Public invited to SMU’s ‘Cardinal Plunge’ Feb. 9

Brave souls and warm hearts are invited to join Saint Mary’s University for the fourth annual “Cardinal Plunge” 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 9, at Lake Goodview’s Michael LaCanne Park.

This year, Cardinal Plunge participants will be freezin’ for a reason. Proceeds will be given to SMU junior Arianna Williams and her family of Rochester. Williams’ life was changed in October 2012, when an accident claimed the life of her stepfather and left her mother seriously injured. Proceeds will help the Williams family with ongoing medical expenses and other family needs.

The cost to plunge is $15, and all participants will receive a “Cardinal Plunge” towel. This event is sponsored by the Saint Mary’s Future Alumni Committee with support from Student Life, Chartwells and Winona County Dive and Rescue.

Registration (cash or checks only) begins at 10 on-site. Participants are also encouraged to pre-register online at www.mysmumn.org/plunge2013. Donations can be made to the Cardinal Plunge Student Emergency Fund, Campus Box #21.

Refreshments and a light lunch will be available. Teams and costumes are encouraged.

For more information, contact Bob Fisher at rfisher@smumn.edu or Ext. 6658.

Saint Mary’s exhibit honors Russian artist

A new exhibit of 20 works — commemorating the 120th anniversary of Aleksander Rodchenko’s birth — will be on display through Feb. 24.

Rodchenko, a Russian constructivist artist, worked during some of the most turbulent eras of the early 20th century in Russia. His groundbreaking philosophy and methodology in painting, photography and graphic design make him one of the most innovative artists of the early modern avant-garde.

Twenty contemporary Russian graphic designers created these posters as an homage to Rodchenko’s work and life. The vast range of styles exhibited is a testament to Rodchenko’s ability to break open new vistas for artists and designers who came after him.

This exhibit — located in the Lillian Davis Hogan Galleries — is one of several worldwide dedicated to the memory of Rodchenko’s life. Thirty cities across the globe including New York, Chicago, Paris, Prague, Mexico City, Melbourne, Taipei and Kiev are included in this poster exhibition.

The public is invited to view the exhibition free of charge during normal gallery hours, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.

The Moscow Biennale of Graphic Design Golden Bee partnered in this exhibit.

SMU 10K ski race set for Feb. 17

The public is invited to a Feb. 17 SMU 10K cross-country ski race at SMU. The classic-style citizens’ ski event begins at 10 a.m.; the skate race will begin at 1 p.m. Participants can register in competitive or recreational classes.

The race winds through the beautiful and challenging bluffs and valleys surrounding the Saint Mary’s campus. The cost to participate is $10.

Registration, the starting line and the finish line will be near Saint Yon’s Hall, located on the back east portion of campus.

For more information, call Gary Borash at Ext. 8740 or e-mail gmbora05@smumn.edu. A registration form can be found online at www.saintmaryssports.com.

SMU alum’s one-man show a tribute to his grandfather

“The Accidental Hero,” a Czech-American World War II true story, brought to life by a Saint Mary’s alumnus, will be performed at 2 and 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 31, at Page Theatre.

The show’s creator and actor Patrick Dewane is a 1985 graduate, and “The Accidental Hero” is about his grandfather, Lt. Col. Matt Konop, a World War II veteran who never openly shared stories from his time in the service. When Konop died, the family discovered typewritten accounts, photos and rare film footage that told an astonishing story.

Based on this information, Dewane created a one-man, multimedia show that offers a captivating, humorous and heartwarming tale of coincidences and heroism. The performance includes World War II film footage, shot with a home movie camera of the liberation of a Czech town.

The special 2 p.m. matinee has been added to accommodate seniors and those who prefer to not travel in the evening.

Tickets are $12 for adults, $5 for students and seniors and are available at the SMU Box Office, Ext. 1715 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays or online at www.pagetheatre.org.

A related Page in History event, “Military Genealogy: Finding Accidental Heroes” — is planned for 7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 30, at the Winona County History Center, 160 Johnson St.

Family history researcher Sandy Mochal Thalmann will teach attendees how to search their families’ military service history using the latest research tools. This event is free and open to the public.

Chili makers still needed for Feb. 1 cookoff/fundraiser

In what has become one of the hottest competitions at Saint Mary's, the annual SMU Chili Cookoff is scheduled for Friday, Feb. 1. Just in time for the Super Bowl, the SMU community is invited to enjoy a super bowl of chili.

No beans about it, the Volunteer Committee believes this is a great fundraiser.

All faculty and staff are invited to submit their award-winning chili and vie for the golden ladle. Prizes will be awarded to the top three entries, and all competitors will get a SMU Crew shirt!

Please let Deb Nahrgang (Ext. 6966 or dnahrgan@smumn.edu) know if you plan to enter the contest, so we can be sure we have enough to go around!  Then, just bring your “unmarked” crockpot to the Common Room by 11:15 a.m. and check in so we know whose culinary delight is whose.

Everyone is invited to eat chili between 11:45 a.m. and 1 p.m. You do not need to compete to enjoy. Toppings, sides and desserts will also be provided.

Proceeds will benefit Christ the Teacher Institute for Education in Nairobi. Donations are accepted.

Fireside is Feb. 8-9

The Fireside student music show is scheduled for 7 and 10 pm. Feb. 8-9 in the Common Room. Tickets are $7 in advance or $8 at the door. Get an early ticket by e-mailing Katy Kosiek at kakosi10@smumn.edu. Tickets will also be sold that week over lunch and dinner hours in the Toner Student Center.

Cineclub announces Jan. 28 film

The Department of Modern and Classical Languages announces the next film for the Cineclub. All showings are Mondays at 6 p.m. in Room 200 of Saint Mary’s Hall.

January 28 — “Babel” (France, Mexico, USA, 2006), directed by Alejandro González

Tragedy strikes a married couple on vacation in the Moroccan desert, touching off an interlocking story involving four different families. The drama stars Brad Pitt, Cate Blanchett and Gael García Bernal.

Cineclub provides an opportunity for the Saint Mary’s and Winona communities to enjoy films from Spain and Latin America that may not typically be shown in local theaters.

In addition to viewing the films, participants are 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.

Contact Dr. Kyle Black at kblack@smumn.edu for more information.

Sympathy to Sweeney family

Mary Sweeney, mother of Joe Sweeney, Development, died Sunday, Jan. 20. Services will be at 10:30 a.m. today, Friday, Jan. 25, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Farley, Iowa. Mary was the mother and mother-in-law of Joe ’81 (Stacey Sanborn ’82) Sweeney, Patricia (Sweeney ’94) and Tom Battis ’94, and grandmother of Kevin Sweeney ’10. The Saint Mary’s community extends its sympathy to the Sweeney family.