SMU biology students present at Beta Beta Beta meeting

WINONA, Minn. — Five Saint Mary’s University biology students presented their research at the NC-3 Beta Beta Beta district meeting, hosted by the Gamma Eta Chapter at Grand View University on April 17-18, in conjunction with the Iowa Academy of Science held at Des Moines University, Iowa.

The students, their project and their research advisors are:

• Maria Borgerson, “Determination of Genetic Relationship Between Female Phellodendron Chinese in Saint Mary’s Park and Offspring Phellodendron Chinese Found Nearby” — advised by Dr. Debra Martin.

• Nicole Haese, ”The Effects of the Dietary Supplement Laucidin on Blood Glucose Levels of Diabetic Mice” — advised by Dr. Jeanne Minnerath.

• Ben Linder, “Analyzing the M3 Repeat Region of the Induced Nitric Oxide Synthase (iNOS) Gene in Homo Sapiens with Exercised Induced Asthma” — advised by Dr. Martin.

• Melanie Tyler, “Assaying of Lysozyme Inhibitor from Egg-Whites” — advised by Dr. Martin.

• Lori Brunner, “The Mode and Extent of DNA Replication During Endomitosis in Nodules of Leguminous Plants” — advised by Dr. Richard Kowles.

Haese was award first place for the Frank G. Brook Award and Tyler was awarded third place.

Dr. Martin is the Beta Beta Beta district director.

Saint Mary’s faculty, staff participate in summer Lasallian formation programs

WINONA, Minn. — This summer, 14 members of the Saint Mary’s University faculty, staff and administration will participate in national and international Lasallian formation programs sponsored by the Christian Brothers and the larger Lasallian network of educators. This participation is one way Saint Mary’s is responding to the university priority of enhancing the Lasallian Catholic mission and culture.

This summer’s participants are the first beneficiaries of a gift to the university specifically designated for Lasallian education and formation for faculty and staff. At the Founder’s Day Convocation in February, Brother William announced this gift in honor of the 75th anniversary of the Christian Brothers at Saint Mary’s. Although there are fewer Brothers present in Lasallian schools today, including Saint Mary’s, the Lasallian network is committed to the formation and empowerment of lay colleagues, who are truly partners in continuing the work begun by Saint John Baptist de La Salle over 300 years ago.

Seven people will participate in the Buttimer Institute of Lasallian Studies from June 28-July 10, at St. Mary’s College of California. The Buttimer Institute provides a deeper understanding and appreciation of the Lasallian charism through in-depth study of John Baptist de La Salle’s personal journey and the Lasallian spirituality and pedagogy. Two-week sessions are held for three consecutive summers. Attending Buttimer I are Dr. Mark Barber, associate dean of humanities and associate professor of philosophy; Dr. Patrick Barlow, director of college assessment; Gena Bilden, dean of enrollment management and student services - SGPP; and Elizabeth Childs, associate dean for curriculum and assessment - SGPP. Attending for their second summer in Buttimer II will be: Timothy Gossen, dean of students for the College; Linka Holey, associate vice president/academic dean - SGPP; and Mary Thole, coordinator of student services - SGPP.

Four administrators will begin the Lasallian Leadership Institute, a three-year program consisting of a one-week session during the summer (July 19-24) and weekend sessions in the fall and spring. The Lasallian Leadership Institute integrates and promotes the Lasallian heritage in the personal and professional lives of ministry leaders as future catalysts of the Lasallian mission. Beginning Cohort V of the LLI are: James Bedtke, vice president – SGPP and the College; Chris Kendall, vice president for student development; Merri Moody, director of the Graduate School of Health & Human Services - SGPP; and Joseph Sweeney, vice president for development and alumni services.

Saint Mary’s will also have three people in the third International Lasallian University Leadership Program, which will be held June 7-20 at the international center of the Christian Brothers in Rome. The theme of this year’s conference is “Partners in Catholic Lasallian Higher Education: Enhancing Understanding & Eliciting Commitment.” The program is specifically designed to assist universities in their ongoing programs of faculty formation and enrichment. Attending the Rome program are: Dr. Daniel Bucknam, assistant professor of psychology; Rebecca Hopkins, dean of the Graduate School of Education and MAI program director; and Dr. Jack McClure, assistant professor - SGPP. Dr. Roxanne Eubank, SGPP professor and director of the Lasallian Studies Program, is the coordinator of the 2009 IALU Rome program. Dr. Mary Catherine Fox, professor of interdisciplinary studies, is also a member of the IALU staff this summer.

Saint Mary’s presents service awards to students, faculty, staff

WINONA, Minn. — Saint Mary’s University recognized outstanding students, faculty and staff Thursday, April 23, at the Student Life Awards Ceremony. Several awards were handed out to students who made a noticeable impact on student life at SMU. Awards included:

Brother Finbar McMullen Award (Presented to an SMU community member that demonstrates him/herself to be an individual who unselfishly meets the needs of the undergraduate students of Saint Mary's University) — Peggy Walters, Student Development, of Rollingstone, Minn.

Charlene “Char” Tjaden Outstanding Resident Assistant Award — Zhe Song of Xi’an China.

Club and Organization Advisor of the Year — Scott Sorvaag, SMU Education Department, of Winona, for his work with the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD) Club.

Organization of the Year — Laura Holupchinski, Mary Gleich and Andrew Rath, on behalf of the Peace and Justice Club. Holupchinski is the daughter of Greg and Cindy Holupchinski of Saint Paul; Gleich is the daughter of Peter and Kathleen Marek Gleich of Hastings, Minn.; and Rath is the son of Christopher and Christine Rath of Hillsborough, N.J.

Intramural Most Valuable Player — Kevin Halpin, son of Jim and Marie Halpin of Bartlett, Ill.

Volunteer of the Year Award — Derek Wherley, son of Richard and Janice Wherley of Missoula, Mont.

Outstanding Student Senator of the Year Award — Brandon Wanless, son of Michael and Lisa Wanless of Creve Coeur, Ill.

Winona Community Service Award — Anjy Buck, daughter of Patrick and Sharon Buck of Appleton, Wis.

Brother James Miller Award (Presented to a student who has dedicated his/her college experience to promoting the legacy of Brother James Miller, spreading the compassion of God and continually serving the community) — Ryan Langr, son of Kenneth and Cynthia Langr of Coon Rapids, Minn.

Student Service Award — Gary Borash, son of Ron and Ann Borash of Bowlus, Minn.

‘Learn to Lead’ added to summer Saint Mary’s sports camps lineup

WINONA, Minn. — With summer vacation just ahead, now’s the time to register for camps at Saint Mary’s University’s Winona campus. A variety of programs are offered for area youth of all ages including: volleyball, basketball, hockey, swimming, figure skating or the new “Learn to Lead” camp for girls in grades six through eight.

• Learn to Lead camp from July 12-16. Learn to Lead is a new four-day on-campus experience for girls entering grades six, seven and eight in fall 2009. Participants will focus on the discovery of the leader within through fun activities, outdoor adventures and leadership skill development. The camp is being developed in conjunction with the Saint Teresa Leadership and Service Institute for Women at SMU. The cost is $375.

• Girls volleyball camps for girls in grades six through eight is July 19-23, and for grades nine through 12 is July 26-30. Develop as a player and as a person during this residential athletic camp, which focuses on both individual skills and team play. The cost is $375.

• Girls basketball camp for girls in grades five through 10 is July 12-16. This instructional camp gives special attention to the fundamentals of shooting, ball handling, passing and defense. Time is spent developing team concepts as well as offensive and defensive games plans. Each age group is challenged to compete and improve their skills against other campers their age. The cost is $375.

• PDP Hockey School is for girls and boys ages 8 through 18. Squirts, ages 9-10, meet June 28 through July 2; pee wees, ages 11-12, meet June 28 through July 2; boys goalies, ages 8 through 12, meet June 28 through July 2; U-10/U-12 girls meet July 5-9; U-14/high school girls meet July 5-9; and girls goaltenders, ages 8 through 18, meet July 5-9. The five-day residential camp cost is $595. Contact Bill Moore at (651) 442-7306 or pdphockeyschool@comcast.net.

• Mid-States Swim Camp meets June 14-18 and June 21-25. The five-day residential camp is $540. Contact midsts@nconnect.net.

• “Turning Point” Figure Skating Camp meets July 19-22 and 20-21. The cost for the four-day residential camp is $575. For the day camp, the cost is $125 per day or $225 for both days. Contact John Meier at (507) 452-5305 or winonafigureskating@charter.net.

*Registration for PDP Hockey, Mid-States Swim and Turning Point Figure Skating must be done through these individual camps. Although the camps are hosted on the SMU campus, SMU is not handing registration or payment.

For more information, go to www.smumn.edu/camps. Register and pay online, or call 800-635-5987, Ext. 6921 or (507) 457-6921.

Saint Mary’s seniors honored at ceremony

WINONA, Minn. — Saint Mary’s University recognized outstanding senior students Wednesday, April 22, at the annual Senior Academic Honors Banquet. Highlights of the evening included the announcement of graduate and professional school acceptances, grants and fellowships, and the awarding of the following special honors:

American Institute of Chemists Award (chemistry award) — Bethany Kaufmann, daughter of Keith and Ann Kaufmann of Green Bay, Wis., and Emily Mason, daughter of James and Kelly Mason of Rochester, Minn.

American Chemical Society Award (chemistry award) — James Mazzuca, son of James and Ann Mazzuca of Maple Grove, Minn.

Wall Street Journal Award/Business Student of the Year (business award) — Jakub Szymanski, son of Ryszard and Marianna Szymanski of Opole, Poland.

Kevin Martineau Award (business award) — Amanda Wiste, daughter of Daniel and Cheryl Wiste of Spring Grove, Minn.

Outstanding Accounting Major (business award) — Radoslaw Tomczak, son of Zbigniew Tomczak of Dolnoslaskie, Poland.

Outstanding International Business Major (business award) — Leah Hoglin, daughter of Jeffrey and Mary Hoglin of Burnsville, Minn.

Outstanding Management Major (business award) — Amanda Wiste, daughter of Dan and Cheryl Wiste of Spring Grove, Minn.

Outstanding Marketing Major (business award) — Holly Roffler, daughter of Merle and Susan Roffler of Pepin, Wis.

Saint Thomas Aquinas Award for Excellence in Philosophy (philosophy award) — Thomas Otto, son of Donald and Charlene Otto of Chillicothe, Ill.

Grove Bree Holman Award (theatre arts award) — Anthony Freeman, son of J. Mike and Joann Freeman of Aurora, Ill.

Michael G. Flanagan Award (theatre arts award) — John Montecalvo, son of John and Lisa Montecalvo of North Providence, R.I.

Brother Leo Northam Award (mathematics award) — Angela Buck, daughter of Patrick and Sharon Buck of Appleton, Wis.; and Kristi Recke, daughter of Richard and Therese Recke of Edina, Minn.

Distinction in Studies/Academic Work (social sciences award) — Sarah Windschitl, daughter of Bernard and Bernadette Windschitl of Houston, Minn.

Distinction in Studies/Academic Work-Social Activism (social sciences award) — Laura Holupchinski, daughter of Greg and Cindy Holupchinski of St. Paul, Minn.

Future Alumni Committee Scholarship — Sarah St. Laurent, daughter of Linda St. Laurent of Riverside, R.I.

Lasallian Honors Program Outstanding Senior Awards — Neil Leibundguth, son of William and Laura Leibundguth of Westchester, Ill.; and Sarah Mueller, daughter of Gregory and Kathy Mueller of Bloomington, Minn.

Dance Repertory Company to present annual spring concert May 15-16 at SMU

WINONA, Minn. — The 2008-09 performance season at Saint Mary’s University concludes with the Dance Repertory Company’s annual spring concert, “Time To Move,” Friday, May 15, at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, May 16, at 3 p.m. at SMU’s Page Theatre.

For more than three decades, the Dance Repertory Company has delighted the Winona community with quality dance productions featuring local dancers in classical and contemporary works. This year the DRC presents a concert featuring classical ballet and contemporary dance in the jazz and modern genres.

The concert will open with the “Kingdom of the Shades,” Act III of Marius Petipa's La Bayadère, one of ballet’s most resonant visions. Seeking his dead beloved, Nikiya, in an opium dream, the faithless, guilt-ridden Solor conjures up a seemingly endless procession of ghostly women — hallucinatory replicas of her. One by one, to Ludwig Minkus’s sweet, repetitive melody, they feed into a four-count phrase — snaking around the stage until they can assemble to display, in perfect unison, their long, slow balances. Framing the stage in two lines, pressed tutu to tutu, the women echo the steps of the soloists as if stirred by some collective unconscious peculiar to ballerinas. Artistic Director Tammy Schmidt has staged La Bayadère for the DRC.

The concert will also feature two contemporary premieres. “In the Yard,” a new work created by choreographer Jeffrey Peterson, evokes images of family and community while combining contemporary movement with folk dance and contemporary partnering. The work hints toward love, loss, the passage of time, and forgiveness. Inspired by the richly textured symphonic work “Blackberry Winter” by Conni Ellisor, “In the Yard” is emotionally charged, visually striking, and highly physical dance theatre.

“Side of the Road,” an original collection of repertory by Jennifer TeBeest, is set to the soulful sounds of B.B. King, Etta James and Jonny Lang in a piece about occurrences and circumstances. More than a narrative, this work is about that pent up energy and fervor that can be released through dance; and although words can be powerful, movement is trump.

Performed by the dancers who currently train at the Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts and Saint Mary’s University, “Time to Move” will showcase their effervescent spirit, vibrant energy, and technical and artistic abilities that continue to inspire audiences year after year.
Cast members include: Dot Armstrong, Stephanie Bedner, Chris Bernard, Jarod Boltjes, Jack Bryant, Madeleine Bryant, Trisha Crichton, Jessica Draskoci-Johnson, Keegan Eide, Lydia Feuerhelm, Jami Fonfara, Kati Gailes, Matthew Gargone, Erin Harned, Rachael Hess, Caitlin Kaman, Bryan Moore, Rachael Moore, Molly Padden, Colette Penic, Danielle Renfrow, Augusta Rodgers, Miranda Ruben, Zach Ruben, Danielle Schleich, Alyssa Schneider, Allison Schuebel, Claire Smart, Adelle Vietor, Kaitlyn Vietor, and Anna Wolner.

The Dance Repertory Company is the youth performing troupe of the Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts. Company members participate in rehearsals, technique classes and stage performances. Past productions of the company include: “The Firebird,” “Sleeping Beauty,” “The Nutcracker,” “Excerpts from Swan Lake,” “Cinderella,” “The Goodman Suite,” “Youth In Motion,” “Tappin' to Connick,” “Pure Entertainment” and “Dance Chronicles.”

Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students and seniors. The Page Theatre will admit children ages 5 and older to the May 15 performance. The May 16 performance is considered a family event, and children ages 2 and older are admitted. At this time the Page Theatre/SMU Performance Center facilities and programs are not equipped to serve the needs of infants. Tickets are available at the Box Office, (507) 457-1715 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays or online at www.pagetheatre.org.