Saint Mary's Newsroom
Campus ConnectionAn update from the president to alumni and parents
Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts presents ‘The Nutcracker’
WINONA, Minn. — The Saint Mary’s University Department of Theatre and Dance and the Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts (MCA) will present the Dance Repertory Company in “The Nutcracker” Wednesday through Sunday, Nov. 28-Dec. 2, at the Saint Mary’s Page Theatre.
Heralding the message of peace on earth, “The Nutcracker” is performed around the globe during the holiday season. Producing this delightful ballet every other holiday season, the Dance Repertory Company once again brings this magical experience to the Winona area community for its 10th biennial production.
The 2018 cast includes 103 members, including students from Saint Mary’s, Winona State University, and children and community members from the Winona and surrounding areas.
Justine Meinke portrayed Clara in the 2016 production.
Through this ballet, the beauty of the pure, young heart shines bright in a world of dancing dolls, angels, and of course, the wonderful magical Nutcracker Prince. In the dreams of a child named Clara, a battle wages between a band of mice and company of toy soldiers. With Clara’s assistance, the toy soldiers are victorious and grateful. A Nutcracker Prince welcomes her to the Land of Snow, where they dance with the angels, and to the Kingdom of the Sweets hosted by the Sugar Plum Fairy where she sees a beautiful array of ethnic dances such as Spanish Coffee, Chinese Tea, and Russian Baba.
“The Nutcracker” will be presented at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 29, through Saturday, Dec. 1, and at 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 2. Tickets are $12 for adults, $5 for students and senior citizens.
A special abridged version, ideal for young audience members who may not be able to sit through the full-length ballet, will be presented at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 28. The cost for this production is $5 for everyone.
Tickets may be ordered by visiting pagetheatre.org or calling the Saint Mary’s Box Office at 507-457-1715 noon to 6 p.m. weekdays. For more information about MCA or the DRC, visit mnconservatoryforthearts.org, email mca@smumn.edu, or call 507-453-5500.
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.
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.
Photo caption: The Waltz of the Flowers from 2016.
Pope Francis approves beatification of Saint Mary’s alumnus
WINONA, Minn. — Pope Francis has recognized the martyrdom of Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota alumnus Brother James Miller, FSC. The Vatican announced Thursday, Nov. 8, that Pope Francis approved a decree recognizing Brother James died as a martyr on Feb. 13, 1982, in Huehuetenango, Guatemala.
While repairing a wall at the school where he worked, Brother James (also known as Brother Santiago) was approached by three men, who shot and killed him. He died instantly. It is suspected that Brother James was killed because he and the other Brothers fought to keep their young students from being forced into the military.
A native of Stevens Point, Wis., Brother James received his undergraduate degree in 1966 and his graduate degree in 1974 from Saint Mary’s. He taught at Cretin High School, now Cretin-Derham Hall, in Saint Paul, Minn., for several years before going to Nicaragua and eventually Guatemala, where he taught job and leadership skills to the young indigenous people.
Brother James will be the first De La Salle Christian Brother from the United States to be beatified. The cause of beatification was undertaken by the Diocese of Huehuetenango, Guatemala, and received the Decree of Validity in Rome in 2010 when Brother James was designated a Servant of God and a martyr for the faith.
The recognition of the martyrdom of Brother James clears the way for his beatification; the date and location of the beatification ceremony were not immediately announced. As a martyr, Brother James must have one miracle attributed to him posthumously to reach the next and final step toward official sainthood, which is canonization.
Father James P. Burns, IVD, Ph.D., president of Saint Mary’s said, “Though we continue to mourn his death, we honor his life and celebrate his mission to improve the lives of so many. The Saint Mary’s community and the De La Salle Christian Brother community unite in celebration as one of our very own will be recognized in this way for his life of devoted and inspirational service, especially to the poor and marginalized.”
For more information about Brother James and the process of canonization, visit Christian Brothers of the Midwest or National Catholic Reporter.
Blue Angel is happening this weekend
Don’t miss the 52nd Blue Angel musical variety show, one of the longest-running traditions at the university. Each November, the event is sponsored and run by the campus men’s music fraternity Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia (Eta Nu chapter). Students audition to be included in the variety show that include around 20 acts made up of different group performances, solo songs, and duets. Come support your classmates!
You can buy your tickets during meals, at the door, or online. Tickets are $6 pre-show and $7 at the door.
All shows are in the Toner Student Center Cafeteria:
- Friday, Nov. 9, at 8 p.m.
- Saturday, Nov. 10, at 7 and 10 p.m.
Fano Featured on Cardinals’ Nest [video]
Joe Fano, Saint Mary’s first-year Men’s Basketball head coach, was featured on this week’s Cardinals’ Nest. Learn more about Fano’s coaching history, decision to come to Saint Mary’s, and plans for this year’s team by watching the show here. The Cardinals’ Nest is a show that airs weekly on Winona’s local cable access HBC TV-25.
Alumnus to speak at Veterans Day program
Dr. John Forrette ’74 will return to campus to speak at the annual Veterans Day program at 11 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 12, at the Veterans Memorial. Dr. Forrette retired as a colonel after a 30-year career in the U.S. Army Reserve. He served in many roles during that time with final position as commanding officer, 4226th US Army Hospital, and also of the Command Inspection Program, 330th Medical Brigade. The Eagle Battalion ROTC Color Guard will present and retire the colors for the ceremony. A prayer remembrance will be held for all those who have served and sacrificed in the U.S. armed forces, especially those from the Saint Mary’s community. The rain location will be the McEnery Center.
Pitch your idea for a chance to win
Have an idea? Ready to pitch? Want to earn $250 for 90 seconds?
The Elevator Pitch Competition will take place Monday, Nov. 12, from 3 to 4 p.m. in Saint Mary’s Hall Room 115. Sign up today!
First prize is $250
Second prize is $200
Third prize is $150
Sign up for a time slot by submitting 1) your name and 2) the title of the pitch to kabarainstitute@smumn.edu.
Questions? Contact Dr. Christine Beech at cbeech@smumn.edu.
Celebrate International Education Week
All students, faculty, and staff are invited to celebrate International Education Week with these events happening Nov. 12-16.
International Education Week (IEW) Trivia Contest
This trivia game tests your knowledge regarding the history, politics, geography, culture, and traditions of other countries. Beginning Monday, Nov. 12, running through Friday, Nov. 16, answer three questions daily to win a chance at a $30, $20, or $10 gift card from Cardinal Coffee. There will be a student-only category and a faculty/staff category, and whoever answers the most questions correctly will win. Winners will be announced on Friday, Nov. 16, at the African Art sale at 3:30 p.m. and later by email. You need not be present to win. We request that you do not use the internet to search for the answers. Good luck!
MONDAY, NOV. 12
Taste the World Lunch
11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Toner Center Café
Come and enjoy a variety of foods from our international students’ native countries.
China – Sponsored by Chartwells.
Chinese Dumpling Food Demonstration
3:30 p.m.
International Center, the Heights
Ruoyu Fan (Jack) and Muhan Zhang will demonstrate how to make Chinese dumplings. Space is limited. Please reserve your spot by emailing intlcenter@smumn.edu.
TUESDAY, NOV. 13
Taste the World Lunch
11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Toner Center Café
Poland – Polish pierogi bar
International Tea & Coffee Time
4 to 5 p.m.
International Center, the Heights
Take a moment out of your day to enjoy Mexican hot chocolate, Vietnamese coffee, and Chinese tea.
WEDNESDAY, NOV. 14
Taste the World Lunch
11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Toner Center Café
Thailand – Thai squash curry
Japanese – Japanese furikake salmon
Karaoke and Piñata “Bash”
4 to 5:30 p.m.
International Center, the Heights
Come sing and enjoy music from various countries, and break a Piñata for fun. Refreshments will be served.
THURSDAY, NOV. 15
Taste the World Lunch
11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Toner Center Café
Mexican – Mexican cuisine at every station. Tacos, nachos, and fajitas.
International Dance Lessons
4 to 5 p.m.
International Center, the Heights
Enjoy dance lessons given by ICAA (Inter-Cultural Awareness Association), including Merengue, Bachata, and Quebraditas dances. Chips and salsa provided!
FRIDAY, NOV. 16
Taste the World Lunch
11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Toner Center Café
Cameroon – Hot pot potatoes (stew)
A Tribute to Africa!
2 to 4:30 p.m.
International Center, the Heights
Come and enjoy cake and African-themed appetizers as you shop the African Art Sale. Various batiques, jewelry, and African cloth will be available to purchase by cash or check only.
3 p.m.
Dr. Jeanne Minnerath, Biology Department, will speak about her travels to Nairobi, Kenya, during summer 2018.
3:30 p.m.
Announcement of trivia winners.
International Education Week is presented by the International Center, the Heights. Contact Vicki McDonald at vmcdonal@smumn.edu for more information.
Lasallian lectures happening next week
You’re invited to attend these Lasallian lectures next week.
Lasallian Education for Sustainable Development
Tuesday, Nov. 13, at 4:30 p.m. in Room 200 of the Science and Learning Center
Presented by: Peter Stemp and Brother Téfio Raoul Traoré, FSC, both associate directors for De La Salle Solidarietà Internazionale – ONLUS, Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools, Rome, Italy
As Lasallians, we can work together on an international level to respond to those most in need while enriching the educational experience of those we serve in our schools and ministries.
In 2015, the United Nations adopted 17 goals — the Sustainable Development Goals — with three aims: to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure prosperity for all by 2030. As Lasallians, we are called to be brothers and sisters to one another, therefore citizens of the world (Lasallian Reflection 3, “Lasallians Without Limits”). The Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools has worked toward these goals since its inception, and as such, has always worked to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure prosperity for all. Learn more about how the international Lasallian network works toward sustainability and care for the environment.
The Heroic Vow: Commitment and Perseverance in the Lasallian Tradition
Wednesday, Nov. 14, at noon in Room 9 of the Toner Student Center (Pizza will be provided for lunch.)
Presented by Greg Kopra, mission director for Christian Brothers District of San Francisco New Orleans
This talk will focus on the long history of commitment and perseverance of the Brothers of the Christian Schools and the Lasallian network. More importantly, however, it will tie this tradition to the commitment and perseverance needed to be successful — as a student new to college or students continuing on the journey — that requires sacrifice and hard work. This lecture will be interesting and useful for students of all years and students who find themselves busy and always working toward ways to balance priorities and commitments.
Dr. Greg Kopra has worked in the District Office of Education since 1999. His primary responsibility is coordinating and facilitating adult formation programs in Lasallian ministries in California, Arizona, Oregon, Washington, Colorado, Texas, New Mexico, and Louisiana. Prior to this, he worked for 18 years in Catholic secondary schools in Portland, Ore., and Spokane, Wash., as teacher, counselor, campus minister, and assistant principal. From 1991-1999, he served as a teacher, counselor, and administrator at La Salle Catholic College Preparatory in Milwaukie, Ore.
Admission update for Nov. 1, 2018
November is traditionally when we begin providing enrollment data that is shared with other Minnesota private colleges, so we are also sharing results with everyone on campus to keep you informed. The next six weeks may be the busiest time in the recruitment cycle given that we have recruitment events planned to target various audiences. Here are the upcoming events and the number of people attending:
- Fall Foliage – Nov. 9
10 students, 27 total - Chicago Open House – Nov. 12
8 students, 20 total - Admitted Student Day – Nov. 16
10 students, 19 total - Fall Foliage – Nov. 30
6 students, 14 total - Decision Day – Dec. 1
2 students, 3 total - Admitted Student Day – Dec. 7
5 students, 9 total
Your efforts of allowing students to attend a class, directing a student to their location, or simply letting them know how pleased you are to see them visiting campus will be greatly appreciated and assist in enhancing our recruitment efforts.
Nov. 15 is the Early Action deadline, the next meaningful application milestone in the recruitment cycle. We will review and determine acceptance for these students by Dec. 1.
— Daniel Meyer, vice president for enrollment
The Rev. James P. Burns, IVD, Ph.D.
President
Saint Mary's University of Minnesota
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