Wednesday, December 19, 2012
Season’s Greetings!
Students studying and working hard . . .
ALUM RETURNS TO HELP WITH MOCK TRIAL
The Public Relations/Business Club traveled to the Twin Cities in November to learn more about the business of public relations and marketing. Alum Tera Bollig ’07 spoke to the students about her role as marketing specialist for Children’s Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota. The students then attended the International Association of Business Communicators’ Meet the Pros event where they heard from and visited with communications professionals from American Craft magazine and Weber Shandwick, along with a career coach.
Saint Mary’s theatre majors staged the romantic comedy “Almost, Maine” this fall at Tara Theatre in London. Qualified theatre majors studied abroad this semester through the Stefannié Valéncia Kierlin Theatre in London Program. Under the guidance of Saint Mary’s faculty, the program included a variety of classes in theatre, as well as courses focused on broader enrichment. Students had the unique opportunity to attend numerous performances at London’s West End, Off-West End, and Fringe theatres. The student performance received great responses and they were the subject of an article in Time and Leisure magazine. Many parents and some staff joined the cast for their London performance.
The SMU Mock Trial in November gave pre-law students a chance to participate in a litigated case and get trial experience. This year’s “case” involved allegations of cyber-bullying and was expertly presented by SMU students playing the role of attorneys. Theatre students chipped in to portray convincing witnesses. SMU was also honored to have alum Don Ivansek ’83, a distinguished and successful Chicago attorney, act as the judge for the Mock Trial.
PR AND BUSINESS STUDENTS TOUR THE TWIN CITIES
The Public Relations/Business Club traveled to the Twin Cities in November to learn more about the business of public relations and marketing. Alum Tera Bollig ’07 spoke to the students about her role as marketing specialist for Children’s Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota. The students then attended the International Association of Business Communicators’ Meet the Pros event where they heard from and visited with communications professionals from American Craft magazine and Weber Shandwick, along with a career coach.
LEARNING FIRST-HAND ABOUT BIRD BANDING
In early December, six students banded birds as an Outdoor Leadership Office event at Whitewater State Park. The group assisted Greg Munson, a Rochester-area bird bander, with his wildlife research demonstration. Students learned the basic process of bird banding at a feeder, which included catching birds in a mist net, carefully affixing an aluminum band on the bird’s leg, and keeping detailed notes for research purposes. Participants enjoyed unseasonably warm weather and handfuls of black-capped chickadees, white-breasted nuthatches, and even a downy woodpecker.
NEW AND REVISED MAJORS MOVE THROUGH APPROVAL
Three new majors have been approved by the College Curriculum Committee: Finance, Actuarial Science and a revision of the Graphic Design major. Finance and Actuarial Science have also been approved by Dr. Donna Aronson, vice president for academic affairs — the final step in the process. The revision of the Graphic Design program is being reviewed by Dr. Aronson following approval by the Curriculum Committee. The new majors were developed by the School of Business and the Mathematics, Computer Science and Statistics Department in response to student interest. All new programs or revisions are evaluated by the Curriculum Committee for fit with the institutional mission, for sustainability, and for meeting the needs of current and future students. Information on the new programs will soon be available on the website and in the next catalog.
WOMEN’S BASKETBALL OFF TO GREAT START
The SMU women’s basketball team is heading into the Christmas break on a hot streak after one of their best starts in program history. The Cardinals opened season play with five straight wins — their first 5-0 start since the 1985-86 season — and are 7-1 at the break, including wins over four of their first five MIAC opponents. Led by coach Mandy Pearson, SMU has its sights set on improving on last year’s 14-13 overall record that included a berth in the MIAC post-season tournament.
LONDON THEATRE STUDENTS MAKE NEWS
Students welcoming new horizons
NEW STRATEGIC PLAN WILL BENEFIT ALL
Dr. Qiangwei Fu, research scientist at the Kabara Cancer Research Institute; Brother Ed Siderewicz, assistant to the president for first-generation and Lasallian initiatives; Audrey Kintzi, vice president for development; Dr. Carl Simon Shelley, director of hematology/oncology research at the Institute; and Dr. Steven Titus, senior vice president for university advancement.
Students, current and former faculty, and staff participated in a two-day workshop to surface ideas for future excellence. “What Works: Shaping a Vision for the Sciences at Saint Mary’s University” was led by facilitators including alum Jim Gentile ’68, Ph.D., who took participants through a series of case studies and exercises to tease out a future vision and concrete steps to achieve that vision. Themes that emerged included interdisciplinary approach, technology focus, collaboration across departments and campuses, integration with employers in the private and public sector, and leveraging our extraordinary talent and natural resources. Ideas from the workshop are being considered by the university’s Science Vision Task Force.
Everyone associated with Saint Mary’s will be positively impacted by the new Strategic Plan 2017, adopted by the Board of Trustees in October. The five-year plan will guide our work to advance the mission and to realize the vision of Saint Mary’s as a well-known, top-tier national university. The strategic themes in this document will strengthen our capacity to provide the kind of education needed to help our students shape a better world for all.
OPPORTUNITIES EXPLORED AT NOTED CANCER INSTITUTE
Dr. Qiangwei Fu, research scientist at the Kabara Cancer Research Institute; Brother Ed Siderewicz, assistant to the president for first-generation and Lasallian initiatives; Audrey Kintzi, vice president for development; Dr. Carl Simon Shelley, director of hematology/oncology research at the Institute; and Dr. Steven Titus, senior vice president for university advancement.
Exploring potential student research and internship relationships, university officials visited a regional center of medical research that holds great promise for enhancing the undergraduate science programs. On a site visit to the Kabara Cancer Research Institute at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center in La Crosse, the Saint Mary’s group met with senior researchers to explore opportunities for collaboration with university science students, faculty and graduates. The world-class research facility is made possible in large part through the vision and generosity of SMU trustee and benefactor Betty Kabara and the foundation she started with her late husband and SMU alum, Jon Kabara ’48.
STUDENTS GIVE INPUT AT SCIENCE VISIONING WORKSHOP
Students, current and former faculty, and staff participated in a two-day workshop to surface ideas for future excellence. “What Works: Shaping a Vision for the Sciences at Saint Mary’s University” was led by facilitators including alum Jim Gentile ’68, Ph.D., who took participants through a series of case studies and exercises to tease out a future vision and concrete steps to achieve that vision. Themes that emerged included interdisciplinary approach, technology focus, collaboration across departments and campuses, integration with employers in the private and public sector, and leveraging our extraordinary talent and natural resources. Ideas from the workshop are being considered by the university’s Science Vision Task Force.
Students reaching out to others . . .
CHRISTMAS PERFORMANCES FOR THE PUBLIC
The joyous and uplifting Christmas service of “Lessons & Carols” was presented to the Winona community in the majestic Chapel of Saint Mary of the Angels on the Saint Teresa campus. The service — which earned a standing ovation — featured our Concert Choir and Chamber Singers. “Lessons & Carols” reflects on the Christmas story through short readings, hymns and Christmas carols sung by the choirs and audience. This public event was one of three Christmas arts performances by students including the Concert Band and the jazz groups.
The university’s commitment to be a good citizen and neighbor — and to awaken, nurture and empower students to lives of ethical leadership and service — was evident in late October in Winona, the Twin Cities and communities around the country. More than 200 undergraduate students volunteered at 58 job sites in the city of Winona for the national Make a Difference Day and on the same Saturday, many alums demonstrated a Lasallian Catholic spirit to serve others in their hometowns and neighborhoods during the Lasallian Day of Service.
Partnering with a group of local Marines, the men’s hockey team painted the storage area of Winona’s Lake Park Bandshell in October. The student athletes helped Hiawatha Valley Marines in their effort to restore the bandshell basement as a place for local groups to meet. And in November, the team held Veterans Appreciation Day to raise funds for improvements in Veterans Memorial Park.
Videos by students and Student Life staff reflect some of the energy found on campus this fall. One video shows athletes and returning students helping new students during “Move-In Weekend” and highlights move-in information for families coming to campus next year. Two other videos feature major fall events on campus, including our traditional Family Weekend and Halloween Fun Night, which draws 800 kids and their families to campus for a fun and safe outing.
Students organized “Strong is the New Beautiful,” a benefit 5K run/walk for senior volleyball player Sabrina Larson Bushlack. Sabrina, who was critically injured in a summer car accident, is recovering and is expected back on campus for spring semester. More than 600 runners and walkers participated in the October event. Other fundraising efforts — including the Cardinal Corner run by entrepreneurial business students — are also dedicating proceeds this year to Sabrina.
STUDENTS AND ALUMS MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN COMMUNITIES
The university’s commitment to be a good citizen and neighbor — and to awaken, nurture and empower students to lives of ethical leadership and service — was evident in late October in Winona, the Twin Cities and communities around the country. More than 200 undergraduate students volunteered at 58 job sites in the city of Winona for the national Make a Difference Day and on the same Saturday, many alums demonstrated a Lasallian Catholic spirit to serve others in their hometowns and neighborhoods during the Lasallian Day of Service.
HOCKEY TEAM HONORS, HELPS LOCAL VETERANS
VIDEOS BY STUDENTS SHOW CAMPUS LIFE
BENEFIT RUN ASSISTS STUDENT WITH MEDICAL BILLS
Students organized “Strong is the New Beautiful,” a benefit 5K run/walk for senior volleyball player Sabrina Larson Bushlack. Sabrina, who was critically injured in a summer car accident, is recovering and is expected back on campus for spring semester. More than 600 runners and walkers participated in the October event. Other fundraising efforts — including the Cardinal Corner run by entrepreneurial business students — are also dedicating proceeds this year to Sabrina.
Students celebrating our Centennial . . .
FATHER FABIAN IS HONORED AT CHICAGO CENTENNIAL EVENT
One of the highlights of the Centennial Celebration in Chicago was recognition for an outstanding, long-serving teacher who has impacted the lives of countless students. Father Andrew Fabian, professor of philosophy, was given the Presidential Award for Outstanding Merit in honor of his 48 years of service to the university. The award was given during a Centennial reception and party for nearly 1,000 alumni, friends, faculty, staff and students in Chicago’s Millennium Park. The event culminated a weekend that also included a Cubs game, tours, and a special Mass at St. Peter’s Church. As entertainers and hosts, many students, faculty and staff helped make the event a success.
Hot off the presses is “A Transforming Heritage, Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, 1912 - 2012.” This 160-page Centennial keepsake is filled with newly uncovered stories and rarely seen photographs illustrating Saint Mary’s 100-year heritage in the city of Winona and beyond. The commemorative book is filled with history, photos and anecdotes that bring to life key people and events from the first century of educational excellence. The books are now on sale at the campus bookstore or online at mysmumn.org/orderthebook. For more information, call 507-457-1569 or email w-bookstore@smumn.edu.
Students performed as historical figures in “Let Us Remember.”
COMMEMORATIVE BOOK TELLS SAINT MARY’S STORIES
COMMISSIONED ART HONORS THE PAST, EMBRACES THE FUTURE
Brother Roderick Robertson and the Centennial timeline.
The spirit of our Centennial year — “A Transforming Heritage” — was in full display during October’s Family Weekend. Students, parents and the public were treated to the debut performance of “Let Us Remember,” featuring figures of the past, present and future describing themselves, the university and the times. The multi-arts piece was performed by theatre, dance, band and choir students. Michael Charron ’79, dean of the School of the Arts, and music faculty Dr. Patrick O’Shea and Eric Heukeshoven created the original narrative and music. Also unveiled in the Toner Student Center was a photographic timeline by Brother Roderick Robertson ’63 of the Art Department that presents the people and events of the past 100 years. Two major events are still to come: The SGPP All-Program Centennial Reunion on March 9, and the All-School Reunion and Centennial Gala, June 21-23.
Students heading home for Christmas . . .
Last week, as students’ classes ended and they prepared for final exams, we paused to contemplate the traditional Christmas Light Service and to enjoy the popular Pre-Finals Christmas Breakfast. Following the Chapel service, the Office of Academic Affairs and Chartwells Food Service sponsored the late-night feast for hundreds of students, served by faculty and staff. Many Christmas carols were sung, and Santa made a rousing guest appearance.
Students, faculty and staff at Saint Mary’s join me in wishing you and your families a blessed Christmas, and health and peace in the New Year. May the Gift of Christmas fill your hearts and lives with peace and joy.
— Brother William
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