100 presentations planned for Celebration of Scholarship

The Celebration of Scholarship — Saint Mary’s annual celebration highlighting the accomplishments of undergraduate students across all academic disciplines — will be held Friday, April 11. More than 100 presentations by more than 130 students are planned. The SMU community is invited to view the research and talents of our students.

The event will take place at various locations  and times on campus. Attendees are asked to register in Saint Mary’s Hall, on the first floor, before attending presentations. The event will run from 8:30 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. For more information, visit www.smumn.edu/studentscholars.

The day will culminate at 4:45 p.m. with the Honors Convocation in Page Theatre. At the convocation students will be recognized for outstanding activity by membership in honor societies, completion of the honors program, and departmental awards. A reception will precede the event at 4 p.m. in the lobby. Everyone is welcome.

Six awards presented at Saint Mary’s Founders’ Day

Amy Spitzmueller and Miles Dunna

Lillie Pang and Stephen Murray

Dr. Richard Tristano and Donny Nadeau

Saint Mary’s presented awards to three educators, a staff member, and two outstanding seniors at its Founders’ Day celebration April 1.

Presidential Awards for Outstanding Merit were presented to two educators who are alumni of Saint Mary’s: Lillie Pang, principal of Hale School in Minneapolis; and Stephen Murray, assistant principal and dean of students at Aquinas High School in La Crosse, Wis.

Pang, who received a certificate in education administration from Saint Mary’s in 1999, has worked as an elementary school teacher in Wisconsin, California, Illinois, Japan and Minnesota for 22 years. As a successful urban school administrator in Minneapolis for the past 14 years, she has worked tirelessly to support instructional excellence, build community and service connections for families, and promote inclusive and safe schools. She has served as a leading voice in Minnesota for equity and excellence in public schools.

Murray, a 1971 alumnus, has demonstrated selfless service, faith-filled teaching and administrative leadership and has served as an extraordinary role model for his family. Murray first served the Diocese of Winona at Pacelli High School for 22 years as a teacher of English and religion, chair of the religion department and coordinator of student service projects. He then went on to work for the past 20 years in the Diocese of La Crosse at Aquinas High School as a religion teacher, dean of students and now assistant principal/dean of students.

Dr. Richard Tristano, professor of history at Saint Mary’s, received the Distinguished Lasallian Educator award. These awards are given by Lasallian institutions in the North American-Toronto Region of the De La Salle Christian Brothers to honor contributions and commitment to the Lasallian mission of education. Dr. Tristano has shared his enthusiasm and passion for history with Saint Mary’s students for 22 years. This award recognizes his commitment to teaching excellence, his scholarly research and writing — especially regarding Saint John Baptist de La Salle and Lasallian history and pedagogy — and the spirit of faith and zeal he brings to his work at Saint Mary’s.

Donny Nadeau, sports information director, received the Bishop Patrick Heffron Award for service to the university. Nadeau, a 1985 alumnus of Saint Mary’s, has served as sports information director for more than 19 years. His work has earned recognition at both the conference and national levels, and his commitment and dedication serve as an inspiration to others at the university. Heffron Award winners are chosen because they have contributed positively to the life of the university, have demonstrated a long-term commitment to the values of the university, and have been models of the Lasallian spirit in their interactions with colleagues and students.

The Outstanding Male and Female Senior awards were presented to Amy Spitzmueller, daughter of Kathy and Bill Spitzmueller of New Brighton, Minn., and Miles Dunna, son of Wokie Dunna of Saint Paul, Minn. Outstanding Seniors have demonstrated the ideals of scholarship, character, leadership and service. Above all, these men and women have shown genuine concern for meeting the needs of others. The following students were finalists for the 2014 Outstanding Senior awards: (females) Lisa Obasi, Abigail Osborne, Marilyn Yennie and Katherine Zuzek; (males) Dylan Ethen, Evan Shockley, John Soucheray and Matthew Traxler.

Photos from the day can be found online at www.smumn.edu/photos.

De La Salle Week schedule

Saint Mary’s has celebrated Founders’ Day for many years to commemorate its founding in 1912. It has been a time of celebration and recognition of individuals within the Lasallian community. With so much to celebrate about our Lasallian history and mission, the annual day of celebration has been expanded to become De La Salle Week.

Students, staff and faculty members are invited to participate in the final two days of opportunities for learning, reflection, discussion and connection with others.

FRIDAY, APRIL 4
“Concern for the Poor and Social Justice”

7:30 to 10 a.m. — Fair Trade Friday, first floor Saint Mary’s Hall, hosted by the Peace and Justice Club; donations to benefit Christ the Teacher Institute for Education in Nairobi.

12:10 p.m. — Liturgy in Saint Thomas More Chapel
7:30 p.m. — SMU jazz ensemble, Page Theatre

Lenten retreat Friday and Saturday evenings — Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary. This OCM-sponsored retreat for all students is a great opportunity to deepen your relationship with God. The retreat will draw on some of the themes and techniques of the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius. Contact Eric Styles in the Office of Campus Ministry for more information. Register  online at www.surveymonkey.com/s/LentenRetreat2014.

SATURDAY, APRIL 5
“Concern for God’s Creation”

1 to 4 p.m. —  Volunteer outdoors. Contribute to the removal of invasive species on campus and allow native flora to flourish. Join Patrick Sweet and others in removing the oriental bittersweet from the bluffs. Contact pksweet11@smumn.edu to sign up.

3 p.m. — Music Department recital, Figliulo Recital Hall.

7:30 p.m. — Earth Rally, Room B of the Toner Student Center. Plant vegetables and microgreens to get your garden started. Organic snacks and refreshments will be served.

Lenten retreat Friday and Saturday evenings — Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary. This OCM-sponsored retreat for all students is a great opportunity to deepen your relationship with God. The retreat will draw on some of the themes and techniques of the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius. Contact Eric Styles in the Office of Campus Ministry for more information. Register  online at www.surveymonkey.com/s/LentenRetreat2014.

Admission Office to host Admitted Student Day

Admitted Student Day is an exceptional way for admitted seniors and their families to explore and experience Saint Mary’s.

This event — planned for Sunday and Monday, April 13-14 — is a chance for potential students to see what Saint Mary’s is about, both in and out of the classroom. It’s an opportunity to spend a night on the Winona campus, eat in the cafeteria and sit in on classes. Special sessions will also be presented about financial aid, the honors program, athletics, career outcomes, the Student Success Center, residence life and the study abroad program.

Families will check in Sunday evening at 5 p.m., attend presentations or classes on Monday and depart at 3 p.m. Please welcome these families during their visit to campus.

This event is just one way the SMU Office of Admission is presenting personalized experiences for potential students. About 200 students and their families attended Scholarship Recognition Day Feb. 22, during which the university recognized the accomplishments of its highest-achieving admitted students.

Students attend theatre technology conference

Attendees included, from left: front, John Goblirsch '14, Jason Underferth '00 (Performance Center technical director), Kathleen Bryant '15, Arielle Ems '15; front, Karina Kim '16, CHarlotte Deranek '14 and Dovie Hughes '16.

Saint Mary’s was represented by six students and staff at the United States Institute for Theatre Technology (USITT) conference in Fort Worth, Texas, at the end of March. All the participants took full advantage of workshops and sessions, learned about the newest technology from vendors, experienced the Sound Lab, met with potential graduate schools, and interviewed for jobs across the U.S.

The students also met up with Saint Mary’s alum and Fellow of the institute, Dr. Randall W.A. Davidson, who has founded seven Risk Management corporations and has authored books on product liability and theatre safety.

Kabara Institute to host Can Do Canines founder

Al Peters, a 1974 Saint Mary’s alumnus and founder of Can Do Canines, will speak Monday, April 7, as part of Kabara Entrepreneurial Days.

The event — free and open to the public — will begin at 7 p.m. in Salvi Lecture Hall. A question-and-answer period will follow.

Can Do Canines is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for people with disabilities by creating mutually beneficial partnerships with specially trained dogs. In 1987 the business incorporated as the Companion Dog Connection, Inc., and over the years it has expanded its services and reach. Specially trained dogs assist individuals throughout the Midwest who are deaf or hard of hearing, those with physical disabilities, seizure disorders, or autism and people with diabetes complicated by hypoglycemia unawareness. All assistance dogs are provided to the client at no charge. Peters serves as executive director of the organization.

The Kabara Institute for Entrepreneurial Studies is joined by the business, education, psychology and sociology departments in sponsoring this event.

The Kabara Institute aims to incite a passion for entrepreneurial spirit in students across the university, regardless of their major field of study. It also strives to enhance the entrepreneurship program offerings at Saint Mary’s by providing opportunities for students to interact with entrepreneurs and experience entrepreneurship first-hand. And, it fosters a greater understanding and appreciation of the importance of entrepreneurs and entrepreneurship in our society. 

SMU hosts interdisciplinary undergraduate conference

This April 25-26, Saint Mary’s will host an interdisciplinary undergraduate conference titled Undergraduates, Inc., that will bring students from North Dakota State, Iowa State, and other regional universities to present their work in academic panels along with Saint Mary’s students. The conference is orchestrated by Dr. Erin Mae Clark, English, and Dr. Tycho de Boer, history, and rotates among the North Dakota State campus, Iowa State, and Saint Mary’s. Watch for more details next week.

Speaker to discuss history of Orthodox spirituality

Christopher Johnson, assistant professor of Global Christianity at the University of North Dakota, will present “The Pilgrim and the Hermit: How one encounter helped bring Orthodox spirituality to the West” at 7 p.m. Thursday, April 13. The event will be held in the President’s Room, and all are invited.

Sponsors include the Department of History, the Global Faith Living Learning Community, the Lasallian Core Traditions program and the School of Humanities and Sciences. For more information, contact Erich Lippman at elippman@smumn.edu or Ext. 6944.

Minnesota printmaker features new works in SMU art show through April 6

White Bear Lake printmaker Emily Gray Koehler will present 27 new works in “Burning the Old Growth” through April 6 at Saint Mary’s.

Gray Koehler’s reduction woodblock prints are nature scenes informed by a childhood split between the farm and the forest. In this particular series, her work depicts the beauty of nature, depleted by man’s influence.

The Lillian Davis Hogan Galleries are open 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. All gallery shows are free and open to the public.

For more information about Gray Kohler’s work, go to www.studioegk.com.

Next Cineclub movie is April 7

The Department of Modern and Classical Languages announces the next Cineclub movie for spring 2014. All showings are on Mondays at 7 p.m. in the student lounge of St. Edward’s Hall. Contact Dr. Kyle Black at kblack@smumn.edu for more information.

April 7 — “Un cuento chino,” the 2011 film directed by  Sebastián Borensztein, details how, in Buenos Aires, the bitter and methodic Roberto is a lonely man and the owner of a hardware store. One day, Roberto sees a Chinese named Jun being expelled from a taxi while he is watching the landing of airplanes in the airport. The comedy stars Ricardo Darín.

One of the main objectives of Cineclub is to provide an opportunity for the Saint Mary’s and Winona communities to enjoy some films in Spanish and Portuguese that may not typically be shown in local theaters. All films have English subtitles. In addition to viewing the films, participants are invited exchange ideas related to the films and their underlying socio-cultural contexts.

SMU choirs to perform spring concert April 12

The Saint Mary’s choirs, under the direction of Dr. Patrick O’Shea, will present their spring concert Saturday, April 12.

The performance will begin at 7:30 p.m. in Chapel of Saint Mary of the Angels, located at Wabasha and Vila streets.

The repertoire will feature works by Daniel Pinkham, Herbert Howells and Harry Somers.

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

Jazz groups present ‘A Night in Havana’ April 4

It’s been a long winter, but things will soon heat up as Saint Mary’s Music Department presents “A Night in Havana” at 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 4, in Page Theatre.

Inspired by the music and rhythms he experienced while visiting Havana, Cuba last December, SMU jazz studies director A. Eric Heukeshoven and the talented student jazz musicians will bring music written and inspired by Cuban composers back home to Winona.

From Caravan — Duke Ellington’s collaboration with Juan Tizol — to Chick Corea’s La Fiesta, the concert will trace the threads of Cuban culture and its extraordinary contributions to jazz.

Special guests for the evening include a select group of percussionists led by SMU World Drum Ensemble director Dennis McGuire. The group will join the celebration on authentic Afro-Cuban instruments.

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

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

Hendrickson Forum to be viewed on Winona campus

Each year, the Hendrickson Institute for Ethical Leadership sponsors a forum that brings an internationally renowned leader to the Twin Cities campus for a keynote address. This year, the event will be live-streamed to the Winona campus, so that everyone can participate in the event.

This year’s speaker is the Honorable Sheila Bair, former chair of the FDIC during the Great Recession. Bair is an exceptional leader, speaker and commentator on the fiscal health of the United States and beyond, and was named the second most-powerful woman in the world by Forbes magazine in 2008. Her address is titled “Main Street vs. Wall Street and the New Financial Paradigm,” through which she will address timely topics including short-term gratifications to long-term economic stability, producing real value to generate meaningful economic gains, global challenges and other 21st century issues.

In addition, Chris Policinski, CEO of Land O’Lakes, will be awarded the Hendrickson Medal for Ethical Leadership. The event will be moderated by Fred de Sam Lazaro, director of SMU’s Under-Told Stories Project and a correspondent for PBS NewsHour.

The Winona community will be able to watch the event live in three locations around campus: Page Theatre, Room 9 of the Toner Student Center, and the Common Room.
        
The welcoming remarks and presentation of the Hendrickson Medal for Ethical Leadership will occur between 11:30 and 11:50 a.m. Bair’s remarks will take place from approximately 12:10-1:15 p.m. (There is a break in the event from 11:50 a.m. to 12:10 p.m. as lunch is served to those attending on the Minneapolis campus.)

Everyone is invited to come for all or part of the event, depending on schedules. Faculty may wish to bring classes. For more information, go to www.smumn.edu/HendricksonForum.

Conservatory news

The new Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts spring and summer 2014 catalog is now available. New programming includes a workshop in partnership with the Minnesota Marine Art Museum, as well as a playground “Stomp” workshop during Screen Free Week! Registration is now open.

Class days, times and tuition vary. Financial need-based scholarships are available. For a brochure and a complete listing, visit www.mnconservatoryforthearts.org, e-mail mca@smumn.edu, “like” them on Facebook, or call (507) 453-5500. Interested students may register online, by mail, or in person at MCA’s Valéncia Arts Center.

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 youth ages 3 and older through adults at the Valéncia Arts Center, 1164 West 10th St.

Paulson, Heukeshoven to preview jazz performance

The jazz duo of John Paulson, flute, and Eric Heukeshoven, piano, will present a Winona preview of their upcoming performance at FluteFest 2014 in the Twin Cities. The duo will perform a short recital of jazz selections on Wednesday, April 9, from 12:30 to 1 p.m. in  Figliulo Recital Hall.

On Saturday, April 12, the Saint Mary’s music faculty members will be featured performers at the Upper Midwest Flute Association’s annual FluteFest at Hamline University in St. Paul. (More information is available at http://umfaflutes.org/FluteFest2014). The featured guest artist at FluteFest 2014 is internationally renowned jazz flutist and composer/arranger Jim Walker.

The Winona preview event is free, and the public is invited to attend. For more information, contact Heukeshoven at Ext. 7292 or eheukesh@smumn.edu.

SMU volunteers to participate in ‘Spruce Up Winona’ April 12

The Saint Mary’s Volunteer Mentors are encouraging Winona nonprofit agencies to submit requests for service.

Saint Mary’s student volunteers will be available from 1 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, April 12, to help local individuals, groups, churches and organizations in recognition of the ninth annual “Spruce Up Winona Day.”

Let’s Do Lunch to be hosted by athletics April 25

The next Let’s Do Lunch fundraiser will be a tailgate lunch, hosted by the Athletic Department, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, April 25, in the hockey arena lobby. Proceeds will be used for students in Nairobi.

Paulson secures contract to publish Big Band music

Dr. John Paulson, professor emeritus, has recently secured a contract with Walrus Music in Los Angeles, Calif. to publish all eight of the jazz charts from his “John Paulson Big Band Project” CD.  Walrus Music has been a source of innovative music for school and professional jazz ensembles for more than 25 years. Its catalog includes works by more than 150 writers, and after the final editing is completed, Paulson will be submitting each of the charts for online publication at www.walrusmusic.com.

The CD and accompanying DVD were released in December of last year, and they are available from iTunes, CDbaby, paulsonjazz and other digital download sites.  For more information, visit www.paulsonjazz.com. 

Concert held in tribute to Victor Jara

A tribute concert March 27 celebrated the life of Victor Jara, the Chilean singer-songwriter, political activist and playwright assassinated during the Chilean military coup in 1973. On the 40th anniversary of his death, the Stearns County Pachanga Society performed Jara’s songs, with the lyrics projected in both Spanish and English

Saint Mary’s invites public to Relay for Life April 12-13

The Saint Mary’s University Colleges Against Cancer group invites the community to its 2014 Relay for Life — to be held 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. Saturday and Sunday, April 12-13, in 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 150 people participated in the event which raised more than $10,000 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 movie theme is “Strike cancer from the script.”

Activities are planned throughout the night including a silent auction, student performances, a newlywed game, late-night Zumba and a chance to win a Fitbit.

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. Survivors should contact Lexi Hamilton at amhami11@smumn.edu.

SMU in the news

These are just a few ways Saint Mary’s is making the news:

• Amy Jurek ‘98 was on KARE 11 March 31 talking about remodeling, the housing market, and what to do to your house before selling.
• On April 1, the Rochester Post Bulletin featured the student solar panel initiative project: bit.ly/1ktoDhf.
• On April 1, MinnPost published an article by Matt Nowakowski (dean, Graduate School of Business & Technology, and program director of the MBA) titled “High Seas is the New Market Normal.”  Go to: http://www.minnpost.com/community-voices.

Student Life Awards to be given out April 23

The seventh annual Student Life Awards ceremony will be held 7 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, April 23, in the Common Room. Students who have exhibited outstanding leadership and service through co-curricular activities at Saint Mary’s will be recognized. Everyone is welcome.

News from Nairobi

Elizabeth Evans poses for a photo with the parents of her field assistant Sarah O'kubasu as they share a meal during the rural visit.

By James Chege
Librarian
Maryknoll Institute of African Studies
Editor: Father Michael C. Kirwen, Director

Second Semester Rural Visits

Toward the middle of every semester our immersion program students are encouraged to make an overnight visit to the rural homes of their field assistants. Often these visits involve travelling hundreds of kilometers from the capital city Nairobi and give the students a first-hand experience of public transport in Kenya, as well as traditional lifestyle and family life in a rural area.

Elizabeth, a U.S. citizen,  has lived in Africa since 1997 when she began mission work in Ndola, Zambia. She relocated to Kenya in September 2009 and now tutors international students in English and helps women living  with HIV and AIDS. She reported that the rural visit was very refreshing, as she had many eye-opening  conversations and interactions with her field assistant’s family. She plans to go back and spend more time with them at a later date.

The rural visits offers a great opportunity to do field research in a rural setting as opposed to the usual urban setting. This gives students a chance to compare and contrast the two cultural  environments.  Furthermore, this direct, personal participation in the urban and rural cultural life of the local people, through research and friendships, helps immensely in bringing about cultural fluency.

Bowl-a-thon to help raise money for food shelf

A “bowl-a-thon” was held Tuesday in the ceramics room to throw bowls for an upcoming “Empty Bowls for the Hungry” event. The bowls will be sold with soup, and the buyer gets to keep the bowl during the Earth Day events on April 26 in Winona. All proceeds will go to the Winona Food Shelf.

Next week last ‘Campus Notes’ before break

Look ahead on your calendars. Because of Easter break, ‘Campus Notes’ will come out Friday, April 11, and then will skip a week. The following edition will be Friday, April 25, and the last edition of the school year will be Friday, May 2. Deadlines for each issue are the prior Wednesdays.