Brother William Mann is named 13th president of Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota

Brother William Mann, FSC, D.Min.

WINONA, Minn. — The Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota Board of Trustees announced Thursday, Dec. 13, that Brother William Mann, FSC, D.Min. has been named the 13th president of the university. Brother William will begin his term of office on June 1, 2008.

Brother William, 60, is the former Vicar General of the De La Salle Christian Brothers. As Vicar General, he was the second-highest officer of the international Catholic teaching order that comprises 5,300 Christian Brothers, working in association with 73,000 lay educators to operate 930 schools and universities serving 900,000 students in 82 countries.

Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota is a private, Catholic institution guided by the De La Salle Christian Brothers. Its Winona campus is home to a residential liberal arts college, while extensive graduate and professional programs are offered at Winona, a Twin Cities campus, Rochester center and Apple Valley center, locations around Minnesota and Wisconsin, and Nairobi, Kenya.

Chancellor Brother Louis DeThomasis, FSC, Ph.D., has led Saint Mary’s University this past year during the national search for a new president. DeThomasis reassumed the duties of president in February, 2007, after previously serving Saint Mary’s for 21 years in that capacity.

DeThomasis said “Saint Mary’s is so fortunate to have as its new president an internationally recognized educational leader. Brother William Mann is also a renowned Lasallian scholar, who will enhance our vision and mission as a Lasallian institution of higher education.”

DeThomasis added that Brother William's “vast international experience will advance our efforts to bring global education to our students. His experience with multicultural, diverse populations allows him to offer a unique gift to our university setting, and brings a new dimension to the intellectual and spiritual life of students and faculty.”

“We are delighted with the international reputation and stature of our new president,” said Michael Meagher, chairman of the Saint Mary’s Board of Trustees. “The board was impressed with his wisdom, sensitivity, and obvious commitment and dedication to education.”

Brother William has spent almost 30 years traveling around the country and the world as a leader in the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools, and as a guiding force in the evolution of the Lasallian educational global network.

“I am excited at the opportunity to focus my experience and passion for the Lasallian educational mission at Saint Mary’s University,” Brother William said. He noted that “the many facets of Saint Mary’s are interesting and inspiring, and I believe the university is well-positioned to continue doing great good” within the society of the 21st century.

Brother William served in Rome from 2000-07 as Vicar General, a leader with far-ranging responsibilities within the international governance structure of the De La Salle Christian Brothers.

A native of New York City, Brother William joined the Christian Brothers in 1965. He began his career as an English and religion teacher, working from 1970-79 at two Christian Brother high schools in New York and Rhode Island. He then held positions directing Christian Brother formation for the Long Island-New England Province and USA/Toronto Region, and from 1990-96 he was International Secretary of Formation in Rome. He later served as Delegate Superior for India, and as Provincial for the LI-NE Province, which operates 10 educational institutions in New York City and Rhode Island.

Brother William has also been an organizer, member, delegate and presenter for numerous Lasallian commissions and symposiums. He was a member of the boards of several Christian Brother schools in New York and Rhode Island, and he served on the Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota Board of Trustees from 1996-2001.

Brother William is a noted scholar and writer on the life and teachings of John Baptist de La Salle, founder of the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools and the patron saint of educators. He has authored and edited numerous publications examining De La Salle’s writings and spirituality, putting them into context for Lasallian educators in today’s world.

Brother William’s educational background includes a B.A. in English Literature from The Catholic University of America, an M.A. in Liberal Studies - Literature from State University of New York at Stony Brook, an M.A. in Spirituality from Salve Regina University, and a Doctor of Ministry degree in Family Ministry from Colgate Rochester Divinity School.

DeThomasis to cook at ‘Recipe for Relief’ fundraiser for SMU faculty, staff flood victims

WINONA, Minn. — Friends of Saint Mary’s University are invited to a ‘Recipe for Relief’ fundraiser Sunday, Oct. 28, at the Winona campus. Proceeds will benefit the many faculty and staff at SMU who received severe flood damage.

Mark your calendars for a fun-filled evening of music, food and festive bidding. The event will be held 6 to 8:30 p.m. in the dining room of the Toner Student Center. Admission will be $25 or $15 for students.

Several celebrity SMU “chefs” will be preparing a huge variety of tasty hors d’oeuvres, and the master chef himself, Brother Louis DeThomasis, Saint Mary’s chancellor, will give out a special recipe — as well as a live (and lively!) demonstration of how to prepare it. Recipes by all the chefs will be shared.

SMU student jazz combos will be joined by directors Eric Heukeshoven and Dr. John Paulson. Additionally Chris Kendall, vice president for student development, will perform folk music. A silent auction will complete the evening.

This SMU benefit follows the Sept. 7 Rockin’ for Relief event — a live concert to assist flood victims in our surrounding communities — which raised $2,889. With a matching $2,500 donation from Modern Woodmen of America, the proceeds totaled $5,389.

Between 300 and 350 people attended that event, sponsored by Saint Mary’s Volunteer Services and Office of Campus Ministry.

DeThomasis Assumes Duties of President

WINONA, Minn. -- At its regular meeting Friday, Feb. 9, the Saint Mary's University of Minnesota Board of Trustees announced that the chancellor of the university, Brother Louis DeThomasis, FSC, Ph.D. will assume the duties of president until a permanent president is hired. The board also announced its intention to immediately commence a presidential search process.
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DeThomasis, 66, previously served as Saint Mary's president from 1984 to 2005. He was named chancellor of the university upon the completion of his 21-year tenure.

Brother Craig Franz, FSC, Ph.D. served as president from June 1, 2005 until his resignation Dec. 19, 2006. At that time, the SMU board asked Jeffrey Highland, Ph.D., to serve as interim president until official action could be taken at its Feb. 9 meeting. Dr. Highland will now continue in his roles as university provost and vice president of the College.

Rob Figliulo, chairman of the board of trustees, said DeThomasis is an outstanding person to serve as president during this time of transition. "He is an exceptional leader who knows the institution, he knows the faculty and staff, and he knows the communities. Throughout his association with Saint Mary's, Brother Louis has demonstrated his concern and commitment. He cares deeply for the success of the university.

"Saint Mary's will be in very good hands," Figliulo added. "Brother Louis is uniquely qualified to lead the institution and position it so that a new president can come in here with momentum and enthusiasm, and hit the ground running.

"We are so fortunate that Brother Louis agreed to put aside his other professional commitments to serve us again," Figliulo said. "He has our great admiration and immense gratitude."

Figliulo thanked Dr. Highland for accepting the call to serve the past two months. "Once again, Dr. Highland has shown just how dedicated he is to this university. We sincerely appreciate his willingness to take on even greater responsibility at a time when we especially needed his talent and experience."

DeThomasis also commended Dr. Highland, noting that Saint Mary's is "blessed to have such a skillful, dedicated and selfless administrator in a key leadership role."

Looking ahead, DeThomasis said he will "make sure that the coming months are productive and progressive.

"I will continue the momentum that Saint Mary's has as a Lasallian university that is proud of its past and absolutely committed to the future," DeThomasis said. "There are many fine initiatives underway that I pledge to carry forward, and there are many opportunities that are yet to be realized."

Brother Craig Franz resigns as president of SMU - Letter from the Board of Trustees

To members of the Saint Mary's University community:

My apologies for bringing a matter as serious as this to you in the midst of your Christmas preparations, but the circumstances and timing leave me no other course.

It is with regret that I announce that Brother Craig J. Franz, FSC has resigned as President of Saint Mary's University of Minnesota, effective immediately.
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Jeffrey R. Highland, Ph.D., University Provost and Vice President of the College, has agreed to serve as Interim President of Saint Mary's University.

Following receipt of information about an allegation of inappropriate sexual behavior from Saint Mary's College of California, the University addressed the matter with Brother Craig. Earlier this month, Brother Craig disclosed to his religious superiors and to me as Board Chair, that while serving as President of Saint Mary's College of California he engaged in an episode of inappropriate sexual behavior with an adult student who was enrolled in that institution.

Brother Craig realizes that his activity was inappropriate in light of his religious vows and his position as a leader, teacher and mentor.

Brother Craig has left the Saint Mary's University campus and is residing with his religious community.

The circumstances of Brother Craig's departure from Saint Mary's are unfortunate, for he made many significant contributions to the University.

Saint Mary's University takes matters of this nature very seriously and has an established protocol in place to respond to allegations of sexual misconduct made by anyone. The University does not tolerate inappropriate sexual behavior between a person in authority -- whether they be religious or lay -- with any student, faculty or staff member of the University, no matter what their age. Our policies and details about how to file an allegation of misconduct are posted on the University's Web site at http://www.smumn.edu/sitepages/pid1518.php

I cannot tell you how troubling it is for me to deliver this news to you, particularly at this time of year. As a second-generation alumnus of Saint Mary's, and the parent of both a graduate and a current student, I remain committed to Christian Brothers education. I feel very bad for all parties involved.

The Board joins me in praying for the healing of everyone in this matter.

We also express our gratitude to Dr. Highland for agreeing to serve as Interim President during this time of transition. Dr. Highland is an experienced and respected educator and administrator. He joined the University in 1977 and is a professor of political science. Since 2000, he has served as the University's chief operating and academic officer. Dr. Highland recently led the University's successful two-year self-study and site visit as it seeks reaccreditation by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

I am confident that Dr. Highland and the University's Cabinet -- a group of experienced senior administrators -- together with the Board of Trustees will continue to provide the leadership and resources for our faculty and staff to maintain the Lasallian tradition of awakening, nurturing and empowering our students to lead ethical lives of service and leadership. We remain committed to the goal to be ranked among the top 20 teaching institutions in the U.S. by 2012, the University's centennial.

If you wish to speak with me about any aspect of the information in this letter, please contact Bob Conover, Vice President for Communication at (507) 457-1496, or email me directly at rfigliulo@sprinc.com.

Sincerely,

Robert M. Figliulo
Chairman, Board of Trustees