The young women and men who call our Winona campus “home” for a few months out of the year are now heading back to your homes. As they do, I want you to know some of the wonderful things our students are capable of achieving, and of the positive impact they make on campus life and on the larger community.
Students joined in the October groundbreaking for our new residence hall. Board of Trustee officers — together with representatives from Saint Mary’s and Winona — turned the ceremonial first shovels of dirt to begin construction on the 141-bed hall. The hall should be complete for use in the 2012-13 year. As the university approaches its Centennial in 2012, the groundbreaking was an important moment that will help propel the university into its second century. To see more from the day's event, go to www.smumn.edu/photos.
Family Weekend in late September brought many family members and friends to campus to see how their students were faring. Families could also choose from a variety of activities, arts and sporting events that showed our rich campus life. To see photos from the weekend, go to www.smumn.edu/photos.
Theatre and dance students performed John Millington Synge’s classic Irish comedy/tragedy, “The Playboy of the Western World” in October. They enjoyed working with renowned guest director Patrick Sutton, who has served as director of The Gaiety School of Acting — The National Theatre School of Ireland in Dublin for the past 18 years. The Gaiety School boasts such well-known graduates as Olivia Wilde, Colin Farrell and Stuart Townsend.
Almost 160 students spread out into the community for the local “Make a Difference Day’ organized by the Office of Campus Ministry. “Make a Difference Day” is a national event that celebrates neighbors helping neighbors. Students pitched in at a Habitat for Humanity site, painted and cleaned at area churches, lent a hand at the hospital, and volunteered with many other local organizations. That same day, Saint Mary’s alums in the Twin Cities, Chicago, Winona and all over the country organized volunteer sites in their local communities for our annual “Lasallian Day of Service.”
Hundreds of Winona children were treated to our Halloween Fun Night, sponsored by the Office of Residence Life. Young ghosts and goblins enjoyed games and a greeting from the Cardinal mascot, and students led trick-or-treaters door-to-door through the residence halls. To see pictures from the event, go to www.smumn.edu/photos.
The campus recognized Veterans Day with a November 11 ceremony at our Veterans Memorial. Dr. Bill Crozier, university archivist, presented a historical tribute for the occasion, and members of the choir and a trumpeter performed. A prayer remembrance was held for all those who have served and sacrificed in the U.S. armed forces, especially those from the Saint Mary’s community.
The annual etiquette dinner — hosted by the Office of Career Services and Internships — helped students prepare for success during social situations they might encounter after college. Dr. Mary Catherine Fox, professor of Interdisciplinary Studies, offered essential etiquette tips for luncheon interviews and dining, touching on table manners, silverware savvy, napkin etiquette and social graces.
The joyous and uplifting Christmas service of “Lessons and Carols” was presented to the Winona community in the majestic Chapel of Saint Mary of the Angels on the Saint Teresa campus. The service featured our Concert Choir and Chamber Singers, directed by Dr. Patrick O’Shea, and members of the Chamber Orchestra. “Lessons and Carols” reflects on the Christmas story through short readings, hymns and Christmas carols sung by the choirs and audience.
The music of the Christmas season was celebrated by the Concert Band in the Page Theatre, conducted by Dr. Janet Heukeshoven and featuring four student guest conductors: Tyler Ringiesen, Ashley Buhr, Jessica Giers and Jessica Bouska. The audience was treated to a festive reception, with entertainment provided by a variety of smaller ensembles.
Part of the Consumer Behavior class traveled down the hill to present their “Paco Project” research to the owners of Mango’s Mexican American Grill. Based on the book by Paco Underhill titled “Why We Buy: The Science of Shopping,” students worked with the managers of local businesses to observe and record information on the shopping behavior of customers. The data was analyzed and presented to Mugby Junction, Habitat ReStore, Grace Place, Fitzgerald Library and Mango’s.
All seniors were invited to a December reception with the President, sponsored by the Offices of Student Life and Academic Affairs. Seniors were congratulated for their successes and four years of contributions to the campus community, with special recognition given to mid-year graduates of the college.
Our traditional Christmas Light Service — a retelling of the Christmas narrative through readings, carols and tableaus — was held in Saint Thomas More Chapel. Following the service, the Office of Academic Affairs and Chartwells Food Service sponsored the popular Pre-Finals Christmas Breakfast for hundreds of students. Faculty and staff served the late-night feast. Many Christmas carols were sung, and Santa made a rousing guest appearance.
