Page Series welcomes Yuval Ron Ensemble Jan. 24

The Yuval Ron Ensemble will enlighten audiences with a mystical, spiritual and inspiring musical celebration Tuesday, Jan. 24, at Saint Mary’s University. This Page Series event is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. in the SMU Performance Center.

The ensemble endeavors to alleviate national, racial, religious and cultural divides by uniting the music and dance of the opposing people of the Middle East. Throughout the program — “Seeker Of Truth” — the ensemble will perform the ecstatic music of the mystical Sufi traditions of the Middle East and Pakistan with the Whirling Dervish Aziz.

These Jewish and Arabic musicians, as well as Christian Armenian artists, have been actively involved in creating musical bridges between people of various faiths and ethnic groups worldwide. Led by Oscar winning composer Yuval Ron (who composed music for “West Bank Story,” the Oscar-winning musical-parody of “West Side Story”) the ensemble features the oud, harmonium and woodwinds.

Tickets are $25 for adults, $20 for seniors and students and are available online at www.pagetheatre.org or by calling the SMU Box Office, Ext. 1715, Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Saint Mary’s is a fiscal year 2011 recipient of an Institutional Presenter Support grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board. This activity is funded, in part, by the Minnesota arts and cultural heritage fund as appropriated by the Minnesota State Legislature with money from the vote of the people of Minnesota on Nov. 4, 2008.

Conversation with Yuval Ron Ensemble

Additionally, the Yuval Ron Ensemble will introduce their instruments and lead a conversation about how they differ from or are influenced by the development of European-style instruments that came to America with European immigrants of the 19th century. This event – free and open to the public – will be held 7:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 23, at the Winona County History Center, 160 Johnson St.

Christmas dinner is Tuesday

The faculty and staff Christmas dinner will be held Tuesday, Dec. 20. Hors d’oeuvres and cocktails begin at 6 p.m. in the dining room. Dinner will be served at 7 p.m.

SMU Jazz Workshop Combos to perform free concert Dec. 18

Members of the "Lucky Seven" Jazz Combo include; Jacquelyn Bongard,
alto sax; A. Eric Heukeshoven, trombone/director; Joshua Rumppe,
piano; and Talib Khan on alto sax.

Two jazz workshop combos from the Music Department will present a free concert from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 18, at the Acoustic Café, 77 Lafayette St. Included will be the “Lucky 7” Jazz Combo, directed by Eric Heukeshoven and the “Heavy Metal Jazz Combo,” directed by Dr. John Paulson. The free concert will feature student musicians who have been playing together all semester, and it will serve as their “final exam.” They’ll be playing well-known jazz standards by composers like Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter and Miles Davis, as well as some unique hybrid arrangements of popular jazz tunes blended with familiar Christmas tunes by Heukeshoven.

Jazz notes

Swing Inc. will perform 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 16, at Signatures Restaurant.

It’s a wrap for Gifts for Winona

The Saint Mary’s University Gifts for Winona program is “wrapping up.” Thanks go to everyone who shopped, wrapped, picked a tag, donated money, picked up gifts, did data entry and fielded phone calls. For 10 years, the SMU community has pulled together its talents to help make this communitywide gift-giving program a success. Together we helped more than 1,500 people have a happier holiday season!

SMU 10K dates now set

This year the SMU 10K cross-country ski race will be held twice — on Sunday, Jan. 29 and Sunday, Feb. 19. Details of the Feb. 19 event will be announced at a later date.

On Jan. 29, the public is invited to the classic-style citizens’ ski event at 10 a.m., and a skate race will begin at 1 p.m.

Both races wind through the bluffs and valleys surrounding campus. Tickets are $10 for one race or $20 for both races. Medals will be awarded for men and women in open and recreational classes.

For more information or to receive a registration form, call Gary Borash at Ext. 8740 or e-mail gmbora05@smumn.edu.

Conservatory begins visual art division

The Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts is launching a visual art division, offering a variety of classes starting in January 2012. Classes include: Exploring Sculpture, Funtastic BookArts, Bookbinding — Two Sewn-Board Bindings, Intro to Mosaic, and Figure Drawing. Classes will be held weekly throughout semester in The Monet Room at MCA’s Valéncia Arts Center. Instructors include: Monta May, Randi Campbell, Jill Krase and Julie Johnston. Classes are tuition free, but material fees may apply. Classes start Jan. 9. To register, or for more information, visit www.mnconservatoryforthearts.org.

Christmas picture collage

In what has become an annual Christmas tradition, the Saint Mary’s University Department of Music presented “Lessons and Carols” on Saturday, Dec. 10, at the Chapel of Saint Mary of the Angels. The beautiful service features the Saint Mary’s Concert Choir and Chamber Singers, directed by Dr. Patrick O’Shea, and the Chamber Orchestra. “Lessons and Carols” reflects on the Christmas story through several short readings, hymns and Christmas carols sung by the choirs and audience.

The men’s hockey team held the second Toys For Tots Teddy Bear Toss Friday, Dec. 9, during the Cardinals’ home game against Marian University at the SMU Ice Arena.

Hundreds of students took a break Thursday from studying to enjoy the Christmas Light Service and Pre-Finals Breakfast.

Thanks go to the faculty who served the late-night breakfast!

The SMU Concert Band presented "The Sounds of the Season," under the direction of Dr. Janet Heukeshoven.

Next ‘Campus Notes’ of the year is Jan. 13

The first edition of 2012 will be Friday, Jan. 13. The deadline for that issue is Wednesday, Jan. 11.

Christmas dinner is Tuesday

The faculty and staff Christmas dinner will be held Tuesday, Dec. 20. Hors d’oeuvres and cocktails begin at 6 p.m. in the dining room. Dinner will be served at 7 p.m. RSVPs are due today, Friday, Dec. 9, to Campus Box 30.

Directors of institutes in Nairobi to visit

Brother Paulos Mesmer, director of Christ the Teacher Institute for Education of SMU (CTIE) and associate dean of Education, will make his annual visit Dec. 11-21. CTIE serves about 225 students annually in a Three-Year Diploma in Teacher Education and a B.Ed. in Education.

Father Michael Kirwen, director of the Maryknoll Institute of African Studies of SMU (MIAS), will be here Dec. 14-21. MIAS serves about 75 students annually in two master’s programs in African Studies.

Both directors will be meeting with university administrators, faculty, staff and students on the Winona and Twin Cities campuses during their stay. If you’d like to meet with the directors, please stop in Room 128, Saint Mary’s Hall or you can make an appointment with them through Tracy Lehnertz at tlehnert@smumn.edu.

Brother Paulos and Father Kirwen will also be attending the Winona campus Christmas dinner and the SGPP Christmas luncheon if you’d like to greet them at these events.

Saint Mary’s ‘Lessons and Carols’ service is Dec. 10

The joyous and uplifting Christmas service of “Lessons and Carols” will be presented by the Department of Music at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 10.

The beautiful service, held in the majestic Chapel of Saint Mary of the Angels, features the Saint Mary’s Concert Choir and Chamber Singers, directed by Dr. Patrick O’Shea, and the Chamber Orchestra.

“Lessons and Carols” reflects on the Christmas story through several short readings, hymns and Christmas carols sung by the choirs and audience. Music includes familiar carols and selections by composers from the Renaissance to the present.

The Chapel of Saint Mary of the Angels is located at Wabasha and Vila streets in Winona.

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

Concert Band to present ‘Sounds of the Season’

Along with a serving of your favorite Christmas music, stop by the lobby reception for some homemade cookies.

Celebrate the music of the Christmas season with the Saint Mary’s University Concert Band 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 11, at Page Theatre.

The concert will feature four student guest conductors: Tyler Ringiesen, Ashley Buhr, Jessica Giers and Jessica Bouska. Dr. Janet Heukeshoven will direct the rest of the hour-long performance, which includes Alfred Reed’s “Russian Christmas Music” and familiar seasonal favorites.

The band will be performing the “Coventry Carol,” a lovely setting of “Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring,” “Greensleeves Fantasia,” and the beautiful Huron Canadian Indian carol, “Twas in the Moon of Wintertime.” On the lighter side, audience members of all ages will enjoy “A Charlie Brown Christmas” and the big band jazz inspired “A Most Wonderful Christmas.”

The concert will be followed by a Christmas lobby party, which will feature a selection of holiday treats. Smaller ensembles — the brass choir, flute quartet, saxophone ensemble, jazz combo, bassoon trio and more — will perform.

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

SMU jazz, percussion groups join talents in concert tonight

The 18-piece Saint Mary’s University Jazz Ensemble, Jazz Combo I and World Drum Ensemble will combine for an evening of hot jazz to melt away the chill of the season at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 9, in Page Theatre.

Both jazz groups are directed by Dr. John Paulson, and the World Drum Ensemble is directed by Denny McGuire.

Vocalist Jessica Ingvalson will be featured on jazzy arrangements of the Christmas classics “Christmas Time is Here” from Charlie Brown and “Santa Claus is Coming to Town,” arranged by Dave Wolpe.

The World Drum Ensemble will join Jazz Combo I on the great samba “Brazil,” arranged for the nine-piece group by Michael Philip Moussman. They’ll also perform a boss nova version of “White Christmas,” arranged by Mark Taylor. The Jazz Ensemble will pull out all the stops with a wild arrangement of “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” by Gordon Goodwin as well as other great jazz standards like “Ladybird.” Audiences will also enjoy a premiere performance of Dr. Paulson’s “Four PM Blues.”

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

Kirk returns from touring in Hong Kong, China

Dr. Ned Kirk, pianist and chair of the Music Department, just returned from 10 days in Hong Kong and China. In Hong Kong he gave a recital at the University of Science and Technology. In Huizhou, China, he gave a master class for 80 music students, and a public recital. In addition, as part of the anniversary celebrations of the founding of Huizhou University, he performed Beethoven’s “Moonlight” Sonata for more than 3,000 people.

Dr. Kirk has also been appointed as guest professor for the next three years and will be making biannual trips to Huizhou University to teach and perform.

SMU Gifts for Winona volunteer spots still open; gifts due Wednesday

Go to www.smumn.edu/giftsforwinona to volunteer for Saint Mary’s University Gifts for Winona. This annual program, in its 10th year, helps approximately 1,500 individuals have happier holidays.

The community-wide gift-giving program is a great way to get in the holiday spirit by helping those less fortunate. Volunteers are needed to help with picking up gifts from the various trees, located throughout town, and bringing them to the distribution site. Volunteers are also needed to help with shopping and wrapping. Check your calendars. Every person’s contribution helps to make this program a success. Saint Mary’s is proud to be able to provide this service!

If you’ve taken a tag from our tree in Saint Mary’s Hall, please remember to bring your wrapped gifts to the Business Office windows by Wednesday, Dec. 14!

Class presents ‘Paco Project’ at Mango’s

On Oct. 31, Jana Craft’s MK360 Consumer Behavior class traveled down the hill to present their “Paco Project” to the owners of Mango’s Mexican American Grill.

Based on the book by Paco Underhill titled “Why We Buy: The Science of Shopping,” students are assigned to one of six local businesses. Working together with the owners/managers of the businesses, student groups determine project goals and areas to be studied to improve some aspect of the business.

Over the course of six visits, the group observes and records information on the shopping behavior of customers. Examples of specific information from these areas include traffic patterns, eye placement, what they touch and pick up, how long they linger in a certain area, etc. This data is recorded, analyzed and presented to the merchants. Participating merchants included Mugby Junction, Habitat ReStore, Grace Place, Fitzgerald Library and Mango’s. This is the fourth year for the project.

Cardinal Corner update

Students from the MG315 Entrepreneurship class recently received a donation of “vintage” soccer uniforms. Fifty percent of profits from the sale of all soccer uniforms will be given back to the SMU soccer team. Fifty percent of profits will be donated to the Fall 2011 charity of choice, the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Many items in the store are priced at $5 and under. More mittens are being ordered from Winona Knits and Mitts and a second order of Brother Stephen shirts will be placed after break.

Hours are Monday and Friday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The Cardinal Corner is a non-profit retail store located in the lower level of the Toner Student Center. Managed by the students of MG315 Entrepreneurship and supported by the Business Department, the mission of the store is to create an opportunity for entrepreneurship students to gain hands-on experience in operating a small business. Each semester, the class donates profits from the Cardinal Corner to a charity of their choice. In addition, the store sells products for various SMU clubs, teams, departments, and organizations and returns 100 percent of the sales to benefit the SMU community.

For more information, contact Jana Craft at Ext. 1491 or jcraft@smumn.edu. Become a fan and receive the latest updates at www.facebook.com/cardinalcorner.

Students to show art in ‘Ideas that Spark’

Students will display energetic and electrifying work in “Ideas that Spark,” the all-campus student art exhibit through Dec. 14 in the Lillian Davis Hogan Galleries.

The show features 2011 SMU December art graduates Danielle Cossetta, Sarah Kraft, Brianna Nelson and Charlie Williams.

The Lillian Davis Hogan Galleries are open 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily and are free and open to the public.

Student Activities, Residence Life collect money, food

The Student Activities Committee and Residence Life collected $213.54 and 345 pounds of food for Volunteer Services through the 10 Days of Giving.

McCullough, Reed to present reading tonight

Ken McCullough, PASS and Academic Advising, and John Reed, Modern Languages, will present excerpts from the Spanish translation of McCullough’s book, “Sicomoro Oropéndolo,” recently published in Medellín, Colombia. McCullough will read the work in English, Reed in Spanish. The event will take place at The Book Shelf and Blue Heron Coffee House, 162 W. 2nd St., Friday, Dec. 9, at 7 p.m. Wine, hors d’oeuvres, and piano music will be included. McCullough will sign copies of the book. The event is free and open to the public.

Next Chat and Chow to address use of iPads, Nooks

In the next Chat and Chow session, “You’ve Got the Magic Touch,” you'll see how faculty at Saint Mary’s are teaching minds and touching screens. Eric Heukeshoven, Music Department, and Dave Jackson, Education, will demonstrate how they use iPads and Nooks to create magic in the classroom. Want the glow of new technology under the Christmas tree? Come and get a first-hand look from noon to 1 p.m. Friday, Dec. 9, in the McEnery Center.

Chat and Chows are brought to you by the Fitz, IT and Instructional Technology. Lunch is provided. An RSVP is appreciated but not necessary. For more information, contact Jason Spartz, jspartz@smumn.edu.

Christmas Light Service, Pre-Finals Breakfast is Dec. 15

The Christmas Light Service — a retelling of the Christmas narrative through readings, carols and tableaus — will be held 9:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 15, in Saint Thomas More Chapel.

Following the service, the Office of Academic Affairs and Chartwells Food Service will sponsor the traditional Pre-finals Christmas Breakfast for students from 10 to 11:45 p.m. in the dining room. The breakfast is served by faculty and staff and is typically attended by 700 students. Christmas carols will be sung and Santa will make an appearance.

Last ‘Campus Notes’ of the year is Dec. 16

Look ahead on your calendars. The last ‘Campus Notes’ of the year will be next Friday, Dec. 16. The deadline for this issue is Wednesday, Dec. 14. The first edition of 2012 will be Friday, Jan. 6. The deadline for that issue is Wednesday, Jan. 4.

Jazz notes

Swing Inc. will perform from 6 to 9 p.m. today, Friday, Dec. 9, at Signatures Restaurant, 22285 County Road 17.

Saint Mary’s ‘Lessons and Carols’ service is Dec. 10

The joyous and uplifting Christmas service of “Lessons and Carols” will be presented by the Department of Music at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 10.

The beautiful service, held in the majestic Chapel of Saint Mary of the Angels, features the Saint Mary’s Concert Choir and Chamber Singers, directed by Dr. Patrick O’Shea, and the Chamber Orchestra.

“Lessons and Carols” reflects on the Christmas story through several short readings, hymns and Christmas carols sung by the choirs and audience. Music includes familiar carols and selections by composers from the Renaissance to the present.

The Chapel of Saint Mary of the Angels is located at Wabasha and Vila streets in Winona.

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

Concert Band to present ‘Sounds of the Season’

Celebrate the music of the Christmas season with the Saint Mary’s University Concert Band 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 11, at Page Theatre.

The concert will feature four student guest conductors: Tyler Ringiesen, Ashley Buhr, Jessica Giers and Jessica Bouska. Dr. Janet Heukeshoven will direct the rest of the hour-long performance, which includes Alfred Reed’s “Russian Christmas Music” and familiar seasonal favorites.

The band will be performing the “Coventry Carol,” a lovely setting of “Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring,” “Greensleeves Fantasia,” and the beautiful Huron Canadian Indian carol, “Twas in the Moon of Wintertime.” On the lighter side, audience members of all ages will enjoy “A Charlie Brown Christmas” and the big band jazz inspired “A Most Wonderful Christmas.”

The concert will be followed by a Christmas lobby party, which will feature a selection of holiday treats. Smaller ensembles — the brass choir, flute quartet, saxophone ensemble, jazz combo, bassoon trio and more — will perform.

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

SMU jazz, percussion groups join talents for Dec. 9 concert

The 18-piece Saint Mary’s University Jazz Ensemble, Jazz Combo I and World Drum Ensemble will combine for an evening of hot jazz to melt away the chill of the season at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 9, in Page Theatre.

Both jazz groups are directed by Dr. John Paulson, and the World Drum Ensemble is directed by Denny McGuire.

Vocalist Jessica Ingvalson will be featured on jazzy arrangements of the Christmas classics “Christmas Time is Here” from Charlie Brown and “Santa Claus is Coming to Town,” arranged by Dave Wolpe.

The World Drum Ensemble will join Jazz Combo I on the great samba “Brazil,” arranged for the nine-piece group by Michael Philip Moussman. They’ll also perform a boss nova version of “White Christmas,” arranged by Mark Taylor. The Jazz Ensemble will pull out all the stops with a wild arrangement of “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” by Gordon Goodwin as well as other great jazz standards like “Ladybird.” Audiences will also enjoy a premiere performance of Dr. Paulson’s “Four PM Blues.”

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

Basketball teams to collect toys for Gifts for Winona

The men’s and women’s basketball teams are partnering with the Saint Mary’s University Gifts for Winona program to collect toys on Saturday, Dec. 3.

During Saturday’s doubleheader, the community is encouraged to bring along a variety of new toys for girls and boys, which will be distributed through Gifts for Winona, particularly to youth served by the Family and Children’s Center of Winona. The women’s team will play St. Olaf at 1 p.m., followed by the men’s game at 3 p.m., both in the SMU Gym.

The Saint Mary’s Gifts for Winona program, now in its 10th year, helps more than 1,400 people in the Winona area have happier holidays. For more information about the Family and Children’s Center, go to http://fcconline.org.

SMU Irish Ceili is Dec. 4

Join the SMU ceili class on Sunday, Dec. 4, for a SMU Ceili. The event will be held in the Cardinal Club from 5 to 7 p.m. Live music will be provided by Garrigan’s Quarrel, a group which includes SMU freshman Rebecca Garrigan. Other SMU Irish musicians will join them. A variety of ceili dances will be performed. All are invited to attend and participate. For additional information, contact Kate Flanagan.

Students to show art in ‘Ideas that Spark’

Students will display energetic and electrifying work in “Ideas that Spark,” the all-campus student art exhibit through Dec. 14 in the Lillian Davis Hogan Galleries.

The show features 2011 SMU December art graduates Danielle Cossetta, Sarah Kraft, Brianna Nelson, and Charlie Williams.

The Lillian Davis Hogan Galleries are open 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily and are free and open to the public.

Breast Cancer Silent Auction Dec. 5-6 in Admission

The sixth annual Breast Cancer Silent Auction will be held Monday and Tuesday, Dec. 5-6, in the Office of Admission. the auction ends at 3:30 p.m. on Dec. 6. All proceeds go to Susan G. Komen For The Cure Foundation.

Suzanne Deranek has participated in the Breast Cancer 3-Day, 60-mile walk for the past seven years. In addition to walking, she has also crewed a walk for the past five years. Walkers need to raise $2,300 minimum each year to walk. This auction has raised over $14,000 for breast cancer research since it started in 2006.

All donations and winning bids are tax-deductible.

McCullough to read ‘A Child’s Christmas in Wales’ Dec. 3

Winona’s Poet Laureate Ken McCullough, director of the PASS program and assistant director of Academic Advising, will read Dylan Thomas’s “A Child's Christmas in Wales” at the Winona Arts Center, from 2-2:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 3. McCullough’s presentation will be part of The Artists Holiday Sale, which runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Winona Arts Center is located at 228 E. 5th St.

Ken McCullough, PASS and Academic Advising, and John Reed, Modern Languages, will present excerpts from the Spanish translation of McCullough’s book, “Sicomoro Oropéndolo,” recently published in Medellín, Colombia. McCullough will read the work in English, Reed in Spanish. The event will take place at The Book Shelf and Blue Heron Coffee House, 162 W. 2nd St., Friday, Dec. 9, at 7 p.m. Wine, hors d’oeuvres, and piano music will be included. McCullough will sign copies of the book. The event is free and open to the public.

Truax displays art across U.S.

Lisa Truax, assistant professor in the Department of Art and Design, has a solo exhibition at the University of Wisconsin-Madison Union Galleries opening today, Friday, Dec. 2, from 7 to 9 p.m. The exhibition is titled “Alluvial Enthrall.” For more information, go to www.union.wisc.edu/event.asp?event_id=23279.

She was also recently a part of three group exhibitions:

• “After the Pedestal” at the Sculpture Center in Cleveland, Ohio — http://sculpturecenter.org/show_details/2011_Late_Fall_ATP.html

• “Un-Wedged,” at Pottery Northwest in Seattle, Wash. — http://www.potterynorthwest.org/Gallery.htm#Nov2011

• The 2011 National Juried Ceramics Exhibition at Northern Arizona University’s Art Museum — http://www4.nau.edu/art_museum/calendar.html

Next Chat and Chow to address use of iPads, Nooks

In the next Chat and Chow session, “You’ve Got the Magic Touch,” you'll see how faculty at Saint Mary’s are teaching minds and touching screens. Eric Heukeshoven, Music Department, and Dave Jackson, Education, will demonstrate how they use iPads and Nooks to create magic in the classroom. Want the glow of new technology under the Christmas tree? Come and get a first-hand look from noon to 1 p.m. Friday, Dec. 9, in the McEnery Center.

Chat and Chows are brought to you by the Fitz, IT and Instructional Technology. Lunch is provided. An RSVP is appreciated but not necessary. For more information, contact Jason Spartz, jspartz@smumn.edu.

Holiday services announced

The Patronal Feast is scheduled for 12:10 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 8, and the Christmas Light Service is set for 9:30 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 15.

Psychology Symposium is Saturday

The annual Psychology Symposium will be held 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3, on the third floor of Saint Mary’s Hall.

Congratulations to Casa de Calvo family

Mario Casa de Calvo, Psychology Department, and his wife, Liz, had a son, Eldon. The Saint Mary’s University community congratulations the Casa de Calvo family!

Give to the Max Day raises $48,275 for Saint Mary’s

Give to the Max Day 2011, held Wednesday, Nov. 16, was a complete success! Saint Mary's placed 5th in the “Higher Education” rankings — raising an amazing $48,275 from 287 donors. This was nearly triple what was given during last year’s Give to the Max Day.

Nicole Schroeder, director of the Saint Mary’s Fund, would like to give a special thank you to Jennifer Teske (associate director of the Saint Mary’s Fund) for her work supporting volunteers in the Twin Cities; to Big Red for making an appearance at the Mall of America; and to Bob Fisher (young alumni & student relations associate director) for supporting students as they put on a brand new event to engage the undergraduate population in philanthropy.

University Advancement is grateful to everyone who donated, as well as everyone who shared in the excitement of the competition and helped to share the SMU spirit!

Good Lovelies to usher in holidays Dec. 1

Funny and upbeat, with just a pinch of sass, the Good Lovelies will take the stage at Saint Mary’s on Thursday, Dec. 1. The Page Series will welcome this award-winning Canadian trio at 7:30 p.m. in Page Theatre.

Part folk-roots, part Western Swing, this Toronto-based trio relies on unerring three-part vocal harmonies, clever songs, and convulsively funny repartee drawn from a seemingly endless succession of comedic adventures on the road. The Good Lovelies released a 12-track Christmas album, “Under the Mistletoe,” in November 2009.

These lovely ladies will usher in the holidays with old-fashioned melodies and impressive vocals. Their Christmas repertoire features a new take on familiar classics, a nostalgic treatment to more current songs, and original tunes that are sure to usher in the season in style.

In conjunction with this old-fashioned holiday theme, patrons are invited to dress in their best vintage outfits. Prizes will be awarded for “best female,” “best male,” “best couple,” and “best use of accessories.”

Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for seniors and students and are available at www.pagetheatre.org or call the box office, Ext. 1715, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Saint Mary’s is a fiscal year 2011 recipient of an Institutional Presenter Support grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board. This activity is funded, in part, by the Minnesota arts and cultural heritage fund as appropriated by the Minnesota State Legislature with money from the vote of the people of Minnesota on Nov. 4, 2008.

Students to stage tragic tale in ‘Machinal’ Nov. 18-20

The Department of Theatre and Dance will present the tragic story of a woman driven to murder after being dominated by men, marriage, motherhood and machines in the 1928 expressionist play, “Machinal” Nov. 18-20.

The story revolves around the predestined main character, Helen, who lives a life that has been dictated to her. She follows the rituals that society expects of a woman, however resistant she may feel about them, and subsequently marries her boss, whom she finds repulsive. After having a baby with him, followed by an affair with a younger man who fuels her lust for life, she is driven to murder her husband. She is found guilty of the crime and meets her end, ironically, in a machine — the electric chair.

“Machinal” is inspired by the real-life case of convicted and executed murderess Ruth Snyder — the first woman ever to be executed in the electric chair in New York State after she, along with her lover, murdered her husband. The play’s author, Sophie Treadwell, covered Snyder’s murder trial as a reporter.

Under the direction of Judy Myers, “Machinal” will take to the stage at the Valéncia Arts Center, 10th and Vila streets, at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Nov. 18-19, and 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 20.

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

Saint Mary’s choirs to present ‘Lessons and Carols’

The Concert Choir, Chamber Singers and Women’s Choir will present their annual holiday tribute, “Lessons and Carols,” at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 10. The concert will also feature the Saint Mary’s Chamber Orchestra.

The performance — a celebration of Advent and the Nativity through song and spoken word — will be held at Chapel of Saint Mary of the Angels, located at Wabasha and Vila streets.

Music will include familiar carols, as well as selections by a variety of composers from Renaissance to the present.

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

Concert Band to present ‘Sounds of the Season’

Celebrate the music of the Christmas season with the Saint Mary’s University Concert Band 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 11, at Page Theatre.

The concert will feature four student guest conductors: Tyler Ringiesen, Ashley Buhr, Jessica Giers and Jessica Bouska. Dr. Janet Heukeshoven will direct the rest of the hour-long performance, which includes Alfred Reed’s “Russian Christmas Music” and familiar seasonal favorites.

The band will be performing the “Coventry Carol,” a lovely setting of “Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring,” “Greensleeves Fantasia,” and the beautiful Huron Canadian Indian carol, “Twas in the Moon of Wintertime.” On the lighter side, audience members of all ages will enjoy “A Charlie Brown Christmas” and the big band jazz inspired “A Most Wonderful Christmas.”

The concert will be followed by a Christmas lobby party, which will feature a selection of holiday treats. Smaller ensembles — the brass choir, flute quartet, saxophone ensemble, jazz combo, bassoon trio and more — will perform.

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

SMU jazz, percussion groups join talents for Dec. 9 concert

The 18-piece Saint Mary’s University Jazz Ensemble, Jazz Combo I and World Drum Ensemble will combine for an evening of hot jazz to melt away the chill of the season at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 9, in Page Theatre.

Both jazz groups are directed by Dr. John Paulson, and the World Drum Ensemble is directed by Denny McGuire.

Vocalist Jessica Ingvalson will be featured on jazzy arrangements of the Christmas classics “Christmas Time is Here” from Charlie Brown and “Santa Claus is Coming to Town,” arranged by Dave Wolpe.

The World Drum Ensemble will join Jazz Combo I on the great samba “Brazil,” arranged for the nine-piece group by Michael Philip Moussman. They’ll also perform a boss nova version of “White Christmas,” arranged by Mark Taylor. The Jazz Ensemble will pull out all the stops with a wild arrangement of “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” by Gordon Goodwin as well as other great jazz standards like “Ladybird.” Audiences will also enjoy a premiere performance of Dr. Paulson’s “Four PM Blues.”

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

Students to show art in ‘Ideas that Spark’

Brianna Nelson

Students will display energetic and electrifying work in “Ideas that Spark,” the all-campus student art exhibit Nov. 19 through Dec. 14 in the Lillian Davis Hogan Galleries.

The show features 2011 SMU December art graduates Danielle Cossetta, Sarah Kraft, Brianna Nelson, and Charlie Williams. An opening reception for the artists will be held 4:30 to 6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 19, at the galleries.

The Lillian Davis Hogan Galleries are open 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily and are free and open to the public.

Fall Financial Forums are Nov. 21 and 30

Faculty and staff are invited to upcoming Fall Financial Forums in Winona and in Minneapolis.

The Twin Cities forum is scheduled for 11 a.m. Monday, Nov. 21, in the PAN Alumni Room. The Winona forum will be 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 30 in Salvi Lecture Hall.

Speakers will include: Cindy Marek, vice president for Financial Affairs; Genelle Groh-Beck, director, Human Resources Department; Kelly Boice, staff accountant; and Dave Ansell, financial analyst.

Wine and Cheese reception, VP update is Nov. 22

Faculty and staff are cordially invited to a wine and cheese reception and an opportunity to hear updates from university vice presidents from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 22, in the Common Room. Please RSVP to Jo Nesler at Ext. 1664 or jnesler@smumn.edu.

Etiquette dinner draws 36

Thirty-six students, including several of our First-Generation students, attended the etiquette dinner sponsored by Career Services. Thanks go to Dr. Mary Fox for leading the event.

Jazz notes

Dr. Paulson performs with the Miles Johnston Quartet from 8 p.m. to midnight Friday, Nov. 18 at the Starlight Lounge in La Crosse.

Swing Inc. performs Friday, Nov. 18, from 6 to 9 p.m. at Signature’s Restaurant.

Lueck serves as director-elect for Region 5 of ACCED-1

Terrie Lueck, director of Conferencing and Camps, has been elected and has agreed to serve as Director-Elect - Region 5 for 2012-2013 for the Association of Collegiate Conference and Events Directors-International. This organization consists of more than 1,500 campus professionals who design, market, coordinate and plan conferences and special events on the campuses of colleges and universities around the world. Since 1980, ACCED-I has increased the visibility and enhanced the stature of the collegiate conference and events profession.

There are 11 regions. Region 5 includes Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin and Saskatchewan.

Lueck will represent Region 5 at the Annual Conference to be held in Denver, Colo., in March 2012.

Reminder: No ‘Campus Notes’ next week

Because of Thanksgiving break, there will be no ‘Campus Notes’ next week. Look ahead on your calendars. The next edition will be Friday, Dec. 2. The deadline for that issue is Wednesday, Nov. 30.

Kowles to speak Dec. 1

Dr. Richard Kowles will present "The Wonder of Genetics: The Writing of a Trade Book with a Focus on the Fountain of Youth" at 4 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 1, in Room 112, Hoffman Hall.

Saint Mary’s to host panel discussion on food insecurity

Under-Told Stories journalist Fred de Sam Lazaro to report on trip to East Africa

The public is invited to experience a real and emotional taste of the dire conditions of East Africa during a discussion on “From the Famine Frontline: The Complex Issue of Food Security” Thursday, Nov. 17, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. in Salvi Hall.

Fred de Sam Lazaro, director of the “Under-Told Stories Project” and a correspondent for PBS NewsHour with Jim Lehrer, and his team will have recently returned from the famine frontlines of East Africa. Joined by other panelists, de Sam Lazaro invites the public to participate in a discussion about how to feed a complex world whose population will climb to 9 billion by mid-century.

“East Africa’s crisis demands our immediate attention but the famine’s causes are a deep and complex web of economics, politics, conflict, climate uncertainty and social indifference — a threat that could persist well into the future,” he said.

The event will be moderated by Jon Sawyer, executive director of the Pulitzer Center on Crisis Reporting. Other panelists will include Dr. David Lynch, chair of the SMU Department of Social Science, and Sharon Schmickle, foreign affairs and science correspondent for MinnPost.com.

For more information, go to www.smumn.edu/foodinsecurityforum.

The event is sponsored by Saint Mary’s, the Hendrickson Institute for Ethical Leadership and the Under-Told Stories Project, in conjunction with the Pulitzer Center for Crisis Reporting.

The “Under-Told Stories Project,” sponsored by and in partnership with Saint Mary’s, shares stories from some of the world’s most remote locations through PBS NewsHour and other media organizations. The partnership brings de Sam Lazaro to the university’s Minneapolis campus, provides new learning opportunities to Saint Mary’s students, and is intended to raise awareness for the local ramifications of global issues.

Cupcakes for a Cause and African art fundraiser today

On Friday, Nov. 11, a scholarships fundraiser for students in SMU’s institutes in Africa will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the first floor hallway of Saint Mary Hall.

Purchase a cupcake for $1 (or 6 for $5) and be entered in a drawing to win a framed African batik. The drawing will occur at 2 p.m., and you don’t need to be present to win. The event will also include a sale of African batiks (three different sizes; some framed), textiles, and a few statues and carvings direct from Kenya. Have a snack, take home some treats for the weekend, and/or buy a gift. This event is co-sponsored by the First-Generation Initiative and the Office of Institutional Effectiveness and Research.

Speaker to share ‘The Fastenal Story’ Nov. 17

Will Oberton, CEO of Fastenal (an international provider of construction supplies based in Winona), will present “The Fastenal Story” at 3:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 17, in Salvi Lecture Hall. Faculty, staff and students are invited. The event is sponsored by the Business Office.

Oberton joined Fastenal in 1980 as a part-time warehouse worker. Since then he has served in various sales, operational, and, ultimately, management roles, including chief operating officer, vice president, and executive vice president. He was named president of the company in July 2001 and has served as CEO since December 2002.

Students to stage tragic tale in ‘Machinal’ Nov. 16-20

The Department of Theatre and Dance will present the tragic story of a woman driven to murder after being dominated by men, marriage, motherhood and machines in the 1928 expressionist play, “Machinal” Nov. 16-20.

The story revolves around the predestined main character, Helen, who lives a life that has been dictated to her. She follows the rituals that society expects of a woman, however resistant she may feel about them, and subsequently marries her boss, whom she finds repulsive. After having a baby with him, followed by an affair with a younger man who fuels her lust for life, she is driven to murder her husband. She is found guilty of the crime and meets her end, ironically, in a machine — the electric chair.

“Machinal” is inspired by the real-life case of convicted and executed murderess Ruth Snyder — the first woman ever to be executed in the electric chair in New York State after she, along with her lover, murdered her husband. The play’s author, Sophie Treadwell, covered Snyder’s murder trial as a reporter.

Under the direction of Judy Myers, “Machinal” will take to the stage at the Valéncia Arts Center, 10th and Vila streets, at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday, Nov. 16-19, and 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 20.

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

Blue Angel 2011 a success!

The Brothers of Phi Mu Alpha would like to thank the Saint Mary’s community for their overwhelming support of Blue Angel 2011 More than 630 people enjoyed this year’s performances. Thanks go to everyone who helped make Blue Angel a success.

New choral works by O’Shea, Heukeshoven to premiere

Two new compositions for choir by music department faculty members Dr. Patrick O’Shea and A. Eric Heukeshoven will be premiered by the La Crosse Chamber Chorale next week through the group’s “Words to Music” commissioning project.

Words to Music is a project in which poetry written by local students is set to music by regional composers. La Crosse area students in 4th through 8th grade literature and writing classes submitted poems based on the theme “It’s Magic!” in early 2011. Five area composers each chose one to become the text of a new musical work.

O’Shea’s setting of Melanie Klemond’s poem “Gravity Defied” is accompanied by violin and cello.

Heukeshoven’s work is based on Sophia Nystrom’s poem, “Just Believe.” Flute, clarinet, cello, and triangle accompany the choir. The SMU Music Department is further represented by Dr. Janet Heukeshoven on flute, Derek Clark on cello, and Jim Knutson with percussion.

Three performances of the new works are scheduled:

Saturday, Nov. 12 — 7:30 p.m.
Prince of Peace Lutheran Church
La Crescent, Minn.
Tickets $16 (adults), $10 (students/seniors)

Sunday, Nov. 13 — 3 p.m.
Our Savior's Lutheran Church
La Crosse, Wis.
Tickets $16 (adults), $10 (students/seniors)

For more information, go www.chamberchorale.org/index.html or contact Eric Heukeshoven at Ext. 7292.

Veterans Day ceremony planned for Nov. 11

On Nov. 11, in recognition of Veterans Day, a small ceremony will be held at the Saint Mary’s Veterans Memorial beginning at 11 a.m. Dr. Bill Crozier, university archivist, has put together a video tribute for the occasion, and members of the choir will perform. A prayer remembrance will be held for all those who have served and sacrificed in the U.S. armed forces, especially those from the Saint Mary’s community. A reception will be held in the Toner Student Center following the ceremony.

Students to show art in ‘Ideas that Spark’

By Brianna Nelson

By Sarah Kraft

Students will display energetic and electrifying work in “Ideas that Spark,” the all-campus student art exhibit Nov. 19 through Dec. 14 in the Lillian Davis Hogan Galleries.

The show features 2011 SMU December art graduates Danielle Cossetta, Sarah Kraft, Brianna Nelson, and Charlie Williams. An opening reception for the artists will be held 4:30 to 6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 19, at the galleries.

The Lillian Davis Hogan Galleries are open 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily and are free and open to the public.

Oldie Moldies to perform at Signatures Nov. 12

Catch dinner and a show with the Oldie Moldie All-Stars Saturday, Nov. 12, 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 strawberry shortcake. A chicken or pasta option is available by reservation.

The Oldies are members of the national music fraternity Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia at Saint Mary’s. The group consists of 11 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 $32 per person; reservations can be made now by calling Signatures at (507) 454-3767. Payment is accepted at time of reservation.

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

Kowles to give a talk at Winona Public Library

Dr. Dick Kowles, professor emeritus of biology, will give a presentation at the Winona Public Library on Wednesday, Nov. 15, at 2 p.m. Kowles will discuss his most recent book, “The Wonder of Genetics,” with a focus on the chapter titled “The Fountain of Youth.” In addition, he will touch on the joys and struggles of writing and publishing a trade book.

‘In My Defense’ series begins Nov. 15

How does an “ideal” college relationship turn into a marriage marked by infidelity and emotional and verbal abuse? “In My Defense,” is a two-part series, hosted by the Saint Teresa Leadership and Service Institute, for women interested in safe and healthy relationships.

• All women on campus are invited to join “Lost Edens” author Jamie Patterson and Dr. Ann Gibson in exploring the inner workings of relationships while maintaining one’s own voice and sense of self. The event is 6 to 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 15, in the Common Room, Saint Mary’s Hall.

The series concludes Monday, Nov. 21, when Jerry Olson, a Winona police officer and a self- defense instructor, leads participants through simple defense moves to use when words fail. Avoid being physically attacked and know what to do if you are. The event is 6:30-8:30 p.m. in the Common Room.

Fox to host etiquette dinner for students Nov. 15

Dr. Mary Catherine Fox, professor of Interdisciplinary Studies, will present an etiquette dinner Tuesday, Nov. 15, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. in the President’s Room of the Toner Student Center. Dr. Fox will offer etiquette tips for success during luncheon interviews and dining situations. Student participants can learn table manners, silverware savvy, napkin etiquette and social graces. The cost is $10.

Students must sign up in Career Services, Room 136 of Saint Mary’s Hall, by Nov. 14. A four-course meal including a garden salad, chicken kiev, baby carrots with dill butter, fettuccine with a white herb sauce and dessert, will be served. For more information, e-mail Jackie Baker at jbaker@smumn.edu.

Cardinal Corner Update

The Cardinal Corner, located in the basement of the Toner Student Center, recently received “a ton” of vintage soccer uniform parts. Check out their basketball shorts, warm-up pants, zip ups, jerseys and T-shirts — available for $5, $10 or $15. The Brother Stephen shirts are coming soon!

Jazz notes

Swing Inc. will perform 6 to 9 p.m. Nov. 11 at Signature’s Restaurant, and the Standard Time Duo will be at the Canadian Honker Restaurant in Rochester from 7 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 12.

The John Paulson Trio performs 7 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 12, at Michael’s Restaurant in Rochester, and Dr. Paulson performs with the Miles Johnston Quartet from 8 p.m. to midnight Friday, Nov. 18 at the Starlight Lounge in La Crosse.

Sympathy to Nesler, Fox families

Dale I. Reishus, father of Jo Nesler,(administrative assistant) and June Fox (Registrar's Office) and grandfather of John Fox '10, died Wednesday, Nov. 9. Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 12, at Central Lutheran Church. Visitation is today, Friday, Nov. 11, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Fawcett-Junker Funeral Home and on Saturday, Nov. 12, from 10 to 10:30 a.m. at the church.

A note of sympathy can be sent to Jo Nesler at Campus Box 78 or June Fox at Campus Box 37.

The Saint Mary's community extends its sympathies to these families.

Saint Mary’s to host panel discussion on food insecurity

Under-Told Stories journalist Fred de Sam Lazaro to report on trip to East Africa

The public is invited to experience a real and emotional taste of the dire conditions of East Africa during a discussion on “From the Famine Frontline: The Complex Issue of Food Security” Thursday, Nov. 17, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. in Salvi Hall.

Fred de Sam Lazaro, director of the “Under-Told Stories Project” and a correspondent for PBS NewsHour with Jim Lehrer, and his team will have recently returned from the famine frontlines of East Africa. Joined by other panelists, de Sam Lazaro invites the public to participate in a discussion about how to feed a complex world whose population will climb to 9 billion by mid-century.

“East Africa’s crisis demands our immediate attention but the famine’s causes are a deep and complex web of economics, politics, conflict, climate uncertainty and social indifference — a threat that could persist well into the future,” he said.

The event will be moderated by Jon Sawyer, executive director of the Pulitzer Center on Crisis Reporting. Other panelists will include Dr. David Lynch, chair of the SMU Department of Social Science, and Sharon Schmickle, foreign affairs and science correspondent for MinnPost.com.

For more information, go to www.smumn.edu/foodinsecurityforum.

The event is sponsored by Saint Mary’s, the Hendrickson Institute for Ethical Leadership and the Under-Told Stories Project, in conjunction with the Pulitzer Center for Crisis Reporting.

The “Under-Told Stories Project,” sponsored by and in partnership with Saint Mary’s, shares stories from some of the world’s most remote locations through PBS NewsHour and other media organizations. The partnership brings de Sam Lazaro to the university’s Minneapolis campus, provides new learning opportunities to Saint Mary’s students, and is intended to raise awareness for the local ramifications of global issues.

Students to stage tragic tale in ‘Machinal’ Nov. 16-20

The Department of Theatre and Dance will present the tragic story of a woman driven to murder after being dominated by men, marriage, motherhood and machines in the 1928 expressionist play, “Machinal” Nov. 16-20.

The story revolves around the predestined main character, Helen, who lives a life that has been dictated to her. She follows the rituals that society expects of a woman, however resistant she may feel about them, and subsequently marries her boss, whom she finds repulsive. After having a baby with him, followed by an affair with a younger man who fuels her lust for life, she is driven to murder her husband. She is found guilty of the crime and meets her end, ironically, in a machine — the electric chair.

“Machinal” is inspired by the real-life case of convicted and executed murderess Ruth Snyder — the first woman ever to be executed in the electric chair in New York State after she, along with her lover, murdered her husband. The play’s author, Sophie Treadwell, covered Snyder’s murder trial as a reporter.

Under the direction of Judy Myers, “Machinal” will take to the stage at the Valéncia Arts Center, 10th and Vila streets, at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday, Nov. 16-19, and 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 20.

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

Blue Angel 2011 hits the stage this weekend

The Brothers of Phi Mu Alpha cordially invite faculty and staff to Blue Angel 2011. This year’s performances are today, Friday, Nov. 4, at 8 p.m. and Saturday, Nov. 5, at 7 and 10 p.m. in the dining hall.

For a complimentary ticket to the show of your choice, please contact Bob Fisher at Ext. 6658 or rfisher@smumn.edu.

Kirk to give piano performance Nov. 6

Pianist Ned Kirk will interpret Beethoven and other renowned composers during a recital Sunday, Nov. 6, at Page Theatre.

The program — which will begin at 3 p.m. — will include works by Ludwig van Beethoven, Nikolai Medtner, Max Reger, Frederic Rzewski and Nikolai Kapustin.

Kirk has performed extensively in the U.S., Europe, Africa and Asia. Upcoming engagements include recitals with legendary saxophonist Branford Marsalis, a second State Department-sponsored tour of Kenya, and recitals and master classes in the U.S., Taiwan, Hong Kong and China.

Kirk is known locally as the artistic and managing director of the Minnesota Beethoven Festival and as a professor of piano at Saint Mary’s.

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

New choral works by O’Shea, Heukeshoven to premiere

Two new compositions for choir by music department faculty members Dr. Patrick O'Shea and A. Eric Heukeshoven will be premiered by the La Crosse Chamber Chorale next week through the group’s “Words to Music” commissioning project.

Words to Music is a project in which poetry written by local students is set to music by regional composers. La Crosse area students in 4th through 8th grade literature and writing classes submitted poems based on the theme “It’s Magic!” in early 2011. The poems were coded to preserve anonymity. Five area composers each chose one to become the text of a new musical work.

O’Shea’s setting of Melanie Klemond’s poem “Gravity Defied” conjures up images about birds, such as cages, wings, flying and gliding. The work is accompanied by violin and cello.

Heukeshoven’s work is based on Sophia Nystrom’s poem, “Just Believe.” The young poet begins her poem with the words, “Most people don’t believe in the existence of magic, but I do, and you do.” The music is playful and contains fragments of melody that will at once remind us all of what it was like to be a child. Flute, clarinet, cello, and triangle accompany the choir. The SMU Music Department is further represented by Dr. Janet Heukeshoven on flute, Derek Clark on cello, and Jim Knutson with percussion.

Three performances of the new works are scheduled:

Tuesday, Nov. 8 — 7:30 p.m.
La Crosse New Music Festival
University of Wisconsin - La Crosse
No admission charge

Saturday, Nov.12 — 7:30 p.m.
Prince of Peace Lutheran Church
La Crescent, Minn.
Tickets $16 (adults), $10 (students/seniors)

Sunday, Nov. 13 — 3 p.m.
Our Savior's Lutheran Church
La Crosse, Wis.
Tickets $16 (adults), $10 (students/seniors)

For more information, go www.chamberchorale.org/index.html or contact Eric Heukeshoven at Ext. 7292.

Veterans Day ceremony planned for Nov. 11

On Nov. 11, in recognition of Veterans Day — an annual holiday observed in honor of those who have served the U.S. armed forces — a small ceremony will be held at the Veterans Memorial beginning at 11 a.m. Dr. Bill Crozier, university archivist, has put together a video tribute for the occasion, and members of the choir will perform. A prayer remembrance will be held for all those who have served and sacrificed in the U.S. armed forces, especially those from the Saint Mary’s community. A reception will be held in the Toner Student Center following the ceremony.

Students to show art in ‘Ideas that Spark’

Students will display energetic and electrifying work in “Ideas that Spark,” the all-campus student art exhibit Nov. 19 through Dec. 14 in the Lillian Davis Hogan Galleries.

The show features 2011 SMU December art graduates Danielle Cossetta, Sarah Kraft, Brianna Nelson, and Charlie Williams. An opening reception for the artists will be held 4:30 to 6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 19, at the galleries.

The Lillian Davis Hogan Galleries are open 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily and are free and open to the public.

Oldie Moldies to perform at Signatures Nov. 12

Catch dinner and a show with the Oldie Moldie All-Stars Saturday, Nov. 12, 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 strawberry shortcake. A chicken or pasta option is available by reservation.

The Oldies are members of the national music fraternity Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia at Saint Mary’s. The group consists of 11 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 $32 per person; reservations can be made now through Nov. 10 by calling Signatures at (507) 454-3767. Payment is accepted at time of reservation.

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

Senior Class Auction nears

The 2011 Senior Class Silent Auction will be held Monday, Nov. 7, and Tuesday, Nov. 8, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Toner Game Room. The Silent Auction is a means for the senior class to fund the activities held throughout the year, specifically Senior Week.

‘A Confluence of Voices V’ planned for today, Nov. 4

Student poets from Saint Mary’s and Winona State will gather to read and share their original work at the Mugby Junction Coffee House, 451 Huff St., at 4 p.m. Friday, Nov. 4, for “A Confluence of Voices V.” Poets Ken McCullough (from SMU) and Jim Armstrong (from WSU) will host the event, which is open to the public. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own work to share.

Next biology speaker to discuss U of M program

Dr. Fang Li, assistant professor of Pharmacology, University of Minnesota, will be next week’s Biology Seminar speaker. The U of M website notes his research interests lie in the “invasion and replication mechanisms of human viral pathogens.” The title of his seminar talk is “The graduate program in Pharmacology at the University of Minnesota.”  The seminar starts at 4 p.m. in Hoffman Hall, Rom 112.

Clark to discuss the circuit of racism

Dr. Erin Mae Clark, assistant professor of English, will present “The Wire: African American Literature and the Circuit of Racism” 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 8, in the President’s Room. The presentation is free and open to the public, and refreshments will be provided.

The event is sponsored by Sigma Tau Delta, the International English Society. For more information, contact Dr. Carolyn Ayers at cayers@smumn.edu.

SMU’s first mock trial labeled a success

Saint Mary’s held its historic first Mock Trial on Oct. 27. The event was sponsored by the Business and Social Sciences departments.

Student “attorneys” represented the plaintiff and the defendant in a hotly contested case in which the plaintiff alleged that the defendant served alcohol at a party to a student who was drunk and was therefore responsible when the student crashed into the plaintiff’s car, injuring him.

The plaintiff was represented by Anna Sonday, Loren Galloway, and Morgan Carlson. The defendant was represented by Colin Norris, Marty Purintun, and Andrew Seifert. The Department of Theatre and Dance contributed greatly to the success of the event: the witnesses were expertly played by Bryan Moore, Jacob Rivet, Tom Conry, and Alex Green. Alex Akers and Taylor Marshall-Miernicki helped to design the set for the trial. Nancy Wiltgen, Development, played the role of judge and also gave some advice to the attorneys after the case was over, drawing on her more than 20 years of experience as an attorney in a prominent Minneapolis law firm.

The event was well attended and included a reception afterwards. The success of the event insures that it will become an annual event at Saint Mary’s. The entire Mock Trial can be viewed online at https://tegr.it/y/6qu9.

Business faculty present at management conference

Three faculty from the Department of Business, Chandu Valluri, Dr. Shelly McCallum, and Larry Price, J.D., collaborated over the last six months to research and write a paper on entrepreneurship titled “Swimming with Sharks and Dancing with Dragons: A New Approach to Generating Entrepreneurial Intentions.”

The paper was accepted into the proceedings of the Midwest Academy for Management and selected for presentation at the conference, which was held in Omaha, Neb., this past Oct. 19-22.

Valluri prepared and delivered a 30-minute presentation with a Q&A session afterwards. The paper was well-received and generated some very engaging discussion over its main theme: the use of television programs such as “Shark Tank” as a means of increasing interest in entrepreneurship both in the U.S. and in the developing world. An in-depth discussion on dispositional optimism and entrepreneurial self-efficacy supported the main hypotheses of the paper: that these qualities act as moderating variables in the connection between exposure to entrepreneurial media and entrepreneurial intentions.

Price and Valluri also had the opportunity at the conference to have a one-on-one conversation with James Young, the CEO of Union Pacific Railroad, who was a keynote speaker.

Saint Mary’s to host panel discussion on food insecurity

Under-Told Stories journalist Fred de Sam Lazaro to report on trip to East Africa

The public is invited to experience a real and emotional taste of the dire conditions of East Africa during a discussion on “From the Famine Frontline: The Complex Issue of Food Security” Thursday, Nov. 17, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. in Salvi Hall.

Fred de Sam Lazaro, director of the “Under-Told Stories Project” and a correspondent for PBS NewsHour with Jim Lehrer, and his team will have recently returned from the famine frontlines of East Africa. Joined by other panelists, de Sam Lazaro invites the public to participate in a discussion about how to feed a complex world whose population will climb to 9 billion by mid-century.

“East Africa’s crisis demands our immediate attention but the famine’s causes are a deep and complex web of economics, politics, conflict, climate uncertainty and social indifference — a threat that could persist well into the future,” he said.

The event will be moderated by Jon Sawyer, executive director of the Pulitzer Center on Crisis Reporting. Other panelists will include Dr. David Lynch, chair of the SMU Department of Social Science, and Sharon Schmickle, foreign affairs and science correspondent for MinnPost.com.

For more information, go to www.smumn.edu/foodinsecurityforum.

The event is sponsored by Saint Mary’s, the Hendrickson Institute for Ethical Leadership and the Under-Told Stories Project, in conjunction with the Pulitzer Center for Crisis Reporting.

The “Under-Told Stories Project,” sponsored by and in partnership with Saint Mary’s, shares stories from some of the world’s most remote locations through PBS NewsHour and other media organizations. The partnership brings de Sam Lazaro to the university’s Minneapolis campus, provides new learning opportunities to Saint Mary’s students, and is intended to raise awareness for the local ramifications of global issues.

Kirk to give piano performance Nov. 6

Pianist Ned Kirk will interpret Beethoven and other renowned composers during a recital Sunday, Nov. 6, at Page Theatre.

The program — which will begin at 3 p.m. — will include works by Ludwig van Beethoven, Nikolai Medtner, Max Reger, Frederic Rzewski and Nikolai Kapustin.

Kirk has performed extensively in the U.S., Europe, Africa and Asia. Upcoming engagements include recitals with legendary saxophonist Branford Marsalis, a second State Department-sponsored tour of Kenya, and recitals and master classes in the U.S., Taiwan, Hong Kong and China.

Kirk is known locally as the artistic and managing director of the Minnesota Beethoven Festival and as a professor of piano at Saint Mary’s.

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

Halloween Fun Night draws hundreds to campus

Hundreds of elementary and preschool children from Winona attended the 12th annual Saint Mary’s Halloween Fun Night Monday, Oct. 24. The event was sponsored by the Office of Residence Life. To see a few pictures from the event, go to www.smumn.edu/photos.

Page Series presents ‘Letters Home’ Nov. 1

Letters written by soldiers serving in the Middle East will come to life during the next Saint Mary’s Page Series event — “Letters Home”— at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 1, in Page Theatre.

This Griffin Theatre production is a powerful portrait of the soldier experience. It’s inspired by the New York Times op-ed article, “The Things They Wrote” and the subsequent HBO documentary, “Last Letters Home.” Additional letters and correspondences come from Frank Schaeffer’s books, “Voices From the Front,” “Letters Home From America’s Military Family,” “Faith of Our Sons,” and “Keeping Faith.”

These letters were written under the most difficult of circumstances: the disorientation of training, deployment, separation from family and loved ones and combat, and occupation duties in Afghanistan and Iraq. The production uses minimal props and set pieces to dramatize the letters. Photos and video used in the production are taken directly from actual soldiers’ blogs and websites.

Tickets are $12 for adults, $5 for seniors and students and are available online at www.pagetheatre.org or at the Box Office, Ext. 1715 Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Area schools are invited to a special matinee performance at 10 a.m.

Saint Mary’s students, staff, alumni volunteer in community

Saint Mary's alumni and students volunteered at a Habitat for Humanity build in Winona.

Saint Mary's students volunteered with Winona Health

In recognition of national “Make a Difference Day” and “Lasallian Day of Service,” about 300 Saint Mary’s students, alumni and staff volunteered their time Saturday, Oct. 22, throughout Winona — as well as in Chicago and the Twin Cities areas.

About 160 SMU student volunteers assisted locally at the Habitat Restore, Habitat for Humanity, Winona Health, the Salvation Army, the Winona Area Humane Society, area churches and schools, as well as residences — 38 locations in all.

“Make a Difference Day” is the most encompassing national day of helping others, a celebration of neighbors helping neighbors. Created by USA WEEKEND magazine, this annual event takes place on the fourth Saturday of every October.

Saint Mary’s alumni also came together in service to others Oct. 22 as part of the annual “Lasallian Day of Service.” Alumni helped out in the Twin Cities, Chicago and Winona, working with projects such as Feed My Starving Children and Arc’s Value Village in the Twin Cities; Feed My Starving Children, St. Procopius School and a San Miguel School in Chicago; and Habitat for Humanity in Winona.

Veterans Day ceremony planned for Nov. 11

On Nov. 11, in recognition of Veterans Day — an annual holiday observed in honor of those who have served the U.S. armed forces — a small ceremony will be held at the Veterans Memorial beginning at 11 a.m. Dr. Bill Crozier, university archivist, has put together a video tribute for the occasion, and members of the choir will perform. A prayer remembrance will be held for all those who have served and sacrificed in the U.S. armed forces, especially those from the Saint Mary’s community. A reception will be held in the Toner Student Center following the ceremony.