Public invited to SMU 10K classic ski Sunday, Jan. 31

The start of the SMU 10K last year

WINONA, Minn. — Saint Mary’s University is inviting the public to the annual “SMU 10K” classic ski event on Sunday, Jan. 31.

“We’re very fortunate to have an excellent trail system here that is both scenic, as well as challenging," said Chris Kendall, vice president for student development. “And this year we can be sure we will actually have snow, thanks to our new snow-making capabilities as a result of a partnership with the Winona Ski Club.”

The classic-style citizens ski event will be held at Saint Mary’s University, home to one of the region's finest cross country trail systems. The trails wind through the bluffs and valleys above the Mississippi River.


The event is open to all individuals, with a mass start slated for 1 p.m. On-site registration will begin at 11 a.m. at the SMU Toner Student Center. The cost is $10, which includes a souvenir race bib. Medals will be awarded for men and women in open and recreational classes.

For more information or to receive a registration form, call Davey Warner at (507) 457-8740 or e-mail drwarn03@smumn.edu. Saint Mary’s University is located on Hwy. 14, one mile west of Hwy. 61 in Winona.

Saint Mary’s announces new dean, award renaming

Tim Gossen, new dean of students

WINONA, Minn. — Saint Mary’s University is announcing a promotion and the renaming of an annual award in the area of Student Development.

Tim Gossen has been named dean of students at Saint Mary's Winona campus, effective June 1. Gossen held the position of assistant dean of students, but has twice served as interim dean in the past two years. Gossen has worked at the Winona campus since he graduated in 2001. He also earned an M.A. degree from SMU in 2006.

“We're very fortunate to have Tim, with his experience, dedication and knowledge of the university serving in this vital role.” said Chris Kendall, vice president for student development. "Tim is a young and talented educator.”

The Resident Assistant of the Year Award has been renamed the Char Tjaden Outstanding Resident Assistant Award. Tjaden currently serves in the newly created position of student development resource specialist. She has worked for SMU since 2004.

“Char has given many dedicated years of service to Student Development in many capacities but most significantly, she's been a great mentor to young residence life staff,” Kendall said. “You will find Char attending hundreds of events on campus and she has been instrumental in creating many new and successful programs.”

The Office of Residence Life presents the award yearly to a resident assistant in recognition and appreciation of outstanding service and contribution to community life at Saint Mary’s.

Local student elected to student senate at SMU

WINONA, Minn. — The following students were elected to the student senate executive board at Saint Mary's University of Minnesota for the upcoming school year.

Student senate president: John Freeman, son of Mike and Joann Freeman of Aurora, Ill.
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Vice president for academic affairs: Erin O’Keefe, daughter of Dennis and Kate O’Keefe of Park City, Utah, first semester; Lisa Mahler, daughter of William and Linda Mahler of Bataria, Ill., second semester.

Vice president for financial affairs: Rick McCoy, son of Louis Jr. and Margaret McCoy of West St. Paul.

Vice president for social affairs: Ana Sontag, daughter of Michael and Yvonne Sontag of Minneota, Minn.

Vice president for external affairs; Mary Gleich, daughter of Peter and Kathleen Gleich of St. Paul.

Vice president for campus life: Katie O’Connor, daughter of Michael and Pat O’Connor of Orland Park, Ill.

Vice president for student life: Michael Alexander Downes-Borowski, son of Michael Borowski and Marylou Downes of Dellwood, Minn.

Vice president for media communications: D.J. Prideaux, son of Douglas and Peggy Prideaux of Eden Prairie, Minn.

Executive assistant: Julia Jergenson, daughter of Milton and Kristine Jergenson of Houston, Minn.