Wednesday, December 19, 2012

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.

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

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 SHOW CAMPUS LIFE

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.

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.


COMMEMORATIVE BOOK TELLS SAINT MARY’S STORIES

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.

COMMISSIONED ART HONORS THE PAST, EMBRACES THE FUTURE

Students performed as historical figures in “Let Us Remember.”

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

Thursday, September 20, 2012

THE NEW YEAR BEGINS WITH A BURST OF ACTIVITY

The new academic year is only a few weeks old, and already our students are busy with service activities, academic excellence, and fun. Celebration of our Centennial year began over the summer, and there are more special events coming up soon that will engage students, parents and alums. I encourage you to watch for information about the Centennial and coming events at www.saintmarys100.com.

Let me tell you about a few of these activities and other developments on campus.

"A Transforming Heritage" . . .

Cornerstone event launches our Centennial


Brother William helped unveil a display of the 1912 cornerstone.
We officially launched our Centennial year at the Cornerstone Commemoration event on June 23 during our alumni Homecoming weekend. Hundreds of distinguished guests and friends were on hand to mark the occasion of the laying of the Saint Mary's Hall cornerstone a century ago. More than 50 Centennial Student Leaders helped make the day a success. We welcomed the public to a special ceremony and birthday cake reception at the steps of Saint Mary’s Hall, where the dreams for the university first began. Speakers reflected on the transformative impact Saint Mary’s continues to have on its students and many communities.

The Cornerstone Commemoration began a year-long Centennial celebration at Saint Mary’s, with events planned in Winona, the Twin Cities, Chicago and throughout the U.S., as well as in Nairobi and Jamaica.

Cornerstone Commemoration photos
Video of the weekend
Centennial website

All-University Centennial Convocation



Close to 1,000 faculty, staff and students from all locations and programs came together with special guests in Winona on Aug. 27 for the University Centennial Convocation and Mass of the Holy Spirit.

Brother William spoke to the university’s heritage and history that contributed to the vibrant institution of today. He observed that the milestone of 100 years is only significant in the context of history, and in appreciation of the great number of alumni who have gone on to serve society well. And he looked ahead to continued success in the next 100 years by introducing themes from our new strategic plan: Saint Mary’s 2017.

We recognized Saint Mary’s relationship to the Diocese of Winona in two special ways. We honored The Most Reverend John M. Quinn, Bishop of Winona, with a doctorate in Pastoral Ministry, honoris causa. And, we presented the Winona Diocese with the Centennial Award “in grateful recognition of our century-long shared heritage and for its continued ministry ... advancing God’s Kingdom of peace, justice and love.”

Convocation photos

A signature Centennial event in Chicago



This Saturday, a signature Centennial event will bring together the large community of alumni and friends in the Chicago area. All Saint Mary’s and College of Saint Teresa alumni, parents, benefactors and friends are invited to Millennium Park for an evening of food and festivities. So far, over 700 guests have already pre-registered.

Father Andrew Fabian, professor of philosophy, will be honored for dedicating more than 48 years of service to the university as he will be awarded the President’s Medal for Outstanding Merit. Dr. John Paulson, Eric Heukeshoven, and The Oldie Moldies are also scheduled to perform. Additional weekend activities include a Cubs game Friday, alumni boat cruises and a special Mass at St. Peter’s Church Saturday.

Chicago event information 

Commissioned Centennial works
debut at Family Weekend



To give creative and dramatic expression to the rich, 100-year history of the university, we called on resident artists to create original works on the occasion of the Centennial year. Family Weekend marks the debut of two works, and the first complete performance of a third.

Debuting at the Page Theatre on Thursday, Oct. 4 (and also presented on Friday and Saturday), “Let Us Remember ...” is a performed narrative written by Michael Charron ’79, dean of the School of the Arts. The historical drama includes many of the voices from Saint Mary’s history and incorporates theatre, music and dance into one inspiring program. The program features the first complete performance of commissioned scores by SMU music faculty Dr. Patrick O’Shea, director of choirs, and A. Eric Heukeshoven, director of jazz.

On Friday, Oct. 5, the university will unveil a permanent visual arts installation in the lobby of the Toner Student Center. A graphic Centennial timeline, by art professor Brother Roderick Robertson ’63, was commissioned to welcome visitors and tell the story of the transforming heritage of Saint Mary’s. The timeline will also be on display at our Twin Cities campus.

Family Weekend schedule
Ticket information or 507-457-1716

A vibrant campus filled with activity . . .

Students set fast pace for volunteering



Part of our mission is to prepare students for lives of leadership and service. Undergraduate students in Winona are wasting no time engaging with local communities and beyond with a variety of Campus Ministry service activities. The Volunteer Mentors mobilized 90 freshmen to volunteer in Winona after their first week on campus, another group performed a river cleanup, students volunteered at the Great Dakota Gathering and will help at St. Anne Hospice the next two weekends, and big plans are in the works for Winona’s “Make a Difference Day“ on Oct. 27. And, during October break, Campus Ministry SOUL trips to four cities will focus on sustainable food growth, inner city violence, poverty and eco-justice.

Students find their niche at Activities Fair



A real strength at Saint Mary's is the opportunity and ability for all students to participate. On a beautiful day in late August, hundreds of students gathered on the Plaza to browse the myriad student-run clubs, organizations, volunteer groups and club sports. There is something for everyone, and often enough, if an activity doesn't exist on campus, students will create it.

New residence hall is named for Brother Leopold



Our latest effort to meet the needs and expectations of today’s residential students opened this fall in Winona. Shown above, sophomores, juniors and seniors living in the new residence hall posed for a group photo during Welcome Week. Each student sported a t-shirt proclaiming “Proud First Resident of Brother Leopold Hall.” The 141-bed residence hall offers a variety of attractive living options including apartment-style suites.

The new hall honors the university's first Christian Brother president, Brother Leopold Julian Dodd, FSC, who was instrumental in negotiating with the Diocese of Winona to purchase the college — and in gaining accreditation for it. He served as president from 1933 to 1942.

Another student residence, De La Salle Hall, underwent significant renovation this year and reopened this fall with refreshed living quarters.

Young Alumni Weekend gives a chance to reconnect



Nearly 150 recent graduates returned to the Winona campus for Young Alumni Weekend, Sept. 7–9. Alums reconnected at a welcome gathering with Brother William and faculty/staff, and enjoyed entertainment from current students as well as fellow alumni on the Plaza. They also challenged themselves on the ropes course and disc golf course, participated in the Cardinal Dash, attended Cardinal athletic events, and capped the weekend with a reception.

Young Alumni Weekend photos

All the world is a stage for theatre majors



Undergraduate theatre majors have an enriching, horizon-expanding academic and cultural experience when they travel to England each fall for the Stefannié Valéncia Kierlin London Theatre Program (part of the Semester in London program, which is open to all majors). The intensive semester of study, attending performances and travel is guided by Dr. Gary Diomandes, who also directs the students in an overseas production. This year 17 of our juniors are studying in London, and in late October the 14 theatre majors will stage "Almost, Maine" in the Tara Arts Studio Theatre of Earlsfield.

London Theatre Program photos and updates

Recognition for SMU, students and alums . . .

Saint Mary’s moves up in national rankings



It is gratifying to report that Saint Mary’s University continues to move up in the latest national rankings. U.S. News & World Report ranks us at No. 174 in their “National Universities” category, up three slots from last year. Saint Mary’s is nationally recognized for its excellent educational experience. We’re a top-tier university that is meeting the needs and exceeding the expectations of students at every level, from our undergraduate students to our doctoral students. The National Universities grouping includes schools that offer a wide range of undergraduate majors, as well as master’s and doctoral degrees. Taking top honors in this category are Harvard, Princeton, Yale and Columbia.

U.S. News ranking

Forbes.com’s 2012 list of “America’s Top Colleges” ranks Saint Mary’s as No. 306 of “The Best Public and Private Colleges and Universities — from the student's point of view.” The annual Forbes list ranks a select group of only 650 undergraduate institutions — the top 20% — based on the quality of the education they provide, the experience of the students, and how much they achieve. The Forbes listing is especially meaningful to us because it measures students’ satisfaction and opinion. It affirms that our students receive a quality education experience and are successful in their chosen careers. It also reflects that our students are able to graduate in four years and control their college tuition expenses.

Forbes.com ranking

Undergraduate student presents at Fermilab



Evan Shockley, a junior majoring in physics, gave a presentation last summer as part of the New Perspectives conference at the Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory (Fermilab) in Aurora, Ill. This annual conference is part of the Fermilab Users’ Meeting, and all of the other talks were presented by graduate students. Evan’s work was done as part of the MicroBooNE collaboration, a group of about 95 scientists from 11 American universities, three U.S. national laboratories, and two European institutions. Evan and second-year Saint Mary’s physics student Morgan Fournier worked as summer interns at Fermilab, supported by a grant from the National Science Foundation.

Four other summer science internships funded by private donations offered undergraduate students opportunities to work with faculty and mentors both in and out of the classroom in areas such as ecology, pesticide research, fish and wildlife, and robotics.

Outstanding alums and student-athletes
are honored


Student athletes honored at the Cardinal ‘M’ Club ceremony: Regina Quandt, Jake Traxler, Kevin Gannon, Bailey Edwards.

Athletics plays an important role in shaping the hearts, minds and bodies of our student athletes. On Sept. 7, the Cardinal 'M' Club honored high-achieving athletes from last year and inducted three alums into the Sports Hall of Fame: Chris Kendall '79, Anne Erickson '89 and Alex Kugel '99. Last year's Outstanding Male and Female Athletes, Kevin Gannon '14 and Bailey Edwards '12 were recognized, as were the Outstanding Male and Female Scholar Athletes, Regina Quandt '12 and Jake Traxler '13. Congratulations to all for their accomplishments.

Working with the Alumni Office, Cardinal ‘M’ Club fosters and strengthens relationships between SMU and its alumni, families and friends.

Photos from the weekend

Alumni priests are honored with monsignor title


Current students at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary

Our Catholic heritage was in the spotlight as the Pope granted honors to several Winona Diocese priests with ties to Saint Mary's in recognition of their service. At the recent Mass of Elevation of the Basilica of St. Stanislaus Kostka, Winona Bishop John Quinn announced papal honors conferred on eight priests, granting them honorific titles including “monsignor.” Monsignor is a title granted by the Holy Father on priests who have done outstanding pastoral work or who hold important roles of leadership.

The Pope conferred the title of Chaplain to His Holiness to:
  • The Rev. Monsignor Thomas Melvin '96, rector of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary and vicar of clergy of the Diocese of Winona
  • The Rev. Monsignor R. Paul Heiting '78 vice-rector of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary, and judicial vicar of the Diocese of Winona
  • The Rev. Monsignor Thomas Cook, '93; Moderator of the Curia of the Diocese of Winona, pastor of St. Felix Church, Wabasha, and St. Agnes Church, Kellogg
  • The Rev. Monsignor Gerald Kosse '72, pastor of St. Leo Church, Pipestone; St. Joseph Church, Jasper; and St. Martin Church, Woodstock.
The Pope conferred the title of Prelate of Honor to his Holiness to:
  • The Rev. Monsignor Thomas Hargesheimer '64, rector of the Basilica of St. Stanislaus Kostka
  • The Rev. Monsignor Richard Colletti '74, rector of the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, and vicar general and chancellor of the Diocese of Winona
  • The Rev. Monsignor Robert Meyer, senior priest, former pastor of St. Stanislaus Kostka
  • The Rev. Monsignor James McCauley '52, senior priest.

Thursday, June 21, 2012

LET THE CENTENNIAL BEGIN!


This is a year unlike any other. Normally there is a brief lull between May commencement and June homecoming. Not this summer! The university is preparing to launch our year-long Centennial celebration during the alumni Homecoming weekend. This Saturday at 2 p.m. we will commemorate the laying of the Saint Mary's Hall cornerstone in 1912 with a special program, open to the public, and a "birthday party." This event will be just the beginning and I encourage you to watch for information about all of the Centennial events in the year ahead.

During the past few months, the students finished the year with service activities, academic excellence, and fun. Let me tell you about a few of these activities.

PARTICIPATING IN SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY ...

Students join faculty and staff in Relay for Life to fight cancer


More than 300 students, faculty, and staff came together in the Relay for Life to celebrate and remember those who have defeated cancer, those currently battling cancer, and those who have lost their lives to this disease. The event raised more than $36,000 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.


Volunteers dig in for ‘Spruce Up Winona Day’


In recognition of “Spruce Up Winona Day,” about 160 students helped out throughout the community this spring. Coordinated by our Volunteer Mentors group, the students assisted non-profit agencies including the Habitat ReStore, Winona Area Humane Society, Winona Public Library, Winona Health, as well as several area churches and senior residences.


Students connect with representatives at Day at the Capitol

SMU students with Senator Jeremy Miller of Winona (back right).
As part of the university's continuing efforts to foster a learning environment that prepares students for life, work and citizenship, 48 of our students participated in Day at the Capitol in March. Sponsored by the Minnesota Private College Council, the day afforded our students the opportunity to meet with representatives and senators and thank them for their support of the Minnesota State Grant program.  Students were also treated to an alumni panel including Patrick Connolly '95, Molly Murphy '97, Cullen Sheehan '97 and Justin Bell '99, who provided their perspectives on life and work in the public affairs realm.

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.


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.


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.”


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.


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.


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.


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.


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.

Monday, March 19, 2012

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.
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