Saint Mary's Newsroom
Campus ConnectionAn update from the president to alumni and parents
Adult learners to graduate June 1 on Saint Mary’s Twin Cities Campus
MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. — More than 440 adult learners will graduate from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota and its Schools of Graduate and Professional Programs on Saturday, June 1, where three commencement convocations will honor the graduates.
The ceremonies, to be held at 10 a.m., 12:30 p.m., and 3 p.m. at the Saint Mary’s University Center on Park Avenue in Minneapolis, will feature four graduates who have been invited to provide reflections as part of the ceremonies. Another six graduating students will be honored with Saint Mary’s Outstanding Final Paper Awards.
Graduating students providing reflections are:
- LaTonya Fakir, M.A. in Marriage and Family Therapy
- Christopher Godsoe, B.S. in Business Administration
- Nora Morris, Ed.D. in Leadership
- Okongo Nyak Ongwach, D.B.A.
Graduating students being honored with Outstanding Final Paper Awards are:
- Katlynne Mark, M.A. in Special Education
- Shelly Champa, B.S. in Human Resource Management
- David Grack, Ed.D. in Leadership
- Heather Michaels, M.S. in Accountancy
- Kristen McCoy, M.A. in Health and Human Services Administration
- Elora Riggs-Lyksett, M.A. in Counseling and Psychological Services
Expert perspective on a trade war with China and how it could impact a Trump presidency
Trade negotiations between the United States and China have continued to deteriorate over the last few weeks. In efforts to pressure the Chinese to make reforms to trade-related issues such as forced technology transfer and intellectual property rights, the United States has raised tariffs on nearly all Chinese exports. While there is a consensus among experts that these trade issues harm U.S. producers and must be dealt with, there is not universal agreement that a trade war is the best way to make it happen.
Who will feel the effects?
It is apparent that both consumers and producers in the U.S. will feel the effects of the trade war.
- Producers will not be able to absorb the increased costs from the raising tariffs and will need to pass them along to consumers.
- Consumers will begin to see the prices increase on a host of retail goods, such as clothing and apparel, toys, and home goods.
Partners replaced?
In addition, as the Chinese retaliate with increased tariffs on U.S. exports, such as agricultural goods, producers from other countries with lower tariffs are stepping in to take the place of the U.S. exporters. For example, Brazilian soybean producers are more than happy to sell their product to China at a lower cost. Once lost, it may be difficult for U.S. farmers to regain these important Chinese markets.
A political price to pay?
It appears that the effects Dr.of the trade war may hit the Trump administrations base, in agricultural and manufacturing regions, disproportionately. However, the administration may see the trade war as beneficial to Trump’s 2020 reelection campaign, as Trump is being perceived as being tough with the Chinese and holding them accountable to unfair trade practices. That appears to resonate with his base. However, it remains to be seen how long his base will continue to support this approach as both producers and consumers continue to feel the economic pinch of the growing trade war with China.
There’s a lot to know about the short and long-term impacts of a trade war with China and that’s where our experts can help.
Dr. Matt Bluem, program director of M.A. in International Development, has taught business and marketing courses at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota since 2008. Prior to Saint Mary’s, he worked in both the banking and the non-profit sectors, most recently with a non-governmental organization (NGO) with operations in more than a dozen countries. Matt is an expert in political and economic development and is available to speak with media. Simply click on his icon to arrange an interview.
For his complete profile and contact information, click here.
Saint Mary’s hosts second Regenerative Medicine Workshop May 20-24
WINONA, Minn. — Thanks, in part, to a $49,202 grant from Advancing Regenerative Medicine, Saint Mary’s University is hosting its second Regenerative Medicine Workshop for regional college students May 20-24 on its Winona Campus.
Ten select students will take part in this educational experience that is focused on advancing clinically relevant scientific discovery in regenerative medicine and tissue engineering. This workshop will feature innovative learning and hands-on activities. The workshop will also include a tour of the Center for Regenerative Medicine at Mayo Clinic in nearby Rochester, Minn., and guest speakers.
The transitional and groundbreaking discipline of regenerative medicine has tremendous potential to impact the treatment of diseases affecting different organ systems, from tissue growth for burn victims to growing new vital organs, like hearts and kidneys. The potential for self-repair can lead to an improvement in the quality of life — and even sustain life — for many patients.
According to Dr. Todd Reinhart, dean of the School of the Sciences at Saint Mary’s, “This short workshop will be providing wide coverage of key foundational areas in regenerative medicine, including stem cells, tissue engineering, approaches for studying 3D models of tissues, and ethical aspects of the field. Students will also be exposed to key methods used in regenerative medicine research. We are pleased to have students participating from a variety of public and private universities and are thankful for the support from the State’s Regenerative Medicine Minnesota initiative.”
Participants in the workshop include:
STUDENT/HOMETOWN/SCHOOL:
Zachary Bracken / Osseo, Minn. / Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota
Scarlett Cheong / St. Cloud, Minn. / St. Cloud State University
Jonathan Dicke / Rochester, Minn. / Southwest Minnesota State University
Danielle Franke / St. Paul, Minn. / Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota
McKenna Gaalswyk / Rochester, Minn. / Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota
Chance Jakobson / Rochester, Minn. / St. Cloud State University
Olivia Kostueck / Minooka, Ill. / Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota
Brady Larson / Arbor Vitae, Wis. / University of Wisconsin-Stout
Natalie Luo / St. Paul, Minn. / Macalester College
Grace Wilson / Portage, Wis. / Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota
Saint Mary’s students awarded scholarships from MinneAnalytics
WINONA, Minn. — Saint Mary’s University announced that senior business intelligence and analytics majors Emily Seykora of Lansing, Mich., and Kristjan Meitz of Waukesha, Wis., have each been awarded $1,000 MinneAnalytics Scholarships.
MinneAnalytics Scholarships are awarded to students who display a passion for pursuing a career in analytics and an ongoing commitment to community engagement. Last year, the organization awarded 20 scholarships in the amount of $1,000 each to students from schools across the Midwest.
Seykora, who has chosen Business Management as a second major, is working on the Commodities and Intelligence team at Fastenal, where she is learning how to use data to help colleagues with pricing negotiations and creating informative reports on market trends.
What she enjoys most about data analytics is the problem-solving aspect and the fact that it is an ever-growing field filled with opportunity.
“On-the-job experience is the most authentic form of learning, which is one reason why the Business Intelligence and Analytics program at Saint Mary’s University is so strong,” she said.
After graduation, she looks forward to a career in the data analytics field. Her long-term aspiration is to become a consultant to help companies realize the power of their data.
She is actively involved in Student Senate and Volunteer Mentors and belongs to two academic honor Societies, the Eta Beta Chapter of the Delta Mu Delta International Business Honor Society and Delta Epsilon Sigma National Scholastic Honor Society. She has also served as a tutor and enjoys working with the Data Analytics Club and Campus Ministry events.
Meitz chose to major in Business Intelligence and Analytics because he too enjoys problem solving and thinking critically and creatively, as well as putting his mathematics and statistics skills to work. He also loves that there are so many job avenues and career possibilities in multiple industries.
At Saint Mary’s, he plays on the Cardinal men’s basketball team, has tutored various courses, and has been a member of the Data Analytics Club and the Leadership Club. He is also a member of the Delta Mu Delta international business honor society; the Delta Epsilon Sigma honor society for Catholic institutions; and Pi Mu Epsilon, the National Mathematics honor society. Outside of Saint Mary’s, he has also been working at Fastenal. As a data research assistant in the Performance and Improvement Department, he does various projects involving analytics, finance, statistics, and reporting. This summer, he will intern with 3M.
After graduation, he hopes eventually to pursue a master’s degree in data science or business.
MinneAnalytics is a nonprofit organization serving the data science and emerging technology community in Minnesota, the Upper Midwest, and beyond by providing accessible, authentic, and engaging events. For more information about the scholarships, go to minneanalytics.org/scholarships.
Photo caption: Michael Ratajczyk of Saint Mary’s Business Department presents two $1,000 scholarships on behalf of MinneAnalytics to seniors Kristjan Meitz and Emily Seykora.
The 2019 Eddie Phillips Scholarship for African-American Men
Congratulations to our very own, Stanley Wright, for being nominated for the 2019 Eddie Phillips Scholarship for African-American Men
The Eddie Phillips Scholarship for African-American Men funds development, leadership, and mentoring opportunities for Minnesota Private Colleges. This program provides African-American men a set of valuable experiences that will influence them throughout their college years and beyond.
Wright expressed,
“Being a part of the program has given and taught me so many things that I will cherish. One thing that stands out is how important it is to help others that look like me. Seeing people who look like me in professional jobs and business send a message that says that it is possible for us to ascend and go pass the expectations, or statistics that are placed on us.”
The organization allows scholars to participate in internships, attend a national conference and network with local African-American leaders to break barriers that are held over African-American communities.
Wright continues to express that “the program did not only help introduce us to new ideas and people but also helped us strengthen our bond as a cohort.”
Wright along with other participants are grateful for the opportunity to form a brotherhood that will encourage each and every one of them to strive and push forward in a world.
Saint Mary’s Performance Center to receive national grant
WINONA, Minn. — The Performance Center at Saint Mary’s University will be awarded an Art Works grant from the National Endowment for the Arts to support the launch of the Driftless Dance Festival.
Mary Anne Carter, acting chairman for the National Endowment for the Arts, has approved more than $80 million in grants as part of the Arts Endowment’s second major funding announcement for 2019. The agency received 1,592 Art Works applications for this round of grantmaking and will award 977 grants in this category.
“These awards, reaching every corner of the United States, are a testament to the artistic richness and diversity in our country,” said Carter. “Organizations such as the Performance Center at Saint Mary’s University are giving people in their community the opportunity to learn, create, and be inspired.”
The Driftless Dance Festival, to be presented by the Page Series March 27-29, 2020, will encompass a weekend of performance by national, regional, and local dancers. The event will also feature artist talks, master classes, workshops, and events that offer festival goers the opportunity to interact with visiting artists, develop skills, and build community.
Festival performances will include:
- SPEAK, a collaboration of San Francisco-based Kathak dancers Rina Mehta and Rachna Nivas alongside world-renowned tap artists Michelle Dorrance and Dormeshia Sumbry-Edwards, with live accompaniment from leading jazz and classical Indian musicians.
- James Sewell Ballet, as part of the company’s 30th anniversary tour.
- A showcase celebrating dancers from across the Winona area.
More information on the festival and Page Series will be announced at a later date.
“We are honored to receive this support from the National Endowment for the Arts as we work to create another great festival for Winona and to further our goal of bringing artists and community together,” said Theresa Remick, managing director of the Performance Center.
For more information on this National Endowment for the Arts grant announcement, visit arts.gov/news. To learn more about the Page Series and the Performance Center at Saint Mary’s, visit pagetheatre.org.
Photo caption: Dancers Deanna Gooding and Jordan Lefton; photographed by Sara Rubinstein.
MCA to host free tap showcase June 2
WINONA, Minn. — Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts (MCA) will celebrate Bill “Bojangles” Robinson, an American tap dancer, with a free tap performance open to the public on Sunday, June 2, at 3 p.m. in the Academy Theatre of the Valéncia Arts Center, 1164 W. Howard St.
Each year, tap celebrations are held in May throughout the nation in honor of Bojangles’ birthday. Bojangles was one of the first African American performers to go solo, and he overcame many racial barriers in the early 20th century. He is best remembered for dancing with Shirley Temple during a series of the films during the 1930s and for starring in Stormy Weather which is loosely based on his life.
The showcase will feature rhythm tap pieces highlighting the talents of students ages 5 and older who range in ability from beginning to advanced. The performance will also include a special tap history presentation featuring the “Shim Sham Shimmy,” a dance known as the national anthem of tap.
Thanks to support from the Winona Walmart’s Community Giving Grant, there will be a free tap lesson for audience members of all ages following the performance, with tap shoes provided in most sizes.
Photo caption: 2017 National Tap Dance Day.
Youth actors and actresses invited to audition for Main ReACTion
WINONA, Minn. — Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts (MCA) is holding open auditions for Main ReACTion, a new improv troupe of Winona-area youth ages 8 to 13 years old, on May 19 from 6 to 8 p.m. at MCA in the Academy Theatre of the Valéncia Arts Center, 1164 W. Howard St.
Main ReACTion will explore improvisational theatre in various spaces throughout Winona’s historic downtown, thanks to a grant through Main Street Winona’s Third Space.
Four rehearsals with the improv troupe will be held between May 20 and the beginning of June (dates to be determined) to learn and practice new improv skills and games. Eight weekly one-hour performances by Main ReACTion will be held on Tuesdays between June 11 and Aug. 6 (June 11, 18, 25, July 9, 16, 23, 30, and Aug. 6).
During auditions, actors and actresses can expect to participate in a variety of improv games. Those auditioning should also bring a calendar with any vacation or summer activities on it to note conflicts on the audition form. Eight to ten troupe members will be selected based on their ability to think on their feet, make quick decisions, stage presence, ability to work with others, and variety of ideas. There is no fee to audition, but troupe members will be asked to pay $20 to participate, which covers all instruction and a T-shirt.
Why bring improv theatre downtown?
With the rise of technology and safety concerns, children are not exploring their communities. The goal of Main ReACTion is to bring children back to the downtown area in a safe and structured way through the way children learn best — exploration.
One of the best ways for children to explore in a safe and structured way is through improv theatre. Main ReACTion will be a troupe of young actors and actresses chosen through an audition process in conjunction with MCA. After rehearsing to learn improvisational theatre games and techniques, Main ReACTion Improv Troupe will perform weekly improv shows in a variety of locations within the downtown area. These improv shows, while entertaining, will provide the young actors and actresses with the opportunity to explore the new places they are in — a bus stop, a parking spot, the sidewalk — and associate these places with a positive experience. Using theatre to explore these spaces will deepen the children’s appreciation for Winona’s downtown.
About the artist
Main ReACTion will be led by Catherine Deysach, an instructor at MCA. Deysach graduated from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota with a B.A. in Elementary Education, and a minor in Spanish. She began dancing at the age of 8, studying a variety of styles at Pat Peare School of Dance and Dance-Twirl Minnesota in Eagan. She studied musical theatre at Saint Paul Conservatory for Performing Artists in high school where she combined her acting, dancing, and singing while performing in various shows around the Twin Cities including Junior Claus with the Director’s Studios, Four Little Girls, and Almost to Freedom at Stepping Stone Theatre. At Saint Mary’s, Deysach was a member of the Concert Choir and Chamber Singers, flute choir, and Sigma Alpha Iota women’s music fraternity, and was captain of the dance team.
About Third Space
Third Space is part of Artists on Main Street, a partnership between the Winona Main Street Program, Preservation Alliance of Minnesota and Springboard for the Arts, with support from the Bush Foundation. The goal of Third Space is to create free programming for the public to be held outside on Third Street between Center Street and Lafayette Street, to encourage outdoor activity downtown beyond the borders of Levee Park, and to encourage foot traffic in the downtown business district. This artist-led placemaking initiative is meant to be varied, from passive programming to interactive events, and include a broad cross-section of Winona’s population from youth to seniors, and may be focused on one specific part of the population.
About MCA
The Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts, an affiliate program of Saint Mary’s University, is a nonprofit organization 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, go to mca.smumn.edu, email mca@smumn.edu, or call 507-453-5500.
Saint Mary’s University renews partnership with Minnesota community colleges
MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. — Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota has officially launched Cardinal Complete, a transfer pathway that benefits students at community colleges. The initiative, which provides a seamless transition for students at community colleges to move on to bachelor’s degree completion, kicked off May 1 at St. Paul College with an official recognition of the long-standing partnership between the schools.
“Both institutions help make dreams come true, which is why this is such a great partnership,” said Brother Robert Smith, FSC, Ph.D., senior vice president and chief academic officer at Saint Mary’s. “Both of our institutions are really mission driven. It’s all about the student; it’s not about us. It’s about those young and not so young people who come to us to try to build a life.”
For years, Saint Mary’s has worked with transfer students at schools like St. Paul College to complete their bachelor’s degrees for programs offered in Minneapolis and online. Saint Mary’s recognizes and honors students’ previous learning with a transparent transfer credit policy.
“The partnership between Saint Mary’s and St. Paul College is really grounded in our commitment to students,” said Kristen Raney, Ed.D., vice president of academic affairs and chief academic officer at St. Paul College. “When partners have a shared vision for student success, for students to have access to support and have access to programs … I think that any partnership is set up for success.”
More information about Cardinal Complete can be found at smumn.edu/cardinalcomplete.
Photo caption: From left, Dr. Paul Christensen, Saint Mary’s assistant dean for the Graduate School of Business and Technology; Brother Robert Smith, FSC, Ph.D., Saint Mary’s senior vice president and chief academic officer; Dr. Kristen Raney, St. Paul College vice president of academic affairs and chief academic officer; Dr. Brendan Ashby, St. Paul College dean of health sciences and Service Programs; Dr. Susan Jarosak, Saint Mary’s assistant dean for the Graduate School of Health and Human Services; Dr. Tom Marpe, Saint Mary’s dean of Business and Technology; Dr. Rassoul Dastmozd, St. Paul College president; Gena Bilden, Saint Mary’s associate vice president of Enrollment Management and Student Services for the Schools of Graduate and Professional Programs; Laura King, St. Paul College vice president of student affairs and chief student officer; and Dr. Todd Reinhart, Saint Mary’s dean of the School of Sciences and Health Professions.
The Rev. James P. Burns, IVD, Ph.D.
President
Saint Mary's University of Minnesota
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