Saint Mary’s University receives Centennial congratulations from U.S. legislators

 WINONA, Minn. — Noting Saint Mary’s University for its “strong vision, “solid foundation” and “commitment to education,” the Minnesota Congressional Delegation has signed a congratulatory letter in honor of the university’s 2012-13 Centennial Celebration, expressing confidence Saint Mary’s will “continue to amaze” during its second century.

The letter, authored May 11, 2012, was signed by U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar, U.S. Senator Al Franken, and U.S. Representatives Tim Walz, Chip Cravaack, Betty McCollum, John Kline, Erik Paulsen, Keith Ellison, Collin Peterson and Michele Bachmann.

“We as a nation strive to provide the type of world class education to our children that Saint Mary’s has been providing for the last century, and I was proud to recognize them for this tremendous milestone,” said Rep. Tim Walz. “As Saint Mary’s continues to grow their educational presence throughout Minnesota, the Midwest and internationally, their best days lie ahead, in the next 100 years.”

 The letter reads:

Dear Brother William: We, the Minnesota Congressional Delegation, write to congratulate Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota on its Centennial Celebration. Reaching this historic milestone is a tribute to the vision of Saint Mary’s founder, and first Bishop of Winona, Patrick Heffron. In 1912, the cornerstone of Saint Mary’s was set atop Terrace Heights surrounded by the beautiful bluffs in Winona. That founding was the result of a Catholic education movement taking shape in the state of Minnesota and beyond, which would go on to contribute in a significant way to making our citizens among the most well-educated in the world. 

In its first century, Saint Mary’s University has grown from a diocesan undergraduate college to become a top-tier national university. The undergraduate college continues to excel in producing well-educated and well-qualified graduates who exceed national benchmarks in graduate school acceptance and employment. The university is an innovator among private colleges in embracing the expansion of quality, flexible graduate and professional programs as a way to meet our economy’s need for an ever more sophisticated and well-prepared workforce. Saint Mary’s footprint has today expanded to two campuses and dozens of satellite locations in the upper Midwest, as well as abroad in Kenya and Jamaica. 

Saint Mary’s has always been guided by a strong vision to transform society one learner at a time, a manifestation of its Lasallian Catholic heritage. And in so doing, Saint Mary’s fulfills its mission to “empower learners to ethical lives of service and leadership.” 

Elected officials rarely try to predict the future, but the 2012 Minnesota Congressional Delegation can all agree that with a solid foundation and commitment to education, Saint Mary’s University will continue to amaze us during its second century.

“We are thankful for this timely recognition and for such kind words of praise from our congressional delegation,” said Brother William Mann, president of Saint Mary’s University. “Their letter acknowledges and affirms our global reach, our heritage of service and leadership, and our transformative programs. It means a great deal to us for our political leaders to acknowledge our successes as we launch our second century.”

May 30 marks the 100th anniversary of the laying of the cornerstone for Saint Mary’s Hall, the first building constructed on Saint Mary’s Winona campus. On this day, a flag will be flown at the U.S. Capitol in honor of this occasion. This flag will be presented to Brother William Mann, university president, at Saint Mary’s official Centennial launch, June 23, on the Winona campus. The public is invited to the celebration.

MCA welcomes new managing director

WINONA, Minn. — The Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts welcomes new managing director Joelle Harris.

Harris was selected from a pool of candidates through a national search this spring. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Studies with a minor in vocal music from Capital University and a Master of Arts in Arts Administration and Non-Profit Management from the University of Akron. She previously served as the executive director of Columbus Children’s Theatre.

Harris will assume the position of managing director on June 1, following the departure of current director, Christine Martin. Martin has been involved with MCA since 1995 and has served as the managing director for the past 13 years.

“It has been an honor serving the students of MCA and our community,” said Martin, “I am so proud to have been a part of the program development over the years.” Martin will continue to teach in the dance division at MCA and serve as an advisor to the school through the Friends of MCA board.

The Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts, a non-profit organization, began in 1973 in a one-room studio under the direction of Stefannié Valéncia Kierlin; it was then known as The Ballet School. Today, MCA offers a full spectrum of performing and visual arts, nurturing and encouraging artistic expression in hundreds of children and adults in Southeastern Minnesota.

“We here at the Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts and at Saint Mary’s owe Christine Martin a huge debt of gratitude,” said Michael Charron, dean of SMU’s School of the Arts. “For the past 17 years, she has not only kept Stefannié Valéncia Kierlin’s dream alive, but has advanced Stefannié’s vision of creating a comprehensive center for the arts, providing excellent training for people of all ages and walks of life. We’re also very excited about the talents and abilities Joelle Harris brings with her. She will continue to carry out Stefannié’s artistic vision into the future.”

For more information about MCA, visit www.mnconservatoryforthearts.org or call (507) 453-5500.

WinCraft donates to SMU Row, Ride, Run triathlon

Richard Pope, chairman and CEO of WinCraft, left, and John Killen, president and chief operating officer of WinCraft, right, display items donated to the Saint Mary’s University Row, Ride, Run triathlon along with Chris McClead, triathlon organizer, and SMU students Abby Voigt and Gracie Hoffman.

WinCraft graciously donated hundreds of lanyards, race towels and fridge magnets, as well as clipboards and plaques, to Saint Mary’s University’s spring Row, Ride, Run triathlon.

The last triathlon took place Saturday, April 28, and approximately 150 athletes from throughout the Midwest registered. Row, Ride Run participants canoed or kayaked a 2.5-mile loop around Lake Winona, then biked 14 miles from Lake Winona to the SMU campus. Once on campus, racers ran 3.1 miles through the bluffs surrounding the university.

“WinCraft likes to support events that promote good health, education and events that benefit Winona,” said John Killen, president and chief operating officer of WinCraft. “The students of Saint Mary’s have done a great job of putting together the Row, Ride, Run to raise money for educational trips, and they promote a healthy lifestyle.”

Proceeds from the triathlon assist Serving Others United in Love (SOUL), a student organization sponsored by SMU’s Office of Campus Ministry. Through SOUL, students are able to connect with diverse communities by participating in national and international service trips.

 “WinCraft’s sponsorship has made Row, Ride, Run a significant triathlon in the tri-state area and helped us raise the necessary funds to allow all students — regardless of their financial status — to experience faith, community, service, and transformation on SOUL trips,” said Chris McClead, co-director of SMU’s Office of Campus Ministry and triathlon organizer.

Saint Mary's honors students at Academic Awards Banquet

WINONA, Minn. — Saint Mary’s University recognized outstanding senior students Thursday, April 26, at the annual Senior Academic Honors Banquet. Highlights of the evening included the announcement of graduate and professional school acceptances, grants and fellowships, and the awarding of the following special honors:

American Institute of Chemists Award (chemistry award) — Benjamin Ludescher, son of David and Nancy Ludescher of Northfield, Minn.  

American Chemical Society Award (chemistry award) and Future Alumni Committee Scholarship — Jill Spitzmueller, daughter of Bill and Kathy Spitzmueller of New Brighton, Minn.

Kevin Martineau Award (business award) — Yu Wang of China

Outstanding Accounting Major (business award) — Brian Dillon, son of William and Lisa Dillon of Arden Hills, Minn.

Outstanding International Business Student (business award) — Anne Drazkowski, daughter of Barry and Tammy Drazkowski of Fountain City, Wis.

Outstanding Entrepreneurship Student (business award) — Sheree Haslemore, daughter of Ross Haslemore of Gore Southland, New Zealand

Outstanding Human Resource Management Student (business award) — Samantha Otto, daughter of Bruce and Debra Otten of Buffalo, Wis.

Outstanding Sport Management Student (business award) — Thomas Healy, son of James and Julie Healy of Rolling Meadows, Ill.

Outstanding Marketing Majors (business award) — Amanda Gehrman, daughter of Guy Gehrman and Sandy Wiers of Stevens Point, Wis., and Joseph Rysavy, son of Laura Rysavy of North Aurora, Ill.

Saint Thomas Aquinas Award for Excellence (philosophy award) — Christopher Sindelar, son of Ron and Kathy Sindelar of Syracuse, Ind.

Father Andrew Fabian Scholarship (philosophy award) — Michael Pica, son of Jerry and Jane Pica of Champaign, Ill.

Gerald Sullivan Outstanding Theatre Major Award (theatre award) — Thomas Conry, son of Michael and Joanne Conry of Waunakee, Wis.

Grove Bree Holman Award (theatre award) — Jacob Rivet, son of William and Debra Rivet of Forest Lake, Minn.

Michael G. Flanagan Ghost Light Award (theatre award) — David Dean, son of John Dean and Yasmin Solares-Dean of Wayzata, Minn.

Brother Leo Northam Awards (math awards) — Long Chen of China, Justyna Kujtkowska of Poland and Yuanyuan (Jasmine) Wang of China

Lasallian Honors Program Outstanding Senior Awards — Samantha Dahlstrom, daughter of William and Roseanne Dahlstrom of Rochester, Minn., and Thomas Conry, son of Michael and Joanne Conry of Waunakee, Wis.

Delta Epsilon Sigma – Megan Hellman, daughter of Thomas and Diana Hellman of Oshkosh, Wis.

History Department Distinction Award and Brother J. Robert Lane Historical Essay Award — David Spriegel, son of William and Amanda Spriegel of Gurnee, Ill.

Saint Teresa Leadership and Service Institute for Women 2012 graduates — Mary Glenski, daughter of Patrick and Margaret Glenski of Rochester, Minn.; Maria Pechacek, daughter of Davia Mattson of Milwaukee, Wis.; and Amy Streit, daughter of Joe and Kathleen Streit of Oak Lawn, Ill.

Psychology Department Distinction Awards — Morgan Carlson, daughter of Wally and Darla Carlson of Theilman, Minn.; Bethany Hastings, daughter of James and Pam Hastings of Inver Grove Heights, Minn.; Kelsi Addabbo, daughter of Steven and Lenae Addabbo of Owatonna, Minn.; Allison Johnson, daughter of Richard and Michele Johnson of Austin, Minn.; Jamie Jones, daughter of Kathleen Jones of Omaha, Neb.; and Cassandra Berning, daughter of Roger and Mary Berning of Cuba City, Wis.

Saint Mary's honors Dick Kowles with Presidential Award

Dr. Dick Kowles, center, received a Presidential Award for Outstanding Merit from Michael Gostomski, left, chairman of the SMU Board of Trustees, and Brother William Mann, president of Saint Mary's.

WINONA, Minn. — A distinguished professor emeritus of biology, Winonan Dick Kowles, Ph.D., devoted 40 years to education and the sciences at Saint Mary’s University.

In recognition of his dedication and service, Dr. Kowles was presented with a Presidential Award for Outstanding Merit by Saint Mary’s at its undergraduate commencement ceremony May 12.

The award citation noted that Dr. Kowles has served the mission of Saint Mary’s in an exemplary manner and exhibits the characteristics of service and ethical leadership that the university strives to develop in all of its students.

Dr. Kowles was recognized for teaching, mentoring and inspiring thousands of biology students for more than 40 years and for securing more than 30 national and private grants for the advancement of science at SMU. Additionally, Dr. Kowles — renowned regionally and nationally as an expert in the field of genetics — has distinguished himself as both a researcher and a writer through the publications of books, textbooks and scientific articles.

A beloved colleague, department chair, mentor and friend, Dr. Kowles received the Brother Charles Severin Award for Teaching Excellence from Saint Mary’s in 1979, and the Minnesota Teacher of the Year Award from the Minnesota Academy of Science in 1984.

New dean appointed for SMU School of Humanities and Sciences

WINONA, Minn. — Dr. Genevieve Robinson, a member of the Benedictine Order, has been named dean of Humanities and Sciences at Saint Mary’s University’s Winona campus.

She will assume the dean’s position on June 1. Dr. Robinson most recently served as dean of Undergraduate Studies at Fontbonne University in Saint Louis, Mo. Prior to her work at Fontbonne University, she spent 22 years at Rockhurst University in Kansas City, Mo. Her administrative experience at Rockhurst University included serving as chair of the Department of History and the Division of Humanities, and as the director of the University Honors Program.

 Dr. Robinson will join Dr. Donna Aronson, vice president of Academic Affairs, and the three other College deans, Dr. Tom Marpe, Dr. Scott Sorvaag, and Michael Charron, on the SMU undergraduate college Academic Council.

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

WINONA, Minn. — Saint Mary’s University recognized outstanding students, faculty and staff Thursday, April 12, 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) — Tim Gossen, dean of students

Charlene “Char” Tjaden Outstanding Resident Assistant Award — John Soucheray, son of John and Kathleen Soucheray of Woodbury, Minn.

Club and Organization Advisor of the Year — Lance Thompson, assistant activities director

Organization of the Year — Open Mic Nite, accepted by Ben Scott, son of Mark and Sherri Scott of Rochester, Minn.

Intramural Official of the Year — Rachel Otten, daughter of Bruce and Debra Otten of Buffalo, Minn.

Volunteer Service Award — Stephanie Schaub, daughter of Steven and Mary Schaub of La Crosse, Wis., and Megan Linder, daughter of Don and Nancy Linder of Easton, Minn.

Outstanding Student Senator of the Year Award — Andy Bauer, son of Timothy and Nancy Bauer of Roswell, Ga.

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) — Jill Spitzmueller, daughter of Bill and Kathy Spitzmueller of New Brighton, Minn., and Madelynn Kettner, daughter of Donald and Jeannine Kettner of La Crosse, Wis.

Student Service Award — Luis Escobar, son of Francia Acevedo and Santiago Escobar of Madelia, Minn.

Outdoor Leadership Recognition — Courtney Lee, daughter of Eric and Camille Lee, Apple Valley, Minn.

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) — Ann Merchlewitz, executive vice president and general counsel

Saint Benilde Award (presented to students who reach out to new members of the university community, are inclusive and inspiring, and lead by being hospitable, open and accepting) — Amy Streit, daughter of Joe and Kathleen Streit of Oak Lawn, Ill., and Robert Rousseau, son of Richard and Paulet Rousseau of St. Paul.

Leadership Certificate (presented to students who have completed the co-curricular program designed to give both emerging and advanced leaders the skills and knowledge to enhance his or her leadership development) — Riley Sinn, daughter of Ruth and Philip Sinn of Apple Valley; Julianne Bartosz, daughter of Jeff and Leslie Bartosz of Mokena, Ill.; Morgan Carlson, daughter of Wally and Darla Carlson of Theilman, Minn.; Sara McNary, daughter of William and Donna McNary of De Forest, Wis.; Abby Ross, daughter of Bradley and Sidnie Ross of Blaine; Danielle Strebel, daughter of Dan and Mary Strebel of Green Bay, Wis., Chris Froelich, daughter of Ken and Patricia Froelich of Cottage Grove; Mae Yang, daughter of Yeng and Panee Yang of Minneapolis; Katherine Wall, daughter of Michael and Michelle Wall of Batavia, Ill., Stephanie Schaub, daughter of Steven and Mary Schaub of La Crosse, Wis.; and Julie Pierce, daughter of John and Lisa Ingram of Minneapolis.

Saint Mary’s University Winona campus commencement list 2012 Undergraduates (completing B.A. degrees)

These undergraduate students are candidates for graduation between December 2011 and August 2012 at Saint Mary's University and will receive Bachelor of Arts degrees. Commencement ceremonies on the Winona campus are Saturday, May 12.

Kelsi Addabbo	Owatonna	Minn.
Jessica Adducci	Woodbury	Minn.
Sarah Adie	Chanhassen	Minn.
Jessica Alcazar	Chicago	Ill.
Margaret Allexsaht	Minneapolis	Minn.
Andrea Allis	Wells	Minn.
Adjovi Amouzou	Brooklyn Park	Minn.
James Andrews	Eden Prairie	Minn.
Andrew Anger	South Milwaukee	Wis.
Luke Baertlein	Mazeppa	Minn.
Lauren Baier	Mount Horeb	Wis.
Jennifer Baldwin	Eden Prairie	Minn.
Brittany Barnes	Fairmont	Minn.
Anthony Bartylla	Woodbury	Minn.
Richard Baustian	Dell Rapids	S.D.
Meg Beerling	Bloomington	Minn.
Gerard Begg	Winona	Minn.
Alexa Bergler	Winona	Minn.
Cassandra Berning	Cuba City	Wis.
Sarah Bignell	Wabasha	Minn.
Alex Bilski	Fridley	Minn.
Ellen Bina	St. Paul	Minn.
Alphonse Bizimana	Winona	Minn.
Michael Blanda	Oakdale	Minn.
Brett Blondin	Saint Charles	Ill.
Ashley Blum	Buffalo City	Wis.
Melinda Boettger	Owatonna	Minn.
Jarod Boltjes	Worthington	Minn.
David Borgen	Red Wing	Minn.
Jill Borntrager	Elk River	Minn.
Jessica Bouska	Chatfield	Minn.
Elizabeth Bradford	Whitefish Bay	Wis.
Alex Braun	Darwin	Minn.
Heather Brevig	Rushford	Minn.
Alyssa Brletich	Lakeville	Minn.
Kelsey Brown	Elk River	Minn.
Riley Brown	Saint Paul	Minn.
Kassondra Burtis	Fairmont	Minn.
Joseph Bush	Chicago	Ill.
Timothy Cahalan	Saint Paul	Minn.
Samuel Callisto	Woodbury	Minn.
Gabrielle Cantore	Chicago	Ill.
Jenna Capelle	Rochester	Minn.
Steven Carlevato	Woodridge	Ill.
Jacob Carlson	Dell Rapids	S.D.
Morgan Carlson	Theilman	Minn.
Michelle Carne	Escanaba	Mich.
Andrea Caruso	Mendota Heights	Minn.
Yue Chang	Yancheng	China
Blaine Chaulklin	Cashton	Wis.
Long Chen	Mian xian County	China
Grace Christensen	Mendota Heights	Minn.
Nicole Ciulla	Plover	Wis.
Tracy Clammer	West Concord	Minn.
Jacob Clapham	Kasson	Minn.
Sheri Clark	Eagan	Minn.
Caitlyn Cole	Larsen	Wis.
Sean Coleman	Chicago	Ill.
Kelsey Collins	Apple Valley	Minn.
Jillian Congdon	Saint Paul	Minn.
Thomas Conry	Waunakee	Wis.
Margaret Mary Conway	Woodstock	Ill.
Danielle Cossetta	Inver Grove Hgts	Minn.
Samantha Dahlstrom	Rochester	Minn.
Chelseanne Davidson	Stacy	Minn.
Daniel Davis	Ossian	Ind.
David Dean	Wayzata	Minn.
Emily Degallier	Fountain City	Wis.
Brittany DeGrood	Faribault	Minn.
Jonathan Delwiche	Andover	Minn.
Paul Dettling	Roseville	Minn.
Emily DeWitt	Lino Lakes	Minn.
Melissa Diercks	Red Wing	Minn.
Brian Dillon	Arden Hills	Minn.
Michael Dold	St. Cloud	Minn.
Anne Drazkowski	Winona	Minn.
Brian Driscoll	De Pere	Wis.
John Dwyer	Minnetonka	Minn.
Bailey Edwards	Fond Du Lac	Wis.
Rachel Elbert	Cedar Falls	Iowa
Grady Erickson	Lakeland	Minn.
Vincent Erspamer	Cottage Grove	Minn.
Luis Escobar	Madelia	Minn.
Santiago Escobar	Madelia	Minn.
Darrell Fair	Woodridge	Ill.
Nikki Farmer	Medford	Wis.
David Feather	Oak Creek	Wis.
Maxwell Ferguson	Arcadia	Wis.
Stefanie Fiek	Rochester	Minn.
Elizabeth Flynn	Mahtomedi	Minn.
Gregory Freeman	Aurora	Ill.
Patrick Freeman	Brooklyn Park	Minn.
Christopher Froelich	Cottage Grove	Minn.
Kristine Froseth	Owatonna	Minn.
Erin Gallagher	Woodbury	Minn.
Acacia Gammage	Columbia Heights	Minn.
Kathryn Gannon	Roselle	Ill.
Anne Garrigan	Orland Park	Ill.
Robert Gas	Lake Zurich	Ill.
Rachel Gates-Vickery	New Brighton	Minn.
Kacey Gavin	Brookfield	Ill.
Amanda Gehrman	Stevens Point	Wis.
Daniel Geraghty	Park Ridge	Ill.
Ashley Gernes	Lake Elmo	Minn.
Brent Gessner	Prior Lake	Minn.
Cullen Gibbons	Circle Pines	Minn.
Jessica Giers	Winona	Minn.
Mary Glenski	Rochester	Minn.
Roderick Goolsby	Chicago	Ill.
Matthew Gorgone	Greenville	R.I.
Emily Gould	Bloomington	Minn.
Scott Graphenteen	Minnetrista	Minn.
Sarah Grundhoefer	West Saint Paul	Minn.
Kristine Guse	Red Wing	Minn.
Jessica Gutterman	St. Paul	Minn.
Jacob Haagenson	Richfield	Minn.
Alyssa Habberstad	La Crescent	Minn.
Jared Haider	Forest Lake	Minn.
Kevin Halpin	Bartlett	Ill.
Hannah Hansen	Lake Forest	Ill.
Keisha Harcey	Wykoff	Minn.
Maria Harris	Saint Paul	Minn.
Regina Harris	Danville	Ky.
Sheree Haslemore	Gore	New Zealand
Bethany Hastings	Inver Grove Hgts	Minn.
Sarah Haynes	Chicago	Ill.
Neil Heacox	San Diego	Calif.
Thomas Healy	Rolling Meadows	Ill.
Megan Hellmann	Oshkosh	Wis.
Joseph Henry	Hastings	Minn.
Timothy High	Goodview	Va.
Andrea Hoglin	Burnsville	Minn.
Krin Hoiland	Rushford	Minn.
Anna Holley	Lakeville	Minn.
Timothy Hopkins	Westchester	Ill.
Ashley House-Mischke	Brooklyn Park	Minn.
Cassandra Hulett	Milwaukee	Wis.
Erika Hurley	Chatfield	Minn.
Ann Ivansek	Riverside	Ill.
Andrew Jambura	Wauwatosa	Wis.
Meghan Jensen	Claremont	Minn.
Paige Jenson	Lake Park	Minn.
Luyi Jin	Beijing	China
Allison Johnson	Austin	Minn.
Anna Johnson	Austin	Minn.
Tiearra Johnson	Justice	Ill.
Jamie Jones	Omaha	Neb.
Sarah Jorgenson	Cottage Grove	Minn.
Paula Jungbauer	Lakeville	Minn.
Cree Kachelski	Elgin	Minn.
Mary Karnick	Tomball	Texas
Laura Kay	Rush City	Minn.
Katelin Keck	Prior Lake	Minn.
Bridget Kelly	Middleton	Wis.
John Kelly	Rochester	Minn.
Sarah Kennedy	Wayzata	Minn.
Madelynn Kettner	La Crosse	Wis.
Peter Kieffer	La Crosse	Wis.
Kyle Klein	Winona	Minn.
Sarah Kraft	Rochester	Minn.
Dana Kreuser	Maplewood	Minn.
Melanie Krivachek	Fort Atkinson	Iowa
Meaghan Kroeber	Mankato	Minn.
Amy Kujak	River Falls	Wis.
Justyna Kujtkowska	Bogaczow	Poland
Jeffery Kundinger	Forest Lake	Minn.
Timothy Kunkel	Northfield	Ill.
Jessica LaCanne	Faribault	Minn.
Patrick Lafond	Batavia	Ill.
Sophia Lam	Burnsville	Minn.
Jon Lamphere	Shakopee	Minn.
Maria Lanari	Delano	Minn.
Laura Larson	Pine Island	Minn.
Courtney Lee	Apple Valley	Minn.
Joshua Lentner	Sauk Rapids	Minn.
Madeline Lenz	White Bear Lake	Minn.
Yuepeng Li	Beijing	China
Ashley Lien	Cottage Grove	Minn.
Megan Linder	Easton	Minn.
Adam Lindsay	Fremont	Wis.
Heidi Loeffler	Maple Grove	Minn.
Justin Loeffler	Winona	Minn.
Brandon Lovera-Ives	Minneapolis	Minn.
Benjamin Ludescher	Northfield	Minn.
Adam Lueck	Winona	Minn.
Patrick Luke	Apple Valley	Minn.
Diana Lundeen	Roseville	Minn.
Joel Lynch	Hastings	Minn.
Cory Madison	Cottonwood	Minn.
Chase Marshall	Big Lake	Minn.
Katelynn Martin	Lyle	Minn.
Shelby Martin	Eagan	Minn.
Mitchell May	Saint Cloud	Minn.
Becca McCoy	La Crescent	Minn.
Timothy McDonald	Ham Lake	Minn.
Bridget McDonough	Des Plaines	Ill.
Robert McElherne	Hinsdale	Ill.
Colin McGlynn	St. Louis	Mo.
James McGuire	Saint Paul	Minn.
Robert McGuire	Rochester	Minn.
Carissa McMoore	Apple Valley	Minn.
Ania McNamara	Tampa	Fla.
Maurissa McNellis	South St Paul	Minn.
Derrek Mikacevich	Inver Grove Hts	Minn.
Joanna Mills	New Boston	Ill.
Michael Mockler	Dubuque	Iowa
Harris Moses	Crystal	Minn.
Marcy Mueller	De Witt	Iowa
Emily Munns	St. Paul	Minn.
Melissa Murphy	Plymouth	Minn.
Joseph Nadeau	Winona	Minn.
Brianna Nelson	Ham Lake	Minn.
Laura Nolte	Owatonna	Minn.
Breanna Olson	Byron	Minn.
Nicole Olson	New Brighton	Minn.
Jeanne Olstad	Winona	Minn.
Heather Osen	Rogers	Minn.
Michael Ostman	Saint Michael	Minn.
Rachel Otten	Buffalo	Minn.
Samantha Otto	Hampton	Minn.
Kayla Palacios Torres	Chicago	Ill.
Maria Pechacek	Milwaukee	Wis.
Brian Pederson	Winona	Minn.
Nathan Peterson	Kenai	Alaska
Michael Pica	Champaign	Ill.
Matthew Polum	Apple Valley	Minn.
Laura Polzin	Burnsville	Minn.
Jaclyn Prondzinski	Galesville	Wis.
Gia Puch	Des Plaines	Ill.
Frank Pullia	Westmont	Ill.
James Purintun	River Falls	Wis.
Regina Quandt	Minneapolis	Minn.
Matthew Rebernick	Wauwatosa	Wis.
Tallitha Reese	Hillsboro	Wis.
Erin Regan	Stillwater	Minn.
Matthew Regan	Crookston	Minn.
Joel Reinhart	La Crosse	Wis.
Christopher Rice	Saint Cloud	Minn.
Joseph Richards	La Crosse	Wis.
Jennifer Rietzler	Madison	Wis.
Tyler Ringeisen	Cannon Falls	Minn.
Jacob Rivet	Forest Lake	Minn.
Kristen Robatcek	Cambridge	Minn.
Tesla Rodriquez	Winona	Minn.
Dustin Roering	Mahtomedi	Minn.
Stephen Ronchak	Roseville	Minn.
Abigail Ross	Blaine	Minn.
Valerie Ross	Hastings	Minn.
Robert Rousseau	Saint Paul	Minn.
Joseph Rysavy	Burnsville	Minn.
Chelsea Sadergaski	Hudson	Wis.
Amalia Santos	Waukesha	Wis.
Stephanie Schaub	La Crosse	Wis.
Samuel Schepers	Chaska	Minn.
Stephen Schmidt	Shoreview	Minn.
Felicia Schneider	Maplewood	Minn.
Kelsey Schneider	Portland	Ore.;
Danielle Scholbrock	Potosi	Wis.
Klarissa Schoppers	Spring Valley	Minn.
Jennifer Schrankler	Cottage Grove	Minn.
Nicholas Schuld	Bloomingdale	Ill.
Benjamin Scott	Rochester	Minn.
Andrew Seifert	Andover	Minn.
Christopher Sindelar	Syracuse	Ind.
Zackary Sisk	Tremont	Ill.
Christopher Speltz	Arcadia	Wis.
Daniel Spiess	Roseville	Minn.
Jill Spitzmueller	New Brighton	Minn.
David Spriegel	Gurnee	Ill.
Trisha Stachowski	Mahtomedi	Minn.
Daniel Stark	Saint Paul	Minn.
Lauren Steffen	Lilydale	Minn.
Daniel Steiner	Bartonville	Ill.
Emma Stenzel	Alden	Minn.
Allison Stephens	Golden Valley	Minn.
Lauren Stiehl	Cannon Falls	Minn.
Marie Stier	Chatfield	Minn.
Morgan Stock	Amboy	Minn.
Danielle Strebel	Green Bay	Wis.
Amy Streit	Oak Lawn	Ill.
Stephanie Sturges	Woodbury	Minn.
Kristina Swanberg	Oakdale	Minn.
Curtis Swanson	Woodbury	Minn.
Julie Swiderek	Palos Park	Ill.
Rachel Terwey	Stillwater	Minn.
Nou Thao	Vadnais Hts	Minn.
Anthony Thelen	Stockton	Minn.
Thomas Thielen	Park Rapids	Minn.
Jeffrey Thomas	Excelsior	Minn.
Ethan Thompson	Kellogg	Minn.
Linda Tierney	Cloquet	Minn.
Lauren Ulbrich	Rochester	Minn.
Vincent Unklesbay	Maplewood	Minn.
Amanda Van Leeuwe	Ghent	Minn.
Kelsey Vasko	Stillwater	Minn.
Juamaine Venter	Rochester	Minn.
Emily Vierling	Roseville	Minn.
Margaret Villaume	Eagan	Minn.
Abby Voigt	Burnsville	Minn.
Alexa Wallick	Eagan	Minn.
Jacob Wanek	Winona	Minn.
Yu Wang	Kunming	China
Yuanyuan Wang	Xi'an	China
David Weir	Oswego	Ill.
Rebecca Welch	La Crescent	Minn.
Cory Wessels	Earlville	Iowa
Mariah White	Winona	Minn.
Bradley Wildenborg	Winona	Minn.
Tyler Will	Harris	Minn.
Charles Williams	Eagan	Minn.
Christopher Williams	Chicago	Ill.
Jayne Wittry	Urbandale	Iowa
Timothy Wojcicki	Bloomingdale	Ill.
Yongyu Zhu	Jianysu	China

Saint Mary’s University Commencement list 2012 Schools of Graduate and Professional Programs, Winona

The following students are candidates for graduation from Saint Mary's University's Schools of Graduate and Professional Programs and will commence in Winona Saturday, May 12.

Bernadette Acocella	Hackettstown	N.J.
Mary Aguilar	Coon Rapids	Minn.
Belinda Agyapong	Winona	Minn.
Kellie Allman	Saint Paul	Minn.
Rachel Anhalt	Prior Lake	Minn.
Paul Arens	Saint Cloud	Minn.
Rachel Arens	Saint Cloud	Minn.
Jason Barker	Winona	Minn.
Robert Barros-Bailey	Boise	Idaho
Jesse Bastyr	New Prague	Minn.
Jody Baures	Fountain City	Wis.
Mary Beals	Kansas City	Mo.
Tracey Beaverson	Robbinsdale	Minn.
Kathleen Beiswenger	Maple	Wis.
Malea Bergeson	Sartell	Minn.
Brigitta Bergquist	Big Lake	Minn.
Lori Bernstrom	Burnsville	Minn.
Nathan Beske	Winona	Minn.
Janice Black		Jamaica
Paulete Blackwood		Jamaica
Peta-Gaye Blake-Campbell		Jamaica
Judith Boswell		Jamaica
Alexander Bourne		Jamaica
Sarah Brackemyer	Hudson	Wis.
Melvin Brandenburg	Winona	Minn.
Tucker Branham	Charleston	S.C.
Katherine Broach	Marlborough	Mass.
Jacqueline Bryan		Jamaica
Jay Burfield	Bennett	Wis.
Colleen Burns	St. Paul	Minn.
Carol Carlson	Plymouth	Minn.
Khelsey Ceaser	Minnetonka	Minn.
Chia-Lin Chao	Winona	Minn.
David Chapin	Burnaby	B.C., Canada
Anna Cherney	Duluth	Minn.
Kari Christensen	Faribault	Minn.
Kyle Christopherson	Vadnais Heights	Minn.
Lindsey Cliff	Rochester	Minn.
Anne Conway	Minnesota City	Minn.
Maren Coulter	Hudson	Wis.
Abbie Cox	Minneapolis	Minn.
Molly Cox	Blaine	Minn.
Christopher Cremons	North Oaks	Minn.
Jeffrey Crosby	Mounds View	Minn.
Heather Danich	Eagan	Minn.
Lindsey Danielson	Hager City	Wis.
Tyler Danielson	Winona	Minn.
Pamella Davis		Jamaica
Scott Dodge	Bountiful	Utah
Cynthia Dorman	Grand Rapids	Mich.
Verna Douglas		Jamaica
Marisa Dronen	Tempe	Ariz.
Matthew Drucker	Winona	Minn.
Cara Dubsky	Saint Cloud	Minn.
Ruth Dubuque	New Brighton	Minn.
Dwayne Dyce		Jamaica
Emilia Effiom	Woodbury	Minn.
Shannon Ehler-Vickerman	Mabel	Minn.
Susan Elsass	Saint Paul	Minn.
Susan Erstad	Lakeville	Minn.
Patrick Estey	Chilliwack	B.C.
Abby Eversman	Big Lake	Minn.
Shawna Feist	Andover	Minn.
Stephanie Feld	Elk River	Minn.
Benjamin Ficklin	Minneapolis	Minn.
Kevin Flottmeyer	La Crosse	Wis.
Princess Forbes		Jamaica
Keith Fox	Kennesaw	Ga.
Lorren Fraser		Jamaica
Carlie Frederixon	Whitehall	Wis.
Sally Frisby	Galesville	Wis.
Jed Frovik	Apple Valley	Minn.
Rochelle Gathje	Lanesboro	Minn.
Sara Geller	Chaska	Minn.
John Gerads	Buffalo	Minn.
Ellen Gevers	White Bear Lake	Minn.
Jane Gile	Buffalo	Minn.
Lisa Goihl	Lake City	Minn.
Michelle Gossen	Ogilvie	Minn.
Jeffrey Goudy	Buffalo	Minn.
Todd Goudy	Montrose	Minn.
Jeffrey Grabow	Farmington	Minn.
Emily Greeley	Buffalo	Minn.
Charlotte Gregoire	Marshall	Minn.
Kelly Gross	Inver Grove Hgts.	Minn.
Andrea Guderian	Poplar	Wis.
Stacy-Ann Gunter		Jamaica
Bryanna Guy	Holmen	Wis.
Cheryl Hadaway	Rochester	Minn.
Timothy Hahn	Elk River	Minn.
Samuel Haines	Trempealeau	Wis.
Sharon Hamilton		Jamaica
Melissa Hammer	St. Cloud	Minn.
Margaret Hanley	Austin	Texas
Ryan Hanson	Cloquet	Minn.
Emily Harper	Altura	Minn.
Kimberly Harper	Minneapolis	Minn.
Joyce Headlam		Jamaica
Antonette Headley		Jamaica
Catherine Hebert	Minnesota City	Minn.
Natasha Hegna	Champlin	Minn.
Todd Heinonen	Maple Lake	Minn.
Angela Henry	Buffalo	Minn.
Gracie-Ann Henry-Morris		Jamaica
Rebecca Herbert	Elk River	Minn.
Ashley Herold	Minneapolis	Minn.
Kathleen Hertwig	Otsego	Minn.
Robert Higginbotham	Ham Lake	Minn.
Karen Hill-Chow	Calgary	A.B., Canada
Catherine Holland	La Crosse	Wis.
Lauretta Holtz	Willmar	Minn.
Frederick Hoops	Woodbury	Minn.
Scott Hornberg	Winona	Minn.
Condello Hostetler	Andover	Minn.
Nicole Howard	Fountain	Minn.
Libby Huettl	Lakeville	Minn.
Kelly Hurd	Anchorage	Alaska
Marybeth Jacob	Two Harbors	Minn.
Susan Jacobsen-Boyce	Rogers	Minn.
Brittany Janis	San Francisco	Calif.
Kelly Jobin	Hermantown	Minn.
David Johnson	Winona	Minn.
Weston Johnson	Anoka	Minn.
Faye Johnson	Elk River	Minn.
Kim Johnson	Coon Rapids	Minn.
Lindsay Johnson	Minnetonka	Minn.
Thomas Johnston	Sartell	Minn.
Ward Kaiser	Silver Bay	Minn.
Angela Kalthoff	Richmond	Minn.
Rachel Karel	Shoreview	Minn.
Rebecca Karna	Buffalo	Minn.
Adam Kemptar	Esko	Minn.
Lindsey Kennedy	Coon Rapids	Minn.
Matthew Kennedy	Shakopee	Minn.
Sarah Klocke	Finlayson	Minn.
Adrian Kolpitcke	Holmen	Wis.
Michelle Koren	Buffalo	Minn.
Anjanette Kraus	Little Falls	Minn.
Zackary Kruger	Owatonna	Minn.
Amber Kulig	Holmen	Wis.
Jessica Kuntz	Little Canada	Minn.
Hsiao-Jung Kuo	Sinying City	Taiwan
Mary Kurt	Eagan	Minn.
Christine Lawrence-Blair		Jamaica
Amanda Leopold	Superior	Wis.
Shannon Lepper	Milaca	Minn.
Lisa Levi	Pine Island	Minn.
Yuming Li	Yulin	Shaanxi, China
Michelle Lindell	Shakopee	Minn.
Tianshun Liu	Winona	Minn.
Abigail Lloyd	Minneapolis	Minn.
Joel Lund	Cambridge	Minn.
Michelle Lyrenmann	Foley	Minn.
Amy Mack	Lake Nebagamon	Wis.
Bonnie Maffitt	Rochester	Minn.
Mary Malrick	Mounds View	Minn.
Tracy Mankowski	Oakdale	Minn.
Meghan Marthaler	Superior	Wis.
Marco Martinez	White Bear Lake	Minn.
Heather Mathews	Hudson	Wis.
Margaret Matthews		Jamaica
Kelly May	Bloomington	Minn.
William McDonald	Watertown	Minn.
Angela McKenzie		Jamaica
Felecia McLaughlin		Jamaica
Andrea McMillen	Silver Bay	Minn.
Laurie McNallie	Albertville	Minn.
Rachael McNary	Cannon Falls	Minn.
Michelle Melquist	Cokato	Minn.
Robert Merthan	St. Paul	Minn.
Sandra Meyerson	Montrose	Minn.
Jennifer Mishler	Lino Lakes	Minn.
Diana Moran	La Crosse	Wis.
Heather Moreno	Saint Paul	Minn.
Kim Moulzolf	Mounds View	Minn.
Cynthia Mueller	Buffalo	Minn.
Kimberly Mungaray	Saint Augustine	Fla.
Kelli Nelson	St. Louis Park	Minn.
Sara Nelson	St. Louis Park	Minn.
Everton Nelson		Jamaica
Emily Nitti Macias	Maple Grove	Minn.
Laura Noll	Goodview	Minn.
Kjersti Olson	Saint Michael	Minn.
Bridget Opitz	Albertville	Minn.
Jamie Otterblad	Two Harbors	Minn.
Sarah Pavek	Golden Valley	Minn.
Gwen Paxon	Las Vegas	Nev.
Catherine Pazandak	Saint Cloud	Minn.
Joanna Pederson	Mantorville	Minn.
Michael Pendleton	Oakdale	Minn.
Melanie Pesarchick	Saint Paul	Minn.
Jenna Peters	River Falls	Wis.
Jerry Petersen	Winona	Minn.
Rachel Peterson	Superior	Wis.
Adam Peterson	Rosemount	Minn.
Christopher Peterson	Minneapolis	Minn.
Kelly Peterson	Maple Grove	Minn.
Meri-Ruth Pflughoeft	Winona	Minn.
Anthony Piscitiello	New York	N.Y.
Susana Piscitiello	New York	N.Y.
Katherine Pleskonko	Rochester	Minn.
Jerry Popowski	St Louis Park	Minn.
Andrew Poterucha	Rochester	Minn.
Jacob Poulsen	Corcoran	Minn.
Timothy Prescott	St. Paul	Minn.
Linda Pulchinski	Austin	Minn.
Lana Puttkammer	Duluth	Minn.
Alison Puttonen	Minneapolis	Minn.
Michelle Quinn	Onalaska	Wis.
Peter Rand	Buffalo	Minn.
Aaron Ratz	Altura	Minn.
Kylee Ray	Sartell	Minn.
Kerry-Ann Reid-Simpson		Jamaica
Lindsay Reistad	Hugo	Minn.
Emily Revak	Eau Claire	Wis.
Kala Richards	Fergus Falls	Minn.
Elizabeth Riley	Omaha	Neb.
Jacalyn Ring	Duluth	Minn.
Shernette Robinson		Jamaica
Anne Marie Roden-Bergman	Duluth	Minn.
Betty Rogers	Onamia	Minn.
Paul Rosenblum	Charleston	S.C.
JaLene Rosengren	Maple Grove	Minn.
Kyle Ryan	Saint Paul	Minn.
Pauline Salmon		Jamaica
Marit Salveson	Saint Paul	Minn.
Jacqueline Samuels-Williams		Jamaica
Katie Saucier	St Paul Park	Minn.
Penny Schafer	Holmen	Wis.
Jeffrey Scheuermann	Eau Claire	Wis.
Kristin Schlingman	New Market	Minn.
Kandy Schroer	Coon Rapids	Minn.
Jacob Scott	Anoka	Minn.
John Sebald	Phoenix	Ariz.
Paige Segerstrom	Spring Valley	Wis.
Nan Shang Kelly Shaughnessy	Xi'an Hastings	China Minn.
Lorain Shaw		Jamaica
Sasha Shimhue-Battiste		Jamaica
Cynthia Shore	Coon Rapids	Minn.
Yolette Sibblies		Jamaica
Kay Sikich	Apple Valley	Minn.
Kellie Simons	Richfield	Minn.
Serey Sinn	Calgary	A.B., Canada
Michelle Slaughter	Covington	Ken.
Ann Smith		Jamaica
Lorna Smith-Wilson		Jamaica
Jonathan Sopcak	Streamwood	Ill.
Kevin Stark	Winona	Minn.
Rebecca Starks	Duluth	Minn.
Benjamin Starns	Maple Grove	Minn.
Anne Stauffenecker	Brooklyn Park	Minn.
Angela Sterry	Bloomington	Minn.
Callie Strop	Jordan	Minn.
Theodore Strub	Maplewood	Minn.
Jennifer Sullivan	Superior	Wis.
Mindy Swanson	Buffalo	Minn.
Heather Sward	Cambridge	Minn.
Carolynn Sween	Waterloo	Iowa
Leslee Swenson	Owatonna	Minn.
Ronda Sylvester	Rogers	Minn.
Kristopher Szajner	Eyota	Minn.
Jody Tellinghuisen	Mound	Minn.
Colette Thelen	Minnetrista	Minn.
Benjamin Thell	Big Lake	Minn.
Lindsey Thomas	Blaine	Minn.
Marian Thomas		Jamaica
Carie Thompson	Mondovi	Wis.
Anya Thompson		Jamaica
Amanda Trautt	Poplar	Wis.
Nathan Truitt	Alexandria	Va.
Christopher Turner		Jamaica
Jody Udstuen	Mora	Minn.
Denine Voegeli	Winona	Minn.
Nicole Vos	Sartell	Minn.
Gretchen Wahl	Ramsey	Minn.
Dezerine Walker-Henry		Jamaica
Keisha Waller		Jamaica
Clarissa Wangerin	Superior	Wis.
Marlene Watson		Jamaica
Kristin Welsh	Rochester	Minn.
Katie Whittlef	Bloomington	Minn.
Adam Wilder	Mabel	Minn.
Min Yang	Guangzhou	China
Jing Yang	Hegang	China
Feng Yu	Shengzhou	China
Zhejiang Rui Zhang	Xi'an	China
Amy Zinmer	Brule	Wis.

Matching grant helps SMU First-Generation Initiative raise $250,000 for scholarships

WINONA, Minn. — Through a generous matching grant, Rochester benefactors Jack and Mary Ann Remick have helped Saint Mary’s University raise $250,000 for First-Generation Initiative scholarships in 2012.

In January, the Remicks, longtime supporters of Saint Mary’s, gifted the university a $100,000 matching grant to raise funds for the First-Generation Initiative. This program provides full scholarships — and continuous support — to low-income, high-potential, qualified students, with preference given to Saint Mary’s Lasallian partner schools.

Brother Ed Siderewicz, director of the First-Generation Initiative, said that by early April the university met the $100,000 challenge and surpassed it, bringing the current total to approximately $250,000.

“Mary Ann Remick is chair of our First-Generation Advisory Board,” Siderewicz said. “She wanted others to learn about and consider supporting the program. These generous funds enable us to make commitments this fall to a new group of First-Generation students who would otherwise never have the opportunity to go to college.

“Working with inner-city high schools,” he said, “we identify promising minority youth who are at risk of dropping out of school, largely because of their dangerous environment, under-resourced communities, and lack of understanding about how higher education opportunities can be accessed.”

After identifying the best candidates as early as the ninth grade, Saint Mary’s invites these students to spend a portion of each summer at the Winona campus Countdown to College Program. When they obtain their high school diplomas, these students are then eligible for a full college scholarship.

Although First-Generation students are mainstreamed, they also have the specialized academic and social support they need to excel in school.

To learn more about the First-Generation Initiative, contact Siderewicz at esiderew@smumn.edu or (507) 457-6683. To read more about this program, go to www.firsgenerationstories.org.

Big, Little Pals host end-of-the-year picnic

Saint Mary’s University student Sara Haecherl plays kickball with one of the “Little Pals” she and other SMU students work with throughout the year.

The Big and Little Pals organization at Saint Mary’s University enjoyed an end-of-the-year picnic April 26. About 50 Saint Mary’s students meet once a week with at-risk second- through fifth-graders from the Winona community. To celebrate the end of the year, their “little pals” joined them on campus for a barbecue, inflatable toys and games. The program is a collaboration with Winona Area Public Schools. Throughout the year, SMU students develop a positive relationship with their pals by nurturing their academic, social and emotional stability.

SMU Cardinal Corner raises $358 for veteran alum

WINONA, Minn. — Saint Mary’s University business students raised $358 for veteran alumnus Josh Misiewicz, the 2012 recipient of the Taylor Richmond Benefit Dance. Misiewicz of La Grange, Ill., attended Saint Mary’s from 2006-2008. In July 2011, Lance Corporal Misiewicz lost both of his legs while serving in Afghanistan.

Each semester, undergraduate entrepreneurship students manage a not-for-profit retail store located in a small corner of the basement of Toner Student Center, aptly named the Cardinal Corner. Students choose products to sell in the store, garner donations from around campus, and sell items for on-campus organizations as part of the entrepreneurship major.

Each semester the members of the class choose a different charity to which profits are donated. SMU’s entrepreneurship students have continued to choose charities that are near and dear to the heart of a fellow classmate, or charities that benefit the SMU community. Profits from previous semesters have been donated to the Winona Area Humane Society, Haiti Medical Mission of Wisconsin, Dom Dziecka (a children’s orphanage in Chotomów, Poland) and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Minnesota.

For more information on the Cardinal Corner or to present your request to the class to be considered as the charity of choice for the fall semester, contact Jana Craft at (507) 457-1491 or jcraft@smumn.edu. Become a fan and receive the latest updates at www.facebook.com/cardinalcorner.

MCA spring classes begin May 7

WINONA, Minn. — The Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts spring dance, music, and visual art classes begin Monday, May 7, at the Valéncia Arts Center, 1164 West 10th St.

A variety of classes are available for children and adults, ranging from recreation classes to pre-professional training. The MCA Visual Art division offers Drawing the Still Life, a class for teen and adults to explore the art of drawing still life using versatile charcoal techniques.

Dance division spring offerings include: Creative Movement, Modern I-II, Contemporary Dance Workshops, Nia, Tap and Jazz for Kids, National Tap and Dance Workshops for Tap II and Tap III-IV, Junior Hip Hop, Hip Hop I-II, Boys Dance Technique, Pre Ballet, Pre Ballet I, Ballet II, Ballet III-IV, Classical Package for Ballet V, VI, VII and a new Dance for Skaters class.

Music division offerings include: Creative Music and Movement, Music Explorers, Musicman Junior, Flute Choir I, Flute Choir II as well as private lesson instruction in flute, clarinet, saxophone, violin, cello, piano, guitar, banjo, mandolin, and voice.

Creative Music and Movement, an introduction to the music and dance class setting through voice, song, rhythm, and dance for 3- and 4-years-olds is offered in collaboration with the MCA dance and music divisions. This class is offered opposite of the adult fitness class Nia. Nia offers a dynamic blend of dance arts, martial arts and healing arts using music, movement, and self-expression to help students discover optimum health of body, mind, emotions, and spirit. Parents can enjoy a great workout while their child enjoys Creative Music and Movement, Tuesdays, May 8, 15, 22, June 5, 12, and 19 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Adults who have a child enrolled in an MCA spring or summer class or camp can participate in a class of their own tuition-free through the MCA Adult Arts Wellness program. Adult classes choices for spring include: Nia, Teen and Adult Tap and Jazz, Flute Choir I, Flute Choir II, and Drawing the Still Life. Additional summer course offers for adults include Guitar Class I, Guitar Class II, Nia, Power Piyo, Clogging I, Clogging II, Teen and Adult Ballet, and Teen and Adult Irish Dance. Class days, times, and tuition vary. Financial need-based scholarships are available.

For a brochure and complete listing, visit www.mnconservatoryforthearts.org or call (507) 453-5500. Interested students may registration online, by mail, or in person at MCA’s Valéncia Arts Center. MCA, a non-profit organization, exists to provide quality arts education and performance by nurturing and encouraging artistic expression in children and adults.

 The Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts is an affiliate program of Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota. 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.