Thursday, March 21, 2013
Spring brings new energy and activity to campus
Winter is hanging on tenaciously this year, but the hope of spring, coupled with increasing daylight hours are bringing a freshness and new energy to campus. These remaining months of the school year are filled with activities and events as we accelerate toward commencement in May. Looking back on the winter months, I am gratified that our students continue to excel in academics, the arts and athletics, and that they reach out to each other and the broader community. Let me tell you about a few of the interesting things happening on campus.
Students excelling in academics . . .
CELEBRATION OF SCHOLARSHIP IS ACADEMIC HIGHLIGHT OF CENTENNIAL YEAR
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
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
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.
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| 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
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| 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
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| 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. |
Students enjoying new opportunities . . .
2 NEW MAJORS IN PARTNERSHIP WITH MAYO
The university is adding to a growing list of prestigious collaborations with Mayo Clinic and other major medical institutions. Two new undergraduate science majors have been approved, and an agreement has been signed with Mayo School of Health Sciences to offer Radiography and Echocardiography. Both programs are designed so that students spend two years at Saint Mary’s taking required courses, and then finish with two years at Mayo Clinic in Rochester. It’s possible that students with the proper prerequisites could begin in the two new programs next fall.
These are exciting additions to our collaboration with Mayo for in-demand healthcare fields. Saint Mary’s is the only private college in Minnesota to partner with Mayo in these programs. Other existing affiliated programs with Mayo include Nuclear Medicine Technology, Cytotechnology, and Medical Laboratory Science.
LIVING LEARNING COMMUNITIES EXPAND AT SMU
After piloting a Living Learning Community (LLC) for first-year students in LaSalle Hall, the university is offering four new LLCs for the 2013-14 academic year. The LLC program is a collaboration between academics and student life to help students connect and grow during their first year at college. This year’s program of study and activities in and out of the residence hall combined the themes of wellness, sustainability and spirituality.
Each of the four separate new Living Learning Communities is designed around a course that fulfills the first-year Lasallian Core Tradition course requirement. LLCs next fall will focus on the arts, wellness, interfaith dialogue, and sports in a global context. Students will live in the Saint Edward’s Living Learning Center, with learning and social activities directed by residence life staff and faculty.
Learn more
STUDENTS GAIN SUMMER RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES
A distinctive aspect of our science programs is the ability for our undergraduate students to do field research, which leads to success in securing graduate research opportunities and employment. We are pleased to announce that the R&D Systems Summer Internship Program will be renewed for summer 2013. Four SMU students will be selected to participate in these research internships. We are grateful to Dr. Roger Lucas ’65 and R&D Systems (a subsidiary of TECHNE Corporation, one of the world’s largest suppliers of biotechnology products) for their continued support of science excellence at Saint Mary’s.
In addition, Dr. Phil Cochran, chair of the Biology Department, has been awarded a contract from a Trout Unlimited chapter in northern Indiana to consult on a lamprey monitoring program in the Little Elkhart River. This opportunity allows one student to engage in significant field research in support of his/her senior thesis.
The university is adding to a growing list of prestigious collaborations with Mayo Clinic and other major medical institutions. Two new undergraduate science majors have been approved, and an agreement has been signed with Mayo School of Health Sciences to offer Radiography and Echocardiography. Both programs are designed so that students spend two years at Saint Mary’s taking required courses, and then finish with two years at Mayo Clinic in Rochester. It’s possible that students with the proper prerequisites could begin in the two new programs next fall.
These are exciting additions to our collaboration with Mayo for in-demand healthcare fields. Saint Mary’s is the only private college in Minnesota to partner with Mayo in these programs. Other existing affiliated programs with Mayo include Nuclear Medicine Technology, Cytotechnology, and Medical Laboratory Science.
LIVING LEARNING COMMUNITIES EXPAND AT SMU
After piloting a Living Learning Community (LLC) for first-year students in LaSalle Hall, the university is offering four new LLCs for the 2013-14 academic year. The LLC program is a collaboration between academics and student life to help students connect and grow during their first year at college. This year’s program of study and activities in and out of the residence hall combined the themes of wellness, sustainability and spirituality.
Each of the four separate new Living Learning Communities is designed around a course that fulfills the first-year Lasallian Core Tradition course requirement. LLCs next fall will focus on the arts, wellness, interfaith dialogue, and sports in a global context. Students will live in the Saint Edward’s Living Learning Center, with learning and social activities directed by residence life staff and faculty.
Learn more
STUDENTS GAIN SUMMER RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES
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Joe Sweeney, senior development director, and Brother Ed Siderewicz, assistant to the president for First Generation and Lasallian Initiatives, met with Greg Melsen, Interim CEO of R&D Systems, and distinguished alum, Roger Lucas '65. |
A distinctive aspect of our science programs is the ability for our undergraduate students to do field research, which leads to success in securing graduate research opportunities and employment. We are pleased to announce that the R&D Systems Summer Internship Program will be renewed for summer 2013. Four SMU students will be selected to participate in these research internships. We are grateful to Dr. Roger Lucas ’65 and R&D Systems (a subsidiary of TECHNE Corporation, one of the world’s largest suppliers of biotechnology products) for their continued support of science excellence at Saint Mary’s.
In addition, Dr. Phil Cochran, chair of the Biology Department, has been awarded a contract from a Trout Unlimited chapter in northern Indiana to consult on a lamprey monitoring program in the Little Elkhart River. This opportunity allows one student to engage in significant field research in support of his/her senior thesis.
Students reaching out . . .
STUDENTS SPEND SPRING BREAKS HELPING OTHERS WITH SOUL
Nearly 100 students and employees traveled to seven different sites this past spring break on Serving Others United in Love (SOUL) trips. SOUL trips seek to bring awareness of social justice issues in communities locally, nationally, and worldwide through personal transformation, faith, service, and community. In March, SOUL trips served a variety of people and organizations in Indiana, Illinois, Louisiana, Iowa, Wisconsin, Maryland, and Missouri. Alongside hands-on service, trip participants are provided the opportunity to learn why injustices exist and how they might become part of the solution. Social issues encountered this year included, but were not limited to, desegregation, urban organic food production, environmental sustainability, natural disaster recovery, affordable housing, homelessness, hunger, unemployment, nurturing community among individuals with special needs, and immigration. SOUL will be visiting Guatemala and De La Salle Blackfeet School in May.
OUTSTANDING SENIOR NOMINEES HAVE MADE THEIR MARK ON AND OFF CAMPUS
Each year we recognize senior men and women who have made outstanding contributions to the academic and extracurricular life on campus, as well as in the larger community. Ten students are nominated for the Outstanding Male and Female Senior Awards, which will be announced at the Founder's Day ceremony on April 9. Congratulations to these finalists for the awards.
‘CARDINAL PLUNGE’ A BIG SPLASH FOR A GOOD CAUSE
More than 50 jumpers were “freezin’ for a reason” at the fourth annual “Cardinal Plunge” on Feb. 9 at Lake Goodview’s Michael LaCanne Park. Students, faculty, staff and friends all braved the frozen waters. About $850 was raised to benefit SMU junior Arianna Williams and her family after a tragic accident.
Photos of the event
CHAMBER ORCHESTRA RETURNS TO SUGAR LOAF SENIOR LIVING
Dr. David Leung and the SMU Chamber Orchestra performed Feb. 10 at the Sugar Loaf Senior Living facility on Mankato Avenue in Winona, to the delight of their audience. This second performance at the complex was called “Mozart’s Serenade.”
RELAY FOR LIFE EVENT
The Saint Mary’s Colleges Against Cancer group held its 2013 Relay for Life on March 15-16, in Saint Mary’s Gostomski Fieldhouse. Teams comprised of students, faculty, and staff joined together for this fundraising effort, which celebrates people who have battled cancer, remembers loved ones lost, and provides an opportunity to fight back against the disease. More than 175 people participated in the event which raised more than $17,500 for the American Cancer Society. Team members spent the night walking around SMU’s indoor track from dusk to dawn to represent the 24-hour fight against cancer.
Nearly 100 students and employees traveled to seven different sites this past spring break on Serving Others United in Love (SOUL) trips. SOUL trips seek to bring awareness of social justice issues in communities locally, nationally, and worldwide through personal transformation, faith, service, and community. In March, SOUL trips served a variety of people and organizations in Indiana, Illinois, Louisiana, Iowa, Wisconsin, Maryland, and Missouri. Alongside hands-on service, trip participants are provided the opportunity to learn why injustices exist and how they might become part of the solution. Social issues encountered this year included, but were not limited to, desegregation, urban organic food production, environmental sustainability, natural disaster recovery, affordable housing, homelessness, hunger, unemployment, nurturing community among individuals with special needs, and immigration. SOUL will be visiting Guatemala and De La Salle Blackfeet School in May.
OUTSTANDING SENIOR NOMINEES HAVE MADE THEIR MARK ON AND OFF CAMPUS
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| Female nominees: Sarah Anderson, Constance Budin, Samantha Herbst, Jacinta Jude and Shannon Nelson. Male nominees: Peter Borash, Aaron Henry, Jay Olson, Jake Traxler and Bryan Moore. |
Each year we recognize senior men and women who have made outstanding contributions to the academic and extracurricular life on campus, as well as in the larger community. Ten students are nominated for the Outstanding Male and Female Senior Awards, which will be announced at the Founder's Day ceremony on April 9. Congratulations to these finalists for the awards.
‘CARDINAL PLUNGE’ A BIG SPLASH FOR A GOOD CAUSE
More than 50 jumpers were “freezin’ for a reason” at the fourth annual “Cardinal Plunge” on Feb. 9 at Lake Goodview’s Michael LaCanne Park. Students, faculty, staff and friends all braved the frozen waters. About $850 was raised to benefit SMU junior Arianna Williams and her family after a tragic accident.
Photos of the event
CHAMBER ORCHESTRA RETURNS TO SUGAR LOAF SENIOR LIVING
Dr. David Leung and the SMU Chamber Orchestra performed Feb. 10 at the Sugar Loaf Senior Living facility on Mankato Avenue in Winona, to the delight of their audience. This second performance at the complex was called “Mozart’s Serenade.”
RELAY FOR LIFE EVENT
The Saint Mary’s Colleges Against Cancer group held its 2013 Relay for Life on March 15-16, in Saint Mary’s Gostomski Fieldhouse. Teams comprised of students, faculty, and staff joined together for this fundraising effort, which celebrates people who have battled cancer, remembers loved ones lost, and provides an opportunity to fight back against the disease. More than 175 people participated in the event which raised more than $17,500 for the American Cancer Society. Team members spent the night walking around SMU’s indoor track from dusk to dawn to represent the 24-hour fight against cancer.
Students celebrating other cultures . . .
STUDENTS PARTICIPATE IN ‘POWER IN DIVERSITY’ CONFERENCE
Saint Mary’s students participated in the Power in Diversity Leadership Conference “We are the Change: Where do we go from here?” at St. Cloud State University Jan. 24-27.
Students had the opportunity to actively engage in workshops, listen to keynote speakers and expand ideas for learning and leading through the asset of diverse people and experiences. Concepts of racism, empowerment, identity and embodying change were but a few of the topics highlighted through addresses from civil rights activist C.T. Vivian; human rights campaign leader Cheryl Jacques; author, professor and social critic Dr. Tricia Rose; and broadcaster and author Tavis Smiley.
MULTICULTURAL WEEK CELEBRATES THE RICHNESS AND DIVERSITY ON CAMPUS
The annual Multicultural Week, Feb. 11 - 15, was a chance for students from diverse backgrounds to inform and connect with the campus community. Students enjoyed ethnic foods, took dance lessons, watched movies and held discussions. The week culminated with the annual Multicultural Showcase of talent on Friday night.
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| Staff and students attending the Power in Diversity Leadership Conference included, from left: back, Manire Vaugh, Leah Fletcher, Charissa Jakusz, Jeff Walter, Miles Dunna; middle, Thaiduong Nguyen, Serica Rowley, Anthony Pikkaraine, Meghan Campbell, Lisa Obasi; and front, Katie Wall, Katie Zuzek, and Keotta House. |
Students had the opportunity to actively engage in workshops, listen to keynote speakers and expand ideas for learning and leading through the asset of diverse people and experiences. Concepts of racism, empowerment, identity and embodying change were but a few of the topics highlighted through addresses from civil rights activist C.T. Vivian; human rights campaign leader Cheryl Jacques; author, professor and social critic Dr. Tricia Rose; and broadcaster and author Tavis Smiley.
MULTICULTURAL WEEK CELEBRATES THE RICHNESS AND DIVERSITY ON CAMPUS
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| Kevin Centeno and Darlene Centeno perform a Mexican Folklore Dance. |
Students performing in the arts . . .
SMU STUDENTS STAGE ‘SPITFIRE GRILL’
The Department of Theatre and Dance presented the musical drama “Spitfire Grill,” directed by Dr. Gary Diomandes, from Feb. 20-24 at the Valéncia Arts Center on the Saint Teresa campus. This spring students will stage a new interpretation of “Hamlet.” Guest director, Winona native, and Saint Mary’s theatre alum, Ann Keen ’94, will direct this Shakespearean tragedy. The production, based on Keen’s 2008 award-winning Chicago production with Polarity Ensemble Theatre, explores the idea of the broken family. Set in a modern, rock-star family, a live band with an original rock score punctuates the action. So, “to be, or not to be…,” this unique, modern version of a traditional work, is a must see. The show runs 7:30 p.m. April 4-6 and 3 p.m. April 7. For tickets, go to www.pagetheatre.org.
SAINT MARY’S CHAMBER SINGERS PERFORM IN FRANCE
The Chamber Singers performed three concerts in Reims, France, as part of their 2013 Concert Tour. The 24-voice select ensemble is directed by Dr. Patrick M. O’Shea. Upon their return, the Chamber Singers presented a “Homecoming Concert” at the Chapel of Saint Mary of the Angels at the Saint Teresa campus on March 14.
MUSIC STUDENTS ATTEND, PERFORM AT STATE MMEA CONFERENCE
Twelve SMU music students attended and performed at the Minnesota Music Educators’ Association Conference Feb. 14-16. Seven members of the SMU Concert Band performed in the Intercollegiate Honor Band, a college level all-state ensemble made up of the best musicians from colleges and universities throughout Minnesota.
THEATRE STUDENTS ATTEND NATIONAL CONFERENCE
Seven
theatre students are attending the annual United States Institute of Theatre Technology (USITT) Annual Conference
& Stage Expo in Milwaukee this week. Rachel Kwiecinski was chosen to represent Saint Mary’s
as one of 100 student volunteers for the conference. Five others have been
awarded scholarships to attend, including Kathleen Bryant, Arielle Ems, Tim
Gleason, (Marilyn) Dovie Hughes and Karina Kim.
 |
| Performing in "Spitfire Grill" were Katie Sapper, Shelby Clarke and Danielle Laferriere. |
The Department of Theatre and Dance presented the musical drama “Spitfire Grill,” directed by Dr. Gary Diomandes, from Feb. 20-24 at the Valéncia Arts Center on the Saint Teresa campus. This spring students will stage a new interpretation of “Hamlet.” Guest director, Winona native, and Saint Mary’s theatre alum, Ann Keen ’94, will direct this Shakespearean tragedy. The production, based on Keen’s 2008 award-winning Chicago production with Polarity Ensemble Theatre, explores the idea of the broken family. Set in a modern, rock-star family, a live band with an original rock score punctuates the action. So, “to be, or not to be…,” this unique, modern version of a traditional work, is a must see. The show runs 7:30 p.m. April 4-6 and 3 p.m. April 7. For tickets, go to www.pagetheatre.org.
SAINT MARY’S CHAMBER SINGERS PERFORM IN FRANCE
MUSIC STUDENTS ATTEND, PERFORM AT STATE MMEA CONFERENCE
 |
| Band members attending included, from left: front, Phillip Emmerich (trombone), Marilyn Yennie (clarinet), Ed Wendt (tuba); and back, Alex Cyert (euphonium), Katie Lieder (trumpet), Mary Gerty (bassoon), and Katy Kosiek (alto saxophone). |
THEATRE STUDENTS ATTEND NATIONAL CONFERENCE
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| SMU theatre students including, from left: Kathleen Bryant, Karina Kim, Arielle Ems, Tim Gleason, John Goblirsch and Dovie Hughes (along with Jason Underferth, SMU technical director) stopped at Electronic Theatre Controls, one of the world’s largest lighting companies, on their way to the USITT conference. |
Students showing their Cardinal pride . . .
WOMEN'S BASKETBALL COMPLETES GREAT SEASON
Congratulations to the women’s basketball team on a great season. The Cardinals finished with an overall mark of 22-5 and were 18-4 in conference play. In the MIAC playoffs, Saint Mary’s beat Gustavus Adolphus in the first round before falling to St. Thomas in the second round. Coach Mandy Pearson was named the MIAC coach of the year after guiding the team to its best season in almost 30 years.
Learn more...
CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL-CONFERENCE AND ALL-ACADEMIC ATHLETES
Congratulations to the many Saint Mary's winter athletes who were named to athletic and academic All-MIAC teams this year.
Learn more...
Congratulations to the women’s basketball team on a great season. The Cardinals finished with an overall mark of 22-5 and were 18-4 in conference play. In the MIAC playoffs, Saint Mary’s beat Gustavus Adolphus in the first round before falling to St. Thomas in the second round. Coach Mandy Pearson was named the MIAC coach of the year after guiding the team to its best season in almost 30 years.
Learn more...
CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL-CONFERENCE AND ALL-ACADEMIC ATHLETES
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| SMU student-athletes posed for a photo in honor of the university's Centennial. |
Congratulations to the many Saint Mary's winter athletes who were named to athletic and academic All-MIAC teams this year.
Learn more...
A fitting end to our Centennial year . . .
AN INVITATION TO THE CENTENNIAL RED CARPET GALA
The culminating event of our Centennial year of celebration is the Centennial Celebration Weekend — featuring a Red Carpet Gala and first-ever All-School Reunion. The extraordinary weekend of June 21-23 in Winona will officially launch the second century of Saint Mary’s.
Attendees of the Red Carpet Centennial Gala on June 22 will be treated like stars.
Fittingly, the evening is meant to evoke a Hollywood feel, with elegant decorations, food and drink, dancing, fireworks and a special ceremony with honored guests. Everyone in the Saint Mary's community is invited to attend.
For ticket information, go to www.mysmumn.org/gala
The culminating event of our Centennial year of celebration is the Centennial Celebration Weekend — featuring a Red Carpet Gala and first-ever All-School Reunion. The extraordinary weekend of June 21-23 in Winona will officially launch the second century of Saint Mary’s.
Attendees of the Red Carpet Centennial Gala on June 22 will be treated like stars.
Fittingly, the evening is meant to evoke a Hollywood feel, with elegant decorations, food and drink, dancing, fireworks and a special ceremony with honored guests. Everyone in the Saint Mary's community is invited to attend.
For ticket information, go to www.mysmumn.org/gala
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