Public symposium April 16 at SMU to address societal expectations of gender

WINONA, Minn. — A public symposium titled “In the Looking Glass,” hosted by Saint Mary’s University’s Saint Teresa Institute on Tuesday, April 16, is designed to increase awareness of how the media influences societal expectations of women and men.

The event will be held from 5:15 to 8:15 p.m. in the World Room, located in SMU’s Hendrickson Center.

The evening will begin with the film, “Miss Representation,” a documentary film that explores how mainstream media contributes to the under-representation of women in influential positions by circulating limited — and often disparaging — portrayals of women. The film will be followed by dinner and a small group discussion.

Participants can then choose from several breakout sessions including:

• Who Wants to be a Porn Star? Sex and Violence in Today’s Pornography Industry— with Rosa Edholm, president of the Saint Teresa Institute and an SMU senior. (Must be 18 or older due to graphic nature.) This video slideshow offers an incredibly disturbing glimpse into the correlation between objectification, pornography and rape culture.

• Unrealistic expectations and Body Image Distortion— with Kelsey Brekke, Bridget Ryan, and Lexi Assimos of the Body Image Collaborative Lab at SMU. This discussion will focus on media influence on development of unrealistic body image ideals and subsequent body image distortion. Current research will be considered, as will the repercussions of body image distortion in eating and health behaviors.

• Gender as Portrayed in News and Entertainment Media — with Dr. Steven Schild, associate professor of social science at SMU. There’s no question that there’s gender bias in at least some media portrayals. That bias, though, isn't always as one-dimensional as you might think. Schild will examine and discuss items from news accounts as examples of gender bias that cuts two ways.

• The Image of Pageantry — with Serica Rowley, Miss Winona and a current SMU student.

What images comes to mind when you think of the Miss America or the Manhunt beauty pageants? Were you even aware of the Manhunt pageant? Join Miss Winona for this session to explore the myths and truths of beauty pageants.

At 7:45 p.m., the event’s keynote speaker, Dr. Trisha Karr, assistant professor of psychology at SMU, will tie the evening’s themes together. Karr has done extensive research on the body image of athletes.

For more information or to register online, go to www.smumn.edu/lookingglass by April 10. SMU students will be admitted for free; others are asked to pay a $12 dinner fee.

Women’s Symposium at SMU to address volunteerism

WINONA, Minn. — In 2010, 36 million women (29.3%) dedicated 4.7 billion hours of service to communities across the country.

This year’s public “For the Common Good” Women’s Symposium, hosted by Saint Mary’s University’s Saint Teresa Institute, delves into the question of why women choose to give so generously of their time and the impact it has on the quality of life and the security of citizens in the United States and around the world.

The event will be held from 3:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday, April 12, in SMU’s Toner Student Center.

Beth Forkner Moe, executive director of the United Way of the Greater Winona Area, will set the stage in her opening address. The keynote by Sister Tierney Trueman, OSF, will provide an inside look at the work of faith-based organizations. She will highlight one of the Sisters of Saint Francis ministries, which provides education for approximately 1,000 girls at Colegio Santa Francisca Romana in Bogotá, Colombia.

Participants can select from three breakout sessions:

• Does it Matter? Does volunteering really make a difference in securing, retaining or being promoted to a position in the workplace?
• In Community: Why does business actively encourage employee volunteerism?
• Still Serving: Why emerging leaders, mothers and senior members of our communities volunteer.

Register online at www.smumn.edu/womensymposium by April 5. SMU students will be admitted for free; other student tickets are $10, and adult tickets are $30.

‘Winona Women in History’ topic of upcoming women’s reception

Catherine Goddard Smith

WINONA, Minn. – The Saint Teresa Leadership and Service Institute for Women at Saint Mary’s University will host a women’s reception Wednesday, March 16, to kick off Women’s History Month.

Guest speaker Jennifer Weaver, assistant director of the Winona County Historical Society, will present “Winona Women in History.”

She will trace the stories of six Winona women who made history including: Winona’s founding “Aunt” Catherine Goddard Smith (1812-1888), African American entrepreneur Emma Shelton (1865-?), educator and daughter of Civil War soldier Mabel Marvin (1876-1955), J.R. Watkins’ daughter and adventurer Grace Watkins King (1877-1975), performer Jeanette Lamberton (1869-1956), and Vaudeville and early film actress Myrtle Huntley (1880-1974).

Refreshments and hors d’oeuvres will be served in the Toner Student Center Lounge at 4.30 p.m., and Weaver’s presentation will begin at 5:15 p.m. in the adjoining President’s Room.

SMU’s Saint Teresa Institute hosts women’s symposium April 13

WINONA, Minn. – The Saint Teresa Leadership and Service Institute of Saint Mary’s is hosting the 2010 Women’s Symposium, “Cracks in the Ceiling” Tuesday, April 13, in SMU’s Toner Student Center.

As Hillary Clinton conceded the 2008 presidential race, she noted that there were 18 million cracks in the glass ceiling. A recent report noted that in the first time in American history, women have surpassed men in the workforce. So has the ceiling been broken? “Cracks in the Ceiling” offers a look at women’s accomplishments and progress in United States as they move to gender equality.

Schedule of events
3:45 to 4:15 p.m. — Registration & Reception

4:15 to 5 p.m. — Keynote “White House Project Report: Benchmarking Women’s Leadership” with Catherine Gray, Midwest Director of Strategy and Engagement, the White House Project. For the first time in American history, women now make up more than 50 percent of the workforce. But in what positions and at what pay? Gray will share highlights of the report, noting women’s progress towards equality in the work place.

5:10-6 pm Breakout Sessions (choose one)
• The Religious Perspective —While 87 percent of women say they have a formal religious affiliation, women currently make up about 15 percent of the leadership positions available to them in their religious faiths. What are women’s roles in religious faiths, is there a place for women leaders, and what is taking place to increase women’s involvement? An interfaith panel will discuss perspective and action toward increasing women’s leadership involvement in religion.
• The Stem of it — The representation of U.S. women and girls in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields has risen dramatically in recent decades. Take part in the conversation of what is being done to increase girls’ and women’s interest in — and preparation for — these fields and address the disparities in the STEM professions.
• The Political Scene —In 2009, the United States ranked 61st out of 130 countries in the number of women holding political positions in the country. Why is that? Join panelists as they share their experiences from holding political office, and learn how you support women in office, and how you can become politically active in your community.

6 to 6:30 p.m. — Poster Presentation and Reception
Visit with student presenters and learn about their volunteerism, activism and academic research. Poster presentations on these topics are being sought for this reception. High school, undergraduate and graduate students are invited to be presenters. Students must be in attendance to present their poster. Posters should contain narrative, data and photographs/graphics on the topic of presentation. Presenters will need to submit the name of their presentations and brief descriptions when registering. Due to time constraints, not all submissions may be chosen.

6:30 to 8:30 p.m. — Dinner & Keynote Speaker – Entrepreneurship: Martha Rossini Olson, Owner, Sweet Martha’s Cookie Jar
In recent years, Sweet Martha’s Cookie Jar has sold more than 5 million chocolate chip cookies at the Minnesota State Fair. Off season, you can find the favorite ready-to-bake chocolate chip cookie dough in local grocery stores. Olson (aka Sweet Martha) will share how she got started in the business and highlights of Sweet Martha’s Cookie Jar’s 30-year history. Hear what she does when she’s not selling cookies.

Register online at www.smumn.edu/womensymposium or call (507) 457-1733. The cost for the symposium is $25, $10 for college and high school students or free for SMU students. Registration is due Wednesday, April 7.

The symposium partially funded by the School of Humanities and Sciences, Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota.

Public invited to Entrepreneurship Week at Saint Mary’s University April 12-16

WINONA, Minn. — The public is invited to a full schedule of events in honor of Entrepreneurship Week Monday, April 12, through Friday, April 16, at Saint Mary’s University. Highlights include presentations by nationally known speakers. Events are hosted by the Kabara Institute for Entrepreneurial Studies at SMU in an effort to recognize and celebrate entrepreneurial spirit both at the university and in the community. All events are free except for the women’s symposium.

Monday, April 12

Business Ethics Roundtable
7:30 to 9 a.m., Toner Student Center Lounge
To kick off a weeklong celebration of entrepreneurship at Saint Mary’s University, the Kabara Institute for Entrepreneurial Studies and the Hendrickson Institute for Ethical Leadership will partner to offer a roundtable breakfast event focused on white-collar crime issues in today’s society. Justin Paperny, a former UBS stockbroker and author of "Lessons from Prison," will share his personal story of unethical business practice. Please RSVP to dlawrence@smumn.edu for catering purposes.

Dress to Impress
7 to 8 p.m., Common Room, third floor, Saint Mary’s Hall
Through a partnership with SMU’s Saint Teresa Leadership and Service Institute for Women, the Kabara Institute will host a fun event aimed to educate young adults about what is appropriate to wear as a business owner and young professional.

Tuesday, April 13

Women’s Symposium
3:45 to 8:30 p.m., Toner Student Center Lounge
Continuing the partnership with SMU’s Saint Teresa Leadership and Service Institute for Women, this four-hour symposium will be offered for individuals who would like to learn more about the challenges and opportunities women face in a business setting. The symposium begins with the reflections and findings of the “White House Project Report: Benchmarking Women’s Leadership,” noting women’s progress toward equality in the work place and community. The guest speaker will be Catherine Gray, Midwest director of Strategy and Engagement of “The White House Project.”

Attendees are then welcome to attend one of three breakout sessions that focus on women in the sciences, women in religion, and women in politics. Students will also make special presentations related to their engagement in volunteerism, activism and women’s status.

The evening concludes with dinner and a keynote address by successful entrepreneur Martha Rossini Olson, owner of Sweet Martha’s Cookie Jar, which sells millions of chocolate chip cookies each year at the Minnesota State Fair. The cost for the symposium is $25 or $10 for students. To register online, go to www.smumn.edu/womensymposium.

Wednesday, April 14

Social Entrepreneurship with keynote Lisa Nigro, founder of Inspiration Café
7 to 8 p.m., dining room, Toner Student Center
Lisa Nigro, a Chicago police officer, felt compelled to help the many homeless people she encountered in the Uptown area. She began loading up a red wagon with sandwiches and coffee to distribute on the streets. In 1989, she founded Inspiration Café on Chicago’s north side. Her business quickly expanded to not only providing meals but also offering case management, support groups, life skills training, financial assistance and other services to homeless men and women. Her inspirational story was chosen from more than 2,000 entries in the TrueNorth competition. TrueNorth debuted a 60-second commercial about Nigro and the Inspiration Café, directed by Oscar-winning actress Helen Hunt, during the 2009 Academy Awards presentation. Learn more about Lisa’s passion at www.inspirationcorp.org. View the Inspiration Café commercial at www.smumn.edu/inspirationcafe.

Thursday, April 15

Professor for a Day: Dave Anderson, founder of Famous Dave’s Barbecue
11 a.m. to noon and 2 to 3 p.m., Toner Student Center Lounge
Dave Anderson – entrepreneur, author and visionary – will share his views on integrity, work ethic, and his personal philosophy. After an outstanding response in April 2009, Anderson will be visiting the SMU campus again to share his motivational story as a visiting professor for the day. He will share his entrepreneurial perspectives with those who are seeking advice and inspiration to chase after their personal goals and dreams.

Friday, April 16

Celebrate Winona’s Entrepreneurial Spirit (luncheon and informal networking)
11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Toner Student Center Lounge
To conclude the weeklong celebration, a final gathering will highlight and celebrate the City of Winona’s rich entrepreneurial history. A special luncheon will bring students and entrepreneurs together for a unique networking opportunity. Business owners are encouraged to bring print materials for a community display highlighting Winona’s entrepreneurial spirit. Attendees will enjoy a light meal. Please RSVP to dlawrence@smumn.edu for catering purposes.

About the Kabara Institute — Dr. Jon J. Kabara, a 1948 Saint Mary’s alumnus and an entrepreneur in the field of medical research, knew he wanted to share his passion, spirit and knowhow with the businessmen and women of tomorrow. In 2005, Dr. Kabara and his wife, Betty, made a substantial gift and ongoing commitment to establish the Kabara Institute for Entrepreneurial Studies at Saint Mary’s. The Kabara Institute aims to incite a passion for entrepreneurial spirit in students across the university, regardless of their major field of study; to enhance the entrepreneurship program offerings at Saint Mary’s by providing opportunities for students to interact with entrepreneurs and experience entrepreneurship first-hand; and to foster a greater understanding and appreciation of the importance of entrepreneurs and entrepreneurship in our society.

‘Learn to Lead’ added to summer Saint Mary’s sports camps lineup

WINONA, Minn. — With summer vacation just ahead, now’s the time to register for camps at Saint Mary’s University’s Winona campus. A variety of programs are offered for area youth of all ages including: volleyball, basketball, hockey, swimming, figure skating or the new “Learn to Lead” camp for girls in grades six through eight.

• Learn to Lead camp from July 12-16. Learn to Lead is a new four-day on-campus experience for girls entering grades six, seven and eight in fall 2009. Participants will focus on the discovery of the leader within through fun activities, outdoor adventures and leadership skill development. The camp is being developed in conjunction with the Saint Teresa Leadership and Service Institute for Women at SMU. The cost is $375.

• Girls volleyball camps for girls in grades six through eight is July 19-23, and for grades nine through 12 is July 26-30. Develop as a player and as a person during this residential athletic camp, which focuses on both individual skills and team play. The cost is $375.

• Girls basketball camp for girls in grades five through 10 is July 12-16. This instructional camp gives special attention to the fundamentals of shooting, ball handling, passing and defense. Time is spent developing team concepts as well as offensive and defensive games plans. Each age group is challenged to compete and improve their skills against other campers their age. The cost is $375.

• PDP Hockey School is for girls and boys ages 8 through 18. Squirts, ages 9-10, meet June 28 through July 2; pee wees, ages 11-12, meet June 28 through July 2; boys goalies, ages 8 through 12, meet June 28 through July 2; U-10/U-12 girls meet July 5-9; U-14/high school girls meet July 5-9; and girls goaltenders, ages 8 through 18, meet July 5-9. The five-day residential camp cost is $595. Contact Bill Moore at (651) 442-7306 or pdphockeyschool@comcast.net.

• Mid-States Swim Camp meets June 14-18 and June 21-25. The five-day residential camp is $540. Contact midsts@nconnect.net.

• “Turning Point” Figure Skating Camp meets July 19-22 and 20-21. The cost for the four-day residential camp is $575. For the day camp, the cost is $125 per day or $225 for both days. Contact John Meier at (507) 452-5305 or winonafigureskating@charter.net.

*Registration for PDP Hockey, Mid-States Swim and Turning Point Figure Skating must be done through these individual camps. Although the camps are hosted on the SMU campus, SMU is not handing registration or payment.

For more information, go to www.smumn.edu/camps. Register and pay online, or call 800-635-5987, Ext. 6921 or (507) 457-6921.

Winters named director of Saint Teresa Institute

Margaret “Peg” Winters has been named the director of the Saint Teresa Leadership and Service Institute for Women at Saint Mary’s University.

The Institute — in its fifth year at SMU — nurtures women’s leadership potential; encourages women to grow intellectually, socially, spiritually, and culturally; and celebrates personal integrity, excellence and service.

Winters has focused much of her professional career on educating and empowering young women. She has two decades of leadership experience through her work with the Girl Scouts; in 2004, she was named the CEO of the Girl Scout Council of River Trails, serving southeast Minnesota.

Most recently she worked as a Long Term Recovery coordinator for the United Way of Olmsted County, addressing resident recovery efforts in the seven-county region of southeast Minnesota that was impacted by flooding.

Winters earned her Master of Education degree from the University of Oklahoma and holds an Instructor of Trainers credential with Girl Scouts of the USA.

Saint Teresa Institute, Brain Injury Association co-sponsor Walk for Thought

WINONA, Minn. — The Saint Teresa Leadership and Service Institute for Women of Saint Mary’s University and the Brain Injury Association of Minnesota are sponsoring a Walk for Thought fundraiser Saturday, Oct. 6, at Lake Winona.

The sixth annual Walk for Thought raises public awareness about brain injury and funding to support those affected by brain injury. Each year more than 20,000 Minnesotans sustain a traumatic brain injury from events such as motor vehicle crashes, falls and firearms — six times more than the combined annual number of people who will experience HIV/AIDS, breast cancer and multiple sclerosis. Despite this startling statistic, awareness about the causes and residual effects of brain injury remain low.

In 2007, the Walk for Thought will be at two other locations besides Winona, Canal Park in Duluth and Como Park in St. Paul. This marks the second time the walk has been held in Winona.

Registration and check-in for the Winona walk starts at 9 a.m. at the walk tent in the Kmart parking lot. The walk will begin at 10 a.m. To register online or for more information, go to www.braininjurymn.org.

Last year more than 1,000 participants and sponsors raised nearly $80,000 for the cause — and this year the goal is to raise a record-breaking $100,000 for the Brain Injury Association of Minnesota.

“While our goal is to continue raising awareness, this year's walk is of acute importance as one of our young students sustained a brain injury in an accident just weeks before school started,” said Holly Richard, director of the Saint Teresa Institute. “When intangible statistics become real within a small community, people take action. Brain injuries are very real, and we hope to get more people involved to support the work of the Brain Injury Association.”

The mission of the Brain Injury Association of Minnesota is to enhance the quality of life and bring the promise of a better tomorrow for all people affected by brain injury. Based in Minneapolis, the Association conducts support groups, holds education events for individuals impacted by brain injury and creates public awareness about brain injury, as the only cure is prevention.

The Saint Teresa Leadership and Service Institute for Women is a co-curricular women’s program that incorporates a leadership and service perspective into Saint Mary’s University general education courses.

Women in Mathematics Colloquium March 19 at SMU

WINONA, Minn. — The Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota’s Department of Mathematics and Statistics is hosting a “Women in Mathematics” Colloquium Monday, March 19.
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Dr. Judith Rich O’Fallon, professor emeritus at the Mayo Clinic, will speak about “Biostatistical Careers in Medical Research.” Her presentation will address responsibilities and challenges of biostatisticians engaged in medical research through personal examples. This colloquium is supported by a grant from the Tensor Foundation to encourage women to study mathematics.

The event will begin at 4:30 p.m. in Salvi Lecture Hall (Room 332), located on the third floor of Saint Mary’s Hall. A reception for Dr. O’Fallon, sponsored by the Saint Teresa Leadership and Service Institute for Women, precedes the talk at 3:45 p.m. in the Common Room, also located on the third floor of Saint Mary’s Hall. The public is welcome to both events. For more information, contact Dr. Kevin Dennis, chair of the Department of Mathematics and Statistics, at (507) 452-0416 or kdennis@smumn.edu.

Saint Teresa Institute celebrates Women’s history

Saint Teresa Institute invites community to celebrate Women’s history

WINONA, Minn. — In celebration of Women’s History Month, the Winona community is invited to the Saint Teresa Institute's first annual Women in Leadership and Service Symposium, Wednesday, March 21, at Saint Mary’s University.
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The event, planned for 6 to 8:30 p.m. in the Toner Student Center Lounge, will feature three distinguished speakers from 6 to 7:30 p.m., followed by two short breakout sessions for questions and discussion. Presenters will include Lori Severson, entrepreneur and instructor; Nikki Fennern, athletic director for Saint Mary's; and Terri Wintering, J.D., family and civil law practitioner, each speaking on their professional experiences in leadership and service, as well as the importance of empowering one another to achieve balance in mind, body, and spirit.

Everyone is welcome; refreshments will be served. For more information, contact Holly Richard, director of the Saint Teresa Leadership and Service Institute for Women at Saint Mary’s, at (507) 457-6651.