SMU biology students present at Beta Beta Beta meeting

WINONA, Minn. — Five Saint Mary’s University biology students presented their research at the NC-3 Beta Beta Beta district meeting, hosted by the Gamma Eta Chapter at Grand View University on April 17-18, in conjunction with the Iowa Academy of Science held at Des Moines University, Iowa.

The students, their project and their research advisors are:

• Maria Borgerson, “Determination of Genetic Relationship Between Female Phellodendron Chinese in Saint Mary’s Park and Offspring Phellodendron Chinese Found Nearby” — advised by Dr. Debra Martin.

• Nicole Haese, ”The Effects of the Dietary Supplement Laucidin on Blood Glucose Levels of Diabetic Mice” — advised by Dr. Jeanne Minnerath.

• Ben Linder, “Analyzing the M3 Repeat Region of the Induced Nitric Oxide Synthase (iNOS) Gene in Homo Sapiens with Exercised Induced Asthma” — advised by Dr. Martin.

• Melanie Tyler, “Assaying of Lysozyme Inhibitor from Egg-Whites” — advised by Dr. Martin.

• Lori Brunner, “The Mode and Extent of DNA Replication During Endomitosis in Nodules of Leguminous Plants” — advised by Dr. Richard Kowles.

Haese was award first place for the Frank G. Brook Award and Tyler was awarded third place.

Dr. Martin is the Beta Beta Beta district director.

Saint Mary’s faculty, staff participate in summer Lasallian formation programs

WINONA, Minn. — This summer, 14 members of the Saint Mary’s University faculty, staff and administration will participate in national and international Lasallian formation programs sponsored by the Christian Brothers and the larger Lasallian network of educators. This participation is one way Saint Mary’s is responding to the university priority of enhancing the Lasallian Catholic mission and culture.

This summer’s participants are the first beneficiaries of a gift to the university specifically designated for Lasallian education and formation for faculty and staff. At the Founder’s Day Convocation in February, Brother William announced this gift in honor of the 75th anniversary of the Christian Brothers at Saint Mary’s. Although there are fewer Brothers present in Lasallian schools today, including Saint Mary’s, the Lasallian network is committed to the formation and empowerment of lay colleagues, who are truly partners in continuing the work begun by Saint John Baptist de La Salle over 300 years ago.

Seven people will participate in the Buttimer Institute of Lasallian Studies from June 28-July 10, at St. Mary’s College of California. The Buttimer Institute provides a deeper understanding and appreciation of the Lasallian charism through in-depth study of John Baptist de La Salle’s personal journey and the Lasallian spirituality and pedagogy. Two-week sessions are held for three consecutive summers. Attending Buttimer I are Dr. Mark Barber, associate dean of humanities and associate professor of philosophy; Dr. Patrick Barlow, director of college assessment; Gena Bilden, dean of enrollment management and student services - SGPP; and Elizabeth Childs, associate dean for curriculum and assessment - SGPP. Attending for their second summer in Buttimer II will be: Timothy Gossen, dean of students for the College; Linka Holey, associate vice president/academic dean - SGPP; and Mary Thole, coordinator of student services - SGPP.

Four administrators will begin the Lasallian Leadership Institute, a three-year program consisting of a one-week session during the summer (July 19-24) and weekend sessions in the fall and spring. The Lasallian Leadership Institute integrates and promotes the Lasallian heritage in the personal and professional lives of ministry leaders as future catalysts of the Lasallian mission. Beginning Cohort V of the LLI are: James Bedtke, vice president – SGPP and the College; Chris Kendall, vice president for student development; Merri Moody, director of the Graduate School of Health & Human Services - SGPP; and Joseph Sweeney, vice president for development and alumni services.

Saint Mary’s will also have three people in the third International Lasallian University Leadership Program, which will be held June 7-20 at the international center of the Christian Brothers in Rome. The theme of this year’s conference is “Partners in Catholic Lasallian Higher Education: Enhancing Understanding & Eliciting Commitment.” The program is specifically designed to assist universities in their ongoing programs of faculty formation and enrichment. Attending the Rome program are: Dr. Daniel Bucknam, assistant professor of psychology; Rebecca Hopkins, dean of the Graduate School of Education and MAI program director; and Dr. Jack McClure, assistant professor - SGPP. Dr. Roxanne Eubank, SGPP professor and director of the Lasallian Studies Program, is the coordinator of the 2009 IALU Rome program. Dr. Mary Catherine Fox, professor of interdisciplinary studies, is also a member of the IALU staff this summer.

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

WINONA, Minn. — Saint Mary’s University recognized outstanding students, faculty and staff Thursday, April 23, 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 that demonstrates him/herself to be an individual who unselfishly meets the needs of the undergraduate students of Saint Mary's University) — Peggy Walters, Student Development, of Rollingstone, Minn.

Charlene “Char” Tjaden Outstanding Resident Assistant Award — Zhe Song of Xi’an China.

Club and Organization Advisor of the Year — Scott Sorvaag, SMU Education Department, of Winona, for his work with the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD) Club.

Organization of the Year — Laura Holupchinski, Mary Gleich and Andrew Rath, on behalf of the Peace and Justice Club. Holupchinski is the daughter of Greg and Cindy Holupchinski of Saint Paul; Gleich is the daughter of Peter and Kathleen Marek Gleich of Hastings, Minn.; and Rath is the son of Christopher and Christine Rath of Hillsborough, N.J.

Intramural Most Valuable Player — Kevin Halpin, son of Jim and Marie Halpin of Bartlett, Ill.

Volunteer of the Year Award — Derek Wherley, son of Richard and Janice Wherley of Missoula, Mont.

Outstanding Student Senator of the Year Award — Brandon Wanless, son of Michael and Lisa Wanless of Creve Coeur, Ill.

Winona Community Service Award — Anjy Buck, daughter of Patrick and Sharon Buck of Appleton, 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) — Ryan Langr, son of Kenneth and Cynthia Langr of Coon Rapids, Minn.

Student Service Award — Gary Borash, son of Ron and Ann Borash of Bowlus, Minn.

‘Learn to Lead’ added to summer Saint Mary’s sports camps lineup

WINONA, Minn. — With summer vacation just ahead, now’s the time to register for camps at Saint Mary’s University’s Winona campus. A variety of programs are offered for area youth of all ages including: volleyball, basketball, hockey, swimming, figure skating or the new “Learn to Lead” camp for girls in grades six through eight.

• Learn to Lead camp from July 12-16. Learn to Lead is a new four-day on-campus experience for girls entering grades six, seven and eight in fall 2009. Participants will focus on the discovery of the leader within through fun activities, outdoor adventures and leadership skill development. The camp is being developed in conjunction with the Saint Teresa Leadership and Service Institute for Women at SMU. The cost is $375.

• Girls volleyball camps for girls in grades six through eight is July 19-23, and for grades nine through 12 is July 26-30. Develop as a player and as a person during this residential athletic camp, which focuses on both individual skills and team play. The cost is $375.

• Girls basketball camp for girls in grades five through 10 is July 12-16. This instructional camp gives special attention to the fundamentals of shooting, ball handling, passing and defense. Time is spent developing team concepts as well as offensive and defensive games plans. Each age group is challenged to compete and improve their skills against other campers their age. The cost is $375.

• PDP Hockey School is for girls and boys ages 8 through 18. Squirts, ages 9-10, meet June 28 through July 2; pee wees, ages 11-12, meet June 28 through July 2; boys goalies, ages 8 through 12, meet June 28 through July 2; U-10/U-12 girls meet July 5-9; U-14/high school girls meet July 5-9; and girls goaltenders, ages 8 through 18, meet July 5-9. The five-day residential camp cost is $595. Contact Bill Moore at (651) 442-7306 or pdphockeyschool@comcast.net.

• Mid-States Swim Camp meets June 14-18 and June 21-25. The five-day residential camp is $540. Contact midsts@nconnect.net.

• “Turning Point” Figure Skating Camp meets July 19-22 and 20-21. The cost for the four-day residential camp is $575. For the day camp, the cost is $125 per day or $225 for both days. Contact John Meier at (507) 452-5305 or winonafigureskating@charter.net.

*Registration for PDP Hockey, Mid-States Swim and Turning Point Figure Skating must be done through these individual camps. Although the camps are hosted on the SMU campus, SMU is not handing registration or payment.

For more information, go to www.smumn.edu/camps. Register and pay online, or call 800-635-5987, Ext. 6921 or (507) 457-6921.

Saint Mary’s seniors honored at ceremony

WINONA, Minn. — Saint Mary’s University recognized outstanding senior students Wednesday, April 22, at the annual Senior Academic Honors Banquet. Highlights of the evening included the announcement of graduate and professional school acceptances, grants and fellowships, and the awarding of the following special honors:

American Institute of Chemists Award (chemistry award) — Bethany Kaufmann, daughter of Keith and Ann Kaufmann of Green Bay, Wis., and Emily Mason, daughter of James and Kelly Mason of Rochester, Minn.

American Chemical Society Award (chemistry award) — James Mazzuca, son of James and Ann Mazzuca of Maple Grove, Minn.

Wall Street Journal Award/Business Student of the Year (business award) — Jakub Szymanski, son of Ryszard and Marianna Szymanski of Opole, Poland.

Kevin Martineau Award (business award) — Amanda Wiste, daughter of Daniel and Cheryl Wiste of Spring Grove, Minn.

Outstanding Accounting Major (business award) — Radoslaw Tomczak, son of Zbigniew Tomczak of Dolnoslaskie, Poland.

Outstanding International Business Major (business award) — Leah Hoglin, daughter of Jeffrey and Mary Hoglin of Burnsville, Minn.

Outstanding Management Major (business award) — Amanda Wiste, daughter of Dan and Cheryl Wiste of Spring Grove, Minn.

Outstanding Marketing Major (business award) — Holly Roffler, daughter of Merle and Susan Roffler of Pepin, Wis.

Saint Thomas Aquinas Award for Excellence in Philosophy (philosophy award) — Thomas Otto, son of Donald and Charlene Otto of Chillicothe, Ill.

Grove Bree Holman Award (theatre arts award) — Anthony Freeman, son of J. Mike and Joann Freeman of Aurora, Ill.

Michael G. Flanagan Award (theatre arts award) — John Montecalvo, son of John and Lisa Montecalvo of North Providence, R.I.

Brother Leo Northam Award (mathematics award) — Angela Buck, daughter of Patrick and Sharon Buck of Appleton, Wis.; and Kristi Recke, daughter of Richard and Therese Recke of Edina, Minn.

Distinction in Studies/Academic Work (social sciences award) — Sarah Windschitl, daughter of Bernard and Bernadette Windschitl of Houston, Minn.

Distinction in Studies/Academic Work-Social Activism (social sciences award) — Laura Holupchinski, daughter of Greg and Cindy Holupchinski of St. Paul, Minn.

Future Alumni Committee Scholarship — Sarah St. Laurent, daughter of Linda St. Laurent of Riverside, R.I.

Lasallian Honors Program Outstanding Senior Awards — Neil Leibundguth, son of William and Laura Leibundguth of Westchester, Ill.; and Sarah Mueller, daughter of Gregory and Kathy Mueller of Bloomington, Minn.

Dance Repertory Company to present annual spring concert May 15-16 at SMU

WINONA, Minn. — The 2008-09 performance season at Saint Mary’s University concludes with the Dance Repertory Company’s annual spring concert, “Time To Move,” Friday, May 15, at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, May 16, at 3 p.m. at SMU’s Page Theatre.

For more than three decades, the Dance Repertory Company has delighted the Winona community with quality dance productions featuring local dancers in classical and contemporary works. This year the DRC presents a concert featuring classical ballet and contemporary dance in the jazz and modern genres.

The concert will open with the “Kingdom of the Shades,” Act III of Marius Petipa's La Bayadère, one of ballet’s most resonant visions. Seeking his dead beloved, Nikiya, in an opium dream, the faithless, guilt-ridden Solor conjures up a seemingly endless procession of ghostly women — hallucinatory replicas of her. One by one, to Ludwig Minkus’s sweet, repetitive melody, they feed into a four-count phrase — snaking around the stage until they can assemble to display, in perfect unison, their long, slow balances. Framing the stage in two lines, pressed tutu to tutu, the women echo the steps of the soloists as if stirred by some collective unconscious peculiar to ballerinas. Artistic Director Tammy Schmidt has staged La Bayadère for the DRC.

The concert will also feature two contemporary premieres. “In the Yard,” a new work created by choreographer Jeffrey Peterson, evokes images of family and community while combining contemporary movement with folk dance and contemporary partnering. The work hints toward love, loss, the passage of time, and forgiveness. Inspired by the richly textured symphonic work “Blackberry Winter” by Conni Ellisor, “In the Yard” is emotionally charged, visually striking, and highly physical dance theatre.

“Side of the Road,” an original collection of repertory by Jennifer TeBeest, is set to the soulful sounds of B.B. King, Etta James and Jonny Lang in a piece about occurrences and circumstances. More than a narrative, this work is about that pent up energy and fervor that can be released through dance; and although words can be powerful, movement is trump.

Performed by the dancers who currently train at the Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts and Saint Mary’s University, “Time to Move” will showcase their effervescent spirit, vibrant energy, and technical and artistic abilities that continue to inspire audiences year after year.
Cast members include: Dot Armstrong, Stephanie Bedner, Chris Bernard, Jarod Boltjes, Jack Bryant, Madeleine Bryant, Trisha Crichton, Jessica Draskoci-Johnson, Keegan Eide, Lydia Feuerhelm, Jami Fonfara, Kati Gailes, Matthew Gargone, Erin Harned, Rachael Hess, Caitlin Kaman, Bryan Moore, Rachael Moore, Molly Padden, Colette Penic, Danielle Renfrow, Augusta Rodgers, Miranda Ruben, Zach Ruben, Danielle Schleich, Alyssa Schneider, Allison Schuebel, Claire Smart, Adelle Vietor, Kaitlyn Vietor, and Anna Wolner.

The Dance Repertory Company is the youth performing troupe of the Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts. Company members participate in rehearsals, technique classes and stage performances. Past productions of the company include: “The Firebird,” “Sleeping Beauty,” “The Nutcracker,” “Excerpts from Swan Lake,” “Cinderella,” “The Goodman Suite,” “Youth In Motion,” “Tappin' to Connick,” “Pure Entertainment” and “Dance Chronicles.”

Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students and seniors. The Page Theatre will admit children ages 5 and older to the May 15 performance. The May 16 performance is considered a family event, and children ages 2 and older are admitted. At this time the Page Theatre/SMU Performance Center facilities and programs are not equipped to serve the needs of infants. Tickets are available at the Box Office, (507) 457-1715 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays or online at www.pagetheatre.org.

Laws of Life essay contest winners awarded April 22

The blue ribbon award winners from Cotter High School are Sean O’Reilly, Ye Jin Kang, Richard Han and Michaela Zeller.

The blue ribbon award winners from Winona Senior High School are Stefani Schmidt and Ryan Residence.

The blue ribbon award winners from Hope Lutheran are: Sarah Degallier and Anna Rose Beilfuss.

Silver winners are: Ji Won Lee, Cotter; Ethan Kastello, WSHS; and Shaina Laska, Hope Lutheran.

Gold winner, Da Som Ahn, Cotter

Platinum winner, Katie Harbinson, Cotter

The English class award winners from the Laws of Life Essay Contest are, Lacey Ellinghuysen, Hope Lutheran, front right; and, from left: Mackenzie Brosnahan, Taehwan Kim, Yi Chen, and Jeff Severson, Cotter.

WINONA, Minn. — Each year students at Winona schools submit essays that reflect on the values, ideals and principles that mean the most to them in the annual Laws of Life essay contest, organized by Saint Mary’s University and sponsored by Winona-area businesses and organizations.

Winners of individual categories — announced April 22 — receive cash and or varying-level renewable scholarships to Saint Mary's.

The Laws of Life Essay Contest was founded in 1987 by Sir John Templeton of the John Templeton Foundation. This foundation is committed to advancing a broad spectrum of activities, including studies, award programs and publications that promote the character development of young people in secondary schools, colleges, and universities.

In 1996, William Schuler approached Saint Mary's University to begin this contest at Winona Senior High and Cotter High School. This event is made possible with his help, and the help of many other generous supporters — including Merchants Bank, William and Barbara Schuler, Junto Club, American Legion Post No. 9, Dr. Thomas and Leone Mauszycki, Dr. Roger and Peggy Zehren, Fred Fletcher and Shelly Smith-Fletcher, Zehren Dental (Dr. Peter and Kimberly Zehren), Neil and Ann Sawyer, the Winona Area Retired Educators Association and Fred and Marilyn Foss.

This year's Laws of Life essay contest winners, their schools and their awards are:

• Platinum — Katie Harbinson, Cotter High School ($1,000 cash and a $3,000 scholarship).
• Gold — Da Som Ahn, Cotter ($400 cash and a $2,000 scholarship).
• Silver — Ji Won Lee, Cotter; Ethan Kastello, Winona Senior High School; and Shaina Laska, Hope Lutheran High School ($200 cash and a $1,000 scholarship).
• Blue ribbon awards — Ryan Residence and Stefani Schmidt, WSHS; Sarah Degallier and Anna Rose Beilfuss, Hope Lutheran; and Richard Han, Ye Jin Kang, Sean O’Reilly and Michaela Zeller, Cotter ($100 cash prize).
• English class awards — Mackenzie Brosnahan, Taehwan Kim, Yi Chen and Jeff Severson, Cotter ; and Lacey Ellinghuysen, Hope Lutheran ($50 savings bond from Merchants National Bank).

Judges for this year’s event included: Maxine Aldinger, James Armstrong, Jerome Christenson, Dr. William Davis, Christy DeRuyter, Dan Hall, Elise Johnson, Kristina Anderson, Peggy Johnson, Lindsey Lehmkuhl and Patrick Marek.

Saint Mary’s announces next Page Series season

Danú

Buckets and Tap Shoes

WINONA, Minn. — The 23rd season of the Saint Mary’s University Page Series is once again filled with music, dance, theatre, and family-friendly offerings from around the world! You don’t have to travel far for world-class performances. Season subscriptions go on sale May 18 through July 31 and Aug. 17 through Sept. 18.

Purchase tickets to three or more events to receive these benefits:
• New subscribers: 10 percent off total order
• Returning ’08-’09 subscribers: 25 percent off total order
• Everyone: exchange privileges and guaranteed seating choices

Pre-show Dinners
Select shows have pre-show dinners available. Make your evening an event; enjoy a pre-show dinner — catered by Chartwells — in SMU’s Toner Student Center. Dinners can be purchased when buying your tickets and cost $22 for adults and $14 for children.

The 2009-2010 Page Series

• Oct. 2, 6:30 p.m.
Buckets and Tap Shoes
Adults $12, Seniors and Students $5

Virtuoso percussion and extraordinary tapping by this world-travelled group

Since 1997, this unique company of musicians, percussionists, and rhythm tap dancers has astounded audiences, creating intense driving rhythms with 5-gallon buckets, metal cans, barrels, found objects, and tap shoes. Their shows usually begin with no-holds-barred drumming and tapping, mixed with original live funk music, dashes of improvisation, and magic tricks.

• Oct. 15, 7:30 p.m.
Virsky Ukrainian Dance Company
Adults $27, Seniors and Students $25. Student Rush $10

An 80-member traditional folk troupe that leaps, flies, but never stops

This renowned folk dance ensemble is famous for its bright colors, dramatic forms, and the vivid liveliness of its performances. It reflects the beauty of its native Ukraine, the wisdom of its people, as well as the folk tradition of humor and optimism. The ensemble’s diverse programs have been warmly received by audiences all over the world.

• Oct. 23, 6:30 p.m.
In The Heart of The Beast Puppet and Mask Theatre: Beneath The Surface
Adults $12, Seniors and Students $5

A circus of wonderment about our relationship to water

Using water, flour, newspaper, paint, and unlimited imagination, they have been telling stories that explore the struggles and celebrations of human existence for more than 35 years. Beneath The Surface overflows with fun, energy, and imagination, offering a great way to introduce the children in your life to the issues about water that face our world.

• Nov. 19, 7:30 p.m.
Five By Design: Club Swing
Adults $25, Seniors and Students $20, Student Rush $10
Pre-show dinner available

Where the music’s hot, the drinks are cool, and the legend lives forever

Celebrating the songs, events, and personalities that defined American popular culture during the Swing era, Five By Design enchants audiences by deftly blending music and theatrics effortlessly. Whether performing their seductive arrangement of Cole Porter’s “Begin the Beguine,” the madcap parody of Spike Jones’ “Cocktails for Two,” or the lush romance of Nat King Cole’s “Mona Lisa,” be prepared for a night of unparalleled delight at the fabulous Club Swing!

• Jan. 15, 2010, 6:30 p.m.
Underground Railroad Theatre: Are You Ready My Sister
Adults $12, Seniors and Students $5

The story of how Harriet Tubman helped free 300 slaves

This historical adventure story of the “great conductor” of the Underground Railroad, and the Quaker women who helped her bring 300 slaves to freedom, features live music based on spirituals of the time, dramatic scenes, and audience participation. The set, a giant patchwork quilt, unfolds the story; each square of the quilt comes to life with shadow puppets and illuminated scenery.

• Jan. 26, 2010, 7:30 p.m.
Moscow Festival Ballet: Giselle
Adults $27, Seniors and Students $25, Student Rush $10
Preshow dinner available

A classic story told by one of the world’s greatest dance companies

Giselle is a story of love, betrayal, madness, revenge, and forgiveness. It is the story of a pure and innocent peasant girl who is jilted by a rich nobleman. Driven mad by the experience, she dies and enters the graveyard world of ghosts of vengeful brides betrayed by undeserving suitors. The role of Giselle is one of the most sought-after in of all of ballet, as it requires technical perfection, outstanding grace, lyricism, and great dramatic skill.

• Feb. 9, 2010, 6:30 p.m.
Théâtre Sans Fil: The Hobbit
Adults $12, Seniors and Students $5

The JRR Tolkien tale of Bilbo Baggins told with large-scale puppets and wonder filled sets

Théâtre Sans Fil (Theatre without Strings) was last in Winona in 2008 performing Hansel & Gretel. Specializing in giant puppets — initially inspired by the classical technique of Japanese Bunraku theatre — the company successfully unites this style with original and modern set design, lighting, and music. Fantasy, poetry, make-believe, and magic, along with unusual and heroic characters, highlight this production of the world-renowned fantasy tale.


• Feb. 24, 2010, 7:30 p.m.
The Wailin’ Jennys
Adults $25, Seniors and Students $20, Student Rush $10

Sweet harmonies and original music

Three extraordinary voices, two founding singer-songwriters, one singular vision. Five years after blowing in on a fresh acoustic breeze from Canada’s mid-western heartland, the Wailin' Jennys continue to evolve into far more than the melodious sum of their individual talents. Often heard on “A Prairie Home Companion,” as well as touring on three continents, they have a dedicated following wherever they play.

• March 10, 2010, 7:30 p.m.
Danú
Adults $25, Seniors and Students $20, Student Rush $10
Pre-show Irish-style dinner available

Award-winning traditional Irish music from County Waterford

Take a musical and cultural journey through Celtic history with this all-star ensemble of traditional Irish musicians who play multiple instruments and provide historical and cultural backgrounds. The group includes, Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh, vocals; Benny McCarthy, button accordion; Eamonn Doorley, bouzouki; Oisin McAuley, fiddle; Donal Clancy, guitar; Donnchadh Gough, bodhran and uillean Pipes; and Tom Doorley, flute and whistles.

• March 13-14, 2010, 7:30 p.m. and 3 p.m., Figiulo Recital Hall
Ned Kirk
Adults $22, Seniors and Students $18, Student Rush $10

Pianist interprets Beethoven and others

Known locally as the artistic and managing director of the Minnesota Beethoven Festival, Ned Kirk is also an electrifying and sensitive interpreter of Beethoven. His technique is “impeccable” and his musicianship has been described as “marvelous.” Kirk will be in the midst of a 16-city tour of solo and concerto concerts that highlight his interpretations of classical repertoire.

-------

Call or visit the Performance Center Box Office, (507) 457-1715, Monday through Friday. Summer office hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., beginning May 11. Or go online to www.pagetheatre.org anytime. More information about the upcoming season, links to the artists’ websites and more are also on the website.

Sign up for an e-mail newsletter at: www.pagetheatre.org, or look for “Page Theatre” on Facebook and become a fan to receive monthly updates.

SMU high, low ropes course to open to the public June 1

WINONA, Minn. — The new Saint Mary’s University Challenge Ropes Course is complete. The public is invited to use the course for personal and team development, beginning June 1. Registrations will be accepted beginning in May.

The course — located on the Winona campus — provides a unique and fun environment for experiential and adventure-based education. Diverse populations can participate in activities designed to build self-confidence and teamwork, as well as develop an understanding of the complexities of human nature through the use of a wide variety of elements and initiative.

The course includes low challenge elements that are 2 to 3 feet above the ground, and high challenge elements that are 25 to 40 feet above the ground. The low elements course includes seven elements and assorted games and initiatives. The high elements course has nine elements, including a zip line. The tower includes a climbing wall with multiple routes for varying skill levels.

All booking requests must be made no less than two weeks in advance to the Outdoor Leadership Office, (507) 457-8740 or e-mail challenge@smumn.edu.

The ropes course staff — comprised of SMU students and professional staff — is highly trained in safety procedures, and first aid and CPR/AED certified.

Program options include:

• A quarter-day low elements/initiative program — a one- to two-hour workshop presented on elements 2 and 3 feet above the ground.

• A half-day low elements/initiative program — a three- to four-hour program that includes a progression of activities on the low element/initiative course.

• A half-day high elements program — a three- to four-hour program including a minimum of one hour of low element/initiatives and up to three hours on the high element course.

• A full-day program — a six- to seven-hour program including a progression of activities on the low element/initiative course, as well as the high element course. If clients request a full day of high elements, the first hour will be spent on the low course before progressing to the high course.

Fees are based upon number of participants; quarter, half or full-day programs; and categories (university, non-profit or corporate). Staffing can accommodate a group with as few as 6 participants or as high as 50. (Groups with more than 32 members should call for pricing.)
For more information, go online to www.smumn/edu/challenge.

Saint Mary's commencement ceremonies scheduled for May 9

WINONA, Minn. — On Saturday, May 9, the Winona campus of Saint Mary's University will host two commencement ceremonies to mark the end of the academic year.

The Winona campus undergraduate commencement will begin at 11 a.m. in the gymnasium; approximately 220 students will participate in the commencement ceremony. Student perspectives will be offered by this year's Outstanding Male and Female Seniors, Jakub Szymanski and Emily Berg.

The Winona campus School of Graduate and Professional Programs commencement will begin at 4 p.m. in the gymnasium. Approximately 425 students in the graduate and professional programs administered from Winona will participate in the commencement ceremony. Along with the conferring of degrees, student perspectives will be offered by Jeff Ayer, Master of Education in Teaching and Learning, and Gina Eisler, Philanthropy and Development.

Receptions on the plaza will follow both ceremonies. In case of inclement weather, the receptions will be held in Gostomski Fieldhouse. Prior to the ceremonies, a Baccalaureate Mass will take place in the gymnasium at 8:30 a.m.

The Saint Mary's Nairobi campus will also host its commencement ceremony on May 2. The Twin Cities campus will conduct its commencement ceremonies on June 7.