Saint Mary’s Chamber Singers to perform in France

The Chamber Singers will perform in Reims, France, as part of their 2013 Concert Tour.

The 24-voice select ensemble is directed by Dr. Patrick M. O’Shea, associate professor of music.

Tour performances will include the following liturgies and concerts:

• Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, Winona
   March 2, Mass 5:15 p.m.
• Pensionnat de Sacre-Coeur, Reims, France
   March 6, Visit/Workshop, 8 to 11 a.m.
• Lycée Saint-Jean-Baptiste de La Salle, Reims
   March 6, Concert 6 p.m.
• Cathédrale de Notre Dame de Reims
   March 10, Mass 11 a.m.

All concerts are free and open to the public, and guests are, of course, welcome at the various liturgies. Repertoire will include a cappella works by Byrd, Tallis, Hindemith, Stephen Chatman, Abbie Betinis and Stephen Paulus. The concerts will feature the premiere performances of “Tre Madrigali Amorosi,” three settings of poems by the Neapolitan Renaissance poet Torquato Tasso (1544-1595) by Dr. O’Shea.  These works feature special guest soloist and SMU faculty member Chun Chim (David) Leung, violin.

Upon their return, the Chamber Singers will present a free “Homecoming Concert” at the Chapel of Saint Mary of the Angels, 7th and Vila streets, Winona, on Thursday, March 14, at 7:30 p.m.

For more information, call Ext. 1598.

March 9 All-Program Reunion

The March 9 “All-Program Reunion” on the Twin Cities Campus will mark the SMU Centennial and 30 years of graduate education. This unique evening will feature opportunities to reconnect and network with faculty and friends, learn more about Saint Mary’s, and honor distinguished alums — as well as enjoy local and international cuisine. Five SGPP alums will be honored. For more information, go to  www.mysmumn.org/MarchBack.

Next Pulitzer event is March 20

The next Pulitzer/Under-Told Stories Forum will be on “Fragile Nations and the Minnesota Connection” Wednesday, March 20, with Fred de Sam Lazaro, director of the Under-Told Stories Project, and special guest Jina Moore, an independent journalist who specializes in post-conflict and human rights, reporting at the Pulitzer Center for Crisis Reporting.

The free event will be held 7 to 8:30 p.m. in Figliulo Recital Hall. In the world today, more than 50 countries are in a state of fragility or conflict. These neglected countries suffer from weak infrastructure, internal conflict and economic despair, often severely impacting the security and well-being of their local populations with global consequences. Throughout the world, efforts are being made to stabilize these nations ... does peace finally have a chance?

Join us for an in-depth look at these fragile nations, the peacebuilding efforts to stabilize them and a panel discussion on the local impact to Minnesota communities. 

If you would like de Sam Lazaro and Moore to visit your classroom the afternoon of March 20, please let Deb Nahrgang know at Ext. 6966.

Relay for Life is March 15-16

The Saint Mary’s University Colleges Against Cancer group invites the community to its 2013 Relay for Life — to be held 6:30 p.m. to 4 a.m. Friday and Saturday, March 15-16, in Saint Mary’s Gostomski Fieldhouse.

Teams comprised of friends, families and co-workers will join together for this fundraising effort, which celebrates people who have battled cancer, remembers loved ones lost, and provides an opportunity to fight back against the disease.

Last year more than 300 people participated in the event which raised more than $36,000 for the American Cancer Society.

Team members will spend the night walking around SMU’s indoor track from dusk to dawn to represent the 24-hour fight against cancer. Each team raises money for the American Cancer Society. This year’s theme is “Be a hero and fight back against cancer, because not all heroes wear capes!”

Activities planned through the night include a silent auction, student performances, a newlywed game, middle-of-the-night Zumba and a chance to win a Kindle Fire.

If you are thinking about creating a team; if you would like to come and support the American Cancer Society’s efforts; if you would like to celebrate cancer survivors and remember those you have lost; or if you would like to be recognized as a survivor and have your success celebrated — come to this event. Participants are welcome to stay for as much or as little as their schedules allow.

To sign up, go to www.relayforlife.org/smu.

For more information, e-mail collegesagainstcancer@smumn.edu.

Saint Mary’s hosts Alison Scott performance March 7

Saint Mary’s “Off the Page” series will welcome the strong vocals of Alison Scott 7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 7, at the Minnesota Marine Art Museum, 800 Riverview Dr.

Scott, a Minneapolis singer-songwriter, delivers her heartfelt lyrics with both grace and style. Her organic style delivers a unique sound which combines soulful vocals and brilliant lyrics with a keen sense of creativity and passion.

She’s also a keyboard talent, whose beautiful harmonies mesh with her skintight backing band that’s made up of four of the Twin Cities’ most accomplished players, all with experience and recognition.

Together, this five-piece unit is as powerful as it is talented; they are a serious force to be reckoned with when they fuse contemporary soul with undercurrents of ’60s Brit-pop, silky jazz, and full-throttle rock.

Scott has opened for several national acts such as Bon Jovi, Chris Isaak, Marc Cohn, Boz Scaggs, and Nanci Griffith. Her CD release, “Chinese Whispers,” has been picked up for national distribution and is creating a lot of buzz around the Midwest. It was named one of the year’s 10 best albums by the St. Paul Pioneer Press.

Tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for seniors and students. Call the SMU Box Office at Ext. 1715 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday or go online at www.pagetheatre.org.

Scott and her band will do a mini live preview of their concert at 4 p.m. March 7 at Mister Groovys record store, located at the corner of Third and Main.

Page Series welcomes champion violinist

The Page Series will welcome champion violinist Eileen Ivers Saturday, March 16.

Eileen Ivers & Immigrant Soul will perform at 7:30 p.m. in Page Theatre.

Described by the New York Times as “The Jimmi Hendrix of the Violin,” Ivers is a founding member of Cherish the Ladies, is an original musical star of Riverdance, and has appeared with London Symphony Orchestra, National Symphony at The Kennedy Center, and the Boston Pops, as well as The Chieftains, Sting, and Hall and Oates. A Grammy winner, her music has been heard on numerous movie soundtracks including “Gangs of New York,” and she has performed for presidents and royalty worldwide.

The daughter of Irish immigrants, Ivers grew up in the culturally diverse neighborhood of Bronx, New York. Rooted in traditional Irish music scene since the age of 8, she proceeded to win nine All-Ireland Fiddle Championships, as well as numerous other awards.

In 1999, she established Eileen Ivers & Immigrant Soul, a compelling mix of African and Latin percussion and bass, traditional Irish instruments and soulful American vocals. Ivers’ recording credits include over 80 contemporary and traditional recordings as well as numerous film scores.

Tickets are $22 for adults, $18 for seniors and students. Call the SMU Box Office at Ext. 1715 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday or go online at www.pagetheatre.org.

In a related Page in History Event March 16, Ivers will discuss the Irish influence on popular music, using instruments to explain. The event will be held at 2 p.m. at the Winona County History Center.

On-campus food drive scheduled for March 11-15

SMU groups have joined forces to host an on-campus food drive March 11-15. All donations will go to the Winona Volunteer Services food shelf.

Put your donation in the brown bag that you will receive in your mailbox. Put the brown bag in a dropoff box in your residence hall or common area. The event is sponsored by the Saint Teresa Leadership and Service Institute, the Living Learning Community and Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary.

Cineclub announces March 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.

March 11 —  “Paraíso Travel” (Colombia, USA 2008), directed by Simon Brand. Love drives two young lovers from Medellin, Colombia to seek fortune in New York City, only to find a harsh reality that will put to test their true love for one another. The drama stars Angelica Blandon 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. Contact Dr. Kyle Black at kblack@smumn.edu for more information.

Boxes and Walls event tears down stereotypes

On Thursday, Feb. 7, Saint Mary’s hosted the first ever Boxes and Walls event, an interactive diversity program sponsored by the Office of Residence Life and the Wellness Center.
 
The program can best be described as a ‘haunted house’ type experience.  Instead of encountering ghosts and goblins, each participant was led on a tour through four rooms where they were faced with various areas of diversity and oppression. The goal of the program was to educate on stereotypes while thinking outside the box in order to tear down the walls that life perspectives might have us in.

This year, there were four rooms. The first room offered different activities on a range of physical and learning disabilities, including maneuvering a wheelchair, reading paragraphs simulating dyslexia, and hands-on instruction in using a walking stick to get around campus from Kelsi Watters, current first-year student.  A second room offered a star activity simulating the coming out process and acceptance levels one might encounter. The third room offered a first-hand experience in being a non-native language learner in the classroom. The fourth room brought awareness to the differing financial backgrounds of our student population.

Over 100 students went through the four rooms, and the event concluded with a brief conversation about the experience.  Volunteers included 10 professional staff members and over 25 student volunteers as actors and tour guides.  Thank you to all who volunteered their time and energy in creating this program. Look forward to the event again next year.

Taylor Richmond benefit to help Sabrina Bushlack

Saint Mary’s will present the 13th annual Taylor Richmond Benefit Dance from 8:30 p.m. to midnight Saturday, March 23.

The beneficiary of this year’s formal dance — open to the public — is Sabrina Bushlack, a senior biochemistry major, who was seriously injured last summer by a drunk driver in Fort Wayne, Indiana. The accident left Sabrina in a medically induced coma for several weeks. Bushlack is back on campus for the spring 2013 semester and making great strides. During her Saint Mary’s career Sabrina has been active in varsity volleyball, liturgical ministry, and as an orientation leader. 

The benefit dance has become an annual tradition since its start in 2001 by students in honor of Taylor Richmond, son of SMU staff member Nikki Richmond and Nick Richmond of Cochrane, Wis. Each year this event benefits someone in the SMU community in need.

The dance, featuring music by the Johnny Holm Band, will be held in the gymnasium. Ticket prices are $18 per person or $30 per couple. To purchase tickets or receive more information, contact Lance Thompson at Ext. 1686. Dance tickets will also be available at the door.

In combination with the dance, a silent auction will be held on campus from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. March 21-22. A variety of homemade goods, gift baskets and specialty items will be on display in the game room, located in the Toner Student Center. The public is welcome to bid. Donations are still needed.

To make a donation, send checks — payable to the Taylor Richmond Benefit Dance — to Thompson at Campus Box 1528.

Heukeshovens to perform for Misato fundraiser

The H3O Jazz Trio with Eric Heukeshoven (Music Department) on piano and sons Hans ’14  on drums and Max on bass will perform at Wellington’s Backwater Brewing Company (1429 Service Dr.) on Saturday, March 2, from 7 to 10 p.m. Max Heukeshoven is one of 30 Winona student ambassadors traveling to Misato, Japan this April. Rumor has it other notable local jazz musicians will drop by and sit in. The fundraiser is open to the public with donations gratefully accepted at the event. Join the fun, enjoy the jazz and support a great cause.

Pearson named Coach of the Year; congrats on great season

On Wednesday, women’s basketball coach Mandy Pearson was named the MIAC coach of the year after guiding the Saint Mary’s women’s basketball team to its best season in almost 30 years.

In a February MIAC newsletter article about how fans create a tremendous playoff atmosphere, Coach Pearson is quoted and credits the support of SMU fans for their passionate support. To read the article, go to http://miac-online.org/news/2013/2/22/FEATURE_0222131635.aspx.

The Cardinals finished with an overall mark of 22-5 and were 18-4 in conference play. Congratulations to the Cardinals on their successful season.

Congratulations to Brother John Grover

Brother John Grover completed his 35th American Birkebeiner on Saturday. The 32- mile cross-country ski race was between Cable and Hayward, Wis. He was given a special red bib to wear because he was one of the top 35 skiers who have skied the most Birkies.

Exhibit sculptures make statement about industrialism

"Running to Conclusions"

Artist Matt Boonstra will display his sculptures March 11 through April 6 in the Lillian Davis Hogan Galleries. His work is an investigation into how socioeconomic circumstances impact our natural environment.

Ideas for “Running to Conclusions” are developed from research he has collected from interviewing generations of industrial workers, tours of factories, and visits to industrial wastelands.

“My observations of the changing relationship between people, industry, and environment are then refocused and juxtaposed in order to motivate social change,” Boonstra said.

For example, he explained that his recent work, Have You Tried Walking?, captures the transformation of a human figure into a gasoline funnel and signifies the dizzying physical and psychological relationship with oil.

An reception for the show will be held 4:30 to 6 on Thursday, March 21. Gallery hours are 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.

Cochran to present next biology seminar

Dr. Philip Cochran will be presenting at the first biology seminar after spring break. His talk is titled “Running the Good Race (or Sitting it Out?): How a Desert Reptile Persists in Minnesota.”  The event will be Thursday, March 14, in Hoffman Hall, Room 112, at 4 p.m.

SMU offers ‘Tri-Swimming’ clinic March 4 – June 8

Saint Mary’s is offering “Tri-Swimming,” an individual open-water swim training clinic, March 4 through June 8. This clinic is for beginning or advanced swimmers who are looking for a swim clinic to complement their triathlon training goals.

Athletes must be able to swim one length of the pool without the assistance of a flotation device.

Tri-Swimming is geared toward bringing people together to train and learn proper swimming skills and techniques. Whether training for the next Trinona, or setting different goals, swimmers are welcome to join — or try out the clinic for one week for no cost.

The group meets three days a week, Mondays from 6 to 7:15 p.m., Wednesdays from 6 to 7:15 p.m. and Saturdays from 8 to 9:15 a.m. The clinic will be held at the eight-lane Jul Gernes Pool at Saint Mary’s. The instructors are Jami Severson, a former competitive swimmer with open-water swimming experience, and Mark Ross, a current SMU swim team member.

While the weather is cold, participants will swim in the pool to build confidence and endurance. As the weather gets warmer, the class will transition to Lake Goodview and Lake Winona for open-water practice.

The course fee is $200 ($150 for SMU community members). Register and pay online at www.smumn.edu/triswim. For more information, call Ext. 6921.

Congratulations to Outstanding Senior nominees

The following students as finalists for the 2013 Outstanding Senior Award:

Females — Sarah Anderson, Constance Budin, Samantha Herbst, Jacinta Jude and Shannon Nelson.

Males — Peter Borash, Aaron Henry, Jay Olson, Jake Traxler and Bryan Moore.

Please take a moment to congratulate these outstanding students. The award for Outstanding Female and Male Senior will be presented at Founder’s Day on April 9.

‘Campus Notes’ schedule

Because of spring recess, there will be no ‘Campus Notes’ March 8. The next two issues will be on March 15 and 22 with time off March 29 for Easter break.