Illustrations, sculpture on display Oct. 7 through Nov. 11 at Saint Mary’s

"Octopus" by Chris Ayers

"Genesis" by Maureen Costa

WINONA, Minn. — Chris Ayers, a Los Angeles character designer, and Maureen Costa, an Arizona sculptor, will display their work Oct. 7 through Nov. 11 at Saint Mary’s University’s Lillian Davis Hogan Galleries.

Ayers’ film credits for character design include “Star Trek XI,” “X-Men: The Last Stand,” “Fantastic Four,” “Iron Man,” “The Incredible Hulk,” and “Men in Black 2.” In the spring of 2005 Ayers was diagnosed with leukemia, a type of blood cancer. One year later, he started a sketchbook and drew one animal each day for a year to help with his healing process. His SMU show, “The Daily Zoo,” will include a variety of these sketches — now published in the book, “The Daily Zoo: Keeping the Doctor at Bay with a Drawing a Day.”

In “Contemplation,” Costa will display work that serves as a metaphor about the religious imagination, reincarnation and the changing states of consciousness. Her pieces, carved from basswood, have a bulbous shape, from which she is able to create a “moment of blissful liberation.” Costa says, in her view, that humanity is in a constant state of changing and metamorphosis, and she aspires to reflect that change in her work.

A closing reception will be held 4 to 6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 6, at the galleries, located in the Toner Student Center. Ayers will be present for the show’s closing to sign his book, which will be available for purchase. A portion of the proceeds from “The Daily Zoo” is used to support cancer-related charities and research.

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.

Page Series to host Ukrainian dance Oct. 15 at Saint Mary’s

WINONA, Minn. — The Saint Mary’s University Page Theatre stage will come alive with the colorful costumes and artistic acrobatics of the Virsky Ukrainian National Dance Company at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 15.

The world-renowned ensemble of 80 folk dancers and musicians will showcase authentic Ukrainian costumes, regional music and lively, dramatic stunts as members leap through the air and spin like tops.

The Virsky Ukrainian National Dance Company, founded in 1937 by ballet master Pavlo Virsky, embraces the charm, beauty, and folk dance traditions of its homeland and shares them with audiences in the four corners of the world. Clad in colorful clothing and blessed with grace, the company performs dances filled with romance, optimism, humor and occasionally sorrow.

Tickets for this Page Series performance are $27 for adults and $25 for seniors and students and are available at the SMU Box Office, (507) 457-1715, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays or online at www.pagetheatre.org.

SMU invites teachers, artists to puppetry workshop Oct. 20

WINONA, Minn. — In the Heart of the Beast Puppet and Mask Theatre (HOBT) will conduct a workshop on the use of puppets and storytelling in the classroom from 4-6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 20, at Bluffview Montessori School.

The workshop, hosted by Saint Mary’s University and supported in part by the Minnesota State Arts Board Arts Across America grant, will include details on how to use paper, glue, paint and chicken wire to engage students in learning about complex issues. HOBT artists will present hands-on instruction in puppetry and will discuss how to integrate the arts into the classroom in core subjects such as science. This is valid for 2 hours CEU.

The workshop coincides with HOBT’s Oct. 23 performance of “Beneath the Surface” at Saint Mary’s. During the Page Series performance, In the Heart of the Beast Puppet and Mask Theatre will present a circus of wonderment about our relationship to water beginning at 6:30 p.m. in Page Theatre. Tickets are $12, $5 for students and seniors, and are available at the SMU Box Office, (507) 457-1715, or online at www.pagetheatre.org.

The cost for the workshop is $15. Space is limited, and registration must be made by Wednesday, Oct. 14. Contact Jennifer Fanello at the Saint Mary’s Box Office by calling (507) 457-1716 or e-mailing jfanello@smumn.edu.

Pianist Norman Lee to perform Oct. 6 at SMU

WINONA, Minn. — Pianist Norman Lee, a native of Hong Kong, will present a recital at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 6, at Saint Mary’s University.

An educator, as well as a performer, Lee has degrees from the Peabody Conservatory of Music and the University of Western Ontario.

The event, free and open to the public, will be held in Figliulo Recital Hall, located in the SMU Performance Center.

Saint Mary’s adds three new business majors

WINONA, Minn. — Three new business majors — sport management, entrepreneurship, and human resource management — are being offered this fall on the Saint Mary’s University campus.

According to Tom Marpe, dean of SMU’s School of Business, the new majors grew from an increasing demand for specialized study by students and employers, as well as a growing job market in these areas.

Business majors at Saint Mary’s combine course work in the theory and practice of business with studies in the liberal arts. The study of business, when coupled with liberal arts, provides students with a broad educational foundation from which to enter a rapidly changing business environment. Saint Mary’s students now have the option to choose from six majors: accounting, entrepreneurship, human resource management, international business, marketing and sport management.

The sport management major is in response to the growth of sports in our culture and the growing job opportunities in this area. The entrepreneurship major has been added in response to the current economic climate and the expectation that entrepreneurs will be the drivers of future economic growth. And the human resource management major was instituted in response to employer demands for professionals with this skill set.

For more information about SMU’s School of Business, go to www.smumn.edu/businessdepartment.aspx.

Saint Mary’s invites nonprofits to submit ‘to-do’ lists for ‘Make a Difference Day’

In recognition of national “Make a Difference Day,” Saint Mary’s University’s Volunteer Services group is inviting Winona nonprofit agencies to submit requests for service.

Do you need someone to help with your fall cleaning, to rake leaves, to do some painting, or to help with construction? Approximately 150 Saint Mary’s University students will be teamed up from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. to help groups and organizations on Saturday, Oct. 24, in recognition of “Make a Difference Day.”

Saint Mary’s will supply the workers, if you supply the materials needed (paint, brushes, rakes, tools, etc.).

“Make a Difference Day” is the most encompassing national day of helping others, a celebration of neighbors helping neighbors. Created by USA WEEKEND magazine, this annual event takes place on the fourth Saturday of every October. SMU is proud to join the millions of people throughout the nation who are participating.

To register your request, please call Katie LaPlant at (507) 457-6936 or e-mail volunteerservices @smumn.edu by Friday, Oct. 16.

Buckets and Tap Shoes show Oct. 2 at SMU sold out

WINONA, Minn. — Tickets are sold out for the first Saint Mary’s University Page Series event, Buckets and Tap Shoes.

This company of musicians, percussionists and rhythm tap dancers will perform in SMU’s Page Theatre at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 2.

The group uses five-gallon buckets, metal cans, barrels, found objects and tap shoes to create rhythms. They also mix in original live funk music, improvisation and some magic tricks.

Members of the troupe will lead a tap dance workshop at Valéncia Arts Center from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct.1. For more information about fees, dress, and skill levels required, call (507) 453-5501.

For more information about other Page Series events, go to www.pagetheatre.org.

Papenfusses donate $50,000 to endowed SMU scholarship for students in need

Jerry and Pat Papenfuss met with Brother William Mann on campus

WINONA, Minn. — Pat and Jerry Papenfuss, owners of the Result Radio Group, have donated $50,000 to Saint Mary’s University for an endowed scholarship, in their name, designated for students with financial need. The scholarship was awarded for the first time this fall, to a Winona-area student. Jerry Papenfuss is a 1962 graduate of Saint Mary’s.

“We’ve both been very blessed with our college experiences, and we recognize the importance of a good education,” said Jerry Papenfuss. “Saint Mary’s instills the knowledge students need to be competitive in the evolving business world, and we especially appreciate the Lasallian, values-based education the university provides.”

“In this challenging economic climate, as more and more students are finding it difficult to pay for college, scholarship assistance like this is a blessing,” said Saint Mary’s President Brother William Mann. “Donations like these will make a difference in the lives of many future students.”

About 90 percent of all SMU undergraduates receive financial aid of some kind. In 2009-10, SMU will provide over $12 million in financial aid, including scholarships, to students.

For more information, contact Joe Sweeney at jsweeney@smumn.edu or (507) 457-1495.

SMU offers full weekend of student performances

WINONA, Minn. — Three student performances — a jazz concert, a choir and band performance, and a staged comedy — highlight Saint Mary’s University’s upcoming Family Weekend.

• The Saint Mary’s University Department of Theatre, under the direction of Judy Myers, will stage “Fallen Angels” Sept. 24-27 at Page Theatre. This three-act comedy takes place in the 1920s and follows best friends Julia and Jane as they wait for a visit from Maurice, a French seducer who had affairs with both women before they were married. While their husbands play golf, the women quarrel, make up, and get a little tipsy on champagne. They then must face their husbands, who unexpectedly return early. The show begins at 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, Sept. 24-26, and 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 27. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for students and seniors.

• SMU jazz groups will kick off their year with a fall blast at 6 p.m. Friday, Sept. 25, in Figliulo Recital Hall, located in the Performance Center. Jazz Combo I (a new and hot jazz septet) will fire off the show with jazz classics like Horace Silver’s “The Preacher” and the Miles Davis classic “Freddie The Freeloader.” The 18-piece Jazz Ensemble follows with some great selections and soloists including “Keep The Stick,” a new Dean Sorenson composition that will feature trombonist Tom Briese of Rochester, Minn. They will also perform “The Nasty Blues” by Mike Carubia, featuring many of the soloists in the band; “Smack Dab in the Middle” from Count Basie’s book; and “Blue Skies,” arranged by Mark Taylor. Both groups are directed by professor of music Dr. John Paulson. Two jazz workshop combos directed by Dr. Paulson and Eric Heukeshoven will play for a reception following the concert in the Toner Student Center Lounge. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for students and seniors.

•The SMU Concert Band will join the choirs for a 2 p.m. concert Saturday, Sept. 26, at Page Theatre. The Concert Choir and Chamber Singers, under the direction of Dr. Patrick O'Shea, and the Women’s Choir, directed by Lindsy O'Shea, will present works in English, Latin and the African Xhosa languages. The SMU Band will start the year by featuring two Minnesota composers’ works, “The Jig is Up” by Dan Kallman, and “Jazz March” by Frank Bencriscutto. Both works feature the percussion section. To round out the program, a beautiful setting of the traditional Irish hymn-tune “Be Thou My Vision,” will be performed, as well as music from “Offenbach” arranged by John Bourgeois (former director of the U.S. Marine Band), and the “Galop (from Genevieve de Brabant).” Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for students and seniors.

Tickets to all three performances are available at the SMU Box Office, (507) 457-1715, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays or online at www.pagetheatre.org. Tickets are also available at the door.

Saint Mary's invites public to Fall Frolic Sept. 26

WINONA, Minn. — The public is invited to participate in the 22nd Fall Frolic 5K fun run/walk, to be held during Saint Mary’s University’s Family Weekend on Saturday, Sept. 26. The event, held annually, is free to SMU students, faculty and staff, but is open to the community as well. Typically close to 500 people participate; competitors of all levels (including walkers) are welcome.

Registration will run from 8 to 9:30 a.m. in SMU’s Toner Student Center. The race begins at 10 a.m. The $8 cost includes a T-shirt.

Participants will enjoy the beautiful bluff trails of SMU’s Winona campus. Registration forms — as well as a complete weekend schedule — are available online at www.smumn.edu/familyweekend.

Family Weekend, which runs Sept. 25-27, includes a full slate of activities for families of students and the SMU community. In previous years, as many as 1,000 visitors have come onto campus for Family Weekend music and theatre events, sporting events, the Fall Frolic, and other games and activities.