Saint Mary's Newsroom
Campus ConnectionAn update from the president to alumni and parents
Rev. Fichter to discuss research on Catholic bishops Jan. 15-16
WINONA/MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. — The Rev. Stephen Joseph Fichter, Ph.D., research associate for the Center for Applied Research at Apostolate, Georgetown University, will present “Church Leadership in the Third Millennium: Recent Research on Catholic Bishops in the U.S.” for the next Cardinal Virtues presentation at Saint Mary’s University.
The Rev. Fichter co-authored the book, Same Call, Different Men: The Evolution of the Priesthood since Vatican II, published by Liturgical Press in 2012. His newest book, Catholic Bishops in the United States: Church Leadership in the Third Millennium, was published by Oxford University Press in 2019. Based on his research, the Rev. Fichter will provide an overview of how the bishops are leading the Church in the United States in the era of Pope Francis.
The public is invited to his two presentations:
- Wednesday, Jan. 15, 4 p.m., Saint Mary’s University Center, 2540 Park Ave., Minneapolis
- Thursday, Jan. 16, noon, Saint Mary’s Science and Learning Center, 700 Terrace Heights, Winona
A reception will follow both presentations.
The Rev. Fichter also serves as an adjunct professor of systematic theology at Seton Hall University. He obtained a Ph.L. and an S.T.B. from the Pontifical Athenaeum Regina Apostolorum in Rome, an M.S.W. from Fordham University’s Graduate School of Social Service, and an M.A. and a Ph.D. in Sociology from Rutgers University.
In coordination with the National Organization for Continuing Education for Roman Catholic Clergy, he has worked on many Cultivating Unity projects for dioceses throughout the U.S.
In addition, he was the parochial vicar at St. Gabriel the Archangel in Saddle River, N.J., from 2000 to 2008. He then became the pastor of Sacred Heart Parish in Haworth, N.J., until he assumed the role of pastor at Saint Elizabeth of Hungary Parish in Wyckoff, N.J., in July 2017.
Cardinal Virtues speakers and topics are chosen to create thought-provoking dialogue. Saint Mary’s University cultivates in its learners virtues to guide them throughout their educational journeys and beyond.
RSVP by Wednesday, Jan. 8, at smumn.edu/cvrsvp. For more information, call 507-457-1597.
Graduate psychology student co-founds crisis hotline geared toward local Muslim community
Mental health issues affect everyone. To address the issues of mental health in the Muslim community in Minnesota, Fadumo Hassan, a master’s student in the M.A. in Counseling and Psychology Service program at Saint Mary’s, started a crisis hotline this fall with her sister, Sumaya.
Recently, the two sisters spoke with Minnesota Public Radio about their new enterprise, Open Minds Initiative, and the importance of breaking the stigma that surrounds mental health in the Muslim community.
Read the full story here.
MCA offers day of free classes
WINONA, Minn. — The Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts (MCA) is hosting “FREE-4-ALL,” a day of free classes for the whole family on Saturday, Jan. 4, 2020, at the Valéncia Arts Center, 1164 W. Howard St.
This event will feature classes for both youth and adults to try at no cost:
- My Grown-up and Me (ages 18 months to 3 years, with an adult)
10 to 10:30 a.m.
Instructor: J. Dienger - Irish (ages 5 and up)
10 to 10:45 a.m.
Instructor: A. Pelowski - Creative Movement (ages 3 to 5)
11 to 11:30 a.m.
Instructor: J. Dienger - Ballet (ages 7 to 13)
11 to 11:45 a.m.
Instructor: R. Ryan-Dahlgren - Pre-Ballet (ages 4 to 6)
Noon to 12:45 p.m.
Instructor: R. Ryan-Dahlgren - Peanut Butter & Jelly Players (ages 4 to 6)
Noon to 12:45 p.m.
Instructor: C. Deysach - Intro to Contemporary Dance (ages 7 to 13)
1 to 1:45 p.m.
Instructor: J. Dienger - Barre (ages 14 and up)
1 to 1:45 p.m.
Instructor: Jackie Goyette
Register online at mca.smumn.edu, by phone at 507-453-5500, or in person at the Valéncia Arts Center. Participants should wear clothing that is easy to move in; no dance shoes or special attire is required. All classes may be taken barefoot or in socks.
This is also an opportunity to tour classroom and performance spaces, learn about MCA education programs, meet faculty, and get fitted for dance shoes and tights. Participants who register for any winter session dance or theatre class on Jan. 4 will receive $10 off.
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.
About MCA
The Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts (MCA), an affiliate program of Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, is a nonprofit community arts school offering programming in dance, music, visual art, and theater. Classes, lessons, workshops, and camps are offered for students of all ages from birth through older adults at the Valéncia Arts Center. For more information about MCA or Galleria Valéncia, visit mca.smumn.edu, email mca@smumn.edu, or call 507-453-5500.
Season’s greetings
Final exams are over, papers have been handed in, our students have returned home for rest and rejuvenation, and many of us will spend the joyous Christmas season with family and loved ones. In a season of giving and receiving, I offer you, as a gift, some of the wonderful moments and memories created by our students who have achieved so much. I hope from these stories you sense the positive impact they make on our campus life and in the larger community. I also want to share some of the exciting events that have happened at the university. Here are just a few snapshots from the semester.
— Father James P. Burns, IVD, Ph.D. (Winter 2019)
Celebrating a 300-year Lasallian heritage
Saint Mary’s University joined Lasallians across the globe in celebration of the 300th anniversary of the death of Saint John Baptist de La Salle, the patron saint of educators and founder of the De La Salle Christian Brothers. The Holy See declared 2019 a jubilee year in honor of De La Salle and his life’s work of making a quality and relevant education accessible to all students, especially the poor. The jubilee celebrates the impact of the mission De La Salle started, which is present in 80 countries around the world, with between 3,500 and 4,000 De La Salle Christian Brothers and 90,000 Lasallian Partners serving 1 million young people in 1,000 educational ministries. Saint Mary’s University — as one of 65 Lasallian higher education institutions — is one small portion of a global Lasallian network of dedicated educators. Watch this video highlighting the celebrations that took place.
$1.7 million grant received to develop character and virtue programs for educational administrators
Saint Mary’s has been awarded a $1,732,643 grant from the Kern Family Foundation for the university’s School of Education Character and Virtue Initiative. Using grant funding, Saint Mary’s will develop an enhanced curriculum for current and future educational leaders that places a strong emphasis on moral character, virtue, and ethics. The course content will be enhanced using the University of Birmingham’s (UK) Jubilee Centre for Character and Virtue framework. It will be customized to align with the Lasallian Virtues of a Teacher and the Cardinal Virtues matrix already informing the university’s mission and practices.
Anonymous donor pledges $5 million matching grant to renovate Adducci Science Center
Last spring, an anonymous benefactor pledged a $5 million matching grant to Saint Mary’s University to be used to renovate and expand the Adducci Science Center’s Hoffman and Brother Charles Halls. The gift is matching, dollar for dollar, all new contributions received since May 10, 2019.
“Our anonymous benefactor is a successful businessperson who supports business at Saint Mary’s and all the great work that’s being done,” said Audrey Kintzi, vice president for Advancement and Communication. “This benefactor understands the importance of providing today’s business students with a quality education that also addresses business ethics, focuses on working collaboratively, and provides real-world experiences.” To take advantage of this $5 million match, contact Kintzi at akintzi@smumn.edu or 507-457-1486.
Photo caption: Draft artist renderings of the proposed Adducci Science Center renovations
Anonymous donor pledges $1.5 million in support of advancement initiatives
An anonymous benefactor has recently pledged a three-to-five-year commitment, totaling $1.5 million, to be used in support of advancement initiatives. The benefactor designated the funding be used each year to assist with Saint Mary’s development efforts — to cultivate and engage top prospects and benefactors, build and train staffing, and ultimately increase alumni giving both by dollars raised and percent of alumni giving on an annual basis.
Biology students recognized for work
In November, five Saint Mary’s biology and biochemistry students presented their research projects at the Seven Rivers Undergraduate Research Symposium at Viterbo University. Ben Borash received top natural science honors for his oral presentation on “Modeling Human-Snake Conflict for Timber Rattlesnakes in Winona County.” Students presenting included, from left: Ben Borash, Zack Bracken, Natalie Ruesgegger, Jacob Kramer, and Madalyn Bollig (not pictured). Also attending the symposium were Drs. Debra Martin and Benjamin Pauli.
In October, 14 new members were inducted into the Gamma Epsilon Chapter of the Beta Beta Beta (BBB) Honor Society, which is the national honor society for students in biological fields. Students chosen have high academics and an interest in pursuing research. New BBB members include: Lexi Albert, Mariah Bell, Kayla Boettcher, Zachary Bracken, Monet Datari, McKenna Gaalswyk, Alyssa Haram, Samantha Henning, AnnMarie Jacobson, Daynalyn Jostock, Erin Lime, Graham Lorsung, Andrew Tepp, and Cole Van Houten.
The Rev. James P. Burns, IVD, Ph.D.
President
Saint Mary's University of Minnesota
© Copyright 2016. All Rights Reserved. | Privacy | Site Feedback/Changes | Accreditation