Thursday, March 21, 2013

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

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

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.
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

Kevin Centeno and Darlene Centeno perform a Mexican Folklore Dance.
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.

Students performing in the arts . . .

SMU STUDENTS STAGE ‘SPITFIRE GRILL’ 

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


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

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).
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 

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.
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.

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

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

Wednesday, December 19, 2012

Season’s Greetings!

The final papers and exams are being graded, and our students are returning home for rest and rejuvenation and to spend the joyous Christmas season with family. In this communication I want to show you some of the wonderful things our students have achieved recently, and give you a sense of the positive impact they make on campus life and on the larger community. Here are just a few snapshots from the fall semester.

Students studying and working hard . . .

ALUM RETURNS TO HELP WITH MOCK TRIAL

The SMU Mock Trial in November gave pre-law students a chance to participate in a litigated case and get trial experience. This year’s “case” involved allegations of cyber-bullying and was expertly presented by SMU students playing the role of attorneys. Theatre students chipped in to portray convincing witnesses. SMU was also honored to have alum Don Ivansek ’83, a distinguished and successful Chicago attorney, act as the judge for the Mock Trial.

PR AND BUSINESS STUDENTS TOUR THE TWIN CITIES

The Public Relations/Business Club traveled to the Twin Cities in November to learn more about the business of public relations and marketing. Alum Tera Bollig ’07 spoke to the students about her role as marketing specialist for Children’s Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota. The students then attended the International Association of Business Communicators’ Meet the Pros event where they heard from and visited with communications professionals from American Craft magazine and Weber Shandwick, along with a career coach.

LEARNING FIRST-HAND ABOUT BIRD BANDING

In early December, six students banded birds as an Outdoor Leadership Office event at Whitewater State Park. The group assisted Greg Munson, a Rochester-area bird bander, with his wildlife research demonstration. Students learned the basic process of bird banding at a feeder, which included catching birds in a mist net, carefully affixing an aluminum band on the bird’s leg, and keeping detailed notes for research purposes. Participants enjoyed unseasonably warm weather and handfuls of black-capped chickadees, white-breasted nuthatches, and even a downy woodpecker.

NEW AND REVISED MAJORS MOVE THROUGH APPROVAL

Three new majors have been approved by the College Curriculum Committee: Finance, Actuarial Science and a revision of the Graphic Design major. Finance and Actuarial Science have also been approved by Dr. Donna Aronson, vice president for academic affairs — the final step in the process. The revision of the Graphic Design program is being reviewed by Dr. Aronson following approval by the Curriculum Committee. The new majors were developed by the School of Business and the Mathematics, Computer Science and Statistics Department in response to student interest. All new programs or revisions are evaluated by the Curriculum Committee for fit with the institutional mission, for sustainability, and for meeting the needs of current and future students. Information on the new programs will soon be available on the website and in the next catalog.

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL OFF TO GREAT START

The SMU women’s basketball team is heading into the Christmas break on a hot streak after one of their best starts in program history. The Cardinals opened season play with five straight wins — their first 5-0 start since the 1985-86 season — and are 7-1 at the break, including wins over four of their first five MIAC opponents. Led by coach Mandy Pearson, SMU has its sights set on improving on last year’s 14-13 overall record that included a berth in the MIAC post-season tournament.

LONDON THEATRE STUDENTS MAKE NEWS

Saint Mary’s theatre majors staged the romantic comedy “Almost, Maine” this fall at Tara Theatre in London. Qualified theatre majors studied abroad this semester through the Stefannié Valéncia Kierlin Theatre in London Program. Under the guidance of Saint Mary’s faculty, the program included a variety of classes in theatre, as well as courses focused on broader enrichment. Students had the unique opportunity to attend numerous performances at London’s West End, Off-West End, and Fringe theatres. The student performance received great responses and they were the subject of an article in Time and Leisure magazine. Many parents and some staff joined the cast for their London performance.

Students welcoming new horizons

NEW STRATEGIC PLAN WILL BENEFIT ALL

Everyone associated with Saint Mary’s will be positively impacted by the new Strategic Plan 2017, adopted by the Board of Trustees in October. The five-year plan will guide our work to advance the mission and to realize the vision of Saint Mary’s as a well-known, top-tier national university. The strategic themes in this document will strengthen our capacity to provide the kind of education needed to help our students shape a better world for all.


OPPORTUNITIES EXPLORED AT NOTED CANCER INSTITUTE

Dr. Qiangwei Fu, research scientist at the Kabara Cancer Research Institute; Brother Ed Siderewicz, assistant to the president for first-generation and Lasallian initiatives;  Audrey Kintzi, vice president for development; Dr. Carl Simon Shelley, director of hematology/oncology research at the Institute; and Dr. Steven Titus, senior vice president for university advancement.

Exploring potential student research and internship relationships, university officials visited a regional center of medical research that holds great promise for enhancing the undergraduate science programs. On a site visit to the Kabara Cancer Research Institute at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center in La Crosse, the Saint Mary’s group met with senior researchers to explore opportunities for collaboration with university science students, faculty and graduates. The world-class research facility is made possible in large part through the vision and generosity of SMU trustee and benefactor Betty Kabara and the foundation she started with her late husband and SMU alum, Jon Kabara ’48.

STUDENTS GIVE INPUT AT SCIENCE VISIONING WORKSHOP

Students, current and former faculty, and staff participated in a two-day workshop to surface ideas for future excellence. “What Works: Shaping a Vision for the Sciences at Saint Mary’s University” was led by facilitators including alum Jim Gentile ’68, Ph.D., who took participants through a series of case studies and exercises to tease out a future vision and concrete steps to achieve that vision. Themes that emerged included interdisciplinary approach, technology focus, collaboration across departments and campuses, integration with employers in the private and public sector, and leveraging our extraordinary talent and natural resources. Ideas from the workshop are being considered by the university’s Science Vision Task Force.

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.
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