) — Sarah Weir, daughter of Glenn and Veronica Weir of Oswega, Ill.

Lasallian Honors Program Outstanding Senior Award — Thomas Briese, son of John and Catherine Briese of Rochester, Minn., and Sarah Weir, daughter of Glenn and Veronica Weir of Oswego, Ill.

‘Red Card’ raises $2,072 for Haiti Medical Mission

On Monday, April 26, students in the MG315 Entrepreneurship class presented a check for $2072.63 to Dr. Bill Cooke, a volunteer with Haiti Medical Mission of Wisconsin. The check represented the proceeds from the sale of over 230 Red Cards to the Winona community. The class would like to thank the students and staff of SMU for supporting the project.

Saint Mary’s raises $7,242 for Haiti relief efforts

Throughout the semester, a number of fundraisers have been held by faculty, staff and students to benefit Haiti relief efforts.

An approximate total of $7,242 has been raised at Saint Mary’s through a variety of activities and events including: International Showcase, a faculty/staff chili cookoff, Hope for Haiti, the Cardinal Plunge, Dance for Haiti, an open mic night, a jewelry sale, the Red Card, Let’s Do Lunch and Jeans for a Cause, and a local musical performance by student Steve Schmidt.

Money has been divided among a variety of causes including a Haiti orphanage, the Red Cross, the Brothers of the Christian Schools - LaSalle Haiti Earthquake Appeal, and the Haiti Medical Mission of Wisconsin. Thanks to everyone who so generously donated.

MPR broadcasts live from Cardinal Club

On Monday, April 26, Minnesota Public Radio did a live broadcast from the Cardinal Club on the Winona campus which featured a performance by the Parker Quartet. MPR host Steve Staruch interviewed Michael Charron, dean of the School of the Arts and chair of the Minnesota State Arts Board; Dr. Janet Heukeshoven from the Department of Music; and Mary Schaefle, executive director of the Minnesota Music Educators Association.

This spring Saint Mary’s sponsored MPR’s statewide music instrument drive, Play it Forward, which collected used instruments around the state for needy music students.

Diocesan scholarship recipients recognized

Diocesan scholarship recipients were recognized during a special luncheon Wednesday, Monday, April 26, at the Winona campus of Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota. Students were joined for lunch by the Most Reverend John Quinn, Bishop of the Winona Diocese, left; Father James Steffes, Vicar General, third from left; and Brother William Mann, president of Saint Mary’s, right. Scholarship recipients are, from left: Zachary Barry ’10, Fort Wayne, Ind., recipient of the Archbishop Binz Scholarship; Jenna Capelle ’12, Rochester, Minn., recipient of the Bishop Patrick R. Heffron Scholarship; Josiah Ryks ’10, Austin, Minn., recipient of the Monsignor Julius C. Haun Scholarship; Mitchell Bechtold ’10, St. Cloud, Minn., recipient of the Archbishop Binz Scholarship; and Paula Angst ’11, Winona, recipient of the Monsignor Julius C. Haun Scholarship.

SMU hosts several outdoor track and field events

The new outdoor athletic complex will host several track and field events over the next several weeks including:

• MIAC Championships — Friday, May 14, 1 p.m.
• MIAC Championships — Saturday, May 15, 10:30 a.m.

London flat available to faculty, staff

Faculty and staff may rent the flat used for the SMU London Study Abroad Program. The flat is available May 15 through July 10 and Aug. 1-26.

It is located on the South Bank of Thames, a 5-minute walk from Stockwell Tube stop (Victoria line).

It is a one-bedroom, ground floor flat with two extra inflatable mattresses, a dining room/office, living room with TV and bathroom. The small kitchen includes a stove, oven microwave, dishwasher, dishes, pots and pans, etc. A supermarket is within walking distance, and a washer and dryer are available.

The rental price is $95 per day or $500 per week (with a minimum length of stay being three consecutive nights).

Occupants will need to sign a lease and pay a $95 deposit in advance. Payment is due one week before departure. For more information, contact Phil Hull, director of Study Abroad, at phull@smumn.edu or Ext. 1447.

Workshop combos to perform at Acoustic Café

Three jazz workshop combos directed by Dr. John Paulson and Eric Heukeshoven of the Music Department will present a free concert Sunday, May 2, from 2-4 p.m. at the Acoustic Café, 77 Lafayette St. This event will feature student musicians who have been playing together all year and it will serve as their “final exam.” They’ll be playing well-known jazz standards by composers like Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, Miles Davis as well as some unique arrangements of popular jazz tunes by Heukeshoven and others. There will even be some blues harmonica in Heukeshoven’s combo.

Irish Dance Recital scheduled for today, April 30

The Saint Mary’s Ceili Class will join the Flanagan Irish Dancers in a spring recital on Friday, April 30. The event, being held at the Valéncia Arts Center at 7:30 p.m., is free and open to the public. Both groups are under the direction of Dr. Kate Flanagan in the Department of Theatre and Dance.

Benefit for Henthorne scheduled for May 22

Coral Henthorne, Development and Alumni Relations, has been diagnosed with Lupus and has gone and will continue to go through extensive medical treatments. Her family and friends are hosting a benefit for her. Tickets for the benefit are $5 and available at the Business Office windows, Saint Mary’s Hall. The event will be held 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday, May 22, at the Winona VFW Club, 208 E 3rd St. A silent auction, bake sale, food and music are planned.javascript:void(0)

SMU noted for its growth in lecture capture technology

Tegrity, a leading class capture web service provider for higher education, acknowledged Saint Mary’s at its 4th Annual User Conference held in Louisville, Ky. During the April 15 Tegrity Innovation Awards Ceremony, held at the Muhammad Ali Center in downtown Louisville, Saint Mary’s was awarded a Certificate of Achievement for its growth in the number and duration of new recordings during the past year.

Radio show raises $2,963 for Habitat Women Build

A few members of SMU's Women Build team pose for a picture at the auction.

Jeff Hefel and Joe Dulak’s special marathon KSMR broadcast of “The Black Hole of Radio” on Thursday, April 29, raised $2,963 for the Saint Mary’s Habitat Women Build team, bringing the overall total to approximately $7,343.

Thanks go to Hefel and Dulak for putting in a grueling but enjoyable nine-hour marathon show, and to the many auction donors, volunteers and bidders.

The Saint Mary’s Women Build team has 42 members and is one of 18 teams raising money and building Winona County’s 41st Habitat home.

The purpose of the Women Build program is to involve more women in the construction of Habitat homes in order to move more people, especially children, out of substandard housing and into safe, decent and affordable shelters. Each team is asked to raise $5,000 and put in 100 volunteer work hours for the Women Build home. A total of 1,500 Habitat homes have been built by crews of women nationally.

Additionally, the Saint Mary’s team will join in the Women Build groundbreaking celebration at 5 p.m. Tuesday, May 4, at 166 Edward St.

And, as a special fundraiser for Mother’s Day, the Winona County Habitat for Humanity Women’s Build is selling custom-made Mother’s Day cards, designed by Terri Lieder and Deb Nahrgang from the Communication and Marketing Department.

The cards, which focus on the love mothers build into their homes, are appropriate for this unique Habitat program, through which hundreds of area women are helping to build the 41st Winona County Habitat home.

The cards, which feature Vickie Cada’s son Colin, are available for a minimum $5 donation, can be found at the Habitat Office, 108 E. 4th St., or in the Office of Communication and Marketing, 45 Heffron.

This Mother’s Day, give the special women in your life a gift that truly comes from the heart, a lasting gift of love for a Winona family.

Laws of Life essay contest winners awarded April 28

Each year students at Winona schools submit essays that reflect on the values, ideals and principles that mean the most to them in the annual Laws of Life essay contest, organized by Saint Mary’s University and sponsored by Winona-area businesses and organizations.

Winners of individual categories — announced April 28 — receive cash and or varying-level renewable scholarships to Saint Mary's.

The Laws of Life Essay Contest was founded in 1987 by Sir John Templeton of the John Templeton Foundation.

In 1996, William Schuler approached Saint Mary's University to begin this contest at Winona Senior High and Cotter High School, adding Hope Lutheran in 2009. This event is made possible with his help, and the help of many other generous supporters — including Merchants Bank, William and Barbara Schuler, Junto Club, American Legion Post No. 9, Dr. Thomas and Leone Mauszycki, Dr. Roger and Peggy Zehren, Fred Fletcher and Shelly Smith-Fletcher, Zehren Dental (Dr. Peter and Kimberly Zehren), Neil and Ann Sawyer, the Winona Area Retired Educators Association, Fred and Marilyn Foss, Severson Oil, Darrell and Angela Ehrlick, Tony and Kathy Piscitiello, Green Mill Restaurant & Bar, William Miller Scrap Iron & Metal Co., Dr. Mark and Melissa Martin and Paul and Lori Ness.

This year’s winners are:

• Platinum — Amol Parmar, Cotter High School ($1,000 cash and a $3,000 SMU scholarship).

• Gold — Yuan Yang, Cotter; and Britta Nelson, Winona Senior High School ($400 cash and a $2,000 SMU scholarship)

• Silver — Katie Denzer, Cotter; Jose Gomez, Winona Senior High School; and Lacey Ellinghuysen, Hope Lutheran High School ($200 cash and a $1,000 SMU scholarship).

• Blue ribbon awards — Emilio Taiveaho, Qianhan Liu and Chang Yi Mu, Cotter; and Tony Vang, Yia Hang and Jenna Amundson, Winona Senior High ($100 cash prize).

•English class awards — Zi Hui Liu, Julie Yang, Ian Schultz, Courtney Brendel and Joana Beyer, Cotter; and Vang Lee Yang, Winona Senior High ($50 savings bond from Merchants National Bank).

Conservatory announces spring dance, fitness classes

The Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts will offer spring dance and fitness classes, starting May 3 at MCA’s Valéncia Arts Center, 1164 West 10th St.

Class offerings are available for youth ages 3 to adult and include beginning through advanced levels in classical ballet, tap, jazz, creative movement and modern, hip hop, character dance, and yoga. Registration is being accepted at the Valéncia Arts Center or online at www.mnconservatoryforthearts.org.

The spring session runs May 3-21, offering three weeks of instruction. Tuition varies depending on course length and level. Scholarships are available.

For more information about the spring dance session or upcoming summer programming, go to www.mnconservatoryforthearts.org, e-mail mca@smumn.edu or call Ext. 5500.

Saint Mary’s announces next Page Series season

The 24th season of the Saint Mary’s Page Series is once again filled with music, dance, theatre, and family-friendly offerings from around the world! You don’t have to travel far for world-class performances. Season subscriptions go on sale May 17 through July 30 and Aug. 16 through Sept. 17.

Purchase tickets to three or more events to receive these benefits:
• New subscribers: 10 percent off total order
• Returning ’09-’10 subscribers: 25 percent off total order
• Everyone: exchange privileges and guaranteed seating choices

The 2010-2011 Page Series

• Oct. 8, 7:30 p.m.
Anat Cohen Quartet
Israeli jazz clarinetist channels Benny Goodman
Adults $25, Seniors and Students $20 *

• Oct. 12, 6:30 p.m.
Kevin Locke Native Dance Ensemble
NEA award-winning Lakota hoop dancer & company
Adults $12, Seniors and Students $5 *

• Oct. 26, 6:30 p.m.
Theatreworks USA presents: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe
Classic tale by C.S. Lewis brought to the stage for families
Adults $12, Seniors and Students $5 *

• Nov. 4 at 7:30 p.m.
Houston Ballet II
Young American ballet at its best
Adults $25, Seniors and Students $20 *

• Jan. 22, 7:30 p.m.
Eisenhower Dance Ensemble
Detroit’s finest contemporary dance company
Adults $25, Seniors and Students $20 *

• Feb. 3, 7:30 p.m.
Ensemble Galilei with Neal Conan: Universe of Dreams
Early medieval & Celtic music combined with Hubble images & an inspirational narrative
Adults $25, Seniors and Students $20 *

• March 3, 6:30 p.m.
Pushcart Players presents: Let Freedom Ring: America At the Beginning
A musical for audiences of all ages celebrating our nation’s beginnings
Adults $12, Seniors and Students $5 *

• March 23, 7:30 p.m.
Darrah Carr Dance
Modern Irish Dance
Adults $25, Seniors and Students $20 *

• April 7, 6:30 p.m.
Theatre IV presents ‘Stuart Little’
E.B. White’s tale of an adventurous mouse brought to life
Adults $12, Seniors and Students $5 *

* All tickets (individual and subscription) are subject to a $1 per ticket convenience fee. Student rush tickets may be available 20 minutes before curtain for only $10. A valid ID is required, with a limit of one ticket per student and no reserved seats.

Summer Box office hours, May 17 to July 30, are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Order in person at the Box Office, by phone at Ext. 1715, or online at www.pagetheatre.org.

Individual tickets go on sale Aug. 16.

McCullough to participate in Roundtable Discussion

A Winona Catholic Worker Roundtable Discussion will be held at 7 p.m. Friday, April 30, at the Dan Corcoran House, 802 W. Broadway. Join Poet Laureate Ken McCullough in hearing about “Work and the Life of the Spirit: Finding Your Place.”

Rickert, Tadie present papers

Dr. Kevin Rickert and Dr. Joseph Tadie from the Department of Philosophy each presented papers at A Conference on the Cardinal Virtues: Wisdom, sponsored by the D. B. Reinhart Institute for Ethics in Leadership at Viterbo University on April 15-17. Rickert delivered a paper called “Gullibility is Not a Theological Virtue: The Integration of Faith and Wisdom” and Tadie delivered a paper called “Aquinas and Lonergan on Wisdom as a Virtue and its Many Humble Methods.”

Spartz presents at the University of Louisville

On April 15 Jason Spartz presented at the 4th annual Tegrity User Conference, which was held at the Delphi Center for Teaching and Learning, on the University of Louisville- Shelby campus, in Louisville Ky. His presentation was titled “Supporting Tegrity with Limited Resources.” The presentation also included video interview clips of Heidi Johnson, Cynthia Marek, Chad Kjorlien, and Benjamin Huegel.

SMU hosts Trinona Kids Triathlon June 12

Saint Mary's will host the Trinona Kids Triathlon, a swim/bike/run triathlon for kids ages 5-13 on Saturday, June 12. Starting waves will be based on age. Each triathlete will swim first in the SMU pool, go directly to bicycling, and finish the competition running around the outdoor track.

No experience is necessary. This is a fantastic opportunity for your child to participate in an enjoyable, low-key, athletic competition.

The entire race takes place on campus. After the race, kids will enjoy some snacks and giveaways. Participants need to bring swim suits, goggles, towels, bikes, bike helmets, running shoes and any other items needed for the swim, bike and run portions of the event.

The cost is $35; for more information, go to www.trinona.com/trinona-kids.php.

Throop participates in MPR online forum

MPR News reporter Ambar Espinoza filed a report from St. Cloud on Friday that told the story of one attempt to find common ground between cultures.

The idea is to teach young people that communication styles differ depending on a person’s cultural background. It’s especially important in the St. Cloud area where cultural conflicts have surfaced.

MPR is holding a series of discussions on the nature of diversity.

Last Friday MPR hosted an online discussion on the question, “Can you teach people from different cultures to find common ground when there is conflict?”

Dr. Liz Throop, Dean of the School of Humanities and Sciences, was a special expert guest for the forum. Dr. Throop specializes in looking at everyday societal interactions from people of different cultural backgrounds.

Faculty, staff changes

Leaving:

• Joyce Altobelli, May 12, Social Science, Assistant Professor
• Patrick Barlow, May 31, director of College Assessment
• Dave Bonthuis, May 31, Twin Cities — Education Site Coordinator
• Georgia Curran, May 28, Administrative Assistant, Registrar’s Office
• John Eitenmiller, May 31, Twin Cities - Education Wisconsin Site Coordinator
• Terry Goldmann, May 12, English, Instructor
• Aaron Haupert, May 31, Athletics - Assistant Womens Hockey
• Priscilla Herbison, May 31, Twin Cities - Program Director, Human Development
• William Kelly, May 31, Twin Cities - Ed.D. Professor
• Candice LaPlante, May 21, Twin Cities - Inter Library Loan Coordinator
• David McConville, May 12, Biology/GIS
• Andrew McLees, May 31, associate director - Residence Life
• Margaret Mear, May 12, Art and Design Professor
• Stephen Ohs, April 28, Twin Cities - Tech. Service Librarian
• Claudia Risnes, May 31, Twin Cities - Program Director, M.A. in Education
• Laura Rothe, May 31, Hall Director
• Timothy Rothe, May 31, Campus Safety - Assistant Director
• Faith Seim, May 7, Twin Cities - Recruiter
• Jenny Shanahan, May 12, Director, Lasallian Honors
• Dean Soutor, May 31, Twin Cities - Site Coordinator
• Lisa Sowa, May 12, Education - Instructor

Reminder: This is last ‘Campus Notes’ of semester

This is the last edition of ‘Campus Notes’ for the academic year. Keep in mind that the Office of Communication and Marketing can still help you promote events, speakers, awards or any other news throughout the summer. Contact Deb Nahrgang at Ext. 6966 or dnahrgan@smumn.edu.