Kirk returns from Hong Kong

Dr. Ned Kirk, Music Department, just returned from Hong Kong where he served on the jury of the Hong Kong International Piano Invitation Competition. Over three days, he heard 320 pianists, ages 5 - 21. These 320 were the finalists from more than 4,000 applicants. Preliminary rounds of the competition were held all around China with the finals taking place in Hong Kong. In addition, Dr. Kirk visited two high schools and worked with numerous piano students in small master class settings.

Multicultural Week events announced

Monday, Feb. 11

11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.  — Chinese food in the cafeteria
4 to 6 p.m. — The Heights Open House with punch and cookies
7:30 p.m. — Yoga Club presents yoga in the dance studio
8:30 p.m. — Z Club presents Zumba in the dance studio

Tuesday, Feb. 12
 
11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.  — Jamaican food in the cafeteria
7 p.m. — Ball Room Dance Club presents Latin dance lessons in the dance studio
8 p.m. — TRACES a cappella group performs in the cafeteria. With their expansive vocal range, vocal dynamics, tight harmonies, “female bass” and hard-hitting percussion, this N.Y.-based female quintet offers a variety of musical styles and continually push the envelope of female vocals.

Wednesday, Feb. 13

11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. — Middle Eastern food in the cafeteria
4:30 p.m. — Solidarity Council Meeting in the Meyer Conference Room
6 p.m. — Ping Pong Club ping pong tourney in the game room
7:30 p.m. — Yoga Club presents yoga in the dance studio
8:30 p.m. — Z Club presents Zumba in the dance studio
9 p.m. — SAC Movie “Crash”  in Salvi Lecture Hall. Crash is the 2004 Academy Award Best Picture Winner.  An American drama film co-written, produced and directed by Paul Haggis, the film is about racial and social tensions in Los Angeles.

Thursday, Feb. 14
 
11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.  — Mexican food in the cafeteria
3:30 p.m. — Diversity Coffee Hour “Crash Reflection”  in the Cardinal Club
5 p.m. — Study Abroad Office presents: “Returning From Study Abroad” in the World Room. Hear from current SMU students who have studied in countries around the world.

Friday, Feb. 15

8 to 10 a.m. — Fair Trade Friday in Saint Mary’s Hall
11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. — Lunch: meatless/local food (cafeteria)
4 p.m. — Adams Spanish Immersion First- Grade Class Dancers perform in the cafeteria
7 p.m. — Office of Student Activities presents the Multicultural Showcase (cafeteria)
Come experience the fourth annual showcase of multicultural talent on campus. Freewill donations will be accepted to help support the Saint Stan’s Youth Group in Winona.
9 p.m. to 6 a.m. — Dance Marathon in the RAC

Saint Mary’s Dance Club hosts dance marathon fundraiser

The Saint Mary’s University Dance Club will host a public Dance Marathon Friday, Feb. 15, to raise money for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals.

Dance Marathon is a nationwide movement, involving college students at more than 150 schools across the country who raise money for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals in and near their local communities. The Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, together with their corporate partners and generous donors, have raised more than $4.4 billion for sick children across the United States.

The fundraiser, hosted in association with Gundersen Lutheran of La Crosse, will be held throughout the night (9 p.m. to 6 a.m.) in SMU’s Gostomski Fieldhouse.

Got two left feet? Don’t worry; everyone is welcome to participate by simply remaining on your feet and moving to the beat. Participants must be able to prove they are 18 or older.

Gundersen Lutheran representatives for the Children’s Miracle Network — as well as local families who have benefited from its services — will be present. Come and be inspired by their stories.

SCHEDULE

8:15 p.m. — Doors open
9 p.m.  — Dance Marathon begins
9:30 p.m. — Opening Ceremony
10:30 pm — Longest Dance Competition
Midnight — Remembrance Ceremony
12:30 a.m. — The Oldie Moldie All-Stars band plays
2:30 a.m. — Re-motivation Ceremony
4 a.m. — Raffle
5:30 a.m. — Closing Ceremony

To register, go to www.smumn.edu/dancemarathon.

For more information, contact Serica Rowley at smrowl09@smumn.edu or (563) 495-1429.

Three to present at Scholars at the Capitol Feb. 19

Three students from Saint Mary’s University will head to the Minnesota State Capitol Rotunda on Tuesday, Feb. 19, to present the results of their independent research and creative scholarship at the annual Minnesota Private College Scholars at the Capitol event.

The Minnesota Private College Council hosts this event to publicize and celebrate the achievements of just a few of the thousands of students who attend 15 private schools of higher learning in Minnesota, and to share research that may have long-term implications for Minnesotans.

This event — to be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. — will showcase current research projects completed by 37 undergraduate scholars from Minnesota private colleges and universities. Saint Mary’s students attending this year’s event include:

• Kristen Thelen and Sabrina Bushlack on “The Effects of In Utero Atrazine Exposure on RBC, PCV and Erythropoietin Levels in the Serum, Spleen, Kidney and Heart of Mice.”

• Mary Gerty on “Relationships Between Plant Richness, Area and Leafy Spurge Cover in Winona Goat Prairies.”

Their advisors are Dr. Deb Martin and Dr. Moni Berg-Binder of the Biology Department. Dr. Martin will accompany the students.

The event is free and open to the public.

Chamber Orchestra presents ‘The Genius of Amadeus’

The Music Department will present “The Genius of Amadeus,” an all-Mozart program featuring the Saint Mary’s University Chamber Orchestra, Sunday, Feb. 17.

The concert, free and open to the public, will begin at 3 p.m. in Figliulo Recital Hall, located in the Performance Center.

The Chamber Orchestra will be under the direction of Dr. David Leung and guest conductor Dr. Johannes Müller-Stosch (from the Bob Cole Conservatory in Long Beach, Calif.). The program will include “Overture to La Clemenza da Tito,” “Serenata Notturna for Strings and Timpani” and “Sinfonia Concertante for Violin, Viola and Orchestra.” Dr. Jason Sah, professor of violin at Juan Corpas University in Bogota, Colombia, will perform as a special guest artist.

Chamber Orchestra returns to Sugar Loaf Senior Living

Dr. David Leung and the SMU Chamber Orchestra will perform at 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 10, at the Sugar Loaf Senior Living facility on Mankato Ave. Their second performance at Sugar Loaf Senior Living will be called “Mozart’s Serenade,” and they will be playing Serenata Notturna, K. 239.  

Make your voice heard at Watershed Citizen Summit, Feb. 19

A citizen-led conversation about water quality in the Mississippi River-Winona watershed is Tuesday, Feb. 19 from 5 to 8:30 p.m. at the Tau Center. The event is free and includes a local foods meal, roundtable discussions, and a look at recently collected water quality data and a new landowner survey.

The Watershed Citizen Summit is hosted by the Whitewater River Watershed Project with funds provided through Minnesota’s Clean Water Land and Legacy Amendment. Saint Mary’s University is one of many community sponsors for the event.

Everyone is invited and a diverse group of people is wanted including landowners, farmers, recreational water users, business owners, public employees, nonprofit leaders, students and educators. Conversations will inform a new watershed strategy that promotes sustained public participation in activities that protect and restore water quality.

Pre-registration is required and seating is limited. Call 457-6521 or e-mail whitewaterwatershed@gmail.com. Include your name, address,
phone number, and number attending.

The Mississippi River-Winona watershed includes the Whitewater River, Stockton-Rollingstone-Minnesota City watershed district and several small Winona-area streams such as Gilmore Creek.

SMU students to stage ‘Spitfire Grill’ Feb. 20-24

The Department of Theatre and Dance will present the musical drama “Spitfire Grill” Feb. 20-24 at the Valéncia Arts Center, located at 10th and Vila streets.

Under the direction of Dr. Gary Diomandes, “Spitfire Grill” is centered around a feisty parolee (Percy) as she follows her dreams ­– based on a page from an old travel book – to a small town in Wisconsin and finds herself working at Hannah’s Spitfire Grill. Although it’s for sale, there are no takers in the struggling little town. Percy suggests to Hannah that she raffle off the business. Entry fees are $100 and the best essay about why you want the grill wins. Soon, mail is arriving by the wheelbarrow, and things are getting hot at the Spitfire Grill. This musical triumph is an inspiring celebration of fresh starts and the power of what one person can do.

The show is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday, Feb. 20-23, and 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 24.

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

SMU presents Rockwell Kent prints through Feb. 27

Saint Mary’s is partnering with several local organizations to celebrate the 100th anniversary of artist Rockwell Kent’s stay in Winona. The week-long festival is taking place Feb. 6-10 and feature exhibits of his works and other activities that illustrate his importance as an international artist.

A selection of Rockwell’s graphic works will be presented at Saint Mary’s until Feb. 27. “Rockwell Kent Prints: Selections from the Ralf Nemec Collection” will be on display in the Lillian Davis Hogan Galleries, from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.

Kent lived in Winona in 1912 while overseeing work on Briarcombe Farms, the historic Prentiss/Bell homes. The exhibit includes many of Kent’s best-known fine art prints including wood engravings, etchings and lithographs. Kent’s often-symbolic use of the figure is highlighted. The selection of prints in the Saint Mary’s exhibit is complemented by the concurrent Winona State University exhibition, also drawn from the Nemec Collection, as well as the Minnesota Marine Art Museum exhibition and the Rockwell Kent Centennial festival in February. Prints are on loan from the private collection of New York collector Ralf Nemec.

The festival is sponsored by the City of Winona, the Minnesota Marine Art Museum, Winona County Historical Society, WSU, Saint Mary’s University and Theatre du Mississippi.

For more information on the festival and events, email info@rockwellkentwinona.org or to go www.rockwellkentwinona.org.

Rockwell Kent play Feb. 8-10

Judy Myers, Department of Theatre and Dance, will direct Theatre du Mississippi’s presentation of “Angels in the Trees” Feb. 8-10 at the Historic Masonic Theatre as part of Winona’s Rockwell Kent Centennial Celebration.

Show times are 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Feb. 8-9, and again at 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 10. More information can be found at http://rockwellkentwinona.org/events/play.html. Tickets are $15, $7 for students and are available at brownpapertickets.com.

Faculty to brave the cold in ‘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.

Check out faculty who are committed to plunge! Dr. David Lynch (political science) and Matt Klosky (sociology adjunct) will jump at 11:30 a.m., and Dr. Nathan Lien (chemistry) will  plunge at 12:30 p.m.

Additionally, if $2,000 is raised (or if 200 people participate or donate), Bob Fisher (Development) will be the highlight of the event.

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

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.

This exhibit 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.

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.

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.

Thanks from chili cookoff

A huge thank you to everyone who came to the Feb. 1 chili cookoff.

Thanks to the Cabinet for supplying side dishes and toppings and to the Volunteer Committee for bringing desserts. Special thanks to the gourmet chili-makers: Laurie Haase, Terri Lieder, Phil Gaddis, Terrie Lueck, Melissa Gordon, Roger Peckover,  John Schollmeier, Kelly Boice, Jackie Killian, Nick Lemmer, Janet Heukeshoven, Coral Logan, Jennifer Teske and Deb Nahrgang.

The winning chilis were: first place, Jackie Killian; second place, Terrie Lueck; and third place, Roger Peckover.

A total of $330 was raised and will benefit Christ the Teacher Institute for Education in Nairobi.

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 this week over lunch and dinner hours in the Toner Student Center.

Cineclub announces Feb. 11 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.

February 11 — “Amador” (Spain, 2010). Director: Fernando León de Aranoa.

This drama is centered on a young woman who takes a summer job caring for a bed-ridden older man, and the intimate secrets they begin to share with one another. It stars Magaly Solier and Celso Bugallo and has English subtitles.

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.

MCA announces auditions for Summer Dance Intensive

The Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts Summer Dance Intensive offers comprehensive dance training for intermediate and advanced dancers ages 11 to 22. Auditions are required for acceptance. Boarding and non-boarding camp options are available.

Summer Dance Intensive students participate in technique and theory courses as well as a final showcase performance. The auditions will include a full ballet class. Students with pointe experience should bring pointe shoes to the audition class. Following the ballet class students may choose to show a prepared jazz, modern, tap, or character dance center combination of at least 64 counts or 16 bars. Showing a prepared piece is optional.

Audition information:
• Allegro School of Dance and Music, 2342 Superior Drive Northwest, Rochester, Minn.; (507) 288-0125; Saturday, Feb. 16, 2 to 4 p.m.
• La Crosse Dance Centre, 2716 Commerce St., La Crosse, Wis.; (608) 783-5155; Saturday, March 2, 10 a.m. to noon
• Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts, 1164 W. 10th Street, Winona; (507) 453-5501; Saturday, March 16, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Talent-based scholarships are awarded on a case-by-case basis. For a brochure, registration form, and more information, visit www.mnconservatoryforthearts.org, e-mail mca@smumn.edu, “like” them on Facebook, or call 453-5500.

The Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts offers programming in dance, music, visual art, and theatre, year-round. Classes, lessons, workshops and camps are offered for children (age 3) through adults at the Valéncia Arts Center, located at 1164 West 10th St.

Business Office offers Valentine’s Day cards as fundraiser

The Business Office is selling homemade Valentine’s Day cards for $2 each. Some will be tailored for kids if people want to purchase cards for their children’s classes or individually. Don’t forget to pick up some sweets for your sweetie. Special valentine treats will also be available. Proceeds will be used for the Business Office’s “Feed My Starving Children” team.

Page Series to host Feb. 14 jazz with The Hornheads, Paulson Big Band

Heat up your Valentine’s Day with some hot jazz as the Saint Mary’s University Page Series hosts The Hornheads Thursday, Feb. 14. The show will start at 7:30 p.m. in Page Theatre.

The Hornheads, an extraordinarily talented group of horn players, has been gathering international acclaim from artists and critics alike since 1991. On tour with Prince and the New Power Generation from 1991-1994, the Hornheads have performed for over 2 million concert-goers in 20 countries.

The Hornheads have recorded with national and international artists such as Prince, Chaka Kahn, The Jonas Brothers, Mavis Staples, Mandy Moore, Carmen Electra and many more.

Opening this special evening of jazz will be John Paulson’s Big Band project. Comprised of some of the area’s best jazz musician-educators and outstanding Twin Cities soloists, the group will perform blues-based contemporary jazz works composed and arranged by John Paulson, leader and tenor saxophonist.

A long-time SMU music professor (now retired but still working part-time), Paulson has been doing big band jazz arrangements for student groups for over 20 years, and the goal of this concert is to perform these works with the best players in the area.

Tickets are $18, $15 for students and seniors. Call the SMU Box Office Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Ext. 1715, or go to www.pagetheatre.org.

Buy a basket to benefit Relay for Life team

The staff and faculty Relay for Life team will kick off this year’s rally with a small silent auction Feb. 12-13 in the Business Office.  All baskets will contain some “heart-related” items, making them perfect Valentine gifts for a loved one in your life. Surprise your favorite someone!

Luminaries can also be purchased and decorated at this time in memory of a loved one lost or in honor of a survivor. All money raised will go to the American Cancer Society.

If you are interested in joining this team, please contact Laurie at Ext. 1464.  All walkers are welcome!

Business speaker on campus today

As part of the School of Business Speaker Series, Shivra Jayaram, director of financial services at NTT Data Company will speak about “Change” today, Feb. 8.

Jayaram will discuss the opportunities that change creates from 12:30 to 1 p.m. in Salvi Lecture Hall. He will talk about industry trends and his position at NTT Data Company (formerly Keane, Inc.) and potential scholarship opportunities. He will be available for individual questions after his presentation. Everyone is welcome.