SAINT MARY’S CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION: A YEAR UNLIKE ANY OTHER

We have reached a pivotal moment in the life of the university. After several years of planning and 11 months of special events engaging over 5,000 students, alumni and friends, we are approaching the grand finale of our Centennial celebration. Much more than a look back, the Red Carpet Centennial Gala will help launch the university into a second century of transformational higher education. Let me tell you more about the Centennial Gala, and about some of the other wonderful activities and academic achievements this past spring.

Please join us for the Red Carpet Centennial Gala on June 22

Eleven months ago we gathered on the lawn of Saint Mary's Hall on the Winona campus to kick off our Centennial celebration. It has been a year full of events honoring our transforming heritage, and it has been a year of promise as we prepare for our future. This unprecedented year of celebration will culminate in one final, very special evening on June 22. The Red Carpet Centennial Gala will be a spectacular gathering to launch the second century of the university. 



Anchoring the all-school reunion weekend (June 21-23), the Centennial Gala will draw attendees from decades of alumni who will be in Winona, as well as many special and honored guests. You are cordially invited to join the festivities and help us celebrate our past and embrace our future. For more information call 507-457-6609 or go to www.mysmumn.org/gala.

Centennial Celebration of Scholarship is showcase for student research, talents

Lexi Assimos explained her psychology research to Dr. Jay Mutter during the first Celebration of Scholarship.

On the occasion of our Centennial year, the Celebration of Scholarship on April 12 was a showcase for the quality and variety of student research taking place at the College. This campus-wide celebration highlighted the accomplishments of our undergraduate students, featuring 100 presentations by more than 150 students in numerous disciplines.

In addition to the live presentations in classrooms and performance spaces, numerous students lined the first floor of Saint Mary's Hall to explain poster presentations to visitors. An estimated 700 students, along with parents and other guests viewed the research and experience the talents of our students. The day was capped by the presentation of awards and honors at an evening academic convocation in Page Theatre.

See photos of the day's events.

Saint Mary’s explores further collaboration with Gundersen Lutheran

Audrey Kintzi, vice president for development; Phil Schumacher M’74, Gundersen Medical Foundation executive director of development; Dr. Steven Titus, senior vice president for university advancement; Dr. Carl Simon Shelley, Gundersen Lutheran Hospital; Brother Ed Siderewicz, special assistant to the president.

A noted cancer researcher was on the Winona campus in late March to discuss Saint Mary's, our science programs, and our vision for the sciences. Dr. Carl Simon Shelley, director of hematology/oncology research in Gundersen Lutheran Hospital’s Center for Cancer & Blood Disorders, spoke with university officers and faculty to explore opportunities for further partnerships that would engage both students and teachers. Dr. Shelley discussed the possibility for high-level student internships in his state-of-the-art research lab, as well as opportunities for SMU faculty to present at Gundersen Lutheran and hospital staff to present at Saint Mary's. Biology major Bethany Schmidt will intern in Dr. Shelley's lab this summer.

A Saint Mary's group visited Dr. Shelley and his La Crosse laboratory this past winter. Dr. Shelley’s research activity is supported by Gundersen Lutheran Medical Foundation and the Kabara Cancer Research Institute at Gundersen Lutheran established by Saint Mary's Trustee Betty Kabara and the late Dr. John Kabara '48.

Living Learning Community demonstrates benefits for first-year students

In the effort to create a vibrant campus and transformational residential life experience at the College, the first Living Learning Community was piloted this year for first-year students in La Salle Hall. On April 6, students in the program hosted an open house to demonstrate how this collaboration between academics and student life helped them connect and grow during their first year at college. The program of focused study and activities in and out of the residence hall combined the themes of wellness, sustainability and spirituality.



Next year, four separate new Living Learning Communities will be 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.

Kabara Institute speakers highlight diverse ‘Entrepreneurship Days’

Jeff Van Fossen, CEO of CodaBow, shared his insights with students during
Entrepreneurship Days.

Fulfilling the mission of Saint Mary’s and meeting the goals of our strategic plan includes building a robust agenda of speakers and experiences to engage our students and community. To that end, the Kabara Institute for Entrepreneurial Studies sponsored the 2013 Entrepreneurship Days April 15-17 on the Winona campus. “The presentations and discussions showed how the principles and concepts of entrepreneurship can be applied across a variety of disciplines and careers,” commented Jim Bedtke, vice president for the College.

Hosted by the Entrepreneurship Club, the three-day event included a diverse lineup of speakers. Mary-Kate Martin, a teacher and social entrepreneur, is founder of the non-profit organization “Hosea’s Heart.” Her presentation was co-sponsored by the Education Club and ASCD. Jeff Van Fossen is founder and CEO of CodaBow, a composite materials company and pioneer of instrumental carbon fiber technology, which markets products nationally and internationally. Todd and Laura Roessler are entrepreneurs in the growing Wisconsin and Minnesota winery industry and they operate the Elmaro Winery. Karla Bloem is director of the Houston Nature Center in Houston, Minn., and the founder of the International Owl Festival. Her presentation was co-sponsored by the Biology Club.

Early-bird new students get a head start on orientation and registration

Jan Dimmitt-Olson of the Education Department helped incoming students navigate 
through class registration.

The just-completed undergraduate College academic year is still a fresh memory, but already incoming students are getting set for the fall semester. On May 20 the Winona campus hosted students and parents for the first New Student Orientation and Registration, with additional dates set for June 15 and 17, and August 2 and 23. 



NSOR is an introduction to the many opportunities for students to get involved on campus, and the many resources that will help them succeed at SMU. They learn of the College's academic expectations, and they get to meet other new students and the faculty and staff who will soon know them by name. And they get the advice and assistance they need to make smart choices for their first semester of college on Terrace Heights. Many faculty, staff and student leaders give their time and expertise to make sure NSOR is a great experience.

Sen. Michael Johanns honored for service at Winona commencement ceremony

Senator Michael Johanns ’71 applauded new undergraduate and graduate alums at the Winona commencement.



At the Winona campus commencement ceremony on May 11, U.S. Senator Michael Johanns of Nebraska, a 1971 Saint Mary’s alum, was awarded a Doctor of Laws degree, honoris causa, for his lifetime of work as a public servant. Senator Johanns was cited for more than 30 years of distinguished service to society as mayor of Lincoln, governor of Nebraska, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, and U.S. Senator. Further, the citation noted that Senator Johanns has "exemplified the characteristics of service and ethical leadership that this university strives to develop in all of its students and, by a life admirably dedicated in service of the common good, has brought honor and credit to his alma mater."

See photos from the day's events.

University honors Branford Marsalis after special performance

Dr. Donna Aronson and Brother William presented an honorary doctorate 
to noted musician Branford Marsalis.

Branford Marsalis, renowned Grammy Award-winning saxophonist, Tony Award-nominated composer and former “Tonight Show” bandleader, received an honorary doctorate March 26 from Saint Mary’s University. Marsalis was on campus to collaborate with pianist Dr. Ned Kirk, SMU professor of music. Music students had the opportunity to hear the duo perform and ask questions of the legendary musician.



Brother William presented Marsalis with an honorary Doctor of Arts Leadership for his world-class work as a musician, his commitment to musical excellence, his innovative spirit, and his sharing of knowledge and skills as a mentor to jazz musicians. The award also honored Marsalis for his roles performing at the London Live Aid benefit for Ethiopian famine relief and his leadership in working to establish the Habitat Musicians Village in New Orleans after the Hurricane Katrina devastation.



University honors those who live our mission at Centennial Founder's Day

Outstanding Female and Male Seniors at the College, Constance Budin and Peter Borash.

On the occasion of the university's Centennial-year Founder's Day, April 9, Saint Mary’s honored two students who have demonstrated the ideals of scholarship, character, leadership and service. Above all, these men and women have shown genuine concern for meeting the needs of others. Peter Borash, son of Ron and Ann Borash of North Prairie, Minn. was named Outstanding Male Senior; and Constance Budin, daughter of Bruce and Colleen Budin of Le Center, Minn. was named Outstanding Female Senior.

Also during the ceremony, Teresa Speck, professor of business, received this year’s Brother H. Charles Severin, FSC Award for Excellence in Teaching, and Tony Piscitiello ’69, M’82, senior advancement director and former longtime vice president of College admissions, was chosen as this year’s Distinguished Lasallian Educator, an award given by Lasallian institutions in the North American-Toronto Region of the De La Salle Christian Brothers to honor contributions and commitment to the Lasallian mission of education.

Brother Joseph Loewenstein of Bethlehem University received an honorary Doctor of Humanities for his inspiring leadership throughout 70 years as a De La Salle Christian Brother. Brother Jean Manuel, also of Bethlehem University, received an honorary Doctor of Humanities in recognition of 58 years of service as a De La Salle Christian Brother. And Brother Terence McLaughlin ’44 of Christian Brothers College in Memphis received an honorary Doctor of Humanities in recognition of his 72 years as a De La Salle Christian Brother, as a champion of racial equality, as an outstanding teacher, mentor and school administrator, and as an author.

See photos of the day's events.

Student Life Awards celebrate student service and leadership

Some of the students completing the Leadership Certificate program posed following the Student Life Awards.

Undergraduate students were honored for their outstanding leadership in campus activities, organizations, community service and residential life during the Student Life Awards ceremony May 1. Several faculty and staff members were also recognized for their excellent and impactful work with students in residence life and co-curricular activities.



Our mission is to "awaken, nurture and empower learners to ethical lives of service and leadership." In keeping with that goal, 13 students received Office of Student Activities Leadership Certificates for completing a co-curricular program designed to give both emerging and advanced leaders the skills and knowledge to enhance their leadership development. Participants engaged in student activities, discussed a book on leadership, completed a personal Strengthsfinder exercise, attended speaker events, and did service work on campus and in the community.

See photos of the event.

Students advocate for State Grant during Day at the Capitol

As part of the university's commitment in Strategic Plan 2017 to the development of experiences that cultivate leadership, 58 of our students participated in Day at the Capitol on March 20. The event, sponsored by the Minnesota Private College Council, gave students the opportunity to meet with their state representatives and senators to advocate for increased funding for the Minnesota State Grant program. One in four students at Saint Mary's receives a Minnesota State Grant award, amounting to more than $1.1 million in the 2012-13 academic year. We thank our students for their advocacy for this program.



As part of the day, Saint Mary's students provided Centennial mementos to Rep. Gene Pelowski, Sen. Jeremy Miller and Gov. Mark Dayton, thanking them for their support of the Minnesota State Grant program.



In addition, an SMU alumni panel was offered to students. This year, Michael Dougherty '76, Ann Merchlewitz M'95 and Brodie Hacken '06 provided their perspectives and advice to our students on preparation for law school and the practice of law.

Conversations about college affordability

On March 27 in Winona, Brother William and student Miles Dunna (shown above) participated in a roundtable discussion about college affordability and student debt with Senator Al Franken. Brother William emphasized for Senator Franken our commitment to college affordability as part of our Lasallian Catholic heritage and our commitment to making college affordable through our Pathways program with two-year MnSCU institutions.



Larry Pogemiller, director of the Minnesota Office of Higher Education, also attended the discussion. Afterward, Brother William hosted Pogemiller for lunch and a tour of the Winona campus. Pogemiller interacted with a number of faculty members, staff members, and students informally — all of whom spoke about the sense of community and academic excellence/challenge at the College. Pogemiller also learned more about our commitment to the Winona community through our work in the Literacy Clinic and our partnership with a variety of community organizations in the Brother Jerome Rademacher Nordic Ski Center.



These two opportunities enabled Saint Mary's to increase its visibility with policy-makers at the state and federal level and to highlight the significant place Saint Mary's holds in higher education locally, regionally and nationally.

Spring sports compete well in conference

The erratic spring weather caused many scheduling headaches but didn't stop several of our spring sports from enjoying playoff-caliber success. Women's fastpitch softball finished fourth and made the MIAC tournament for the third straight year. Men's baseball tied for third in conference and made the MIAC tournament for the second year in a row. The men's tennis team made the MIAC tournament for the first time in the seven-year history of the playoff format, and coach Jeff Halberg was named the MIAC Coach of the Year. And men's and women's track and field had athletes competing in the MIAC Outdoor Championships. The spring athletic teams are to be congratulated for an overall successful season.

Students fan out to Spruce-Up Winona

Community Memorial Hospital was one of the Spruce-Up Winona sites welcoming help from SMU students.

Our students live out a commitment to leadership and service to society. On the local level, on April 20 more than 160 Saint Mary's students, coordinated by Campus Ministry's Volunteer Mentors, volunteered to help out non-profit organizations at 40 clean-up and fix-up sites around Winona. The community-wide effort was held in conjunction with Earth Day.

Students plan their own Centennial event

Students 'dressed appropriately' during the Centennial 'Decades Dance' 
in the Gostomski Fieldhouse.

Students at the Winona campus wanted a chance to hold a Centennial celebration during the school year. Planned by our Student Centennial Leaders, two crowd-pleasing events on April 13 attracted approximately 550 undergraduates to an afternoon carnival in Gostomski Fieldhouse and an evening "Decades Dance." Students enjoyed winning prizes, playing inflatable games, eating carnival food, and dancing to music (including an appearance by the Oldie Moldie All-Stars).

See photos of the day's events.