Students studying and working hard . . .

ALUM RETURNS TO HELP WITH MOCK TRIAL

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

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.

Time and Leisure magazine article