SMU to begin offering textbook rental program

Saint Mary’s will become part of a select group of colleges/universities offering students a textbook rental program. This opportunity is made possible thanks to a partnership forged between Saint Mary’s administration and the campus bookstore, managed by Barnes & Noble. With textbook rentals, students can realize tremendous savings, paying less than half of what they would to purchase a new, printed textbook.

This program allows students to rent their books either in the store or from their campus bookstore’s website — whichever is more convenient for them. While not every textbook title is included in the rental program, more than 30 percent of titles are available for rent.

For more information, on the Winona campus, go to: www.st-marys.bncollege.com or on the Twin Cities campus, go to www.stmarys-grad.bncollege.com.

Saint Mary’s announces next Page Series season

WINONA, Minn. — The 25th season of the Saint Mary’s University Page Series is once again filled with music, dance, theatre, and family-friendly offerings from around the world! You don’t have to travel far for world-class performances. Season subscriptions go on sale May 16-July 29 and Aug. 15-Sept. 9. Individual tickets go on sale Aug. 15.

Purchase tickets to three or more events to receive a 10 percent discount for new subscribers; returning 2010-11 subscribers receive 25 percent off the total order. Subscribers also have exchange privileges and guaranteed seating choice.

To order, go online to www.pagetheatre.org or call the box office, (507) 457-1715, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. Summer box office hours, May 16-July 29, are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

The 2011-2012 Page Series


• Friday Sept. 16, 7:30 p.m. Terrance Simien and the Zydeco Experience
Grammy winner from Louisiana Tickets: $25 for adults, $20 for seniors and students
For more than two decades Grammy-award winning artist Terrance Simien, an eighth-generation Louisiana Creole has been shattering the myths about what his indigenous Creole Zydeco music is and is not. Leading his Zydeco Experience Band, Simien has become one of the most respected and internationally recognized touring and recording artists in roots music today. He has performed over 5,000 concerts, toured to over 40 countries and reached at least a million people during his eventful 25-year career. In December of 2009, Disney Pictures released a Pixar animated film, “The Princess & The Frog,” set in New Orleans, which was scored by Randy Newman and features the music of Simien, Terence Blanchard and Dr. John.

• Saturday Oct. 22, 7:30 p.m. Luna Negra Dance Theater
Contemporary Latin Dance Tickets: $25 for adults, $20 for seniors and students
Founded by Cuban-born dancer and choreographer Eduardo Vilaro, Luna Negra celebrates the richness and diversity of Latino culture through the creation of works by contemporary Latino choreographers and through intensive, hands-on education programs that encourage discovery and exploration of personal and community identity. Steering away from stereotypes and folkloric representations, the company performs works of contemporary Latino dance with energy, power, and passion. Founded in 1999, Luna Negra Dance Theater makes its home in Chicago.


• Tuesday, Nov. 1, 6:30 p.m. “Letters Home” by Griffin Theatre
Present day soldiers and families connect Tickets: $12 for adults, $5 for seniors and students
“Letters Home” puts the current war in Iraq front and center by bringing actual letters — written by soldiers serving in the Middle East — to life. The production is inspired by the New York Times Op-Ed Article, “The Things They Wrote” and the subsequent HBO documentary, “Last Letters Home” and additionally uses letters and correspondences from Frank Schaeffer’s books, “Voices From the Front,” “Letters Home From America’s Military Family,” “Faith of Our Sons,” and “Keeping Faith.” The play without politicizing gives audiences a powerful portrait of the soldier experience in the ongoing war.


• Thursday, Dec. 1, 7:30 p.m. The Good Lovelies
Award winning Canadian trio Tickets: $20 for adults, $15 for seniors and students
Part folk-roots, part Western Swing, this Toronto-based trio relies on unerring three-part vocal harmonies, clever songs, and convulsively funny repartee drawn from a seemingly endless succession of comedic adventures on the road. The Good Lovelies released a 12-track Christmas album, “Under The Mistletoe,” in November 2009, which includes three original Christmas songs, as well as a number of old classics. Get in the spirit for the holidays with this trio.

• Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2012, 7:30 p.m. Yuval Ron Ensemble
Middle Eastern rhythms and Sufi dancer Tickets: $25 for adults, $20 for seniors and students
The Yuval Ron Ensemble endeavors to alleviate national, racial, religious and cultural divides by uniting the music and dance of the opposing people of the Middle East into a unique mystical, spiritual and inspiring musical celebration. Led by Oscar-winning composer Yuval Ron (who wrote the music for the Oscar-winning short film “West Bank Story”), the ensemble features the oud, harmonium and woodwinds, and the evening’s performance will include Aziz, a Sufi dancer.

• Wednesday, Feb. 29, 2012, 6:30 p.m. “Duck For President” and other stories by Theatreworks USA
6 stories for the silly season Tickets: $12 for adults, $5 for seniors and students
This all-new musical revue features mini-musicals based on the best-selling children’s books: Duck For President, Fancy Nancy, Pirates Don’t Change Diapers and more. This is an excellent adventure for families with children in kindergarten through fourth grade.


• Wednesday, March 21, 2012, 7:30 p.m. Vishtèn
Prince Edward Island Acadian music Tickets: $25 for adults, $20 for seniors and students
Vishtèn's story is a musical tale of two islands. In the North Atlantic Ocean, in the Gulf of Saint Lawrence off of Canada’s east coast, lays tiny Prince Edward Island and nearby, the 11 smaller archipelago known as the Magdalen Islands (les Îles de la Madeleine). Both islands have a shared history and a shared cultural tie that dates back several centuries. The three members who make up Vishtèn, Pastelle and Emmanuelle LeBlanc, and Pascal Miousse, have become a distinctive and powerful international voice for traditional music from this part of the world.

• Tuesday, April 17, 2012, 6:30 p.m. “Peter & the Wolf” by Pushcart Players
Classic tale brought to stage Tickets: $12 for adults, $5 for seniors and students
“Peter and the Wolf” is an adaptation of the traditional Russian folktale set to music by Sergei Prokofiev. While providing a charming introduction to the world of music and musical instruments, this enchanting tale is all about the adventure of growing up. Danger becomes reality, and creative innovation becomes essential as young Peter meets the challenge of survival in the outside world.

‘Off The Page’
In addition, this year Saint Mary’s University is introducing “Off The Page” events, which feature Minnesota artists in venues around town. Individual tickets for “Off The Page” events go on sale May 16. No discounts apply. These are limited seating general admission venues.

• Saturday, July 23, 8 p.m., Valéncia Arts Center Joe Chvala and the Flying Foot Forum
Tickets: $15 for adults, $10 for seniors and students
The Flying Foot Forum is a vibrant and bold percussive dance/theater company that fuses percussion and percussive dances with many other forms of music, dance and theater, while it tells unusual tales, creates a wild variety of characters, and explores universal ideas in inventive and exciting new ways. Joe Chvala has worked as a director, choreographer, writer, composer, performer, and teacher for opera companies, experimental and nonexperimental theatres, concert dance venues, performing arts academies, and universities. Joe has received numerous choreographic and interdisciplinary fellowships and grants.

• Saturday, Sept. 3, 7 p.m., Masonic Temple Low, Ben Weaver, and The Morning Foreign
Tickets: $20 for adults, $15 for seniors and students
In association with the Minnesota Music Coalition.
Three popular music ensembles promise to fill the historic Masonic Temple with the sounds of today’s generations.

The musical group Low was formed in 1993 in Duluth. They quickly gained a following for their use of slow tempos and minimalist arrangements in what others have dubbed the “slowcore” movement. The striking harmonies of founding members Alan Sparhawk and Mimi Parker are perhaps the distinctive element for which the group is best remembered. Their debut album, “I Could Live In Hope,” was released on Virgin records Vernon Yard imprint in 1994. They currently have nine full-length recordings with numerous EPs and live recordings. Through continual evolution of their music they have grown a large fan base. Their live shows are well received, as numerous national and international tours will attest. Their tour this year includes stops at Radio City Music Hall, New York; First Avenue, Minneapolis; Queens Social Club, Bristol, England; Primavera Festival, Barcelona; Lido, Berlin; and the Barbican London.

Ben Weaver grew up in Saint Paul and has a distinctive voice that some have likened to Tom Waits. His first album, “El Camino Blues,” featured Greg Brown and Tony Glover. He now has seven releases, his most recent, “Mirepoix and Smoke,” was inspired by his time immersing himself in a farm-to-table restaurant in Minneapolis. He tours extensively, this spring spending time in Europe.

The Morning Foreign is a Winona-based group that has recently been seen at Midwest Music Fest, The Winona Art Center, and Ed’s. Playing original tunes written by Benjamin Scott, the group dabbles with jazz influenced pop, with a cello thrown in for good measure.

• Friday, Feb. 3, 2012, 7:30 p.m., Valéncia Arts Center Danza Española
Tickets: $12 for adults; $5 for seniors and students
Flamenco is an exciting and energetic art form from southern Spain that embodies rich cultural influences of the Andalusian, Gypsy, Islamic and Sephardic cultures that have lived there through history. The dancer’s rhythmic footwork, graceful arm and hand movements, and hand clapping are accompanied by the powerful strumming and soulful chords of the guitar to express a wide variety of styles, or palos, from the most serious cante jondo, to the light-hearted cante chico.

Deborah Elias is a member of the Minnesota State Arts Board’s Juried Arts in Education Roster of Artists, and has taught at Zorongo Flamenco Dance Theatre and School, the Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts, and the University of Minnesota. She also performs and choreographs with Zorongo Flamenco Dance Theatre. She recently presented, in conjunction with the Winona Public Library, “The Moon’s Desire,” a collaboration that revolved around the work of Spanish poet Federico Garcia Lorća.

Special guest singer Vicente Griego “is striking for his deep, sonorous wails that seem to come from a cavern, someplace deep within his soul” (Anna Poplawska, “Chicago Artist’s News”). Coming from New Mexico, Griego has devoted his life to the study of cante flamenco, the art of flamenco singing. He has toured the U.S., Canada and Latin America with the Jose Greco II Flamenco Dance Company.

Saint Mary’s is a fiscal year 2011 recipient of an Institutional Presenter Support grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board. This activity is funded, in part, by the Minnesota arts and cultural heritage fund as appropriated by the Minnesota State Legislature with money from the vote of the people of Minnesota on Nov.4, 2008. * PLEASE NOTE: All tickets (individual & subscription) are subject to a $1 processing fee. * Student price includes ages 4 and older. $10 student rush tickets may be available for some events 20 minutes before curtain.

SMU to host ‘Celebrate Japan’ May 5 to raise money for Misato, Winona’s sister city

WINONA, Minn. — As part of a citywide effort to raise money for earthquake relief in Misato, Japan — Winona’s sister city — Saint Mary’s University will host “Celebrate Japan” Thursday, May 5.

The event, a cultural showcase of Japan’s rich culture and traditions, will run from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Toner Student Center. The showcase will begin with an announcement from Winona Mayor Jerry Miller.

Other events will include:
• Japanese woodblock printing demonstrations, “Moku Hanga,” by SMU’s Preston Lawing
• Origami with Sandy Wernimont from the Winona Middle School
• Japanese dance, provided by Winona State University students from Japan
• A Japanese martial arts demonstration by SMU’s Francis “Fritz” Speck and other members of Minnesota Genbu-Kai Karate
• Sushi (served by Chartwells Food Service) in limited quantities
• Japanese poetry readings by Winona Poet Laureate Ken McCullough of SMU and former Poet Laureate Jim Armstrong of WSU
• A reading from “Sadako and the 1,000 Paper Cranes”
• Reiki massage by Gerry Naal
• Live music with Patti Darbo
• A Skype message from Misato
• And more

Donations are encouraged. Misato bracelets and T-shirts will also be available for purchase.

Fifty homes in Misato were completely destroyed in the March earthquake. Three times that number of houses were damaged. Many businesses and roads are in need of repair. The Misato residents are in need of funds to buy essential supplies like food, water and clothing. For more information on citywide relief efforts, visit http://misatorelief.hbci.com.

When the week of fundraising events is completed, a check from the Winona Community Foundation will be given to the City of Winona to send directly to officials in Misato.

For more information about SMU’s “Celebrate Japan,” contact Chandu Valluri at (507) 457-1466 or cvalluri@smumn.edu. For more information on the benefit week, contact Bead Kerr at bker.1995@gmail.com, Joe Lepley at joseph.lepley@winona.k12.mn.us or Glenn Petersen at gpetersen@winona.edu.

SMU presents screening of film ‘Green Fire’ May 3

WINONA, Minn. — Saint Mary’s University is offering a public screening of the environmental documentary film “Green Fire” at Winona State University’s Science Learning Center (Room 120) at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, May 3.

“Green Fire” is the first full-length, high-definition documentary film ever made about legendary environmentalist Aldo Leopold. “Green Fire” highlights Leopold’s extraordinary career, tracing how he shaped and influenced the modern environmental movement. Following the screening, an opportunity for dialogue about the film will be facilitated by Wes Miller (Department of Sociology at SMU), Joe Tadie (Department of Philosophy at SMU) and Bruno Borsari (Department of Biology at WSU). This opportunity was made possible through the SMU Office of Campus Ministry.

SMU jazz combos to perform May 8 at Acoustic Café

WINONA, Minn. — Two Saint Mary’s University student jazz workshop combos, directed by John Paulson and Eric Heukeshoven of the SMU Music Department, will present a free concert from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, May 8, at the Acoustic Café, 77 Lafayette St. This event will feature student musicians who have been playing together all semester, and it will serve as their “final exam.”

They'll be playing well-known jazz standards by composers like Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, Miles Davis and Duke Ellington.

Saint Mary’s to host Row, Ride, Run Triathlon

WINONA, Minn. — The annual Saint Mary’s University “Row, Ride, Run Triathlon” will take place on Saturday, April 30, at 9 a.m. at Lake Winona. Sixty-one athletes from throughout the Midwest are registered for the race.

Participants will canoe or kayak a 2.5-mile loop around Lake Winona, then bike 14 miles from Lake Winona to the SMU campus. Once on campus, racers will run 3.1 miles through the bluffs surrounding the university.

Proceeds assist Serving Others United in Love (SOUL), a program of SMU’s Office of Campus Ministry. Through SOUL, members of the Saint Mary’s community participate in national and international service trips.

For more information, visit www.smumn.edu/rowriderun or call (507) 457-7268.

SMU student organ recital, hymn-sing planned for April 29

WINONA, Minn. — Saint Mary’s University organ students will present a recital and hymn-sing — free and open to the public — from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. on Friday, April 29, at Faith Lutheran Church, 1717 West Service Dr.

SMU students Gregory Bim-Merle, Jacob Carlson, Michelle Quinn and Nathan Maskal, along with their instructor A. Eric Heukeshoven, will perform selected works by Johannes Brahms, Flor Peeters and Ralph Vaughan Williams, as well as traditional hymn tunes. The recital will also include a new arrangement of Samual Scheidt’s “Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland” featuring additional SMU students on brass and percussion. The arrangement, by Heukeshoven, was premiered at the recent SMU Founder’s Day convocation.

For more information, contact Heukeshoven at (507) 457-7292 or e-mail eheukesh@smumn.edu.

Saint Mary’s choirs to perform April 30

WINONA, Minn. — The Saint Mary’s University Chamber Singers and Concert Choir, under the direction of Dr. Patrick O’Shea, and Women’s Choir, under the direction of Lindsy O’Shea, will perform at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 30, at the Chapel of Saint Mary of the Angels, located on the Saint Teresa campus.

The concert will include works by Monteverdi, Saint-Saëns, Ferko, Handel, Moses Hogan and SMU’s Patrick O’Shea and Eric Heukeshoven. The event will also feature the Saint Mary's University Chamber Orchestra.

Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for students and seniors and are available at the SMU Box Office, (507) 457-1715, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays or online at www.pagetheatre.org.

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

WINONA, Minn. — Saint Mary’s University recognized outstanding students, faculty and staff Thursday, April 7, 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 who demonstrates him/herself to be an individual who unselfishly meets the needs of the undergraduate students of Saint Mary’s) — Dr. Marilyn Frost, vice president for academic affairs and psychology professor, of Winona.

Charlene “Char” Tjaden Outstanding Resident Assistant Award — Margaret Scannell, daughter of Thomas and Carole Scannell of Evergreen Park, Ill.

Club and Organization Advisor of the Year — Brendan Dolan, Residence Hall director and area coordinator.

Organization of the Year — Big and Little Pals of Campus Ministry, accepted by Melissa Stuckmayer, daughter of Robert and Sharon Stuckmayer of Ramsey, Minn., and Allison Johnson, daughter of Richard and Michele Johnson of Austin, Minn.

Intramural Official of the Year — Chelsea Deering, daughter of Doreen Ableman of Wisconsin Dells, Wis.

Volunteer of the Year Award — Rachel Elbert, daughter of John and Irene Elbert of Cedar Falls, Iowa.

Outstanding Student Senator of the Year Award — Daniel Streefland, son of Tom and Deb Streefland of Webster, Minn.

Winona Community Service Award — Daniel Streefland, son of Tom and Deb Streefland of Webster, Minn.

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) — Santiago Escobar, son of Santiago Escobar Velasco and Francia Acevedó of Madelia, Minn.

Student Service Award — Kaitlin Wermerskirchen, daughter of Daniel and Laura Wermerskirchen of Shakopee, Minn.

Outdoor Leadership Recognition — Greg Freeman, son of James and Joann Freeman of Aurora, Ill.

Brother Charlie Burke Award (presented to a faculty or staff member who has made significant contributions to the entire Student Life Department. This individual has promoted the growth of the whole student through their exemplary standard of ethical service, dedication to creating developmental relationships, and their desire to promote lifelong learning) — Francis “Fritz” Speck, director of Information Technology.

PBS NewsHour reporter explains ‘Under-Told Stories’ Project at Saint Mary’s event

WINONA, Minn. — Fred de Sam Lazaro, director and reporter for PBS NewsHour’s program “Under-Told Stories,” spoke at Saint Mary’s University Tuesday during the President’s Roundtable breakfast. The Under-Told Stories Project is sponsored by Saint Mary’s and hosted by the Hendrickson Institute for Ethical Leadership at SMU’s Twin Cities campus.

The Under-Told Stories Project produces reports on health, poverty, and environmental and economic issues from the most remote and underdeveloped locations in the world. De Sam Lazaro and Nicole See, the show’s producer, are working to raise awareness of the local ramifications of global issues. UTS activities and staff also give Saint Mary’s students exposure to hands-on experiences in developing regions of the world.

Saint Mary's honors faculty, staff, students, Lasallian educators at Founder's Day April 5

Brother William welcomes Brother Álvaro Rodríguez Echeverría, Superior General of the Institute of the Brothers of Christian Schools.

Brother Michael Collins, FSC, was awarded a Doctorate of Leadership and Service from Brother William and Michael Gostomski, chairman of the SMU Board of Trustees.

Brother Jeffrey Gros, FSC, received a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Brother William and Michael Gostomski, chairman of the SMU Board of Trustees.

Drs. Melissa Luedtke and Roxanne Eubank were presented with the Brother H. Charles Severin, FSC, Award for Excellence in Teaching and the Distinguished Lasallian Educator Award.

Hilary Ethen and Sean Ohl, this year's Outstanding Seniors.

WINONA, Minn. — Saint Mary’s University presented awards to alumni, faculty and students at its Founder’s Day celebration Tuesday, April 5. Additionally, Brother Álvaro Rodríguez Echeverría, Superior General of the Institute of the Brothers of Christian Schools, served as the event’s keynote speaker.

Saint Mary’s presented honorary doctorates to Brother Michael Collins, FSC, Ed.D., president and chief academic administrator of DeLaSalle High School in Minneapolis, and to Brother Jeffrey Gros, FSC, Ph.D., professor of church history at Memphis Theological Seminary.

Brother Michael, who is also a current SMU trustee, was awarded a Doctorate of Leadership and Service. He has been recognized locally, regionally and nationally for his contributions to education, and particularly his efforts at promoting diversity within Catholic education. Brother Michael received his undergraduate degree in 1959, and a master’s in 1965, both from Saint Mary’s.

Brother Jeffrey received a Doctorate in Educational Leadership. He is well known in the ecumenical movement for broadening the understanding and reach of ecumenism. He served for 10 years as director of faith and order for the National Council of Churches and served for 14 years at the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Brother Jeffrey received his undergraduate degree in 1959, and a master’s in 1962, both from Saint Mary’s.

Also honored were a dedicated faculty member, a Lasallian educator and two outstanding seniors.

Melissa Luedtke, Ed.D., of the Education Department received this year’s Brother H. Charles Severin, FSC, Award for Excellence in Teaching. The award is given every other year to an undergraduate faculty member who is recognized by both students and other faculty as exceptional in their teaching and engagement of students.

Roxanne Eubank, Ed.D., professor, Doctor of Education in Leadership, and director of the Institute for Lasallian Studies, was chosen as this year’s Distinguished Lasallian Educator. These awards are given by Lasallian institutions in the North American-Toronto Region of the De La Salle Christian Brothers to honor contributions and commitment to the Lasallian mission of education.

Additionally, the Outstanding Male and Female Senior Awards were presented to students who have demonstrated the ideals of scholarship, character, leadership and service. Above all, these men and women have shown genuine concern for meeting the needs of others. The Outstanding Male Senior Award went to Sean Ohl, son of John and Lori Ohl of Bloomington, Minn. The Outstanding Female Senior Award went to Hilary Ethen, daughter of Todd and Lucinda Ethen of White Bear Lake, Minn.

Ohl is a biology-pre-med major. While at SMU, served as president of Tri-Beta National Biological Honors Society (Gamma Epsilon Chapter) and completed a summer research internship for R&D Systems. He also played baseball, served as a resident assistant and practiced mixed martial arts. Ohl has also volunteered in the emergency room for Winona Health, and has been an EMT with the Lewiston Ambulance Service. After graduation, he plans to attend Midwestern Medical School (Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine).

Ethen is a K-8 elementary education major with a math concentration. She has been involved with Open Mic Night, Serving Others United in Love (SOUL), Together Encountering Christ, the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development, Residence Life, Relay for Life, Mass choir and Kappa Delta Pi (the educational honor society). She has also kept busy with SMU Volunteer Services, the Student Leadership Program Team, Students for Life, the Initial Teaching Alphabet (ita) Literacy Clinic, Lasallian Collegians, Habitat for Humanity, Ambassadors, and the Outdoor Club. Ethen was also part of the women’s tennis team and played intramural sports. Her future dreams include teaching in Africa or at an inner-city school district.

The following students were finalists for the 2010 Outstanding Senior Awards — Males: Santiago Escobar, son of Santiago Escobar Velasco and Francia Acevedó of Madelia, Minn.; Benton Kodet, son of Robert and Laurie Kodet of Northfield, Minn.; Lukas Holland, son of Jearold and Theresa Holland of La Crosse, Wis.; Daniel Streefland, son of Tom and Deb Streefland of Webster, Minn.; and Ryan Wockenfus, son of Jeff and Brenda Wockenfus, of New London, Wis.; Females: Alison Kremer, daughter of Patrick and Lisa Kremer of Iona, Minn.; Jennifer Koezly, daughter of Edwin and Monica Koezly of Ham Lake, Minn.; Elizabeth “Libby” Perkins, daughter of David and Kathleen Perkins of Bloomington, Minn.; and Samantha “Sami” Traxler, daughter of Tim and Jeanne Traxler of Le Center, Minn.

Judge presiding in NFL mediation is Saint Mary’s University alum

WINONA, Minn. – The judge presiding over mediation of the National Football League labor dispute is an alumnus of Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota.

Arthur J. Boylan, Chief Magistrate Judge, U.S. District Court, Minnesota, graduated from Saint Mary’s in 1971 with a bachelor of arts degree in history.

Judge Boylan went on to earn a law degree in 1976 from the Illinois Institute of Technology/Chicago Kent College of Law. He was in private practice for 10 years with the law firm of Hulstrand, Anderson and Larson, Willmar, Minn. In 1986, he was appointed to the Minnesota District Court, and in 1996 he was appointed U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge.

Last week, U.S. District Court Judge Susan Richard Nelson appointed Judge Boylan to preside over non-binding mediation of labor agreement negotiations between the NFL and the NFL Players Association. Judge Boylan met with the players union on Tuesday (April 13), and met with NFL owners Wednesday. The two sides will meet together before Judge Boylan on Thursday.

Dance Repertory Company to present spring concert

WINONA, Minn. — The 2010-2011 Saint Mary’s University performance season will conclude with the Dance Repertory Company’s annual spring concert, “Dance Mosaic,” Friday and Saturday, April 29 and 30.

The events, which are scheduled to begin at 7:30 p.m. April 29 and 3 p.m. April 30, will be held in Page Theater.

In honor of National Dance Week, these performances will feature five works including “A Tender Age,” a contemporary ballet about the coming of age of young women “Summer Sons,” a tap piece with live jazz music accompaniment; “In Flux,” a student choreographed piece from which an excerpt represented the university at this year’s American College Dance Festival; “Having/Making/Taking,” a modern work that explores the relationship between people and time; and “Love It!,” a jazz piece set to the music of Lyle Lovett.

For close to four decades, the Dance Repertory Company has provided the Winona community with quality dance productions featuring local dancers in classical and contemporary works. This year, the DRC presents contemporary ballet, jazz, tap and modern dance.

Performed by the dancers who currently train at the Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts and Saint Mary’s University, “Dance Mosaic,” will showcase their effervescent spirit, vibrant energy, and technical and artistic abilities.

The company’s artistic director, Tammy Schmidt, as well as Heidi Draskoci-Johnson, Lydia Feuerhelm, Christine Martin, and guest artist Tony Smith of Houston, Texas, choreographed this year’s concert.

Cast members in “Dance Mosaic” include: Dot Armstrong, Caroline Bartz, Jarod Boltjes, Jack Bryant, Mary Doctor, Keegan Eide, Lydia Feuerhelm, Anne Flicek, Courtney Klein, Bryony Livesey, Cory Meier, Joanna Mills, Bryan Moore, Colette Penic, Danielle Schleich, Adelle Vietor, Kaitlyn Vietor, Hannah Virlee, Danielle Weir and Anna Wolner.

Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students and seniors. Tickets are available online at www.pagetheatre.org or by calling the box office at (507) 457-1715 Monday through Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The Dance Repertory Company is the pre-professional performance group 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,” “An Evening with Benny Goodman,” “Youth In Motion,” “Tappin' to Connick,” “Pure Entertainment,” “Dance Chronicles,” and “Time to Move.”

This activity is made possible in part by a grant provided by the Minnesota State Arts Board, through an appropriation by the Minnesota State Legislature from the Minnesota arts and cultural heritage fund with money from the vote of the people of Minnesota on Nov. 4, 2008.

For more information about The Dance Repertory Company other arts programming at the Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts, visit www.mnconservatoryforthearts.org, e-mail mca@smumn.edu or call (507) 453-5500. The Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts is an affiliate program of Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota.

SMU’s Kabara Institute hosts Jake Leinenkugel April 28

WINONA, Minn. — Saint Mary’s University invites the public to a presentation by Jake Leinenkugel, president of the Jacob Leinenkugel Brewing Company, at 5 p.m. Thursday, April 28, in Page Theatre. The event — hosted by Saint Mary’s Kabara Institute for Entrepreneurial Studies — will highlight the “Leinenkugel Family Legacy.”

The company’s founder, Jacob Leinenkugel, found a home for his brewery in Chippewa Falls, Wis., in 1867. The Leinenkugel brewing legacy continues today, more than 140 years and five generations later.

Current president Jake Leinenkugel worked in the family brewery each summer from the end of high school and all through college in a variety of roles — including the summer of 1972, when he almost burned the brewery to the ground.

In the fall of 1982, he resigned his commission from the U.S. Marine Corps and came back to Chippewa Falls at the request of his father. He started in the sales department, and in 1986 was elected vice president of marketing and sales. In 1988, Miller Brewing Company purchased the Jacob Leinenkugel Brewing Company. Miller saw the importance of keeping the Leinenkugel family heavily active in the brewery’s management, and Jake Leinenkugel continued as vice president until he was promoted to president in 1989.

“I feel privileged to follow in my great-great-grandfather’s and father’s footsteps into this wonderful business,” he said. “We are fortunate to have so many loyal fans that love and support our products, and I feel it is important to interact with as many of them as possible.”

Leinenkugel’s presentation will include a brief history of the company, along with an overview of the brewing industry, water stewardship, and the renaissance of brewing used in the 21st century. In addition, he will explain how Leinenkugel operates as a business by showing their current brand portfolio and brand plan key imperatives, before concluding with the company’s succession planning.

For more information, contact Trevor Hall at (507) 457-6978 or tmhall@smumn.edu.

SMU honors retirees, faculty and staff for years of service

Photo caption: Brother William Mann, center, president of Saint Mary’s University, congratulates four long-time Saint Mary’s employees retiring this year, including, from left: Sister Clare Korte, OSF, Biology Department, 36 years; Dr. Marilyn Frost, Academic Affairs and Psychology Department, 42 years; Susan Edel, Registrar’s Office, 25 years; and Dr. Martin Judd, Business Department, 20 years. Not pictured is Dorothy Huwald of the Maintenance Department, 33 years. This group was recognized at an employee service event Thursday, April 7. Other Winona campus employees honored included: Dr. John Paulson and Dr. James Rodgers, 30 years; and Dr. Raymond Faber, Bruce Hill, Alan Joswick, Darlene Paulson and Kenneth Pellegrini, 35 years. Employees with 5-, 10-, 15-, 20- and 25-year anniversaries were also recognized.

Student History Research Symposium is April 16 at SMU

WINONA, Minn. — Seniors from five area universities will present the results of their historical research at the Student History Research Symposium on Saturday, April 16, at Saint Mary’s University. The event — free and open to the public — is sponsored by the history departments of Winona State University, Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, Viterbo University, and the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. This year’s symposium will also feature a panel of seniors from Cotter High School.

In addition to the student presenters, Dr. Stacey Robertson, Oglesby Professor of American Heritage at Bradley University, will speak on “Hearts Beating for Liberty: Women Abolitionists in the Old Northwest.”

Saint Mary’s University and Winona State University have co-sponsored a student research symposium for nine years, with UW-La Crosse, Viterbo University, and UW-Eau Claire joining in the past four years. Each school asks senior history majors — and at Winona State, law and society majors — to write a senior thesis based on their original research of a historical question of their own choosing. In this way, the students actually do the work of historians, and in the process deepen their research, writing and speaking skills.

All symposium sessions will be held on the third and fourth floors of Saint Mary’s Hall. The symposium opens at 9 a.m. in Salvi Lecture Hall (Room 332) with a short welcoming ceremony and coffee. Students will present their research in concurrent panels of three or four students each. The first panel session starts at 9:15 a.m., the second at 10:45 a.m. Dr. Robertson’s talk will start around noon and will be accompanied by a complimentary lunch.

For further information, contact Dr. Tycho de Boer, SMU Department of History, at (507) 457-6995 or tdeboer@smumn.edu.

SMU Kabara Institute hosts business panel

WINONA, Minn. — The public is invited to a special panel discussion titled “First Generation Business: Starting & Building a Business from the Ground Up” on Tuesday, April 26, at Saint Mary’s University.

The event, hosted by SMU’s Kabara Institute for Entrepreneurial Studies, will run from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. in the Toner Student Center Lounge.

Speakers — including Russ Neitzke of Digicom, Inc.; Carolyn Wilson of Peace Out Clothing Store; and Keith Laken of Mugby Junction — will describe why they decided to start their businesses, their struggles in getting their businesses started and growing, and where they are now on their journey of owning their own businesses. A question-and-answer period and a time for networking will be included. The event will conclude with formal presentations to the 2011 Business Plan Competition winners at Saint Mary’s.

Conservatory presents music division spring concert April 18

WINONA, Minn. — The Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts will present a Music Division Spring Concert, at 7 p.m. Monday, April 18, at the Valéncia Arts Center, 1164 West 10th St.

The concert will feature the Winona Area Youth Singers’ (WAYS) and instrumental lesson students from MCA.

Reserved tickets are not necessary. Admission is $10 at the door for adults; cash and checks only please. Financial-need based admission waivers are available. Admission is free for children and students ages 2 to 21.

WAYS members are students in grades four through eight from Winona and the surrounding areas. WAYS is dedicated to providing quality, artistic and educational vocal music experiences for all young people, regardless of their financial circumstances. WAYS was offered tuition-free to all students for the 2010-11 academic year. Private lesson instrumental students also performing in the concert range in age from 5 to 15. Students will present clarinet, piano, and saxophone works.

MCA Music Division Spring Concert performers include: Donari Brandes, Katelyn Dennis, Ananth Iyengar, Sarah Ortega, Connor Polodna, Baker Swenson, Logan Swenson, Lily Titus, Erin Walters, and the Winona Area Youth Singers: Emily Burfeind, Rachel Burfeind, Michael Hoffman, Jessica Kohner, Mackaylee Kohner, Baker Swenson and Lucy Wilfarht. WAYS is directed by Lindsy O’Shea. The assistant director is Jessica Ingvalson and accompanist is Dr. Daniel Barr. MCA Music Division Instructors featuring students in the concert include: Ryan Ballanger, Aleah Harvey and Amanda Whisenant.

This activity is made possible in part by a grant provided by the Minnesota State Arts Board, through an appropriation by the Minnesota State Legislature from the Minnesota arts and cultural heritage fund with money from the vote of the people of Minnesota on November 4, 2008. This activity is also made possible in part by a grant from the Young Singer’s Foundation.

For more information about MCA’s Music division or other arts programming, visit www.mnconservatoryforthearts.org, e-mail mca@smumn.edu or call (507) 453-5500. The Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts is an affiliate program of Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota.

Hendrickson Institute for Ethical Leadership Events promote social capitalism and empowering women

Institute adds supporting events leading up to
Hendrickson Institute for Ethical Leadership: Forum 2011

Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota invites business and community leaders to attend upcoming events hosted by the Hendrickson Institute for Ethical Leadership. This year marks the fourth annual Hendrickson Institute for Ethical Leadership Forum, and new to the line up this year are additional events that will compliment the overall theme of this year’s Forum – social capitalism.

Women Who Step Forward ~ April 16
Mark your calendars for a personal and professional development conference on women's leadership. This event will be held 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Harrington Mansion and Event Center, 2540 Park Ave., Minneapolis. Tickets are $45 for general admission, $35 for students. For registration information, contact Anna Shields at (612) 238-4550 or ashields@smumn.edu.

The keynote speaker is New York Times best-selling author Gail Evans who served as the executive vice president of CNN and served in President Johnson’s administration. Evans will discuss the ethics and importance of women supporting other women in order to succeed in leadership. Attend this day-long event if you’re interested in professional development, personal growth, and learning from inspiring and forward-thinking keynote and break-out session speakers.

Hendrickson Forum Seminar:
Microfinance in the Urban Core ~ April 20
Widely publicized as a tool for developing nations, microfinance has a profound impact in the Twin Cities. Explore how the local microfinance landscape — access to business development, credit, grants — helps move individuals and communities toward economic security. Then join a group of distinguished panelists in a lively discussion.

The event will be held from 1 to 2:45 p.m. at the Harrington Mansion and Event Center in Minneapolis. Tickets are $20 for general admission. Order online at www.smumn.edu/hendricksonforum.

Moderated by Dr. Richard Bohr, the panel includes:
• Ramón León, president, Latino Economic Development Center
• Diane Patterson, director of Business Development, WomenVenture
• Joe Selvaggio, founder of MicroGrants.net
• Mihailo Temali, president of Neighborhood Development Corporation

Hendrickson Forum:
Social Capitalism: An “App” to Fight Poverty ~ April 20
Enjoy a conversation with Jacqueline Novogratz, CEO of Acumen Fund and author of “The Blue Sweater.”

The event will be held 3:30 to 5 p.m. at the Harrington Mansion and Event Center. Regular admittance is $25 for the public, $10 for SMU students or $20 for SMU faculty and staff.

Fred de Sam Lazaro, director of the Project for Under-Told Stories at Saint Mary’s University and a correspondent for The PBS NewsHour with Jim Lehrer, will be the moderator.

Novogratz is the founder and CEO of Acumen Fund, a non-profit global venture fund that uses entrepreneurial approaches to solve the problems of global poverty.

For her work with Acumen, Novogratz was named a TIME magazine “Responsibility Pioneer,” recognized for her work in changing the world for the better.

Acumen Fund seeks to prove that small amounts of philanthropic capital, combined with large doses of business acumen, can build thriving enterprises that serve vast numbers of the poor.

Her recent best-selling memoir, “The Blue Sweater: Bridging the Gap Between Rich and Poor in an Interconnected World,” chronicles her quest to understand poverty and challenges readers to grant dignity to the poor and to rethink their engagement with the world.

The Hendrickson Institute for Ethical Leadership is an educational enterprise of Saint Mary's University of Minnesota and serves as an educational and transformational resource to the community. Founded in 1994 and located in Minneapolis on the Twin Cities campus of Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, the Institute serves both current and emerging leaders. It is an academic resource for Saint Mary's University and the community, and a forum for exploration of ethical issues. As part of its mission, the Institute strives to provide programs that encourage and develop ethical, globally oriented leaders, offer integrative leadership models, promote ethical principles that are practical, and infuse leaders with an appreciation of spirituality and free enterprise. For additional information, call (612) 728-5100 or visit www.smumn.edu/hendrickson.

Saint Mary's welcomes guest pianist Norman Lee April 11

WINONA, Minn. — Saint Mary’s University will welcome guest pianist Norman Lee at 7:30 p.m. Monday, April 11. The performance, free and open to the public, will be held in Figliulo Recital Hall, located in the SMU Performance Center.

Lee, a Steinway artist, is a dedicated performance artist, piano teacher and music educator who currently teaches at The Baptist University of Hong Kong, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, The Kingston University of London and The Hong Kong Institute of Education.

Born in Hong Kong, Lee started his piano studies at a very young age. Awarded the Sklarevski Scholarship, he furthered his piano studies in The Peabody Conservatory of Music with Walter Hautzig and Robert Weirich, where he received his Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance.

Lee furthered his repertoire by studying with Irina Zaritzkaya in London, England. He was also awarded certificates from the U.S.S.R. after studying with Anatoly Verdernikov and Tatiana Nikoleava in Mozertum, Salzburg.

Lee received his Master degree of Music from The University of Western Ontario, working under Professor Ronald Turini. He has conducted master classes and lectures in Hong Kong, China and Canada on the topic of piano injuries and movement retraining.

His program will include works by Bach, Beethoven and Schumann.

Saint Mary’s University mourns loss of freshman Millie Harrison

WINONA, Minn. — Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota is mourning the loss of freshman Millie Harrison, who died unexpectedly Saturday, April 2, on campus, due to apparent natural causes.

Harrison, 19, of Colorado Springs, Colo., was known as an outgoing and charismatic student on the Saint Mary’s campus. A theatre major studying stage management and communications, she was active with theatre productions and was a member of the student Second Page Comedy Troupe. She also served as an Admission Ambassador and played an active role with KSMR, the campus radio station.

“It is heartbreaking to see a young person, so filled with spirit, taken from us too soon,” said Brother William Mann, Saint Mary’s president. “We join together in gratitude for the gift of life Millie so freely shared, and in remembrance of the joy and impact of her life. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Millie’s family and friends as we all try to come to terms with such a tremendous loss.”

Gary Diomandes, professor of theatre and dance, said, “Millie was an excellent student. She worked hard and earned top-notch grades. But the best thing about her was her sense of humor and fun-loving personality. She instantly made friends; everyone who met her, adored her.”

“She was a theatre major and wanted to be a stage manager,” Diomandes said. “She was very talented in the technical aspects, and she was interested in every aspect of theatre. She was good at everything she tried.” Diomandes said Harrison was the production stage manager for Saturday’s planned performance of student-produced one-act plays. “We canceled that performance, but (her classmates) all wanted to do it (for her) on Sunday as scheduled.”

A prayer service was held Saturday night at Saint Mary’s with several hundred students attending. A memorial service to honor Harrison’s life is planned for 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 5, in Page Theatre.

Counselors will continue to be available to students in the Saint Mary’s Wellness Center.