New dean appointed for SMU School of Humanities and Sciences

WINONA, Minn. — Dr. Genevieve Robinson, a member of the Benedictine Order, has been named dean of Humanities and Sciences at Saint Mary’s University’s Winona campus.

She will assume the dean’s position on June 1. Dr. Robinson most recently served as dean of Undergraduate Studies at Fontbonne University in Saint Louis, Mo. Prior to her work at Fontbonne University, she spent 22 years at Rockhurst University in Kansas City, Mo. Her administrative experience at Rockhurst University included serving as chair of the Department of History and the Division of Humanities, and as the director of the University Honors Program.

 Dr. Robinson will join Dr. Donna Aronson, vice president of Academic Affairs, and the three other College deans, Dr. Tom Marpe, Dr. Scott Sorvaag, and Michael Charron, on the SMU undergraduate college Academic Council.

SMU honors retirees, faculty and staff for years of service

Brother William Mann, president of Saint Mary’s University, congratulates two long-time Saint Mary’s employees retiring this year, including, Kathleen Flanagan, Department of Theatre and Dance, 31 years, left, and Ann Smith, Computer Science Department, 17 years. Also retiring from Saint Mary’s this year are: Greg Gaut, History Department, 17 years, John Paulson, Music Department, 30 years; and Pat Fleming, University Advancement, 42 years. This group was recognized at an employee service event Thursday, April 12. Employees with 5-, 10-, 15-, 20-, 25- and 35-year anniversaries were also recognized.

Sweeney named vice president for development, alumni relations

WINONA, Minn. — Brother Louis DeThomasis, chancellor of Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, has named Joseph P. Sweeney as vice president for development and alumni relations.

Sweeney, a 1981 Saint Mary's graduate, will begin his new position on December 3. He will oversee the university’s fundraising, alumni relations and advancement services.

Sweeney comes to Saint Mary’s from Loyola Academy, a Jesuit college-preparatory high school in Wilmette, Ill., where he served for 11 years as vice president for development and director of principal gifts. During Sweeney’s tenure, Loyola’s endowment increased from $14 million to nearly $53 million. Previously, Sweeney worked seven years as director of development at Carmel Catholic High School in Mundelein, Ill.

Joe and his wife, Stacey (Sanborn ’82) Sweeney, have four children. Their son Kevin is currently a sophomore at Saint Mary’s.

Saint Mary’s announces new dean, award renaming

Tim Gossen, new dean of students

WINONA, Minn. — Saint Mary’s University is announcing a promotion and the renaming of an annual award in the area of Student Development.

Tim Gossen has been named dean of students at Saint Mary's Winona campus, effective June 1. Gossen held the position of assistant dean of students, but has twice served as interim dean in the past two years. Gossen has worked at the Winona campus since he graduated in 2001. He also earned an M.A. degree from SMU in 2006.

“We're very fortunate to have Tim, with his experience, dedication and knowledge of the university serving in this vital role.” said Chris Kendall, vice president for student development. "Tim is a young and talented educator.”

The Resident Assistant of the Year Award has been renamed the Char Tjaden Outstanding Resident Assistant Award. Tjaden currently serves in the newly created position of student development resource specialist. She has worked for SMU since 2004.

“Char has given many dedicated years of service to Student Development in many capacities but most significantly, she's been a great mentor to young residence life staff,” Kendall said. “You will find Char attending hundreds of events on campus and she has been instrumental in creating many new and successful programs.”

The Office of Residence Life presents the award yearly to a resident assistant in recognition and appreciation of outstanding service and contribution to community life at Saint Mary’s.