Poet Laureate McCullough to read at International Poetry Festival

WINONA, Minn. — Ken McCullough, Winona’s Poet Laureate, has been invited to read his poetry at the 20th International Poetry Festival of Medellin (Colombia), the largest event of its kind in the world. Nearly 1,000 poets from 158 countries around the world, from every continent, have participated in the 20 years of the festival.

In previous festivals, such luminaries as Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka (Senegal), former U.S. Poet Laureate Rita Dove, and Yevgeny Yevtushenko (Russia) have presented their work. This year, 71 poets from 36 countries will participate. The festival runs from July 8-17, with readings and various other presentations throughout the day in a wide variety of venues. The opening and closing ceremonies have grown to the extent that they are now conducted in Medellin’s municipal soccer stadium.

McCullough will give four readings of his poetry during the festival. Each poet reads in his or her original language and then professional actors perform translations of the work in Spanish.

The International Poetry Festival of Medellin began in 1991 as an antidote to the prevailing atmosphere of violence in the city between governmental forces, paramilitary and guerilla groups, and the drug cartels under the aegis of Pablo Escobar. The emphasis of the festival continues to be peace, and the influence of the festival has spread throughout South America and the world; many similar festivals now exist based on this model. In 2006, the festival received the Alternative Nobel Peace Prize, awarded at the seat of the Swedish parliament in Stockholm.

McCullough is assistant director of Academic Advising and director of the PASS program at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota.

Four alumni to be honored at SMU’s Homecoming June 25-27

WINONA, Minn. — Each year during summer Homecoming festivities, Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota honors outstanding alumni.

This year’s Distinguished Alumnus Award recipient is Dr. Jane (Weydert ’86) Homeyer of Reston, Va. Lasallian Service Awards will go to James Cunningham ’49 of Coos Bay, Ore., and Christine (Coglianese’ 93) Collins of Orland Park, Ill. Additionally, Timothy Horan ’70 of Plymouth, Minn., will receive the Alumni Appreciation Award. All four will be honored during a reception Saturday, June 26, on the Winona campus.

Approximately 300 alumni, family and friends will return to their alma mater for Saint Mary’s Homecoming festivities, which begin Friday, June 25, and run throughout the weekend. In addition to the alumni awards ceremony, highlights include a golf outing, the Gilmore Gallop 5K, a 50+ anniversary social, and the alumni picnic. Alumni can go to www.smumn.edu/homecoming for more information.

2010 Saint Mary’s Homecoming Honorees:

Distinguished Alumna

Dr. Jane (Weydert ’86) Homeyer
Reston, Va

Jane (Weydert) Homeyer, Ph.D., began her career as a forensic scientist at the Northern Illinois Police Crime Laboratory and was eventually promoted to the laboratory’s executive director. Five years into her career, she joined the FBI in its laboratory division as the unit chief of the Forensic Science Training Unit in Quantico, Va. Homeyer assumed her current position as director of Competencies and Standards for the Central Intelligence Community (IC) Chief Human Capital Officer of the Director of National Intelligence in April 2006. She is responsible for establishing common competencies and standards for the IC workforce to help unify the IC agencies.

Alumni Appreciation

Timothy Horan '70
Plymouth, Minn.

Tim Horan’s dedication to Saint Mary’s University can never be questioned. He has generously shared his time and talents with SMU by first serving as a member of the Alumni Board of Directors from 2001-2003 and then on the Board of Trustees from 2004-2009. But his involvement doesn’t stop there. Horan is also a former parent, phone volunteer, and fundraising volunteer. He is currently assisting the Office of Development with raising funds to endow the Brother Raphael Memorial Scholarship. A strong advocate of the university, Horan is also a loyal and dedicated benefactor.

Lasallian Service

James Cunningham '49
Coos Bay, Ore.

James Cunningham has educated the poor for more than 50 years. He spent 18 fulfilling years as a Christian Brother, but it was the eight years he spent working in Nicaragua that he found life-changing. There he witnessed intense poverty, extreme poor living conditions and severe illness. He soon recognized that teaching these students had to extend beyond the classroom and into their daily lives. One day, looking down on the school’s muddy fields, he realized these students needed a gymnasium. After a year of soliciting funds, he raised enough money to purchase a pre-fabricated gym. Cunningham’s college career began at Saint Mary’s at the tender age of 16; a life-long learner, he has attended classes in 16 colleges and universities in six states and two foreign countries. He has authored a book, “Education on the Wild Side,” about his years in Nicaragua, and he is in the process of publishing two more books.

Lasallian Service

Christine (Coglianese’ 93) Collins
Orland Park, Ill.

For the past 12 years, Christine (Coglianese) Collins has infused Lasallian ideals and faith-based values into her youth ministry group at Our Lady of the Woods Parish in Orland Park, Ill. Her work as a youth minister includes weekly liturgy and advanced faith exploration sessions. She also initiated summer service trips to Appalachia involving more than 100 high school students. This summer she is planning a pilgrimage to Lourdes, France. In recognition for her efforts, Collins was awarded the Knights of Columbus Regnum Caeli Award in 2000. In 2008, she was presented with the Catholic Charities Vincentian Award and was also recognized by the Archdiocese of Chicago for her and her group’s work with soup kitchens in the Chicago area. She also currently serves on the Archdiocese of Chicago Vicariate V Leadership Award Committee.

Saint Mary’s alum is president of NHL champion Blackhawks

The Chicago Blackhawks captured their first Stanley Cup championship in 49 years with their 4-2 series win over the Philadelphia Flyers Wednesday evening, and for the first time ever, a Saint Mary’s University alum will have his name etched on Lord Stanley's Cup.

John McDonough ’75 was named president of the Chicago Blackhawks on Nov. 20, 2007. Under his guidance, which Forbes Magazine has labeled the “Greatest Sports-Business Turnaround Ever,” the Blackhawks put an end to that 49-year Stanley Cup drought, earning their first title since 1961.

McDonough was also instrumental in bringing the NHL's 2009 Winter Classic to Chicago, an outdoor contest which pitted the Blackhawks against the Detroit Red Wings in front of 40,818 fans at Wrigley Field on Jan. 1, 2009. The game attracted 4.4 million U.S. viewers, making it the most-watched NHL game in nearly 34 years, according to Nielsen Media Research.

Prior to joining the Blackhawks, McDonough served as senior VP for marketing and president of the Chicago Cubs. During his tenure, the Cubs won the 2007 National League Central Division title.

MCA announces summer dance, theatre and music programming

WINONA, Minn. — The Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts will offer summer programming June 14-Aug. 26. Community classes, lessons, workshops and camps are offered for children age 3 through adults and include:

Private Music Lessons: Voice, Clarinet, and Saxophone
* Arranged, for students entering grades 5 to 12
* Tuition: $75 for 5 lessons, $140 for 10 lessons

Teen/Adult Dance and Fitness Classes
* Class offerings will include: Tour of Dance, Power Piyo, Clogging I, and Clogging II
* June 14, 21, 28 and July 5, 12, 19; tuition varies

Clogging For Kids
* June 14, 21, 28 and July 5, 12, 19, 4:15-5 p.m.; tuition: $40
* An Introduction to clogging for students ages 8-12

Pre-Intensive Dance Workshops
* Ballet/pointe, classical variation, modern, jazz and repertory for intermediate and advanced dancers
* June 14-18, 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m.; tuition: $180

Dance Day Camp I – Dance Me a Story
* June 21-25, 9-11:30 a.m., for ages 5-8; tuition: $100
* Students will participate in ballet, creative movement, jazz, and perform in a final showcase

Dance Day Camp II - Dance the Day Away
* June 21-25, 1-4:30 p.m., for ages 8-12; tuition: $150
* Students will participate in ballet, jazz, modern, choreography, theory courses, and perform in a final showcase

Theatre Day Camp I – Far-out Fairy Tales
* June 28-July 1, 9-11:30 a.m. for children ages 7-10; tuition: $100
* Students will participate in theatre games, acting, musical theatre, and perform in a final showcase

Theatre Day Camp II – Character Quest
* June 28-June 30 from 1-4:30 p.m. and July 1 from 9-11:30 a.m., for youth ages 10-13; tuition: $150
* Students will learn about group improvisation, masks, acting, musical theatre, and perform in a final showcase

Creative Movement
* July 6, 8, 13, 15, 5:15 – 5:45 p.m., for children ages 3-4; tuition: $30
* Introduction to the dance class setting using creative movement techniques

Musical Theatre Dance
* July 6, 8, 13, 15, 6-7 p.m., for youth age 13 through adults; tuition: $40
* Students will learn basic dance technique for musical theatre performance and explore choreography from Broadway musicals

Music Explorers I
* July 12-16, 4:15-5 p.m., for students entering grades kindergarten through 3; tuition: $30
* Learn concepts related to steady beat, duration, pitch, volume, articulation, solfege, and rhythmic and melodic improvisation

Music Explorers II
* July 12-16, 3-4 p.m., for students entering grades 4 through 6; tuition: $30
* Students will learn to write their own melodies that include elements of rhythm and meter, pitch and key, expression, and form.

Free Boys and Men’s Dance Workshops
* July 19- 22, for ages 8-21, 11-11:45 a.m. for beginners, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. for those with experience
* Study with visiting guest artists Allen Fields and Jeffrey Peterson
* These workshops are offered free to all male students through a grant from the Sewell Family Foundation

Nutcracker Pre-Audition Workshops
* Aug. 25-26, for children age 5 through adults; tuition varies
* Workshops offer an ideal experience for younger students to become familiar with the audition setting, before the Sept. 1 “Nutcracker” auditions, and offer more advanced student the opportunity to have technique classes at the end of summer, prior to auditions.

“The MCA summer dance, theatre and music offerings are a great extracurricular activity for youth, helping them build self-esteem, expand their creativity, creating a daily venue for movement and exercise, and offering a great place to meet new friends,” said Christine Martin, managing director of MCA.

MCA summer dance and fitness classes also offer excellent opportunities for adults. All adult classes are held during the evenings. Additionally, workshops for intermediate and advanced teens and college aged students are available.

All MCA classes, workshops, lessons, and camps are held at the Valéncia Arts Center, 1164 West 10th St., Winona. Tuition for summer classes varies depending on class length and level. The Boys and Men’s Dance Workshops are offered tuition free to all male students ages 8-21 through a grant from the Sewell Family Foundation.

Registration for summer programming is currently being accepted. Students may register online at www.mnconservatoryforthearts.org, in person at the Valéncia Arts Center, or registration may be mailed to: 1164 West 10th St., Winona, MN 55987.

For more information and registration materials, visit www.mnconservatoryforthearts.org, e-mail mca@smumn.edu or call (507) 453-5500.

Saint Mary’s students complete service trip to Guatemala

Saint Mary's students at the Mayan ruins of Zacaleu. Since their return, the Volcano Pacaya, has erupted and Guatemala has also experienced severe flooding.

Diana Lundeen with children of the Nuestros Pequeños Hermanos school and orphanage.

WINONA, Minn. — Nine Saint Mary’s University students, joined by Chris McClead, director of SMU’s Campus Ministry, completed a Serving Others United with Love (SOUL) trip to Guatemala May 9-19.

The students, including Abby Voigt, Allison Stephens, Shannon Nelson, Rachel Elbert, John Speedling, Kelly Holt, Diana Lundeen, Ellen Bina and Emily DeWitt, traveled to Antigua, Huehuetenago and San Lucas Toliman to see how some Guatemalans live from day to day.

This trip was intended to ignite a flame on the Winona campus for the life and work of Brother James Miller, a 1966 Saint Mary’s alumnus who was killed while serving in Guatemala in 1982. Brother James has been designated a “Servant of God” and is being considered for sainthood.

The trip’s objectives were:
• To inspire students to live a life dedicated to others by visiting the Brother James Miller House, the school for the indigenous in Huehuetenango, and reflect on how their lives might also serve the common good.
• To provide students with an opportunity to see various non-profit organizations serving the marginalized of Guatemala.
• To have students connect to the Lasallian family and witness the Lasallian mission specifically with the communities of Antigua and Huehuetenango.

Social justice issues encountered included: global solidarity, poverty, education, immigration, advocacy, fair wages, and economic policies in a global market.

Oanes appointed director of SMU’s Fitzgerald Library

WINONA, Minn. — Laura Oanes of Forest City, Iowa, has been appointed director of the Fitzgerald Library on the Winona campus of Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, effective July 6. Oanes replaces Sandra Beth who retired in May of 2009. Rachel Thomas served as interim library director during the 2009-10 academic year.

Oanes was most recently director of the Waldorf College library in Forest City. Previously, she was a user services librarian at Waldorf, and helped develop the information skills portion of the first-year seminar for incoming students.

As Saint Mary’s new head librarian, Oanes has a vision for the service and leadership role of the library in support of Lasallian education. “She brings a strong orientation to work with students and faculty, a collaborative leadership style, a deep understanding of trends in library and information sciences, and administrative skills,” said Dr. Tom Mans, vice president for Academic Affairs.

Oanes earned her Master’s in Library and Information Science from UW – Milwaukee in 2008. Her Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a minor in psychology was earned at Mankato State University. She also studied at UW – Eau Claire and UW – Madison. She is active in the American Library Association and is currently an intern with the ALA Committee for Literacy. In Forest City, she was a member of the Forest City Community School Board and was active with various community library and literacy projects.

Students named to dean’s list at Saint Mary’s

WINONA, Minn. — The following students were named to the second semester, 2009-10 dean’s list at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota. The list includes undergraduate students who earned a grade point average of 3.60 or better on a 4.0 scale.

Kelsi Addabbo, Owatonna, Minn.
Sarah Adie, Chanhassen, Minn.
Lisa Aguado, Franklin Park, Ill.
Marie Allen, Wausau, Wis.
Margaret, Allexsaht, Minneapolis, Minn.
Andrea Allis, Wells, Minn.
Sarah Anderson, Lino Lakes, Minn.
Kayla Andrist, Eyota, Minn.
Abigail Ayotte, Mendota Heights, Minn.
Elizabeth Baertlein, Mazeppa, Minn.
Lauren Baier, Mount Horeb, Wis.
Neela Bajracharya, Nepal
Ryan Ballanger, St. Paul, Minn.
William Barghahn, La Crescent, Minn.
Brenton Barghahn, La Crescent, Minn.
Zachary Barry, Fort Wayne, Ind.
Julianne Bartosz, Mokena, Ill.
Nicole Bengtson, Eyota, Minn.
Leann Benson, Roseville, Minn.
Cassandra Berning, Cuba City, Wis.
Maria Biebel, Winona, Minn.
Sarah Bignell, Wabasha, Minn.
Gregory Bim-Merle, Michigan City, Ind.
Ellen Bina, St. Paul, Minn.
Ashley Blum, Buffalo City, Wis.
Michael Bonk, Hampshire, Ill.
Peter Borash, Bowlus, Minn.
Lauren Borkowski, St. Charles, Minn.
Jessica Bouska, Chatfield, Minn.
Brianna Braun, Cold Spring, Minn.
Theresa Breault, Houston, Minn.
Thomas Briese, Rochester, Minn.
Patrick Briscoe, Fort Wayne, Ind.
Andrew Brueggen, Holmen, Wis.
Lorelle Brune, Sterling, Ill.
Kassondra Burtis, Fairmont, Minn.
Katherine Cachey, Orland Park, Ill.
Meghan Campbell, Dyersville, IA
Jenna Capelle, Rochester, Minn.
Morgan Carlson, Theilman, Minn.
Yue Chang, Yancheng, China
Brittany Cherwinka, Faribault, Minn.
Lindsay Christensen, Brooklyn Park, Minn.
Nicole Ciulla, Plover, Wis.
Nicole Clammer, West Concord, Minn.
Kelsey Collins, Apple Valley, Minn.
Thomas Conry, Waunakee, Wis.
Hannah Cooling, Madelia, Minn.
Ann Cummins, Birchwood, Minn.
David Dahlstrom, Rochester, Minn.
Daniel Davis, Ossian, Ind.
David Dean, Wayzata, Minn.
Emily Degallier, Fountain City, Wis.
Jonathan Delwiche, Andover, Minn.
Brian Dillon, Arden Hills, Minn.
Jonathan Dillon, Custer, S.D.
Katelyn Dobihal, Lino Lakes, Minn.
Anne Drazkowski, Fountain City, Wis.
Katherine Drazkowski, Fountain City, Wis.
William Duffert, Ramsey, Minn.
Benjamin Eirikson, Austin, Minn.
Sara Eisenhauer, Kenosha, Wis.
Rachel Elbert, Cedar Falls, Iowa
Kristina Empanger, Chaska, Minn.
Laura Enstad, Austin, Minn.
Luis Escobar, Madelia, Minn.
Santiago Escobar, Madelia, Minn.
Hilary Ethen, White Bear Lake, Minn.
Nikki Farmer, Medford, Wis.
Jonathan Fasnacht, Janesville, Minn.
David Feather, Oak Creek, Wis.
Mackenzie Ferguson, Arcadia, Wis.
Jordan Fetcko, Crown Point, Ind.
Lydia Feuerhelm, Winona, Minn.
Marie Fidler, Woodbury, Minn.
Laura Flicek, Wabasha, Minn.
John Fox, Winona, Minn.
Heather Frainey, Mundelein, Ill.
Hilary Framke, Stillwater, Minn.
Samantha Franklin, Schaumburg, Ill.
Gregory Freeman, Aurora, Ill.
Allyson Friestleben, Victoria, Minn.
Brittany Geerdes, Racine, Minn.
Jennifer Gees, Onalaska, Wis.
Amanda Gehrman, Stevens Point, Wis.
Cullen Gibbons, Circle Pines, Minn.
Jessica Giers, Winona, Minn.
Mary Gleich, Hastings, Minn.
Erin Glorvigen, Rochester, Minn.
Matthew Gorgone, Greenville, R.I.
Nicholas Gorman, St. Louis Park, Minn.
Vanessa Grams, Little Falls, Minn.
Rachel Grave, Buffalo, Minn.
Sarah Grundhoefer, W. Saint Paul, Minn.
Jared Haider, Forest Lake, Minn.
Nicole Haley, Plainview, Minn.
Corene Hancock, La Crosse, Wis.
Zachary Hansmann, Hugo, Minn.
Sara Harstad, Chatfield, Minn.
Bethany Hastings, Inver Grove Heights, Minn.
Aaron Hayes, Winona, Minn.
Neil Heacox, San Diego, Calif.
Thomas Healy, Rolling Meadows, Ill.
Brian Heim, Caledonia, Minn.
Jackie Heintz, Caledonia, Minn.
Nicole Heitmann, Hayward, Wis.
Megan Hellmann, Oshkosh, Wis.
Aaron Henry, Hastings, Minn.
Michelle Hermes, Roseville, Minn.
Adam Hofer, Rapid City, S.D.
Michael Hofer, Rapid City, S.D.
Krin Hoiland, Rushford, Minn.
Tara Houlihan, La Crosse, Wis.
Thomas Howes, Princeton, Minn.
Cassandra Hulett, Milwaukee, Wis.
Lyric Hupp, Minneapolis, Minn.
Casey Jacobson, Apple Valley, Minn.
Andrew Jambura, Wauwatosa, Wis.
Megan Jantscher, Plymouth, Minn.
Meghan Jensen, Claremont, Minn.
Paige Jenson, Lake Park, Minn.
Brittany Joerger, Colorado Springs, Colo.
Allison Johnson, Austin, Minn.
Tiearra Johnson, Justice, Ill.
Timothy Jorgensen, Oak Park, Ill.
Jordan Junker, Glenwood City, Wis.
Cree Kachelski, Elgin, Minn.
Agnieszka Kadej, Luban, Poland
Melissa Kaffine, Owatonna, Minn.
Weijie Kang, Xi'an, China
Brian Kasel, Minneapolis, Minn.
Laura Kay, Rush City, Minn.
Katelin Keck, Eden Prairie, Minn.
Samuel Kehoe, Rosemount, Minn.
Billie Keilen, Faribault, Minn.
Sarah Kennedy, Lake City, Minn.
Nakisa Khoshnevis, Dayton, Minn.
Peter Kieffer, La Crosse, Wis.
Andrew Kilpatrick, Burnsville, Minn.
Steven Kimlicka, Bartlett, Ill.
Neil Kirchoefer, Metamora, Ill.
JoAnn Kirsch, Wesley, Iowa
Ingrid Klockars, Wheaton, Ill.
Katherine Klus, Norridge, Ill.
Nicole Kolupailo, St. Paul, Minn.
Rachael Korinek, Rochester, Minn.
Abby Kratzke, Dent, Minn.
Joseph Krause, St. James, Minn.
Alison Kremer, Iona, Minn.
Corey Krengiel, Lemont, Ill.
Melanie Krivachek, Fort Atkinson, Iowa
Brittany Kuehn, Sauk Rapids, Minn.
Amy Kujak, River Falls, Wis.
Justyna Kujtkowska, Bogaczow, Poland
Cherie Kulig Independence, Wis.
Rachel Kwiecinski, Vernon Hills, Ill.
Patrick Lafond, Batavia, Ill.
Yuan Lai, Xi'an, China
Sophia Lam, Burnsville, Minn.
Maria Lanari, Delano, Minn.
Gabrielle Langan, Austin, Minn.
Jessica Larson, Pine Island, Minn.
Kate Larson, Winona, Minn.
Laura Larson, Pine Island, Minn.
Sabrina Larson-Bushlack, Mapleton, Minn.
Jacob Lechner, White Bear Twp., Minn.
Lindsey Legatt, Sartell, Minn.
Steven Lehn, Hokah, Minn.
Yuepeng Li, Beijing, China
Jonah Lippert, Easton, Minn.
Steven Lochen, Kimball, Minn.
Justin Loeffler, Winona, Minn.
Ashley Loos, Loyal, Wis.
Abby Lough, South Saint Paul, Minn.
Cory Madison, Cottonwood, Minn.
Theo Manahan, Chatfield, Minn.
Stephanie Marnocha, Appleton, Wis.
Katelynn Martin, Lyle, Iowa
Christina Massee, Appleton, Minn.
Angela Mazzuca, Saint Michael, Minn.
Patrick McCaffery, South Bend, Ind.
Rachel McCarty, N Fond Du Lac, Wis.
Catherine McDonald, Ham Lake, Minn.
Robert McGuire, Rochester, Minn.
Kathryn Metz, Maple Lake, Minn.
Danielle Miller, Inver Grove, Minn.
Jessica Miller, Carver, Minn.
Joanna Mills, New Boston, Ill.
Erin Morgan, Appleton, Wis.
Caitlin Murphy, Cannon Falls, Minn.
Megan Murphy, Edina, Minn.
Brianna Nelson, Ham Lake, Minn.
Shannon Nelson, Brooklyn Park, Minn.
Meagan Newbold, Rochester, Minn.
Brittney Nielsen, Apple Valley, Minn.
Laura Nolte, Owatonna, Minn.
LeiLani Oas, Minnesota City, Minn.
Alexis Olson, Altura, Minn.
Nicole Olson, New Brighton, Minn.
Michael Ostman, Saint Michael, Minn.
Cory Ostroot, Dayton, Minn.
Samantha Otto, Hampton, Minn.
Jason Papaconstandinou, Winona, Minn.
Leslie Paquette, La Crosse, Wis.
Kathleen Pawlowski, Chicago, Ill.
Amy Pearson, Buffalo City, Wis.
Maxwell Perri, Arlington Heights, Ill.
Brittany Peterson, Burnsville, Minn.
Michael Pica, Champaign, Ill.
Anthony Pikkaraine, Apple Valley, Minn.
Melissa Plein, Red Wing, Minn.
James Possin, Geneseo, Ill.
Regina Quandt, Minneapolis, Minn.
Jennifer Quicker, Neillsville, Wis.
Michelle Quinn, Onalaska, Wis.
Amanda Rahman, Rochester, Minn.
Andrew Rangitsch, Oakdale, Minn.
Naomi Rath Easton, Minn.
Mekenzie Reps, St. Charles, Minn.
Anne Richards, Chicago, Ill.
Joseph Richards, La Crosse, Wis.
Erin Roden, Albertville, Minn.
Valerie Ross, Hastings, Minn.
Suzanne Roth, Stillwater, Minn.
Erica Rubenzer, Jim Falls, Wis.
Andrew Ruf, Chippewa Falls, Wis.
Courtney Runge, St James, Minn.
Jeunesse Rutledge, Mundelein, Ill.
Bridget Ryan, Alsip, Ill.
Joseph Rysavy, Burnsville, Minn.
Mariana Sanchez del Castillo, Puebla, Puebla, Mexico
Rebecca Sandager, Hills, Minn.
Jason Sandquist, Mounds View, Minn.
Evan Saunders, Chicago, Ill.
Stephanie Schaub, La Crosse, Wis.
Kristina Scherber, Brooklyn Center, Minn.
Timothy Schmall, Dubuque, Iowa
Jenna Schmidtknecht, Fountain City, Wis.
Kelsey Schneider, Portland, Ore.
Danielle Scholbrock, Potosi, Wis.
Jennifer Schurhammer, Kellogg, Minn.
Blake Schuster, Mahtomedi, Minn.
Benjamin Scott, Rochester, Minn.
Andrew Seifert, Andover, Minn.
Elizabeth Shewmon, Arlington Heights, Ill.
Kelli Sholl, St Anthony, Minn.
Anne Shutte, Columbia Heights, Minn.
Christopher Sindelar, Milford, Ind.
Catherine Smith, Chicago, Ill.
Kelly Smith, Red Wing, Minn.
Peter Snell, Lino Lakes, Minn.
Stephanie Solland, Albert Lea, Minn.
Anna Sonday, W. St. Paul, Minn.
Mara Sonday, W. St. Paul, Minn.
Zhe Song, Xi'an, China
Ryan Soukup, Sleepy Eye, Minn.
Jill Spitzmueller, New Brighton, Minn.
David Spriegel, Gurnee, Ill.
Katherine Stang, St. Cloud, Minn.
Christopher Stanish, Portage, Ind.
Pamela Stanton, Mundelein, Ill.
Emma Stenzel, Alden, Minn.
Hillary Stenzel, Minnesota Lake, Minn.
Danielle Strebel, Green Bay, Wis.
Daniel Streefland, Webster, Minn.
Caroline Stringer, Saint Cloud, Minn.
Stephanie Sturges, Woodbury, Minn.
William Such, Broomfield, Colo.
Kristina Swanberg, New Hope, Minn.
Pawel Szczepkowski, Kluczbork, Poland
Phillip Thomas, Hastings, Minn.
Ethan Thompson, Kellogg, Minn.
Smith Thongbai, Winona, Minn.
Linda Tierney, Cloquet, Minn.
Jacob Toliver, Rantoul, Ill.
John Trask, Wasta, S.D.
Jake Traxler, Le Sueur, Minn.
Lily Trelstad, Cannon Falls, Minn.
Bridget Trio, Mapleton, Minn.
Lauren Ulbrich, Rochester, Minn.
Vincent Unklesbay, Maplewood, Minn.
Stephanie Valentine, Omaha, Neb.
John Vallez, Eagan, Minn.
Amanda Van Leeuwe, Ghent, Minn.
Abby Voigt, Burnsville, Minn.
Kelly Wagner, Woodbury, Minn.
Peter Waldorf, Bloomington, Ill.
Lukas Wallerich, Inver Grove Heights, Minn.
Alexa Wallick, Eagan, Minn.
Yu Wang, Kunming, China
Brandon Wanless, Washington, Ill.
Sarah Weir, Oswego, Ill.
Johanna Weissing, Utica, Minn.
Rebecca Welch, La Crescent, Minn.
Emily Welhaven, Rochester, Minn.
Kaitlin Wermerskirchen, Shakopee, Minn.
Taryn Wirkus, La Crosse, Wis.
Marcus Wobschall, Waseca, Minn.
Ryan Wockenfus, New London, Wis.
Melissa Wolf, New Prague, Minn.
Leah Wooden, La Crescent, Minn.
Jennifer Woodley, Bloomington, Minn.
Dongyang Xie, Xi'an, China
Changyu Yang, Xi'an, China
Xin Ye, Xi'an, China
Fang Yuan, Xi'an, China
Ann Zajac, Hastings, Minn.
Tian Zhang, Xi'an, China
Tingting Zheng, Fujian, China
Fei Zou, Xi'an, China

Laws of Life essay contest winners awarded April 28

Amol Parmar, Yuan Yang and Britta Nelson, the Platinum and Gold Award winners, are pictured separately.






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 28 — 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, adding Hope Lutheran in 2009. 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, Fred and Marilyn Foss, Severson Oil, Darrell and Angela Ehrlick, Tony and Kathy Piscitiello, Green Mill Restaurant & Bar, William Miller Scrap Iron & Metal Co., Dr. Mark and Melissa Martin, and Paul and Lori Ness.

This year’s winners are:
• Platinum — Amol Parmar, Cotter High School ($1,000 cash and a $3,000 SMU scholarship).
• Gold — Yuan Yang, Cotter; and Britta Nelson, Winona Senior High School ($400 cash and a $2,000 SMU scholarship)
• Silver — Katie Denzer, Cotter; Jose Gomez, Winona Senior High School; and Lacey Ellinghuysen, Hope Lutheran High School ($200 cash and a $1,000 SMU scholarship).
• Blue ribbon awards — Emilio Taiveaho, Qianhan Liu and Chang Yi Mu, Cotter; and Tony Vang, Yia Hang and Jenna Amundson, Winona Senior High ($100 cash prize).
• English class awards — Zi Hui Liu, Julie Yang, Ian Schultz, Courtney Brendel and Joana Beyer, Cotter; and Vang Lee Yang, Winona Senior High ($50 savings bond from Merchants National Bank).

Silver Award winners: Katie Denzer, left, and Lacey Ellinghuysen. Not pictured is Jose Gomez.

WSHS blue ribbon winners: Yia Hang, left, Jenna Amundson, center, and Tony Vang.


Cotter blue ribbon winners: Qianhan Liu, left; Chang Yi Mu, center; and Emilio Taiveaho.


English award winners (from left): back, Joana Beyer and Ian Schultz; front, Courtney Brendel, Julie Yang, Zi Hui Liu, and Vang Lee Yang.

Saint Mary’s announces next Page Series season

WINONA, Minn. — The 24th 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 17 through July 30 and Aug. 16 through Sept. 17.

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

The 2010-2011 Page Series

• Oct. 8, 7:30 p.m.
Anat Cohen Quartet
Israeli jazz clarinetist channels Benny Goodman
Adults $25, Seniors and Students $20 *

Anat Cohen has established herself as one of the primary voices of her generation on both the tenor saxophone and clarinet since arriving in New York in 1999.

Born in Tel Aviv, Israel, Cohen topped the Rising Star-Clarinet category in DownBeat Magazine’s critics poll in both 2007 and 2008, and placed prominently in a total of four categories including Rising Star Jazz Artist, where she ranked second and was the only female artist to make the list. The Jazz Journalists Association named Cohen Clarinetist of the Year by in both 2007 and 2008 – the first time in the history of the awards that an artist has earned top clarinet honors two years running.

In honor of Benny Goodman’s centennial in 2009, Cohen will focus on songs recorded by the King of Swing.



• Oct. 12, 6:30 p.m.
Kevin Locke Native Dance Ensemble
NEA award-winning Lakota hoop dancer & company
Adults $12, Seniors and Students $5 *

Representing the Plains nations of Lakota, Anishinabe, and Comanche, the Southeastern tribe Choctaw, and the Woodlands Nations of Ojibwe and Oneida, this one-of-a-kind ensemble of American Indian champions and award winners offers a rich variety of American Indian traditions and aesthetics in dance, instrumentals, song, storytelling, sign language and audience interaction.

“Return of the Thunders” revitalizes the spirit within the people, as spring revitalizes the spirit within each living thing. The program represents this return of the thunders, and each instrument represents a part of nature. The drum is the thunder. The rattle is the rain. The voice is the lightening. The flute is the wind.

• Oct. 26, 6:30 p.m.
Theatreworks USA presents: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe
Classic tale by C.S. Lewis brought to the stage for families
Adults $12, Seniors and Students $5 *

This enchanting musical is based on C.S. Lewis’ adventure story about four children of war- torn England, who accidentally enter the land of Narnia by climbing through a magic wardrobe. This strange and wondrous place is ruled by the cold-hearted White Witch, who makes the winter last year round. Although they seem unlikely saviors, the children fulfill an ancient prophecy by defeating the witch, thus restoring sunshine and peace to the spell-bound Narnia and returning the great Lion King Aslan to his throne.

Theatreworks USA is America’s largest and most prolific professional not-for-profit theatre for young and family audiences. Since 1961, Theatreworks USA has enlightened, entertained, and instructed over 68 million people in 49 states and Canada, now performing for about 4 million people annually.

• Nov. 4 at 7:30 p.m.
Houston Ballet II
Young American ballet at its best
Adults $25, Seniors and Students $20 *

Houston Ballet II is the second company of Houston Ballet, America’s fourth largest ballet company. The evening repertoire will consist of both familiar works, including Raymonda Act III, to the unexpected, such as The Long and Winding Road, based upon the music of the Beatles. Featuring a stellar array of young artists, HB II performs a wide array of dance works, ranging from excerpts from the great classics to contemporary works by Houston Ballet Artistic Director Stanton Welch.

Welch, an acclaimed Australian choreographer, assumed the leadership of Houston Ballet in 2003. He is one of the most sought after choreographers of his generation, having created works for such prestigious international companies as Houston Ballet, San Francisco Ballet, American Ballet Theatre, The Australian Ballet, Birmingham Royal Ballet, and Royal Danish Ballet.

• Jan. 22, 7:30 p.m.
Eisenhower Dance Ensemble
Detroit’s finest contemporary dance company
Adults $25, Seniors and Students $20 *

Audience members will enjoy an eclectic and entertaining evening of mixed repertory pieces from nationally recognized choreographers. Included will be selections from the group’s The Heart of Rock ’n‘ Roll, including songs by Bob Dylan, Van Morrison, and Bonnie Raitt. Also included are works from their 20th anniversary retrospective program from choreographers such as David Parsons, Stephen Koester, Mark Dendy, Lila York, Eddie Ocampo, Michael Foley, and artistic director Laurie Eisenhower.

“Eisenhower provided the framework for what turned out to be an electrifying dance experience. The dancing was filled with charismatic and artistic emotional execution and an extraordinarily high degree of technical precision. The music was diverse, inspiring and tastefully selected. The combination of excellent music, choreography and dance held my undivided attention from curtain to curtain … Pushing the envelope of modern dance creativity and innovation to new limits, Ms. Eisenhower and Co. are clearly on the cutting edge. The genuine article. Highly recommended.” - Dancer Magazine

• Feb. 3, 7:30 p.m.
Ensemble Galilei with Neal Conan: Universe of Dreams
Early medieval & Celtic music combined with Hubble images & an inspirational narrative
Adults $25, Seniors and Students $20 *

Audiences have been swept away by this extraordinary combination of the spoken word and what has been described by critics as “.... music that speaks to the heart in ways that transcend mere language.” With evocative music inspired by the Hubble images, the performers present the perfect backdrop for works by some of the finest poets in America. Text from Stanley Kunitz, Jim Harrison, William Shakespeare, and a re-telling of a Navajo Creation Myth are all performed with images from the Hubble that have transformed our understanding of the universe.

Ensemble Galilei performs Irish, Scottish, Early and Original music on a variety of ancient and modern instruments, including the Celtic harp, Scottish small pipes, gamba, fiddle, recorders, whistles and percussion. Narrator, Neal Conan, is the host of the NPR show “Talk of the Nation” heard locally on both Minnesota Public Radio and Wisconsin Public Radio.

• March 3, 6:30 p.m.
Pushcart Players presents: Let Freedom Ring: America At the Beginning
A musical for audiences of all ages celebrating our nation’s beginnings
Adults $12, Seniors and Students $5 *

This robust musical review begins with the beginning of time, moving quickly to the arrival of the first Americans from Asia. With the passage of approximately 30,000 years (in under five minutes!) … Freedom introduces second Americans who arrive on the Eastern shores in 1620, after a long and arduous journey from England. Among the new settlers are four main characters — Sam, Sarah, Jennie and Ginny — who transcend time, distance and circumstance to lead us chronologically and geographically through two centuries of our American past.

Their journey through the landscape of America includes whistle stops along the way to witness early encounters with Native Americans, disputes with Mother England, The Boston Tea Party, The American Revolution, westward expansion, The Underground Railroad, Civil War, California Gold Rush and Industrialization. The finale is a spirited medley of international songs that celebrate the new wave of immigration at the turn of the 20th century.

Nominated for an Emmy for its two prime time specials on CBS, Pushcart Players will be celebrating its 35th year as a touring ensemble.
• March 23, 7:30 p.m.
Darrah Carr Dance
Modern Irish Dance
Adults $25, Seniors and Students $20 *

Since 1998, Darrah Carr Dance has created a sensational and unique blend of traditional Irish step and contemporary modern dance. Renowned for integrating Irish culture within its choreography, Darrah Carr Dance blends Irish music, step dance footwork, and spatial patterns to create high-energy, rhythmically based work that is accessible to a broad audience. Artistic Director Darrah Carr calls her style ModERIN: a playful combination of the words modern (dance) and ERIN (an Irish American term of endearment for Ireland).

The evening will include a selection of traditional Irish dance as well as ModERIN works that combines elements of traditional style Irish dance with modern elements.


• April 7, 6:30 p.m.
Theatre IV presents ‘Stuart Little’
E.B. White’s tale of an adventurous mouse brought to life
Adults $12, Seniors and Students $5 *

From the loving heart of E. B. White, author of Charlotte’s Web, comes this merry musical about a noble mouse who jumps headlong into adventures big enough to match any imagination. By turns funny, tender and exciting, Stuart Little mixes gorgeous child-size puppets with live actors to work theatrical magic.

Founded in 1975, Theatre IV is a nonprofit, professional touring children’s theatre. During 2009 - 2010 they performed live before more than a half million children, teens, parents and teachers across the America.

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* All tickets (individual and subscription) are subject to a $1 per ticket convenience fee. Student rush tickets may be available 20 minutes before curtain for only $10. A valid ID is required, with a limit of one ticket per student and no reserved seats.

Summer Box office hours, May 17 to July 30, are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Order in person at the Box Office, located in the SMU Performance Center, by phone at (507) 457-1715, or online at www.pagetheatre.org.

Individual tickets go on sale Aug. 16.

Saint Mary's commencement ceremonies scheduled for May 8

WINONA, Minn. — On Saturday, May 8, 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. Student perspectives will be offered by this year’s Outstanding Male and Female Seniors, David Dahlstrom of Rochester and Mariana Sanchez of Puebla, Mexico. A Presidential Award for Outstanding Merit will be given to long-time SMU supporter and 1977 alum Dr. John Domanico.

The Winona campus Schools of Graduate and Professional Programs commencement will begin at 4 p.m. in the gymnasium. Along with the conferring of degrees, student perspectives will be offered by Jonathan Harmer, Master of Education in Teaching and Learning, from Plymouth; and Jan Millner, Master of Arts in Pastoral Ministries, from Carmichael, Calif. A Presidential Award for Outstanding Merit will be given to Sister Una O’Connor, president of Catholic College of Mandeville, Jamaica Saint Mary’s partnering institution in the M.Ed. Jamaica initiative.

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 Saint Thomas More Chapel at 8:30 a.m.

The Saint Mary's Nairobi campus will host its commencement ceremony on April 30. The Twin Cities campus will conduct its commencement ceremonies on June 6.