EXCELLING IN ACADEMICS AND MORE ...

The College honors outstanding seniors

Regina Quandt and Michael Mockler

At our Founder's Day celebration, Outstanding Male and Female Senior awards were presented to students who have demonstrated the ideals of scholarship, character, leadership and service. The Outstanding Male Senior Award went to Michael Mockler of Dubuque, Iowa and the Outstanding Female Senior Award went to Regina Quandt from Minneapolis, Minn. Finalists for the 2012 Outstanding Male Senior included Brian William Dillon, Arden Hills, Minn.; Luis Escobar, Madelia, Minn.; Kevin Halpin, Bartlett, Ill.; and Robert "Robby" McGuire, Rochester, Minn. Finalists for the Outstanding Female Senior were Lauren Baier, Mount Horeb, Wis.; Ellen Koneck, New Brighton, Minn.; Amy Kujak, River Falls, Wis.; and Jill Spitzmueller, New Brighton, Minn.

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Mayo Scholars explore integration of science, medicine, business

Shown at Mayo Clinic are Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Donna Aronson, Biology Department faculty mentor Dr. Jeanne Minnerath, Business Department faculty mentor Dr. Shelly McCallum, Associate Dean of Natural Sciences and Mathematics Dr. Phil Cochran, team leader Jammie Henson (Augsburg College), and SMU students Adam Lueck, Robert McElherne, Thomas Healy and Luis Escobar. 

SMU is fortunate to be one of a select number of private Minnesota colleges to participate in the Mayo Innovation Scholarship Program. The program offers business and science students the opportunity to explore the interface of science, medicine, and business by working alongside an MBA student to perform an analysis of an invention or new medical product in the early stages of development. Our students presented their analysis and recommendations at the Mayo Clinic in March to an audience of university faculty members, inventors, and other Mayo Clinic professionals.

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Science seniors present research at Biology Symposium

Biology major Valerie Ross in a Brother Charles Hall lab.

Senior students from the departments of biology, chemistry and mathematics, along with students from area universities, presented their research findings at our annual Undergraduate Research Symposium in Biology. The R.V. Kowles Lecture was presented by Dr. Dan Keyler, professor of experimental and clinical pharmacology at the University of Minnesota. Dr. Keyler later wrote to Saint Mary's to praise the work of faculty and evidence of "student motivation, academic challenge and learning . . . . Student presentations at the Saint Mary’s symposium were well above the quality of many professional student presentations I have heard over the years.”

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Psychology Symposium shows high-level work by students

The SMU Psychology Symposium in April was a forum for students to present research data collected in the context of their collaborative labs or experimental psychology courses. In addition, formal research presentations were made by graduating students in fulfillment of their senior thesis requirement.

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PR/Business Club visits professionals in St. Paul

Public Relations/Business Club students at 3M.

Students in the Public Relations/Business Club visited professionals in the field at Peterson Milla Hooks Advertising (PMH) in Minneapolis and the 3M Corporation in St. Paul. At PMH, students toured the agency and heard account executives, planners, creative directors and graphic designers discuss their roles on major ad campaigns. The visit to 3M was highlighted by a tour of the Innovation Center along with speakers from the areas of brand management, communications and marketing. Alum Nikki Jung ’07, a channel marketer for 3M’s Occupational Health and Environmental Safety division, hosted the 3M visit.

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Kudos to student-athletes for their successes

As part of our efforts to celebrate individual successes and as part of NCAA Division III week, Saint Mary's hosted a luncheon with the President for student-athletes who have been honored as First-Team All-MIAC, Honorable Mention All-MIAC, First-Year Team All-MIAC, All-MIAC Defensive Team, and MIAC Athlete of the Week. Members of the President's Cabinet joined in celebrating the accomplishments of these student-athletes. Over 25 SMU student-athletes have been so recognized since the spring of 2011.

OTHER EXCITING DEVELOPMENTS ...

RAs get inside look at new residence hall

Student resident assistants had the opportunity to tour the "under-construction" 141-bed Winona campus residence hall, in preparation for welcoming new residents this fall. The tour was led by Jim Bedtke, vice president for the College, who showed the RAs an inside perspective on how a residence hall is built. Students have registered for the residence hall and excitement is building.

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First-Generation Initiative receives support in many ways

The First-Generation program in Winona was recently visited by representatives from the Mexican Consulate in Saint Paul. Shown above are Ana Luisa Fajer, Mexican consul, and Alan Torres Tovar, external affairs, who met with students Cynthia Garcia and Nixcie Mazon (left and right), and program director Brother Ed Siderewicz. The university is fortunate to have generous benefactors who support our mission in many ways. The First-Generation Initiative and its students will benefit from a $100,000 matching gift from Jack and Mary Ann Remick of Rochester. Their match helped Saint Mary's raise $250,000 for First-Generation scholarships in 2012. The FGI program provides full scholarships — and continuous support — to low-income, high-potential, qualified students, with preference given to Saint Mary’s Lasallian partner schools.

CELEBRATING OUR HERITAGE ...

Join us for a year of Centennial celebration

This photo, taken in May 1912, shows the cornerstone being laid for Saint Mary's Hall, the first building of what would become Saint Mary's University.

Several major events are planned to celebrate our Centennial, embrace our history, and springboard us into our second century of "A Transforming Heritage." Many other activities will expand on that theme during the year.

Major events include:

• Cornerstone Commemoration (June 23)
• All-University Convocation & Mass of the Holy Spirit (Aug. 27)
• Centennial Celebration - Chicago (Sept. 22)
• Arts Commissions Debut (Oct. 4-6)
  & Family Weekend (Oct. 5-7)
• SGPP All-Alumni Reunion (March 9, 2013)
• All-School Reunion (June 21-23, 2013)
  & Centennial Gala (June 22, 2013)

Please visit our Centennial website for a history timeline, stories from alumni, event information and photos, and special commemorative items.

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Alums return for Gaslight, a 50-year musical tradition

The original Oldie Moldie All-Stars posed with Brother William at Gaslight.

In spring 1963, a true Saint Mary's musical tradition was born. This past spring, the SMU alumni community gathered to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Gaslight, our annual student musical showcase. The two-day event featured an alumni show with numerous alums representing the 60s, 70s, 90s and recent decades returning to perform once again on campus. A highlight of the evening was a performance by the original Oldie Moldie All-Stars.

We welcome the arrival of spring!

Except perhaps for the winter sports enthusiasts, we are enjoying the unseasonably mild weather. Spring is making an early appearance, and with that comes an early burst of campus outdoor activity. As we welcomed students back from their week-long break, the increasing daylight and warmer temperatures all brought a freshness and new energy to campus.

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 I've seen our students do.

Students excelling in academics . . .

Three students from Saint Mary’s, along with their faculty advisors, participated in the Minnesota Private College Scholars at the Capitol event in February to present the results of their independent research and creative scholarship. Our students included Grace Christensen, Paige Jensen and Alex Braun.

Alex explaining her research project to State Senator Jeremy Miller. 

Six students are experiencing transformative educational opportunities this spring as interns in our nation's capital through the Washington Center for Internships and Academic Seminars. The students and their internship sites are: Gia Puch, White House Office of National Drug Control Policy; Nicole Haley, Kohn, Kohn & Colapinto law firm; Nora Gilson, Kohn, Kohn & Colapinto law firm; Carissa Hahn, Association of American Medical Colleges; Robert Speedling, U.S. Department of Interior; and Alexi Lund, Department of the Treasury in the Office of Civil Rights and Diversity.

Recognizing the quality of their science research targets and proposals, six students were awarded national biology honor society Beta Beta Beta Research Foundation research grants. The students are Alex Braun, Erika Hurley, Danielle Strebel, Lauren Ulbrich, Samantha Dahlstrom and Cassandra Hulett.

Samantha at the 7th Annual Meeting on Undergraduate Research in the Molecular Sciences, held at MSU-Moorhead, where she won the first-place "Student Choice" award. 

Students reaching out . . .

About 40 people were "freezin’ for a reason" during the third annual “Cardinal Plunge” in late February. The air was unseasonably warm, but the ice and Lake Goodview were suitably challenging. The event was hosted by the Future Alumni Committee and raised $560 for the Student Emergency Fund. To see photos from the event, go to our online photo albums.

Several campus events were dedicated to helping Marine Corps veteran Josh Misiewicz, a former student who was severely injured last summer while serving in Afghanistan. Proceeds from the Taylor Richmond Benefit Dance, Armed Forces Night at a hockey game, and the student-run store Cardinal Corner will help Josh and his family cope with ongoing medical and other expenses.

Students celebrating other cultures . . .

Students helped christen the former New Village as Residencia Santiago Miller, in honor of martyred alum Brother James Miller '66. Brother James was killed in Guatemala in 1982, and a building there was also named in his honor. The name “Residencia Santiago Miller” was chosen to remind students of the model of leadership and service which Brother James offered. Shown unveiling the residence hall marker are students Bob Rousseau, Heidi Loeffler and Jessica Bouska.

Our international students shared their cultures with others in our community during an open house at the International Center. A wide variety of ethnic food, games, dance, cultural displays and presentations were included in the festivities. Participants learned about SMU’s international students from Saudi Arabia, South Korea, and China.

The annual Multicultural Showcase treated the community to music and dance from many cultures, featuring Hmong and Chinese songs, Mexican dance, Irish dance, the Jazz Workshop Combo, the World Drum Ensemble and more.

Students gathering for worship . . .

After a two-month refurbishment, the Saint Thomas More Chapel was reopened with a rite of dedication and liturgy on March 13. The chapel's artistic and reverent design has created a prayerful space for our students and community and features commissioned works of art and natural materials, including locally-sourced stone for the altar.

Winona Bishop John Quinn celebrates the liturgy in the
newly refurbished Saint Thomas More Chapel

Students performing in the arts . . .

The Department of Theatre and Dance presented the classic Broadway musical “Guys and Dolls” in February. The Tony-Award-winning musical was first presented in 1950 and has enjoyed many revivals. It's considered by many to be the perfect musical comedy. Our students had a wonderful time entertaining enthusiastic audiences in the Page Theatre.

Two of our musical groups embarked on major tours during spring break. The Chamber Singers performed a capella selections at church liturgies and concerts in Wisconsin, Illinois and the Canadian province of Ontario as part of their 2012 Concert Tour. The Jazz Combo took their brand of American jazz overseas, to perform at venues in and around the city of Cologne, Germany, including a joint performance with Stefan Güsgen – the 2010 winner of Germany’s National Magic Championships.

Students showing their pride

Recently, the Midwest District of the Christian Brothers produced a video titled, "Many Stars." It shows the Lasallian star formed by staff and students at a variety of Lasallian ministries worldwide and in the Midwest Province. With the help of the local fire department, all of our student-athletes gathered on the soccer field to form a star representing Saint Mary's. The video certainly depicts the breadth of our Lasallian network.

Watch the video
See us shine (we're at about the 7:30 mark).

An invitation to support financial aid for students

Finally, I would like to pass on the following invitation for advocacy for students and families in Minnesota. If you believe that state and federal financial aid should continue to help keep Minnesota colleges affordable for low- and middle-income families, Advocates for Minnesota Student Aid (AMSA) is worth a look. It's a grassroots organization made up of Minnesotans who want to protect those programs and the college students they support at private AND public institutions. AMSA is organized by the Minnesota Private College Council, which represents 17 nonprofit colleges and universities. In the next two weeks or so, you will receive an invitation to become part of this effort to protect state and federal financial aid. We hope that you will join with parents across Minnesota to support this important endeavor.

Season’s Greetings!

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.

I often have the chance to see them doing amazing things. Here are just a few snapshots from the fall semester.

Groundbreaking for our new residence hall

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.

Families welcomed for a weekend visit

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.

“Playboy of the Western World” takes the stage

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.

Students and alumni help their neighbors

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.”

Campus hosts local children for Halloween

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.

Veterans Day marked on campus

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.

Etiquette dinner tones up social skills

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.

Choirs present beautiful “Lessons and Carols”

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.

Concert Band plays “Sounds of the Season”

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.

Business class presents research to restaurant

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.

Seniors gather to celebrate

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.

Students treated to light service and breakfast

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.

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

The last freshman class of the first 100 years

The freshman class of 2011 posed for a group photo on Move-In Weekend.

As the fall semester opened this year, I welcomed 373 new freshmen to campus at our opening convocation. They were special, I said, because they are the last freshman class of our first 100 years. Of course, that also means that the seniors this year will be the last graduating class before our Centennial, and that makes them special, too.

The students in our entering class represent a 7.5 percent increase from last year, and contribute to a total enrollment of 1,372. This positive trend is a welcome affirmation that Saint Mary's University is relevant and attractive, and that the undergraduate program is in strong shape heading into our second century. Please read on for more good news.

Planning for the celebration of the century

A Centennial is a pivotal moment for a university. It's truly a once-in-a-lifetime event. Our Centennial will be celebrated in 2012-13, and all events during that year will share a special focus and theme. Planning is well underway to celebrate 100 years of Saint Mary's and "A Transforming Heritage."

Alums, current students, faculty and staff have given us wonderful ideas about how best to honor our past, celebrate the present and look to the future. Now teams are busy putting these ideas into action.

The dates of major events are being set:

• June 23, 2012 – Cornerstone Commemoration at Homecoming
• Sept. 22, 2012 – Chicago Event at Millennium Park
• Oct. 5-7, 2012 – Debut of Arts Commissions at Family Weekend
• TBA Nov., 2012 – SGPP Alumni Reunion (Twin Cities campus)
• TBA April, 2013 – Student Celebration (Twin Cities campus)
• TBA April, 2013 – Student Celebration (Winona campus)
• June 21-23, 2013 – Centennial Celebration Event & All-Alumni Reunion

A special Centennial website offers news of events, historical information, and a way to purchase keepsakes and our Centennial book. There is also a wonderful opportunity to share your Saint Mary's stories and photos. Anyone with an affinity to our institution is invited to submit stories on the website at www.saintmarys100.com and keep checking back for updates.

Saint Mary's recognized nationally and regionally

We continue to make strong showings in the various national rankings of universities, further evidence that we are providing a desirable, quality educational experience for our students.

"U.S. News & World Report" placed Saint Mary's at No. 177 in the first tier of the "National Universities" category, rising from No. 183 last year. We are one of only three Minnesota institutions in this group, which includes schools such as Harvard, Princeton, Yale and Columbia.

The Princeton Review ranks us as one of the "Best in the Midwest," selected for excellent academic programs and positive reports from students about their campus experiences.

Forbes.com ranked SMU #1 in the country last year for the success of minority students in STEM programs (Latino and black). Overall, Forbes also ranked SMU in the top 25% of 2,500 selected universities.

And we placed exceptionally well in the most recent NSSE (National Survey of Student Engagement), which measures student satisfaction with their education and interaction with classmates and teachers. In three of the five NSSE categories, SMU is in the top 10% nationally. In two categories, SMU is number one in Minnesota, and number two for a third category.

New residence hall will offer living optionsfor students

In our ongoing commitment to provide outstanding residential experiences for students, we will start construction this fall on an innovative residence hall at the Winona campus which should be complete by August, 2012, in time for the next academic year.

Located between the high ropes course and the New Village apartments, the four-story facility will be used by sophomore, junior and senior students during the academic year and serve conferencing, camps and educational program needs in the summer. The structure will feature 141 beds in 45 units, with a private bath in each room. All rooms will be air-conditioned and wired for cable TV and Internet access.

This will be our first hall to offer a variety of housing options for students. It will feature single-occupancy suites, double-occupancy suites, and two-, three-, and four-bedroom apartments. Study rooms, lounges and a kitchen will bring students together in community and encourage collaborative learning.

University community commemoratesand prays on 9/11

Dennis Gallagher, dean of Campus Ministry, led a prayer service at the Peace Pole.

The Winona campus may seem far from New York, but on 9/11 the campus community’s heart and spirit were united with Americans across the country in remembering the victims of the 9/11/2001 tragedy and their families, and joined with millions in praying for peace. Dennis Gallagher, dean of Campus Ministry, led a prayer service on Sunday morning with the university community gathered around the Peace Pole. Whether in New York or in Winona on 9/11/2001, one could not help but be moved by the sight of the 3,000 American flags distributed around the Peace Pole, a flag for each victim of the 9/11 tragedy. "Let there be peace on earth."

Christian Brothers from around the worldenrich our community

Dr. Rose Beal of the Theology Department discussed upcoming classes with Brother Christy Croos (Sri Lanka) and Brother Fredy Peredin (India).

Saint Mary's participation in the worldwide Lasallian family has become increasingly more evident as Christian Brothers from around the world come to the Winona campus to study. Three Brothers from Colombia, South America are here to study English at the De La Salle Language Institute and in the program for educational leadership; two Brothers from India and Sri Lanka will be here for the next two years in the Master of Arts in Human Development Program; and several Brothers from the Midwest District have recently moved into the Christian Brothers' Residence. Saint Mary's is greatly enriched with the presence of the Brothers on the campus and with their involvement in the life of the university.

University is highlighted for science programsby U.S. Representative

Having a United States Representative talk about you in front of others is a great way to get known. Recently, Rep. John Kline of Minnesota's 2nd District did just that at a meeting of the Rochester Chamber of Commerce on the topic of STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) research and education. Rep. Kline specifically mentioned Saint Mary's University as an educational leader in STEM education with minorities.

At the meeting, administrators and faculty from Saint Mary’s joined regional educational partners such as the chancellor of the University of Minnesota, WSU, Rochester public and private schools, and representatives from businesses like IBM.

Computer Science and Residence Life collaborateto create software and wireless app

Jeff Thomas gave a presentation on the RADAR app
for Residence Life and Campus Safety.

Since the fall of 2010 the Department of Computer Science and the Office of Residence Life have been collaborating to create a more efficient way for resident assistants, Campus Safety officers, and hall directors to utilize student information and file reports. The insights and creativity of a student, Stephanie Valentine '11, made it happen.  In her senior year, Valentine worked to create a wireless app that staff can utilize while working in the residence halls away from a desktop computer.

A class of computer software students developed a program, named RADAR (Resident Assistant Data Acquisition and Reports), which debuted with the start of this academic semester at move-in and has been performing beyond expectations ever since. Already, it has improved the response time of student concerns and issues by the Residence Life staff.

Young Alumni give back and come back

Visiting members of the Class of 2006 posed by the results of their Senior Class Gift, renovation of a campus fountain.

Recently the Winona campus welcomed home 200 young alums for the Young Alumni Weekend of sharing, sports, reconnecting, and giving back. Four young alums came back early to speak to classes or to have lunch with academic departments. Kristen Kozlowski '01, an attorney in Chicago, had lunch with history faculty and majors; Matt Knutson '06, a software programmer, had lunch with computer science faculty and majors; Clayton Knoke '10, who works at Edward Jones Investments, spoke to an entrepreneurship class; and Sarah McDonough '11, intern with the Chicago Blackhawks, spoke to the PR/Business Club. These and many other alums returned and shared their spirit of leadership and service with the next generation of alums.

Cardinal ‘M’ Club celebrates excellencein student-athletes, alumni

Outstanding student-athletes included:
David Feather, Sara Harstad, Sarah Gardner and Andrew Brueggen.

Every fall the Cardinal 'M' Club honors the previous year's student-athletes for their excellence as both athletes and students. This year there were so many who exceeded a 3.5 GPA and participated in a sport that the honorees had to be divided into seasons. Truly this is the type of excellence and sportsmanship that Saint Mary's seeks to foster in all of its students and particularly in its athlete-leaders.  Four athletes went above and beyond: Outstanding Scholar Athletes David Feather and Sara Harstad completed a successful sports season and maintained a 3.9 GPA overall; and Andrew Brueggen and Sarah Gardner excelled in their sport and their major and were named Outstanding Athletes of the Year.

New Sports Hall of Fame members included:
Nate DeMars '98, Frank Savino '98 and John Redpath '80.

The weekend’s festivities also included the induction of three new members into the SMU Sports Hall of Fame, as the Cardinal 'M' Club, in association with the Saint Mary's Alumni Office, welcomed the Class of 2011 — outstanding hockey players Nate DeMars '98, Frank Savino '98 and John Redpath '80.

First MIAC Leadership Conference prepares athletes for leadership and success

About 110 MIAC student-athletes came to Winona to participate in leadership activities.

Saint Mary's helped make history this past week when it hosted the first MIAC Student-Athlete Leadership Conference. The Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference welcomed roughly 110 of its student-athletes to our campus to receive a three-day crash course on building and strengthening leadership skills. Participants appreciated the hospitality, setting, and opportunity to get to know other athletes. The athletes left Winona equipped with new skills and strategies to maximize their leadership efforts on their teams and campuses.

Athletic teams honored for excellence in academics

Three teams — volleyball (shown), track and field, and swimming and diving — were honored for academic achievement.

Three of last year's athletic teams have received honors for matching dedication to their sports with excellence in the classroom. The teams each maintained a high cumulative GPA over the entire year. Teams honored by their respective coaching associations include women's volleyball, men's and women's track and field, and men's and women's swimming and diving. These players and their coaches are to be commended for modeling what it means to be a student-athlete: excellence in competition and in the classroom, leadership, and service.