Public invited to launch Centennial celebration June 23

Saint Mary’s University welcomes the public to a special Centennial Cornerstone Commemoration — and birthday cake reception — Saturday, June 23, at the steps of Saint Mary’s Hall, where the dreams for the university first began.

The program, which will begin at 2 p.m., includes a blessing of the cornerstone, along with remarks from Brother William and Centennial Honorary Co-Chairs, Jack and Mary Ann (CST ’64) Remick of Rochester and Mike ’66 and Claudia (CST ’68) Dooley of Chesterfield, Mo.  Additionally, proclamations will be read, historic items will be on display, and the flag that flew at the U.S. Capital May 30, in honor of Saint Mary’s Centennial, will be presented to Brother William. May 30th marked the 100th anniversary of the laying of the cornerstone for Saint Mary’s Hall.

Following the ceremony, everyone is invited to a birthday cake reception with live entertainment.

The Cornerstone Commemoration launches a yearlong Centennial celebration at Saint Mary’s, with events planned in Winona, the Twin Cities, Chicago and throughout the U.S., as well as in Nairobi and Jamaica.

The Centennial launch coincides with Saint Mary’s annual Homecoming celebration June 22-24, which brings over 350 alumni back to campus each year.

Homecoming schedule for June 22-24

The 2012 Homecoming Celebration is scheduled for June 22-24. Faculty and staff are invited to attend all of these events.

To view a complete schedule of events, go to www.mysmumn.org/homecoming2012. To register, contact the Alumni Office at Ext. 1499.

Friday, June 22
9 a.m. to Noon — Golf Outing, Bridges Golf Club ($70 per person)

9 a.m. to 8 p.m. — Lillian Davis Hogan Gallery, Toner Student Center, “The Eye and Hand of the Craftsman: The Life Work of Brother Finbar McMullen, FSC ’46”

Saturday, June 23
7:45 to 8:30 a.m. — Registration and race start for Gilmore Gallop 5K Fun Run/Walk, near Max Molock Field; free T-shirt for pre-registrants.

9 to 10 a.m. — Current & Former Christian Brother Gathering, Lounge, Toner Student Center

11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. — Family Picnic at Saint Mary’s Park.

2 to 4 p.m. — Centennial Cornerstone Commemoration, Saint Mary’s Park.

4:30 p.m. — Mass at Saint Thomas More Chapel

5:30 to 6 p.m. — free reception for alumni recognition ceremony, which begins at 6:15 p.m. in the Performance Center.

The evening includes the presentation of annual alumni awards, recognition of reunion giving program, and the debut of the Centennial year video.

7 to 8:30 p.m. — “A Taste of Saint Mary’s” Homecoming Dinner, Main Dining Hall, Toner Student Center. Includes a sampling of delicious ethnic foods that represent Saint Mary's global presence and the diversity of our SMU community. African, Jamaican and American options will be served. ($37)

8:30 to 11 p.m. — On-campus entertainment featuring a piano bar and a concert with the YellowHammers, both in the Toner Student Center.

Sunday, June 24
9:30 a.m. — Mass at Saint Thomas More Chapel

Saint Mary’s to honor two alums during Homecoming

This year, Saint Mary’s will honor the following outstanding alumni during a reception Saturday, June 23.

Distinguished Alumnus
Dr. Roger Lucas ’65

Roger Lucas transferred from the University of Minnesota to Saint Mary’s after speaking with Brother George Pahl, longtime science teacher and former president of Saint Mary’s. After graduation in 1965, Dr. Lucas went on to complete graduate school at University of Illinois Institute of Technology and has enjoyed a successful career in scientific research and development.

Dr. Lucas was one of the founding shareholders of Envoy Medical Corporation. In 1996, he was named director, and he is currently serving as chairman of the board of directors. Envoy Medical Corporation was in founded in 1995 to design, manufacture, and bring to market the world’s first, and only, fully implantable hearing restoration device not to use a microphone or speaker. Dr. Lucas is also currently vice chairman and chief scientific advisor to the board of TECHNE Corporation (through its two Research & Diagnostic (R&D) Systems subsidiaries). He co-founded this biotechnology company in 1985, and under his vision, it has grown into one of the world’s largest suppliers of genetically engineered immunoregulatory molecules to the biomedical research community. 
Dr. Lucas has served as assistant professor of biochemistry at the State University of New York and is also currently a board member of ChemoChentryx, Inc., and Discovery Genomics, Inc. He was a recipient of National Institutes of Health Pre- and Post-Doctoral Fellowships.

Dr. Lucas attributes much of his success to the invaluable summer research experiences he had while he was a student at Saint Mary’s.  As a way to give back to the educational institution he so very much values, he currently funds summer internship collaborations between R&D Systems and Saint Mary’s so that current Saint Mary’s students can gain this same exceptional practical experience.

Alumni Appreciation
Robert “Bo” Rettig ’77

Bo Rettig proudly calls himself part of the GOOF gang. The long-time supporter of Saint Mary’s has organized an annual get-together of alumni and families on the Winona campus for the past 27 years. The event, known as the GOOF (Get-together Of Old Friends) weekend, brings anywhere from 15-25 families (equaling 35-37 individuals) to Winona every year in July. Through these annual events, several members of the second generation of GOOF alumni have been introduced to campus. Through Rettig’s tireless efforts, this annual outing has fostered an incredibly close-knit group of  ’70s alumni — as well as some great recruiting efforts for the university. 

The GOOF group also created the Saint Jude Alumni Scholarship fund in 1989 — a fund that began with $3,000 and now stands at over $200,000.  Last year the fund created two scholarships totaling approximately $10,000.  It is a legacy that will continue to grow, thanks in part to Bo’s leadership in soliciting contributions every year from his peers.

This year, Rettig will complete his sixth year on the SMU Alumni Association Board of Directors, and his enthusiasm, positive attitude and support for his alma mater is contagious.  He has graciously assisted with admissions and development initiatives, volunteers each year with the Lasallian Day of Service, and supports Alumni Association endeavors in countless other ways.  In addition, he has served as a class rep and class reunion chair, and has been very supportive of the Phi Mu Alpha music fraternity.

The person who nominated Rettig for this recognition stated it best: “I know of no individual who is more deserving of recognition for his contributions to further the goals and objectives of Saint Mary’s University.”

Last ‘Let’s Do Lunch’ raises $350

The spring “Let’s Do Lunch” — hosted by the Athletic Department — raised $350 for CTIE. The Volunteer Committee thanks Athletics for hosting and everyone for attending Let’s Do Lunches throughout the year. A couple of “Let’s Do Ice Creams” are planned for this summer. Watch for details.

MCA announces summer 2012 June programming

The Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts offers programming in dance, music, visual art, and theatre, year-round. Community classes, lessons, workshops, and camps are offered to children as young as 3 years old and adults of any age at the Valéncia Arts Center, located at 1164 West 10th St.

With the 2012 Summer Session in full swing, a variety of classes are available for children and adults, ranging from recreation classes to pre-professional training. Most of the June offerings conclude with free performance showcases!

THEATRE DIVISION OFERINGS:

Theatre Day Camp I – Destination Imagination
•    June 18-22, 9 to 11:30 a.m., for young people entering grades 2-4; $100
•    Students are led through a series of theatre games and exercises designed to encourage and develop their imagination. Music and movement will be incorporated as the students learn acting techniques for the stage.

Theatre Day Camp II – Broadway Bound!
•    June 18-22, 1 to 4:30 p.m., for young people entering grades 5-8; $150
•    Students will learn how actors bring unique characters to life using their voice, body, and creativity. Students will learn improvisation, acting technique for the stage, and theatrical numbers from popular Broadway musicals.

MUSIC DIVISION OFFERINGS:

NEW! Ukulele Direct
•    June 18-22, 10 a.m. to noon, for students entering grades 6-10; $80  (half price for MCA private lesson students)
•    Students will be introduced to the musical world of the ukulele, starting with the basics of learning chords and strumming patterns to accompany themselves and others. Ukuleles are great for beginners and the skills students will learn are transferable to guitar and banjo!

Private Music Lessons: Flute, Clarinet, Saxophone, Violin, Cello, Guitar, Banjo, Mandolin, Piano, Voice
•    Arranged, for students ages 5 to adults
•    $75 for 5 lessons, $140 for 10 lessons

DANCE DIVISION OFFERINGS:

June Ballet V, VI, VII Workshops
•    June 20, 21, 27, 28, 5:30 to 8 p.m.; $120 (half price for MCA Summer Dance Intensive participants)
•    Fast intermediate and advanced level of classical ballet, pointe (optional), and variations. These workshops are ideal for the student maintaining their training before attending a summer intensive program.

Dance Camp I: Dance Me a Story!
•    June 25-29, 9 to 11:30 a.m., for young people entering grades kindergarten through 3; $100
•    Students will participate in daily technique classes (ballet, creative movement, jazz). Additionally, students will learn the story and choreography of a classical ballet, fairy tale, or fable, which will be performed in a showcase for family and friends at the conclusion of the camp.

Dance Camp II: Dance the Day Away
•    June 25-29, 1 to 4:30 p.m., for young people entering grades 4-8; $150
•    Students will participate in daily technique classes (ballet, modern, jazz), theory classes (make-up and costuming, program design, dance vocabulary, dance history and traditions), as well as learn choreography for a final showcase performance.

Class days, times, and tuition vary. Financial need-based scholarships are available. For a brochure and a complete listing, visit www.mnconservatoryforthearts.org, e-mail mca@smumn.edu, or call Ext. 5500. Interested students may registration online, by mail, or in person at MCA’s Valéncia Arts Center.

HCO presents ‘The Sound of Music’ in Page Theatre

Home and Community Options will present “The Sound of Music” at Saint Mary’s Page Theatre. Performances are 7 p.m. June 15-16 and 18-19, and 5 p.m. Sunday, June 17. Tickets are $15 for adults and $8 for seniors older than 62 or students. For tickets, call the box office at Ext. 1715 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday or order online at www.pagetheatre.org.

Watch for Centennial float in Steamboat Days Parade

As part of Saint Mary’s visibility initiative, the Marketing and Communication Office is entering a float for this year’s Steamboat Days parade Sunday, June 17 (Father’s Day). The parade begins at 12:30 p.m., and SMU’s float is No. 71. Cheer for the float and get your own Centennial cardinal!

Trinona a success

Saint Mary’s hosted the Trinona Kids Triathlon, a swim/bike/run triathlon for kids ages 5-13 on June 9. Each triathlete swam in the SMU pool, biked around campus, and finished the competition running around the outdoor track.

The Trinona 2012 event weekend featured nearly 1,200 adult and youth athletes from across the U.S., Canada and the U.K.

As part of visibility efforts for the Centennial celebration, SMU was one of Trinona’s sponsors this year. Thanks go to all the volunteers from Saint Mary’s who helped to make this event a success!

Hall director publishes article

One of SMU’s hall directors, Charissa Jakusz, published an article in the UMR-ACUHO (Upper Mid-West Region-Association of College and University Housing Officers) magazine “Perspectives.” Her article was titled “The Twelve Virtues of a Good Student Affairs Professional,” modeled after Brother Agathon's (1785) work, “The Twelve Virtues of a Good Teacher,” in the context of being a new student affairs professional at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota.

Brother Finbar’s work to be displayed at SMU galleries

“The Eye & Hand of the Craftsman — the life work of Finbar McMullen, FSC” will be on display June 15 through Aug. 19 at Saint Mary’s.

Brother Finbar, a retired SMU educator and 1946 alumnus, will display a variety of artwork.

Brother Finbar has been a Christian Brother for 70 years and has inspired many learners in his long career at SMU. A long-time nature enthusiast, McMullen has created hand-carved masterpieces from found and discarded pieces of wood.

An opening reception will be held 10 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, June 23, at the galleries, located in the Toner Student Center.

The exhibit — free and open to the public — will be open 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.

Heukeshoven tutorial featured on Seattle ‘Of Note’ website

A tutorial on creating and playing quarter tone music by A. Eric Heukeshoven, assistant professor of music, is featured this week on “Of Note.” The informative website is a service of RPM Seattle Music Preparation, a music preparation company providing all services related to printed music. RPM has prepared scores and parts for more than 100 feature films, and dozens of major video game franchises including the popular “Halo,” “Star Wars” and “World of Warcraft.”

Heukeshoven’s article can be found at www.rpmseattle.com/of_note/west-meets-east-notation-playback-of-quarter-tone-music-using-sibelius.

Documentary film to premiere June 18

“HÉMECHT: Luxembourgers making a new home in Winona County, Minn.,” a documentary on the Luxembourgers of Winona County will debut Monday, June 18, from 7 to 9:30 p.m., at the Alverna Center, 1175 West 7th St., on the Saint Teresa campus.

The free showing of this 65-minute DVD will be preceded by welcoming remarks from special guest Kevin Wester, director of the Luxembourg American Cultural Center in Belgium, Wis. Guy Dockendorf, honorary director general of the Luxembourg Ministry of Culture, and Kevin Ries, Luxembourg Honorary Consul for Minnesota, also are expected to attend.

Alum Mary Nilles co-authored the film script (written with historian Jean Ensch, Strassen, Luxembourg). Refreshments will be served. Narrators include Ken McCullough and Brother Paul Grass. SMU students and Brother Roderick Robertson assisted with artwork for the project.

Watershed summit planned for June 26

The public is invited to attend a Watershed Citizen Summit on Tuesday, June 26, for the Mississippi River-Winona Watershed. The Mississippi River-Winona Watershed includes the Whitewater River Watershed, the Stockton-Rollingstone Minnesota City Watershed District and several small streams such as Snake, East Indian, Burns Valley, Gilmore, Pleasant Valley, Cedar Valley and Big Trout Creeks.

The purpose of the summit is to provide an opportunity for people to discuss concerns and ideas about ways to protect local water quality. Participation is needed from landowners, farmers, business owners, educational leaders, non-profits and recreational users. The event is free to participants and includes a meal followed by roundtable discussions.

The June 26 Watershed Citizen Summit will be held from 5 to 8:30 p.m. at the Tau Conference Center, 511 Hilbert St.

Pre-register by calling 457-6210 or e-mail whitewaterwatershed@gmail.com. Pre-registration is required and seating is limited. Priority will be given to the agricultural community. Provide your name, number of people attending and a contact phone number so that pre-registration can be confirmed.

‘Campus Notes’ to come out every other week

“Campus Notes” has returned and will come out every other week to update the SMU community on all the news and events that occur on campus during the summer (June 29, July 13, July 27 and Aug. 10). The deadline is the Wednesday prior to each issue. Keep in mind that the Office of Marketing and Communication can help you promote events, speakers, awards or any other news throughout the summer. Contact Deb Nahrgang at Ext. 6966 or dnahrgan@smumn.edu.

Congratulations to Rickert, McClead families

Bernadette and Kevin Rickert (Philosophy) had a daughter, Miriam Angelica, on Friday, May 31.

Chris (Campus Ministry) and Lindsay McClead had a son, Leonard Paul, on Wednesday, June 6. 

The Saint Mary’s community extends its congratulations to the Rickert and McClead families.

Sympathy to Klinger, Peake families

Jim Klinger (Maintenance Dept.) died on Tuesday, May 15, 2012, at his home. Jim was employed by Saint Mary’s for more than 31 years, only recently retiring.  Jim is survived by his wife and daughters, Paulette, Jennifer and Stephanie.

Dr. Donald J. Peake, Abingdon, Ill., died Wednesday, May 30, in Peoria. He was a member of the Saint Mary’s Fine Arts and Theatre Departments for 30 years, and he was instrumental in the design and construction of the SMU Performance Center. He is survived by his sister, Leanne (and Clinton) Zost of Galesburg and his brother, Fred T. (and Peggy) Peake of Moore, Oklahoma.

Saint Mary’s extends its sympathy to the Klinger and Peake families.