Saint Mary’s international students tour Winona via trolley

WINONA, Minn. — On Aug. 29, Saint Mary’s University’s newest international students were invited to take a tour of Winona on the Trester Trolley. For most of the students, who arrived in Minnesota last week, this is their first time in the United States. Highlights along the way included the Minnesota Equestrian Center, Garvin Heights Elk Ranch, Garvin Heights Vineyards, the Garvin Heights look-out, and Prairie Island Park. SMU’s new international students this semester come from Saudi Arabia, Colombia, Japan, Korea, Poland, China and Canada and include, from left: front, Musab Alotaibi (Saudi Arabia), Mohammed Hadi (Saudi Arabia), Hussain Alqushairi (Saudi Arabia), Kanae Agena (Japan), Mohanna Aloufi (Saudi Arabia), Jesus Benavides Hernandez (Colombia), Ilham Albalawi (Saudi Arabia); back, Jane Cyrus (staff), Brit Wagner (staff), Tiantian He (China), Mohammed Alharbi (Saudi Arabia), Hamad Alzahrani (Saudi Arabia), Mustafa Alnofaily (Saudi Arabia), Anas Almowallad (Saudi Arabia), Mohanned Naquib (Saudi Arabia), Bader Albalawi (Saudi Arabia), Lupita Garza-Cienfuegos (staff) and Zainab Alnemer (Saudi Arabia).

Saint Mary’s plans third annual Young Alumni Weekend

WINONA, Minn. — Saint Mary’s University graduates from the past decade have been invited back to campus for Young Alumni Reunion Weekend, Sept. 9-11.

Over 150 alumni are expected to attend the full weekend of events which will include a faculty and staff social, a young alumni gathering at Mulligan’s, ropes course activities, a barbecue with live music on the Plaza, disc golfing and a pig roast picnic. Additionally, special events are planned for the anniversary years of 2001 and 2006. The weekend also coincides with Cardinal ‘M’ Club Weekend, giving SMU alumni opportunities to cheer on Cardinal athletics.

For more information about the Young Alumni Program, please contact Bob Fisher at (507) 457-6658 or rfisher@smumn.edu. To read more about this event, or to register, go www.smumn.edu/yaweekend.

SMU receives funds from IME-Becas to help Mexican students

Jessica de la Rosa, a SMU alum and admissions counselor, and Brother Ed Siderewicz, Assistant to the President for First Generation and LaSallian Initiatives

WINONA, Minn. — Saint Mary’s University was one of three universities selected by the Consulate of Mexico in the Twin Cities to receive scholarship funding for Mexican and Mexican-American students. Mexican Consul Ana Luisa Fajer recognized recipients of the IME-Becas 2011/2012 Program at a ceremony in Minneapolis on Aug. 24.

Receiving funds from the Institute for Mexicans Abroad were: Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota; Centro, Inc.; Latino Economic Development Center; Minnesota State University, Mankato; and Saint Catherine’s University. Saint Mary’s received $9,000 for scholarships.

The objective of the IME-Becas 2011/2012 Program is to help raise the education level within the Mexican population in the United States. The Consulate of Mexico formed a Minnesota committee to determine the assignation of the funds to the selected institutions.

Saint Mary’s University’s First-Generation Initiative offers academic, personal and financial support to first-generation college students — many of whom are Hispanic and Latino — as they transition to higher education.

This committee based its decisions on the following criteria:

• The selected institutions have programs available to Mexican students or students of Mexican origin to pursue higher education.

• Institutions are able to match or improve the funds.

• There would be no indirect expenses affecting the allocated funds

• The selection process considered geographic diversity, as well as diverse professional opportunities for students in the Twin Cities area, as well as outside the metropolitan area where there is a significant number of Mexican people.

MCA announces registration open house Sept. 8

WINONA, Minn. — The Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts will conduct its semester I registration open house, 4 to 7 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 8, at the Valéncia Arts Center, 1164 West 10th St.

Registration for Semester I dance and music programming will be accepted at the open house. Tours of the facility will be available, refreshments will be served, and students will have the opportunity to meet new and returning faculty and staff. Additionally, students can be fitted for all their dance attire needs at the open house. MCA’s dance attire boutique offers quality basics for children including leotards, tights, ballet slippers, jazz shoes and tap shoes.

Dance class offerings, beginning Sept. 12, are available for youth ages 3 to adults and include beginning through advanced levels in classical ballet, tap, jazz, creative movement and modern, hip hop, leaps and turns, choreography, and a special tuition-free boys and men dance program. Semester I also provides programming specifically for beginning teens and adults by offering classes in partnership with Winona County Community Education, including: clogging I, clogging II, nia, power piyo, teen and adult ballet, and teen and adult tap and jazz. Parents who have a child enrolled in a dance or music class at MCA may participate in an adult class or choir tuition-free through the MCA Adult Arts Wellness program.

Academic credit is available to high school and college students through Cotter High School and Saint Mary’s University for a variety of MCA classes. Beginning and intermediate dancers ages 5 to 13 are encouraged to audition for MCA’s Dance Repertory Company II winter concert, offering exciting performance opportunities for MCA’s young performers in a nurturing and rigorous but non-competitive environment. Auditions are noon Saturday, Sept. 17, at the Valéncia Arts Center.

MCA music division offerings include Creative Music for children ages 3 to 4 years old, Winona Area Youth Singers, for students in grades four to eight, a flute choir for teens age 16 to adults, and private instrumental lessons in flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, French horn, trombone, euphonium, tuba, violin, cello, piano, voice and mandolin.

MCA Semester II music and dance programming provides five to 12 weeks of instruction depending on specific course/activity registered for. Dance classes conclude with a demonstration week, Nov. 14-19. Those dancers in the Dance Repertory Company II will perform in the MCA Winter Dance Concert, Dec. 2-3. Winona Area Youth Singers, member of the MCA flute choir and selected instrumental lesson students will conclude the semester with the MCA music division winter concert, Dec. 5. Tuition for MCA programming varies depending on course length and level. Discounts and scholarships are available.

For more information about MCA’s open house, or dance and music offerings, visit www.mnconservatoryforthearts.org, e-mail mca@smumn.edu or call (507) 453-5500.

Placement audition for WAYS scheduled for Sept. 12

WINONA, Minn. — The Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts will conduct placement auditions for Winona Area Youth Singers (WAYS), at 6 p.m. Monday, Sept. 12, at the Valéncia Arts Center Recital Hall, 1164 West 10th St.

WAYS is seeking students in grades four through eight who have been introduced to choir/music in their academic school setting and desire additional educational and performance opportunities in vocal music.

Throughout the semester, the choir will rehearse on Mondays, 6 to 7:30 p.m. Performances will include the annual MCA Winter Music Division Concert on Dec. 5, as well as holiday caroling and other community events.

WAYS is directed by Lindsy O’Shea. O’Shea holds a Masters of Arts in Instruction and a Bachelor of Arts in Vocal Music Performance from Saint Mary’s University. She has been involved with choral music, as a singer or director, for 20 years. O’Shea previously taught choral and general music in the Rochester and Faribault Public Schools. Additionally, she worked with the choirs of Blue Lake Fine Arts camp and with the Michigan State University Children's Choir. She is currently adjunct faculty with Saint Mary’s University, directing the Women’s Choir and teaching private voice lessons.

Registration for WAYS, as well as other MCA semester I dance and music programming will be accepted at the MCA registration open house, Thursday, Sept. 8, from 4 to 7 p.m. Interested students may also register online at www.mnconservatoryforthearts.org.

WAYS is offered tuition-free for the 2011-2012 academic year. 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. 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.

MCA offers new flute choir for teens and adults

WINONA, Minn. — The Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts announces a new flute choir, open to all community flutists, ages 16 to adult.

Throughout the semester, the choir will rehearse and perform a variety of music from serious recital pieces to fun, seasonal favorites. Performances will include the annual MCA Winter Music Division Concert on Dec. 5, as well as other community events.

All ability levels are welcome. The choir will rehearse on Tuesdays, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. in MCA’s Valéncia Arts Center Recital Hall, 1164 West 10th St. Tuition is $60 for the semester or free to parents who have students enrolled in a MCA dance or music class, through the MCA Adult Arts Wellness program.

The MCA Flute Choir is directed by Amanda Moburg. Moburg holds a Masters of Music Education Degree from VanderCook College of Music in Chicago and a Bachelor's of Science in Music Education degree from Towson University in Towson, Md. She has extensive experience teaching band and orchestra in the public school system, as well as private flute lessons. Moburg taught in Maryland for six years prior to moving to Minnesota. Moburg was an active woodwind adjudicator for Solo and Ensemble Festivals throughout the state of Maryland and served as a board member for the Maryland Music Educators Association, as well as the Maryland Band Director's Association. In addition to teaching and adjudicating, she has many years of performing experience as a freelance musician in the Baltimore and Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. Some of her most notable performances were at the Washington Flute Society’s annual conference and at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. She has held positions as a flutist with the Annapolis Wind Symphony, Columbia Concert Band, and, most recently, the Winona Municipal Band and Saint Mary’s University Concert Band.

Registration for the Flute Choir as well as other MCA semester I dance and music programming will be accepted at the MCA registration open house, Thursday, Sept. 8, 4 to 7 p.m. Interested flutists may also register online at www.mnconservatoryforthearts.org.

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. 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.

Low to headline Saturday at next SMU ‘Off the Page’ event

WINONA, Minn. — As part of this year’s SMU “Off The Page” lineup, musical artists Low, Ben Weaver and The Morning Foreign will perform Saturday, Sept. 3. The Off-the-Page Series features a variety of Minnesota talent, hosted by Saint Mary’s University at easily accessible venues around Winona.

These three popular music ensembles promise to fill the historic Masonic Temple, 5th and Main streets, with the sounds of today’s generations. Tickets for the event, which will begin at 7 p.m., are $20 for adults or $15 for students and seniors.

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. 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 with a farm-to-table restaurant in Minneapolis.

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.

To order tickets, 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. This event is being held in association with the Minnesota Music Coalition.

100 SMU students to volunteer in Winona community Saturday

WINONA, Minn. — About 100 students from Saint Mary’s University — 78 of whom are new to the community — will serve eight organizations in Winona on Saturday, Sept. 3, from 1 to 4 p.m.

New Student Volunteer Day is dedicated to providing new students with the opportunity to serve the people of Winona, and to be inspired by the Lasallian spirit early in their college careers.

Students will be volunteering at Grace Place, Habitat Restore, Lake Winona Manor, Winona Area Humane Society, YMCA, Winona Park and Recreation, Outdoor Leadership at SMU, and Salvation Army Thrift Store. In collaboration with Park and Rec, students will be taking video, naming trails and doing trail maintenance. They will also be cleaning, painting, hauling, playing BINGO and tending to animals, among other activities.

SMU Concert Band invites area musicians to join

WINONA, Minn. — Area musicians who love band music are invited to the Saint Mary’s University Concert Band’s first rehearsal of the season on Monday, Aug. 29, from 6:45 to 8 p.m. The Saint Mary’s University Concert Band was founded in 1990 as a college-community partnership ensemble and is directed by Dr. Janet Heukeshoven, professor of music and music education.

Rehearsals are held in Saint Yon’s Hall, (Room 158) on SMU’s Winona campus. All interested musicians are welcome to attend the first sight-reading informational rehearsal of the season. Advanced high school students, students from Minnesota State College-Southeast Technical, and adult community musicians are welcome to join the SMU collegiate members for an exciting season. The band performs a wide variety of repertoire; this fall it will start with the “Holst Suite #1 for Band,” “Bayou Breakdown” and “Selections from Pirates of the Caribbean” for a Family Weekend performance on Oct. 1.

Placement auditions will be individually scheduled Aug. 31-Sept. 4. Audition music will be given to all players on Aug. 29. If you are interested in the ensemble but cannot attend the initial “info-rehearsal,” please contact Dr. Heukeshoven to make other arrangements. The Concert Band rehearses 6:45 to 8 p.m. Mondays, and 6:45 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesdays

Detailed information regarding band membership and the auditions will be available at the first rehearsal. There are openings in most sections; contact Dr. Heukeshoven at (507) 457-1675 or email at jheukesh@smumn.edu for additional information and to reserve a spot for you at the first rehearsal. If you leave a message, please include which instrument you play, as well as your full name and contact information.

MCA presents summer Concert on the Lawn Aug. 18

WINONA, Minn. — The Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts will present an end-of-summer Concert on the Lawn 6 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 18, at the Valéncia Arts Center, 1164 West 10th St., Winona.

The informal concert is free and open to the public. Attendees are encouraged to bring a picnic blanket or lawn chair, and a picnic dinner if preferred. The concert will be held on the lawn just off the circular drive on Vila Street near the front entrance to the Valencia Arts Center. The concert will move indoors and take place in the Arts Center Recital Hall if inclement weather occurs.

Eighteen of the MCA private lessons students will perform solos, duets, and trios, and the show will feature works on the flute, clarinet, saxophone, violin and piano. Students range in age from 5 to 15.

Performers include: Donari Brandes, Haylee Cada, Anna Hanesworth, Ananth Iyengar, Phoebe Kropuenske, Daniel Kopitzke, Alec Meinke, Hayden Meinke, Justine Meinke, Bella Riley, Grace Riley, Lexi Riley, Baker Swenson, Logan Swenson, Lily Titus, Erin Walters, Elissa Wobig and Emily Wobig.

Students have participated in private music lessons throughout the summer months with MCA instructors Ryan Ballanger, Aleah Harvey, Mandy Moburg and Marie Stier.

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 MCA music division or other performing arts programming, visit www.mnconservatoryforthearts.org, e-mail mca@smumn.edu or call (507) 453-5500.

Individual tickets for Saint Mary’s Page Series season now on sale

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. Individual tickets are now on sale, and season subscriptions are on sale through Sept. 9.

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.

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

• Saturday Oct. 22, 7:30 p.m.
Luna Negra Dance Theater
Contemporary Latin Dance
Tickets: $25 for adults, $20 for seniors and students

• 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

• Thursday, Dec. 1, 7:30 p.m.
The Good Lovelies
Award winning Canadian trio
Tickets: $20 for adults, $15 for seniors and students

• 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

• 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

• Wednesday, March 21, 2012, 7:30 p.m.
Vishtèn
Prince Edward Island Acadian music
Tickets: $25 for adults, $20 for seniors and students

• 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

‘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 are also on sale. No discounts apply. These are limited seating general admission venues.

• 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.

• Friday, Feb. 3, 2012, 7:30 p.m., Valéncia Arts Center
Danza Española
Tickets: $12 for adults; $5 for seniors and students

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.

Minnesota State Arts Board renews grant funding for two Saint Mary’s University programs

Winona, Minn. — The Saint Mary’s University Performance Center and SMU’s Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts have been selected to receive grant funding from the Minnesota State Arts Board. The Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts was awarded $18,866, and the Performance Center was awarded $19,824.

In 2010 and 2011, the Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts was awarded funding as an organization that provides open access and arts learning opportunity for people of all ages and abilities through the State Arts Board’s “Community Arts Schools and Conservatories grant division.” For 2012, MCA will be awarded formulary and merit-based funding for operating support, acknowledging MCA as a leader in community arts education for the state of Minnesota.

The Minnesota State Arts board funding will help support and expand MCA’s current programming in dance, music, and theatre for children and youth. The grant will also allow MCA to venture into new community outreach projects, provide residency workshops for local schools, launch MCA’s new Adult Arts Wellness program, move into the implementation stages of a visual arts division, and remain fiscally responsible with balanced budgets.

“Writing grants is an intense and time-consuming process, but it was well worth it,” said Minnesota Conservatory managing director, Christine Martin. “This grant helps solidify the future of MCA,” she added. As a non-profit organization, grant support allows MCA to continue offering quality arts programming to the Winona and surrounding area communities.

In 2010-2011 MCA employed 26 teaching artists; served 416 local children/youth and 82 adult students; and last year more than 3,500 people attended dance and music performances and events produced by MCA, including its semi-annual production of “The Nutcracker.”

The Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts, a non-profit 501c3 organization, provides quality arts education and performance by nurturing and encouraging artistic expression in children and adults. MCA’s service to the community ranges from recreational to pre-professional performing arts curriculum, and programming designed to provide physical and aesthetic benefits, heightened self-respect, discipline, and confidence.

The Saint Mary’s University Performance Center’s Page Series also was the recipient of a Minnesota State Arts Board grant to continue its work in the community. The Page Series completed its 24th season of providing the Winona community access to the best in the performing arts from around the world. Associated with Page Series events is always a community/education component. This year’s activities included master classes, pre-show lecture/discussions and partnerships with the Winona Public Library.


In addition, the SMU Performance Center provided matinee performances for 2,274 K-12 students from throughout the area. The SMU Performance Center also works in partnership to assist other community arts initiatives including Home and Community Options and the Beethoven Festival.

Both Saint Mary’s University programs received amounts beyond their initial formula award because the State Arts Board panel recognized the exceptional work both programs do in local community involvement.

In reaction to the grant awards, Saint Mary’s President Brother William Mann had this to say, “Partnerships with the Minnesota State Arts Board and with our local community are examples of how Saint Mary’s University can reach beyond itself through relationships of creativity and service.”

For more information about the Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts, visit www.mnconservatoryforthearts.org. For more information regarding the Saint Mary’s Performance Center’s Page Series events, visit www.pagetheatre.org.

MCA, Riverway announce partnership

WINONA, Minn. — The Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts (MCA) and Riverway Learning Community have formed an arts education partnership for the 2011-2012 academic year.

MCA will be providing dance and music programming through a series of residency workshops for primary and secondary students from Riverway. The workshops will be held in October and December 2011 and February and April 2012, and will culminate in a special Saturday school demonstration for parents on April 14, 2012 at MCA’s Valencia Arts Center, 1164 West 10th St., Winona.

“The faculty and staff at MCA are excited to work with the Riverway students during the school day, said Christine Martin, MCA managing director. “Arts education is such an important part of student development and we are excited to provide these residencies to compliment the arts education the students receive at school,” she added.

Laurie Krause, Riverway director said, “Our partnership with MCA offers Riverway the opportunity to expand and enhance our arts program at a time when many schools, unfortunately, are cutting the arts. We are very excited that every Riverway student will experience these residency workshops that will enrich their knowledge and appreciation for the arts.”

The Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts, a non-profit 501c3 organization, exists to provide quality arts education and performance by nurturing and encouraging artistic expression in children and adults. Its service to the community ranges from recreational to pre-professional performing arts curriculum and programming designed to provide physical and aesthetic benefits, heightened self-respect, discipline and confidence. MCA is an affiliate program of Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota.

Riverway Learning Community, located at 115 Iowa St. in Minnesota City, is a Minnesota public charter school that provides free Montessori education for students in grades K-6, and project-based education for students in grades 7-12. Riverway, established in 2000 and authorized by Audubon Center of the North Woods, serves 100 students pre-kindergarten through 12th grade, and is committed to the foundation of a more hopeful and enlightened future by the development of an environment that nurtures the growth of mind, body and spirit, both as individuals and as members of the larger community.

For more information about the Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts visit www.mnconservatoryforthearts.org or call (507) 453-5500. For more information about Riverway Learning Community call (507) 689-2844.

Saint Mary’s named on Forbes list of ‘America’s Best Colleges’

WINONA, Minn. — Forbes.com’s 2011 list of “America’s Best Colleges” ranks Saint Mary’s University as No. 418 out of 650 of “the best public and private colleges and universities —from the student's point of view.”

SMU is also listed as No. 326 in the Forbes ranking of “private colleges,” No. 139 in “research universities,” and No. 105 “in the Midwest.”

The fourth-annual list of “America's Best Colleges,” compiled by Forbes and the Center for College Affordability and Productivity, ranks a select group of more than 650 undergraduate institutions — the top 20% of all undergraduate institutions – based on the quality of the education they provide, the experience of the students, and how much they achieve.

The rankings are based on five general criteria: Post-Graduate Success (30%), which evaluates alumni pay and prominence; Student Satisfaction (27.5%), which includes professor evaluations and freshman to sophomore year retention rates; Debt (17.5%), which penalizes schools for high student debt loads and default rates; four-year Graduation Rate (17.5%); and Competitive Awards (7.5%), which rewards schools whose students win prestigious scholarships and fellowships like the Rhodes, the Marshall and the Fulbright.

Forbes.com states, “To our way of thinking, a good college is one that meets student needs. While other college rankings are based in large part on school reputation as evaluated by college administrators, we focus on things that directly concern incoming students: Will my courses be interesting? Is it likely I will graduate in four years? Will I incur a ton of debt getting my degree? And once I get out of school, will I get a good job?”

Jim Bedtke, vice president for the College, said he is pleased that Saint Mary’s is on the Forbes list. “It shows that our students feel enriched by the experiences they have here, and that they graduate and go on to have successful careers and be productive members of their communities,” Betke said. “The Forbes listing reinforces positive reports from other student satisfaction surveys, such as the National Survey of Student Engagement and the Princeton Review.”

To view the entire list, go to www.forbes.com/top-colleges/list. To view Saint Mary’s page, go to www.forbes.com/colleges/saint-mary-s-university-of-minnesota.

Saint Mary’s University receives ‘Best in Midwest’ honors from Princeton Review

WINONA, Minn. — Saint Mary’s University is one of 153 schools receiving the “Best in the Midwest” designation for 2012 from the Princeton Review, a national college guide and ranking program. Results were announced this week.

Each year, the Princeton Review profiles colleges and universities that “stand out as academically excellent institutions of higher learning.” The Princeton Review survey asks students to rate their own schools on a variety of issues — from the accessibility of their professors to quality of the campus food — and answer questions about themselves, their fellow students, and their campus life. The Princeton Review is a New York City-based company known for test-preparation courses, education services and books; it is not affiliated with Princeton University.

The 629 colleges named regional bests (220 in the Northeast, 135 in the Southeast, 153 in the Midwest, and 121 in the West) represent only about 25 percent of the nation's 2,500 four-year colleges.

For more information, go to www.princetonreview.com/best-regional-colleges.aspx. The website gives a profile of Saint Mary’s, along with useful college selection features.

Saint Mary’s director of conferencing, camps to compete in Dancing with Winona Stars

WINONA, Minn. — Forty local “stars” — including Terrie Lueck, Saint Mary’s University’s director of conferencing and camps — are getting ready to dance the night away for charity this summer during the third annual Dancing with Winona Stars Saturday, Aug. 13, at SMU’s Gostomski Fieldhouse. The pre-show begins at 7 p.m., and the competition begins at 7:30 p.m.

Lueck and her dance partner Kenyatta Blount will dance freestyle to “2012 (It ain’t the end)” by Jay Sean and Nicki Minaj.

Lueck is raising money for the First-Generation Initiative at Saint Mary’s University.

The First-Generation Initiative is designed to offer full scholarship, academic and personal support to first-generation college students from under-resourced communities. As part of this initiative, support structures have been put in place at SMU so that students may reach their full potential and complete their bachelor’s degrees. Thirteen First-Generation students have completed their first year of studies at SMU; this fall the university will welcome 16 additional students.

“I went into this thinking I would be dancing ballroom style. Dancing freestyle is a challenge for me because it’s out of my comfort zone, but that seems very appropriate considering the challenges of the First-Generation students I am raising money for,” Lueck said.

“The students I am representing are also moving beyond their comfort zone as they come to Saint Mary’s as first-generation college students in their families. They don’t have the benefit of asking family members how to prepare for the experience. Some have never left home, some have language barriers, many struggle economically and some are socially challenged.

“This has been a lot of hard work, just as it will be in the fall for these First-Generation students,” she said. “I hope they find it to be as enjoyable as I have!”

Half of the proceeds from the event benefit the non-profit selected by each “star.” The remaining 50 percent supports members of the Competition Dance Team at Gotta Dance.
Votes are $1 apiece. You can cast your vote with the star, through the charity (like First-Generation Initiative at Saint Mary's University), or with a Gotta Dance competition student or parent, or mail your vote to Gotta Dance/DWWS 1733 Service Dr, Winona, MN 55987.

Checks for both tickets and votes should be made out to Gotta Dance. For charitable giving, you can write in the memo line, for example, “50% for First-Generation Initiative.” This memo should be noted ONLY for checks made out for votes. Ticket sales do not apply to this charitable status. Voting canisters are also located at various locations throughout the community.

Last year over 1,000 people attended the show and more than $10,000 was raised for local charities.

This year’s event will feature 11 individual stars dancing with Gotta Dance Instructors and five star groups that will be performing a variety of styles from rhumba to hip hop.

General admission is $10 in advance or $20 at the door. Seating starts at 7 p.m. Early admission is $25 and includes admission from 5 to 6:30 p.m., hors d’oeuvres and access to a cash bar. Reserved tables are available for $250. This price includes seating for eight, early admission, hors d’oeuvres and the cash bar.

For more information, visit www.dancingwithwinonastars.com or call Gotta Dance at (507) 474-7077.