Saint Mary’s presents Student Life awards to students, faculty, staff

WINONA, Minn. — Saint Mary’s University recognized outstanding students, faculty and staff April 23 at the Student Life Awards Ceremony. Individuals who have exhibited outstanding leadership and service through co-curricular activities at Saint Mary’s were recognized.

Awards included:

Brother Finbar McMullen Award (presented to an SMU community member who demonstrates him/herself to be an individual who unselfishly meets the needs of the undergraduate students of Saint Mary’s) — Brother Lawrence Humphrey, FSC, assistant vice president for mission at Saint Mary’s

Charlene “Char” Tjaden Outstanding Resident Assistant Award — Theresa LaValla, daughter of  John and Susan LaValla of Saint Charles, Minn.

Intramural Official of the Year — Courtney Euerle, daughter of Greg and Sharon Euerle of Litchfield, Minn.

Outdoor Leadership Recognition — Jamie Herrick, strength and conditioning coach, physical education instructor and facilities assistant, as well as ropes course facilitator at Saint Mary’s

Club/Organization of the Year — Big and Little Pals (accepted by Mae Yang, daughter of Yeng and Panee Yang of Minneapolis, Minn., and Kacie Kusinski, daughter of Dan and Janet Kusinski of Chicago)

Outstanding Student Senator of the Year Award — Miles Dunna, son of Wokie Dunna of St. Paul, Minn.

Club and Organization Advisor of the Year — Steven McGlaun, dean of campus ministry at Saint Mary’s

Winona Community Service Award — Katie Wall, daughter of Michael and Michelle Wall of Aurora, Ill.

Saint Benilde Award (presented to students who reach out to new members of the university community, are inclusive and inspiring, and lead by being hospitable, open and accepting) — Sarah McNary, daughter of William and Donna McNary of DeForest, Wis.

Brother James Miller Award (presented to a student who has dedicated his/her college experience to promoting the legacy of Brother James Miller, spreading the compassion of God and continually serving the community) — Elizabeth Arnold, daughter of Thomas and Patricia Arnold of Cincinnati, Ohio

Brother Charlie Burke Award (presented to a faculty or staff member who has made significant contributions to the entire Student Life Department. This individual has promoted the growth of the whole student through their exemplary standard of ethical service, dedication to creating developmental relationships, and their desire to promote lifelong learning) — Lance Thompson, director of student activities at Saint Mary’s

Student Service Award — Abigail Osborne, daughter of Roger and Pamela Osborne of Winthrop, Minn.

Leadership Certificate (presented to students who have completed the co-curricular program designed to give both emerging and advanced leaders the skills and knowledge to enhance his or her leadership development) — Samantha Borawski, daughter of Richard and Cynthia Borawski of Stickney, Ill.; Maetzin Cruz-Reyes, daughter of Rosario Cruz Garcia and Luisa Reyes-Ortiz; Conner Ellinghuysen, son of Robert and Lorrie Rinn of Winona; Hannah Friedrich, daughter of Mary Friedrich of Rochester, Minn.; Peter Hegland, son of James Hegland of Utica, Minn.; Jose Herrera, son of Mr. and Mrs. Jose Herrera of Chicago; Elisabeth Ortega, daughter of Elizabeth Ortega of Berwyn, Ill.; Christine Volk, daughter of Bryan and Kim Volk of Champlin, Minn.; and Emily Weber, daughter of Lawrence and Anne Weber of White Bear Lake, Minn.

Saint Mary’s University in top 10 national universities for students living on campus

WINONA, Minn. — Saint Mary’s University is listed seventh among “National Universities” for its high percentage of undergraduates living on campus, according to a recently released U.S. News ranking.

According to U.S. News, the country is facing a shortage of on-campus student housing at public and private schools, according to a 2012 report by the National Multi Housing Council that analyzed data between 2000 and 2010. The last decade saw a 38.7 percent increase in student enrollment, and as enrollment surged, most states have seen a smaller percentage of students living in dorms. Areas with the highest campus housing shortages include Arizona, the District of Columbia, Georgia, Iowa, Minnesota and West Virginia.

Despite the shortage, U.S. News compiled a list of 10 universities that are still housing most of their students on campus.

Harvard University tops the list of U.S. News National Universities with the highest percentage of undergraduate students living on campus in fall 2011. The Ivy League school has 98 percent of its undergraduates living on campus.

Saint Mary’s, in seventh, had 89 percent of students living on campus during the reporting period.

Other schools on the list include: Princeton University, 87 percent; California Institute of Technology, 95 percent; Columbia University, 95 percent; Stanford University, 91 percent; Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 90 percent; Yale University, 88 percent; Dartmouth College, 86 percent; and Vanderbilt University, 86 percent.

Of the 247 ranked National Universities that provided data to U.S. News about campus housing, an average of 38 percent of the undergraduate population lives on campus. Saint Mary’s is one of only three public or private schools in Minnesota in this category.

“The completion of our newest 141-bed residence hall this past year reflects our commitment to creating a vibrant campus and transformational residential life experience,” said Chris Kendall, vice president of student life. “A high number of students living on campus brings life and vitality to all university activities and events. And a student's residential experience is an important component of their overall college experience.”

U.S. News surveyed more than 1,800 colleges and universities for its 2012 survey of undergraduate programs. While much of this survey data is used to rank schools for its annual “Best Colleges” rankings, the data can also be useful when examined on a smaller scale. U.S. News is now producing lists of data, separate from the overall rankings, meant to provide students and parents a means to find which schools excel, or have room to grow, in specific areas that are important to them.

For more information, go to www.usnews.com/education/best-colleges/the-short-list-college/articles/2013/06/18/10-national-universities-where-most-students-live-on-campus.

Saint Mary’s presents service awards to students, faculty, staff

WINONA, Minn. — Saint Mary’s University recognized outstanding students, faculty and staff Wednesday, May 1, at the Student Life Awards Ceremony. Individuals who have exhibited outstanding leadership and service through co-curricular activities at Saint Mary’s were recognized.

Awards included:

Brother Finbar McMullen Award (presented to an SMU community member who demonstrates him/herself to be an individual who unselfishly meets the needs of the undergraduate students of Saint Mary’s) — Rob Gordon, assistant professor, computer science

Charlene “Char” Tjaden Outstanding Resident Assistant Award — Marilyn Yennie, daughter of Tom and Kim Yennie, Grand Meadow, Minn.

Intramural Official of the Year — Sara Schoenthaler, daughter of Sandra Schoenthaler, White Bear Lake, Minn.

Outdoor Leadership Recognition — John O’Neill, son of Dan O’Neill, Chicago

Club/Organization of the Year — SOUL (Serving Others United in Love)

Outstanding Student Senator of the Year Award — Thomas Iven, son of Michael and Corinne Iven, Rockford, Ill.

Club and Organization Advisor of the Year — Charissa Jakusz, graduate assistant hall director

Winona Community Service Award — Jacinta Jude, daughter of Peter and Anna Maria Jude, Maple Lake, Minn.

Saint Benilde Award (presented to students who reach out to new members of the university community, are inclusive and inspiring, and lead by being hospitable, open and accepting) — Jamie Cooper, son of Robert and Cathy Cooper, La Crosse, Wis.

Brother James Miller Award (presented to a student who has dedicated his/her college experience to promoting the legacy of Brother James Miller, spreading the compassion of God and continually serving the community) — Lorelle Brune, daughter of Sam and Sheila Brune, Sterling, Ill.

Brother Charlie Burke Award (presented to a faculty or staff member who has made significant contributions to the entire Student Life Department. This individual has promoted the growth of the whole student through their exemplary standard of ethical service, dedication to creating developmental relationships, and their desire to promote lifelong learning) — Dr. Joseph Tadie, assistant professor of philosophy

Student Service Award — Riley Sinn, son of Philip and Ruth Sinn, Apple Valley, Minn.

Leadership Certificate (presented to students who have completed the co-curricular program designed to give both emerging and advanced leaders the skills and knowledge to enhance his or her leadership development) — Caroline Blackwood, daughter of Eric and Ann Blackwood, Norwalk, Ohio; Miranda Cole, daughter of Jack and Michelle Cole, Barrington, N.H.; Anne Colling, daughter of Thomas and Suzanne Colling, Jordan, Minn.; Kirsten Evans, daughter of Christopher and Kelly Evans, Glenwood, Minn.; Kelli Harstad, daughter of Thomas and Susan Harstad, Hampton, Minn.; Nelson Hough, son of George and Patsy Hough, Long Prairie, Minn.; Jackie Jones, daughter of Joel and Eleanor Jones, Shoreview, Minn.; Kubwayo Wilson, son of Elie Nitunga and Nzeyimana Karitas, Sioux Falls, S.D.; Stephanie Olvera, daughter of Jose and Maria Olvera, Cicero, Ill.; Katarzyna Plawiak, Nowogrodziec, Poland; Serica Rowley, Dubuque, Iowa; Elizabeth Schmidt, daughter of Jerome and Kathy Schmidt, Plainview, Minn.; and Brian Thomas, son of Sharisse Thomas, Bellwood, Ill.

Saint Mary’s presents service awards to students, faculty, staff

WINONA, Minn. — Saint Mary’s University recognized outstanding students, faculty and staff Thursday, April 12, at the Student Life Awards Ceremony. Several awards were handed out to students who made a noticeable impact on student life at SMU. Awards included:

Brother Finbar McMullen Award (presented to an SMU community member who demonstrates him/herself to be an individual who unselfishly meets the needs of the undergraduate students of Saint Mary’s) — Tim Gossen, dean of students

Charlene “Char” Tjaden Outstanding Resident Assistant Award — John Soucheray, son of John and Kathleen Soucheray of Woodbury, Minn.

Club and Organization Advisor of the Year — Lance Thompson, assistant activities director

Organization of the Year — Open Mic Nite, accepted by Ben Scott, son of Mark and Sherri Scott of Rochester, Minn.

Intramural Official of the Year — Rachel Otten, daughter of Bruce and Debra Otten of Buffalo, Minn.

Volunteer Service Award — Stephanie Schaub, daughter of Steven and Mary Schaub of La Crosse, Wis., and Megan Linder, daughter of Don and Nancy Linder of Easton, Minn.

Outstanding Student Senator of the Year Award — Andy Bauer, son of Timothy and Nancy Bauer of Roswell, Ga.

Brother James Miller Award (presented to a student who has dedicated his/her college experience to promoting the legacy of Brother James Miller, spreading the compassion of God and continually serving the community) — Jill Spitzmueller, daughter of Bill and Kathy Spitzmueller of New Brighton, Minn., and Madelynn Kettner, daughter of Donald and Jeannine Kettner of La Crosse, Wis.

Student Service Award — Luis Escobar, son of Francia Acevedo and Santiago Escobar of Madelia, Minn.

Outdoor Leadership Recognition — Courtney Lee, daughter of Eric and Camille Lee, Apple Valley, Minn.

Brother Charlie Burke Award (presented to a faculty or staff member who has made significant contributions to the entire Student Life Department. This individual has promoted the growth of the whole student through their exemplary standard of ethical service, dedication to creating developmental relationships, and their desire to promote lifelong learning) — Ann Merchlewitz, executive vice president and general counsel

Saint Benilde Award (presented to students who reach out to new members of the university community, are inclusive and inspiring, and lead by being hospitable, open and accepting) — Amy Streit, daughter of Joe and Kathleen Streit of Oak Lawn, Ill., and Robert Rousseau, son of Richard and Paulet Rousseau of St. Paul.

Leadership Certificate (presented to students who have completed the co-curricular program designed to give both emerging and advanced leaders the skills and knowledge to enhance his or her leadership development) — Riley Sinn, daughter of Ruth and Philip Sinn of Apple Valley; Julianne Bartosz, daughter of Jeff and Leslie Bartosz of Mokena, Ill.; Morgan Carlson, daughter of Wally and Darla Carlson of Theilman, Minn.; Sara McNary, daughter of William and Donna McNary of De Forest, Wis.; Abby Ross, daughter of Bradley and Sidnie Ross of Blaine; Danielle Strebel, daughter of Dan and Mary Strebel of Green Bay, Wis., Chris Froelich, daughter of Ken and Patricia Froelich of Cottage Grove; Mae Yang, daughter of Yeng and Panee Yang of Minneapolis; Katherine Wall, daughter of Michael and Michelle Wall of Batavia, Ill., Stephanie Schaub, daughter of Steven and Mary Schaub of La Crosse, Wis.; and Julie Pierce, daughter of John and Lisa Ingram of Minneapolis.

Saint Mary’s presents service awards to students, faculty, staff

WINONA, Minn. — Saint Mary’s University recognized outstanding students, faculty and staff Thursday, April 7, at the Student Life Awards Ceremony. Several awards were handed out to students who made a noticeable impact on student life at SMU. Awards included:

Brother Finbar McMullen Award (presented to an SMU community member who demonstrates him/herself to be an individual who unselfishly meets the needs of the undergraduate students of Saint Mary’s) — Dr. Marilyn Frost, vice president for academic affairs and psychology professor, of Winona.

Charlene “Char” Tjaden Outstanding Resident Assistant Award — Margaret Scannell, daughter of Thomas and Carole Scannell of Evergreen Park, Ill.

Club and Organization Advisor of the Year — Brendan Dolan, Residence Hall director and area coordinator.

Organization of the Year — Big and Little Pals of Campus Ministry, accepted by Melissa Stuckmayer, daughter of Robert and Sharon Stuckmayer of Ramsey, Minn., and Allison Johnson, daughter of Richard and Michele Johnson of Austin, Minn.

Intramural Official of the Year — Chelsea Deering, daughter of Doreen Ableman of Wisconsin Dells, Wis.

Volunteer of the Year Award — Rachel Elbert, daughter of John and Irene Elbert of Cedar Falls, Iowa.

Outstanding Student Senator of the Year Award — Daniel Streefland, son of Tom and Deb Streefland of Webster, Minn.

Winona Community Service Award — Daniel Streefland, son of Tom and Deb Streefland of Webster, Minn.

Brother James Miller Award (presented to a student who has dedicated his/her college experience to promoting the legacy of Brother James Miller, spreading the compassion of God and continually serving the community) — Santiago Escobar, son of Santiago Escobar Velasco and Francia Acevedó of Madelia, Minn.

Student Service Award — Kaitlin Wermerskirchen, daughter of Daniel and Laura Wermerskirchen of Shakopee, Minn.

Outdoor Leadership Recognition — Greg Freeman, son of James and Joann Freeman of Aurora, Ill.

Brother Charlie Burke Award (presented to a faculty or staff member who has made significant contributions to the entire Student Life Department. This individual has promoted the growth of the whole student through their exemplary standard of ethical service, dedication to creating developmental relationships, and their desire to promote lifelong learning) — Francis “Fritz” Speck, director of Information Technology.

Halloween Fun Night is Oct. 25 at Saint Mary’s

WINONA, Minn. — Elementary and preschool children from the Winona area are invited to attend the tenth annual Saint Mary’s University Halloween Fun Night from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 25.

Participants should stop at the guard booth at the main entrance of the Winona campus for directions on where to park.

Young trick-or-treaters should start out the evening at the Hall of Fame Room, located in the Toner Student Center, where tattoos and stickers, a coloring station, and other fun games will be offered, and the Cardinal mascot will greet pint-sized ghosts and goblins.

From there, SMU students will lead groups of trick-or-treaters through the residence halls of the university, where they can go door to door for candy.

Last year more than 700 youth participated in this free, safe and fun event, sponsored by the Office of Residence Life of Saint Mary’s.