The Celebration of Excellence

The Winona campus is in summer mode, as we host a variety of camps and workshops and community events. Summer is also a time for renewal of our facilities so we can be most welcoming to students next fall. But even in the middle of this different sort of activity, I reflect back on the spring semester and why we are really here: to educate the mind, body and spirit of young people and to help them reach their potential. In this communication I will present to you some evidence of the excellence that is being attained by our students.

Excellence in Academics . . .

History major David Spriegel was just beginning his summer internship at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum in Springfield, Ill. when he discovered two original, previously unknown documents written in 1844 by an up-and-coming lawyer named Abraham Lincoln. The two documents join 1,580 other original Lincoln manuscripts at the library.

Read more about David's history adventure.

English and public relations major Lauren Rothering received first place in the Isabel Sparks President’s Awards of Sigma Tau Delta, the English Honor Society, for having the best presentation on world literature. Lauren presented the paper at the 2011 Sigma Tau Delta international convention in Pittsburgh. Her participation in the convention was made possible through support from the Student Senate travel fund, the Lasallian Honors Program, and the English Department.

Global studies and journalism major Karolina Ibarra received a Higher Education Consortium for Urban Affairs merit scholarship.
 Karolina will be studying in Norway this fall on HECUA’s Scandinavian Urban Studies Term.

We recognized students, alumni and faculty at our Founder’s Day celebration on April 5. The Outstanding Male and Female Senior Awards were presented to students who have demonstrated the ideals of scholarship, character, leadership and service. The Outstanding Male Senior Award went to Sean Ohl, son of John and Lori Ohl of Bloomington, Minn., and the Outstanding Female Senior Award went to Hilary Ethen, daughter of Todd and Lucinda Ethen of White Bear Lake, Minn.

See more photos of the event.
See video of Founder's Day.
Read more about our Founder's Day awards.

Saint Mary’s recognized outstanding graduating senior students in late April at the annual Senior Academic Honors Banquet. Highlights of the evening included the announcement of graduate and professional school acceptances, grants and fellowships, and the awarding of special honors. Shown above are students from our Lasallian Honors Program.

See a list of the honors and announcements.

Excellence in Service . . .

As part of a citywide effort to raise money for earthquake relief in Misato, Japan – Winona’s sister city – Saint Mary’s hosted “Celebrate Japan” in early May. This cultural showcase of Japan’s rich culture and traditions, combined with other student, faculty and staff fundraising efforts on campus, raised more than $2,000 for Misato.
A Winona City Council member wrote to us: “A very sincere and huge thank you to all the folks at Saint Mary’s who most generously gave of your time, materials and facilities to assist Winona help our sister city, Misato, rebuild from the earthquake.”

See more photos of Celebrate Japan.

More than 300 students, faculty, and staff came together to celebrate and remember those who have defeated cancer, those currently battling cancer, and those who have lost their lives to this disease. Relay for Life team members spent a night walking around SMU’s indoor track from dusk to dawn to represent the 24-hour fight against cancer. The event raised more than $17,200 for the American Cancer Society.

See more photos of Relay for Life.

About 100 brave souls jumped into the icy waters of Lake Goodview in mid-March for the second annual Saint Mary’s Cardinal Plunge to raise money for a fund that aids students in need or in emergency situations. A portion of last year’s proceeds went to Michael Mockler, a student diagnosed with a brain tumor. This year’s event raised $1,455.

See more photos of the Cardinal Plunge.

Fifty Saint Mary’s students traveled to Saint Paul in late March for Minnesota Private College Day at the Capitol. This annual event provides an opportunity for Minnesota private college students to see first-hand how state government works. Our students met with their hometown legislators at the State Capitol to advocate for student financial aid, specifically the Minnesota State Grant Program.

More than 660 people attended our 11th annual Taylor Richmond Benefit Dance in March.

 Proceeds from the dance – and a silent auction held on campus – raised more than $13,500 for this year’s beneficiary, Tony Grathen of Rollingstone, Minn., a 7-year-old boy who was diagnosed with rhabdomysarcoma cancer.

See more photos of the Taylor Richmond Benefit Dance.

The Mississippi River threatened historic flood levels in spring, and more than 70 students volunteered to help sandbagging efforts in Fountain City, Wis.

Mayor Jerry Kafer wrote a letter to us, saying he was gratified by the help of “energetic and spirited students” . . .  who “worked with incredible intensity. . . . I want so very much for you to know the difference these students made in our little community. . . . I’m sure their contributions will be long remembered in these parts. They are indeed a testament to their university.”

See more photos of the flood relief.

Saint Mary’s recognized outstanding students, faculty and staff at the spring Student Life Awards Ceremony. Awards were presented to students who made a noticeable impact on student life at SMU, including student government, residence life, campus ministry and community service. Shown above are Nikki Richmond from Student Life, Dan Streefland (who was honored for volunteer service and as Outstanding Student Senator) and Alison Kremer, Student Senate president.

See a list of award winners.

Excellence in Athletics . . .

Andrew Brueggen finished a remarkable career in track and field with an outstanding senior year. He won both the MIAC weight throw and hammer throw titles, qualified for both the NCAA Indoor and Outdoor National Championships, and was named All-American for the second time. A youth ministry major, Andrew was also named to the Capital One Academic All-District 5 - 2nd Team.

Andrew’s teammate, senior Ryan Wockenfus, won the javelin event at the MIAC Outdoor Championships.

In women’s fastpitch softball, three Cardinals were named to the all-conference first team, including sophomore Paige Carter, junior Mallory Betzold and senior Katy Gannon.

Baseball infielder Luke Larson was named to the All-MIAC First Team. He was one of just three freshmen to make the honor squad.  

Read more about our spring sports.

Anticipating excellence for the Class of 2015 . . .

About 300 incoming freshmen attended New Student Orientation last week, many with their parents, to get a preview of the college experiences to come. They learned about academic expectations, the many opportunities to get involved on- and off-campus, and the resources available to help them succeed. More than 100 additional freshmen and transfer students are expected to attend orientation in August. We welcome them all, ready to help as they start an exciting chapter in their lives.