Saint Mary’s to host panel discussion on population

National Geographic editor serves as guest panelist

WINONA, Minn. — How can we sustain a planet that has 7 billion people and is expected to have 9 billion inhabitants by 2050? The public is invited to discuss “Population in Perspective: How Will 7 Billion People Change Your Life?” Wednesday, March 14, at Saint Mary’s University.

The event’s special guest Dennis Dimick, executive editor on the environment for National Geographic, was architect of a year-long 2011 National Geographic series called “7 Billion” on global population and its impact.

Dimick will join panelists Fred de Sam Lazaro, director of the “Under-Told Stories Project” and a correspondent for PBS NewsHour with Jim Lehrer; Josephine Marcotty, environmental reporter for the Minneapolis Star Tribune; and Dr. David Lynch, chair of the SMU Department of Social Science.

This critical discussion — featuring a digest of the latest reporting on issues associated with population growth — is from 7 to 8:30 p.m. in Page Theatre, located in the SMU Performance Center.

This event is sponsored by Hendrickson Institute for Ethical Leadership, the Under-Told Stories Project, and the Minnesota International Center, as part of a collaboration with the Pulitzer Center on Crisis Reporting, PBS NewsHour and National Geographic.

The “Under-Told Stories Project,” produced by and in partnership with Saint Mary’s University, shares stories from some of the world’s most remote locations through PBS NewsHour and other media organizations. The partnership brings de Sam Lazaro to the university’s Minneapolis campus, provides new learning opportunities to Saint Mary’s students, and is intended to raise awareness for the local ramifications of global issues.

For more information, contact Sabrina Kelly at skelly@smumn.edu or (612) 238-4507.

Lemmer named associate VP for Marketing and Communication

WINONA, Minn. — Nick Lemmer was named associate vice president for Marketing & Communication on Saint Mary's University's Winona campus in January.

In this position, Lemmer — a 1994 Saint Mary’s alumnus — oversees the campus’ marketing, communication, sports information, and graphic and web services.

A native of Winona, Lemmer comes to Saint Mary’s from Inver Hills Community College, where he served as director of marketing from 2009-2012. At Inver Hills, he successfully led a redesign and rebuilding of the college website and contributed to an 8.3 percent enrollment growth. Additionally he completed an overhaul of the college brand including position, messaging, identity and standards.

Prior to Inver Hills, he worked for Clockwork Active Media Systems and Hanley Wood Marketing, both in Minneapolis. Lemmer brings with him a wealth of experience in media relations, marketing and communications.

Lemmer holds a bachelor’s degree from Saint Mary’s University and a master’s degree from the University of Minnesota-Carlson School of Management.

“Saint Mary’s University and its mission have had a significant impact on my life,” he said. “I look forward to building on the reputation and regard of Saint Mary’s through quality marketing and communication efforts.”

He and his wife, Kristina, have two daughters, Madeline and Charlotte.

SMU offers ‘Tri Swimming’ clinic March 5 – June 9

WINONA, Minn. — Saint Mary’s University is offering “Tri Swimming,” an individual open-water swim training clinic, March 5 through June 9. This clinic is for beginning or advanced swimmers who are looking for a swim clinic to complement their triathlon training goals.

Athletes must be able to swim one length of the pool without the assistance of a flotation device.

TriSwimming is geared toward bringing people together to train and learn proper swimming skills and techniques. Whether training for the next Trinona, or setting different goals, swimmers are welcome to join — or try out the clinic for one week for no cost.

The group meets three days a week, Mondays from 6:15 to 7:30 p.m., Wednesdays from 6:15 to 7:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 8 to 9:15 a.m. The clinic will be held at the eight-lane Jules Gernes Pool at Saint Mary’s. The instructors are Jami Severson, a former competitive swimmer with open water swimming experience, and Mark Ross, a current SMU swim team member.

While the weather is cold, participants will swim in the pool to build confidence and endurance. As the weather gets warmer, the class will transition to Lake Goodview and Lake Winona for open water practice.

The course fee is $200 ($150 for SMU community members). Register and pay online at www.smumn.edu/ageless. For more information, call (507) 457-6921.

Saint Mary’s Jazz Combo I to perform in Germany

WINONA, Minn. – During their upcoming spring break, a group of Saint Mary’s University students will bring their brand of American jazz to audiences in Germany. Led by Dr. John Paulson, professor and director of Jazz Studies, the 12-piece “little big band” will perform a wide variety of jazz selections at venues in and around the city of Cologne (Köln), Germany from March 5 through March 10.

On Tuesday, March 6, the group will travel to Urfeld, Germany, for an open rehearsal with “Musikfreunde Urfeld.” The Friends of Music in Urfeld is a community-based ensemble of high school musicians. Both ensembles will have the opportunity to perform for each other, and the evening will conclude with all the musicians joining together for a spirited jam session.

On Friday, March 9, the group will spend the day rehearsing with Stefan Güsgen – the 2010 winner of Germany’s National Magic Championships. In the evening, the SMU group will join forces with Güsgen in an event billed as “Jazz Meets Magic” at the 500-seat RheinForum, situated along the banks of the Rhein River in Wesseling, Germany. The event will also serve as a major fundraiser for the Dreifaltigkeits-Krankenhaus (Trinity Hospital). SMU music instructor A. Eric Heukeshoven has written a new arrangement of jazz great Grover Washington’s “Mr. Magic” especially for this gala event.

The group will perform their farewell concert Saturday, March 10, at the Kirchengemeinde Evangelische Kirche (Community Evangelical Church), also in Wesseling.

The public is welcome to attend a free homecoming concert Friday, March 16, at 7:30 p.m. in SMU’s Figliulo Recital Hall.

Members of the SMU Germany 2012 Jazz Combo I include:

• Jessica Giers (Winona) – Music Education major, tenor sax
• Katy Kosiek (Schamburg, Ill.) – Music Education major, alto sax
• Markeise Russell (Chicago, Ill.) – Music Education/Saxophone Performance major, alto sax
• Ben Scott (Rochester, Minn.) – Philosophy major, tenor sax
• Dr. John Paulson – Professor, soprano sax
• Tyler Ringeisen (Cannon Falls, Minn.) – Music Education major, trumpet
• A. Eric Heukeshoven - Instructor, trombone
• Hans Heukeshoven (Winona) – Computer Science/Percussion Performance major, vibraphone
• Andy Lubinski (Winona) – Elementary Education major, electric bass
• Camden Webster (Stockton, Minn.) – Music Industry (Technology) major, electric guitar
• Trevor Woggon (Viroqua, Wis.) – Music Education major, piano
  
  For more information, contact A. Eric Heukeshoven at (507) 457-7292 or eheukesh@smumn.edu.

SMU students perform at music educators clinic

Five SMU students will perform with the Minnesota Intercollegiate Honor Band. Back row, left: Tyler Ringiesen, Hans Heukeshoven, Matt Kotek. Front row: Mary Gerty, Katie Lieder.

WINONA, Minn. – Five select Concert Band members will represent Saint Mary's University in the Minnesota Intercollegiate Honor Band at this weekend's Minnesota Music Educators Association Midwinter Clinic.

The honor band is made up of "the best of the best" from colleges and universities all across the state. After rehearsals this week, the band will perform at 9:15 a.m. Saturday at the Minneapolis Convention Center.

Also performing at the MMEA clinic are the Saint Mary's University Chamber Singers, the only choral group invited this year. The group will present a program at 5:15 p.m. Friday at Central Lutheran Church, Minneapolis.

In addition, four SMU music majors are attending the MMEA clinic: Jessica Bouska, Katie Kosiek, Marilyn Yennie and Sara Kua.

SMU Medieval and Renaissance Study Minor invites public to presentation

WINONA, Minn. — The public is invited to a presentation, hosted by Saint Mary’s University’s Medieval and Renaissance Studies minor, titled “Before Gerbert Met Erbert: A Selective Look at Quelques Petites Choses from ‘Science’ and Religion in the Middle Ages” by Dr. Paul Nienaber, SJ, Department of Physics.

The presentation will begin at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 29, in Room 238 of Brother Charles Hall on the SMU campus.

Saint Mary’s Chamber Singers to tour Wisconsin, Illinois, Ontario

WINONA, Minn. — The Chamber Singers of Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota will perform in Wisconsin, Illinois and the Canadian province of Ontario as part of their 2012 Concert Tour. The 27-voice select ensemble is directed by Dr. Patrick O’Shea, associate professor of music.

Tour performances will include the following liturgies and concerts:

• St. Mary’s Parish, Appleton, Wis.
Sunday, March 4, Mass 11 a.m., Concert 2 p.m.
• Church of St. John the Divine, North Bay, Ontario
Wednesday, March 7, 8 p.m.
• All Saint’s Kingsway Anglican Church, Toronto, Ontario
Thursday, March 8, 7 p.m.
• Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church, Aurora, Ill.
Sunday, March 11, Mass 10 a.m., Concert 3 p.m.

All concerts are free and open to the public (with the exception of an admission fee for the North Bay concert), and guests are welcome at the various liturgies. Repertoire will include a cappella works by Marenzio, Duruflé, Bruckner, and Stephen Paulus.

Upon their return, the Chamber Singers will present a free “Homecoming Concert” at the Chapel of Saint Mary of the Angels, 7th and Vila streets, Winona, on Thursday, March 15, at 7:30 p.m.

For more information, call (507) 457-1598, or fax (507) 457-1611.

Public invited to SMU’s ‘Cardinal Plunge’ Feb. 25

WINONA, Minn. – Brave souls and warm hearts are invited to join Saint Mary’s University in the second annual “Cardinal Plunge” Saturday, Feb. 25. This freezing fundraiser begins at 1 p.m. at Lake Goodview, located at Michael LaCanne Park.

This year, “Cardinal Plunge” proceeds will be given to the Future Alumni Committee Student Emergency Fund, a fund set aside for students in need or in emergency situations. A portion of last year’s proceeds went to the family of Millie Harrison, a freshman at Saint Mary’s who passed away suddenly in April 2011.

The cost to plunge is $10, and all participants will receive a “Cardinal Plunge” T-shirt. This event is sponsored by several organizations at Saint Mary’s including Student Life, the Future Alumni Committee, and Chartwells. Community sponsors include Winona County Dive and Rescue and the Winona Area Ambulance Service.

Registration begins at noon on-site. Participants are encouraged to pre-register online at www.mysmumn.org/cardinalplunge and pay the day of the plunge. Donations can be made to the Cardinal Plunge Student Emergency Fund, Saint Mary’s University, 700 Terrace Heights #21, Winona, MN 55987.

Refreshments and a light lunch will be available.

For more information, contact Bridget McDonough at (847) 521-3206 or bmmcdo08@smumn.edu.

SMU brings ‘Duck for President,’ other stories to stage Feb. 29

WINONA, Minn. — The Saint Mary’s University Page Series will bring “Duck for President” and other favorite children’s stories to life Wednesday, Feb. 29, in SMU’s Page Theatre.

Beginning at 6:30 p.m., Theatreworks USA will present an all-new musical revue featuring 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.

Tickets are $12 for adults, $5 for students and seniors and are available at the SMU Box Office, (507) 457-1715, Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. or online at www.pagetheatre.org.

Winona gathering for READ ALOUD day

In cooperation with the Winona Public Library, local celebrities will share their favorite books at 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 25, in the library’s second floor art room. Bring your family and join the fun of Read Aloud Day. Win a chance at tickets to see the Page Series presentation “Duck for President and Other Stories” on Feb. 29.

‘Guys and Dolls’ on stage Feb. 23-26 at Saint Mary’s

WINONA, Minn. — The Saint Mary’s University Department of Theatre and Dance will present the classic Broadway musical “Guys and Dolls” from Feb. 23-26.

The Tony-Award-winning musical, with music and lyrics by Frank Loesser, was first presented in 1950 and has enjoyed many revivals. It's considered by many to be the perfect musical comedy.

Set in Damon Runyon’s mythical New York City, “Guys and Dolls” soars with the spirit of Broadway as it introduces us to a legendary cast of vivid characters: Sarah Brown, the upright but uptight missionary out to reform the evildoers of Time Square; Sky Masterson, the slick, high-rolling gambler who woos her on a bet and ends up falling in love; Adelaide, the chronically ill nightclub performer whose condition is brought on by a 14-year marriage engagement; and Nathan Detroit, her devoted fiancé, desperate as always to find a spot for his infamous floating craps game.

“Guys and Dolls” is directed by Gary Diomandes with music direction by Judy Myers and choreography by Christine Martin. Showtimes in SMU’s Page Theatre are 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, Feb. 23-25, and 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 26.

Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students and seniors. They’re available online at www.pagetheatre.org or at the Performance Center Box Office, (507) 457-1715, Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Saint Mary’s benefits planned to help wounded alumnus, veteran

WINONA, Minn. — Saint Mary’s University is planning two public benefits for alumnus Josh Misiewicz, a Marine veteran who was severely injured this past summer while serving in Afghanistan.

On Feb. 11, the Saint Mary’s men’s hockey team will host an Armed Forces Night in Misiewicz’s honor during their game against Gustavus Adolphus at 7:30 p.m. The Color Guard has been invited to render honors when the National Anthem is played, and all proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to Misiewicz, who played junior varsity hockey at Saint Mary’s from 2006-2008.

Misiewicz has also been named the recipient of the 12th annual Taylor Richmond Benefit Dance, planned for Saturday, March 24. The public will be invited to this formal dance, which features the Johnny Holm Band.

Marine Lance Corporal Misiewicz grew up in La Grange, Ill., where he was a well-known hockey star. He attended Saint Mary’s for two years before pursuing his passion to become a U.S. Marine.

In July, his life changed in a flash: a landmine exploded and he suffered the loss of both legs and two shattered eardrums. He recovered at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Maryland, where his positive attitude and enduring spirit served as an example to others.

Misiewicz received the Purple Heart medal this past fall.

Even though the federal government covers Misiewicz's medical expenses, the family is facing many other long-term costs including transportation, home improvements, and a hand-controlled vehicle.

To make a donation, send checks — payable to the Taylor Richmond Benefit Dance — to Lance Thompson at Saint Mary’s University, 700 Terrace Heights, Box 1528, Winona, MN 55987.

Saint Mary’s invites African-American professionals to share their stories

WINONA, Minn. — In recognition of Black History Month, African-American professionals from throughout the nation have been invited to share their stories Wednesday, Feb. 15, at Saint Mary’s University.

The panel discussion, free and open to the public, will begin at 5:30 p.m. in Salvi Lecture Hall, located on the third floor of Saint Mary’s Hall. These six panelists will share their stories, challenges and victories:

• Duchesne Drew, Minneapolis Star Tribune
Drew is the Star Tribune’s managing editor for operations. He’s the newsroom’s liaison to the circulation, production, marketing and advertising departments.
• Sarah Hoye, CNN
Hoye is an award-winning journalist for CNN. She is currently based in Philadelphia where she covers regional assignments and breaking news.
• Minnesota Rep. Bobby Joe Champion (DFL-District 58B)
Rep. Champion has represented portions of downtown and north Minneapolis since he was elected in 2008. He is currently a member of the House’s Civil Justice Committee and Finance Committee.
• Beatrice Tayui, Diamond International Inc. and Lion Aviation Group
Tayui is president and senior managing partner at Lion Aviation Group, Inc., an airline management and turnaround specialist that is focused on the growing African aviation sector. She is also president and CEO of Diamond International, Inc. in Chicago, a privately held domestic and international business strategies company.
• Ebenezer Tayui, M.D., Franciscan St. Margaret Health
Dr. Tayui specializes in cardiac and obstetric anesthesiology in Hammond, Ind.
• Xavier Wilson, Winona State University
Wilson, a Saint Mary’s alumnus, is currently serving as interim assistant director of Housing and Residence Life at WSU.

Refreshments will be served following the discussion and a question-and-answer period.

The event is part of a month-long series of events hosted by the Black Students and Allies at Saint Mary’s. For more information, contact Keotta House at klhous11@smumn.edu or (507) 279-1806.