SMU hosts ‘Learn to Lead’ camps for girls June 17-24

WINONA, Minn. — Saint Mary’s University is hosting three Learn to Lead camps June 17-24 for girls entering grades five through 10 in the fall.

Girls entering grades five through six are invited to the camp “Embark” June 17-19; girls entering grades seven through nine are invited to the camp “Lead On” June 20-24; and girls entering grades eight through 10 are invited to the camp “Take 2” June 20-24.

“Embark” will allow girls to explore how to become a leader in and out of the classroom, how to deal with bullies and the leadership skills they already have and those they have yet to develop. “Lead On” will give girls the opportunity to discover the leader inside of them. Participants will solve mysteries and work together on strengthening their leadership skills. “Take 2” is for girls who have already attended a leadership camp; these girls will have the opportunity to volunteer in the Winona community to expand their leadership skills.

Each camp will end with a special lunch and tribute to a woman who has made an impact in every camper’s life. Peg Winters, director of the Saint Teresa Leadership and Service Institute for Women at Saint Mary’s, and women of the institute will teach these camps.

Registration for “Embark” is $240 before Thursday, April 15, and $260 after April 15. Registration for “Lead On” and “Take 2” is $375 before April 15 and $395 after April 15. This fee includes lodging and meals on campus, as well as access to the Recreation and Athletics Center, indoor pool, weight room, dance studio, hiking trails, disc golf course, track and soccer complex, ropes course and more. Register and pay online at www.smumn.edu/camps. For more information, call (800) 635-5987, Ext. 6921, or (507) 457-6921.

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.

Students sleep outside to raise awareness of homeless

WINONA, Minn. — Saint Mary’s University students will sleep in cardboard boxes tonight, April 17, during the annual shak-a-thon, part of Habitat for Humanity’s Act!Speak!Build! Week April 15-20.

Act!Speak!Build! Week is Habitat for Humanity’s national week of advocacy. Saint Mary’s Habitat group has planned a full week of activities to raise awareness about the millions of people who do not have adequate shelter to sleep.

The shak-a-thon will begin at 9 p.m. in the Plaza.

On Thursday at 4:40 p.m., students will meet at the Info Desk to participate in the Walk to Rally with Winona State students. Participants will walk from the Winona State campus to the Winona Habitat office downtown to raise awareness about the need for affordable housing in Winona and the surrounding areas.

On Friday at 3:30 p.m., students will meet at the info desk to do a can collection fundraiser.

For more information, e-mail habitat@smumn.edu.