Town hall forums about strategic plan scheduled

As has previously been communicated, the Board of Trustees, at their Oct. 5 meeting, approved Strategic Plan 2017. The plan is currently posted on the SMU website and can be found by accessing the following link: www.smumn.edu/strategicplan.

Brother William invites the SMU community to a town hall meeting to discuss the plan and its implementation. The following meetings are scheduled:

• 11 a.m. Friday, Nov. 2
Saint Mary’s University Center on the Twin Cities campus (for faculty and staff)
• 4 p.m. Monday, Nov. 5
Toner Student Center Lounge (for faculty and staff)
• 8 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 6
Toner Student Center Lounge (for students)
• 10 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 7
Toner Student Center Lounge (for faculty and staff)

Forum to discuss education in a global era Nov. 14

On Nov. 13 and 14, the Under-Told Stories Project and Pulitzer Center for Crisis Reporting will host forums on both the Winona and Twin Cities campuses on “Closing the Global Gap: The complex issue of education in a global era.”

In America today, there is worry about a persistent achievement gap in our education system. Whether it is a drive to maintain global competitiveness or a desire to catch up, efforts are underway in many countries to rethink and modernize education. The mastery of reading, writing and math are no longer enough. Students need to think critically, reason, problem solve and communicate effectively in a global economy.

These forums will include a digest of the latest reporting on issues associated with youth education. International journalist Fred de Sam Lazaro will lead a distinguished panel and moderate a discussion with the audience.

Panelists in Winona will include:

• Nathalie Applewhite, managing director of the Pulitzer Center
• Dr. Efe Agbamu, executive director, English Language Learners, St. Paul Public Schools (Winona event)
• Brother Ed Siderewicz, First-Generation Initiative (Winona event)

The Twin Cities event is planned for 6 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 13, at the Saint Mary's University Center, and the Winona event is scheduled for 7 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 14, in Figliulo Recital Hall. Both events are free and open to the public. For more information, go to www.smumn.edu/globalgap.

New fundraising group to benefit Jamaica

The Friends of Jamaica, a new fundraising group created by SMU employees touched by educational efforts in Jamaica, will support our students and partner in Jamaica.

Since 2008, SMU and the Catholic College of Mandeville (CCM) have been offering the Master of Education in Teaching and Learning program to students in Mandeville, Jamaica.  Nearly 100 students have graduated and about 60 students are in the program each year.

Together, our institutions are contributing to positive change in teaching and learning in classrooms across Jamaica. CCM began building a new campus a little over a year ago and the hope is to move some offices and classes to the new campus in January 2013.

The Friends hope to raise enough money to outfit one classroom that our students will be using.  In future years, the hope is to provide a partial scholarship to a graduate student in the M.Ed. in Jamaica.

The Friends will host several events this year on both campuses to raise money with the help of the SMU community. The combined donations will be presented in May 2013. The first event is Sweets for Seats on Nov. 19 on the Winona campus. Watch for more details. Whether you buy a cookie, donate $1 or just wish us well, everyone is thanked in advance for their support. Thank yous also go to the Winona Campus Volunteer Committee for the donation from the Boo-Fet Luncheon held earlier this week.

Anyone who would like to join the Friends of Jamaica group or if an existing group would like to assist, should contact Tracy Lehnertz, Roger Peckover, Suzanne Peterson, Janel Schultz, or Scott Sorvaag.

Voices for Justice benefit auction Nov. 9

Our university mission is to awaken, nurture, and empower learners to ethical lives of service and leadership.  A small group of students on the Winona campus is seeking to do just that by starting a program to raise awareness on key issues and important causes while raising funds for charity and having a little fun in the process.

A live auction will take place throughout the Voices for Justice benefit  Friday, Nov. 9, and many items are being donated by local businesses and the SMU community.

The Voices for Justice program also offers students a platform to voice information about causes or organizations which they care strongly about to the larger Saint Mary’s community. The audience will then vote for the top three charities/causes, and all proceeds from the auction will be donated to the winning charities.

The event will take place in the Toner Student Center dining room at 7:30 p.m.  Doors open at 7 p.m. Performances will be taking place throughout the evening. Miss Winona will make a guest appearance and the auctioneer will be Joe Sweeney from University Advancement.

Everyone is welcome. For more information, contact Charissa Jakusz at Ext. 7833.

SMU London theatre students making news

Saint Mary’s theatre majors staged the romantic comedy “Almost, Maine,” written by John Cariani, Oct. 23-27 at Tara Theatre in London.

Qualified theatre majors at Saint Mary’s are studying theatre in London, England, this semester through the Stefannié Valéncia Kierlin Theatre in London Program. Under the guidance of Saint Mary’s faculty, the program will include a variety of classes in theatre, as well as courses focusing on broader enrichment. Students  have the unique opportunity to attend numerous performances at London’s West End, Off-West End, and Fringe theatres.

The show was directed by Dr. Gary Diomandes. Others involved included:

Stage manager, Jon Goblirsch; set design, Elyssa Mattson; lighting design, Matthew Schneider; costumes, Tasha Nelson; sound design, Charlotte Deranek; props, Julie Frederickson; cast, Alexander Akers, Alexander Green, Brian Pipal, Julie Frederickson, Lydia Monroe, Taylor Marshall-Miernicki, Ali Kriz and Katie Sapper.

Diomandes said the play has received great responses from audiences. They were also the subject of an article in Time and Leisure magazine (www.timeandleisure.co.uk/whats-on/previews/2054-play-almost-maine.html), and the show was also twittered about on the U.S. Embassy Twitter site as the cultural minister told embassy employees about the show.

Many parents and some staff joined the cast for their London performance.

Zumbathon® to raise funds for First-Generation Initiative

Get fit while raising money for scholarships! On Saturday, Nov. 10, the public is invited to a Zumbathon® fundraiser from 4 to 5 p.m. at Saint Mary’s. The event will be held in the SMU gymnasium, and freewill donations will benefit the university’s First-Generation Initiative, which provides full scholarships to high-need, high-potential qualified students who are the first in their families to attend college.

Alyssa Gostomski Carter, a 1998 alum, is organizing the event, with help from Lisa Ziebell and Sondra Howard from Z Studio in Winona. Carter is being supported by MetroBeat Fitness and Dance in Minneapolis. This is the second year that she is spearheading a Zumbathon® to help raise awareness and funds for the First-Generation Initiative.

Veterans Day ceremony planned for Nov. 12

On Nov. 12, 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 1 p.m. 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.

Saint Mary’s students to stage ‘Our Town’ Nov. 8-11

Audiences will get a gentle reminder to not take the little things in life for granted as the Theatre and Dance Department presents “Our Town” at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 8-10 and 3 p.m. Nov. 11 in Page Theatre.

Written by Thornton Wilder and directed by Judy Myers, “Our Town” is set in the small town of Grover’s Corners, N.H., in the early 1900s, as told through the eyes of the stage manager. Set in three acts — daily life, love and marriage, death and eternity — the play presents universal ideas about family, love and life that are essentially the same as they were more than 100 years ago.

This work was selected by the Department of Theatre and Dance to celebrate the Saint Mary’s University Centennial season.

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

SMU Oldie Moldies to perform at Signatures Nov. 9

Catch dinner and a show with the Oldie Moldie All-Stars Friday, Nov. 9, at Visions Event Center.

Rock along to your favorite ’50s, ’60s and ’70s tunes. The Oldies are members of the national music fraternity Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia at Saint Mary’s. The group consists of 12 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 $33 per person; reservations can be made now through Nov. 7 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.

Halloween Fun Night draws 800

Halloween Fun Night brought about 800 trick or treaters onto campus for a free, safe and fun event, sponsored by the Office of Residence Life. Check out photos of our costumed visitors, taken by the Winona Daily News, at www.winonadailynews.com/news/local/collection_dca59a0c-2235-11e2-bbd8-0019bb2963f4.html.

Business Office wins campus costume contest

The Business Office, first-place winners

Last year's winners, from M.Ed. (and Roger Peckover), are not happy about losing their trophy.

The SMU Volunteer Committee’s first “Let's Do Lunch” potluck/fundraiser — the lunch “Boofet” Wednesday — raised $510 for our Jamaica program. The Business Office took home the hotly contested traveling “Best Costume” trophy with their “Centennial Birthday” theme. Thanks go to the Toner Student Center staff for providing the spooktacular food. It was a howingly good time!

Fox presents keynote speech at Lasallian symposium

Mary Catherine Fox, Ph.D., presented one of two keynote speeches at the Symposium on Lasallian Research, held on the Twin Cities campus Oct. 29-30. The symposium was co-sponsored by the RELAN  (North America and Canada) region of the Brothers of the Christian Schools and the university’s Institute for Lasallian Studies.

Dr. Fox’s speech, titled, “Capturing Our Time for Theirs: Considerations for the Context of our Future” addressed the reasons why Lasallian research is needed. Her talk included specific research questions in the areas of Lasallian history, heritage, identity, pedagogy and Lasallian art and music. Participants attending the symposium included Brothers and partners from districts across the United States, Australia and Italy.

SMU music faculty to conduct at Honor Band, Choir concert

The Hiawatha Valley Honor Band and Choir Concert will take place at Cotter High School on Monday, Nov. 5, at 7 p.m.  SMU music faculty are guest conductors this year: the band is directed by Dr. Janet Heukeshoven and the choir by Dr. Patrick O’Shea.  Students performing in the ensembles represent the best musicians from regional schools throughout the Southeastern Minnesota region.  Admission is free.

Complimentary tickets available for Blue Angel

The Brothers of Phi Mu Alpha cordially invite members of the faculty and staff to Blue Angel 2012. This year’s performances are this evening (Friday, Nov. 2) at 8 p.m. and Saturday evening at 7 p.m. and 10 p.m.  You may receive a complimentary ticket to the show of your choice by contacting Bob Fisher at Ext. 6658 or rfisher@smumn.edu.

Sugar Plum Fairy Tea Party is Nov. 18

The Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts will host the Sugar Plum Fairy Tea Party Sunday, Nov. 18, at the Valéncia Arts Center, located at 10th and Vila streets. Shop the Land of the Sweets Boutique for seasonal and unique gifts and cards. All children attending receive a photo with their favorite character from “The Nutcracker.”

To reserve seats or a full table for six, call 453-5500 or e-mail mca@smumn.edu. Proceeds from this event go to the MCA student scholarship fund and offset production costs for the “Nutcracker” performance.

Cineclub announces fall films

The Spanish Department announces the first round of dates for the Cineclub for Fall 2012. One of the main objectives of Cineclub is to provide an opportunity for the Saint Mary’s and Winona communities to enjoy some films from Spain and Latin America that may not typically be shown in local theaters.

In addition to viewing the films, participants will be invited to exchange ideas related to film and other forms of cultural expression. Also, the films may serve as an additional opportunity or resource for students of the Hispanic language, literature, and culture.

All showings will be on Thursdays at 7 p.m. in the World Room of the Hendrickson Center.

The next film, to be shown Thursday, Nov. 8, is “La Nana (The Maid).” This 2009 film from Chile was directed by Sebastián Silva. In this drama/comedy, a maid tries to hold onto her position after having served a family for 23 years. It has English subtitles.

Conservatory’s Fall Music Division Concert is Nov. 16

The Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts will present its Fall Music Division Concert 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 16, at Figliulo Recital Hall. The concert will showcase the Winona Area Youth Singers (WAYS), two new jazz combos, and a variety of private lesson students.

For more information visit www.mnconservatoryforthearts.org, e-mail mca@smumn.edu, “Like” the Conservatory on Facebook, or call 453-5500. Admission is free-will donation, and all proceeds support the music division.

This activity is made possible in part by a grant provided by the Minnesota State Arts Board, through an appropriation by the Minnesota State Legislature from the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund with money from the vote of the people of Minnesota on Nov. 4, 2008. The Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts is an affiliate program of Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota.

The Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts is a nonprofit arts organization that offers programming in dance, music, visual art and theatre year-round. Classes, lessons, workshops and camps are offered for children age 3 and older through adults at the Valéncia Arts Center, 1164 West 10th St.

Hockey team honors local veterans

On Friday, Nov. 9, a Veterans Appreciation Day is planned at the 7:30 p.m. men’s hockey game vs. Hamline University. A portion of the proceeds will be used for maintenance and improvements on Veterans Memorial Park in Lake Winona.

Invitation to Ten Thousand Villages Fair Trade Sale today

Winona State University will host a fair trade sale from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. today, Friday, Nov. 2, in the Art Tye Lounge of Kryzsko Commons. Connect with artisans from around the world to view and purchase handcrafted products.

Mason to discuss Alzheimer’s detection

Saint Mary’s alumna Emily Mason ’09 will speak at the next biology seminar on Thursday, Nov. 8.  The seminar is titled “The Use of Multi-Modal Neuroimaging Methods in the Detection of Alzheimer's Disease” and will take place in Hoffman Hall, Room 112, at 4 p.m.  Mason is currently a second-year graduate student in the Interdisciplinary Graduate Program (Neuroscience Track) at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tenn.

Heukeshoven plays Heukeshoven at music festival

Dr. Janet Heukeshoven will give a lecture/performance on “Three Diverse Fantasies for Solo Piccolo” as part of the annual New Music Festival on Thursday, Nov. 8, at 7 p.m. in the Annette Recital Hall on the University of Wisconsin - La Crosse campus.

The “Three Diverse Fantasies” were written by Assistant Professor A. Eric Heukeshoven shortly after the couple’s wedding in 1978. Each movement represents a different approach both in composition and playing techniques. The work received its premiere at the Walker Art Center in Minneapolis as part of a Minnesota Composers Forum concert March 22, 1980 where it was performed by the composer’s wife.

The La Crosse New Music Festival is open to the public and there is no admission charge.

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