SMU community members receive student life awards

Zhe “Scott” Song of Xi’an, China received the Student Service Award from Chris Kendall,
vice president for Student Life.

Outstanding students, faculty and staff were honored at the annual Student Life Awards Ceremony. Awards were given to those who made a positive impact on student life at SMU, including: Brother Finbar McMullen Award (for unselfishly meeting the needs of undergraduate students) — Brendan Dolan, Student Life graduate assistant and residence hall director; Charlene “Char” Tjaden Outstanding Resident Assistant — Stephanie Valentine; Club and Organization Advisor of the Year — Dr. Jeanne Minnerath; Organization of the Year — International Students Club; 

Intramural Official of the Year — Amanda Mueller; Volunteer of the Year — Beth Leister; Outstanding Student Senator — Vanessa Grams; Winona Community Service — Emily Merchlewitz; Brother James Miller Award (for a student who has spread the compassion of God and served the community) — Betsy Baertlein; Student Service Award — Zhe “Scott” Song; Outdoor Leadership Recognition Award — Gary Borash and Betsy Baertlein; Brother Charlie Burke Award (for a faculty or staff member who has made significant contributions to the Student Life office and promoted the growth of the whole student) — Jason Richter.

See photos from this event.

Fundraisers benefit Haitians and a fellow student

Students were "freezin' for a reason" at the Cardinal Plunge.

The Saint Mary’s community found creative ways to raise over $5,000 to benefit earthquake victims in Haiti and a fellow student in need.

Proceeds from the first “Cardinal Plunge” were split between Haiti relief and the family of Michael Mockler, a sophomore undergoing treatment for a brain tumor. More than 120 brave souls and warm hearts jumped into Lake Goodview, while 300 of the less-brave offered moral support. (See video of the event.)

Sales of the “Red Card,” a Winona business discount program devised and executed by students in our Entrepreneurship class, will benefit the Haiti Medical Mission of Wisconsin.

Other Haiti benefit efforts included: a faculty/staff chili cookoff; “Hope for  Haiti” student carnival hosted by volunteer mentors; “Dance for Haiti” sponsored by Campus Ministry; “Open Mic Night” in the Cardinal Club; a jewelry sale; and the “International Showcase” of student musical talent sponsored by the Inter-Cultural Awareness Association and the International Students Club. (See video of the event.)

Mayo program a great experience for students

Nine Saint Mary’s students received the educational opportunity of a lifetime through the Mayo Innovation Scholars Program (MISP). For the past five months, these students contributed to innovative medical research, associated with the world’s most prestigious health care system.

Saint Mary’s participants included: business majors Boya Hu, Agnieszka Kadej, Brittany Peterson and Matt Wilgenbusch; computer science major Emily Friedl; and biological sciences majors Melissa Wolf, Caitlin O’Conner, Thomas Briese and Phil Thomas.

The Mayo Innovation Scholars Program, now in its fourth year, is an opportunity for selected MBA students and undergraduate science and business students to research projects submitted by Mayo Clinic professionals through the Mayo Clinic Office of Intellectual Property. The Minnesota Private College Council helps to coordinate the program. MISP connects students from biology, chemistry, math, physics, pre-med and business and helps prepare them for careers in hospitals, medical research institutions and health care agencies.

Report shows Saint Mary’s athletes excel in classroom

For any student-athlete, statistics help tell the story of their individual or team successes. For members of the 21 varsity intercollegiate sports at Saint Mary’s, one statistic stands out above all the rest — 3.11. That’s the overall SMU student-athlete grade point average for fall semester, as calculated by Saint Mary’s institutional research.

The university is proud of the accomplishments of our student-athletes on and off the field of competition.  Of the 21 varsity teams, 16 boasted a team GPA of 3.00 or higher, with the women’s track and field (3.53) and the men’s cross country (3.43) leading the charge.

Of the 325 current student-athletes — who make up 25 percent of SMU’s full-time undergraduate population — 15 had perfect 4.0 GPAs, while 73 were named to the dean’s list with GPAs of 3.60 or above, and 182 finished the fall semester at 3.00 or higher. In addition, the men’s and women’s cross country teams earned U.S. Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association All-Academic Team honors.

Valentine selected for prestigious research program

Stephanie Valentine

Stephanie Valentine, a junior computer science major, has been selected to receive a fully funded summer research opportunity. Stephanie will participate in the CDC/CRA-W Distributed Research Experiences for Undergraduates (DREU). One of 80 students selected from 500 applicants, she will do research with Prof. Tracy Hammond of Texas A&M University.

DREU is a highly selective program that matches promising undergraduates with a faculty mentor for a summer research experience at the faculty member's home institution. DREU’s objective is to increase the number of women and students from underrepresented groups entering graduate studies in the fields of computer science and engineering.

Athletes receive post-season honors

From left to right: Andrew Brueggen, Lukas Holland, Will Wright & Chris Palmer.

Several fall and winter athletes have received post-season accolades. Andrew Brueggen became Saint Mary's first-ever male All-American in track and field, placing fourth in the weight throw at the NCAA Division III Indoor National Championships. (See video of the event.) Junior men’s basketball players Lukas Holland and Will Wright were named first-team All-MIAC. Freshman Chris Palmer was named honorable mention and selected to the All-First Year Team. Chris was also named D3hoops.com West Region Rookie of the Year.

From left to right: Jess Miller, Jessica Thone, Dy-anna Stewart, Stevie Fiek & Kaye Collier.

In women’s basketball, junior Jess Miller was named first-team All-MIAC, and freshman Jessica Thone was selected to the All-First Year Team. Junior Dy-anna Stewart, sophomore Stevie Fiek and freshman Kaye Collier were named first-team All-MIAC for women’s hockey; Kaye was also named to the All-Rookie Team.

Student researchers display results at the Capitol

Ryan Soukoup discussed his research with Minnesota Lt. Governor Carol Molnau.

Three SMU students, along with their faculty advisors, went to the Minnesota State Capitol Rotunda on February 25 to present the results of their independent research and creative scholarship at the annual Minnesota Private College “Scholars at the Capitol” event.

Keith Fahrforth & Michelle Hermes displayed their research findings.

The event showcased current research projects completed by 34 undergraduate scholars from Minnesota private colleges and universities. Saint Mary’s students attending this year’s event included: Ryan Soukoup, presenting on “Cultural Change and the Dakota Uprising”; and Keith Fahrforth and Michelle Hermes, presenting on “The Effects of Atrazine on Pack Cell Volume, Gender and Development of Gallus Gallus.”

The MPCC hosted the event to publicize and celebrate the achievements of just a few of the many thousands of students who attend private schools of higher learning in Minnesota, and to share research that may have long-term implications for Minnesotans.

Heritage celebrated during De La Salle Week

Brother William with the Outstanding Senior finalists, from left to right: (front) Zhe “Scott” Song, Sarah Weir, Molly Jewison, Mariana Sanchez, Mary Gleich & Vanessa Grams; (back) David Dahlstrom, Bill Duffert, Brian Smith & Gary Borash.

The university celebrated its Lasallian heritage with a variety of special events during De La Salle Week — February 7 through March 6 — designed to engage students and deepen understanding. A highlight of the week was the Founder’s Day ceremony, the annual celebration of the founding of Saint Mary’s by Bishop Patrick Heffron in 1912, and of the university’s ongoing Lasallian heritage.

Dr. Carmelita Quebengco, executive vice president and chief operating officer of De La Salle Philippines, was presented an honorary doctorate for her work in the achievement of excellence in Lasallian higher education. She addressed the audience about developing effectiveness in a Lasallian university.

Mary Becker received the university’s Bishop Patrick Heffron Award for Service. As the administrative assistant to the president  since 1993, she has provided a daily example of service and commitment to our mission.

Brother Stephen Rusyn, FSC, Ph.D., was named this year’s Distinguished Lasallian Educator. Brother Stephen is a long-time professor of English who was chosen because of his attention and dedication to students.

The 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 David Dahlstrom, son of William and Rosanne Dahlstrom of Rochester, Minn. David is an accounting and human resource management major who also plays varsity baseball. The Outstanding Female Senior Award went to Mariana Sanchez, daughter of Jaime and Bernadette Sanchez, of Puebla, Mexico. Mariana is a graphic design major and a member of the varsity golf and soccer teams. (See video of the event.)

The following students were finalists for the 2010 Outstanding Senior Awards. Males: Gary Borash, son of Ron and Ann Borash of North Prairie, Minn.; Bill Duffert, son of Doug and Anne Duffert of Ramsey, Minn.; Zhe “Scott” Song, son of Shiqi Song and Haizhan Liu of Xi’an, China; and Brian Smith, son of Brad and Sue Smith of Minneapolis, Minn. Females: Mary Gleich, daughter of Peter '83 and Kathleen (Marek '83) Gleich, of Hastings, Minn.; Vanessa Grams, daughter of Jean and Gregg Grams of Little Falls, Minn.; Molly Jewison, daughter of Dan and Marie Jewison of Janesville, Minn.; and Sarah Weir, daughter of Glenn and Veronica Weir of Oswego, Ill.

Connect with Saint Mary's via online social media

The undergraduate College features student life videos on its YouTube channel.

We thought you would like to see some of the ways that Saint Mary's has a "social media" presence on the Internet. Recently, we have developed YouTube "channels" as a place to collect videos about SMU students and activities. There is a Winona campus channel, a sports channel, and a graduate programs channel. Saint Mary's has many Facebook groups and profiles, but listed below are the main, official pages. There are also Twitter accounts maintained by Sports Information and the SGPP, as well as an alumni group on LinkedIn. These features can be accessed directly; many are also linked from our main website and the sports website.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
YOUTUBE:
SMU Winona channel:  www.youtube.com/smuWinona
Sports channel:  www.youtube.com/smusid
SGPP channel:  www.youtube.com/smusgpp
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
FACEBOOK:
Main Saint Mary's public profile:  www.facebook.com/smumn
Sports public profile:  www.facebook.com/saintmaryssports
Alumni public profile:  www.facebook.com/smumnalumni
Office of Activities group
Big Red Cardinal profile
Class of 2014 group
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
TWITTER:
Sports:  http://twitter.com/SMUSID
TC Campus SGPP:  http://twitter.com/smugradprograms
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
LINKEDIN:
Saint Mary's University Alumni group
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Christmas greetings from Brother William

“Because we know that Jesus Christ is going to come to us today and we recognize him for who he is, let us prepare for him a dwelling place worthy of him.”

With these words, our founder, John Baptist de La Salle, reminds us of the true meaning of Christmas. My Christmas wish for each of you is that you may find the gift of Christmas in your own hearts and homes during this holiday season.

A blessed Christmas to you and your families, and health and peace in the New Year.

– Brother William

Candles light the way to Christmas ceremonies

Students carried candles out into the cold night after the December 10 Christmas light service in the Saint Thomas More Chapel. Shown are Kelly Holt and Peter Snell. Many students attended a tree-lighting ceremony on the plaza, which included the blessing of a new life-sized nativity scene.

Faculty treat students to Pre-Finals Breakfast

Following the December 10 tree-lighting and chapel service, the Office of Academic Affairs and Chartwells Food Service sponsored the traditional Pre-Finals Christmas Breakfast for students. The late-night breakfast treat was served by about 25 faculty in the Toner Student Center dining hall, including (above) Tycho de Boer, Jana Schrenkler and Daniel Olsen. This popular event was attended by over 800 students.

During the Pre-Finals Breakfast, everyone was invited to join students in singing Christmas carols, and Santa made an appearance. The breakfast provided students a welcomed break from studying for final exams.

Seniors honored at December reception

The Offices of Student Development and Academic Affairs sponsored a Senior Class Gathering on December 3 in the Toner Student Center lounge. Guests enjoyed beverages and hors d'oeuvres and mingled with faculty, staff and administrators. The event is held to honor all senior students, with special recognition for seniors completing their academic work this December. Brother William, President, is shown congratulating Ye Zhang.

Biology students receive TriBeta research grants

Five Saint Mary’s University biology students were awarded the National Biology Honor society Beta Beta Beta Research Foundation research scholarships including, from left: Brianna Braun, Angela Lager, John Fox, Ashley Loos and Hilary Framke.



Each student submitted a proposal for his or her senior research project outlining the objectives of the research and a budget. The students, their projects and their research advisors are: Hilary Framke, “Physiological responses to crude extract of Noturus gyrinus pectoral spine toxin,” Dr. Randy Krainock, advisor;
 Ashley Loos, “The response of Micropterus salmides to venom produced by Noturus gyrinus,” Dr. Krainock, advisor;
 John Fox, “The effects of tissue isolation from the fins of Noturus gyrinus on Leponis gibbosus and Mus musculus,” Dr. Jeanne Minnerath, advisor;
 Brianna Braun, “Determining the paternity of Mountain Ash (Sorbus aucuaria) in the bluffs around Winona,” Dr. Phil Cochran and Dr. Debra Martin, advisors;
 Angela Lager, “Genetic variation between and within local populations of timber rattlesnakes, Crotalus horridus,” Dr. Martin and Dr. Cochran, advisors.

Students and alums pitch in for service day

Close to 200 SMU students — joined by five staff members — participated in "Make a Difference Day" on October 24. These volunteers shoveled dirt, moved bricks, hung sheetrock, painted, sorted clothes and assisted with a variety of other work at 35 locations throughout the Winona area. "Make a Difference Day" is a national day for helping others, a celebration of neighbors helping neighbors. Saint Mary’s Volunteer Services group invited Winona nonprofit agencies to submit requests for service.

 Students teamed up and spent their Saturday lending helping hands to local groups and organizations.

That same day, the Saint Mary’s University Alumni Association and its board of directors sponsored a volunteer service day called “Lasallian Day of Service." Numerous groups of alumni came together in the spirit of the Lasallian mission of service to others while participating in service projects in their hometowns and neighborhoods, including Chicago, the Twin Cities and Winona.

Parents and students enjoy Family Weekend

Parents and family members joined students in a brisk run (or walk) during the Family Weekend Fall Frolic on September 26. Open to the public, the annual 5K scamper through campus and in the bluffs typically attracts close to 500 participants. Family Weekend was a time for families to visit campus, have some fun, reconnect with students, and be treated to a variety of student musical, theatrical and athletic performances.

Class project raises money for Humane Society

Students from the Saint Mary’s University entrepreneurship class sold specially designed T-shirts this fall to raise money for the Winona Area Humane Society. Students pictured include, from left, Jake Lechner, Kathleen Pawlowski, Dave Dahlstrom, Lindsey Quinn and Emily Merchlewitz. Their professor, Jana Schrenkler, fourth from left, presented WAHS volunteers Karen Kryzsko, fourth from right, and Tammy Vondrasek, right, with a $600 gift card for office supplies. Also pictured is Trixie.

The first annual Cardinal Pride T-shirt was designed by students Tom Walsh and Caroline Stringer. This project — a lesson in social entrepreneurship — is part of the business department’s focus on promoting and supporting the university’s new entrepreneurship major. Each semester, students choose a local non-profit organization to support with funds from their class-run business.

Reviewers affirm quality of teacher education

Zuber Ali, a graduate of the Master of Arts in Instruction program, was interviewed by the Board of Teaching site visitation team.

Saint Mary’s teacher education programs recently received external confirmation of our efforts toward excellence in teaching and student engagement in learning. A Minnesota Board of Teaching site visitation team came to the Winona campus November 15 to review our undergraduate and graduate teacher licensure programs. The team indicated that it will recommend to the Board of Teaching that the accreditation of our programs be extended to 2017.

The team noted: "The Lasallian mission of Saint Mary's is transparent and threaded through the education programs here. The students recognized the faculty's commitment to social justice in education and indicated how they model that in their constructivist approach to teaching. Students were able to emulate that philosophy in their student teaching experiences, as they differentiated instruction based on the unique need of each learner."

Women's volleyball advances to NCAA tournament

The women’s volleyball team capped a great season with an invitation to the NCAA Division III Central Region tournament in St. Louis. The Cardinals won their first match against Thomas More College, then dropped a hard-fought match to eventual national champion Washington University. SMU finished the year at 22-10 overall.

Sarah Gardner, shown above, was named to the Central Region All-Tournament Team. She was honored by the American Volleyball Coaches Association as first-team All-Central Region, and was named honorable-mention AVCA All-American. Gardner and Jessica Mate were also selected as first-team all-conference.

Alumni and parents are invited to suggest a student

As the holidays provide us opportunities to gather with our family, friends, neighbors and co-workers, we invite you to keep Saint Mary’s University in mind.

Because high school and community college students often look to friends or family members when it is time to make a college decision, we are looking for your help to connect them to SMU. Please consider your child, grandchild, niece, nephew, neighbor, babysitter, friend from church etc. and picture them as a potential student at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota.

An initiative of the SMU Alumni Association, the Suggest a Student referral campaign allows you to send the Admission Office names of current high school and college transfer students. All we need are names and contact information from you, and our staff will do the rest. Our goal is to contact friends and family members of our alumni and parents to continue the SMU legacy.

You are invited to complete the brief online information form at: www.smumn.edu/suggestastudent.