Saint Mary’s invites public to Relay for Life April 12-13

 WINONA, Minn. — The Saint Mary’s University Colleges Against Cancer group invites the community to its 2014 Relay for Life — to be held 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. Saturday and Sunday, April 12-13, in Saint Mary’s Gostomski Fieldhouse.

Teams comprised of friends, families and co-workers will join together for this fundraising effort, which celebrates people who have battled cancer, remembers loved ones lost, and provides an opportunity to fight back against the disease.

Last year more than 150 people participated in the event which raised more than $10,000 for the American Cancer Society.

Team members will spend the night walking around SMU’s indoor track from dusk to dawn to represent the 24-hour fight against cancer. Each team raises money for the American Cancer Society. This year’s movie theme is “Strike cancer from the script.”

Activities are planned throughout the night including a silent auction, student performances, a newlywed game, late-night Zumba and a chance to win a Fitbit.

If you are thinking about creating a team; if you would like to come and support the American Cancer Society’s efforts; if you would like to celebrate cancer survivors and remember those you have lost; or if you would like to be recognized as a survivor and have your success celebrated — come to this event. Participants are welcome to stay for as much or as little as their schedules allow.

To sign up, go to www.relayforlife.org/smu. Survivors should contact Lexi Hamilton at amhami11@smumn.edu.

For more information, e-mail collegesagainstcancer@smumn.edu.

Saint Mary’s to host Row, Ride, Run Triathlon

WINONA, Minn. — The annual Saint Mary’s University “Row, Ride, Run Triathlon” will take place on Saturday, April 26, beginning at 9 a.m. at Lake Lodge in Winona and finishing on SMU’s Winona campus. About 150 athletes from throughout the Midwest are expected to register for the race.

Participants will canoe or kayak a 2.5-mile loop around Lake Winona, then bike 14 miles from Lake Winona to the SMU campus. Once on campus, racers will run 3.1 miles through the bluffs surrounding the university.

Proceeds assist Serving Others United in Love (SOUL), a collaborative program between a student organization and SMU’s Office of Campus Ministry. Through SOUL, students are able to connect with diverse communities by participating in national and international service trips.          
Registration is $35 per individual or $70 per team. Teams can be made up of two, three or four members. The deadline to register is Sunday, April 20, and racers must provide their own canoes or kayaks.

Awards will be presented to the top three fastest individuals and the top finishing teams.
Participants must be 10 or older to row or run and 15 or older to bike.

For more information, visit www.smumn.edu/rowriderun or call (507) 457-7268.

Saint Mary’s Taylor Richmond benefit to assist former benefit organizer

WINONA, Minn. — Saint Mary’s will present the 14th annual Taylor Richmond Benefit Dance from 8:30 p.m. to midnight Saturday, March 15.

The beneficiary of this year’s formal dance — open to the public — is Jason Richter.
Richter is well-known to the Saint Mary’s community as he worked from 1998 to 2010 in Student Activities and was responsible for overseeing this same benefit event. Richter, who currently lives in Davenport, Iowa, is formerly of Rollingstone, where he served with the volunteer fire department and was an active community member.

Prior to being diagnosed with multiple myeloma last summer, Richter had pain in his lower back that turned out to be a mass. This is a disease that is more commonly found in people around the age of 60; because of his young age, he has responded well to treatments. He has undergone 10 radiation sessions, as well as recent bone and stem cell transplants. On top of that, the Richter family lives an hour away from the hospital Jason is receiving treatment at in Iowa City.

Although now in remission, Richter is still undergoing chemotherapy treatments. This year’s proceeds will assist his family, which includes three young sons, with their medical expenses and travel costs.

The benefit has become an annual student tradition since its start in 2001 in honor of Taylor Richmond, son of SMU staff member Nikki Richmond and Nick Richmond. Each year this event benefits someone in need who has ties to the SMU community. Although Taylor passed away this past October, his memory lives on at Saint Mary’s.

The dance, featuring music by the Johnny Holm Band, will be held in the gymnasium. Ticket prices are $15 per person or $30 per couple. To purchase tickets or receive more information, contact Lance Thompson at (507) 457-1686. Dance tickets will also be available at the door.

In combination with the dance, a silent auction will be held on campus from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. March 13-14. A variety of homemade goods, gift baskets and specialty items will be on display in the game room, located in the Toner Student Center. The public is welcome to bid. Donations are still needed.

To make a donation, send checks — payable to the Taylor Richmond Benefit Dance — to Lance Thompson, Saint Mary’s University, 700 Terrace Heights #1528, Winona, MN 55987.

SMU Cardinal Plunge raises $1,600 for local family

The family of Robert Ellinghuysen, this year’s beneficiary, came to watch the Cardinal Plunge Feb. 8.

WINONA, Minn. — Approximately 25 Saint Mary’s University students braved the icy water during the fifth annual “Cardinal Plunge,” held Feb. 8 in coordination with the Winter Carnival Goose Bump Jump in Lake Winona. This year, about $1,600 was raised for SMU junior Conner Ellinghuysen’s father, Robert Ellinghuysen of Winona. Robert was hit head on in a collision in June 2012 along Highway 14 in Stockton. He underwent numerous surgeries and lengthy hospital stays. Proceeds will help the Ellinghuysen family with ongoing medical expenses and other family needs. The event was sponsored by the Saint Mary’s Future Alumni Committee.

To see photos from the day, go to www.smumn.edu/photos.

SMU Cardinal Plunge Feb. 8 to raise money for local family

WINONA, Minn. — Brave souls and warm hearts are invited to join Saint Mary’s University for the fifth annual “Cardinal Plunge” 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 8, at the Lake Lodge Recreation Center, in coordination with the Winter Carnival Goose Bump Jump.

This year, Cardinal Plunge participants will again be freezin’ for a reason. Proceeds will be given to SMU junior Conner Ellinghuysen’s father, Robert Ellinghuysen of Winona. Robert was hit head on in a collision in June 2012 along Highway 14 in Stockton. He underwent numerous surgeries and lengthy hospital stays. Proceeds will help the Ellinghuysen family with ongoing medical expenses and other family needs.

The cost to plunge is $20 ($15 for the SMU community). This event is sponsored by the Saint Mary’s Future Alumni Committee.

Pre-register online at www.mysmumn.org/plunge2014. For more information, contact Kenzie Corrow at (507) 995-4863 or Conner Ellinghuysen at (507) 429-7960.

Saint Mary’s basketball team invites community to bring toys for Gifts for Winona program

WINONA, Minn. — The Saint Mary’s University’s women’s basketball team is partnering with the Saint Mary’s University Gifts for Winona program to collect toys on Saturday, Dec. 7. On Dec. 7, the women’s team will play the College of Saint Benedict at 3 p.m. in the SMU Gym. Attendees are encouraged to bring along a variety of new toys for girls and boys, which will be wrapped and distributed through Gifts for Winona. The Saint Mary’s University Gifts for Winona program, now in its 12th year, helps more than 1,600 people in the Winona area have happier holidays.

Saint Mary’s students provide a taste of Saudi Arabia

WINONA, Minn. — International students add cultural — and culinary — variety to the experience at Saint Mary’s University. Saint Mary’s students Mohanned Naquib and Abdulsalam Alabbad perform during the “Taste of Saudi Arabia” campus event Oct. 18. Students at the SMU De La Salle Language Institute and the Center for International Students sponsored the event, which drew approximately 100 SMU community members. Arabic food, music, dancing and cultural displays were presented by SMU students from Saudi Arabia. The event was the inspiration of SMU’s international student body, wanting to support the rebuilding efforts of the Winona Islamic Center, which was recently destroyed by fire. Freewill donations from the event will contribute $700 to the rebuilding fund. Check out more photos at www.smumn.edu/photos.

Annual SMU benefit raises $12,000 for student

This year's recipient, Sabrina Bushlack, poses with the benefit's namesake, Taylor Richmond.

Nearly 500 people attended the Taylor Richmond Benefit Dance March 23 at Saint Mary's University.

WINONA, Minn. — Nearly 500 people attended Saint Mary’s University’s 13th annual Taylor Richmond Benefit Dance on March 23.

Proceeds from the dance — and a silent auction held on campus — raised more than $12,000 for this year’s beneficiary Sabrina Bushlack, a senior biochemistry major who was seriously injured last summer by a drunk driver in Fort Wayne, Ind. The accident left Bushlack, a Mapleton resident, in a medically induced coma for several weeks. She is back on campus for the spring 2013 semester and making great strides. During her Saint Mary’s career she has been active in varsity volleyball, liturgical ministry, and as an orientation leader.

The benefit dance has become an annual tradition since it was started by students in 2001 in honor of Taylor Richmond, son of Saint Mary’s employee Nikki Richmond and Nick Richmond. Taylor has a genetic terminal illness called Ataxia Telangiectasia (A-T) and the money from his benefit was used to fulfill Taylor’s dream of going to Disneyworld. Each year this event benefits someone in the SMU community in need.

Donations are still being accepted. To help, send checks — payable to the Taylor Richmond Benefit Dance — to Lance Thompson, Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, 700 Terrace Heights No. 1528, Winona, MN 55987.

Saint Mary’s Relay for Life raises more than $17,500

WINONA, Minn. — On Friday and Saturday, March 15-16, the Saint Mary’s University community participated in the Relay for Life. More than 175 students, faculty, and staff came together to celebrate and remember those who have defeated cancer, those currently battling cancer, and those who have lost their lives to this disease. A record 22 cancer survivors were in attendance. The event raised more than $17,500 for the American Cancer Society and donations are still coming in. Team members spent the night walking around SMU’s indoor track from dusk to dawn to represent the 24-hour fight against cancer.

Saint Mary’s Taylor Richmond benefit to assist Sabrina Bushlack

WINONA, Minn. — Saint Mary’s will present the 13th annual Taylor Richmond Benefit Dance from 8:30 p.m. to midnight Saturday, March 23.

The beneficiary of this year’s formal dance — open to the public — is Sabrina Bushlack, a senior biochemistry major, who was seriously injured last summer by a drunk driver in Fort Wayne, Ind. The accident left Bushlack, a Mapleton resident, in a medically induced coma for several weeks. She is back on campus for the spring 2013 semester and making great strides. During her Saint Mary’s career she has been active in varsity volleyball, liturgical ministry, and as an orientation leader.

The benefit dance has become an annual tradition since its start in 2001 by students in honor of Taylor Richmond, son of SMU staff member Nikki Richmond and Nick Richmond of Cochrane, Wis. Each year this event benefits someone in the SMU community in need.

The dance, featuring music by the Johnny Holm Band, will be held in the gymnasium. Ticket prices are $18 per person or $30 per couple. To purchase tickets or receive more information, contact Lance Thompson at (507) 457-1686. Dance tickets will also be available at the door.

In combination with the dance, a silent auction will be held on campus from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. March 21-22. A variety of homemade goods, gift baskets and specialty items will be on display in the game room, located in the Toner Student Center. The public is welcome to bid. Donations are still needed.

To make a donation, send checks — payable to the Taylor Richmond Benefit Dance — to Lance Thompson, Saint Mary’s University, 700 Terrace Heights #1528, Winona, MN 55987.

Saint Mary’s invites public to Relay for Life March 15-16

WINONA, Minn. — The Saint Mary’s University Colleges Against Cancer group invites the community to its 2013 Relay for Life — to be held 6:30 p.m. to 4 a.m. Friday and Saturday, March 15-16, in Saint Mary’s Gostomski Fieldhouse.

Teams comprised of friends, families and co-workers will join together for this fundraising effort, which celebrates people who have battled cancer, remembers loved ones lost, and provides an opportunity to fight back against the disease.

Last year more than 300 people participated in the event which raised more than $36,000 for the American Cancer Society.

Team members will spend the night walking around SMU’s indoor track from dusk to dawn to represent the 24-hour fight against cancer. Each team raises money for the American Cancer Society. This year’s theme is “Be a hero and fight back against cancer, because not all heroes wear capes!”

Activities planned through the night include a silent auction, student performances, a newlywed game, late-night Zumba and a chance to win a Kindle Fire.

If you are thinking about creating a team; if you would like to come and support the American Cancer Society’s efforts; if you would like to celebrate cancer survivors and remember those you have lost; or if you would like to be recognized as a survivor and have your success celebrated — come to this event. Participants are welcome to stay for as much or as little as their schedules allow.

To sign up, go to www.relayforlife.org/smu.

For more information, e-mail collegesagainstcancer@smumn.edu.

Public invited to SMU’s ‘Cardinal Plunge’ Feb. 9

WINONA, Minn. — Brave souls and warm hearts are invited to join Saint Mary’s University for the fourth annual “Cardinal Plunge” 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 9, at Lake Goodview’s Michael LaCanne Park.

This year, Cardinal Plunge participants will be freezin’ for a reason. Proceeds will be given to SMU junior Arianna Williams and her family of Rochester. Williams’ life was changed in October 2012, when an accident claimed the life of her stepfather and left her mother seriously injured. Proceeds will help the Williams family with ongoing medical expenses and other family needs.

The cost to plunge is $15, and all participants will receive a “Cardinal Plunge” towel. This event is sponsored by the Saint Mary’s Future Alumni Committee with support from Student Life, Chartwells, and Winona County Dive and Rescue.

Registration (cash or checks only) begins at 10 a.m. on-site. Participants are also encouraged to pre-register online at www.mysmumn.org/plunge2013. Donations can be made to the Cardinal Plunge Student Emergency Fund, Saint Mary’s University, 700 Terrace Heights #21, Winona, MN 55987.

Refreshments and a light lunch will be available. Teams and costumes are encouraged.

For more information, contact Bob Fisher at rfisher@smumn.edu or (507) 457-6658.

SMU business students raise money for fellow student

WINONA, Minn. — Saint Mary’s University business students and the SMU College of Business donated $525 to the medical fund established for SMU student Sabrina Bushlack-Larson, 21, of Mapleton, Minn. Sabrina was critically injured in a car accident on July 16, 2012, after the taxi she was riding in was struck by a car that police said ran a red light. A biochemistry major and three-year regular for the Cardinal volleyball team, Bushlack-Larson suffered a brain injury that initially impacted her speech, balance and mobility.

Each semester, undergraduate entrepreneurship students manage a not-for-profit retail store located in a small corner of the basement of Toner Student Center. Aptly named the “Cardinal Corner,” students choose products to sell in the store, garner donations from around campus, and sell items for on-campus organizations as part of a course within the entrepreneurship major. Each semester the members of the class choose a different beneficiary to receive the store’s profits. Students chose Bushlack-Larson’s medical fund because they felt it was important to support a fellow student.

SMU’s entrepreneurship students continue to choose charities that are near and dear to the heart of a fellow classmate, or charities that benefit the SMU community. Profits from previous semesters have been donated to the Winona Area Humane Society; Haiti Medical Mission of Wisconsin; Taylor Richmond Benefit Dance recipients; Dom Dziecka, a children’s orphanage in Chotomów, Poland; and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Minnesota.

Individuals who would like to donate Bushlack-Larson should contact the Goodview branch of Wells Fargo Bank. For more information on the Cardinal Corner or to present your request to the class to be considered as the charity of choice for the semester, contact Jana Craft, at (507) 457-1491 or jcraft@smumn.edu. Become a fan and receive the latest updates at www.facebook.com/cardinalcorner.

Saint Mary’s basketball team invites community to bring toys for Gifts for Winona program

WINONA, Minn. — The Saint Mary’s University’s men’s basketball team is partnering with the Saint Mary’s University Gifts for Winona program to collect toys on Saturday, Dec. 8.

On Dec. 8, the men’s team will play Crown College at 3 p.m. in the SMU Gym. Attendees are encouraged to bring along a variety of new toys for girls and boys, which will be distributed through Gifts for Winona.

The Saint Mary’s University Gifts for Winona program, now in its 11th year, helps more than 1,600 people in the Winona area have happier holidays.

SMU Cardinals hosting third Toys For Tots Teddy Bear Toss

WINONA, Minn. — The Saint Mary’s University men’s hockey team will hold the third annual Toys For Tots Teddy Bear Toss Friday, Nov. 30, during the Cardinals’ 7:30 p.m. home game against St. Olaf at the SMU Ice Arena.

Fans attending are encouraged to bring a teddy bear or stuffed animal — preferably new, but those in good used condition will also be accepted and appreciated. Teddy bears will also be available at the arena for a donation of $1.

After the first SMU goal in the first period — or at the end of the first period — fans will have an opportunity to throw their teddy bears and/or stuffed animals onto the ice. They will then be collected and distributed to children in the Winona area for the holidays.

The men’s hockey team will also have a collection bin in the SMU Ice Arena lobby for anyone wishing to donate a toy other than a teddy bear for Toys For Tots.

The U.S. Marine Corps Toys For Tots Foundation was formed to collect new, unwrapped toys during October, November and December each year and then distribute those toys as Christmas gifts to needy children in their local communities. The program is aimed at helping needy children throughout the United States of America experience the joy of Christmas along with the message of hope to these under-privileged children to motivate them into being responsible, productive, patriotic citizens and community leaders.

Saint Mary’s University to Collect Toys for Tots Donations for the Fourth Straight Year

Toy donations welcome at Minneapolis, Apple Valley,

Minnetonka, Oakdale, and Rochester locations

Statistics show that 22% of children in America live in poverty.   Many of these 16 million children will not receive any presents this holiday season.  Saint Mary’s University wants to do what it can to help brighten the holiday season for Minnesota children.  That’s why we’re collecting Toys for Tots donations for the fourth straight year.  Headed by the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve for 65 years, Toys for Tots has provided more than 452 million toys to more than 209 million underprivileged children. 

Between November 30 and December 19, Saint Mary’s will accept donations of new, unwrapped toys at four Twin Cities locations as well as at our Rochester Center.  Typically, Toys for Tots experiences a shortage of toys for infants and teenagers.  That’s why we’re placing a particular focus on the ages of 0 to 2 and 15 to 17.  The university is also encouraging donors to contribute educational toys that spur creativity and thought.

We will collect donations at the following Saint Mary’s locations during listed hours.

·      Minneapolis campus (2500 Park Avenue)

-       Weekdays from 8 a.m.-6 p.m.

·      Apple Valley Center (14200 Cedar Avenue)

-       Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m.-9 p.m.

-       Friday from 8 a.m.-3 p.m.

·      Minnetonka Center (12450 Wayzata Boulevard)

-       Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m.-9 p.m.

·      Oakdale Center (7200 Hudson Boulevard N, Suite 200)

-       Monday from 5-10 p.m.

-       Tuesday through Thursday from 4-10 p.m.

-       Saturday from 8 a.m.-1 p.m.

·      Rochester Center (1926 Collegeview Drive SE)

-      Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m.- 6 p.m.

-   Friday from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

For more information about Saint Mary’s participation in Toys for Tots, follow us on Twitter at @SMUGradPrograms.

Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts to host Sugar Plum Fairy Tea Party fundraiser

WINONA, Minn. — The Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts is hosting its seventh biennial Sugar Plum Fairy Tea Party, Sunday, Nov. 18, at the Valéncia Arts Center, 1164 West 10th St.

This year’s Sugar Plum Fairy Tea Party will feature two tea sittings (1 p.m. and 4 p.m.), with specialty teas and exquisite finger foods. The Land of the Sweets Gift Boutique, featuring holiday gifts and crafts, is available to the public from 12:30 to 5:30 p.m.

Tickets are $15 for children and $18 for adults. All children attending the tea party will receive a complimentary photo with their favorite live character from the “Nutcracker” ballet. Tea attendees will enjoy the sounds of MCA’s Winona Area Youth Singers, as well musical performances by MCA’s Music Division instructors.

The Sugar Plum Fairy Tea party is the first big event of the “Nutcracker” production season for MCA and its performing group, the Dance Repertory Company. The company will present the full-length ballet, Nov. 28 – Dec. 2 at the Saint Mary’s University Page Theatre.   This year’s cast of more than 90 includes students from Saint Mary’s University, Winona State University, and children and community members from the Winona and surrounding areas.  For tickets to the production, call (507) 457-1715 or visit www.pagetheatre.org.

Proceeds from The Sugar Plum Fairy Tea Party go toward the MCA student scholarship fund and “Nutcracker” production costs.

To reserve seats or a full table of six for either the 1 p.m. or 4 p.m. tea sittings, please call (507) 453-5500. The Valéncia Arts Center is handicapped accessible.

Zumbathon® Nov. 10 to raise funds for First-Generation Initiative at SMU

WINONA, Minn. — Get fit while raising money for scholarships! On Saturday, Nov. 10, the public is invited to a Zumbathon® fundraiser from 4 to 5 p.m. at Saint Mary’s University. The event will be held in the SMU gymnasium and freewill donations will benefit the university’s First-Generation Initiative, which provides full scholarships to high-need, high-potential qualified students who are the first in their families to attend college. Alyssa Gostomski Carter, a 1998 alumna, is organizing the event, with help from Lisa Ziebell and Sondra Howard from Z’s Studio in Winona. Carter is being supported by MetroBeat Fitness and Dance in Minneapolis. This is the second year that she is spearheading a Zumbathon® to help raise awareness and funds for the First-Generation Initiative.

Get set to scream at annual Saint Mary's Walk of Horror

WINONA, Minn. — This year’s Saint Mary’s University Walk of Horror is again guaranteed to give you goosebumps. New scares are planned around every corner.

The 16th annual hair-raising fundraiser for the SMU Cardinal fastpitch softball team will take place from 7 to 10 p.m. Oct. 26-27 and 30-31 in the SMU bluffs. Walkers are asked to meet on the lighted path between the SMU baseball and softball fields, where the haunted walk will begin.

Groups are then escorted through the dark bluffs surrounding the SMU campus for approximately 20 minutes.

The cost is $5 for adults, $4 for students with ID, and $4 for children 12 and younger. Tickets are available at the gate.

SMU head fastpitch softball coach Jen Miller said the event is fun for all ages. The scare level is toned down for younger children and turned up for groups bold enough to face their fears. Last year more than 1,100 brave souls took SMU’s Walk of Horror.

Proceeds from this event will be used for the softball team’s travel expenses.

For more information, contact Miller at (507) 457-6923.

Fund established at Wells Fargo for Saint Mary’s accident victim

WINONA, Minn. — Saint Mary’s University senior Sabrina Larson Bushlack, 21, of Mapleton, Minn., was critically injured in a car accident July 16, in Fort Wayne, Ind.

According to the Fort Wayne Journal Gazette, Bushlack was injured after the taxi she was riding in was struck by a car that police said ran a red light.

Bushlack — a biochemistry major and three-year regular for the Cardinal volleyball team — remains under sedation because of swelling on her brain and is in intensive care at Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne, Ind. Doctors are optimistic about her prognosis.

 A fund has been set up at Wells Fargo Bank to help the Bushlack family with rising medical expenses — including flying Sabrina back to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn. Donations may be made by contacting any Wells Fargo Bank (including Wells Fargo at 875 34th Avenue, Winona, MN 55987) and indicating that the donation is for the benefit of Sabrina Bushlack.

A “Team Brina: Sabrina’s Biggest Fans” Facebook page has been set up for family and friends to share their thoughts and prayers. More than 1,200 members have joined in support of Bushlack.

“Our thoughts remain with Sabrina and her family during this difficult time,” said Brother William Mann, president of Saint Mary’s University. “The entire Saint Mary’s community joins me in prayers for recovery and strength, and we look forward to the day when Sabrina is able to return to campus. She’s a very special student who is loved by many.”