Five Saint Mary’s athletes to be honored during Cardinal ‘M’ Club weekend

Five members are being inducted into the Hall of Fame including: Jen Garin, Brad Wiley, Katie Kortsch, Dick Kuehl and Duane Kuehl (posthumously).

The Saint Mary’s University Cardinal ‘M’ Club, in association with the Alumni Office, will induct five members into the SMU Sports Hall of Fame during Cardinal ‘M’ Club Weekend Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 13-14.


The Hall of Fame Class of 2008 — Jen Garin ’99 (fastpitch softball), Dick Kuehl ’57 (baseball), Duane Kuehl ’58 (baseball) posthumously, Katie Kortsch ’95 (women's soccer) and Brad Wiley ’90 (men's hockey) — will be honored during a ceremony Saturday evening, Sept. 13, in the SMU gymnasium.


Along with the induction of this year’s Hall of Fame class, Saturday’s ceremony will also honor former men’s hockey coach and athletic director Don Olson for his 32 years of dedicated service to the university. SMU’s 2007-08 postseason award-winners, as well as last year’s outstanding male and female athletes, and outstanding scholar athletes, will also be recognized. The weekend festivities conclude on Sunday with various alumni games held on the SMU campus.


SMU HALL OF FAME, CLASS OF 2008

Jen Garin ’99 (fastpitch softball): A first-team All-American in 1997, Jen Garin was a four-year starter on the Saint Mary’s University fastpitch softball team. Garin was an honorable-mention All-MIAC selection in 1996 and 1999, while earning first-team all-conference and first-team All-West Region honors in 1997. A GTE Academic All-American as a junior in 1998, Garin was a member of three straight conference championship teams in 1997, 1998 and 1999, while also serving as an assistant coach for the 2000 NCAA Division III national championship team. She ranks No. 1 in career batting average (.426) and career hits (214), while ranking second in career RBIs (132) and third in career total bases (296).



Dick Kuehl ’57 (baseball): Dick Kuehl, a member of two Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference champions in 1954 and 1957, remains among the top statistical players in Saint Mary’s baseball history, ranking sixth in career slugging percentage (.645) and 12th in career batting average (.365). Kuehl also ranked seventh in the nation in slugging percentage (.825) and 16th in batting average (.460), while playing errorless in the field during his senior season in 1957. Upon graduation, Kuehl signed with the Pittsburgh Pirates.


Duane Kuehl ’58 (baseball / posthumously): Duane Kuehl played on Saint Mary’s 1957 Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference championship team and currently ranks eighth in career RBIs (75), and 20th in career total bases (147) and career batting average (.336). During his junior season in 1957, Kuehl ranked 12th in the nation in slugging percentage and 56th in the nation with a .418 batting average. Upon graduation, Kuehl spent time in the St. Louis Cardinals organization.



Katie Kortsch ’95 (women’s soccer): A three-time All-Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference pick, Katie Kortsch was a first-team All-American in 1994, while also earning first-team All-West Region honors in 1993 and 1994, and second team All-West Region honors in 1992. Primarily a defender, Kortsch closed out her collegiate career ranking fourth in career assists (27) and 10th in career points (67).


Brad Wiley ’90 (men’s hockey): A two-time All-Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference selection, Brad Wiley was a first-team All-American in 1990, after earning second-team All-American honors in 1989. Wiley finished his collegiate career with 123 career goals, ranking him second all-time, while his 182 career points are fifth all-time.

Conservatory registration open house planned for Aug. 27

Winona, Minn. — The Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts semester I registration open house will be held 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 27, at the Valéncia Arts Center, 1164 West 10th St.

Registration for semester I dance classes and MCA’s new youth choir — the Winona Area Youth Singers — will be accepted at the open house. Classes begin Sept. 8. Tours of the facility will be available, refreshments will be served, and students will have the opportunity to meet new and returning faculty and staff. Additionally, students can be fitted for dance attire needs. MCA’s dance attire boutique offers quality basics, including leotards, tights, ballet slippers, jazz shoes, and tap shoes.

Class offerings are available for anyone age 3 to adult and include beginning- through advanced-levels in classical ballet, tap, jazz, modern, hip hop, Pilates, and a special tuition-free boys program which offers a “Dance Technique for Boys” class. Semester I also contains programming for teens and adults, including teen/adult ballet, as well as classes in partnership with Winona County Community Education (clogging I, clogging II, dance fitness, and Piyo).

MCA’s new music division offers a youth choir – Winona Area Youth Singers — for students in grades three through six who have been introduced to choir/music in their elementary or middle school years. Winona Area Youth Singers seeks to encourage and nurture the talent of these young vocal students and provide them with an opportunity for additional educational and performance opportunities.

Academic credit is available through Cotter High School and Saint Mary’s University’s dance minor program for a variety of MCA dance classes.

Semester I classes will provide 10 weeks of instruction, concluding with a demonstration week, Nov. 10-16.

In addition to participation in classes, students and community members age 5 to adult are invited to audition for MCA’s Dance Repertory Company production of “The Nutcracker.” “Nutcracker” auditions are 4 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 28, at the Valéncia Arts Center. “The Nutcracker” performances will be Dec. 4-7 at Saint Mary’s University’s Page Theatre.

Winona Area Youth Singers will conclude Semester I following their inaugural concert, Nov. 23, and their collaborative performance in The Nutcracker.

Tuition for MCA classes varies depending on course length and level. Discounts and scholarships are available.

For more information about MCA’s open house, dance classes, Winona Area Youth Singers, or The Nutcracker, visit www.smumn.edu/mca, e-mail dance@smumn.edu or call (507) 453-5501. Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts is an affiliate program of Saint Mary’s University.

MCA’s Dance Repertory Company ‘Nutcracker’ auditions Aug. 28

WINONA, Minn. — The Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts will host auditions for the Dance Repertory Company’s 2008 production of “The Nutcracker” 4 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 28. Auditions will be held at the Valéncia Arts Center, 1164 West 10th St., and are open to youth and adult dancers, actors and community members age 5 and older. A variety of roles are available for this year’s “Nutcracker” performances, scheduled for Dec. 4-7 at Saint Mary’s University’s Page Theatre.

Participants are encouraged to wear movable clothing and are asked to bring a headshot to the audition (color or black and white photos of any size are acceptable). Intermediate and advanced dancers should be dressed in appropriate ballet attire. Children ages 12 or younger should be accompanied by parents or guardians.

By presenting “The Nutcracker” every other holiday season, The Dance Repertory Company continues a special holiday tradition for the Winona and surrounding area communities. Children and adults alike will enjoy this timeless classic that allows us to transform into a child again, and experience the magical spells of Herr Drosselmeyer and the sweet dreams of Clara with visions of Nutcracker princes and Sugar Plum fairies.

Come be a part of this magical holiday tradition! For more information, visit www.smumn.edu/mca, e-mail dance@smumn.edu, or call (507) 453-5501. The Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts is an affiliate program of Saint Mary’s University.

Area musicians invited to join Saint Mary’s Concert Band

WINONA, Minn. — The Saint Mary’s University Concert Band, founded in 1990 as a college-community partnership ensemble, will hold its first rehearsal of the 2008-09 season from 6:45 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 27. Dr. Janet Heukeshoven, associate professor of music, directs both the Concert Band and the select Wind Ensemble.

The rehearsal will be held in Room 158 of Saint Yon’s Hall. All interested musicians are welcome to attend the first sight-reading informational rehearsal of the season. Advanced-level high school students and adult community musicians are welcome to join the SMU collegiate musicians to perform a wide variety of wind band music.

Auditions will be individually scheduled shortly after the first rehearsal; audition music will be provided to all players on Aug. 27. If you are interested in the ensemble but are not able to attend the first info-rehearsal, please contact Dr. Heukeshoven to make other arrangements. The Concert Band rehearses 6:45 to 8:30 p.m. Mondays and 6:45 to 8 p.m. Wednesdays. The Wind Ensemble rehearses 8 to 9 p.m. Wednesdays.

The band’s first performance this year will be for the inauguration of SMU’s new president, Brother William Mann, on Sept. 26. The following day, the band will play in a concert shared with the SMU choirs on Saturday, Sept. 27, in Page Theater as part of the university’s Family Weekend. The concert will feature the world premiere of Marc Bernstein's “Ashkenazy Fathers,” a piece composed for concert band and jazz combo. Bernstein will be the featured soprano saxophone soloist in the jazz combo of his new work and will be in residency the week before the performance. This composition is the fifth new work commissioned by the SMU Concert Band through the generous contribution of the Sam and Helen Kaplan Foundation.

The second planned concert will be a traditional Christmas concert with small ensembles performing for the lobby party on Sunday afternoon, Dec. 7, at St. Cecilia Theater.

Detailed information regarding band membership auditions (held Aug. 29-Sept. 3) will be available at the first rehearsal. There are openings in most sections; brass players are especially needed this fall!

Contact Dr. Heukeshoven at (507) 457-1675 or jheukesh@smumn.edu for additional information. Please call or e-mail if you plan to attend the Aug. 27 informational rehearsal so music folders and audition materials will be available for everyone.

Next SMU art show to feature photography of Great Lakes

Wisconsin photographer Rus Hurt will display photography, including “Harris Johnson Mending Nets” (above) and “January Ice” (below) Aug. 20 through Sept 18 at Saint Mary’s University.




WINONA, Minn. — Wisconsin photographer Rus Hurt will feature a variety of documentary and nature work Aug. 20 through Sept. 18 at Saint Mary’s University. The show, titled, “In Suspension: Photographs from the Upper Great Lakes” is divided into two sections:

• “Observations of a Lake Superior Fishery Past & Present” — a series of documentary photographs spanning a 35-year period of a Lake Superior fishery; and
• “Moments in the Wake” — a two-part glimpse into special moments on the Upper Lakes. Some of these photos are from the shipside view of a merchant seaman during the “Winter Runs of 1974-76.” Additionally, Hurt, a native of Port Wing, Wis., will display a collection of colorful nature-based seasonal shots, taken along Lake Superior’s south shore, where he lives.

A closing reception is planned for 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 18, at SMU’s Lillian Davis Hogan Galleries.

The galleries are located in the Toner Student Center. Admission is free and open to the public, and gallery hours are 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. For more information, call (507) 457-1652.

Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts announces new youth choir, WAYS

WINONA, Minn. — The Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts invites area students in grades three through six to participate in a new youth choir, the Winona Area Youth Singers (WAYS).

Young people who have been introduced to choir and music in their elementary or middle schools and are seeking additional educational and performance opportunities are encouraged to audition. WAYS is dedicated to providing quality, artistic, and educational programs for all young people, regardless of their financial circumstances.

The repertoire and focus of WAYS will be more intensive by nature. The choir is meant to complement a student’s current vocal training. A letter of recommendation from a school music teacher is strongly encouraged.

WAYS will produce two concerts per year (an inaugural concert Nov. 23 and a spring concert second semester). Additionally, WAYS will perform in conjunction with MCA’s Dance Repertory Company in “The Nutcracker” (Dec. 3-7) as well as with Saint Mary’s University choirs in a special mentorship program second semester. WAYS members will also participate in community outreach by performing at nursing homes and for other charitable events.

WAYS will be directed by Lindsy O’Shea, who holds a Masters of Arts in Instruction and a Bachelor of Arts in Vocal Music Performance from Saint Mary's University. She has been involved with choral music — as a singer or director — for 15 years. O'Shea previously taught choral and general music in the Rochester and Faribault Public Schools. Additionally, she worked with the choirs of Blue Lake Fine Arts camp and with the Michigan State University Children's Choir. She is currently adjunct faculty with Saint Mary's, where she directs the women's choir and teaches private voice lessons. She also sings with the La Crosse Chamber Chorale.

“After 35 years of offering quality dance education and performance opportunities to Winona area youth, we are thrilled to be moving forward with our music curriculum through the new WAYS program,” said Christine Martin, MCA managing director. “Integrating various performing arts genres has always been a goal for MCA. Now with our summer theatre camps, yearlong dance programming, and the new Winona Area Youth Singers, we are excited about offering the full spectrum of the performing arts.”

Financial need-based scholarships are available for WAYS participants through MCA’s scholarship fund, provided by the Hiawatha Education Foundation.

Registration for WAYS will be accepted at the MCA registration open house, Wednesday, Aug. 27, 4–7 p.m., at the Valéncia Arts Center, 1164 West 10th St. Placement Auditions for WAYS will be held Thursday, Sept. 4, at 5 p.m. WAYS will meet weekly on Thursdays, 6:30–8 p.m. throughout the MCA first semester (Sep. 8 – Dec. 7). Tuition for participation in WAYS is $150.

For more information about WAYS or MCA’s other performing arts programming, visit www.smumn.edu/mca, e-mail dance@smumn.edu or call (507) 453-5501.

Saint Mary’s University receives ‘Best in Midwest’ honors from Princeton Review

WINONA, Minn. — Saint Mary’s University is one of 159 schools receiving the “Best in the Midwest” designation for 2009 from the Princeton Review, a national college guide and ranking program. Results were announced in July.

Each year, the Princeton Review profiles colleges and universities that “uphold the standards of the Best Midwestern College distinction and provide students with a wide breadth of excellent schools to consider.” The Princeton Review survey asks students to rate their own schools on several issues — from the accessibility of their professors to quality of the campus food — and answer questions about themselves, their fellow students, and their campus life. The Princeton Review is a New York City-based company known for test-preparation courses, education services and books; it is not affiliated with Princeton University.

Other Minnesota schools included on Princeton Review's 2009 “Best in the Midwest” list are: Augsburg, Carleton, Crown College, Gustavus Adolphus, Hamline, Macalester, North Central University, St. Catherine, St. Olaf, St. Scholastica, St. Thomas, University of Minnesota (Twin Cities and Crookston campuses) and Winona State University.

The 630 colleges named regional bests (212 in the Northeast, 139 in the Southeast, 159 in the Midwest, and 120 in the West) represent only about 25 percent of the nation's 2,500 four-year colleges.

For more information, go to www.princetonreview.com/best-regional-colleges.aspx. The website gives a profile of Saint Mary's, along with useful college selection features.

Ticket reduction deadline nears for 2008-09 Page Series

WINONA, Minn. — Friday, Aug. 1, is the last day to save up to 25 percent on season tickets for the Saint Mary’s University 2008-09 Page Series. Returning subscribers can save up to 25 percent when they order tickets from three or more shows in the series. New subscribers can save 10 percent.

This year’s lineup promises to entertain, educate or enlighten every member of the household. From the Song & Dance Ensemble of West Africa on Oct. 28 to the Acrobats of China Feb. 3, the Page Series programming is filled with international flare. Dance fans will enjoy the fiery footwork of Compañia Flamenco José Porcel, Oct. 8, and the graceful classic “Sleeping Beauty,” performed by the Russian National Ballet Jan. 27. For music lovers, pianist George Winston takes the stage Dec. 19, and the Dave Munnelly Band will bring their Irish music to SMU March 5, just in time for Saint Patrick’s Day.

All of the shows are suitable for families, but a full lineup of children’s shows is planned including: Omaha Theatre Company’s Horribly Harry, Nov. 5; Grammy nominated performer Red Grammer, Jan. 13; TheatreworksUSA’s If you Give a Pig a Pancake Feb. 6; and Einstein Alive! March 12. Since there’s no age limit on fun; adults are always welcome!

Order your tickets now and save; reserve the best seats in town all season long. Order online at www.pagetheatre.org or through the Box Office, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., at (507) 457-1715.

Individual tickets go on sale Aug. 18.

Top three advance in FOX 47 ‘Idol’ competition

WINONA, Minn. — Three finalists have been named from the FOX 47 Idol auditions, held July 21 at Saint Mary’s University. These three will compete with finalists from the Mason City, Iowa, and Rochester auditions. The grand-prize winner of the FOX 47 Idol competition will win a guaranteed American Idol audition in East Rutherford, N.J., on Tuesday, Aug. 19. For more information, go to www.myfox47.com. Finalists include:

• Bryn Edholm, 24, from Winona, who is studying cosmetology at Minnesota State College-Southeast Technical;
• Jennifer Modderman, 26, of Clarks Grove, Minn., who is a married and proud mother; and
• Sarah Frey, 20, of Rochester, Minn., who is studying pre-physical therapy at Saint Mary’s University.

Gilmore Creek actors multi-talented in multiple roles this summer

WINONA, Minn. — This year’s Gilmore Creek Summer Theatre professional cast members are doing double, sometimes triple, duty during this summer’s three heartwarming offerings.

The actors — some local and others from as far away as Indiana, Kentucky, Oklahoma and Ohio — have come together to provide Winona theatergoers some light and lively entertainment this summer.

Local gals Mariah Ciangiola, playing four parts this summer, and Sarah Jane Marek as the “Little Shop of Horrors” female lead Audrey, prove that you don’t always have to go far to find great talent. Another local, Mike Speck displays his vocal flexibility as both “the voice” of the evil plant from the “Little Shop,” and Froggy Le Sueur in “The Foreigner.”

Whether it is playing the nerdy floral assistant in “Little Shop of Horrors,” the less-than-brightest bulb on the tree Ellard in “The Foreigner,” or the delightful birthday boy Henry in “The Mouse Expedition,” Tyler Bellmon brings a bright exuberance to the GCST stage at Saint Mary’s University.

Back again for his second year at Gilmore Creek is Stephen DiBlasi whose Charlie in “The Foreigner” has everyone in stitches and whose rendition of Mushnik adds new meaning to the phrase “money-hungry” in “Little Shop.”

The man behind the plant, Eric Zuber, joins DeBlasi in adding a new dimension to the lives of feral, if not too bright, cats in “The Mouse Expedition.”
“Little Shop’s” Doo Wop Girls, Libby Synder, Karin McNamara, and Ciangiola reach high notes higher than their ever-increasing hairdos.

And Kentucky newcomer Peyton Conley changes characters and costumes in lightening speed — six in “Little Shop” alone.

Multiple roles and magical moments are the life of a repertory theater actor at Gilmore Creek Summer Theater this summer. Catch this talented professional troupe while you still can. Tickets are still available for all remaining shows.

Free pre-show entertainment will be provided by local favorites Chris Kendall and Adam Stasica; desserts and beverages are available from Blooming Grounds Coffee House.

Special family and group rates are available. Call the Box Office, Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., or online anytime at www.pagetheatre.org. Tickets are $8 for “The Mouse Expedition;” Tickets for “Little Shop” or “The Foreigner” are $20 for adults, $18 for seniors or $12 for youth.

Remaining Show Dates and Times:

July 22 “The Mouse Expedition” at Valéncia Academy Theatre, 6 p.m.
July 24 “The Foreigner” at SMU’s Page Theatre, 7:30 p.m.
July 25 “Little Shop of Horrors” at SMU’s Page Theatre, 7:30 p.m.
July 26 “Mouse Expedition” at Valéncia Academy Theatre,1 p.m.
July 26 “The Foreigner” at SMU’s Page Theatre, 7:30 p.m.
July 27 “Little Shop of Horrors” at SMU’s Page Theatre, 3 p.m.
July 29 “The Mouse Expedition” at Valéncia Academy Theatre, 6 p.m.
July 31 “Little Shop of Horrors” at SMU’s Page Theatre, 7:30 p.m.

August 1 “The Foreigner” at SMU’s Page Theatre, 7:30 p.m.
August 2 “The Mouse Expedition” at Valéncia Academy Theatre, 10 a.m.
August 2 “Little Shop of Horrors” at SMU’s Page Theatre, 7:30 p.m.
August 3 “The Foreigner” at SMU’s Page Theatre, 3 p.m.