Xcel Energy gives grant to 2012-2013 SMU Page Series
WINONA, Minn. — In December, the 2012-2013 Page Series Educational Programs at Saint Mary’s University received a $5,000 grant from Xcel Energy.
The grant was made possible through the Arts & Culture focus area for Xcel Energy’s corporate giving, part of the company’s effort to support nonprofit agencies providing services in towns and cities served by Xcel Energy.
Grants connect Xcel Energy to Communities
“The success of our company is directly related to the health of our communities,” said Monique Lovato, Xcel Energy’s director of Corporate Giving. “While Xcel Energy’s employees invest in our local communities with charitable contributions and volunteer time, these grants are another way Xcel Energy shows our commitment to improving the quality of life in the towns and cities we serve.”
Through its focus area grants, Xcel Energy supports nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations that: improve science, technology, engineering, economics and math education; improve and enhance the natural environment; help individuals achieve economic self-sufficiency; and that provide access to arts and culture. In 2011, the company contributed $3.9 million in focus area grants to organizations across its eight-state service territory, which includes Minnesota.
Grant assists with Page Series educational opportunities
Funding from Xcel Energy is assisting Saint Mary's University of Minnesota with its arts educational programming through the Page Series — including eight matinee events for K-12 school groups and families, and four workshops for students and community members.
For the 2012-2013 season, Saint Mary’s Performance Center is offering eight educational opportunities for area school groups to experience and learn from established performing arts groups. The artists were selected based upon their touring history, artistic quality, and their commitment to meet educational and curriculum standards for grades K-12.
The Page Series season has included a performance by the Tibetan Monks of the Drepung Loseling Monastery; two performances by Theatreworks USA of Bunnicula, a musical adaptation of the popular children’s book of James and Deborah Howe; The Nutcracker ballet performed by the Dance Repertory Company; and two performances of Zorro by the Scottish company Visible Fictions. Yet to come is an adaptation of The Gruffalo book by Tall Stories company of England; and the Spring Concert by the Dance Repertory Company.
In addition, hands-on workshops have enhanced students’ experiences. The Tibetan Monks created a sand mandala painting using colored sands and students had an opportunity to work on a community sand mandala. The Tibetan Monks also presented a workshop on the history of the Tibetan culture. In February, The Hornheads, a jazz musical quintet, will offer a workshop open to area jazz students; and in March Irish-American fiddler Eileen Ivers will offer a lecture-demonstration at the Winona County History Center on the history of the Irish diaspora and their music.
