Tickets sold out for SMU Red Carpet Gala June 22

WINONA, Minn. — Tickets have sold out for Saint Mary’s University’s Red Carpet Centennial Gala Saturday, June 22. The university’s All-School Reunion Weekend June 21-23 is expected to draw a crowd of 700 people, and the gala registration capped at 800 alumni and friends.

Highlights of the weekend include an on-campus fireworks show, a performance by Nicholas David from “The Voice,” a golf outing, trolley tours, the Gilmore Gallop, a family picnic, the unveiling of a new statue, canoeing, and more.

During Saturday’s gala, the university’s Heritage Award will be given to Mike ’62 and Joette Gostomski of Winona, whose generous lifetime philanthropy has significantly transformed Saint Mary’s University. Additionally, two special recognitions will honor the profound influence of the Christian Brothers on Saint Mary’s. Brother Álvaro Rodríguez Echeverría, the order’s Superior General, will accept a Centennial Award on behalf of the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools, and Brother Larry Schatz, Visitor, will accept a Centennial Award on behalf of the Midwest District of the Brothers of the Christian Schools.

‘Let Us Remember’ Centennial performance

WINONA, Minn. — In honor of Saint Mary’s University’s Centennial, a special program celebrating the history, mission and legacy of Saint Mary’s will be presented. “Let Us Remember” — a performed narrative that includes many of the voices from Saint Mary’s rich history — will incorporate theatre, music, visual art and dance into one inspiring program.

Experience SMU’s 100-year journey through word, music and photographs during performances scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, Oct. 4-6. A matinee will begin at 2 p.m. Oct. 6.  “Let Us Remember” was written and will be directed by 1979 Saint Mary’s alumnus and Dean of the School of the Arts Michael Charron.

The program features newly commissioned music scores by Dr. Patrick O’Shea, director of choirs, and Eric Heukeshoven, director of jazz, as performed by the SMU Concert Band and SMU Choirs.

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

Saint Mary’s to unveil Centennial timeline Oct. 5

WINONA, Minn. — In honor of its Centennial year, Saint Mary’s University commissioned Brother Roderick Robertson, FSC, professor of art and design, to complete a timeline wall mural of the university’s history.

The timeline installation will be unveiled during a public ceremony 10:45 a.m. Friday, Oct. 5, in the lobby of the Toner Student Center.

Brother Roderick, a 1963 alumnus, has taught art and design at Saint Mary's for 35 years. This timeline depicts the first century of Saint Mary's University. Fittingly, the artist wanted to tell the university’s story symbolically with 100 photographs. 

The piece is divided into four segments or panels. The first panel illustrates the founding and early years of the university under the direction of the Diocese of Winona. The second panel illustrates the arrival of the Brothers of the Christian Schools and the beginning of the Lasallian character of the school. The third panel depicts the arrival of women on campus and how becoming co-educational influenced and changed the nature of the institution. The fourth panel presents the changes that occurred as the college became a university, including the expansion of graduate and international programming. The end of the mural speaks to the future of Saint Mary’s University.

The rich and colorful history includes many of the faces from Saint Mary’s University who have shaped its heritage and transformed the school’s educational experience.

The piece includes the first photograph of Saint Mary’s College, taken by Florence Curran and donated by her grandson Rob Linden of Winona. Curran captured the school’s cornerstone laying in 1912.

The SMU class of 2011 helped fund the project through their senior class gift.

Saint Mary’s honors Bishop Quinn, Winona Diocese at Centennial Convocation

The Saint Mary's Centennial Convocation 2012

Brother William, Saint Mary's president, left, and Michael Gostomski, president of the Saint Mary's Board of Trustees, right, present an honorary doctorate to Bishop John Quinn during the University Centennial Convocation.

The Centennial Award was presented to the Diocese of Winona by Brother William, center left, and Michael Gostomski, right. Accepting the award are Bishop John Quinn, center right, and Father Richard Colletti, Vicar General, left.

WINONA, Minn. — On Monday, Aug. 27, the entire Saint Mary’s University community gathered for the University Centennial Convocation. At this historic university-wide convocation, the Most Reverend John M. Quinn, Bishop of Winona, was awarded by Brother William and chair of the Board of Trustees, Michael Gostomski, an honorary doctorate in pastoral ministry. This is one of the highest honors the university can bestow.

The text of the proclamation accompanying the degree certificate is included below:
Whereas, Bishop John Quinn has since his ordination forty years ago admirably dedicated his life in service of the Church as priest, pastor, and shepherd; and

Whereas, Bishop John Quinn has demonstrated a life-long love of learning as a student of philosophy, religious education, and systematic theology; and

Whereas, Bishop John Quinn has, as a secondary school teacher, university professor, diocesan director of education, and university trustee, actively worked to support the ministry of education and evangelization in Catholic schools and universities; and

Whereas, Bishop John Quinn has contributed significantly to the priestly formation, education, and accompaniment of seminarians at Sacred Heart Seminary in Detroit and at Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary in Winona; and

Whereas, Bishop John Quinn has provided assistance to the developmentally disabled as a member of the Order of Alhambra, to the disadvantaged and poor through his work as Episcopal Advisor of the National Council of the Saint Vincent de Paul Society, and to the development and strengthening of family life as Episcopal Moderator of the Blessed Adolph Kolping Society; and

Whereas, Bishop John Quinn has loyally and faithfully served the people of God as twenty-third Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Detroit and as eighth Bishop of the Diocese of Winona; and

Whereas, Saint Mary’s University thanks God that this successor of Bishop Joseph Bernard Cotter and Bishop Patrick Richard Heffron has been given the graces necessary to help so many others become, in the words of Saint John Baptist de La Salle, true children of God and citizens of heaven;

The Board of Trustees of Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota bestows on Bishop John Michael Quinn the degree of Doctor of Pastoral Ministry, Honoris Causa.

Additionally, Brother William presented the Winona Diocese with the Centennial Award “in grateful recognition of our century-long shared heritage and for its continued ministry — boldly proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ, through the guidance of the Holy Spirit and in unity with the universal Church, advancing God’s Kingdom of peace, justice and love.”

As it celebrates its Centennial year and prepares the launch of its second century, Saint Mary’s University, founded by the Diocese of Winona and rooted in its Lasallian Catholic identity, stands strong as a transformational and innovative top-tier national university with a global footprint.

A full schedule of Centennial events is planned for the 2012-13 academic year. For more information, go to www.saintmarys100.com.

Public invited to launch Saint Mary’s Centennial Celebration June 23

This photo, taken in May 1912, is of the cornerstone being laid for Saint Mary's Hall, the first building of what would become Saint Mary's University.

WINONA, Minn. — Saint Mary’s University welcomes the public to a special Centennial Cornerstone Commemoration — and birthday cake reception — Saturday, June 23, at the steps of Saint Mary’s Hall on the Winona campus, where the dreams for the university first began.

The program, which will begin at 2 p.m., includes a blessing of the cornerstone, along with remarks from Brother William Mann, Saint Mary’s president, and the Centennial Honorary Co-Chairs, Jack and Mary Ann (CST ’64) Remick of Rochester and Mike ’66 and Claudia (CST ’68) Dooley of Chesterfield, Mo.  Additionally, proclamations will be read, historic items will be on display, and the flag that flew at the U.S. Capital May 30, in honor of Saint Mary’s Centennial, will be presented to Brother William. May 30th marked the 100th anniversary of the laying of the cornerstone for Saint Mary’s Hall.

Following the ceremony, everyone is invited to a birthday cake reception with live entertainment.

The Cornerstone Commemoration launches a yearlong Centennial celebration at Saint Mary’s, with events planned in Winona, the Twin Cities, Chicago and throughout the U.S., as well as in Nairobi and Jamaica.

From its humble beginnings as a diocesan college for men, Saint Mary’s has grown into a top-tier national university and a dynamic and transformative learning community. About 1,400 students are enrolled in the residential undergraduate College at the Winona campus.  Approximately 4,600 students are enrolled in the Schools of Graduate and Professional Programs, which offers certificate, bachelor degree completion, master degree and specialist and doctoral programs. The university delivers education to its adult learners through campuses in Minneapolis, Winona and Nairobi, Kenya; centers in Apple Valley, Rochester, Oakdale and Minnetonka; and at numerous other locations in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Jamaica.

The Centennial launch coincides with Saint Mary’s annual Homecoming celebration June 22-24, which brings over 350 alumni back to campus each year. This year, Saint Mary’s will honor the following outstanding alumni during a reception Saturday, June 23, on the Winona campus.


2012 Saint Mary’s Homecoming Honorees:

Distinguished Alumnus
Dr. Roger Lucas ’65
North Oaks, Minn.

Roger Lucas transferred from the University of Minnesota to Saint Mary’s after speaking with Brother George Pahl, longtime science teacher and former president of Saint Mary’s. ­After graduation in 1965, Dr. Lucas went on to complete graduate school at University of Illinois Institute of Technology and has enjoyed a successful career in scientific research and development.

Dr. Lucas was one of the founding shareholders of Envoy Medical Corporation. In 1996, he was named director, and he is currently serving as chairman of the board of directors. Envoy Medical Corporation was in founded in 1995 to design, manufacture, and bring to market the world’s first, and only, fully implantable hearing restoration device not to use a microphone or speaker. Dr. Lucas is also currently vice chairman and chief scientific advisor to the board of TECHNE Corporation. He co-founded this biotechnology company in 1985, and under his vision, it has grown into one of the world’s largest suppliers of genetically engineered immunoregulatory molecules to the biomedical research community.

Dr. Lucas has served as assistant professor of biochemistry at the State University of New York and is also currently a board member of ChemoChentryx, Inc., and Discovery Genomics, Inc. He was a recipient of National Institutes of Health Pre- and Post-Doctoral Fellowships.

Dr. Lucas attributes much of his success to the invaluable summer research experiences he had while he was a student at Saint Mary’s.  As a way to give back to the educational institution he so very much values, he currently funds summer internship collaborations between R&D Systems (a subsidiary of TECHNE Corporation) and Saint Mary’s so that current Saint Mary’s students can gain this same exceptional practical experience.

Alumni Appreciation
Robert “Bo” Rettig ’77
La Grange, Ill.

Bo Rettig proudly calls himself part of the GOOF gang. The long-time supporter of Saint Mary’s has organized an annual get-together of alumni and families on the Winona campus for the past 27 years. The event, known as the GOOF (Get-together Of Old Friends) weekend, brings anywhere from 15-25 families (equaling 35-37 individuals) to Winona every year in July. Through these annual events, several members of the second generation of GOOF alumni have been introduced to campus. Through Rettig’s tireless efforts, this annual outing has fostered an incredibly close-knit group of  ’70s alumni — as well as some great recruiting efforts for the university.

The GOOF group also created the Saint Jude Alumni Scholarship fund in 1989 — a fund that began with $3,000 and now stands at over $200,000.  Last year the fund created two scholarships totaling approximately $10,000.  It is a legacy that will continue to grow, thanks in part to Bo’s leadership in soliciting contributions every year from his peers.

This year, Rettig will complete his sixth year on the SMU Alumni Association Board of Directors, and his enthusiasm, positive attitude and support for his alma mater is contagious.  He has graciously assisted with admissions and development initiatives, volunteers each year with the Lasallian Day of Service, and supports Alumni Association endeavors in countless other ways. In addition, he has served as a class rep and class reunion chair, and has been very supportive of the Phi Mu Alpha music fraternity.

The person who nominated Rettig for this recognition stated it best: “I know of no individual who is more deserving of recognition for his contributions to further the goals and objectives of Saint Mary’s University.”

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.