Convocation Day is Aug. 24 on Twin Cities campus

This year, University Convocation Day is Wednesday, Aug. 24, on the Twin Cities campus in the newly acquired Harrington Mansion and Saint Mary’s Event Center.

The morning session will be highlighted by remarks from Brother William and Dr. Margaret Wheatley, keynote speaker. Dr. Wheatley received her doctorate in Organizational Behavior and Change from Harvard University and a master’s in Media Ecology from New York University. She has been an organizational consultant since 1973, a global citizen since her youth and a professor in two graduate programs. She focuses on how we can accomplish our work, sustain our relationships, and willingly step forward to serve. She has written seven books and numerous articles appearing in both professional and popular journals.

In the afternoon Dr. Wheatley will have a presentation on the University Strategic Planning process and Brother William will give closing remarks.

Buses will depart at 7 a.m. from the front of the Toner Center and will leave the Twin Cities at 3 p.m.

Lueck thanks ‘Dancing with Winona Stars’ supporters; Fundraiser benefits First-Generation

“On behalf of the First-Generation Initiative and myself ... thank you, thank you, thank you for your support, your donations and votes.

“On Saturday, Aug. 13, almost 1,300 people attended “Dancing with the Winona Stars,” held here on the SMU campus in Winona. It was an incredible community fundraising event that showcased our facilities and capabilities, as well as allowed me the opportunity to draw attention to SMU’s First-Generation Initiative (FGI). The total amount of money we raised is being calculated.

“Please continue to support this effort. The First-Generation Initiative offers financial, academic and personal support to first-generation college students. Thirteen First-Generation students have completed their first year of studies at SMU; this fall the university will welcome 16 additional students. For more information on First-Generation Initiative, go to www.fgismu.org.

“Although I didn’t bring home the trophy, I had a wonderful experience and feel honored to have represented a cause that so strongly connects to Saint Mary’s mission. “ — Terrie Lueck, director of Conferencing and Camps

Community picnic reminder

Saint Mary’s employees and their families are invited to the annual Winona Campus Community Picnic on Thursday, Aug. 25, from 5 to 8 p.m. The picnic, sponsored by Brother William, is given in appreciation of the hard work and dedication of the members of our campus community. All employees of Saint Mary’s University, their partners, and children are invited.

The picnic food and beverages will be served in the lobby of the Toner Student Center near the switchboard from 5 to 7 p.m. There will be seating in the Hall of Fame Room and may be tables on the Plaza.

The inflatable bounce house and jousting will be available in the Gostomski Fieldhouse. To maintain the integrity of the floor in the fieldhouse, no beer will be allowed in this area. The RAC, pool, and ice rink will be open from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Non-swimmers should be accompanied by an adult when using the pool.

RSVPs were due Thursday, Aug. 18.

Individual tickets for Page Series season on sale

The 25th season of the Page Series is once again filled with music, dance, theatre, and family-friendly offerings from around the world! Individual tickets are now on sale, and season subscriptions are on sale through Sept. 9.

To order, go online to www.pagetheatre.org or call the box office, Ext. 1715, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday.

The 2011-2012 Page Series

• Terrance Simien and the Zydeco Experience, Friday Sept. 16, 7:30 p.m.
• Luna Negra Dance Theater, Saturday Oct. 22, 7:30 p.m.
• “Letters Home” by Griffin Theatre, Tuesday, Nov. 1, 6:30 p.m.
• The Good Lovelies, Thursday, Dec. 1, 7:30 p.m.
• Yuval Ron Ensemble, Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2012, 7:30 p.m.
• “Duck For President” and other stories by Theatreworks USA, Wednesday, Feb. 29, 2012, 6:30 p.m.
• Vishtèn, Wednesday, March 21, 2012, 7:30 p.m.
• “Peter & the Wolf” by Pushcart Players, Tuesday, April 17, 2012, 6:30 p.m.

‘Off The Page’

In addition, this year Saint Mary’s is introducing “Off The Page” events, which feature Minnesota artists in venues around town. Individual tickets for “Off The Page” events are also on sale.

• Saturday, Sept. 3, 7 p.m., Masonic Temple
Low, Ben Weaver, and The Morning Foreign
• Friday, Feb. 3, 2012, 7:30 p.m., Valéncia Arts Center Danza Española

Jazz notes

Swing Inc. will perform Friday, Aug. 19, at Signatures from 6 to 9 p.m.

Chris Kendall to perform at Winona Arts Center

Chris Kendall and the Coulee Kings (Mark Gunderson and Tom Moncrieff) combine forces for an evening of musical story telling Friday, Sept. 17, at 7:30 p.m. at the Winona Arts Center. Admission is $5.

Watch for SMU float in Goodview Days Parade

As part of our community visibility initiative, SMU will be part of Sunday’s Goodview Days Parade at 1 p.m. Watch for a large group of resident assistants who will be representing Saint Mary’s and painting the town red with bandanas!

‘Campus Notes’ will continue weekly on Fridays

“Campus Notes” will now come out every Friday. The deadline for each issue is noon the previous Wednesday.

Sympathy to Sobotta, Swanson, Robeson families

Russ Sobotta, who previously worked in maintenance at Saint Mary’s and the College of Saint Teresa, died Thursday, Aug. 11. Russ is survived by his wife, Lynda Sobotta of Winona and son, Jason ‘04.

Connie Lowe, sister of Stacey Swanson (President’s Office) and daughter of Eldon Fritz (retired from Maintenance), died Friday, Aug. 12, in St. Paul. Notes of condolence may be sent to Stacey Swanson at Campus Box 30 or Eldon and Luella Fritz at 4742 Sixth St., Winona.

Rose Annette Robeson, mother-in-law of Valerie Edwards Robeson (Social Science Department), and grandmother of Tucker Robeson (’10) and Walker Robeson (sophomore) died Tuesday, Aug. 9, in Winona. Notes of condolence may be sent to Dr. Lane Robeson and family, 1350 Highway 43, Winona, or to Campus Box #1457.

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