Students excelling in academics . . .

CELEBRATION OF SCHOLARSHIP IS ACADEMIC HIGHLIGHT OF CENTENNIAL YEAR

Shelby DeWall and Scott Klappa presented research at the 2012 Psychology Symposium.

One hallmark of a liberal arts university is the ability for students to engage in real-world, hands-on research and to present their research and ideas to others. At Saint Mary's, students can do this early and often in their four-year careers. And on Friday, April 12, a new campus-wide event will highlight the accomplishments of our undergraduate students across all academic disciplines.

The Centennial Celebration of Scholarship will feature 100 presentations from 150 student participants. Students, faculty and parents of presenters are encouraged to attend and will receive an invitation. This is the first time that the entire campus will participate in recognizing the diverse talents and skills of SMU students across a broad spectrum of majors. An academic honors convocation will be held that night to allow departments to recognize outstanding students in each discipline, students in honor societies, and those receiving campus-wide awards.

THREE STUDENTS PRESENT RESEARCH AT SCHOLARS AT THE CAPITOL

Saint Mary’s students presenting at this year’s event included, from left: Kristen Thelen, Mary Gerty and Sabrina Bushlack. State Sen. Jeremy Miller met with Saint Mary’s students after their research presentations.

Scientific scholarship was on display as three Saint Mary’s students headed to the Minnesota State Capitol Rotunda on 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 celebrate the achievements of just a few of the thousands of students who attend 17 private schools of higher learning in Minnesota. The event helps the Minnesota Legislature and the governor understand the important role that involving undergraduates in research plays in their educational and professional development. And it affords legislators the opportunity to meet outstanding students — future leaders — who are products of Minnesota private colleges and universities.

MAYO SCHOLARS GIVE PRESENTATION

Saint Mary’s students who served as Mayo Scholars this past year include Anna Sonday (business and history), third from left; Amy Spitzmueller (biology), center left; Jacquelyn Delfosse (biology), center right; and Nicholas White (business), third from right. Their team leader was Rachel Hamilton, a graduate student from Augsburg College, left. Faculty advisors for the group included Chandu Valluri (business), second from left; and Dr. Matthew Rowley (biology), back left. Dr. Tom Marpe (business), back right, has served as the dean coordinator and Sr. Genevieve Robinson, right, will take over for Marpe in 2013-14. Also pictured is Dr. Donna Aronson, vice president of Academic Affairs, second from right.

The Mayo Innovation Scholars Program represents a partnership between business and education in providing real-world opportunities for students who are potentially uncovering innovation that will have a positive impact on both health care and the Minnesota economy. A group of four students have spent the past five months researching projects submitted by Mayo Clinic professionals. The group presented their findings in March. Manu Nair, the Mayo Innovation Scholars Program project manager from Mayo Clinic New Ventures, commented that the Saint Mary’s group’s presentation was the best he had seen in the program. Now in its seventh year, the Mayo Innovation Scholars Program continues to be an innovative model for student experiential learning.