Saint Mary’s announces next Page Series season

WINONA, Minn. — The 27th 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 entertainment. Season subscriptions go on sale June 19. Individual tickets go on sale Aug. 20.

Purchase tickets to three or more events to receive a 10 percent discount for new subscribers; returning 2012-13 subscribers receive 25 percent off the total order. Subscribers also have exchange privileges and guaranteed seating choice.

To order after June 19, go online to www.pagetheatre.org or call the box office, (507) 457-1715, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

The 2013-2014 Page Series

• Thursday, Sept. 5, 7:30 p.m.
Second City Comedy: On Tour
Improv from America’s best
Tickets: $27 for adults, $24 for seniors and students
America’s famed comedy troupe, The Second City, is coming to town with "Happily Ever Laughter." From the company that launched the careers of Tina Fey, Stephen Colbert, Steve Carell, Gilda Radner, Bill Murray and more, comes the next generation of the comedy world’s best and brightest in an evening of hilarious sketch comedy and Second City’s trademark improvisation.

The Second City celebrates more than 50 years of cutting edge satiric revues and continues to deliver the leading voices in comedy while touring the globe. With scripted and improvisational elements, audiences always enjoy being part of the show and playing along with the next generation of comic legends. Whether it's ripped from the morning headlines or a classic gem from their 50-year archives, The Second City is always a laugh out loud hit.

• Tuesday, Sept. 17, 7:30 p.m.
Christopher O’Riley
NPR’s most famous pianist
Tickets: $24 for adults, $22 for seniors and students
From his groundbreaking transcriptions of Radiohead, Elliott Smith and Nick Drake to his unforgettably sublime interpretations of the classical canon, pianist Christopher O’Riley has stretched the piano beyond conventional boundaries.  For his visit to Winona he will interpret contemporary popular music including the Cocteau Twins, R.E.M. and Pink Floyd.

O’Riley has taken his unique vision to both traditional classical music venues and symphonic settings, as well as to entirely new audiences on the radio, at universities and even clubs. As host of the popular classical music radio show, National Public Radio’s From The Top, O’Riley works and performs with the next generation of brilliant young musicians, demonstrating to audiences that these young artists are as interesting and diverse in their personal lives as they are in their music-making.

O’Riley has toured the U.S. with the world-famous Academy of St. Martin in the Fields Chamber Orchestra. He has appeared with the philharmonic orchestras of Los Angeles, New York, Moscow and the Royal Philharmonic in London, the Minnesota Orchestra, and the symphonies of Pittsburgh, Atlanta, Baltimore, Philadelphia and San Francisco.

• Thursday, Oct. 3, 6:30 p.m.
Stinky Cheese Man and Other Stories
A fun twist on family favorites
Tickets: $14 for adults, $6 for seniors and students
Jack has a problem. He’s successfully grown an enormous beanstalk, scaled to the top, and stolen a golden harp and gold-laying goose from the sleeping giant. However, the giant has now awoken and Jack has scurried back down the beanstalk in the hopes of chopping it down before the giant can catch him. Jack could possibly even make a clean escape if only the Little Red Hen would quit harping on and on about all the lazy animals who refuse to help her with her wheat. He devises a method to keep the giant somewhat diverted, by offering to tell him stories. The stories are all based upon other classic fairy tales with some fairly “stupid” twists.

Over the past 22 years the Griffin Theatre Company of Chicago has provided a wide range of work including world and mid-west premieres of acclaimed scripts, critically lauded productions of Shakespeare and original adaptations of novels. Each year the main-stage offers three full-length productions and one children’s production. Many of the Griffin’s 100-plus productions have appeared on Chicago area critics “Best of the Year” lists.

Last seen on the Page stage with the moving Letters Home production in 2011, the Page Series is pleased to present the Griffin Theatre Company in an entirely different light this time around.

• Wednesday, Oct. 9, 7:30 p.m.
Susan Werner
Folksinger’s Hayseed Project
Tickets: $24 for adults, $22 for seniors and students
Born in Manchester, Iowa, Werner grew up on her family’s hog farm, but she took to singing rather than farming. When she was 3, she grabbed attention at a family party with her rendition of a beer commercial jingle. “That was it. My life direction was fixed,” Werner told Paul McKay of the Ottawa Citizen. She began making a name for herself in the folk scene of the early 1990s in Philadelphia, New York and Boston. She recorded five albums from 1993 to 2001 in the folk genre. Her next recording in 2004, I Can't Be New, was a departure encompassing Tin Pan Alley, early torch, and jazz standards. Now based in Chicago, Warner's most recent music is infused with the rustic roots of American folk, blues and country music. Her 11th recording, Kicking the Beehive, includes guest appearances by Vince Gill, Mo'Keb, Paul Franklin.

Werner’s newest project Hayseed, contains 12 songs on the subject matter of farming, rural America, locavores, food safety, and the comic potential of herbicides. Werner grew up on a family farm in eastern Iowa, where her parents still farm—and in Hayseed, she returns to the language and characters she knows best. Supporting three organizations she believes in this tour will help out Practical Farmers of Iowa, Ames, Iowa, Midwest Organic and Sustainability Education Service (M.O.S.E.S.), Spring Valley, Wis., and The Land Institute, Salina, Kan.

• Thursday, Nov. 14, 6:30 p.m.
Peter Pan by Theatreworks USA
Neverland by our favorite company
Tickets: $14 for adults, $6 for seniors and students
This version of Peter Pan is an adapted version of J.M. Barrie’s classic tale created by John Caird and Trevor Nunn. This touring production by Theatreworks USA explores the journey of a group of children in turn-of-the-century London who use their imaginations to reenact the story of Peter Pan. This story empowers children to create their own world of make-believe. As the children fly to Neverland and escape the evil Captain Hook and Mr. Smee, they recognize the importance of friendship as well as the value of being part of a family.

Theatreworks USA often visits the Page stage; last season they performed Bunnicula. Since their founding in 1961, they have presented to more than 90 million children and their families, with opportunities to enjoy their theatrical productions in 49 states and Canada.


• Wednesday, Nov. 20, 7:30 p.m.
River North Dance Chicago
One of Chicago’s most physical dance ensembles
Tickets: $27 for adults, $24 for seniors and students
    Founded in 1989, the company is recognized as one of Chicago’s leading dance companies, receiving critical acclaim both on a national and international level. Under the direction of Artistic Director Frank Chaves, the jazz-based contemporary company embodies a true flavor of “Americana” in its dynamic repertoire.

They will present a mixed repertoire including “Simply Miles, Simply Us” featuring the music of Miles Davis; “Train,” an abstract ritual in three parts set to a percussive live recording; and “Super Straight Is Coming Down,” a fiercely physical, urban meltdown of epic proportions; as well as other pieces from their 20-year repertoire. A pre-show talk with company manager will be offered as well.

“Not only did the troupe’s bravura dancers pull out all the stops from first move to last, inspiring rapturous applause at every turn, but they demonstrated that River North is one of this city’s most accomplished ensembles.” Chicago Sun Times


• Thursday, Jan. 16, 2014, 6:30 p.m.
Doktor Kaboom
Mad science
Tickets: $14 for adults, $6 for seniors and students
Creatively blending theatre arts with the wonders of scientific exploration, Doktor Kaboom keeps his crowds riveted with interest and rolling with laughter. Join him for a sidesplitting journey of increasingly spectacular — and often successful — experiments and demonstrations. Using masterful improvisational skills, the artist takes his audience on a sidesplitting tour of the modern scientific method while demonstrating spectacular applications of the physical sciences.

Doktor Kaboom is the creation of actor/comedian David Epley, who has been fortunate enough to discover two passions in his life. His first, science, took him to studies at the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics. His second, performing, became his career, and for 20 years he has made his living writing, performing, and directing original interactive comedy across the U.S. and Canada. He now brings his passions together with an explosive style that refuses to allow his audiences time to catch a breath.


• Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2014, 7:30 p.m.
The Travelin’ McCourys
Bluegrass’ legendary sons
Tickets: $24 for adults, $22 for seniors and students
Ronnie McCoury on mandolin, Rob McCoury on banjo, Jason Carter on fiddle, and Alan Bartram on bass, comprise the latest incarnation of the most awarded band in the history of bluegrass – The Del McCoury Band. No other band today has the same credentials for playing traditional and progressive acoustic music. As the sons of bluegrass legend Del McCoury, Ronnie and Rob continue their father’s work – a lifelong dedication to the power of bluegrass music to bring joy into people’s lives. Based in tradition, the ensemble is loved and respected by the bluegrass faithful, but they also bring something fresh and rejuvenating to the stage. Recently the McCourys debuted the widely successful festival on wheels called The Bluegrass Ball, bringing spontaneous live collaborations, the hallmark of the McCourys, to clubs across the country. The band has a confidence that comes with having paid their dues with 20 years on the bluegrass road. They are known not only for their individual prowess on their instruments but also the tight rhythm, the soulful material and the confidence in taking bluegrass from the safety of the shore into uncharted waters.

The Travelin’ McCourys are quickly becoming known amongst fans and musical icons alike collaborating with the likes of Vince Gill, The Allman Brothers, Phish, Warren Haynes, Steve Earle, Dierks Bentley, Yonder Mountain String Band and many more.

• Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2014, 6:30 p.m.
Teacher from the Black Lagoon and Other Stories
Theatreworks USA Production
Tickets: $14 for adults, $6 for seniors and students
This is an exciting new musical revue based on favorite contemporary children’s books including: Teacher From the Black Lagoon by Mike Thaler and Jared Lee, Dogzilla by Dav Pilkey, Grumpy Bird by Jeremy Tankard, I Want My Hat Back by Jon Klassen, Lily’s Purple Plastic Purse by Kevin Henkes, Love Splat, Splat the Cat by Rob Scotton, and The Grasshopper and the Ant.
Some of Theatreworks USA’s most famous alumni include actor Henry Winkler, four-time Tony-winning director Jerry Zaks, two time-Tony Award winner Robert Lopez, and well-known actors Jesse Tyler Ferguson, John Glover and many more.


• Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2014, 7:30 p.m.
Ladysmith Black Mambazo
South African a capella legends
Tickets: $27 for adults, $24 for seniors and students
Nominated 16 times for the Grammy awards, South African a cappella group Ladysmith Black Mambazo, led by founder and leader Joseph Shabalala, celebrates more than 50 years of joyous and uplifting music that marries the intricate rhythms and harmonies of their native South African musical traditions to the sounds and sentiments of Christian gospel music.

Assembled in the early 1960s in South Africa by Shabalala – then a young farmboy turned factory worker – the group took the name Ladysmith Black Mambazo. Ladysmith is the name of Shabalala’s rural hometown; Black is a reference to oxen, the strongest of all farm animals; and Mambazo which is the Zulu word for axe, a symbol of the group’s ability to “chop down” any singing rival who might challenge them.

Paul Simon visited South Africa in the 1980s and incorporated Black Mambazo’s rich tenor/alto/bass harmonies into his Graceland album – a landmark 1986 recording that was considered seminal in introducing world music to mainstream audiences.

Since that time they have maintained a respect and a reverence for their past. The centuries-old story of their homeland – sometimes joyous, sometimes troubled, but always rich and exhilarating – has been at the very foundation of this vocal group since its very beginning. But alongside the South African history witnessed by an entire world, there’s a quieter, more personal past shared by the members of Ladysmith Black Mambazo – a time of youth and innocence, when the world consisted of nothing more than the hills and open fields of their parents’ farms in Zulu country.

The Page Series is pleased to welcome the most widely known a cappella group in the world back to the SMU stage since they first visited Winona in 2006.



Saint Mary’s is a fiscal year 2012 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: Online orders will incur additional fees.

Student price includes ages 4 and older. $10 student rush tickets may be available for some events 20 minutes before curtain.

A limited number of $6 tickets will be available for 5- to 14-year-olds for the following shows: Christopher O'Riley, Susan Werner, River North Chicago Dance Company, The Travelin' McCourys, and Ladysmith Black Mambazo. 

Saint Mary's jazz combos to perform ‘final exam’ Sunday

Playing jazz are SMU students Josh Carlson, alto sax; Ed Wendt, trombone; and Samantha Gibson, trumpet.

WINONA, Minn. — Students in two exciting jazz combos from Saint Mary’s University will perform their “final exam” on Sunday, May 5, from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Acoustic Café, 77 Lafayette St.

Jazz Combo I, directed by Eric Heuekshoven, will play various selections from their recent Jazztennial performances including “Scrapple from the Apple” by Charlie Parker, “Roll Call” by Hank Mobley, and “Mercy Mercy” by Joe Zawinul, plus other great jazz standards. The Jazz Workshop Combo, directed by John Paulson, will perform familiar jazz tunes like “Song for My Father” and “Strollin’” by Horace Silver, and the recognizable “Stolen Moments” by Oliver Nelson, along with many others. The concert is free and open to the public.

Saint Mary's commencement ceremony scheduled for May 11

WINONA, Minn. — On Saturday, May 11, the Winona campus of Saint Mary’s University will host a joint commencement ceremony for both Winona undergraduate and graduate students, beginning at 11 a.m. in the gymnasium.

Undergraduate student reflections will be offered by this year’s Outstanding Male and Female Seniors Peter Borash, son of Ron and Ann Borash of North Prairie, Minn., and Constance Budin, daughter of Bruce and Colleen Budin of Le Center, Minn.

Representing SMU’s Schools of Graduate and Professional Programs, Jeremy Storelee, an M.Ed. in Teaching and Learning graduate, will also give a reflection. Cheyanne Kofmehl, M.A. in Philanthropy and Development, and Brother Diego Rico-Archilla, FSC, M.A. in Educational Leadership, will be presented with Outstanding Graduate Final Paper Awards.

A reception on the plaza will follow the ceremony. In case of inclement weather, the reception will be held in Gostomski Fieldhouse.

Prior to the ceremony, a Baccalaureate Mass will take place in Saint Thomas More Chapel at 8 a.m.

Limited parking will be available. A shuttle service will be provided from a nearby parking lot. More information will be posted at www.smumn.edu/commencement.

The Saint Mary’s Nairobi campus hosted its commencement ceremony on April 27. The Twin Cities campus will conduct three summer commencement ceremonies on June 2.

Twenty books given to SMU De La Salle Language Institute through ‘World Book Night’

WINONA, Minn. — As a part of “World Book Night U.S.” on April 23, Nancy Wiltgen, a 1975 alumna and senior development director at Saint Mary’s University, gave 20 copies of “Playing for Pizza” by John Grisham to students at SMU’s De La Salle Language Institute and to other members of the SMU community. Wiltgen was just one of 25,000 “book givers” who gave away a half a million free books across America on April 23. Wiltgen, who also participated in the first World Book Night in 2012, was inspired to get involved in this program after working with an international student in 2011. The student told Wiltgen that she was interested in reading a good book in English that was not a textbook. John Grisham is one of Wiltgen’s favorite authors. For more information, go to www.us.worldbooknight.org.

 Each year, 30 books are chosen by an independent panel of librarians and booksellers. The authors of the books waive their royalties, and the publishers agree to pay the costs of producing the specially printed World Book Night U.S. editions. The Book Shelf, an independent bookstore in Winona, signed up to be the community host location for the local volunteer book givers.

Students honored by Saint Mary’s University

WINONA, Minn. — Saint Mary’s University recognized outstanding senior students Friday, April 12, at the annual Honors Convocation. Highlights of the evening included the announcement of graduate and professional school acceptances, grants and fellowships, and the awarding of the following special honors:

National Delta Epsilon Sigma Awards — Fellowship for Graduate Study, Sarah Anderson, daughter of Joe and Karen Anderson of Lino Lakes, Minn.; Scholarship for Undergraduate Study, Amanda Weber, daughter of Lawrence and Anne Weber of White Bear Lake, Minn.; and National Student Award, Anna Sonday, daughter of David and Mooreen Sonday of West St. Paul, Minn.

Future Alumni Committee Scholarship — Jacinta Jude, daughter of Peter and Anna Maria Jude of Maple Lake, Minn.

Lasallian Honors Program Outstanding Senior Awards — Anna Sonday, daughter of David and Mooreen Sonday of West St. Paul, Minn., and Peter Borash, son of Ron and Ann Borash of Bowlus, Minn.

Creative Spark Award (art and design award) — Brianna Bloomquist, daughter of Brian and Theresa Bloomquist of Brooklyn Center, Minn.

Kevin Martineau Award (business award) — Anna Sonday, daughter of David and Mooreen Sonday of West St. Paul, Minn.

Outstanding Accounting Major (business award) — Kyle Romanchuk, son of Michael and Jane Romanchuk of Anchorage, Alaska

Outstanding Entrepreneurship Student (business award) — Alexander Gilbertson, son of Darrin and Karen Gilbertson of Morristown, Minn.

Outstanding Human Resource Management Student (business award) — Blake Schuster, son of John and Julie Schuster of Mahtomedi, Minn.

Outstanding International Business Student (business award) — Kyle Maas of La Combe, Alberta, Canada

Outstanding Marketing Major (business award) — Anna Sonday, daughter of David and Mooreen Sonday of West St. Paul, Minn.

Outstanding Sport Management Student (business award) — Evan Saunders, son of Lynette Saunders of Chicago, Ill.

American Institute of Chemists Award (chemistry award) — Jake Traxler, son of Timothy and Jeanne Traxler of Le Seuer, Minn.

De La Salle Outstanding Preservice Teaching Awards (education award) — Abby Lough, daughter of Lawrence and Victoria Lough of South St. Paul, Minn., and Jordan Junker, daughter of Jaime and Maureen Junker of Glenwood City, Wis.

Best English Paper Award — Kate Larson, daughter of Michael and Anne Larson of Winona, and Michael John Wolter, son of James and Mary Wolter, Rushford, Minn.

History Department Distinction Awards — Meghan Campbell, daughter of Mary Campbell of Dyersville, Iowa; Anna Sonday, daughter of David and Mooreen Sonday of West St. Paul, Minn.; and Anthony Speltz, son of Peter and Maureen Speltz of Rollingstone, Minn.

Brother J. Robert Lane Historical Essay Award (history award) — Anna Sonday, daughter of David and Mooreen Sonday of West St. Paul, Minn.

Saint Thomas Aquinas Award for Excellence (philosophy award) — Gregory Bim-Merle, son of Matthew and Lucia Bim-Merle of Michigan City, Ind.

Father Andrew Fabian Scholarship (philosophy award) — Randall Vette, son of Lloyd and LeAnn Vette of Spearfish, S.D.

Brother Leo Northam Award (math award) — Sloane Kuramoto, daughter of Stanley and Natalie Kuramoto of Rochester, Minn.

Brother Laurence Walther Founder’s Award (music award) — Ashley Buhr, daughter of David and Lisa Buhr of Mankato, Minn., and Rebekah Kisrow, daughter of Michael and Rene Kisrow of Coon Rapids, Minn.

Performance Award (music award) — Jessica Ingvalson, daughter of Tom and Judy Ingvalson of La Crescent, Minn.

Psychology Distinction Awards — Sophie Harrison of Minnetonka, Minn.; Kathryn Metz, daughter of Robert and Maria Metz of Maple Lake, Minn.; and Katherine Smith, daughter of Scott and Elizabeth Smith of Lake Geneva, Wis.

Marilyn Frost Distinction Award (psychology award) — Sophie Harrison of Minnetonka, Minn.

Gerald Sullivan Outstanding Theatre Major Award (theatre award) — Samantha Gibson, daughter of Sally Gibson of Preston, Minn.

Grove Bree Holman Award (theatre award) — Kalinn Bangasser, daughter of Mike and Kathy Bangasser of Rogers, Minn.

Michael G. Flanagan Ghost Light Award (theatre award) — Rachel Kwiecinski, daughter of Bruce and Mary Gail Kwiecinski of Vernon Hills, Ill.

SMU Chamber Orchestra to perform April 28

The Saint Mary’s University Chamber Orchestra will perform “A Bach Family Festival” at 3 p.m. Sunday, April 28, in Figliulo Recital Hall.

This free public performance will include works by J.C. Bach, W.F. Bach, C.P.E. Bach and J.S. Bach including:

• “Overture to Temistocle”

• “Adagio and Fugue”

• “Symphony in F, H. 665”

• “Brandenburg Concerto No.3 in G, BWV 1048;”

• “Orchestral Suite in B minor, BWV 1067” (featuring a solo by SMU’s Dr. Janet Heukeshoven, on flute); and

• “Keyboard Concerto in D minor, BWV 1032” (featuring a solo by Norman Lee, guest artist from Hong Kong).

The SMU Chamber Singers, under the direction of Dr. Patrick O’Shea, will collaborate on “This is the Record of John” by Gibbons/E. Heukeshoven.

Saint Mary’s choirs to perform April 27

The Saint Mary’s University Concert Choir and Chamber Singers — under the direction of Dr. Patrick O’Shea — will present a spring concert 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 27, at Chapel of Saint Mary of the Angels, located at 7th and Vila streets.

Guests will include the Northwestern College Varsity Men’s Chorus, under the direction of Dr. Tim Sawyer, and the SMU Chamber Orchestra.

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

SMU Jazz Groups present “Jazztennial” encore

The SMU Jazz Ensemble and Jazz Combo One will present an encore performance of “Jazztennial - 100 Years of Jazz History” on Thursday, April 18, at 7 p.m. in the Slaggie Family Lobby of the Winona County History Center.

The performance traces the development of jazz throughout the 20th century – from the early beginnings to exciting contemporary explorations. A special tribute to the “Marinotes,” the Saint Mary’s Big Band that toured and performed dances throughout the upper Midwest in the late 1950s, will be one of many featured attractions. Freshman Gabriel Verges joins the ensembles as guest “crooner” on two selections made famous by Old Blue Eyes himself – Frank Sinatra.

The encore performance at the Winona County History Center is free and open to the public. Donations will be gratefully accepted at the event.

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

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

WINONA, Minn. — The annual Saint Mary’s University “Row, Ride, Run Triathlon” will take place on Saturday, April 27, beginning at 8:30 a.m. at Lake Lodge in Winona and finishing on SMU’s Winona campus. About 100 athletes from throughout the Midwest are expected to register for the race.

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

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

Registration is $35 per individual or $70 per team. Teams can be made up of two, three or four members. The deadline to register is Saturday, April 20, and racers must provide their own canoes or kayaks.

Awards will be presented to the top three fastest individuals and the top finishing team.

Participants must be 10 or older to row or run and 15 or older to bike.

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

Dance Repertory Company to present annual spring concert

WINONA, Minn. — The Dance Repertory Company’s annual spring concert, “Juxtapose,” will be held 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 26, and 3 p.m. Saturday, April 27, in Saint Mary’s University’s Page Theatre.

For close to four decades, the Dance Repertory Company has delighted the Winona community with quality dance productions, featuring local dancers in classical and contemporary works. This year the DRC presents a production centered on collaboration with the arts. The DRC is the pre-professional performance group of the Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts. Company members participate in rehearsals, technique classes, and stage performances.

This production will feature pieces from numerous genres of dance including hip hop, modern, jazz, tap, contemporary ballet and pointe. The theme is “collaboration” — with each piece incorporating another aspect of the arts … from live music to multi-media, and much more!

These dancers currently train at the Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts, Saint Mary’s University, and Winona State University. “Juxtapose” showcases the effervescent spirit, vibrant energy, and technical and artistic abilities that continue to inspire audiences year after year.

Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students and senior citizens and are available at www.pagetheatre.org or by calling the SMU box office from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at (507) 457-1715.

For more information, visit www.mnconservatoryforthearts.org, e-mail mca@smumn.edu or call (507) 453-5500.

Honors awarded at Saint Mary's Founder's Day

2013 Outstanding Seniors Constance Budin and Peter Borash

Gena Bilden, Brother Louis DeThomasis award winner; Tony Piscitiello, Distinguished Lasallian Educator; and Teresa Speck, recipient of the Brother H. Charles Severin, FSC Award for Excellence in Teaching

Brother William congratulates, from left: Brother Jean Manuel, Brother Terence McLaughlin and Brother Joseph Loewenstein.

 

 

Saint Mary’s presented awards to three Christian Brothers, a faculty member, a Lasallian educator and two outstanding seniors at its Founder’s Day celebration Tuesday, April 9.

Brother Joseph Loewenstein received an honorary Doctor of Humanities in honor of his inspiring leadership throughout his 70 years as a De La Salle Christian Brother. He served first as a teacher on the East Coast of the U.S., then as a teacher, vice principal and headmaster in Kenya, and most recently he served more than 30 years in Palestine. Brother Joseph has held a number of positions at Bethlehem University, including president and vice chancellor. In addition, he has heroically responded to the needs of those living in Palestinian refugee camps.

Brother Jean Manuel received an honorary Doctor of Humanities in recognition of 58 years of service as a De La Salle Christian Brother, through which he has touched the lives of countless students and families as a school administrator and English teacher. After more than 30 years at Bethlehem University, Brother Jean has made a significant and lasting contribution to the Church in the Middle East and to the world of Lasallian Catholic higher education.

Brother Terence McLaughlin, a 1944 Saint Mary’s alum, received an honorary Doctor of Humanities in recognition of his 72 years as a De La Salle Christian Brother, as a champion of racial equality, as an outstanding teacher, mentor and school administrator, and as an author. While serving as its president in 1963, Brother Terence broke ranks with the city’s culture code in Memphis and integrated Christian Brothers College high school, making it the first private school to enroll an African-American student in the Memphis region. This award to Brother Terence is being made on the occasion of the sesquicentennial of the Emancipation Proclamation.

Teresa (McNamara CST’76) Speck, professor of business, received this year’s Brother H. Charles Severin, FSC Award for Excellence in Teaching. The award is given every other year to an undergraduate faculty member who is recognized by both students and other faculty as exceptional in their teaching and engagement of students. The Severin Award recognizes excellence in teaching, communication and delivery, fairness in dealing with students, and the ability to encourage students to value the life of the mind. Speck is an organized and enthusiastic teacher who is always present to her students and colleagues. She is able to reach out to students while holding them accountable for content knowledge. Her students are well-prepared for careers in accounting and for the professional certification exams. In addition to her role with students, she plans and runs the first-year faculty mentoring program.

Tony Piscitiello ’69, M’82, senior advancement director, was chosen as this year’s Distinguished Lasallian Educator. These awards are given by Lasallian institutions in the North American-Toronto Region of the De La Salle Christian Brothers to honor contributions and commitment to the Lasallian mission of education. For more than 40 years, Piscitiello has served the mission, as first an admission counselor and later as vice president for admission and executive vice president, and now in his current position in University Advancement. Throughout his career, Piscitiello has demonstrated his Lasallian nature in his continued concern for the welfare of the thousands of students, families and alums he has encountered.

The Outstanding Male and Female Senior awards were presented to students who have demonstrated the ideals of scholarship, character, leadership and service. Above all, these men and women have shown genuine concern for meeting the needs of others. The following students were named Outstanding Male and Female Seniors: Peter Borash, son of Ron and Ann Borash of North Prairie, Minn.; and Constance Budin, daughter of Bruce and Colleen Budin of Le Center, Minn.

Finalists for the 2013 Outstanding Senior awards were: Aaron Henry, son of John and Kathleen Henry of Hastings, Minn.; Bryan Moore, son of Bill and Andrea Moore of Winona and formerly of Woodbury, Minn.; Jay Olson, son of Frank and Sara Olson of Plainview, Minn.; Jake Traxler, son of Tim and Jeanne Traxler of Le Center, Minn.; Sarah Anderson, daughter of Karen and Joe Anderson of Lino Lakes, Minn.; Samantha Herbst, daughter of Paul and Peggy Herbst of Osceola, Wis.; Jacinta Jude, daughter of Peter and Anna Maria Jude of Maple Lake, Minn.; and Shannon Nelson, daughter of Nathan and Jill Nelson of Brooklyn Park, Minn.

Additionally, every other year the Schools of Graduate and Professional Programs awards the Brother Louis DeThomasis, FSC Award to a staff member or fulltime faculty member who has demonstrated sustained excellence in advancing the Schools of Graduate and Professional Programs in teaching, entrepreneurship, creativity and/or innovation, while serving as a model of the Lasallian Catholic spirit. This year’s recipient, Gena Bilden, associate vice president for Enrollment Management and Student Services, has become known as a gifted leader who motivates employees and colleagues to strive for the highest levels of efficiency and excellence throughout her 13-year tenure. Among the many innovations that she has championed are Pathways, a community college recruiting program; SMU Central, a one-stop student services department; and Acalog, the online searchable catalog.

Saint Mary’s Concert Band to perform April 14

WINONA, Minn. — Celebrate spring with the Saint Mary’s University Concert Band on Sunday, April 14. The band, under the direction of Dr. Janet Heukeshoven, will present their annual spring concert, beginning at 3 p.m. in Page Theater.

The program includes exciting new works by Johan de Meij, Frank Ticheli, Samuel Hazo and Richard Saucedo, as well as classic favorites by Bernstein and Tschesnokoff.

Tickets are $10, $5 for students and seniors and are available at www.pagetheatre.org or at the box office, Ext. 1715 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.

Saint Mary’s seniors display work April 13-May 11

WINONA, Minn. — “Defining,” the Saint Mary’s University senior art show, will be on display April 13 through May 11 in the Lillian Davis Hogan Galleries, located in the Toner Student Center.

Students displaying work include Brianna Bloomquist, Jamie Cooper, Jennifer Daniels, Tommy Holme, De’Shanda Morley, Lisa-Marie Nihart, Amanda Rahman, Yuchen Ren, Jamie Stefely and Caroline Stringer.

An opening reception will be held 4:30 to 6 p.m. Saturday, April 13. The galleries — free and open to the public — are open 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.

Public symposium April 16 at SMU to address societal expectations of gender

WINONA, Minn. — A public symposium titled “In the Looking Glass,” hosted by Saint Mary’s University’s Saint Teresa Institute on Tuesday, April 16, is designed to increase awareness of how the media influences societal expectations of women and men.

The event will be held from 5:15 to 8:15 p.m. in the World Room, located in SMU’s Hendrickson Center.

The evening will begin with the film, “Miss Representation,” a documentary film that explores how mainstream media contributes to the under-representation of women in influential positions by circulating limited — and often disparaging — portrayals of women. The film will be followed by dinner and a small group discussion.

Participants can then choose from several breakout sessions including:

• Who Wants to be a Porn Star? Sex and Violence in Today’s Pornography Industry— with Rosa Edholm, president of the Saint Teresa Institute and an SMU senior. (Must be 18 or older due to graphic nature.) This video slideshow offers an incredibly disturbing glimpse into the correlation between objectification, pornography and rape culture.

• Unrealistic expectations and Body Image Distortion— with Kelsey Brekke, Bridget Ryan, and Lexi Assimos of the Body Image Collaborative Lab at SMU. This discussion will focus on media influence on development of unrealistic body image ideals and subsequent body image distortion. Current research will be considered, as will the repercussions of body image distortion in eating and health behaviors.

• Gender as Portrayed in News and Entertainment Media — with Dr. Steven Schild, associate professor of social science at SMU. There’s no question that there’s gender bias in at least some media portrayals. That bias, though, isn't always as one-dimensional as you might think. Schild will examine and discuss items from news accounts as examples of gender bias that cuts two ways.

• The Image of Pageantry — with Serica Rowley, Miss Winona and a current SMU student.

What images comes to mind when you think of the Miss America or the Manhunt beauty pageants? Were you even aware of the Manhunt pageant? Join Miss Winona for this session to explore the myths and truths of beauty pageants.

At 7:45 p.m., the event’s keynote speaker, Dr. Trisha Karr, assistant professor of psychology at SMU, will tie the evening’s themes together. Karr has done extensive research on the body image of athletes.

For more information or to register online, go to www.smumn.edu/lookingglass by April 10. SMU students will be admitted for free; others are asked to pay a $12 dinner fee.