Saint Mary’s University inaugurates Brother William Mann as 13th president

WINONA, Minn. — Saint Mary’s University inaugurated its 13th president, Brother William Mann, FSC, in front of a crowd of 1,200 on Friday, Sept. 26.

The celebration, which centered around the theme, “Lasallian Education – a World of Difference,” was held at Saint Mary’s Winona campus. Faculty, staff, students, parents, alumni and community members were invited to inauguration events.

During his convocation remarks, Brother William announced the university’s plan to explore further efforts to make Saint Mary’s more affordable to mid- and lower-income families through an expansion of the Brother James Miller Program for Access. He also announced the creation of a new Institute for Lasallian Studies in Saint Mary’s Schools of Graduate and Professional Programs, through which students can receive graduate degrees in Lasallian studies and Lasallian educational leadership on masters and doctoral levels, beginning this spring and summer.

“As a Lasallian university, Saint Mary’s is in a privileged position to be able to contribute to the vitality and the excellence of the global Lasallian educational network,” he said. “As we’re seeing in Washington today, tomorrow is not good enough. Today is the day to begin to address the empowerment of our laity in the future of the Church, the future of this institution and the future of this Lasallian family.

“Let no one doubt that this Lasallian Catholic university — under the protection and the inspiration of Mary, our patroness, and of John Baptist de La Salle, the patron of teachers — stands committed to educate and inform our students and to forge partnerships with our families, our alums, our benefactors, our friends and all people of good will,” Brother William said, “to educate students to be the agents of global transformation, to be part of the solution and not part of the problems that plague society in these opening years of the 21st century.”

Convocation participants included Winona Bishop Bernard Harrington; Harry J. Flynn, archbishop emeritus of Saint Paul and Minneapolis; David Laird Jr., president of Minnesota Private College Council; James Johnson, president of Minnesota State College-Southeast Technical; Judith Ramaley, president of Winona State University; De La Salle Christian Brothers General Councillors Brother Claude Reinhardt and Brother Robert Schieler; and Brother Francis Carr, provincial of the Midwest District of the Brothers of the Christian Schools.

Brother Louis DeThomasis, chancellor and president emeritus, presented Brother William with the president’s medallion, and special recognition was given to the many Christian Brothers in attendance, in honor of the 75th anniversary of the arrival of the Brothers at Saint Mary’s.
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Brother William Mann is the former Vicar General of the De La Salle Christian Brothers. As Vicar General, he was the second-highest officer of the international Catholic teaching order that comprises 5,300 Christian Brothers, working in association with 73,000 lay educators to operate 930 schools and universities serving 900,000 students in 82 countries.

Brother William has spent almost 30 years traveling around the country and the world as a leader in the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools, and as a guiding force in the evolution of the Lasallian educational global network.

A native of New York City, Brother William joined the Christian Brothers in 1965. He began his career as an English and religion teacher, working from 1970-79 at two Christian Brother high schools in New York and Rhode Island. He then held positions directing Christian Brother formation for the Long Island-New England Province and USA/Toronto Region, and from 1990-96 he was International Secretary of Formation in Rome. He later served as Delegate Superior for India, and as Provincial for the LI-NE Province, which operates 10 educational institutions in New York City and Rhode Island.

He served on the Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota Board of Trustees from 1996-2001.

Brother William is a noted scholar and writer on the life and teachings of John Baptist de La Salle, founder of the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools and the patron saint of educators. He has authored and edited numerous publications examining De La Salle’s writings and spirituality, putting them into context for Lasallian educators in today’s world.

Reel Big Fish to headline Oct. 9 concert at Saint Mary’s

WINONA, Minn. — Reel Big Fish, a horn-driven ska punk band from California, will headline a Thursday, Oct. 9, concert at Saint Mary’s University.

Doors to the SMU gym will open at 6 p.m.; an opening band (Danger is my Middle Name) will perform at 7 p.m., and Reel Big Fish will take the stage at 8 p.m.

Reel Big Fish is best known for the 1997 hit “Sell Out.” The band gained mainstream recognition during the 1990s. In 1998, the band appeared in the movie BASEketball, performing in the stands to pump up the crowd.

Their performance at SMU connects their tours in Canada and Brazil.

Tickets are $15 for the general public. Saint Mary’s University students will be admitted for free and have the option of purchasing a $10 additional ticket. SMU faculty and staff also pay $10. Tickets are available via the SMU Box Office, (507) 457-1715 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, or online at www.smumn.edu/concert.

The event is hosted by SMU’s Student Activities Committee.

Saint Mary’s invites public to Fall Frolic Sept. 27

WINONA, Minn. — The public is invited to participate in the 21st Fall Frolic 5K fun run/walk, to be held during Saint Mary’s University’s Family Weekend on Saturday, Sept. 27. The event, held annually, is free to SMU students, faculty and staff, but is open to the community as well. Typically close to 500 people participate; competitors of all levels (including walkers) are welcome.

Registration will run from 8 to 9:30 a.m. in SMU’s Toner Student Center. The race begins at 10 a.m. The $8 cost includes a T-shirt.

Participants will enjoy the beautiful bluff trails of SMU’s Winona campus. Registration forms — as well as a complete weekend schedule — are available online at www.smumn.edu/familyweekend.

Family Weekend, which runs Sept. 26-28, includes a full slate of activities for families of students and the SMU community. In previous years, as many as 1,000 visitors have come onto campus for Family Weekend music and theatre events, sporting events, the Fall Frolic, and other games and activities.

Saint Mary’s Page Series opens with Compañia Flamenco Oct. 8

WINONA, Minn. — Saint Mary’s University’s Page Series will come alive with music, fiery footwork and brilliant costumes when Compañia Flamenco José Porcel takes the stage Wednesday, Oct. 8.

Known for their superb flamenco performances, José Porcel and his company of talented dancers will bring an explosion of rhythms, colors and emotions of the Spanish people to SMU’s Page Theatre, beginning at 7:30 p.m.

A flamenco performance gives spectators an overwhelming sensation of happiness — a joyful and sensual mood that no other form of dance is capable of evoking. The October program features eight dances, ranging from electrifying solos by Porcel to larger pieces for the company of eight men and women. In addition, the audience will be treated to live performances by a musical ensemble and traditional flamenco singers.

Tickets for the Page Theatre performance are $22, $18 for seniors, $18 for students, and are available by calling the SMU Box Office, (507) 457-1715, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, or online at www.pagetheatre.org.

Ernesto Calvo, Compañia Flamenco Jose Porcel’s road manager, will present a free pre-show presentation, beginning at 6:30 p.m. in Figuilo Recital Hall, located adjacent to Page Theatre. Calvo will introduce flamenco, its history and place in Iberian culture. He will also provide insights into the evening’s performance, including styles, forms, and historical aspects of the dance and music.

Saint Mary’s invites nonprofits to submit ‘to-do’ lists for ‘Make a Difference Day’

WINONA, Minn. — In recognition of national “Make a Difference Day,” Saint Mary’s University’s Volunteer Services group is inviting Winona nonprofit agencies to submit requests for service.

Do you need someone to help with your fall cleaning, to rake leaves, to do some painting, or to help with construction? Approximately 150 Saint Mary’s University students will be teamed up from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. to help groups and organizations on Saturday, Oct. 25, in recognition of “Make a Difference Day.”

Saint Mary’s will supply the workers, if you supply the materials needed (paint, brushes, rakes, tools, etc.).

“Make a Difference Day” is the most encompassing national day of helping others, a celebration of neighbors helping neighbors. Created by USA WEEKEND magazine, this annual event takes place on the fourth Saturday of every October. SMU is proud to join the millions of people throughout the nation who are participating.

To register your request, please call Katie LaPlant at (507) 457-6936 or e-mail volunteerservices @smumn.edu.

Kaplan commissioned piece to highlight SMU Concert Band, choirs concert Sept. 27

Marc Berntstein

WINONA, Minn. — The SMU Concert Band and three SMU choral ensembles will combine talents for a Family Weekend performance at 2 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 27, in Page Theater.

The concert will mark the world premiere performance of “Ashkenazi Fathers,” composed for the SMU Concert Band by internationally recognized jazz saxophonist Marc Bernstein through the support of the Sam and Helen Kaplan Foundation. “Ashkenazi Fathers” is a celebration of the Jewish faith, especially the role fathers, grandfathers and great-grandfathers play in the lives of their children.

This performance marks fifth in a series of commissions by the SMU Concert Band through the Helen and Sam Kaplan Foundation, which supports performances and activities led by Jewish artists and scholars that are designed to increase cultural and religious understanding at Saint Mary’s.

Bernstein will present a special composer’s conversation, just prior to the performance, at 1:30 p.m. Saturday in Page Theatre. During this conversation, the composer will discuss the cultural inspiration for his piece and the evolution of his work.

The audience is also invited to join the performers for a reception honoring Bernstein after the concert.

Bernstein will travel from his home in Denmark to Saint Mary’s the week prior to the performance to serve in residency. He will rehearse with the band and work with SMU students in a variety of classes and rehearsals.

Bernstein, born in Brooklyn, N.Y, graduated from the Berklee College of Music in 1984. Inspired great saxophonists and jazz artists, Bernstein pursued a career in music. He recorded his first CD in 1985, and was a regular performer in New York City. He began playing overseas, and gained notoriety in Denmark, where he was offered a spot with Klüvers Big Band. Bernstein relocated to Copenhagen, Denmark; he left the band in 1996 to go solo, and has since released numerous CD recordings. He is on the faculty of the Danish Conservatory of Music. For more information go to www.marcmusic.info.

The Concert Band, under the direction of Dr. Janet Heukeshoven, will open with Steven Reineke’s “Celebration Fanfare,” an exciting new work published just last year. Next the ensemble will play the hauntingly beautiful “As Summer was Just Beginning” — subtitled “Song for James Dean” — written by Larry Daehn in memory of actor James Byron Dean, who was tragically killed in a car accident at age 24 after a brief film career including “East of Eden,” “Rebel Without a Cause” and “Giant.” “Ashkenazi Fathers” will conclude the first half of the Concert Band performance. A Saint Mary’s jazz combo will join the concert band for the premiere, and Bernstein will serve as the featured soprano saxophone soloist.

The second half of the concert features the SMU Concert Choir and Chamber Singers, under the direction of Dr. Patrick O’Shea, joined by the Women’s Choir, directed by Lindsy O’Shea. Choral selections will include works by Schumann, Morley, Hassler, Nystedt, Mulholland, and choral arrangements by Philip Lawson and Bob Chilcott of the King’s Singers.

Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for students or seniors and are available at the Performance Center Box Office, 457-1715, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays or online at www.pagetheatre.org.

Saint Mary’s students to present jazz concert Sept. 26

WINONA, Minn. — Two Saint Mary’s University jazz groups, under the direction of Dr. John Paulson, will kick off the year with a concert 6 p.m. Friday, Sept. 26, in Figliulo Recital Hall — in conjunction with SMU’s Family Weekend.

Internationally recognized jazz saxophonist Marc Bernstein — at SMU through the Helen and Sam Kaplan Foundation — will join students onstage.

Bernstein, born in Brooklyn, N.Y, graduated from the Berklee College of Music in 1984. Inspired great saxophonists and jazz artists, Bernstein pursued a career in music. He recorded his first CD in 1985, and was a regular performer in New York City. He began playing overseas, and gained notoriety in Denmark, where he was offered a spot with Klüvers Big Band. Bernstein relocated to Copenhagen, Denmark; he left the band in 1996 to go solo, and has since released numerous CD recordings. He is on the faculty of the Danish Conservatory of Music. For more information, go to www.marcmusic.info.

The 18-piece Jazz Ensemble and six-piece Jazz Combo I will perform from 6 to 7 p.m.

Jazz Combo I will play popular selections from the swing era and contemporary jazz. Student soloists in the combo include alto saxophonist Vanessa Grams of Little Falls, guitarist Sam Courtier of Red Wing, and Tom Briese on trombone from Rochester. The big band will play favorites from big band classics as well as new selections from today’s greatest arrangers. Student soloists in the big band include Peter Waldorf of Bloomington, Ill., on trumpet along with Courtier and Briese.

A jazz combo will also perform as part of the SMU Concert Band and Choirs performance 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 27, in Page Theatre as part of the world premiere performance of “Ashkenazi Fathers,” composed for the SMU Concert Band by Bernstein. This performance marks fifth in a series of commissions by the SMU Concert Band through the Helen and Sam Kaplan Foundation, which supports performances and activities led by Jewish artists and scholars that are designed to increase cultural and religious understanding at Saint Mary’s.

Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for students or seniors and are available at the Performance Center Box Office, 457-1715, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays or online at www.pagetheatre.org.

Saint Mary’s prof to discuss ‘The War Over War Powers’

WINONA, Minn. — Dr. David Lynch, chair and associate professor Saint Mary’s University’s Department of Social Science, will present “The War Over War Powers” 7 p.m. Monday, Sept. 15, at the Toner Student Center’s President’s Room. The talk will examine the tension between Congress and the President over the authority to use force. The event — which falls near Constitution Day (Sept. 17) — is free and open to the public.

Saint Mary's to host guest pianist Kevin Ayesh Sept. 20

WINONA, Minn. — Saint Mary’s University guest pianist Dr. Kevin Ayesh will present a free recital at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 20, in Figliulo Recital Hall, located in the SMU Performance Center. Ayesh has performed throughout the United States and has been the head of the Music Department at Blue Ridge Community College in Flat Rock, N.C., since 1992. As a North Carolina Visiting Artist, he appeared before thousands across that state between 1988 and 1992, performing as many as 100 recitals in a season.

During the past two seasons, Ayesh has performed and given master classes at Washington State University, Portland State University, Colorado State University, the University of Kentucky, the University of Tennessee, the University of Nebraska at Kearney, the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, the University of Rhode Island, Brevard Community College in Florida, and the Elkader Opera House in Elkader, Iowa.

Ayesh is the recipient of many prizes, including the Naftzger Piano Award and Baltimore Music Club Award; he also won both the JCC Baltimore Piano Competition and the Maryland State Music Teachers’ Elizabeth R. Davis Memorial Piano Competition. He has been a finalist in several national and international competitions, was awarded second prize at the Wideman (Shreveport Symphony) Piano Competition, and won both third prize and Composer's Prize at the New Orleans International Piano Competition.

Saint Mary's University reports record enrollment for Winona campus undergraduates

WINONA, Minn. — Official 10th-day-of-class statistics at the Saint Mary's University Winona campus show a total undergraduate record enrollment of 1,413 — up 4.7 percent from last year’s total of 1,350. The previous record was set in 2002, when Saint Mary’s reported a total Winona undergraduate enrollment of 1,376.

This year’s total of 1,413 includes 1,334 full-time Winona-campus undergraduates and 79 part-time students.

A total of 404 freshmen are enrolled this fall. The freshman class is the second-highest in Saint Mary’s history; the highest was recorded in 1988.

Enrollment in the Saint Mary's University Schools of Graduate and Professional Programs will be released later this fall.

Saint Mary’s University to stage comedy ‘Bus Stop’ Sept. 25-28

WINONA, Minn. — Despite being trapped in a howling snowstorm, weary bus travelers find love and romance in a cheerful roadside diner during the Saint Mary’s University Department of Theatre Arts production of “Bus Stop” Sept. 25-28, coinciding with SMU’s Family Weekend.

In this playful romantic comedy, written by William Inge and directed by Judy Myers, Cherie, a young and pretty nightclub singer has been kidnapped by a lovesick 21-year-old cowboy with a ranch of his own (and the romantic methods of an unusually headstrong bull). Romances blossom as audiences are introduced to a roomful of colorful characters including an inebriated English professor, a virtuous bus driver and many more.

Performances are scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday, Sept. 25, 26 and 27. A matinee performance is planned for 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 28.

Tickets for the performance — to be held in the Page Theatre — are $10, $5 for students and seniors and are available at the Performance Center Box office, 457-1715, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays or online at www.pagetheatre.org.

The SMU Theatre Department has changed one of its previously announced productions for the upcoming school year. New to the schedule is “Playhouse Creatures” written by April DeAngelis, directed by Dr. Steven Bouler — to be presented at the Valéncia Academy Theatre, Nov. 6-9.

Previously purchased tickets for the production “She Stoops To Conquer” which is replaced by “Playhouse Creatures” will be honored; contact the Performance Center Box Office at Ext.1715.

Saint Mary’s art galleries to feature unique computer illustration series

California artist Tom Lundquist will display images from his “Poissons de Chant” series — including #29 “Pursued by sheep, Joey Poisson adopts a desperate strategy” — Sept. 26 through Oct. 31 at Saint Mary’s University.

WINONA, Minn. — Tom Lundquist, a Minneapolis native and faculty member at Santa Monica College, Calif., will display images from his “Poissons de Chant” series Sept. 26 through Oct. 31 at Saint Mary’s University’s Lillian Davis Hogan Galleries.

Lundquist’s digital image series illustrates the adventures of a mythical troupe of singing fish from Montreal. Most of the characters are production assistants, agents, accountants, or animal performers that work for the fish. The elaborate narrative suggested in the prints doesn't really exist. Though a number of people have suggested that Lundquist write a story to go with the illustrations, he says the only thing he really enjoys doing is making pictures. Lundquist has created an intricate fantasy world that will test your imagination. To learn more about Lundquist’s work, go to http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/tomlundquist.

The galleries are located in the Toner Student Center. Admission is free and open to the public, and gallery hours are 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. For more information, call (507) 457-1652.

Five Saint Mary’s athletes to be honored during Cardinal ‘M’ Club weekend

Five members are being inducted into the Hall of Fame including: Jen Garin, Brad Wiley, Katie Kortsch, Dick Kuehl and Duane Kuehl (posthumously).

The Saint Mary’s University Cardinal ‘M’ Club, in association with the Alumni Office, will induct five members into the SMU Sports Hall of Fame during Cardinal ‘M’ Club Weekend Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 13-14.


The Hall of Fame Class of 2008 — Jen Garin ’99 (fastpitch softball), Dick Kuehl ’57 (baseball), Duane Kuehl ’58 (baseball) posthumously, Katie Kortsch ’95 (women's soccer) and Brad Wiley ’90 (men's hockey) — will be honored during a ceremony Saturday evening, Sept. 13, in the SMU gymnasium.


Along with the induction of this year’s Hall of Fame class, Saturday’s ceremony will also honor former men’s hockey coach and athletic director Don Olson for his 32 years of dedicated service to the university. SMU’s 2007-08 postseason award-winners, as well as last year’s outstanding male and female athletes, and outstanding scholar athletes, will also be recognized. The weekend festivities conclude on Sunday with various alumni games held on the SMU campus.


SMU HALL OF FAME, CLASS OF 2008

Jen Garin ’99 (fastpitch softball): A first-team All-American in 1997, Jen Garin was a four-year starter on the Saint Mary’s University fastpitch softball team. Garin was an honorable-mention All-MIAC selection in 1996 and 1999, while earning first-team all-conference and first-team All-West Region honors in 1997. A GTE Academic All-American as a junior in 1998, Garin was a member of three straight conference championship teams in 1997, 1998 and 1999, while also serving as an assistant coach for the 2000 NCAA Division III national championship team. She ranks No. 1 in career batting average (.426) and career hits (214), while ranking second in career RBIs (132) and third in career total bases (296).



Dick Kuehl ’57 (baseball): Dick Kuehl, a member of two Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference champions in 1954 and 1957, remains among the top statistical players in Saint Mary’s baseball history, ranking sixth in career slugging percentage (.645) and 12th in career batting average (.365). Kuehl also ranked seventh in the nation in slugging percentage (.825) and 16th in batting average (.460), while playing errorless in the field during his senior season in 1957. Upon graduation, Kuehl signed with the Pittsburgh Pirates.


Duane Kuehl ’58 (baseball / posthumously): Duane Kuehl played on Saint Mary’s 1957 Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference championship team and currently ranks eighth in career RBIs (75), and 20th in career total bases (147) and career batting average (.336). During his junior season in 1957, Kuehl ranked 12th in the nation in slugging percentage and 56th in the nation with a .418 batting average. Upon graduation, Kuehl spent time in the St. Louis Cardinals organization.



Katie Kortsch ’95 (women’s soccer): A three-time All-Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference pick, Katie Kortsch was a first-team All-American in 1994, while also earning first-team All-West Region honors in 1993 and 1994, and second team All-West Region honors in 1992. Primarily a defender, Kortsch closed out her collegiate career ranking fourth in career assists (27) and 10th in career points (67).


Brad Wiley ’90 (men’s hockey): A two-time All-Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference selection, Brad Wiley was a first-team All-American in 1990, after earning second-team All-American honors in 1989. Wiley finished his collegiate career with 123 career goals, ranking him second all-time, while his 182 career points are fifth all-time.