Saint Mary's University of Minnesota

Thursday, March 1, 2012

Saint Thomas More Chapel to be consecrated March 13

Saint Thomas More Chapel

The Chapel before refurbishing

During the past two months, construction crews and maintenance staff have been refurbishing the heart of the Winona campus, Saint Thomas More Chapel. On March 13, at 1:30 p.m., the new altar will be consecrated by Bishop John Quinn at a special liturgy. The Saint Mary’s community is invited to attend the special Mass of consecration and a reception for those involved in designing and renovating the chapel.

Regular daily liturgy will resume in the chapel on Wednesday, March 14, at 12:10 p.m., and weekend liturgies will resume the following weekend, March 18, at the regular times.

SMU hosts regional science, engineering fair today

The 59th Annual Southeast Minnesota, Western Wisconsin Regional Science and Engineering Fair will be held today, Friday, March 2, in the gymnasium.

Approximately 120 students from eight regional schools will participate in the fair including: La Crescent Middle School, Bluffview Montessori School, Winona Middle School, Cotter Junior High, Cochrane Fountain City High School, Chatfield Schools, Shattuck St. Mary’s (Faribault) and Winona Senior High School.

The Student Exhibits are open to the public from 3 to 5 pm. The award ceremony will be held at 7 p.m. in the gymnasium.

Page Series to host Canadian trio Vishtén

The Canadian trio Vishtén will take to the Saint Mary’s Page Theatre stage 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 21, with spirited percussive rhythms, impressive three-part harmonies and high-stepping footwork.

Each performance is a warm, dynamic rendering of French-rooted, Celtic-infused traditions. Yet Vishtén uniquely blends together songs that are four centuries old with fresh melodies that are newly minted by the band. They successfully and dynamically incorporate elements of new influences while retaining and staying true to the essential Acadian spirit of their roots.

Twin sisters Emmanuelle and Pastelle LeBlanc grew up thinking everyone had kitchens full of music and that everyone had house parties where visitors step-danced, sang, and fiddled into the wee hours. Joined by Pascal Miousse, their mesmerizing live shows capture the freewheeling, upbeat feeling of a kitchen music-making marathon.

The band members are accomplished multi-instrumentalists and step-dancers incorporating the fiddle, guitar, accordion, penny-whistle, mandolin, piano, jaw-harp and bodhran into each performance.

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

Hand-Knit Worn by You Contest

The members of Vishtén are avid knitters. In honor of this time-honored craft, patrons are invited to come early and show off their hand-knit clothing and accessories in the lobby of the Performance Center. Photo ops will be available. Participants will be eligible to win prizes including tickets to future events, gift certificates from Yarnology, and more.

Saint Mary’s invites public to Relay for Life March 16-17

The Colleges Against Cancer group invites the community to its 2012 Relay for Life — to be held 6 p.m. to 4 a.m. Friday and Saturday, March 16-17, in Gostomski Fieldhouse.

Teams comprised of friends, families and co-workers will join together for this fundraising effort, which celebrates people who have battled cancer, remembers loved ones lost, and provides an opportunity to fight back against the disease.

Last year more than 300 people participated in the event which raised more than $17,000 for the American Cancer Society.

Team members will spend the night walking around SMU’s indoor track from dusk to dawn to represent the 24-hour fight against cancer. Each team raises money for the American Cancer Society. This year’s theme is based on the American Cancer Society’s slogan: “Cancer Doesn’t Take a Holiday.”

Activities planned through the night include a silent auction, a pin-the-flame-on-the-candle contest, a newlywed game, a relay, a frozen T-shirt race and Zumba at 1 a.m.

If you are thinking about creating a team; if you would like to come and support the American Cancer Society’s efforts; if you would like to celebrate cancer survivors and remember those you have lost; or if you would like to be recognized as a survivor — come to this event. Participants are welcome to stay for as much or as little as their schedules allow.

To sign up, go to www.relayforlife.org/smu.

For more information, e-mail collegesagainstcancer@smumn.edu.

Faculty, staff issued Relay challenge

Laurie Haase, Business Office, is putting together a faculty/staff team for “Relay for Life.” Anyone who would like to join her team, “Team Eddie,” should contact her or go to www.relayforlife.org/smu.

If you cannot participate by joining a team, donations are also welcome; contact Haase at Ext. 1464 or the team of your choice. Additionally, anyone can purchase luminaries in honor of or in memory of someone for $10 (or 3 for $25). Luminaries are placed around the track in the Fieldhouse and are lit throughout the evening.

The evening is filled with fun activities, and teams sell unique items as fundraisers. The SMU community is invited to stop by to shop or to enjoy the event.

‘Cardinal Plunge’ draws 40

About 40 people were freezin’ for a reason during the third annual “Cardinal Plunge” Feb. 25. The event, hosted by the Future Alumni Committee, raised $560 for the Student Emergency Fund.

To see photos from the event, go to https://picasaweb.google.com/114377451740748435026/CardinalPlunge2012.

Saint Mary’s to host panel discussion on population

National Geographic editor to serve as guest panelist

How can we sustain a planet that has 7 billion people and is expected to have 9 billion inhabitants by 2050? The public is invited to discuss “Population in Perspective: How Will 7 Billion People Change Your Life?” Wednesday, March 14, at Saint Mary’s University.

The event’s special guest Dennis Dimick, executive editor on the environment for National Geographic, was architect of a year-long 2011 National Geographic series called “7 Billion” on global population and its impact.

Dimick will join panelists Fred de Sam Lazaro, director of the “Under-Told Stories Project” and a correspondent for PBS NewsHour with Jim Lehrer; Josephine Marcotty, environmental reporter for the Minneapolis Star Tribune; and Dr. David Lynch, chair of the SMU Department of Social Science.

This critical discussion — featuring a digest of the latest reporting on issues associated with population growth — is from 7 to 8:30 p.m. in Page Theatre, located in the SMU Performance Center. SMU will host two of these critical discussions. The first will be on the Twin Cities campus, Tuesday, March 13, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. in Saint Mary’s Event Center. The second is from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 14, in Page Theatre.

This event is sponsored by Hendrickson Institute for Ethical Leadership, the Under-Told Stories Project, and the Minnesota International Center, as part of a collaboration with the Pulitzer Center on Crisis Reporting, PBS NewsHour and National Geographic.

The “Under-Told Stories Project,” produced by and in partnership with Saint Mary’s University, 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.

For more information, contact Sabrina Kelly at skelly@smumn.edu or (612) 238-4507.

Chamber Singers to tour Wisconsin, Illinois, Ontario

The Chamber Singers will perform in Wisconsin, Illinois and the Canadian province of Ontario as part of their 2012 Concert Tour. The 27-voice select ensemble is directed by Dr. Patrick O’Shea.

Upon their return, the Chamber Singers will present a free “Homecoming Concert” at the Chapel of Saint Mary of the Angels, 7th and Vila streets, Winona, on Thursday, March 15, at 7:30 p.m. For more information, call Dr. O’Shea at Ext. 1598.

Jazz Combo I to perform in Germany

During spring break, a group of Saint Mary’s students will bring their brand of American jazz to audiences in Germany. Led by Dr. John Paulson, professor and director of Jazz Studies, the 12-piece “little big band” will perform a wide variety of jazz selections at venues in and around the city of Cologne (Köln), Germany from March 5 through March 10. Eric Heukeshoven is serving as facilitator of the trip.

The public is welcome to attend a free homecoming concert Friday, March 16, at 7:30 p.m. in SMU’s Figliulo Recital Hall.

For more information, contact Heukeshoven at Ext. 7292 or eheukesh@smumn.edu.

Register early for Row, Ride, Run Triathlon

The annual Saint Mary’s “Row, Ride, Run Triathlon” will take place on Saturday, April 28, beginning at 9 a.m. at Lake Lodge in Winona and finishing on SMU’s Winona campus.

About 100 athletes from throughout the Midwest are expected to register for the race.

Participants will canoe or kayak a 2.5-mile loop around Lake Winona, then bike 14 miles from Lake Winona to the SMU campus. Once on campus, racers will run 3.1 miles through the bluffs surrounding the university.

Proceeds assist Serving Others United in Love (SOUL), a program of SMU’s Office of Campus Ministry. Through SOUL, students are able to connect with diverse communities by participating in national and international service trips.

Registration before March 16 is $20 per individual or $40 per team. After March 16, the cost is $30 per individual or $60 per team. Teams can be made up of two, three or four members.

Participants must be 10 or older to row or run and 15 or older to bike.

Awards will be presented to the top three fastest individuals and the top finishing team.

For more information, visit www.smumn.edu/rowriderun or call Ext. 7268.

Taylor Richmond Dance to benefit wounded alum, veteran

Alumnus Josh Misiewicz, a Marine veteran who was severely injured this past summer while serving in Afghanistan, has been named the recipient of the 12th annual Taylor Richmond Benefit Dance, planned for Saturday, March 24. The public is invited to this formal dance, which features the Johnny Holm Band.

Marine Lance Corporal Misiewicz grew up in La Grange, Ill., where he was a well-known hockey star. He attended Saint Mary’s for two years before pursuing his passion to become a U.S. Marine.

In July, his life changed in a flash: a landmine exploded and he suffered the loss of both legs and two shattered eardrums. He recovered at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Maryland, where his positive attitude and enduring spirit served as an example to others.

Misiewicz received the Purple Heart medal this past fall.

Even though the federal government covers Misiewicz's medical expenses, the family is facing many other long-term costs including transportation, home improvements, and a hand-controlled vehicle.

To make a donation, send checks — payable to the Taylor Richmond Benefit Dance — to Lance Thompson at Campus Box 1528.

Donations to the silent auction, planned for March 22-23, are needed by March 16 and can be picked up or sent to the Student Activities Office, Toner 5, Box #1528.

Employee Giving Campaign soars past 50 percent of goal

The 2012 Employee Giving Campaign kicked off with a great event last week. A highlight of the event included a lively 2nd line parade led by Eric Heukeshoven, Jacquelyn Bonsgard ’15, Talib Khan ’14, Allen Mekash ’13, and Doug Leonard ’14. It would not have been a Mardi Gras celebration without crowning the lucky guest who had the baby in his king cake, Dave Ansell!

Anyone who was unable to attend should have received a packet of information outlining Roger Peckover’s remarks about investing in the future of our community, and the materials necessary to participate in this year’s campaign.

To date, 177 employees have committed to giving this fiscal year (June 1, 2011 – March 2, 2012), raising participation to 37 percent. The goal of the campaign is to achieve 65 percent participation. This week’s drawing winner is Dr. Jane Anderson. She wins a red SMU commemorative clock. Thank you to all who have given thus far!

If you have questions about the 2012 Employee Giving Campaign, contact Jennifer Teske at Ext. 6675 or jteske@smumn.edu.

SMU offers ‘Tri-Swimming’ clinic March 5 – June 9

Saint Mary’s is offering “Tri-Swimming,” an individual open-water swim training clinic, March 5 through June 9. This clinic is for beginning or advanced swimmers who are looking for a swim clinic to complement their triathlon training goals.

Athletes must be able to swim one length of the pool without the assistance of a flotation device.

The group meets three days a week, Mondays from 6:15 to 7:30 p.m., Wednesdays from 6:15 to 7:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 8 to 9:15 a.m. The clinic will be held at the eight-lane Jul Gernes Pool at Saint Mary’s. The instructors are Jami Severson, a former competitive swimmer with open-water swimming experience, and Mark Ross, a current SMU swim team member.

While the weather is cold, participants will swim in the pool to build confidence and endurance. As the weather gets warmer, the class will transition to Lake Goodview and Lake Winona for open-water practice.

The course fee is $200 ($150 for SMU community members). Register and pay online at www.smumn.edu/ageless. For more information, call Ext. 6921.

SMU hosts sustainability forums

Student Life will once again hold a series of forums this semester on issues related to sustainability. The forums are intended to provide interested students, staff and faculty with the opportunity to learn more about the broad concepts of sustainability, discuss these issues as they relate to our daily lives both on and off campus, and then identify actions to contribute toward a more sustainable future.

The series includes:

• “Food, Compost and Recycling” — Tuesday, March 20, 7:30 p.m., Damien Commons in Watters Hall

It has been said that “Food goes to the heart of civilization.” Topics for dialogue will include: Food and nutrition security, famine, waste, organic food, composting, fair-trade, “eat local,” community gardens, “foodies,” carbon-free diet, etc. We are what we eat, so come and share your point of view.

• “Water” — Tuesday, April 24, 7:30 p.m., Toner Student Center Lounge

If today the issue is oil, then tomorrow the issue will be water. Whether gathered in your reusable container, flowing down the Mississippi River, pumped from the ground, or falling from the sky, water is at the core of all life on earth and we can’t take it for granted anymore. Come and dialogue with us about water!

Bucknam presents research in Texas

Dr. Dan Bucknam, Psychology, presented a research poster in San Antonio, Texas, at the First-Year Experience Conference. “The Impact of Self-Efficacy and Responsibility for Learning on Academic Performance," was authored by Bucknam and undergraduate students in the Student Motivation Collaborative Research Lab: Julie Pierce, Sophie Harrison, Shelby Dewall, and Alex Hobart.

Fitzgerald Library book sale ends today

The Fitzgerald Library book sale ends today, Friday, March 2, on the main floor. Books will be 25 cents per paperback, 50 cents per hardcover with a $1 bag sale.

Library plans expanded hours

In response to student feedback, Fitzgerald Library will begin extended Friday hours (7:30 a.m. - 6 p.m.) after spring recess. Friday, March 16, will be the first Friday for the new extended hours.

First-Generation Initiative gathering attention

Saint Mary’s First-Generation Initiative is getting some attention through its new public relations efforts. See the latest posting at www.ragan.com/Main/Articles/44484.aspx. Additionally, traffic on FGI’s new website, www.firstgenerationstories.org, has greatly increased. The site features engaging social media and email tools, as well as a special feature to subscribe to the latest news and stories.

At the bottom of each story is a "share" icon that contains links to share the story through social media or to e-mail the story to a colleague or friend.

Additionally, the SMU community is invited to subscribe to updates directly on the website so that everyone can learn more about this program and the inspiring stories of SMU’s FGI students.