Saint Mary’s University named one of ‘Best in Midwest’ by Princeton Review

WINONA, Minn. — Saint Mary’s University is one of 159 schools receiving the “Best in the Midwest” designation for 2015 from the Princeton Review, a national college guide and ranking program. Results were announced this week.

Each year, the Princeton Review profiles colleges and universities that “stand out as academically excellent institutions of higher learning.” The Princeton Review survey asks students to rate their own schools on a variety of issues — from the accessibility of their professors to quality of the campus food — and answer questions about themselves, their fellow students, and their campus life.

The 648 colleges named regional bests (226 in the Northeast, 139 in the Southeast, 159 in the Midwest, and 124 in the West) represent only about 25 percent of the nation's 2,500 four-year colleges.

The Princeton Review is a New York City-based company known for test-preparation courses, education services and books.

For more information, go to www.princetonreview.com/best-regional-colleges.aspx. The website gives a profile of Saint Mary’s, along with useful college selection features.

Lemmer named associate VP for Marketing and Communication

WINONA, Minn. — Nick Lemmer was named associate vice president for Marketing & Communication on Saint Mary's University's Winona campus in January.

In this position, Lemmer — a 1994 Saint Mary’s alumnus — oversees the campus’ marketing, communication, sports information, and graphic and web services.

A native of Winona, Lemmer comes to Saint Mary’s from Inver Hills Community College, where he served as director of marketing from 2009-2012. At Inver Hills, he successfully led a redesign and rebuilding of the college website and contributed to an 8.3 percent enrollment growth. Additionally he completed an overhaul of the college brand including position, messaging, identity and standards.

Prior to Inver Hills, he worked for Clockwork Active Media Systems and Hanley Wood Marketing, both in Minneapolis. Lemmer brings with him a wealth of experience in media relations, marketing and communications.

Lemmer holds a bachelor’s degree from Saint Mary’s University and a master’s degree from the University of Minnesota-Carlson School of Management.

“Saint Mary’s University and its mission have had a significant impact on my life,” he said. “I look forward to building on the reputation and regard of Saint Mary’s through quality marketing and communication efforts.”

He and his wife, Kristina, have two daughters, Madeline and Charlotte.