Check out the Minnesota Private College Council’s latest newsletter which features an article about Saint Mary’s First Generation Initiative: www.mnprivatecolleges.org/newsletter/january-2015-newsletter/first-generation-students-thrive-support.
Flower workers and the U.S. free trade with Colombia will be discussed at 7 p.m. Monday, Oct. 20, in the Common Room. All are invited. The event is hosted by Modern Languages, the First Generation Initiative, and the Political Science Department.
Flowers are one of Colombia’s biggest exports (with 76 percent imported to the U.S.)–and a priority sector in the Labor Action Plan created as part of the U.S. Free Trade Agreement
The workers, 65 percent female, have few protections. They are often forced to take pregnancy tests and birth control to avoid the common birth defects.
Workers are exposed to 127 different pesticides, three of which the World Health Organization has labeled as extremely toxic, and pesticides are sometimes sprayed directly on to workers.
During the busy season, workers can be forced to work 12-16 hour days, six days a week.
Cactus is a Colombian advocacy organization that encourages women flower workers to fight for their rights by offering legal advice and support programs.
Two representatives of Cactus will speak:
• Josefa Gomez is a former flower worker who spent almost a decade in the industry. She became involved in Cactus through its outreach programs, and she eventually joined the organization’s administrative team. With her experience as both a worker and organizer, she brings a unique perspective to the analysis of the current situation.
• Leonardo Luna Alzate is an expert on territorial issues and social movements. As the leader of the Cactus program directed toward building solidarity among women flower workers, their families and youth of the savannah, he offers an analysis of the benefits and challenges of creating a unified movement in the face of powerful economic interests.
On Friday, March 21, students in the First Generation Initiatives (FGI) program sold more than 200 cupcakes to raise money for the university’s two programs in Nairobi, Kenya. The final tally was $357, which will be donated to both CTIE and MIAS to be used toward student scholarships. A huge thank you to the Winona campus community for again supporting the Cupcakes for a Cause event, the third year that the FGI program has been involved. A special thanks to student Lisa Obasi who coordinated the event, and to all the students who baked, decorated, made signs, and sold cupcakes.
Cupcakes for a Cause, a fundraiser for SMU’s Nairobi campus, sponsored by the First Generation Initiative programs and students, will run 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. today, Friday, March 21, on the first floor of Saint Mary’s Hall. Have a sweet and help raise money for a good cause.
Countdown to College students will be on campus July 6-Aug 3. The first two weeks (July 6-19), SMU will welcome cohorts 3 and 4 on campus (21 incoming seniors and 23 incoming juniors). This summer will mark the first C2C graduation ceremony on July 19. Parents of the seniors are invited to join the celebration.
On July 20, C2C will welcome a new cohort of 25 incoming freshmen, and on July 21, 23 returning sophomores will join them. These two cohorts will study on campus through Aug. 3.
This two-week program for students from under-resourced communities is offered each summer for four years, beginning just after they complete eighth grade and continuing until they reach college age — helping to assure each student is prepared for a successful college experience.
The camp is free to student participants from San Miguel and Nativity middle schools and Cristo Rey and Lasallian high schools, their parents (who come the first weekend) and teachers from their schools, who co-teach with SMU instructors, and help prepare SMU instructors on how to effectively work with this growing population of students.
This is one portion of the First-Generation Initiative, which helps students prepare and succeed at college.
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.
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.
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| First-Generation Scholarship students meet with alumni and display Minnie Miñoso's World Series rings. |
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| Cynthia Garcia with Minnie Miñoso |
CLIMB Theater will present the play, “A Deeper Look,” at 5 p.m. Monday, April 16, in Figliulo Recital Hall.
The event, co-sponsored by the First-Generation Initiative and the Office of Campus Ministry, is open to the SMU community.
CLIMB is an acronym for Creative Learning Ideas for Mind and Body. The goal of the group is to make audiences aware of attitudes towards others. Words used to describe this play have been “awesome, powerful, amazing, surprising, subversive, poignant, thought-provoking, fabulous and moving.”
CLIMB’s website states, “We enter the stage as African Americans, Asians, Native Americans, Latinos and Caucasians. Because you see us, you naturally think you know us. Our personal stories, bravely told through monologues, scenes, music, dance and slides will take you on a journey of deeper understanding — not just of us, but of yourself.”
A discussion will follow the performance.
Saint Mary’s First-Generation Initiative is getting some attention through its new public relations efforts. See the latest posting at www.ragan.com/Main/Articles/44484.aspx. Additionally, traffic on FGI’s new website, www.firstgenerationstories.org, has greatly increased. The site features engaging social media and email tools, as well as a special feature to subscribe to the latest news and stories.
At the bottom of each story is a "share" icon that contains links to share the story through social media or to e-mail the story to a colleague or friend.
Additionally, the SMU community is invited to subscribe to updates directly on the website so that everyone can learn more about this program and the inspiring stories of SMU’s FGI students.
“On behalf of the First-Generation Initiative and myself ... thank you, thank you, thank you for your support, your donations and votes.
“On Saturday, Aug. 13, almost 1,300 people attended “Dancing with the Winona Stars,” held here on the SMU campus in Winona. It was an incredible community fundraising event that showcased our facilities and capabilities, as well as allowed me the opportunity to draw attention to SMU’s First-Generation Initiative (FGI). The total amount of money we raised is being calculated.
“Please continue to support this effort. The First-Generation Initiative offers financial, academic and personal support to first-generation college students. Thirteen First-Generation students have completed their first year of studies at SMU; this fall the university will welcome 16 additional students. For more information on First-Generation Initiative, go to www.fgismu.org.
“Although I didn’t bring home the trophy, I had a wonderful experience and feel honored to have represented a cause that so strongly connects to Saint Mary’s mission. “ — Terrie Lueck, director of Conferencing and Camps
Forty local “stars” — including Terrie Lueck, director of conferencing and camps — are getting ready to dance the night away for charity this summer during the third annual Dancing with Winona Stars Saturday, Aug. 13, at Gostomski Fieldhouse. The pre-show begins at 7 p.m., and the competition begins at 7:30 p.m.
Lueck and her dance partner Kenyatta Blount will dance freestyle to “2012 (It ain’t the end)” by Jay Sean and Nicki Minaj.
Lueck is raising money for the First-Generation Initiative.
The First-Generation Initiative is designed to offer academic and personal support to first-generation college students. As part of this initiative, support structures have been put in place at SMU so that students may reach their full potential and complete their bachelor’s degrees. Thirteen First-Generation students have completed their first year of studies at SMU; this fall the university will welcome 16 additional students.
“I went into this thinking I would be dancing ballroom style. Dancing freestyle is definitely out of my comfort zone, but that seems very appropriate considering the organization I am raising money for,” Lueck said.
“The students I am representing are also moving beyond their comfort zone as they come to Saint Mary’s as first-generation college students in their families. They don’t have the benefit of asking family members how to prepare for the experience they are about to embark on. Some have never left home, some have language barriers, many struggle economically and some are socially challenged,” Lueck said.
“This has been a challenge for me and a lot of hard work, just as it will be in the fall for these First Generation students. I hope they find it to be as enjoyable as I have!”
Half of the proceeds from the event benefit the non-profit selected by each “star.” The remaining 50 percent supports members of the Competition Dance Team at Gotta Dance.
Votes are $1 apiece. You can cast your vote with the star, through the charity (First -Generation Initiative at Saint Mary's University), or with a Gotta Dance competition student or parent, or send your vote into Gotta Dance/DWWS 1733 Service Dr., Winona, MN 55987.
Checks for both tickets and votes should be made out to Gotta Dance. For charitable giving, you can write in the memo “50% for First- Generation Initiative. This memo should be noted only for checks made out for votes. Ticket sales do not apply to this charitable status. Voting canisters are also located at various locations throughout the community.
Last year over 1,000 people attended the show and more than $10,000 was raised for local charities.
This year’s event will feature 11 individual stars dancing with Gotta Dance Instructors and five star groups that will be performing a variety of styles from rhumba to hip hop.
General admission is $10 in advance or $20 at the door. Seating starts at 7 p.m. Early admission is $25 and includes admission from 5 to 6:30 p.m., hors d’oeuvres and access to a cash bar. Reserved tables are available for $250. This price includes seating for eight, early admission, hors d’oeuvres and the cash bar.
For more information, visit www.dancingwithwinonastars.com or call Gotta Dance at (507) 474-7077.
Saint Mary’s is conducting its second annual Countdown to College through Aug. 6. This two-week program for students from under-resourced communities will be offered to students each year for four years, beginning just after they complete eighth grade and continuing until they reach college age — helping to assure each student is prepared for a successful college experience.
The camp is completely free to student participants from San Miguel and Nativity Schools, their parents (who come the first weekend) and teachers from their schools, who co-teach with SMU instructors, and help prepare SMU instructors on how to effectively work with this growing population of students. Twenty-five students participated last summer. In addition to welcoming back these 25 participants, SMU also welcomes 25 new incoming ninth-graders. Each group of 25 is here for two weeks, and they overlap on campus one week.
This is one portion of Saint Mary’s First-Generation Initiative, a program designed to offer academic, financial and personal support to first-generation students as they transition into higher education.
Faculty and staff are invited to a wine and cheese reception for the First Generation Initiative on Thursday, Nov. 4, at 4:00 p.m., in the Toner Student Center lounge.
The event will include a discussion about FGI’s current status and vision. The 2010 Countdown to College faculty will share their experiences; FGI staff will share the early progress of FGI scholars; and attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions.
Faculty and staff are invited to a wine and cheese reception for the First Generation Initiative on Thursday, Nov. 4, at 3:30 p.m., in the Toner Student Center lounge.
The event will include a discussion about FGI’s current status and vision. The 2010 Countdown to College faculty will share their experiences; FGI staff will share the early progress of FGI scholars; and attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions.
Please RSVP (Both yes or no) by Oct. 27 to Jo Nesler, Ext. 1664, or by e-mail at jnesler@smumn.edu.
Dr. Jane Anderson, Brother Ed Siderewicz and Edith Galvez pose with two of this summer's Countdown to College participants.
Saint Mary’s hosted its first Countdown to College July 24-Aug. 7 in Winona. To view photos and read articles written by students and educators of the Countdown to College program, go to http://countdown-to-college.blogspot.com.
Countdown to College, a two-week program for students from economically underprivileged communities, will be offered to students each year for four years — beginning just after they complete eighth grade and continuing until they reach college age — helping to assure each student is prepared for a successful college experience.
The 25 participants in Countdown to College attend schools in the Minneapolis, Milwaukee, Chicago and Tucson metropolitan areas. Preference is given to graduates of Saint Mary’s middle school partners in the NativityMiguel Network of Jesuit and Christian Brothers’ schools, which are located in these cities.
Saint Mary’s will host its first Countdown to College July 24-Aug. 7 in Winona. This two-week program for students from economically underprivileged communities will be offered to students each year for four years — beginning just after they complete eighth grade and continuing until they reach college age — helping to assure each student is prepared for a successful college experience.
The 25 participants in Countdown to College attend schools in the Minneapolis, Milwaukee, Chicago and Tucson metropolitan areas. Preference is given to graduates of Saint Mary’s middle school partners in the NativityMiguel Network of Jesuit and Christian Brothers’ schools, which are located in these cities.
Countdown to College is funded for 2010-2013 by a generous donation from Jack and Mary Ann Remick of Rochester, Minn. Mary Ann is also the chairwoman of the SMU First-Generation Advisory Board.
The camp is completely free to student participants, their parents (who come the first weekend) and teachers from their schools, who co-teach with SMU instructors, and help prepare SMU instructors on how to effectively work with this growing population of students.
Daily schedules will mix college orientation with academic classes, sports, recreation, supervised study halls, academic contests, movies with a message, game room and celebrations. Academic classes will include reading, writing, math, and grammar/vocabulary. Weekends will feature field trips as well as academic and social/recreational activities.
The camp is the foundation portion of Saint Mary’s First-Generation Initiative, a program designed to offer academic and personal support to first-generation students as they transition into higher education. It is the hope that through the FGI program, up to 15 students will be eligible to receive full SMU scholarships each year for the next four years, starting this fall. The level will eventually be maintained at 60 qualifying students. Additionally, SMU First-Generation students will be supported through College Colleagues, a campus mentoring program that pairs students with a support team to help them through college life.
Saint Mary’s will host its first Countdown to College July 24-Aug. 7 in Winona. This two-week program for students from economically underprivileged communities will be offered to students each year for four years — beginning just after they complete eighth grade and continuing until they reach college age — helping to assure each student is prepared for a successful college experience.
Preference is given to graduates of Lasallian San Miguel and Nativity schools in Chicago, Milwaukee, Racine, and Minneapolis.
The camp is completely free to student participants, their parents (who come the first weekend) and teachers from their schools, who co-teach with SMU instructors, and help prepare SMU instructors on how to effectively work with this growing population of students. Twenty-five students from the Twin Cities, Milwaukee, Chicago and Tucson areas will participate this summer.
Daily schedules will mix academic classes, sports, recreation, supervised study halls, academic contests, movies with a message, game room and celebrations. Academic classes will include reading, writing, math, and grammar/vocabulary. Weekends will feature field trips as well as academic and social/recreational activities.
The camp is one portion of Saint Mary’s First-Generation Initiative, a program designed to offer academic and personal support to first-generation students as they transition into higher education. Through the FGI program, a maximum of 15 students will receive full SMU scholarships each year for the next four years, starting this fall. By 2013, the level will be maintained at 60 qualifying students. Additionally, SMU First-Generation students will be supported through College Colleagues, a campus mentoring program that pairs students with a support team to help them through college life.