Saint Mary’s 10th president, Brother Peter Clifford, dies

WINONA, Minn. — Brother Peter Clifford, FSC, the 10th president of Saint Mary’s University, passed away Tuesday, July 23, 2013 at De La Salle Hall in Lincroft, N.J.

A dedicated educational visionary and financial steward, Brother Peter served as president of Saint Mary’s from 1976 to 1984, and is credited for bringing fiscal security to the college. Brother Peter also fostered close relationships between Saint Mary’s and the city of Winona by being an active member of the community. During his presidency, he served on the boards of both the Winona Chamber of Commerce and Norwest Bank.

Additionally, he initiated the first graduate course offerings in the Twin Cities and laid the financial groundwork for the Performance Center and the ice arena on the Winona campus.

Brother Peter was born in the Bronx in New York City on Feb. 17, 1925. He graduated from St. Jerome’s School in the Bronx in 1939 and entered the Junior Novitiate of the Christian Brothers in Barrytown, N.Y.  He entered to the Brothers Novitiate in 1943, made his first vows in 1944, and made his final vows in 1950.

Brother Peter studied history at Catholic University in Washington, D.C., received his B.A. degree in Education from Manhattan College in 1950, and an M.A. degree in History from Fordham University in 1957. In 1968, he received a CAS degree in Educational Administration from Harvard University. In 1970, he received an Ed.D. degree in Educational Administration, also from Harvard.

Brother Peter’s ministry career was varied. He taught at grammar schools, served as a missionary in the Philippines, acted as the academic dean at De La Salle College in Manila, served as an administrator at a variety of high schools, worked for the Catholic Schools office in Brooklyn, N.Y., and acted as the executive secretary for secondary schools at the National Catholic Education Association.

Brother Peter’s ministry in higher education began as an academic dean at St. John’s University in Jamaica, Queen, before coming to Saint Mary’s.

After the conclusion of his work at Saint Mary's, Brother Peter served as Provincial of the LINE District of the Brothers of the Christian Schools for three years and for two years as an Assistant in Higher Education for the U.S. Catholic Conference in Washington, D.C.  His last college connection was as President of St. Mary’s College in Leavenworth, Kan., from 1989 to 1994.

Brother Peter then became Director of Finance for the LINE District of the Brothers of the Christian Schools.  He moved back to Winona in 2000 and worked as a vice president for the Metanoia Group, a consulting enterprise at Saint Mary’s University, until 2002. He then moved back to Rhode Island where he became Assistant to the President of Ocean Tides, a residential center for delinquents, until his illness this year.

A wake for Brother Peter will be held at the Christian Brothers Center in Narragansett, R.I., on Thursday, July 25, and Friday, July 26, 2013.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Christian Brothers Center on Friday, July 26, 2013 at 11 a.m.

Brother William Mann, FSC, President, will represent Saint Mary's University at the wake, Mass, and burial.

“Brother Peter will be remembered for his unwavering faith, his strong leadership and for establishing a solid financial foundation at Saint Mary’s, enabling us to significantly expand our reach and educational reputation,” Brother William said. “Those who worked alongside Brother Peter will also remember his kindness, generosity and enduring spirit. He will be missed.”

Conservatory Fall registration open

The new fall semester 2013 brochure for the Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts is now available. The MCA offers programming in dance, music, visual art and theatre year-round. Classes, lessons, workshops and camps are offered for youth (beginning at age 3) through adults at the Valéncia Arts Center, located at 1164 West 10th St.

Registrations are now being accepted. Some of the offerings include:

• New art division classes including “Architecture for Kids” and “Drawing 101.”
• Dance programming in ballet, pointe, modern, jazz, hip-hop and tap with new course divisions.
• Private music lessons with talented teaching artists.
• New partner workshops with the Minnesota Marine Art Museum and Great River Shakespeare Festival.
• Advanced training for those serious about dance with an additional ballet V/VI/VII class.
• New adult wellness classes including folk music workshops, “Intro to Guitar,” “Self Portrait Workshop,” and “Belly Dancing for Beginners.”

Class days, times and tuition vary. Financial, need-based scholarships are available. For a brochure and a complete listing, visit www.mnconservatoryforthearts.org, e-mail mca@smumn.edu, “like” them on Facebook or call 453-5500.  Interested students may register online, by mail, or in person at MCA’s Valéncia Arts Center.

This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a Minnesota State Arts Board Operating Support grant, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.

MCA presents 2013 Summer Dance Intensive Showcase

WINONA, Minn. — The Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts will present the Summer Dance Intensive showcase at 3:30 p.m. Sunday, July 21, at the Valéncia Arts Center Academy Theatre, 1164 West 10th St.

The showcase, which is free and open to the public, features works that the students participating in the Summer Dance Intensive have learned in their two-week dance camp.  A variety of dance forms will be presented, including classical and contemporary ballet, jazz, musical theatre dance, and modern dance. The works were choreographed by MCA guest artists Dustyn Martincich, Allan Kinzie, Jen TeBeest and Tammy Schmidt.

In addition to learning showcase pieces, students have been participating in comprehensive dance training including technique and theory classes throughout the two- week process. Class studies have included ballet, pointe, variations, pas de deux, repertory, jazz, hip hop, rhythm tap, modern, musical theatre dance, piyo, choreography and improvisation.

The students are from Minnesota, Wisconsin, South Dakota, and Iowa; rangein age from 12 to 18; and were selected for the program by audition.

For more information about the Summer Dance Intensive showcase or future MCA program offerings, visit www.mnconservatoryforthearts.org, e-mail mca@smumn.edu, “like” them on Facebook, or call (507) 453-5500.

Kowles writes book about his teaching/learning experiences

WINONA, Minn. — Dr. Dick Kowles, professor emeritus of biology at Saint Mary’s University, candidly and comically recounts his career in his most recent book titled, “A Passion to Teach: 58 years of humorous, weird and engaging tales.”

With a humorous twist, Dr. Kowles details his desire to be a teacher, working his way through college with terrible jobs and teaching for 14 years in three different high schools before entering graduate school to pursue a Ph.D. in genetics.

The graduate school episode, he notes, took place with a wife and five young children and required unbelievable financial craftiness. Much of the book also deals with teaching at the college level, chairing a biology department, conducting research, and engaging in scientific communication. Many people in the Saint Mary’s community will recognize names – and even a few embarrassing incidents.

The last three chapters offer personal opinions, viewpoints and biases regarding teaching.

Produced by Beaver’s Pond Press, Edina, the book can be purchased from the SMU Bookstore, the Book Shelf in Winona, Amazon, or directly through Gilmore Creek Press, 1293 County Dr., Winona; (507) 452-1758.

Saint Mary’s University in top 10 national universities for students living on campus

WINONA, Minn. — Saint Mary’s University is listed seventh among “National Universities” for its high percentage of undergraduates living on campus, according to a recently released U.S. News ranking.

According to U.S. News, the country is facing a shortage of on-campus student housing at public and private schools, according to a 2012 report by the National Multi Housing Council that analyzed data between 2000 and 2010. The last decade saw a 38.7 percent increase in student enrollment, and as enrollment surged, most states have seen a smaller percentage of students living in dorms. Areas with the highest campus housing shortages include Arizona, the District of Columbia, Georgia, Iowa, Minnesota and West Virginia.

Despite the shortage, U.S. News compiled a list of 10 universities that are still housing most of their students on campus.

Harvard University tops the list of U.S. News National Universities with the highest percentage of undergraduate students living on campus in fall 2011. The Ivy League school has 98 percent of its undergraduates living on campus.

Saint Mary’s, in seventh, had 89 percent of students living on campus during the reporting period.

Other schools on the list include: Princeton University, 87 percent; California Institute of Technology, 95 percent; Columbia University, 95 percent; Stanford University, 91 percent; Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 90 percent; Yale University, 88 percent; Dartmouth College, 86 percent; and Vanderbilt University, 86 percent.

Of the 247 ranked National Universities that provided data to U.S. News about campus housing, an average of 38 percent of the undergraduate population lives on campus. Saint Mary’s is one of only three public or private schools in Minnesota in this category.

“The completion of our newest 141-bed residence hall this past year reflects our commitment to creating a vibrant campus and transformational residential life experience,” said Chris Kendall, vice president of student life. “A high number of students living on campus brings life and vitality to all university activities and events. And a student's residential experience is an important component of their overall college experience.”

U.S. News surveyed more than 1,800 colleges and universities for its 2012 survey of undergraduate programs. While much of this survey data is used to rank schools for its annual “Best Colleges” rankings, the data can also be useful when examined on a smaller scale. U.S. News is now producing lists of data, separate from the overall rankings, meant to provide students and parents a means to find which schools excel, or have room to grow, in specific areas that are important to them.

For more information, go to www.usnews.com/education/best-colleges/the-short-list-college/articles/2013/06/18/10-national-universities-where-most-students-live-on-campus.

Tickets sold out for SMU Red Carpet Gala June 22

WINONA, Minn. — Tickets have sold out for Saint Mary’s University’s Red Carpet Centennial Gala Saturday, June 22. The university’s All-School Reunion Weekend June 21-23 is expected to draw a crowd of 700 people, and the gala registration capped at 800 alumni and friends.

Highlights of the weekend include an on-campus fireworks show, a performance by Nicholas David from “The Voice,” a golf outing, trolley tours, the Gilmore Gallop, a family picnic, the unveiling of a new statue, canoeing, and more.

During Saturday’s gala, the university’s Heritage Award will be given to Mike ’62 and Joette Gostomski of Winona, whose generous lifetime philanthropy has significantly transformed Saint Mary’s University. Additionally, two special recognitions will honor the profound influence of the Christian Brothers on Saint Mary’s. Brother Álvaro Rodríguez Echeverría, the order’s Superior General, will accept a Centennial Award on behalf of the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools, and Brother Larry Schatz, Visitor, will accept a Centennial Award on behalf of the Midwest District of the Brothers of the Christian Schools.

Public invited to play in Saint Mary’s Tom Farren Memorial Golf Classic

WINONA, Minn. — The public is invited to play in Saint Mary's University’s fifth annual Tom Farren Memorial Golf Classic Sunday, July 21. The four-person scramble will have a 9 a.m. shotgun start at Cedar Valley Golf Course. The $80 entry fee includes a Sunday brunch from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m., a Saint Mary’s pullover jacket and 18 holes of golf with a cart.  The deadline to register is Monday, July 8.

This outing honors former SMU Golf Coach Tom Farren and is a fundraiser for the men’s and women’s golf teams.

Raffle prizes are available. Team prizes will include: first place — four FootJoy shirts; fifth place — four Greg Norman shirts; 10th place — four Cutter & Buck shirts; second-to-last place — Twins pint glass and sleeve of balls; and last place — Twins pint glass and sleeve of balls. Games will include closest to pin (holes 4, 8, 11 and 15), long drive (holes 1 and 10), longest putt (holes 9 and 13) and closest to pin in two shots (a team prize on hole 18). Game prizes will include golf caps, with a team prize of four 18-hole rounds of golf.

Sponsors include Minnesota City Custom and RTP Co.

Send a check and shirt sizes for foursomes to Cedar Valley Golf Course, P.O. Box 1148, Winona, MN 55987. For more information, contact Ryan Egan, SMU men’s and women’s golf coach at regan@smumn.edu or (507) 457-6918.

Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts now taking summer registration

WINONA, Minn. — The Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts offers programming in dance, music, visual art and theatre year-round. Classes, lessons, workshops and camps are offered for youth ages 3 and older and adults at the Valéncia Arts Center, located at 1164 West 10th St.

Registration for summer camps is going on now. Check out the new programming. Offerings include:

• (New) Sing It Out: Glee Summer School Camp
• Dance programming in ballet, pointe, modern, jazz, hip hop, lyrical and tap.
• Adult guitar classes
• (NEW)My Grownup and Me: Creative Music and Movement class in July
• Private Music Lessons
• (NEW) Winona Arts Camps
• Theatre and dance camps

Class days, times and tuition vary.  Financial need-based scholarships are available. For a brochure and a complete listing, visit www.mnconservatoryforthearts.org , e-mail mca@smumn.edu, “Like” the MCA on Facebook or call (507) 453-5500. Interested students may register online, by mail, or in person at MCA’s Valéncia Arts Center.

This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a Minnesota State Arts Board Operating Support grant, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.

Saint Mary's University honors Michael Johanns with honorary degree

Sen. Michael Johanns receives an honorary doctorate from Brother William Mann,  president of Saint Mary's University.

WINONA, Minn. — In recognition of his lifetime of work as a public servant, U.S. Sen. Michael Johanns (R-Neb.), a 1971 Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota alumnus, was presented with an honorary doctorate by Saint Mary’s at its Winona campus commencement ceremony May 11. Sen. Johanns was awarded a Doctor of Laws degree, honoris causa, for more than 30 years of distinguished service to society as mayor of Lincoln, governor of Nebraska, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, and U.S. Senator. The Saint Mary’s citation noted that Sen. Johanns has “exemplified the characteristics of service and ethical leadership that this university strives to develop in all of its students and, by a life admirably dedicated in service of the common good, has brought honor and credit to his alma mater.”

Steven E. Titus named president of Iowa Wesleyan College

INONA, Minn. — Dr. Steven E. Titus, Senior Vice President, University Advancement at Saint Mary’s University, has been selected as the next President of Iowa Wesleyan College, a four-year liberal arts college in Mount Pleasant, Iowa.

Titus joined Saint Mary’s University in September 2010. During his tenure, he led the re-organization of the University Advancement division, which aligned the disciplines of development, alumni relations, marketing and external relations of both the undergraduate college and the Schools of Graduate and Professional Programs.

As senior vice president and co-chair of the Centennial Celebration, Titus led the planning and execution of the year-long campaign which connected an unprecedented number of alumni and friends of the university to the transforming heritage of Saint Mary’s.

Also during his tenure, Titus contributed, as one of the university vice presidents, to the creation and adoption of Strategic Plan 2017 — the university’s first comprehensive strategic plan in over a decade — which boldly charts a direction for Saint Mary’s as it begins its second century.

“Dr. Titus is a talented leader in higher education. It has been clear, since the time of his arrival, that he wanted to return to the presidency of a liberal arts college,” said Brother President William Mann. “To have members of our university leadership considered for presidential posts at other institutions also speaks to the strength of the Saint Mary’s leadership team. We are grateful that we’ve had him with us to guide a successful centennial celebration, and wish him much success as this new chapter in his life opens.”

Titus will continue to serve Saint Mary’s through July 2013.