WINONA, Minn. — Saint Mary’s University honors outstanding alumni each summer during Reunion Weekend 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 will be honored during a reception and ceremony Saturday, 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 John Domanico ’77 of La Grange, Ill.; and the Lasallian Service Award recipient is Alan Peters ’74 of Minneapolis.

More than 350 alumni, family, and friends will return for Saint Mary’s Reunion Weekend festivities, which begins Friday, June 21, and will run throughout the weekend. To register or for more information about the many activities and events planned, visit mysmumn.org/rw19.

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. After earning his M.B.A., he returned to Saint Mary’s from 1970-72 to teach marketing and management. After subsequent positions with Lake Center Industries in Winona and Manpower, Inc., in Milwaukee, Wis., he joined Sibson & Company in Princeton, N.Y., and rose to the rank of chief operating officer, overseeing the firm’s day-to-day management of eight locations (domestic and international). In 1985, Colletti and two colleagues founded The Alexander Group, a management consulting firm specializing in sales management which served Fortune 500 clients. For his leadership, he was recognized as an Entrepreneur of the Year nominee/finalist by Ernst & Young, LLP. In 1999 after the sale of The Alexander Group, he and his wife Mary Fiss (CST’71) founded Colletti-Fiss, LLC, a management-consulting specializing in sales compensation and performance management. The firm, headquartered in Scottsdale, Ariz., helped top executives design programs that increase sales results and focus on three areas of sales effectiveness. Now retired, he is the also author or co-author of over 200 articles and four books, and he currently serves on Saint Mary’s Business Advisory Council.

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. Most recently, in June of 2015, he joined the University of Central Florida as the vice president for advancement and CEO of the UCF Foundation, and he has guided their $500 million IGNITE Campaign through two back-to-back record breaking years to an expected completion in June of 2019. Morsberger started his career in his hometown of Baltimore, Maryland, with several smaller charitable institutions. In 1995, he joined the major gifts team at Johns Hopkins Medicine, and worked his way up to executive director of oncology development. In 2001, he was involved with securing the largest (then) gift in Johns Hopkins’ history, $150 million. Following his tenure at Johns Hopkins Medicine, he worked in development administration for number of organizations including: the University of Virginia Health System and the UVA Health Foundation; Duke Medicine; and George Washington University in Washington, D.C., where he oversaw the planning and launch of their $1 billion Making History Campaign, and helped to secure the two biggest gifts in university history ($50 million and $30 million). Morsberger also has served on two dozen nonprofit boards and is a frequent guest speaker at national and international conferences.

Alumni Appreciation Award: John Domanico ’77, Le Grange, Ill.

John Domanico has continued to support his alma mater by sharing his time, talents, and treasures since he graduated in 1977. While a student, he was active with Phi Mu Alpha and assisted with many musical acts including Blue Angel and Gaslight; he also served as the College Center Concert Committee chair. As his professional career as an oral and maxillofacial surgeon grew, he returned to Saint Mary’s to talk to students about potential careers in dentistry. In more recent years, he was a member of the alumni board from 2005-2010 (serving as president in 2008-2010). He has also served as a Saint Mary’s trustee since 2013 and on the First Generation Initiative Advisory Board since 2011. He also co-chaired the Celebration of Excellence event in Chicago in 2015. In recognition of his dedication to Saint Mary’s, he received the Presidential Award for Outstanding Merit in 2010. John and his wife, Joanie CST’79, are familiar faces at university functions, and they have generously supported many initiatives that further Saint Mary’s mission. The idea to start Lasallian Day of Service originated with John during his time at the alumni board. In the past 10 years, due to his vision, hundreds of alumni from throughout the United States have gathered together on this fall day in service to their communities to honor their Lasallian heritage.

Lasallian Service Award: Alan Peters ’74, Minneapolis

Alan Peters founded Can Do Canines in 1987 and serves as executive director of the organization. Under his leadership, the organization has grown from an interesting idea to an industry-leading organization with 35 staff and a 25,000 square foot training facility. Can Do Canines has placed more than 650 fully trained assistance dogs into the community, all at no cost to their clients with disabilities. Under his direction, Can Do Canines has become a fully accredited member of Assistance Dogs International and has received awards from the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits, the Minnesota State Council on Disability, the Minnesota Corrections Association, The Arc of Minnesota, and the Commission of Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing Minnesotans. Peters was personally given the Minneapolis Award for his contribution to the community. Three of the Lasallian Core Principles are: Respect for All Persons, Concern for the Poor and Social Justice; and Inclusive Community. In his work Peters also abides by these principles. Can Do Canines is dedicated to enhancing 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 — free of charge.

WINONA, Minn. — Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota’s 2019-20 Page Series features a lineup chosen to inspire and entertain audiences of all ages. The 33rd annual series features world-class dance, music, and theatre September 2019 through March 2020, concluding with the inaugural Driftless Dance Festival.

Highlights include:

• TigerLion Arts’ production of Nature, a walking play based on Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau.
• Sugar Skull! A Día de los Muertos Musical Adventure, a family-friendly theatrical production by Mexico Beyond Mariachi.
• LA Theatre Works’ production of SEVEN, a riveting documentary based on international heroic women who overcame life-threatening obstacles.
• An exploration of Hispanic culture and identity through the Latino dance company Ballet Hispánico.
• Musical performances by the Irish ensemble Danú; Leyla McCalla, who sings in French, Haitian Creole, and English and plays cello, tenor banjo, and guitar; and Grammy-winning duo The Okee Dokee Brothers, who sold out the Page Theatre during their last visit.

The Page Series expands upon its longstanding tradition of presenting leading dance from across the nation this season with the launch of the Driftless Dance Festival March 27-29, 2020. The weekend-long festival, which has received funding from the National Endowment for the Arts, will encompass performances by national, regional, and local dancers as well as artist talks, master classes, workshops, and events.

Festival performances will include SPEAK, featuring kathak dancers from San Francisco’s Leela Dance Collective alongside tap dancers Michelle Dorrance and Dormeshia Sumbry-Edwards; a mixed repertory program by the James Sewell Ballet; and a showcase celebrating dancers from across the Winona area.

And more

Both Ballet Hispánico and the artists of SPEAK will conduct residencies in Winona, thanks in part to a $75,130 Arts Tour grant awarded to the Performance Center by the Minnesota State Arts Board. Full residency schedules will be shared in the coming months.

In addition to these residencies, the Page Series will continue its slate of community programs, including gatherings at the Winona Public Library and A Page in History with the Winona County Historical Society, as well as artist talks, workshops, and master classes.

Community members will also be invited to participate in several performances: Nature will feature a local child actor and a chorus of singers from the area; the Driftless Dance Festival will conclude with a performance by dancers in the area.

Both Nature and The Okee Dokee Brothers will feature pay-what-you-can pricing in an effort to make these performances accessible to all.

Visit pagetheatre.org for artist information, video previews, and ticket information. Subscription packages are on sale now and may be ordered by calling 507-457-1715 (8 a.m. to 4 p.m., weekdays) or by visiting pagetheatre.org. Subscribers receive a 10% discount on packages of three or more events (15% for returning 2018-19 subscribers) and a 20% discount when purchasing the full season of nine events.

THE 2019-20 PAGE SERIES

Nature
Presented by TigerLion Arts
Friday, Sept. 6, at 6 p.m. in Saint Mary’s Saint Yon’s Field
Saturday, Sept. 7, at 2 and 6 p.m. in Saint Mary’s Saint Yon’s Field
Sunday, Sept. 8, at 2 p.m. in Saint Mary’s Saint Yon’s Field

TigerLion Arts presents Nature, the mythic telling of Emerson and Thoreau’s mutual love affair with the natural world. Grounded in the story of their friendship, this virtuosic production offers a perspective on their lives that is strikingly relevant, richly complex, and yet utterly simple. This original work was collaboratively created with writer/actor Tyson Forbes, a direct descendant of Ralph Waldo Emerson. Nature is performed outdoors as a walking play. A professional ensemble of actors takes the audience on a journey through the natural environment as scenes unfold around them. Bagpipes, ancient flutes, drums, and rich choral arrangements are intricately woven into the script. Nature is an extraordinary, family-friendly experience that commingles story, spirit, and the outdoors.

Ballet Hispánico
Friday, Oct. 4, at 7:30 p.m. in the Page Theatre

Ballet Hispánico, America’s leading Latino dance organization, has been bringing individuals and communities together to celebrate and explore Latino cultures through dance for nearly 50 years. Whether dancing on stage, in school, or in the street, Ballet Hispánico creates a space where few institutions are breaking ground. The organization’s founder, National Medal of Arts recipient Tina Ramirez, sought to give voice to the Hispanic experience and break through stereotypes. Today, Ballet Hispánico is led by Eduardo Vilaro, an acclaimed choreographer and former member of the company, whose vision of social equity, cultural identity, and quality arts education for all drives its programs.

Ballet Hispánico’s Winona program will include works by three Latina choreographers. The company will also offer residency activities Oct. 1-3.

Sugar Skull! A Día de los Muertos Musical Adventure
Presented by Mexico Beyond Mariachi
Friday, Oct. 11, at 6:30 p.m. in the Page Theatre

Young Vita thinks her family has gone loco planning a celebration for deceased loved ones. Why throw a party for the dead? But when a candy skeleton on her abuelita’s cemetery ofrenda suddenly springs to life, Vita finds herself on a magical, musical journey that delves into the rich, tuneful traditions of Día de los Muertos. Meet Sugar Skull, a charismatic candy skeleton who dreams of riding the exclusive train to Who-Knows-Where. Along with her skeletal new friend, Vita dances with ancient ancestors, sings with a sorrowful sorceress, escapes the trickster Chaneques, and even meets the famous Catrina Calavera. But can Vita help Sugar Skull get on the train before it’s too late? Featuring a company of gifted musicians and dancers, this colorful stage production is the perfect fall entertainment for the entire family.

Mexico Beyond Mariachi is a multi-cultural ensemble of professional musicians, actors, dancers, and teaching artists whose love of Mexican traditions and way of life shines bright in every performance. Their philosophy is rooted in the belief that art and culture are an integral part in the development of every individual’s outlook on life. Personal engagement, community experiences, and the celebration of commonality are themes Mexico Beyond Mariachi brings to their shows and their extensive arts-in-education offerings.

Leyla McCalla
Saturday, Nov. 16, at 7:30 p.m. in the Page Theatre

Leyla McCalla finds inspiration from a variety of sources, whether it’s her Haitian heritage, living in New Orleans, or dancing at Cajun Mardi Gras. Her music reflects her eclectic and diverse life experiences, including time spent in New York City and Ghana. After touring with the Carolina Chocolate Drops, McCalla began to concentrate on a solo career. Her debut album, Vari-Colored Songs, a tribute to Langston Hughes, was named album of the year by both the London Times and Songlines magazine. The title of her sophomore effort, A Day for the Hunter, A Day for the Prey, was ultimately derived from a Haitian proverb. It features songs in English, French, and Haitian Creole, with appearances by Marc Ribot, Rhiannon Giddens, Louis Michot of the Lost Bayou Ramblers, and New Orleans singer/songwriter Sarah Quintana. Her recently released third album, The Capitalist Blues, reflects the influence of New Orleans on her music, as well as the “pressure cooker” effects of living in today’s society.

The Okee Dokee Brothers
Saturday, Feb. 1, 2020, at 3 p.m. in the Page Theatre

Justin Lansing and Joe Mailander have been exploring the outdoors together since they were kids. Now, as the Grammy-winning The Okee Dokee Brothers, they write songs to encourage kids and families to get outside and get creative. With songs written under wide-open skies and harmonies fine-tuned around the campfire, the natural world is at the heart of The Okee Dokee Brothers’ Americana folk music. Their latest project, Winterland, celebrates the season of coziness, family time, and outdoor fun. The Okee Dokee Brothers make room for kids to dance, parents to share stories, and everyone to gain respect for nature, each other, and the world we live in.

Danú
Thursday, Feb. 27, 2020, at 7:30 p.m. in the Page Theatre

Hailing from historic County Waterford, Danú is one of the leading traditional Irish ensembles of today. Their standing room-only concerts throughout Ireland feature high-energy performances and a glorious mix of ancient Irish music and new repertoire. For two decades, Danú’s virtuosi players on flute, tin whistle, fiddle, button accordion, bouzouki, and vocals have performed around the globe and recorded seven critically acclaimed albums. Winners of numerous awards from the BBC and Irish Music Magazine, Danú takes audiences on a musical journey to their native Ireland, offering a moving and memorable concert experience.

SEVEN
Presented by LA Theatre Works Susan Albert Loewenberg, producing director
By Paula Cizmar, Catherine Filloux, Gail Kriegel, Carol K. Mack, Ruth Margraff, Anna Deveare Smith, and Susan Yankowitz
Wednesday, March 11, 2020, at 7:30 p.m. in the Page Theatre

SEVEN is a riveting documentary play based on personal interviews with seven remarkable women who faced life-threatening obstacles before bringing heroic changes to their home countries of Pakistan, Nigeria, Ireland, Afghanistan, Guatemala, Russia, and Cambodia. Seven playwrights collaborated to create a tapestry of stories that weave together the words of these women, dramatizing their struggles and triumphs over resistance, death threats, entrenched norms, and pervasive violence. Since the premiere in 2008, the piece has been translated into 27 languages and performed in more than 30 countries, sharing these inspiring tales of bravery and perseverance. SEVEN makes the powerful and timeless statement that even in the darkest times, one person, one voice, and a single act of courage can change the lives of thousands.

Some content may not be suitable for young audience members. Parents are encouraged to explore the content to determine appropriateness for their children. Information about the women of SEVEN and their stories is available at pagetheatre.org.

SPEAK
Friday, March 27, 2020, at 7:30 p.m. in the Page Theatre

Indian Kathak dance and American tap dance, continents and ages apart, share parallel stories of struggle and perseverance. They come together in this sensational collaboration of rhythm, poetry, storytelling, music, and dance.

SPEAK carries forward the legacy of iconic artists like Pandit Chitresh Das, Dr. Jimmy Slyde, and James Buster Brown, while bringing voices of powerful female artists to the forefront. Serving as a bridge between tradition and innovation and history and progress, groundbreaking Kathak artists Rina Mehta and Rachna Nivas, alongside tap all-stars Michelle Dorrance and Dormeshia Sumbry-Edwards, create nothing short of magic on the stage. Joined by the world’s leading Indian classical and jazz musicians, SPEAK promises to thrill, provoke, and move your spirit.

James Sewell Ballet
Saturday, March 28, 2020, at 7:30 p.m. in the Page Theatre

James Sewell Ballet was founded in New York City by James Sewell and Sally Rousse and brought to Minnesota in 1993. Combining their expertise, vision, and chutzpah, they envisioned a close-knit company of dance artists willing to both challenge their physical limits and expand their notions about ballet. Nearly three decades later, critically acclaimed James Sewell Ballet performances move and delight audiences across the country. The embodiment of the original vision is a professional company of dancers performing innovative work that explores the technical boundaries of ballet. Last seen at the Page Theatre in 2006, the company’s return performance celebrates their 30th anniversary season.

DRIFTLESS DANCE FESTIVAL

National, regional, and local dancers take the stage for the inaugural Driftless Dance Festival. The Driftless Dance Festival continues the Page Series longstanding tradition of presenting world-renowned dance artists while also celebrating the rich talents of Winona and Minnesota. In addition to three performances, festivalgoers will experience artist talks, gatherings, master classes, and more, with plenty of activities for dancers and non-dancers alike.

Festival Performances:

SPEAK
Friday, March 27, 2020, at 7:30 p.m. in the Page Theatre

James Sewell Ballet
Saturday, March 28, 2020, at 7:30 p.m. in the Page Theatre

Winona Dance Showcase
Sunday, March 29, 2020, at 3 p.m. in the Page Theatre

2019-20 SCHOOL MATINEE PROGRAMS

Each season, the Page Series offers more than 2,500 students in the area opportunities to experience live theatre and dance through school matinee programs.

Nature
Friday, Sept. 6, at 10 a.m. in Saint Mary’s Saint Yon’s Field

Sugar Skull! A Día de los Muertos Musical Adventure
Friday, Oct. 11, at 10 a.m. in the Page Theatre

Rosie Revere, Engineer and Friends
A TheaterWorksUSA production
Wednesday, Nov. 13, at 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. in the Page Theatre

Ms. Greer’s classroom includes three inquisitive out-of-the-box thinkers: Rosie Revere has big dreams, Iggy Peck has a relentless passion for architecture, and Ada Twist’s curiosity can drive her teacher crazy.

This production is a fun new musical based on the books Rosie Revere, Engineer; Iggy Peck, Architect; and Ada Twist, Scientist by Andrea Beaty, which spotlights the STEM curriculum (focusing on science, technology, engineering, and math).

SPEAK
Friday, March 27, 2020, at 12:30 p.m. in the Page Theatre

Dance Repertory Company Spring Concert
Friday, April 17, 2020, at 10 a.m. in the Page Theatre

The 47th annual spring dance concert of the Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts (MCA) Dance Repertory Company will feature works that range from classical to contemporary, ballet to hip hop, including restaged works and new choreography created by MCA faculty and regional guest artists. Students will experience a variety of dance styles and learn how dancers can tell a story through movement, music, and other production elements.

The Little Red Hen
A production of Virginia Repertory Theatre On Tour
Tuesday, May 12, 2020, at 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. in the Page Theatre

“Who’ll help me plant the seed?” asks the plucky red hen as she begins making a loaf of her delicious bread. “Not us,” say the sheep, the cow, the horse, and the pig. They all have better things to do. But, “a hen’s gotta do what a hen’s gotta do,” and so our crimson heroine perseveres until her work is done. The tricks of the conniving fox combine with the hen’s common sense to add adventure and a sound moral lesson to this classic, feel-good, foot-stompin’ country musical.

About the Page Series

Now entering its 33rd annual season, the Page Series series offers performances, workshops, classes, and more that inspire, uplift, educate, and invite community members to discover the relevance of the arts in their daily lives. Featuring professional performing artists from around the globe, the Page Series hosts events at the Joseph Page Theatre on the Winona Campus of Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, as well as at locations throughout the Winona community. The Page Series brings artists and community together through imaginative programming, unique collaborations, a welcoming atmosphere, and exceptional service.

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

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

This project is supported in part by an award from the National Endowment for the Arts.

WINONA, Minn. — Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts (MCA) is offering two unique and intensive opportunities for young dancers this summer.

Junior Training Program for Dancers

The Junior Training Program for Dancers invites participants to experience two weeks of daily dance training. Each day, dancers will warm up in a ballet class; build foot and ankle strength in pre-pointe; dabble in different theory classes such as dance history, composition (choreography), and theatre; and then round out their experience with a “genre of the day” class, including exploration of jazz, modern, musical theatre, and hip hop. Each day will end with a rehearsal for a final showcase for friends and family. Back for the second year, special guest artist Natasha Posey, faculty member at Milwaukee Ballet, will be joining MCA instructors.

Dancers ages 9-18 are invited to attend. Auditions are not required, but it is recommended that dancers have at least three years of training. The program will run Monday through Friday, June 17-28, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and will conclude with a performance on Friday, June 28, at 6:30 p.m. The camp costs $375, which includes more than 60 hours of instruction and a camp T-shirt. Registration information can be found at mca.smumn.edu.

Young Dancer Intensive

New this year, MCA is also offering a one-week Young Dancer Intensive. Each day will start with ballet to build a strong dance foundation and then move into a “genre of the day” class, including exploration of jazz, modern, musical theatre, and hip hop. Each day will end with a creative class, such as costume design or acting, to ignite imagination and performance skills in campers. The young dancers will get to work with a variety of instructors including guest artist from Milwaukee, Natasha Posey.

Dancers ages 6-9 are invited to attend. No dance experience necessary to register. The camp will run Monday through Friday, June 24-28, from 1 to 4 p.m. The camp costs $119 and includes a camp T-shirt. Registration information can be found at mca.smumn.edu.

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.

Photo caption: Enjoying the 2018 Junior Training Program for Dancers are, from left: (front) Abigail Ellenburg, Deja Foster, Hannah Reischl, Lilia Civettini, Ruthie Civettini; (back) Carmelle Meyer, Erin Walters, Marakarh Olcott, and Aza Theresa Williams-Carpenter. 

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. — Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota will host two open house information sessions for adults who want to learn more about the university’s many graduate and professional school program options. The events, which are free and open to the public, are happening:

• Wednesday, June 12, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Saint Mary’s Apple Valley Center, 14200 Cedar Ave. in Apple Valley
• Thursday, June 13, from 4:30 to 7 p.m. at the Saint Mary’s University Center, 2540 Park Ave.

All are invited to attend, especially individuals who are interested in pursuing a Saint Mary’s program offered in Apple Valley, Minneapolis, or online, which includes a variety of bachelor’s completion and advanced-degree options.

Saint Mary’s offers more than 60 programs for adults through its Schools of Business and Technology, Education, and Health and Human Services. For a list of bachelor’s completion, master’s, graduate certificate, specialist, and doctoral degrees offered, visit smumn.edu/academics.

For more information on open houses or programs offered at Saint Mary’s, call 507-285-1410, email rochester@smumn.edu, or visit smumn.edu/admission.