Saint Mary's University honors Chicago doctor, meteorologist

Tom Skilling, chief meteorologist for WGN-TV, received an honorary Doctor of Science degree from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota May 17 at a Chicago reception. Shown are, from left: Brother Robert Smith, vice president of Saint Mary’s Schools of Graduate and Professional Programs; Michael Gostomski, chair of the Saint Mary’s Board of Trustees; Skilling; and Dr. Donna Aronson, vice president of academic affairs.

Dr. Robert Dolehide was awarded the Presidential Award for Outstanding Merit from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota May 17 at a Chicago reception. Dr. Dolehide — a Saint Mary’s alumnus and esteemed medical doctor who practiced in the Chicago area for more than 50 years — and his wife Eileen are congratulated by Brother Robert Smith, vice president of Saint Mary’s Schools of Graduate and Professional Programs.


WINONA, Minn. — On May 17, close to 270 alumni and friends of Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota gathered in Chicago to celebrate the university’s longstanding legacy of excellence in the sciences.

Two special guests were honored at the event, held at the Union League Club. Dr. Robert Dolehide, a 1947 alumnus of Saint Mary’s, received the Presidential Award for Outstanding Merit for more than five decades of compassionate and exemplary medical practice in Chicago. Also honored was Chicago broadcasting legend Tom Skilling, WGN-TV chief meteorologist, who was awarded an honorary Doctor of Science degree for his contributions to the science of meteorology and his paralleled résumé of award-winning broadcasts, films and seminars in climate science.

Dr. Dolehide was applauded for his tireless service as a physician to thousands of patients in the Chicago area for 50 years, for his positive and long-lasting impact on generations of families and for his remarkable life as a physician, family man and for enthusiastically supporting a variety of social causes.

Skilling was lauded for his “professional competence, significant accomplishment and influential contributions to the field of meteorology and television journalism,” as well as for conducting free weather seminars and for sharing his love of science and research for others.

The event, titled the Brother Charles Severin Celebration of Excellence, was named for a renowned science faculty member at Saint Mary’s University in Winona. Brother Charles started teaching ecology at Saint Mary’s in 1934, using the river bottoms, bluffs and trout streams of the area as his laboratory. Nearly six decades of learners benefitted from his pioneering teaching methods, knowledge and dedication.

The annual event showcases the achievements of Saint Mary’s students and faculty; honors exceptional alumni and community leaders; and garners financial support to advance the sciences during the university’s second century.

SMU to host special science events April 26

WINONA, Minn. — On Saturday, April 26, Saint Mary’s University will host the 81st Minnesota Academy of Science annual meeting and the 26th Winchell Undergraduate Research Symposium in conjunction with the NC3 District annual meeting of Beta Beta Beta, the National Biological Honor Society.

Students from colleges and universities in Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota and Iowa will present their research in the fields of cellular and molecular biology, chemistry, earth science, ecology and environmental science, economics, engineering, math and computer science, physics, neuroscience, organismal and physiological sciences and social sciences. The keynote speaker will be Kevin Kenow, research wildlife biologist from the Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, who will speak about Minnesota Loons. The cost of attending the entire conference (does not include lunch) is $10, and those who are interested in attending may contact Dr. Debra Martin at dmartin@smumn.edu.

SMU, U of M partner for dual degree programs

WINONA, Minn. — In accord with its strategic plan, Saint Mary’s University has forged a transfer agreement with the University of Minnesota that will strengthen its science programming and provide opportunities to students. Under the agreement, a set of five-year, dual-degree programs allows chemistry and physics students to start their studies at Saint Mary’s, finish at the U of M College of Science and Engineering, and graduate with two degrees. 



Students in the dual-degree program in chemistry/chemical engineering complete the requirements for a Saint Mary's chemistry major and then may apply to transfer into the chemical engineering program at the U of M CSE. They will graduate with a B.A. in chemistry from Saint Mary’s after completing upper-division credits at the U of M CSE in their fourth year. Students then graduate with a B.Eng. in chemical engineering from the U of M after satisfying those program requirements.

Students in the new physics/engineering program will complete requirements for a Saint Mary’s major in physics with engineering emphasis, and may apply to transfer into one of seven engineering programs at the U of M CSE: aerospace engineering, civil engineering, electrical engineering, geo-engineering, industrial and systems engineering, materials science engineering, or mechanical engineering. They will graduate with a B.A. in physics with engineering emphasis from Saint Mary’s and a B.Eng. from the U of M.

“This dual-degree program allows students to get the traditional liberal arts experience — with small class sizes and personal attention — and they will have a more well-rounded overall educational experience,” said Dr. Donna Aronson, vice president for academic affairs at Saint Mary’s. “After their time at Saint Mary’s, they will also be better prepared for the next step of their educational journey at the University of Minnesota. The personal contact they receive at Saint Mary’s will help them succeed in this highly competitive field.”