Saint Mary's Newsroom
Campus ConnectionAn update from the president to alumni and parents
Saint Mary’s to celebrate 2022 graduates from the Schools of Graduate and Professional Programs
Saint Mary’s looks forward to celebrating our 2022 graduates from the Schools of Graduate and Professional Programs this coming weekend at Orchestra Hall in Minneapolis.
In addition to the in-person commencement ceremony, which begins at 10 a.m., family and friends can also watch virtually. A link to the stream can be found here: https://smumn.edu/about/january-sgpp-commencement-2023/
Congratulations Graduates! We are proud of you and your success — and look forward to seeing what the future holds for you.
Klosky discusses serial killers and society’s obsession with them on podcast
In this episode of Saint Mary’s Currents, podcast host Ben Rodgers is joined by Tricia Klosky, Ph.D., associate professor of criminal justice, to discuss the psychology of serial killers and why society has such an interest in these individuals.
If you enjoy the show and the topics discussed, subscribe to Saint Mary’s Currents wherever you listen to podcasts. You can also listen to previous episodes by visiting the Saint Mary’s Newsroom.
Saint Mary’s congratulates December 2022 graduates
WINONA, Minn. — The following Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota students completed requirements for bachelor of arts degrees in December 2022.
Student name, hometown, parents’ or guardians’ name/s
Cory Molzahn, Wauconda, Ill
Jeffery Truax, Winona, Minn.
Tucker Chapman, Rochester, Minn.
Anthony Richter, Gillette, Wyo.
Elizabeth Baird, Wells, Minn., Richard Baird
Josiah Bauer, Pine Island, Minn., Traci Bauer
Shawna Berdan, Montgomery, Minn., Lisa Berdan
Kathleen Blissenbach, Hastings, Minn., Peter and Renee Blissenbach
Cheyenne Carlsen, Big Lake, Minn., Darin Gladen and Susan Carlsen
Molly Cary, Minneapolis, Minneapolis
Augusta Chirbas, Kenosha, Wis., David and Stephanie Chirbas
Jacob Clements, Holmen, Wis., Brian and Sara Clements
Sascha Cromheecke, Onalaska, Wis., Matthew and Rachel Cromheecke
Natalie Degener, Rochester, Minn., Chris and Jennifer Degener
Jacob Freund, Fon Du Lac, Wis., Cheryl Freund
Philip Kostecka, Chrysa Kostecka, Minn., Chrysa Kostecka
Brandon Kurilla, Hastings, Minn., Mark and Jan Kurilla
Janette Madrigal, Circle Pines, Minn., Maria Aurello
Anna Muntifering, Eagan, Minn., Todd and Susan Muntifering
Marissa Nelson, Middle River, Minn., Chad and Erica Nelson
Luke Olson, Moline, Ill., Andrew and Melinda Olson
Isabelle Ostrem, Cochrane, Wis., Cindy Ostrem
Alexis Pogatchnik, Rice, Minn., Michelle Pogatchnik
Danielle Rhodes, Pewaukee, Wis., Scott and Jeanne Rhodes
Anthony Saucedo, Zion, Ill., Maria Mendez
Mandy Schmidt, Mitchell, S.D., Ann Schmidt
Cassandra Sepp, Duluth, Minn., Scott and Angela Sepp
Emma Toellner, Bonduel, Wis., Jay and Jennifer Toellner
Elizabeth Trnka, Montgomery, Minn., Ronna Trnka
Hanbo Wang, Shanghai, China, Xiaowei Wang
Briana Williquett, Roberts, Wis., Christopher and Aimee Williquett
Jenna Zimmer, Creston, British Columbia, Shaun and Sonya Zimmer
Important calendar dates for Spring 2023
As we enter the busy new year and welcome students back, it is a good time for calendar planning. Please review the events below and add them to your calendars. Additional information will be shared as available. Many of the events will be live with a virtual viewing opportunity as well given our various campuses.
January:
Jan. 18 – Character and Virtue Discussion on Martin Luther King Jr.’s Letter from Birmingham Jail, Winona Campus
Jan. 21 – SGPP Commencement, Minneapolis
February:
Feb. 9 – Cardinal Update Live (12:10 – 1 p.m.)
March:
March 11 – Cardinal Excellence Fund Dinner, Winona Campus
March 13-19 – De La Salle Week
March 14 – Founders’ Day, Winona Campus
April:
April 13 – Cardinal Update Live
April 18 – Hendrickson Forum, Minneapolis Campus
April 27 – Spring Social, Winona Campus
April 29 – Undergraduate Commencement, Winona Campus
May:
May 3 – Spring Social, Minneapolis Campus
Assistant vice president for human resources named
Saint Mary’s is pleased to announce that Fernando Rosas has been named assistant vice president of human resources and will begin on Jan. 19. Rosas brings more than 20 years of experience to Saint Mary’s including managing human resources in multiple locations, success in talent acquisition and development, compliance and technology to support progressive human resources work.
Fernando Rosas
Rosas holds a B.S. in Civil Engineering from Universidad Autónoma de Yucatan, as well as several certifications including Strategic Management Sustainable Business Practices, and creative leadership. Rosas has also obtained numerous certifications specific to the field of human resources, including the Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR), Global Professional in Human Resources (GPHR), California Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR-CA), and SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) certifications.
“Providing a transformative college experience for our students begins with having dedicated and hard-working faculty and staff,” said Benjamin Murray, CPA, MPA, B’96, executive vice president and chief financial officer at Saint Mary’s. “Fernando has a strong track record of helping organizations acquire, develop and retain talent and building a culture of collaboration, celebration, and continuous improvement. We are fortunate to have Fernando join our community at this critical time of creating stability and future growth.”
“It is my privilege to be appointed as assistant vice president for human resources at Saint Mary’s,” said Fernando Rosas. “During the interview process, I heavily researched the Lasallian Catholic history and your mission. My continuous thirst for knowledge and drive to embrace new concepts draws me to Saint Mary’s and the world of higher learning. I am energized by diverse perspectives and backgrounds and the search for intellectual truth, which I know I will find here.
“I am passionate about providing a best-in-class employee experience and fostering an environment to attract and retain high-quality talent by promoting a culture of belonging and demonstrating respect through treating others as they wish to be treated.”
The university is grateful for Abbie Hennigson’s leadership during the interim time. Please provide a warm welcome to Fernando Rosas when you meet him.
Save the Date for Hendrickson Institute Forum, featuring David Brooks
Once a year, during the Hendrickson Forum, Saint Mary’s brings an internationally recognized speaker to its Minneapolis Campus to engage Saint Mary’s faculty, staff, and students, and the wider community in timely and important conversations. From global migration to microfinance, and world-altering events to the new world order, the forum is a venue for thought-provoking information and discussion. Past speakers have included Nicholas Christakis, Jonathan Haidt, the late Cokie Roberts, Zanny Minton-Beddoes, Jon Huntsman, Jr., James Stavridis, Sheila Bair, Ian Bremmer, John Micklethwait, and more.
David Brooks
This year, on Tuesday, April 18, author and major political and social analyst David Brooks will serve as the keynote. Brooks has a gift for bringing audiences face to face with the spirit of our times with humor, insight and quiet passion. He is a keen observer of the American way of life and a savvy analyst of present-day politics and foreign affairs. He holds several prestigious positions as a commentator including serving as a bi-weekly op-ed columnist for the New York Times and as a regular analyst on PBS NewsHour and NPR’s All Things Considered.
His New York Times bestseller, The Road to Character, “explains why selflessness leads to greater success. He tells the story of ten great lives that illustrate how character is developed, and how we can all strive to build rich inner lives, marked by humility and moral depth. In a soci- ety that emphasizes success and external achievement, The Road to Character is a book about inner worth.”
In his most recent book, The Second Mountain: The Quest for a Moral Life (Random House), David explores the four commitments that define a life of meaning and purpose: to a spouse and family, to a vocation, to a philosophy or faith, and to a community.
Brooks is currently teaching a course at Yale University. He holds honorary degrees from Williams College, New York University, Brandeis University, Occidental College, among others. In 2010, Brooks became a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.
He has worked at The Weekly Standard, joining the magazine at its inception and serving as senior editor. He has been a contributing editor at Newsweek and the Atlantic Monthly. He worked at The Wall Street Journal for nine years in a range of positions, including op-ed editor.
Also at the forum, a local leader receives the Hendrickson Institute Medal for Ethical Leadership. Recipients of the Hendrickson Medal for Ethical Leadership have made significant contributions to the Twin Cities community and exhibit ethical leadership that is globally oriented and innovative or creative; citizenship that significantly improves the lives of others’ appreciation for diverse ideas and perspectives; and a commitment to inspiring emerging leaders. Past medal recipients include Rhoda Olsen of Great Clips, Inge Thulin of 3M, Mary Brainerd of HealthPartners, Brad Hewitt of Thrivent Financial, Mary Jane Melendez of General Mills, Tony Sanneh of the Sanneh Foundation, and more. This year’s recipient will be announced at a later date.
Watch for more information soon at smumn.ed/hendricksonforum.
Dixon departing from Saint Mary’s
Mr. Leon Dixon, vice president for inclusion and human dignity, will step down from his position, effective Jan. 13, 2023. Dixon, who joined Saint Mary’s in June 2021, has accepted a new position in the Twin Cities where he will lead a nonprofit that serves 1,700 families.
Leon Dixon, vice president for inclusion and human dignity
When Dixon stepped into the newly created role, just over a year and a half ago, he was charged with developing and fostering a more dynamic university community through the creation of ever more welcoming environments and ways to share a variety of viewpoints. Dixon worked to build bridges and foster understanding among faculty, staff, and students at Saint Mary’s — as well as in our broader communities.
“As noted in our strategic plan, Building a Future Full of Hope 2025, we have been intentional about enhancing our Lasallian Catholic identity, something our Christian Brothers have promoted for nearly a century. Leon’s work has complemented this direction for which he has displayed energy and enthusiasm, fostering a deep appreciation for inclusion and belonging in the method of Saint De La Salle,” said Father James P. Burns, IVD, Ph.D. “With leadership from Mr. Dixon, we have been the first school to focus on inclusion through the lens of our Lasallian Catholic understanding of the inherent dignity and worth of every person.”
During his tenure, Dixon achieved a number of goals. He helped our community to appreciate the variety of religious traditions our students represent, developed a survey and delivered reports on contemporary issues of justice facing society and our school — while fostering discussion on multiple sensitive topics. He worked with advancement to showcase Saint Mary’s work on inclusion and human dignity, which garnered interest from various foundations and donors. He also provided a curriculum for inclusion and human dignity as part of our digital badging strategy and offered advice to better address our bias reporting system.
Dixon was also the official representative required to address Title IX issues, which, in the interim, will return to Senior Vice President Ann Merchlewitz. Bias reports will continue to go to Dean of Students Niki Peterson for students and to Provost Matthew Gerlach for faculty.
A transition plan will be shared in the coming weeks.
In 2023, college is a great next step for many after high school
This article, which ran in the Rochester Post-Bulletin, is co-signed by Father James P. Burns, president, Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota; Lori J. Carrell, chancellor of the University of Minnesota Rochester, Jeffery S. Boyd, president, Rochester Community and Technical College; Scott Olson, president, Winona State University; Adenuga Atewologun, president, Riverland Community College; John Poe, chair, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science; Jenifer K. Ward, president, Luther College; Kent Pekel, superintendent, Rochester Public Schools; Julie Nigon, executive director, Greater Rochester Advocates for Universities and Colleges (GRAUC); and Julie Ruzek, executive director, Cradle to Career.
If you’re helping a young person with this big decision, you may wish to talk through these reasons to consider going to college.
“So, what are you going to do when you graduate?” If you have the gift of a young person in your life, you know their decisions about next steps are pivotal — and stressful. I’m joined by nine other Rochester-area education leaders in affirming the importance of considering college. As educators and families work together to support high school seniors during this critical life transition, we do so in a context that is different from the one we experienced at that same stage of life.
Today’s young people are coming of age during a global pandemic and an era of societal strife. Social media feeds put those challenges front and center day and night, fueling anxiety about the future. The current tight labor market and inflation are evident to the grown-ups, making some — like the Texas authors of a recent Post Bulletin editorial on the topic — question the need and value of college.
At the same time, for young people these decisions are personal. They are moving from the childhood question “What do I want to be when I grow up?” to a more adult question that requires them to connect aspirations to concrete next steps. Many are asking themselves, “How can I make a living and make a difference in a world full of challenges?”
We know that one size does not fit all. Attending a two- or four-year college isn’t the right option for every student, but it’s something every student should be prepared for and should carefully consider. If you’re helping a young person with this big decision, you may wish to talk through these reasons to consider going to college.
- You will be able to take care of yourself and others you love over your lifetime. That’s what economists call “return on investment” (ROI). Some credential or degree after high school still pays off when analyzed for lifetime earnings potential. A study at Georgetown University’s Center on Education and the Workforce found that the average lifetime earnings of a worker with only a high school diploma is about $1.3 million, while a person with a college degree earns nearly $1 million more, and a person with an advanced degree averages nearly $2.7 million, or more than twice as much as the high school graduate.
- You will find people at college who are committed to supporting your continued learning, development, and financial well-being. Higher education institutions in the Rochester region have caring professors as well as people ready to help you with financial aid and personal budgeting, career exploration, academic advising, tutoring, disability services, counseling, and more. You will not be alone as you strive for success at college.
- You will have more choices in your future. Many of the in-demand professions important to the Rochester region (and beyond) require further learning beyond high school (and the credentials that represent that learning) — including most trades, nurses, medical doctors, teachers, engineers, scientists, counselors, researchers, accountants, and the list goes on. Other jobs that will become available in your lifetime don’t even exist yet, as artificial intelligence and other advancing technologies continue to change the way we work and the types of work that are needed. College can educate you for a future full of open doors and new possibilities.
- You live in a world that needs you to develop your full potential. There are a lot of problems out there that need solving. Another kind of ROI is the common good of an educated citizenry ready to tackle the increasingly complex challenges of our world, together. The recent breakthrough in nuclear fusion that holds the potential to solve the climate crisis is an example of the kind of work the world needs. We want you to have a good life and make a good living, and we also need you and other young people to work for the greater good of humanity.
- You will meet other fascinating young people. Many of us grow up surrounded by people who are similar to us. The diversity of a campus community provides the opportunity to get to know people with perspectives different from your own. Those new friendships can be fun, for sure — but connecting across differences is also a key competency employers are seeking (and that society sorely needs). College brings new friends, new perspectives, and new skills.
- You have more to learn. No matter how much you know now, there is more to learn, and college provides the opportunity to dig deep into the problems you want to solve and the issues that make you curious. (Discovering a sense of purpose is linked with happiness!) At the same time, colleges in the Rochester region are connected with employers so we can ensure your coursework is not only relevant to you now, but also designed to develop the competencies that will help you launch your career when you graduate.
- You can find a campus that is worth the investment. Colleges and universities in the Rochester region are innovating to adapt to the emerging needs of young people, employers, and society — including new approaches to decreasing student costs while increasing student success. There are many ways to finance your education, and there is no more valuable investment you can make in yourself and your future than a college education.
We are united in our commitment to develop human potential, providing pathways to financial stability for individuals while also contributing to the common good now and into the future.
Saint Mary’s alumna was first female president of St. Paul Police Academy
After graduating from Cretin-Derham Hall High School, it was only natural Anna (Taylor) Ciconte B’17 look to another Lasallian Catholic school when considering colleges. She wanted to continue her education in the Lasallian tradition, which encompasses concern for the poor, social justice, respect for all persons, inclusive communities, and quality education.
“I was intrigued by Saint Mary’s because it offered a degree in criminal justice with a law enforcement track, and it reminded me of my high school – a tight knit community with a good student/teacher ratio,” said Ciconte. “Saint Mary’s was great. I received a great education based in faith that helped me begin my career as a St. Paul police officer. I could go to church every Sunday, and I met a lot of my good friends that I have today. I also played soccer for four years.”
Many members of Ciconte’s extended family have been police officers, and by the time she turned 18, Ciconte knew she also wanted to be a police officer. One class at Saint Mary’s really stands out as solidifying her decision because a Winona police officer showed the class what the job of being a police officer was like.
“I interned with the St. Paul Police Department the summer before my junior year, and that’s when I knew I wanted to be part of that department,” adds Ciconte. “I learned important skills that summer and applied for the St. Paul Police Academy my senior year. I got right in after graduation.”
Starting at the Police Academy at age 21, she quickly made her mark by being elected — in 2018 — the first female president of the academy since it was founded in 1854. She attributes her success there to her leadership and excellent communication skills to motivate the class of 34 recruits.
“After graduation I was hired as a patrol officer for the St. Paul police, and I work in the western district, the city’s largest,” says Ciconte. “A typical workday involves being briefed on what’s going on in the city in general and particularly in the western district. We also hear about problem addresses so we can be on the lookout for certain things and patrol certain areas.”
Ciconte credits her various liberal arts and religion classes at Saint Mary’s for broadening her perspective and helping her to be well prepared for a law enforcement career. These classes helped her know how to talk to, treat people with respect, and listen to other people’s point of view.
Currently she works in the Code Enforcement Unit, dealing with problem properties. In this role Ciconte often interacts with, and provides assistance to, the city’s homeless and unsheltered population.
For Ciconte, the most rewarding aspect of being a police officer is dealing with people who have made bad choices and helping them in their time of need. She finds it gratifying when later she sees some of these same people make better choices. Ciconte believes the St. Paul Police Department does a good job strengthening community relations with members of the Asian communities, primarily Hmong and recent Karen refugees so they know the police are there to help them.
In October, Ciconte received the Signum Fidei Award from her alma mater, Cretin-Derham Hall High School. Essentially a rising star award for a young person who’s excelling in their career, Ciconte is the youngest person to receive the award.
“Saint Mary’s is a nice, tight-knit community based on the Lasallian tradition and the Catholic faith. It’s a great campus and you can meet people from throughout the United States. It feels like a family,” adds Ciconte. “You can also expand your faith and connect with lots of people and opportunities at Saint Mary’s. I also met my husband, Jeremy Ciconte, (B’15) there.”
The Rev. James P. Burns, IVD, Ph.D.
President
Saint Mary's University of Minnesota
© Copyright 2016. All Rights Reserved. | Privacy | Site Feedback/Changes | Accreditation