Homecoming, Centennial launch draw more than 400

More than 400 alumni returned to their alma mater for Homecoming festivities June 22-24.  Attendees enjoyed the opportunity to connect with fellow alumni and classmates through various gatherings throughout the weekend. The university officially launched its Centennial year during the Cornerstone Commemoration event on Saturday. Hundreds of distinguished guests and friends were on hand to mark the occasion of the laying of the cornerstone a century ago.

Speakers reflected on the transformative impact Saint Mary’s continues to have on its students and many communities. Please take time to view the many pictures and video online from the weekend through the links below.

The launch was the first in a year-along series of events to be held throughout the U.S. and abroad in celebration of our Centennial.

Photo Galleries
• Homecoming activities at: www.smumn.edu/homecoming12
• Centennial Launch event at: www.smumn.edu/launch

Video
http://youtu.be/0RxA7nNIVCI

GeoSpatial to help with State Water Trails Day

Saint Mary’s GeoSpatial Services is playing an important role in State Water Trails Day Saturday, July 14. This event is intended to raise awareness of the 33 State Water Trails managed by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) for canoeing, kayaking, boating and camping.

Attendees to the invite-only event are expected to include the DNR commissioner, several Minnesota Senators, local officials and community leaders, state advisors to the DNR Trails Road, a variety of media and possibly the governor.

The event will begin with a gathering and short presentation at the Prairie Island park pavilion, followed by a 2-4 mile canoe ride on the backwaters of the Mississippi River.

GSS will assist with hosting State Water Trails Day by providing mapping and volunteer assistance, and Saint Mary’s will be recognized for its role during the presentation.

Minnesota Twins Alumni Outing is Sunday

Saint Mary’s has secured the Budweiser Roof Deck — the ultimate spot for a Minnesota Twins outdoor experience — for Sunday, July 15. The entire space is reserved just for SMU alumni and friends to dine, watch the game and enjoy each other’s company. Tickets for reserved seating are now sold out, but you can still join us at the game.

Budweiser Roof Deck standing-room only tickets are now available for $30. Roof Deck experience includes a great view from left field, room to roam, a wonderful place to socialize, as well as free food! The SMU Pre-Game Social will begin at 12:30 p.m. at the Budweiser Roof Deck in Target Field; the game begins at 1 p.m. The buffet lunch, included in the ticket price, will be available from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m.  Snacks and a cash bar will be available throughout the game. Today is the last day to get tickets; contact the Alumni Office.

MCA Chamber Music Camp is July 23-27

The Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts will host a Chamber Music Camp from July 23-27. All instrumentalists — woodwinds, brass and strings — are invited. Participants should be entering grades six through 10 in the fall. Scholarships are available.

Instructors will include Ryan Ballanger, Dustin Moburg, Mandy Moburg and Rachael Ryan. The featured guest artist will be Dave Gudmastad from Cotter. An informal recital is scheduled for 4 p.m. July 27.

For register or for more information, visit www.mnconservatoryforthearts.org or call (507) 453-5500.

Crozier to present on SMU history, July 18

Professor Emeritus and university archivist Dr. Bill Crozier will make a presentation on Saint Mary’s history Wednesday, July 18 at the Winona County History Center. Dr. Crozier will discuss “From Terrace Heights to the World: Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota 1912-2012” at the Center’s lunchtime learning series, beginning at 12:05 p.m.

MCA presents the Summer Dance Intensive Showcase

The Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts will present a dance showcase 7 p.m. Saturday, July 21, at the Valéncia Arts Center Academy Theatre, 1164 West 10th St.

The showcase, which is free and open to the public, features works that the students from the MCA 2012 Summer Dance Intensive have learned in the two-week dance camp. A variety of dance forms will be presented, including classical and contemporary ballet, jazz, flamenco, and modern dance. The works were choreographed by MCA guest artists Dustyn Martincich, Stephanie Milling, Jeffrey Peterson, and Tammy Schmidt.

In addition to learning showcase pieces, students have been participating in comprehensive dance training, including technique and theory classes. Class studies have included ballet, pointe, variations, pas de deux, repertory, jazz, hip hop, rhythm tap, modern, musical theatre dance, piyo, choreography, and improvisation.

Intermediate and advanced students from Iowa, Nebraska, Minnesota, Illinois, and Wisconsin, ranging in ages from 12 to 18, were selected for the program by audition.

For more information, call (507) 453-5500 or visit www.mnconservatoryforthearts.org.

Congratulations Brother Finbar

Brother Finbar McMullen, FSC, celebrated his 70th anniversary with the Christian Brothers Saturday, July 7, surrounded by close friends and family. The Saint Mary’s community extends its congratulations to Brother Finbar. To see photos from the event, go to www.smumn.edu/finbarjubilee.

Ice cream social raises $317

Thursday’s ice cream social, hosted by the Volunteer Committee, raised $317 for students at CTIE in Nairobi. Thanks to everyone who participated.

Thanks from Steamboat Days Parade

A huge thank you to all of the volunteers who gave out Centennial cardinals during the Steamboat Days Parade June 17. Saint Mary’s float took fourth place in the “novelty” category. Look for us in the Goodview Days Parade August 19!

Register early for Tom Farren Golf Outing

The Tom Farren Memorial Golf Outing is set for Sunday, July 22, at Cedar Valley Golf Course. This annual event is a fund-raiser for the Saint Mary’s University men’s and women’s golf teams and is named in honor of Tom Farren, a long-time Saint Mary’s coach who died unexpectedly in 2007.

Cost for the four-person scramble event is $80 per golfer and includes a Sunday brunch, an SMU logo shirt and 18 holes of golf with cart.

Contact Cedar Valley at (507) 457-3129 to reserve your spot. When you call they will ask for your shirt size and the names of the people in your group. For more information, contact men’s and women’s golf coach Kevin Landrum at klandrum@smumn.edu.