Saint Mary's Newsroom
Campus ConnectionAn update from the president to alumni and parents
Cokie Roberts inspires action at 2019 Hendrickson Forum
A sold out crowd of nearly 300 attended this year’s Hendrickson Forum held April 16 on Saint Mary’s Twin Cities Campus, which included a keynote address from Cokie Roberts and the presentation of the 2019 Hendrickson Medal for Ethical Leadership to Brad Hewitt, retired CEO of Thrivent Financial. In her keynote address, “Weaving the Social Safety Net at Home and Around the World,” Roberts, a New York Times best-selling author and renowned journalist and political commentator, explained: “There has been a strong social responsibility fabric running throughout history, primarily exercised by women. That’s what the women in the foundation of our country did,” she added. “They looked around them. They saw what was happening. They saw the needs and strove to fill them.”
Roberts detailed many stories of notable women who worked for the betterment of society, despite tremendous hardship, adversity, and often ridicule. But amidst these stories, she singled out Saint John Baptist de La Salle, the founder of the Brothers of the Christian Schools — of which Saint Mary’s is affiliated. “He was a man definitely before his time, or perhaps more accurately, a man who recognized the sign of the time,” Roberts said. “His remarkable vision about education for the poor, for delinquents, is still so incredibly relevant today … everything I’ve learned about Saint Mary’s underlines that. It’s clear that the Lasallian principles are still the guiding force behind this very important institution,” she furthered. “Faith and the presence of God, quality education, and respect for all persons, inclusive community, and concern for the poor and social justice. Those principles need influence in our country today.”
Roberts encouraged attendees to do what they can do, just like the women throughout history. “To say that it’s too big a problem is just a cop-out,” she said. “I hope the young people coming out of this great institution, no matter what their expertise, emerge awakened, nurtured, and empowered to lead ethical lives of service and leadership.”
New co-op program a win-win for students, area businesses
As a college student who isn’t from this area, Elizabeth Wright admits she had never heard of Fastenal, even though they’re the largest fastener distributor in North America and headquartered in Winona. But all that is changing through Saint Mary’s University’s new Cooperative Education Program. From now until they graduate, Wright, a sophomore at Saint Mary’s, and Jordan Malikowski, another Saint Mary’s sophomore, are in the process of becoming immersed in numerous aspects of the business — from distribution to the corporate offices. Likewise, across town, Kyle Brodt ’19 worked this past year at Merchants Bank for 25 hours a week, getting a first-hand look at how the banking world operates.
Saint Mary’s co-op program, in its first year, is like an intense internship. Students receive a meaningful work immersion experience while earning credits (and in some cases compensation), all while being able to participate fully in campus life. The program benefits students with real-world experience, a competitive advantage, and a potential job. On the other end of the spectrum, the program benefits employers by providing them a funnel of students with fresh ideas, as well as potential employees — ones who already know the ins and outs of their business before they graduate. Read the full story to hear more about what Wright and Malikowski are learning through the co-op program.
Saint Mary’s announces second semester 2018-19 Dean’s List
WINONA, Minn. — The following undergraduate students were named to the second semester, 2018-19 Dean’s List at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota’s Winona Campus. The list includes 343 undergraduate students who earned a grade point average of 3.60 or better on a 4.0 scale.
Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota has about 5,600 students enrolled in undergraduate, graduate and certificate programs in Winona, the Twin Cities, Rochester, greater Minnesota, Wisconsin, Jamaica and Nairobi, Kenya. At Saint Mary’s residential campus in Winona, the undergraduate curriculum combines traditional liberal arts and sciences with career preparation in a student-centered environment.
Ivan Alatorre, Lake Station, Ind.
Mandukhai Alimaa, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
Tyler Aliperto, Saint Paul, Minn.
Andrew Allemann, Cochrane, Wis.
Juan Altamirano Herrera, Appleton, Wis.
Cray Alvarez, Minnesota City, Minn.
Kendall Archer, Draper, Utah
Tangang Ashley Shikei, Lillington, N.C.
Adrianna Baab, Wabasha, Minn.
Samantha Bakke, Preston, Minn.
Cassandra Barr, Eau Claire, Wis.
Jesse Barron, Minnetonka, Minn.
Nicole Bartosz, Woodridge, Ill.
Clare Bath, West Fargo, N.D.
Jessica Bauer, Nerstrand, Minn.
Michael Bauer, Brainerd, Minn.
Olivia Beauchamp, Jerseyville, Ill.
Riley Becher, Rochester, Minn.
Stephany Beck, Oshkosh, Wis.
Mariah Bell, Chatfield, Minn.
Jasmine Benavidez, Milwaukee, Wis.
Cassandra Berger, Fountain City, Wis.
Alice Bettag Maple Park, Ill.
Isabel Bettag Maple Park, Ill.
Felicity Bieker, De Pere, Wis.
Bernadette Bikyeombe, Big Lake, Minn.
Mekenzie Bisel, Dundas, Minn.
Ellen Blackmer, Forest Lake, Minn.
Julia Boeve, St. James, Minn.
Nathan Boice, Saint Charles, Minn.
Ben Borash, Bowlus, Minn.
Zachary Bracken, Osseo, Minn.
Adrian Brietzke, Winona, Minn.
Kyle Brodt, Saint Paul, Minn.
Daniel Buchal, Wilson, Wis.
Erin Budin, Le Center, Minn.
Konrad Bueckers, Pine River, Minn.
Kayla Burck, Algonquin, Ill.
Kristin Burke, Rochester, Minn.
Lucas Campbell, Stillwater, Minn.
Molly Cary, Minneapolis, Minn.
Alberto Centeno, Elk Grove Village, Ill.
Samantha Chaffee, Delavan, Minn.
Maxwell Champa, Bloomington, Minn.
Ryan Charko, Warren, N.J.
Crystal Chavez, Cicero, Ill.
Erin Ciconte, Melrose Park, Ill.
Ana Paula Saldana Cisneros, Fracc. Villas Del Meson, Mexico
Elizabeth Ciukaj, Alsip, Ill.
Keaton Cloven, Castle Rock, Colo.
Daniel Collette, Stillwater, Minn.
Ashley Corcoran, Olathe, Kan.
Kelsey Corcoran, Olathe, Kan.
Carley Cronen, Kandiyohi, Minn.
Anna Dale, Cottage Grove, Minn.
Elizabeth Davis, Big Lake, Minn.
Megan Demaris, Sleepy Eye, Minn.
Michelle Dewitz, Osseo, Wis.
Daniel Dionesotes, Bloomington, Ill.
Isaac Dotzler, Anoka, Minn.
Kate Dulak, Winona, Minn.
Nyakume Dup, Albert Lea, Minn.
Justin Edwards, Marshfield, Wis.
Jordan Elwood, Hannon, Ontario, Canada
Jake Emeott, Chisago City, Minn.
Lillyann Engstler, Fountain City, Wis.
Jae Faber, Mountain Lake, Minn.
Tabitha Fabin, Elk Grove Village, Ill.
Nolan Farnam, Rogers, Minn.
Kelly Ferguson, Minneapolis, Minn.
Angelyssa Figueroa, Tucson, Ariz.
Bridget Finley Estherville, Iowa
Grace Fitzsimmons, Lake City, Minn.
Brittney Flom, Kenyon, Minn.
Drake Flom, Ellsworth, Wis.
Danielle Franke, Saint Paul, Minn.
Nicholas Franta, La Crescent, Minn.
Bailey Frattalone, Forest Lake, Minn.
Samuel French, Winona, Minn.
Mary Furlong, Barrington, Ill.
McKenna Gaalswyk, Rochester, Minn.
Laura Gagnon, New Richmond, Wis.
Isaac Galle, Ellsworth, Wis.
Sarah Garrison, Rosemount, Minn.
Nicholas Gawarecki, Stewartville, Minn.
Grace Gilles, Saint Paul, Minn.
Kevin Gleason, Minneapolis, Minn.
Gabriel Graves, Littleton, Colo.
Meridith Grob, Bloomington, Minn.
Kaitlyn Gross, Spring Grove, Minn.
Madison Gueningsman, Winsted, Minn.
Aldontae Guess, Chicago, Ill.
Leanna Haag, Lewiston, Minn.
Christina Haile, Colorado Springs, Colo.
Jacob Halper, Algonquin, Ill.
Sarah Hannan, Bangor, Wis.
Amanda Hansen, Brooklyn Park, Minn.
Sarah Hardy, Hastings, Minn.
Taliya Harris, Chicago, Ill.
Jake Hartke, Minneapolis, Minn.
John Hatton, Naperville, Ill.
Bridgette Hegarty, Chicago, Ill.
Megan Hendrickson, Harmony, Minn.
Miryea Herman, Winona, Minn.
Nayeli Hernandez Moctezuma, Austin, Minn.
Laura Herronen, Denver, Colo.
Erin Hettinger, Lake Villa, Ill.
Michaela Heuckendorf, Plymouth, Minn.
Maggie Heuer, Chaska, Minn.
Danielle Higgins, Eyota, Minn.
Bradley Hill, Matteson, Ill.
Jared Hippman, Bolingbrook, Ill.
Nathan Hoglund, Chippewa Falls, Wis.
John Nickole Huevos, Saipan, Northern Mariana Islands
Ivy Hunt, St. Paul, Minn.
Jesse Husman, Winona, Minn.
Tyler Hyatt, Waseca, Minn.
Dixon Irwin, Red Wing, Minn.
Courteney Jacob, Lewiston, Minn.
Brianna Jacobson, Sycamore, Ill.
La ‘Caisha James, Hopkins, Minn.
Joshua Johnson, Moorhead, Minn.
Spencer Johnston, Brooklyn Park, Minn.
Tatiana Jones, Chicago, Ill.
Alicia Kaari, Mukwonago, Wis.
Dara Kaiser, Bozeman, Mont.
Rachel Kedl, Lamberton, Minn.
Kirsten Keefe, Chatfield, Minn.
Jordan Keeley, Saint Peter, Minn.
Katelyn Keller, Green Bay, Wis.
Allison Kempinger, Rochester, Minn.
Breanna Kenney, Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Madeline Keroff, Saint Paul, Minn.
Annabeth Kerr, Damascus, Ore.
Aaron Kibirige, Coon Rapids, Minn.
Kodey Kiel, Medford, Minn.
Claire King, Red Wing, Minn.
Elizabeth King, Green Bay, Wis.
Amanda Kintzi, Rosemount, Minn.
Marissa Kinzer, Aitkin, Minn.
Julia Kirk, Jackson, Miss.
Dorothy Kirsch, Wesley, Iowa
Gloria Kitange, Rochester, Minn.
Zechariah Kitzhaber, Marshfield, Wis.
Zachary Kjeseth, Wabasha, Minn.
Sydney Klausler, Lakeville, Minn.
Austin Kleman, Kronenwetter, Wis.
Margaret Klonowski, Rice Lake, Wis.
Jack Knoblauch, Coon Rapids, Minn.
Olivia Kostueck, Minooka, Ill.
Jacob Kramlinger, Saint Paul, Minn.
Isabella Kranz, Hastings, Minn.
Emily Krautkremer, Montgomery, Minn.
Ryan Krewer, Wheeling, Ill.
Jordan Kubista, Owatonna, Minn.
Ethan Lacey, Henry, Ill.
Emma Lay, Houston, Texas
Heidi Ledermann, Mahtomedi, Minn.
Allyson Lenz, Owatonna, Minn.
Mark Leonard, Anoka, Minn.
Ashley LeRoux, Stacy, Minn.
Alexander Leschisin, Eden, S.D.
Ahnika Lexvold, South Haven, Minn.
Solomon Liebl, Fertile, Minn.
Terra Lieser, Andover, Minn.
Isabelle Lindahl, Cottage Grove, Minn.
Isaiah Lippert, Easton, Minn.
Mia Lloyd, Minneapolis, Minn.
Colleen Lois, Green Bay, Wis.
James Loken, Housotn, Minn.
Danielle LoMastro, Wauconda, Ill.
Dominic Lonetti, Lakeville, Minn.
Maddelyn Long, Andover, Minn.
Graham Lorsung, Clear Lake, Minn.
Karly Lunda, White Bear Lake, Minn.
Keegan Majerus, Pine Island, Minn.
Jordan Malikowski, Royalton, Minn.
Michael Maniak, Wisconsin Dells, Wis.
Anna Marinc, Carol Stream, Ill.
Michael Marlin, Sauk Rapids, Minn.
Nicholas Marshall, Minneapolis, Minn.
Elizabeth McAtee, Woodbury, Minn.
Abbie McCarthy, Portland, Ore.
Erin McCoy, Carpentersville, Ill.
Erin McElligott, Bothell, Wash.
Brennan McGuire, Minneapolis, Minn.
Reid McKeown, Saint Paul, Minn.
Mateo Means, Dallas, Texas
Edgar Medina-Ortiz, Bloomington, Minn.
Kyle Meeh, Fenton, Mo.
Kristjan Meitz, Waukesha, Wis.
Bailey Melz, Excelsior, Minn.
Rachael Menke, Winona, Minn.
Olivia Meyer, Rice Lake, Wis.
Arielle Miagkov, Colorado Springs, Colo.
Allison Miller, Colorado Springs, Colo.
Emma Mockler, Dubuque, Iowa
Jordan Modjeski, South Lyon, Mich.
Mackenzie Moller, Cave Creek, Ariz.
Lindsey Monnet, Rochester, Minn.
Victoria Mota, Melrose Park, Ill.
Anna Muccio, Saint Paul, Minn.
Natalie Munich, Hayward, Wis.
Daniel Narveson, Chatfield, Minn.
Lindsey Nelson, La Crescent, Minn.
Allyson Niedospial, Oak Lawn, Ill.
Daniel Nolte, Owatonna, Minn.
Tyler Northey, Esko, Minn.
Katherine Novak, Saint Paul, Minn.
Shunta Nozawa, Fuchu, Japan
Isabella Nuck, Oak Creek, Wis.
Anna Nungester, Floyds Knobs, Ind.
Carolyn Ogram, Maple Lake, Minn.
Bailey O’Hare, Rushford, Minn.
Eric Ohde Chetek, Wis.
Rachel Ohde, Chetek, Wis.
Isaiah Olsem, Dundee, Minn.
Emily Ortiz, Albert Lea, Minn.
Jon Orvarsson, Sioux Falls, S.D.
Natasha Otto, Dyersville, Iowa
Trevor Paradise, Colorado Springs, Colo.
Anthony Pasquesi, Elmwood Park, Ill.
Claire Patterson, Marine on St. Croix, Minn.
Jimmy Cumbe Paucar, Minneapolis, Minn.
Brooklyn Paulson, Holmen, Wis.
Gabriella Pederson, Chaska, Minn.
Nete Storm Pedersen, Smoerum, Denmark
Colby Peterson, Menomonie, Wis.
Sarah Phipps, Hurst, Texas
Jada Pichotta, Saint Paul, Minn.
Matthew Piechowski, Hutchinson, Minn.
Amanda Pohlman, Omaha, Neb.
Caitlin Preusser, Henderson, Minn.
Morgan Prokosch, Belle Plaine, Minn.
Joseph Pyka, Independence, Wis.
Brianna Raabolle, Andover, Minn.
Griffin Rades, Shawano, Wis.
Ramchan Ragoonanan, Minneapolis, Minn.
John Regnier, Prescott, Wis.
Michele Remer, Grand Forks, N.D.
Marlee Ressa, Houston, Texas
Luis Reyes, Madison, Wis.
Emma Ririe, Darien, Ill.
Samantha Robbins, Saint Paul, Minn.
Peyton Roberson, Centennial, Colo.
Sarai Rodiles, Saint Paul, Minn.
Melina Rodriguez, Des Moines, Iowa
Robert Roslund, Vanersborg, Sweden
Sawyer Rosner, Phelps, Wis.
Jonathan Rothering, Red WIng, Minn.
Alec Rudh, Hastings, Minn.
Natalie Ruegsegger, Billings, Mont.
Ryan Ruhle, Madison, Wis.
Natalie Ryan, Vlg of Lakewood, Ill.
Elliott Rysavy, Owatonna, Minn.
Anna Rystrom, Andover, Minn.
Crystal Salgado, Richfield, Minn.
Trae Sander, Boscobel, Wis.
Blair Sanders, Lees Summit, Mo.
Andrew Sandoz, Menasha, Wis.
Catherine Schiltz, Corcoran, Minn.
Mariah Schlueter, Mount Vernon, Iowa
Hallie Schmeling, Onalaska, Wis.
Benjamin Schoonmaker, Moline, Ill.
Justine Schultz, Minnesota City, Minn.
Marcella Schumacher, Edina, Minn.
Brendan Scott, Rochester, Minn.
Catherine Seifert, Stillwater, Minn.
Severin Seifert, Minneapolis, Minn.
Emily Seykora, Eaton Rapids, Mich.
Kristopher Shepard, Crystal Lake, Ill.
Annalise Shupe, Preston, Minn.
Gabrielle Shupe, Preston, Minn.
Rachel Simon, Foley, Minn.
Kayla Sjodin, Algonquin, Ill.
Savannah Slafter, Spring Grove, Minn.
Alyssa Sloneker, Blue Earth, Minn.
Kynzie Smedsrud, Luverne, Minn.
Robert Sobczak, Cloquet, Minn.
Laura Sonday, Saint Paul, Minn.
Angela Soto, Saint Paul, Minn.
Andrea Speltz, Rollingstone, Minn.
Emilie Steingraeber, La Crosse, Wis.
Danielle Stevens, Delano, Minn.
Signey Stoesz, Mountain Lake, Minn.
Ryan Stoynich, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Emily Strezishar, East Grand Forks, Minn.
Francis Strong, Fairbury, Ill.
Jack Strotbeck, Steamboat Springs, Colo.
Erin Sullivan, Wisconsin Rapids, Wis.
Kyle Swanson, Anoka, Minn.
Jonathan Swoik, Pekin, Ill.
Elijah Szymanski, La Crosse, Wis.
Makenzie Tafralian, Las Vegas, Nev.
Erika Thiel, Burr Ridge, Ill.
Jack Thomas, Minneapolis, Minn.
Benjamin Thompson, Winona, Minn.
April Thornberg, Shakopee, Minn.
Robert Tiedemann, Euclid, Minn.
Maciej Tomczak, Luban, Minn.
Toan Tran, Da Nang, Vietnam
Jacob Tschida, Pine River, Minn.
Meaghan Updike, Crystal Lake, Ill.
Yohanan Urbina, Milwaukee, Wis.
Clarissa Van Dale, New Brighton, Minn.
Cole Van Houten, Pine Island, Minn.
Alexis Van Ornum, Lindstrom, Minn.
Rolando Vazquez, Antioch, Ill.
Margaret Vetch, Aberdeen, S.D.
Maxwell Vetch, Aberdeen, S.D.
Magen Vlaminck, Willmar, Minn.
Destiny Walker, Winona, Minn.
Laura Walker, Winona, Minn.
Caitlin Wallerus, Osseo, Minn.
Madeline Wallraff, Blaine, Minn.
Kierra Walske, Rochester, Minn.
Jennifer Warweg, Burnsville, Minn.
Anna Washburn, Kenyon, Minn.
Riku Watanabe, Tokyo, Japan
Sarah Waterman, Burnsville, Minn.
Mackenzie Waters, Littleton, Colo.
Anton Wazlawik, Prescott, Wis.
Brady Weber, Crandon, Wis.
Grace Wegleitner, Saint Paul, Minn.
Bailey Wendt, Coon Rapids, Minn.
Nicole Weninger, Woodville, Wis.
Rebecca West, Chicago, Ill.
William White, Winona, Minn.
John Wilebski, Strathcona, Minn.
Elijah Williams, Beloit, Wis.
Gina Wilson, Anoka, Minn.
Grace Wilson, Portage, Wis.
Michelle Wing, Verona, Wis.
Delaney Wolf, Bismarck, N.D.
Ryan Wolfe, Wabasha, Minn.
Kaitlyn Wolfgram, Ham Lake, Minn.
Zhenyu Xing, Saint Paul, Minn.
Gaojoshia Yang-Nicks, La Crosse, Wis.
Daniela Zavala, Loudon, Tenn.
Jidong Zhang, Xinyi City, China
Tianbo Zhang, Beijing, China
Addie Ziemkowski, Lakeville, Minn.
Quinncy Zupko, Wyoming, Minn.
John Zweber, Menomonie, Wis.
Saint Mary’s announces Winona Campus undergraduate commencement list
WINONA, Minn. — The following students received bachelor of arts degrees in May 2019 from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota in Winona.
McKayla Ahlrich, Sleepy Eye, Minn.
Tiffany Alequin, St Paul, Minn.
Tyler Aliperto, Saint Paul, Minn.
Andrew Allemann, Cochrane, Wis.
Fabian Alvarez, Chicago, Ill.
Zachary Ansell, Rushford, Minn.
Trason Arens, Fairmont, Minn.
Austin Arnold, Anchorage, Alaska
Maria Averbeck, Lewiston, Minn.
Samantha Bakke, Preston, Minn.
Marlon Barrett-Dwyer, Chicago, Ill.
Jesse Barron, Minnetonka, Minn.
Nicole Bartosz, Woodridge, Ill.
Jessica Bauer, Nerstrand, Minn.
Alejandro Becerra, Chicago, Ill.
Christopher Beiersdorf, Arlington Heights, Ill.
Savhanna Berger, Champlin, Minn.
Brandi Blattner, Eyota, Minn.
Julia Boeve, St. James, Minn.
Nathan Boice, Saint Charles, Minn.
Kyle Brodt, Saint Paul, Minn.
Sandy Camacho, Minneapolis, Minn.
Lucas Campbell, Stillwater, Minn.
Alberto Centeno, Elk Grove Village, Ill.
Ezekiel Chamblee, Zumbrota, Minn.
Maxwell Champa, Bloomington, Minn.
Ryan Charko, Warren, N.J.
Ashley Corcoran, Olathe, Kan.
Kelsey Corcoran, Olathe, Kan.
Frydha Cordova-Fragozo, Tucson, Ariz.
Daniel Dionesotes, Bloomington, Ill.
Max Dirks, Casey, Iowa
David Drefcinski, Platteville, Wis.
Dirk Drohner, Plover, Wis.
Kyle Dubbels, Eyota, Minn.
Kate Dulak, Winona, Minn.
Kiernan Dunham, Chicago, Ill.
Nyakume Dup, Albert Lea, Minn.
Andrew Dushek, Kronenwetter, Wis.
Victoria Dwyer, Winona, Minn.
Katherine Ethen, Austin, Minn.
Brittney Flom, Kenyon, Minn.
Shauna Frahm, Dodge, Wis.
Samuel French, Winona, Minn.
Reese Galewski, Winona, Minn.
Cullen Gallagher, Maple Lake, Minn.
Sarah Garrison, Rosemount, Minn.
Victoria Gorman, Red Wing, Minn.
Dane Gruebele, Prior Lake, Minn.
Aldontae Guess, Chicago, Ill.
William Hahn, Bayfield, Colo.
Margo Hansen, Darwin, Minn.
Oliver Hayes, River Falls, Wis.
John Heim, Winona, Minn.
Catherine Hemsworth, Inver Grove Heights, Minn.
Miryea Herman, Winona, Minn.
Michaela Heuckendorf, Plymouth, Minn.
Danielle Higgins, Eyota, Minn.
Bradley Hill, Matteson, Ill.
Caroline Hoffman, Chicago, Ill.
Samuel Hyberger, Rochester, Minn.
Dixon Irwin, Red Wing, Minn.
Courteney Jacob, Lewiston, Minn.
Hanchen Jiang, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
Tatiana Jones, Chicago, Ill.
Stephen Jungbauer, Stillwater, Minn.
Parker Kaeding, Sunnyvale, Calif.
Stefan Kahlstorf, Winona, Minn.
Kirsten Keefe, Chatfield, Minn.
David Kemper, Woodbury, Minn.
Allison Kempinger, Rochester, Minn.
Amanda Kintzi, Rosemount, Minn.
Marissa Kinzer, Aitkin, Minn.
Dorothy Kirsch, Wesley, Iowa
Gloria Kitange, Rochester, Minn.
Zechariah Kitzhaber, Marshfield, Wis.
Austin Kleman, Kronenwetter, Wis.
Margaret Klonowski, Rice Lake, Wis.
Matthew Koestler, St. Charles, Minn.
Olivia Kostueck, Minooka, Ill.
Krystal Krahl, Taylorsville, Utah
Andrew Kramlinger, Saint Paul, Minn.
Jacob Kramlinger, Saint Paul, Minn.
Alex Kren, Neillsville, Wis.
Jordan Kubista, Owatonna, Minn.
Tessa Kuschke, Woodbury, Minn.
Heidi Ledermann, Mahtomedi, Minn.
Mark Leonard, Anoka, Minn.
Menghan Liu, Xi’an, China
Mia Lloyd, Minneapolis, Minn.
James Loken, Houston, Minn.
Karly Lunda, White Bear Lake, Minn.
Erin McCoy, Carpentersville, Ill.
Erin McElligott, Bothell, Wash.
Bailey Melz, Excelsior, Minn.
Portia Mensah, Minneapolis, Minn.
Maura Michener, Winona, Minn.
Allison Miller, Colorado Springs, Colo.
Lucas Mlinarcik, Fridley, Minn.
Daniel Narveson, Chatfield, Minn.
Daniel Nolte, Owatonna, Minn.
Anna Nungester, Floyds Knobs, Ind.
Joseph O’Gorman, Cannon Falls, Minn.
Bailey O’Hare, Rushford, Minn.
Emily Ortiz, Albert Lea, Minn.
Jacob Petraitis, Chicago, Ill.
Alejandra Pina, Chicago, Ill.
Nicole Powell, Chicago, Ill.
Jacob Price, Winona, Minn.
Madonna Puetz, Lewiston, Minn.
Ramchan Ragoonanan, Minneapolis, Minn.
Shannon Rinehart, Lewiston, Minn.
Peyton Roberson, Centennial, Colo.
Jessica Salas-Rivera, Arden Hills, Minn.
Nicholas Sawchuk, Rochester, Minn.
Severin Seifert, Minneapolis, Minn.
Kynzie Smedsrud, Luverne, Minn.
Laura Sonday, Saint Paul, Minn.
Angela Soto, Saint Paul, Minn.
Brynn Spitzer, Winona, Minn.
Alexandria Stepka, LeCenter, Minn.
Paul Stewart, Detroit Lakes, Minn.
Kyle Swanson, Anoka, Minn.
Erika Thiel, Burr Ridge, Ill.
Robert Tiedemann, Euclid, Minn.
Toan Tran, Da Nang, Vietnam
Amber Trendle, Chicago, Ill.
Meaghan Updike, Crystal Lake, Ill.
Daniel Velazquez, Chicago, Ill.
Margaret Vetch, Aberdeen, S.D.
Madeline Wallraff, Blaine, Minn.
Jennifer Warweg, Burnsville, Minn.
Anna Washburn, Kenyon, Minn.
Julia Waterloo, Brookfield, Ill.
Sarah Waterman, Burnsville, Minn.
Anton Wazlawik, Prescott, Wis.
Brady Weber, Crandon, Wis.
Grace Wegleitner, Saint Paul, Minn.
Zixin Wei, Xian Shaanxi, China
Bailey Wendt, Coon Rapids, Minn.
Rebecca West, Chicago, Ill.
John Wilebski, Strathcona, Minn.
Mary Wintroath, Victoria, Minn.
Stanley Wright, Chicago, Ill.
Nathan Young, Merrifield, Minn.
Wei Zhang, YueQing City, ZheJiang Province, China
Addie Ziemkowski, Lakeville, Minn.
John Zweber, Menomonie, Wis.
More than 450 alumni, friends connect at Saint Mary’s Reunion Weekend June 21-23
WINONA, Minn. — Saint Mary’s University’s Alumni Reunion June 21-23 was about elevating achievements. In addition to recognizing four successful alumni, another alumnus was recognized for more than 50 years of service to Saint Mary’s, and the 50th anniversary class made a $1,125,000 gift to their alma mater.
Members of the class of 1969 present a check (and cash) totaling $1,125,000 to Brother Robert Smith.
Throughout the weekend more than 450 alumni became reacquainted with Winona, celebrated their friendships, and reconnected with Saint Mary’s.
Each year the university recognizes outstanding alumni who have made outstanding achievements in their professional careers, who best exemplify the Lasallian charism Saint Mary’s was founded upon, and who have generously contributed time and talent to the goals and objectives of their alma mater. This year, four alumni were honored during a reception and ceremony June 22 on the Winona Campus.
This year’s Distinguished Alumni Award recipients are Jerome “Jerry” Colletti ’69 of Scottsdale, Ariz., and Michael Morsberger M’97 of Orlando, Fla.; the Alumni Appreciation Award recipient is Dr. John Domanico ’77 of La Grange, Ill.; and the Lasallian Service Award recipient is Alan Peters ’74 of Minneapolis.
Distinguished Alumnus Award: Jerome “Jerry” Colletti ’69, Scottsdale, Ariz.
Jerry Colletti ’69 has made it his business to be successful — and to help others find success in business. He now is sharing the skills he acquired working for international businesses, and in his own management consulting businesses to help Saint Mary’s Business Advisory Board. He has helped top executives increase their sales effectiveness and was recognized as an Entrepreneur of the Year nominee/finalist by Ernst & Young, LLP. Now retired, he has co-authored over 200 articles and four books.
Distinguished Alumnus Award: Mike Morsberger M’97, Orlando, Fla.
Mike Morsberger M’97 is an accomplished advancement professional with 30 years of experience in nonprofit fundraising and development. He has been a part of highly successful — and often record-breaking campaigns — for University of Central Florida, Johns Hopkins, and George Washington University in Washington, D.C., where he oversaw their $1 billion campaign and helped to secure the two largest gifts in university history ($50 million and $30 million).
Lasallian Service Award: Alan Peters ’74, Minneapolis
Alan Peters founded Can Do Canines in 1987 and serves as executive director of the organization which has grown to an industry-leading organization which has placed more than 650 fully trained assistance dogs into the community, all at no cost to their clients with disabilities. The business enhances the quality of life for people with disabilities by creating mutually beneficial partnerships with specially trained dogs. The work of his organization brings freedom, independence, and peace of mind to people with disabilities.
Alumni Appreciation Award: Dr. John Domanico ’77, Le Grange, Ill.
Dr. John Domanico has supported his alma mater in multiple ways throughout his life, serving on the Alumni Board, the First Generation Advisory Board, and on the Board of Trustees. He also co-chaired the Celebration of Excellence event in Chicago. He and his wife, Joanie, have generously financially supported many university initiatives. John developed the idea to start Lasallian Day of Service 10 years ago, and, because of his vision, hundreds of alumni from throughout the United States have gathered together in service to their communities.
Several other alumni were also recognized for their generosity.
Jim and Marianne Coogan
The James L. ’69 and Marianne Coogan Student Learning Commons in the Science and Learning Center was named Saturday in honor of a couple who — along with the KPMG Foundation — has long supported Saint Mary’s with their time, talent, and treasure. Jim Coogan of Naples, Fla., has served as a university trustee, and the couple has philanthropically supported many university initiatives.
The Class of 1969 — in addition to announcing its cumulative giving level (since graduation) as $1,125,000 — surprised classmate Tony Piscitiello ’69, M’82, AFSC, with a $50,000 gift to the “Piscitiello Endowed Scholarship Fund” for the First Generation Initiative in recognition of his 50 years of dedicated service to the university. Piscitiello, of Winona, has served the university for more than 50 years in multiple capacities including: admission counselor, vice president for admission, executive vice president, and senior development director.
Later Piscitiello was surprised with another honor as the Anthony Piscitiello ’69, M’82, AFSC Welcome Area was dedicated in the Admission Office of the Hendrickson Center. The room naming recognizes the tremendous impact he has made on generations of Saint Mary’s alumni, parents, and friends throughout his career in recruiting students.
Tony Piscitiello speaks to friends, classmates, and colleagues during his surprise room-naming ceremony.
Alumni enjoyed campus and trail tours, took a boat ride on the Mississippi, visited the Minnesota Marine Art Museum, and sang along with the Oldie Moldie All-Stars (a student-led music group) as well as a hip reunion band of alumni. After alumni received an update on current university news, a special ceremony honored our alumni veterans, and a three-plane flyover in missing man formation was arranged by Retired Capt. Tim Tyre ’69. Some classes took over downtown Winona for small reunions, others convened on campus, but alumni of all ages converged to Saint Mary’s Park for the traditional reunion picnic, at the site where Saint Mary’s University first began in 1912.
Next year’s Reunion Weekend is scheduled for June 27-29.
Photo caption (above): Brother Robert Smith, FSC, Ph.D. (center) recognizes this year’s alumni award recipients including, from left: Dr. John Domanico, Mike Morsberger, Jerry Colletti, and Alan Peters.
Alumni honored, 450 welcomed home to Saint Mary’s Reunion Weekend
Saint Mary’s Reunion Weekend brought more than 450 alumni and friends home June 20-23. And though some alumni hadn’t visited the Winona Campus for a few years — or even a few decades — conversations picked up right where they left off.
It was an emotion-packed weekend.
Alumni tipped their heads back in laughter as they recalled stories from decades ago. Alumni squealed with excitement at seeing friends they hadn’t seen for too long. Alumni dabbed tears at the veterans ceremony and in memory of classmates they have lost. And they stood with pride as they fervently applauded fellow alumni being honored for their vast and significant accomplishments.
In addition to it being a heartfelt reunion, Saint Mary’s also recognizes those individuals who best represent Saint Mary’s mission — alumni who, by example, live ethical lives of service and leadership — during this annual celebration.
This year’s alumni award recipients included:
Brother Robert Smith, FSC, Ph.D., (center) congratulates alumni award recipients, from left: Dr. John Domanico, Mike Morsberger, Jerry Colletti, and Alan Peters.
Distinguished Alumnus Award: Jerome “Jerry” Colletti ’69, Scottsdale, Ariz.
Jerry Colletti ’69 has made it his business to be successful — and to help others find success in business. He now is sharing the skills he acquired working for international businesses, and in his own management consulting businesses to help Saint Mary’s Business Advisory Board. He has helped top executives increase their sales effectiveness and was recognized as an Entrepreneur of the Year nominee/finalist by Ernst & Young, LLP. Now retired, he has co-authored over 200 articles and four books.
Distinguished Alumnus Award: Mike Morsberger M’97, Orlando, Fla.
Mike Morsberger M’97 is an accomplished advancement professional with 30 years of experience in nonprofit fundraising and development. He has been a part of highly successful — and often record-breaking campaigns — for University of Central Florida, Johns Hopkins, and George Washington University in Washington, D.C., where he oversaw their $1 billion campaign and helped to secure the two largest gifts in university history ($50 million and $30 million).
Lasallian Service Award: Alan Peters ’74, Minneapolis
Alan Peters founded Can Do Canines in 1987 and serves as executive director of the organization which has grown to an industry-leading organization which has placed more than 650 fully trained assistance dogs into the community, all at no cost to their clients with disabilities. The business enhances the quality of life for people with disabilities by creating mutually beneficial partnerships with specially trained dogs. The work of his organization brings freedom, independence, and peace of mind to people with disabilities.
Alumni Appreciation Award: Dr. John Domanico ’77, Le Grange, Ill.
Dr. John Domanico has supported his alma mater in multiple ways throughout his life, serving on the Alumni Board, the First Generation Advisory Board, and on the Board of Trustees. He also co-chaired the Celebration of Excellence event in Chicago. He and his wife, Joanie, have generously financially supported many university initiatives. John developed the idea to start Lasallian Day of Service 10 years ago, and, because of his vision, hundreds of alumni from throughout the United States have gathered together in service to their communities.
Several others were also recognized for their generosity.
The James L. ’69 and Marianne Coogan Student Learning Commons in the Science and Learning Center was named Saturday in honor of a couple who — along with the KPMG Foundation — has long supported Saint Mary’s with their time, talent, and treasure. Jim Coogan has served as a university trustee, and the couple has financially supported many university initiatives.
The Class of 1969 — in addition to announcing its cumulative giving level (since graduation) as $1,125,000 — surprised classmate Tony Piscitiello with a $50,000 gift to the “Piscitiello Endowed Scholarship Fund” for the First Generation Initiative in recognition of his 50 years of dedicated service to the university. Piscitiello has served the university for more than 50 years in multiple capacities including: admission counselor, vice president for admission, executive vice president, and senior development director.
Later Piscitiello was surprised with another honor as the Anthony Piscitiello ’69, M’82, AFSC Welcome Area was dedicated in the Admission Office of the Hendrickson Center. The room naming recognizes the tremendous impact he has made on generations of Saint Mary’s alumni, parents, and friends throughout his career in recruiting students.
Alumni enjoyed campus and trail tours, took a boat ride on the Mississippi, visited the Minnesota Marine Art Museum, and sang along with the Oldie Moldie All-Stars (a student-led music group) as well as a hip reunion band of alumni. After alumni received an update on current university news, a special ceremony honored our alumni veterans, and a three-plane flyover in missing man formation was arranged by Retired Capt. Tim Tyre ’69. Some classes took over downtown Winona for small reunions, others convened on campus, but alumni of all ages converged to Saint Mary’s Park for the traditional reunion picnic, at the site where Saint Mary’s University first began in 1912.
Make plans to come to next year’s reunion June 27-29. Don’t miss an opportunity to tell those old stories and make a whole lot of new ones!
View photos from throughout the weekend.
Climate changes affecting big river fish populations
No fish tale here — let our experts explain the mystery behind a rare, 100-year-old fish that was caught in Minnesota
Recently in Brainerd Lake … one lucky fisherman reeled in quite the catch. What looked like a giant goldfish was in fact a very old and very rare bigmouth buffalo fish.
The catch left a lot of people confused — what was it and how did it get there?
And that’s where our experts can wade in to help.
“We’re starting to study them more, and they’re living far longer than we ever thought possible,” explained Dr. Josh Lallaman, assistant professor of biology at Saint Mary’s University, and large river fish expert. “It shows the importance of not always focusing on popular species; there are other species out there that need to be researched.
“It’s often difficult for my students to understand that in fish identification color can be variable. Two individuals of the same species can look very different. That coloration (of the golden bigmouth buffalo) was pretty unique. It’s one of those situations similar to albinism. Every once in a while a rare set of genetic conditions makes species look very different from others. That’s what makes my job really interesting. There are these rare exceptions you don’t know are out there.”
Climate change is definitely putting more pressure on fish and wildlife populations. If their habitat changes, then their ability to survive in that habitat changes. It relates to this story in that if there are these unique or old lived species, then climate change is a threat to these unique individuals.
“In the end, we are decreasing species diversity within the populations. Climate change increases the temperature of the water, and it may not increase it more than a couple of degrees, but how quickly it changes has big impact on food availability. Fish are adapted to very specific seasonal changes.
Warmer water, even a couple of degrees, increases their metabolism so they’re hungrier and need more oxygen to survive but warmer water decreases the amount of oxygen in water. So it’s a double hit because they’re less active.
It’s synergistic. That stress, but also new and synthetic chemicals being introduced to in the water, as well as flooding and navigation — all of this combines together to harm fish populations a lot more than we realize,” he said.
- Are you covering climate change and its impact on fish and other wildlife?
- Do you need to know more about fish populations in rivers and lakes across America?
- And what does the future look like for species and their ecosystems as the impacts of climate change starts to be seen and felt?
There are a lot of questions, and that’s where our experts can help.
Dr. Josh Lallaman is an assistant professor of biology at Saint Mary’s University, and large river fish expert. Josh is available to speak with media; simply click on his profile below to arrange an interview.
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Dr. Josh Lallaman, Ph.D.
Expertise: Big River Fish
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Saint Mary’s University announces new dean of the School of Business and Technology
MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. — Michelle Wieser, Ph.D., has been selected as the new dean of the School of Business and Technology at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota.
Dr. Wieser brings to her role a breadth of academic and industry experience. Most recently, she was interim dean of the School of Business at St. Catherine University in St. Paul, Minn., where she led all undergraduate and graduate programs and certificates within the school, providing strategic leadership over the portfolio of programs to ensure academic excellence and sustained success and growth.
“We are very pleased to have hired Dr. Wieser to be the next dean of our School of Business and Technology,” said Father Burns, IVD, Ph.D., president of Saint Mary’s. “Dr. Wieser brings with her deep knowledge of leadership, clear insight into areas for growth and development, and a realized commitment to our Catholic tradition and Lasallian charism. We are confident in her ability to create an even stronger academic and professional profile for our school.”
Prior to assuming the interim dean role at St. Catherine University, Dr. Wieser served as associate dean of graduate programs, leading the MBA and the master of arts in leadership programs, as well as overseeing new graduate program development. As a faculty member, Dr. Wieser has taught marketing management and the strategic capstone within the MBA program. She was awarded the St. Catherine University Carol Easley Denny award for excellence in scholarship in 2016.
Before joining St. Catherine University, Dr. Wieser was the director of the Graduate Business Career Center with the University of Minnesota’s Carlson School of Management, and she served in a variety of career development roles with the Olin Business School at Washington University in St. Louis. Prior to beginning her academic career, she spent several years in marketing, consulting, and recruiting as vice president for brand management executive recruiting at the O’Connell Group Executive Search; a management consultant with Ernst & Young (EY); a marketer with Nestlé Purina (formerly Ralston Purina); and a sales representative with General Mills.
“Business and technology can have an immediate and long-lasting impact on shaping the greater good, and I am looking forward to being part of Saint Mary’s efforts in this area,” Dr. Wieser said. “During all of my interactions with Saint Mary’s staff and faculty, I was struck by how forward-thinking the university is and how committed it is to trying to anticipate what learners will need to be successful.”
Dr. Wieser received her Ph.D. in organizational leadership, policy, and development from the University of Minnesota, an MBA in marketing from Washington University in St. Louis, and a bachelor of journalism degree from the University of Missouri. Her ongoing research focuses on the experience and outcomes of MBA graduates across the globe with a particular focus on career success and satisfaction by gender. Findings from one of her recent studies were published in The Wall Street Journal, Financial Times, and other industry publications.
Throughout her career, Dr. Wieser has been a leader within many professional and community organizations. She has served on the board of the MBA Career Services and Employer Alliance, the Forté Foundation, and Minnesota Women in Marketing and Communications. She is an active member of the National Association of Women MBAs, Women’s Health TRUST, Network of Executive Women, National Speakers Association, and the Minnesota Interactive Marketing Association.
Dr. Wieser was a 2016 finalist for TeamWomen MN’s Wavemaker award. She was named as a 2018 Women in Business honoree from the Minneapolis-St. Paul Business Journal. Recently, Dr. Wieser was named as an “academic in residence” for the Forté Foundation to advance research on the outcomes of the MBA. She has also served as a mentor with Menttium and actively mentors and coaches many students and professionals as they advance their careers. Dr. Wieser is co-president of the Eagle Heights Spanish Immersion Parent-Teacher Organization and an active volunteer with Girl Scouts River Valleys.
Summer Jazz Jams move outdoors
WINONA, Minn. — Island City Jazz Jam is heading outside for the summer months. Join the H3O Jazz Trio on Sunday, June 23, at the Jazz Jam’s new time from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. in Island City Brewing Company’s beer garden just outside the taproom. In case of inclement weather, the Jazz Jam will move to its usual location inside the taproom.
Now in its second year, the Island City Jazz Jam is an open mic night for jazz. Whether you play an instrument or sing, the Jazz Jam is a chance for anyone to sit in with a professional rhythm section. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to perform some of their favorite jazz standards.
Interested jammers can choose from a wide selection of jazz tunes. Players can pick music from Hal Leonard’s Real Books, bring their own, or ask the trio if they can play their favorite. Simply sign up on the clipboard and get ready to jam.
Island City Jazz Jam happens on the third Sunday of each month. The event is free and open to all ages. And if you’re not quite ready to sit in, come and enjoy a great evening of jazz.
Contact Emily Johnson at taproom@islandcitybrew.com for more information.
About the H3O Jazz Trio
The father and son jazz trio H3O began performing together when bassist Max Heukeshoven was only 14 years old. Along with older brother Hans on drums and vibes and dad Eric on the piano, the group was asked to play for a private pool party and haven’t stopped since!
A. Eric Heukeshoven is an assistant professor of music and director of Jazz Studies at Saint Mary’s. Hans Heukeshoven is a 2014 graduate of Saint Mary’s with degrees in music performance and computer science and works as a software engineer. Max Heukeshoven is a 2019 graduate of Saint Mary’s with a degree in music industry and plans to attend law school.
H3O Jazz Trio performs a wide variety of jazz styles including original music. They have worked as the rhythm section for numerous area professionals including Minnesota Music Hall of Fame’s Les Fields and Dr. John Paulson. Recent appearances include Midwest Music Fest, Great River Shakespeare Festival, HBC25’s Artwork Winona, Free Family Concert Series, Winona County Historical Society, Minnesota Marine Art Museum, Winghaven Pizza Farm, Salem Glen Winery, Grace Presbyterian Church, Faith Lutheran Church, and numerous other venues. The trio hosts the monthly Jazz Jam at Island City Brewing Company in Winona on the third Sunday of every month from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
More information about the H3O Jazz Trio can be found at H3OJazz.com.
Photo caption: Winona’s own Emily Kurash sings “Ain’t Misbehavin’” with H3O Jazz Trio during the May Jazz Jam.
The Rev. James P. Burns, IVD, Ph.D.
President
Saint Mary's University of Minnesota
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