Plans set for Candlelight 2008 at Saint Mary's University

WINONA, Minn. – Groove back to the funky era of flower power — a time when saddle shoes and poodle skirts were replaced by go-go boots and mini skirts — during Candlelight 2008 at Saint Mary's University.

The social evening, to be held on Saturday, Feb. 9, is a communitywide event, hosted biennially by the university. Formerly a fund-raiser, Candlelight is now simply a fun evening, a celebration of the university and a thank you to the community for its support.

This year's theme, "Candlelight, Outta Sight” will come to life at Terrace Heights in a brightly colored tie-dyed theme, complete with 45s and, of course, candlelight.

The evening will begin with hors d'oeuvres and cocktails at 6 p.m. in the lounge, followed by a five-course gourmet dinner in the dining hall, both in the Toner Student Center. A highlight of the evening will include cabaret entertainment by SMU theatre and music students who will perform a variety of favorites from the ’60s and early ’70s by the Beatles, the Monkeys, John Denver, the Carpenters, and many more. Candlelight attendees will then dance the night away to the seven-piece Diane Martinson Band.

The cost of the evening is $75 per person or $140 per couple. Dress is formal attire, and valet parking and coat check services will be available.

If you do not receive an invitation or have questions about Candlelight, call Jo Nesler, (507) 457-1664.

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.

Saint Mary’s student dances on Disney Christmas special

WINONA, Minn. — Fallon Devine, a junior at Saint Mary’s University and a Winona native, danced her way into the “Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade 2007.”

The program, which features all the big names from “Dancing with the Stars” along with performances by Patti LaBelle, Jessica Simpson and Katharine McPhee, will air 9 a.m. Christmas Day on ABC.

Devine, a student at Rochester’s Fred Astaire Dance Studio, received a phone call from her dance instructor, Winston Fine, saying she was one of three people he was considering taking to Walt Disney World to perform. Whoever called him back first would get to go.

Devine wasted no time. “He said, ‘I literally just hung up the phone when you called.’ ”

All together 200 dancers, all part of the Fred Astaire company, served as background dancers for the show.

With a little luck, Devine said she and Fine received the opportunity to dance on one of only four platforms — and thereby get extra visibility. Between learning the dance steps and the show’s final taping, Devine estimates she danced 22 hours Thursday through Friday.

Devine has returned to Winona with some new dance moves, some great memories and lots of pictures with stars like Joey Fatone, Drew Lachey and Sabrina Bryan, along with the dance professionals Tony Dovolani, Julianne Hough and Edyta Sliwinska (and Mickey and Minnie).

Noted faculty featured in new Canon Law program at Saint Mary's

An innovative two-year Graduate Certificate in Canon Law program is now accepting applications for a summer, 2008 debut at Saint Mary's University of Minnesota.

The program, featuring noted experts as faculty, will be offered to a national student body by the Institute in Pastoral Ministries. Students will engage in a blended-learning format, with both an online delivery as well as a two-week summer residency.

The two-year program will run in conjunction with the Institute's master degree programs in Pastoral Ministry and Pastoral Administration. The first summer residency is June 16 - 28, 2008, with a second residency planned for summer, 2009.

The Graduate Certificate in Canon Law is aimed at Roman Catholic Church administrators at all levels, school and health-care administrators, and civil attorneys. The course of study is designed for those who do not seek a pontifical degree in canon law, but require canonical knowledge for administrative or pastoral duties.

The outstanding faculty include: Sr. Dominica Brennan, OP, JCL, chancellor for canonical affairs, Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis; Rev. Paul Golden, CM, JCD, Vincentian Canonical Services, Denver; Lawrence Price, JD, JCL, director of the tribunal, Diocese of Winona, Minn.; Rev. Daniel Smilanic, adjutant judicial vicar, Archdiocese of Chicago; and Prof. Greg Sobolewski, PhD, director of the Institute in Pastoral Ministries, Winona, Minn.

For more information on the Graduate Certificate in Canon Law, contact Prof. Sobolewski at 800-635-5987, Ext. 1767 or email gsobolew@smumn.edu. Or go online to www.smumn.edu/canonlaw.

FACULTY BIOGRAPHIES:

Sister M. Dominica Brennan, OP, MA, JCL has served as chancellor for Canonical Affairs and director of the Office of Conciliation for the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis for the past 12 years. Sister Dominica is a member of the Canon Law Society of America and served as a consultor on its Board of Governors from 1996–1998, and as treasurer from 2005–2007.


Rev. Paul L. Golden, CM, JCD is a Vincentian priest who has taught canon law and published monographs and canonical advisory opinions since 1968. He is a past-president of the Canon Law Society of America, which honored him in 2005 with its annual Role of Law Award.








Prof. Lawrence Price, JCL, JD is licensed to practice law in state and federal court, and was a Judge Advocate with the U.S. Air Force for six years. At the Catholic University of Leuven, he received a Licentiate in Canon Law. Since 1998 he has been an ecclesiastical judge for the Diocese of Winona and is director of the Tribunal. He edited The Tribunal Handbook: Procedures for Formal Matrimonial Cases (Canon Law Society of America, 2005).



Rev. Daniel Smilanic, JCD is a priest for the Archdiocese of Chicago, where he has worked in the Tribunal of the Archdiocese of Chicago and is presently the adjutant judicial vicar. In 2003 he was appointed the Cardinal’s delegate to the Review Board and the Promoter of Justice in penal cases. In October 2007 he was elected vice-president/president-elect of the Canon Law Society of America.




Prof. Gregory Sobolewski, PhD is a professor of theology at Saint Mary's University of Minnesota, where he has directed the Institute in Pastoral Ministries since 1996. He was an invited participant in the U.S. bishops' national consultations on Co-Workers in the Vineyard of the Lord (2005), as well as a contributing writer for USCCB’s "Proposed Foundational Document on Lay Ecclesial Ministry."

Saint Mary’s concert features jazz, percussion ensembles

Saint Mary’s will host an evening of rhythmic jazz and the unique ethnic sounds of Batucada Nossa Senhora, beginning at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 7, at Page Theatre.

The 18-piece Saint Mary's Jazz Ensemble and Jazz Combo I, under the direction of Dr. John Paulson, will burn away any thoughts of snow when they perform with Wisconsin vocalist and swing singer Judi K.

Judi K began her career singing at weddings and in church; it was not until she met the great mandolinist, Jethro Burns, that her career truly began.

Her two recordings, “It’s Been A Long, Long Time” and “I’m Nobody's Baby,” feature the talents of Jim Beebe, Jethro Burns, Truck Parham, Connie Jones and tenor-saxophonist Franz Jackson.

Judi K has also performed with many musicians from around the United States. She performs at jazz festivals, outdoor concerts and private affairs. She recently returned from New Mexico, where she sang with the great Houston Person and several other musicians from across the country.

The big band's set with Judi K will include an arrangement of Irving Mill's ever-popular “Moonglow” and Johnny Mercer's “I Remember You.” Judi will also jam with Jazz Combo I on Ellington's famous tune “Don't Get Around Much Anymore.” Dave Wolpe arranged all of the pieces mentioned above. Other soloists with the big band include alto saxophonist Vanessa Grams performing a Mike Tomaro arrangement of Thelonius Monk's haunting melody “'Round Midnight.” Tenor saxophonist Tony Freeman will solo on several selections with the jazz combo as well as the big band including “Cold Duck” time by Eddie Harris arranged by Mark Taylor and Horace Silver's up tempo tune “Sister Sadie,” arranged by Bryan Kidd.

The SMU Jazz Ensemble and Jazz Combo I will tour the Twin Cities in January, and then attend the International Association of Jazz Educators' Convention in Toronto, Ont., Jan. 9-13, 2008.

Also during the evening, the SMU Jazz Ensemble, Jazz Combo, and the voice of Judi K will all join forces with Batucada Nossa Senhora (percussion ensemble of our lady). Batucada Nossa Senhora, under the direction of Denny McGuire, will warm your hearts with two forms of Maracatu from Bahia in Northeastern Brazil, a West African drum medley from the Ewe people of Ghana, and a set of Sambas from Brazil.

Tickets are $6 for adults and $4 for students and seniors. Tickets are available by calling the SMU Box Office, (507) 457-1715, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, or online at www.pagetheatre.org.
Saint Mary’s concerts
feature jazz, percussion ensembles

Saint Mary’s will host an evening of rhythmic jazz and the unique ethnic sounds of Batucada Nossa Senhora, beginning at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 7, at Page Theatre.

The 18-piece Saint Mary's Jazz Ensemble and Jazz Combo I, under the direction of Dr. John Paulson, will burn away any thoughts of snow when they perform with Wisconsin vocalist and swing singer Judi K.

Judi K began her career singing at weddings and in church; it was not until she met the great mandolinist, Jethro Burns, that her career truly began.

Her two recordings, “It’s Been A Long, Long Time” and “I’m Nobody's Baby,” feature the talents of Jim Beebe, Jethro Burns, Truck Parham, Connie Jones and tenor-saxophonist Franz Jackson.

Judi K has also performed with many musicians from around the United States. She performs at jazz festivals, outdoor concerts and private affairs. She recently returned from New Mexico, where she sang with the great Houston Person and several other musicians from across the country.

The big band's set with Judi K will include an arrangement of Irving Mill's ever-popular “Mooglow” and Johnny Mercer's “I Remember You.” Judi will also jam with Jazz Combo I on Ellington's famous tune “Don't Get Around Much Anymore.” Dave Wolpe arranged all of the pieces mentioned above. Other soloists with the big band include alto saxophonist Vanessa Grams performing a Mike Tomaro arrangement of Thelonius Monk's haunting melody “'Round Midnight.” Tenor saxophonist Tony Freeman will solo on several selections with the jazz combo as well as the big band including “Cold Duck” time by Eddie Harris arranged by Mark Taylor and Horace Silver's up tempo tune “Sister Sadie,” arranged by Bryan Kidd.

The SMU Jazz Ensemble and Jazz Combo I will tour the Twin Cities in January, and then attend the International Association of Jazz Educators' Convention in Toronto, Ont., Jan. 9-13, 2008.

Also during the evening, the SMU Jazz Ensemble, Jazz Combo, and the voice of Judi K will all join forces with Batucada Nossa Senhora (percussion ensemble of our lady). Batucada Nossa Senhora, under the direction of Denny McGuire, will warm your hearts with two forms of Maracatu from Bahia in Northeastern Brazil, a West African drum medley from the Ewe people of Ghana, and a set of Sambas from Brazil.

Tickets are $6 for adults and $4 for students and seniors. Tickets are available by calling the SMU Box Office, (507) 457-1715, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, or online at www.pagetheatre.org.

Saint Mary’s University earns All-Steinway distinction

WINONA, Minn. — Saint Mary’s University has received the distinction of being named an All-Steinway School. The honor demonstrates Saint Mary’s commitment to excellence by providing students and faculty with the best possible instruments for both study and performance.

In order to be eligible for the All-Steinway School distinction, Saint Mary’s made the commitment to offer to its students only instruments designed and built by Steinway & Sons.

“The name Steinway brings a level of integrity and validity that is instant,” said Ned Kirk, chairman of the SMU Department of Music. “It means that Saint Mary’s is truly dedicated to providing the best for our students.”

Steinway is a name traditionally associated with excellence in piano craftsmanship. Steinway pianos are known for their longevity, and most Steinway instruments appreciate in value over time. Each piano is handcrafted, which can take up to one full year per instrument.

The inspiration to become a Steinway school came from long-time friends of the university, Bob Kierlin and Mary Burrichter. The Winona couple donated a newly restored 1931 Steinway piano to the Minnesota Beethoven Festival. The concert piano, worth more than $100,000, was carefully restored 18 months ago. Saint Mary’s University has the additional honor of using the piano throughout the school year as its concert instrument.

Only 60 colleges and universities in the United States have been designated All-Steinway Schools, including six in Minnesota: Gustavus Adolphus; University of Minnesota, Morris; University of Minnesota, Twin Cities; Bemidji State University; and Concordia University, St. Paul.

For more information about the Saint Mary’s music department programs and activities, go to www.smumn.edu/music.

Saint Mary’s University Gifts for Winona trees are up throughout community

WINONA, Minn. – Giving trees — decorated with tags for Saint Mary’s University Gifts for Winona — are now up throughout Winona. Trees are located at: the three Sinclair stations, the Winona Public Library, all three Wells Fargo Bank locations, Scrapper’s Haven, the Winona Post and Security State Bank in Lewiston.

This community gift-giving program helps less fortunate families in the Winona area have happier holidays.

Individuals who want to help should visit one of these locations, take as many tags off the trees as they wish, purchase and wrap the gifts, and return them by Dec. 13 to the tree where they obtained the tag. Each tag is labeled with a person’s holiday gift wish list. Tags should be taped securely to the outside of the gift/gifts.

The recommended amount for holiday gifts is approximately $30 per person. As the distribution is early this year — mid December — the community is asked to begin their season of giving early as well.

Through the generosity of the Winona-area community, this program assists approximately 1,500 people of all ages. Other partners include United Way of the Greater Winona Area, Wells Fargo Bank, Winona Post, Winona Radio and Winona Volunteer Services.

For more information, call the “Gifts for Winona” line at (507) 457-8719.

Conservatory plans Winter Showcase Nov. 30 and Dec. 1 at Valéncia

WINONA, Minn. — The Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts Dance Repertory Company II and Young Choreographers will present a Winter Showcase Friday, Nov. 30, at 6:30 p.m., and Saturday, Dec. 1, at 3 p.m. — both at the Valéncia Arts Center Academy Theatre.

For more than three decades, the Dance Repertory Company has presented the Winona community with quality dance productions featuring local dancers performing classical and contemporary works. The DRC II is MCA’s junior performing troupe and showcases students ages 5 to 12 years olds.

The 2007 Winter Showcase presents the DRC II students in classical ballet, tap, jazz, modern, creative movement, and a special just-for-boys piece. In addition to viewing the DRC II performers, audience members will enjoy works by the MCA’s Young Choreographers. These high school- and college-aged students participated in a choreography and improvisation class throughout the semester through which they learned how to create their own works.

Cast members and Young Choreographers in the Winter Showcase include: Dot Armstrong, Pippa Armstrong, Chris Bernard, Jasmine Boynton, Carter Briggs, Austyn Burt, Taylor Cada, Keegan Eide, Max Gort, Katie Harbinson, Madison Junker, Caitlin Kamen Sydney Larson, Summer Lawson, Megan Lynch, Alec Meinke, Hayden Meinke, Justine Meinke, Lucy Nelson, Isabella Riley, Augusta Rodgers, Zach Ruben, Danielle Schleich, Laura Schleich, Natalie Schleich, Olivia Schlesser, Alyssa Schneider, Kyle Schneider, Ike Scholl, Claire Smart, Emily Strom, Lexy Valentine, Adelle Vietor, Kaitlyn Vietor, Jacqueline Vietor, Adam Volkert, Amanda Weatherhead, Lucy Wilfahrt, and Anna Wolner.

Tickets cost $7 are available at MCA’s Valéncia Arts Center, located on the corner of 10th and Vila Streets. To reserve your tickets, call (507) 453-5500. For more information about MCA performances, classes and programs, visit www.smumn.edu/mca. The Conservatory is an affiliate program of Saint Mary’s University.

Saint Mary’s University choirs to present ‘Lessons & Carols’

WINONA, Minn. — The Saint Mary’s University Concert Choir, Chamber Singers and Women’s Choir will present their annual holiday tribute, “Lessons and Carols,” beginning at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 1.

The performance —a celebration of Advent and the Nativity through sung and spoken word — will held at Chapel of Saint Mary’s of the Angels, located on the Saint Teresa campus.

Music will include some familiar carols, as well as selections by Morten, Lauridsen, Hans Leo Hassler, Gabriel Fauré, Palestrina and a variety of other composers from Renaissance to the present.

Tickets are $6 for adults and $4 for students and seniors and are available by calling the SMU Box Office, (507) 457-1715, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, or online at www.pagetheatre.org.

Student art on display at SMU through Dec. 14

“Injya,” an acrylic on canvas by Joshua Gardner is one of several pieces on display for the 2007 Undergraduate Art Show at Saint Mary’s University. The show is not limited to art majors, but is open to any SMU art student. A variety of artwork is on display through Dec. 14 in the Lillian Davis Hogan Galleries, located in the Toner Student Center. Gallery hours are 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily, and the exhibit is free and open to the public. For more information, contact Sister Margaret Mear at mmear@smumn.edu.


“Fall,” a photograph by SMU senior Kristina Perkins, is part of the 2007 Undergraduate Art Show at Saint Mary's University. The show, currently on display at the Lillian Davis Hogan Galleries, includes painting, drawing, photography, metal sculpture and ceramics. The exhibit will run through Dec. 14 and is free and open to the public. Gallery hours are 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. For more information, contact Sister Margaret Mear at mmear@smumn.edu.