Saint Mary's Newsroom
Campus ConnectionAn update from the president to alumni and parents
Priests gather on Winona Campus next week
More than 200 priests from the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis will gather on our Winona Campus, beginning on Monday, June 21, for four days of community-building, prayer, reflection, and discussion. Welcome our guests from the Presbyteral Assembly to our beautiful campus; we pray they leave energized and impassioned to further their important work.
Saint Mary’s strengthens corporate partner network
In addition to expanding our Corporate Partner Network, we are happy to share the increasing visibility of Saint Mary’s University among our corporate partner organizations. Just one example is the upcoming corporate promotion campaign with Delta Airlines. Here, Saint Mary’s University’s tuition discount program will be highlighted in emails to Delta’s about 20,000 employees as one of its employee perk programs. Besides the email campaign, Delta will also add Saint Mary’s tuition discount banner ads on their website to highlight for Delta employees the Saint Mary’s partnership throughout the summer. Through this example, Saint Mary’s continues to bolster our brand and reputation among our 39 corporate partners.
Additionally, Saint Mary’s continues to nurture our partnership efforts with renewed agreements with existing partners in the past month, including:
- Eden Prairie Schools
- Rochester Public Schools
- Medica (including an enhanced partnership agreement expanding to employees’ immediate family members)
Through these corporate partnership engagements, Saint Mary’s University students may take advantage of a tuition grant in the amount equal to 10% of the tuition, as well as waiving the application fee. For more information on the complete list of collegiate partnerships, please refer to Saint Mary’s Corporate Partnership Program.
Update from Online Strategy and Programs
As we have turned the page to June, I wanted to make sure to make you each aware of a few organizational changes made on the Online Strategy and Programs.
Program for Advanced College Credit (PACC) and Catholic Virtual Alignment (CVA)
With the great progress made in our high school engagement initiatives, including the expansion of high school partnerships and preparations to launch the new Catholic Virtual Academy, we will continue to build on this progress by formally realigning the PACC responsibilities and CVA responsibilities under one position. This creates clarity of responsibility and structural alignment within the global online organization. With this change, Denise Sharrock-Mueller is assuming a new title as the assistant director of Online Operations and she will formally expand her responsibilities to include the leadership of the PACC and CVA. Additionally, her reporting structure will shift reporting to Sarah Dampier as the director of Online Operations. This move will streamline the Global Online team, create clarity in roles and responsibilities, and account for continued strong oversight of the high school engagement initiatives for both the PACC and CVA.
Instructional Technology
In the past year, the Instructional Technology team moved under the umbrella of the Global Online office. The efforts and contributions of the team most notably included providing the leadership and support necessary to navigate COVID, and the continued implementation of the new single LMS Canvas. Additionally, the team worked to streamline the instructional technology help desk functions with an eye toward providing service and support to the entire university. Looking forward, we are further streamlining the organizational structure of the Instructional Technology team. This includes expanding Abram Hedtke’s role as director of Instructional Technology to oversee our institutionwide Instructional Technology teams. We are also broadening the support lent by the Instructional Technology team through the addition of three Instructional Technologist positions.This will allow us to both advance a more centralized model while addressing Instructional Technology matters universitywide.
Please join me in congratulating Denise, Sarah, and Abe on their new responsibilities and for their continued leadership in advancing our Global Online efforts!
Badges launched in School of Education
We are very excited to share with the Saint Mary’s community the expansion of our badging and micro-credentialing initiative to include the School of Education.
Building on the overwhelming success of digital badging in the School of Business and Technology, Saint Mary’s is proud to have the School of Education join this initiative by offering 20 distinct micro-credentials beginning at the close of Summer I.
Each of these micro-credentials will be tied to graduate courses and certificates in four high-demand fields:
- Culturally Responsive Teaching
- CRT 605, CRT 610, CRT 615, CRT 620, CRT 625
- Mental Health in Education
- EDM 650, EDM 655, EDM 660, EDM 665, EDM 670
- Critical, Creative and Design Thinking
- LDT 600, LDT 602, LDT 630, LDT 640, LDT 642
- Teaching, Leading, Learning with Technology
- LDT 610, LDT 612, LDT 620, LDT 622, LDT 632
Students successfully completing the courses above in Fall 2020 or Spring 2021 will have these badges issued to them automatically.
Browse the complete list of our 61 course badge offerings here.
If you have successfully completed a badged course prior to Fall 2020 and would like to receive the corresponding badge(s), we ask that you complete this request form.
We continue to be energized by the enthusiasm and interest our community has shown for our innovative approach to badging and micro-credentials. With that in mind, we look forward to continuing the work to identify and recognize skills-based achievement across the university, helping to ensure that our students are among the most well-prepared to meet the challenges of tomorrow.
To learn more about digital badges and micro-credentials at Saint Mary’s University, please visit smumn.edu/badges.
Provost’s annual report
Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota encountered an unprecedented year with the global health crisis caused by COVID-19. Throughout the 2020-21 academic year, we have worked together and by association under pandemic conditions. Despite the challenges caused by the crisis, we were guided by a solid strategic plan, approved by the board in October 2019. We also pledged as a community to remain “steadfast and resilient” throughout these difficult times. Because we stayed true to our plan and remained animated by our Lasallian spirit, we made significant progress and delivered the quality education for which our university is known. As an academic team, we accomplished much. Read more in our 2020-21 Provost’s Annual Report.
May 2021 undergraduate graduation list
WINONA, Minn. — The following Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota students completed requirements for bachelor of arts degrees in May 2021.
Student name, hometown, major/s, parents or guardians’ name/s,
Cerdane Abel, Bayeux, France, Marketing
Nasteho Ahmed, New Brighton, Minn, Biochemistry, Ibrahim Ainan
Ivan Alatorre, Lake Station, Ind., IHM Seminary Philosophy, Agustin and Luz Alatorre
Ines Maria, Alcon Saez, Madrid, Spain, Management, Nieves Saez
Coral Anderson, Rogers, Minn., Marketing, Sport Management, Jon and Michele Anderson
Taylor Anderson, Waukesha, Wis., Biology Pre-Physical Therapy, Ryan and Jaime Anderson
Kendall Archer, Draper, Utah, Literature with a Writing Emphasis, Philosophy, James and Tana Archer
Mary Arnold, Wabasha, Minn., Digital Graphic Design, Jeni Arnold
Amy Bach, Hopkins, Minn., Biology Pre-Physician Assistant Studies, Chi and Nuong Bach
Katie Ball, Eau Claire, Wis., Biochemistry, Gary and Tina Ball
Clare Bath, West Fargo, N.D., History, Political Science, Mike and Jennifer Bath
Michael Bauer, Brainerd, Minn., Music, Anthony and Melissa Kaufenberg
Stephany Beck, Oshkosh, Wis., Entrepreneurship, Marketing, Randall and Patsy Beck
Jasmine, Benavidez, Milwaukee, Wis., Elementary Educ. Social Studies, Rosa Rodriguez
Isabel Bettag, Maple Park, Ill., Finance, Sport Management, Eric and Joan Bettag
Isaac Blum, Verona, Wis., Public Relations, Chris and Mary Blum
Kayla Boettcher, Menomonie, Wis., Environmental Biology, Ryan and Theresa Boettcher
Matthew Boone, Mindoro, Wis., Biology Pre-Physical Therapy, Laurie Boone
Konrad Bueckers, Pine River, Minn., Philosophy, John and Jessie Bueckers
Yael Calderon, Los Angeles, Calif., Public Relations, Judith Martinez
Alessio Caselli, Vigarano Pieve, Italy, Environmental Biology
Paulina Castelan, Schiller Park, Ill., Biochemistry, Jose Castelan Carrillo and Maria Rodriguez Avila
Elias Cave, Saint Paul, Minn., Marketing, Sport Management, James and Molly Cave
Samantha Chaffee, Delavan, Minn., Psychology, Kevin and Marjorie Chaffee
Crystal Chavez, Cicero, Ill., Elementary Education Language, Daniel and Bertha Chavez
Amber Chow, Rosemount, Minn., Biology, Simone Harris
Carolyn Chrastka, Franklin Park, Ill., Business Intelligence and Analytics, Finance, Karen and Steve Chrastka
Erin Ciconte, Melrose Park, Ill., Digital Media and Journalism, Joe and Barb Ciconte
Jonathan Cieminski, Fountain City, Wis., Digital Graphic Design, Stacy Popp
Connor Cornell, Plymouth, Minn., International Business, Management, Damen and Jessica Cornell
Angela Cruz, Minneapolis, Minn., Political Science, Spanish, Aisha Reyes-Cruz
Jimmy Cumbe Paucar, Minneapolis, Minn., Digital Graphic Design, Angel Cumbe
Anna Dale, Cottage Grove, Minn., Theatre: Musical Theatre Track, Coby and Lynn Dale
Elizabeth Davis, Big Lake, Minn., Human Services, Timothy and Audrey Davis
Megan Dienger, Winona, Minn., 55987, Management, Marla Dienger
Isaac Dotzler, Anoka, Minn., Social Studies Education, Brian and Vicki Dotzler
Jake Emeott, Chisago City, Minn., Accounting, Finance, William and Tracey Emeott
Tyler Engel, Marathon, Wis., Business Intelligence and Analytics, Sport Management, Brian Engel and Pam Dvorak
Nolan, Farnam, Rogers, Minn., History, Spanish, Gregg Farnam
Mitchell Feyereisen, River Falls, Wis., Environmental Biology, Jeff and Paula Feyereisen
Bridget Finley, Estherville, Iowa, Spanish Education, David and Angela Finley
Grace Fitzsimmons, Lake City, Minn., Digital Media and Journalism, Shawn and Sue Fitzsimmons
Bailey Frattalone, Forest Lake, Minn., Elementary Education K-6, Kelly Grant and Thomas Frattalone
David French, Winona, Minn., History, Management, Robert and Amy French
Jacob French, Winona, Minn., Social Studies Education, Robert and Amy French
Klaus Friedli, Green Bay, Wis., Environmental Biology, Katherine Friedli and Chad and Katrina Friedli
McKenna Gaalswyk, Rochester, Minn., Biochemistry, Quentin and Deaneen Gaalswyk
Brady Gagne, West Bend, Wis., IHM Seminary Philosophy, Micheal Gagne
Lucas Gerads, Saint Cloud, Minn., IHM Seminary Philosophy, Roger and Kelly Gerads
Gabriel Graves, Littleton, Colo., Business Intelligence & Analytics, Finance
James Green, Bethel, Minn., English Education, John and Amy Green
Allison Grengs, Westchester, Ill., Marketing, Sport Management, Ted and Kellie Grengs
Paige Gudmundson, Plainview, Minn., Actuarial Science, , Kevin and Michelle Gudmundson
David Gutierrez, Chicago, Ill., Marketing, Olivia Gutierrez
Brandon Hafemann, Milwaukee, Wis., Biology, Kevin and Jennifer Hafemann
Hanna Hagberg, Rogers, Minn., Performing Arts in Occupational Therapy, Janae Hagberg
Jacob Hagstrom, Longview, Texas , Management, Chris and Susan Hagstrom
Christina Haile, Colorado Springs, Colo., Theology, Judith Haile
Jacob Halper, Algonquin, Ill., History, Philosophy, Mark and Melissa Halper
Amanda Hansen, Brooklyn Park, Minn., Accounting, Business Intelligence and Analytics, Randy and Connie Hansen
Logan, Hanus, Wittenberg, Wis., Human Services, Arlene Hanus
Sarah, Hardy, Hastings, Minn., Psychology, Rick and Kathleen Hardy
Danielle Harris, Saint Paul, Minn., Psychology, Mark Harris and Jill Harris
Dominic Hartke, Saint Charles, Ill., Biology, Amy and Todd Hartke
Maggie Heuer, Chaska, Minn., Digital Media and Journalism, Public Relations, Paul and Tina Heuer
Shantel Heuer, Eyota, Minn., Psychology, Dennis and Ellen Scofield
Thomas Hill, Madison, Wis., Psychology, Steve and Vicki Hill
Nathan Hoglund, Chippewa Falls, Wis., Biology Pre-Physical Therapy, Jayne Hoglund
Alexis Holliday, Waterford, Wis., Sport Management, Michelle Holliday
Jacob Homan, Mankato, Minn., Accounting, Finance, Douglas and Mary Homan
Jennifer Honsa, Saint Paul, Minn., Theatre: Design/Technology Track, Jim and Kay Honsa
Ryugo Hoshino, Munakata, Japan, Sport Management, Tatsuya Hoshino
John Nickole Huevos, Saipan, MP, Northern Mariana Islands, Theatre: Musical Theatre Track, Raquel Garcia
Ivy Hunt, Saint Paul, Minn., Elementary Education: Math, Joseph and Rebecca Hunt
Tyler Hyatt, Waseca, Minn., Business Intelligence and Analytics, Mathematics, Travis and Michelle Hyatt
AnnMarie Jacobson, Little Falls, Minn., Biology, Pauline Jacobson
Brianna Jacobson, Sycamore, Ill., Elementary Education K-6, Jeff and Teresa Jacobson
Amanda Jaeger, Marengo, Ill., Biology Pre-Physical Therapy, Jeff Jaeger
Bailey Joens, Osage, Iowa, Chemistry, Daryl and Brenda Jones
Hailey Johnson, Winona, Minn., Criminal Justice: Law Enforcement, Pamela Johnson
Emilia Jury, North Branch, Minn., Elementary Education K-6, Lori Jury
Alicia Kaari, Mukwonago, Wis., Elementary Education K-6, Lori Kaari
Rachel Kedl, Lamberton, Minn., Actuarial Science, Finance, Jason Kedl
Katelyn Keller, Green Bay, Wis., Literature with Writing Emphasis, Andrew and Holly Keller
Christopher Kelly, Round Lake Beach, Ill., Finance, Sport Management, Michael and Ellen Kelly
Kodey Kiel, Medford, Minn., Management, Marketing, Stacey Kiel
Claire King, Red Wing, Minn., Elementary Education K-6, Randall and Tonja King
Elizabeth King, Green Bay, Wis., Criminal Justice: Law Enforcement, Russell and Valerie King
Julia Kirk, Jackson, Miss., Music – Conducting, Theatre: Acting/Directing Track, Ned Kirk and Marta Szlubowska
Marissa Kleckler, Oregon, Wis., Biology Pre-Physical Therapy, Rick and Wendy Kleckler
Alexander Kouris, Laporte, Ind., IHM Seminary Philosophy, Rosanne Kouris
Ryan Krewer, Rolling Meadows, Ill., Theatre: Musical Theatre Track, James and Carla Krewer
Mark Kubista, Owatonna, Minn., Psychology, Jane Kubista
Matthew Kurowski, Mokena, Ill., History, Deborah Kurowski
Ethan Lacey, Henry, Ill., Philosophy, Dirk Nauman and Michelle Lacey-Nauman
Caily Landers, Palos Heights, Ill., Management, Sport Management, Brendan and Jennifer Landers
Austin Lenhardt, Winona, Minn., Biology Pre-Physical Therapy
Thomas Leonard, Anoka, Minn., Business Intelligence & Analytics, Finance, Philip and Susan Leonard
Alexander Leschisin, Eden, S.D., IHM Seminary Philosophy, Douglas and Connie Leschisin
Erin Lime, Lino Lakes, Minn., Biology Pre-Nuclear Med Tech, Steve and Julie Lime
David Lindstrand, Lakeville, Minn., Business Intelligence and Analytics, Finance, Brian and Tammy Lindstrand
Isaiah Lippert, Easton, Minn., Philosophy, Tim and Dixie Lippert
Raekwon Livingston, Chicago, Ill., Criminal Justice: Law Enforcement, Marylin Johnson
Colleen Lois, Green Bay, Wis., Actuarial Science, Mathematics, Pam Vanderwall
Danielle LoMastro, Wauconda, Ill., Finance, Management, Carl and Sharon LoMastro
Graham Lorsung, Clear Lake, Minn., Biology, Todd Lorsung
Mary Loy, Burien, Wash., Business Communication, Scott Loy
Brianna Lundy, Stacy, Minn., Elementary Education K-6
Kaichun Ma, Shanghai, China, Digital Graphic Design, Jianmin Ma and Yao Chen
Jordan Malikowski, Royalton, Minn., Accounting, Finance, Cheryl Malikowski
Ryan Mann, Ottawa, Ill., IHM Seminary Philosophy, Glenn and Mary Mann
Logan McCabe, Lecenter, Minn., Criminal Justice: Corrections, Brian and Laura McCabe
Teagan McDermott, Cannon Falls, Minn., Philosophy, Deana Mulrooney
Margaret McGee, San Antonio, Texas, Literature w/ Writing Emphasis, J. Eric and Tonia McGee
Quinn McGranaghan, Portland, Ore., Biology Pre-Physical Therapy, Suzanne Munro
Jonathan Meaden, Rosemount, Minn., Criminal Justice: Law Enforcement, Thomas and Cristina Meaden
Mateo Means, Dallas, Texas, Marketing, Lisa Means
Edgar Medina Ortiz, Bloomington, Minn., Finance, Edgar Medina Figueroa and Claudia Ortiz
Jordan Meyers, Eyota, Minn., Exercise Science, Jayleen Meyers
Arielle Miagkov, Colorado Springs, Colo., Theatre: Acting/Directing Track, Valeriy and Tatiana Miagkov
Tanner Moris, Crandon, Wis., Biology Pre-Physical Therapy, Thomas and Elizabeth Moris
Madeline Murphy, Glendale, Ariz., Human Services, Kevin Murphy
Nicholas Nast, Oxnard, Calif., Business Intelligence and Analytics, Sport Management, Thomas and Luanne Nast
Tara Nikolich, Chicago, Ill., Psychology, Petra Nikolich
Nicole Noreen, Saint Paul, Minn., Accounting, Finance, Kate Noreen
John O’Grady, Chicago, Ill., Criminal Justice: Law Enforcement, Brian and Aileen O’Grady
Eric Ohde, Chetek, Wis., Business Intelligence and Analytics, Finance, Steven and Sue Ohde
Rachel Ohde, Chetek, Wis., Business Intelligence and Analytics, Finance, Steven and Sue Ohde
Andrew Olive, Hayfield, Minn., Biology Pre-Physical Therapy, Dan Olive and Dawn Rusk
Isaiah Olsem, Dundee, Minn., IHM Seminary Philosophy, Don and Peg Olsem
Westen Olson, Cambridge, Minn., Business Intelligence and Analytics, Finance, Rhonda Olson
Jon Orvarsson, Sioux Falls, S.D., Psychology, Orvar Jonsson
Delgermaa Otgontugs, Minnetonka, Minn., Philosophy, Psychology, Oyuna Luvsan
Claire Patterson, Marine on St. Croix, Minn., Mathematics Education, Mike and Jolene Patterson
Kaitlin Patterson, Chicago, Ill., Literature with a Writing Emphasis, Kim Doss Patterson
Jessica Patton, Lyndon Station, Wis., Business Intelligence and Analytics, Finance, Dan and Karen Patton
Kate Pawlowski, San Ramon, Calif., Biology, Patrick and Mary Pawlowski
Serena Peterson, Stewartville, Minn., Psychology, Jennifer Shedenhelm
Nicholas Petraitis, Chicago, Ill., Business Intelligence and Analytics, Stanley and Karen Petraitis
Jack Pierazek, Minneapolis, Minn., Marketing, Michael and Suzanne Pierazek
Jose Pizano, Waukegan, Ill., Finance, Baltazar and Maria Pizano
Joseph Pyka, Independence, Wis., Management, Thomas and Christine Pyka
Emme Quandt, Shawano, Wis., Biology, Spanish, Wava Quandt
Denise Quizhpi, Minneapolis, Minn., Psychology, Julio and Reina Quizhpi
Griffin Rades, Shawano, Wis., Computer Data Science: Computer Science track, Kristen Rades
Juan Ramos, Chicago, Ill., Biology Pre-Medical Lab Science, Norberto Ramos
Nina Reed, Marengo, Ill., Elementary Education K-6, Kelly and Lisa Reed
Brandi Remold, West Concord, Minn., Psychology, Randy and Kathryn Remold
Marlee Ressa, Jersey Village, Texas, Theatre: Acting/Directing Track, Samantha Ressa
Mary Robertson, Orland Park, Ill., Finance, Marketing
Robert Roslund Vanersborg, , Sweden, Business Intelligence and Analytics, Finance, Berndt Roslund
Sawyer Rosner, Phelps, Wis., Physics, Robert and Donna Rosner
Ryan Ruhle, Madison, Wis., IHM Seminary Philosophy, Robert and Veronica Ruhle
Yasmine Russell, Lansing, Ill., Public Relations
Elliott Rysavy, Owatonna, Minn. , Literature with a Writing Emphasis, Spanish, Albert and Margaret Rysavy
Trae Sander, Boscobel, Wis., Philosophy, Michael and Barbara Sander
William Scannell, Evergreen Park, Ill., Theatre: Design/Technology Track, Thomas and Carole Scannell
Ewelina Schlomann, New Berlin, Wis., Computer Data Science: Computer Science track, Steve and Karen Schlomann
Hallie Schmeling, Onalaska, Wis., Elementary Education: Math, Darrel and Stephanie Schmeling
Randi Schofield, Hampshire, Ill., Biology
Benjamin Schoonmaker, Moline, Ill., IHM Seminary Philosophy, Kevin and Maggie Schoonmaker
Justine Schultz, Minnesota City, Minn., Psychology, Dave and Kirstin Schultz
Mary Seegers, Oconomowoc, Wis., Exercise Science, Patrick Seegers
Brooke Shefchik, Stevens Point, Wis., Biology Pre-Physical Therapy
Kristopher Shepard, Crystal Lake, Ill., Literature with a Writing Emphasis, Scott and Michele Shepard
Peter Specht, Duluth, Minn., IHM Seminary Philosophy, John and Debbie Sprecht
Thomas Stang, Mendota Heights, Minn., Business Intelligence and Analytics, Finance, Brian and the late Megan Stang
Tanner Stengel, Mankato, Minn., International Business, Management, David and Tracy Stengel
Brady Stevens, St. James, Minn., Management, Marketing, Tammy Stevens
Danielle Stevens, Delano, Minn., Elementary Education K-6, William and Sabrina Stevens
Francis Strong, Fairbury, Ill., IHM Seminary Philosophy, John Strong
Theodore Sweet, River Falls, Wis., Mathematics, Physics/Engineering Science
Andrew Tepp, Stevens Point, Wis., Biology Pre-Physical Therapy, Regina Tepp
Breanna Tews, Eyota, Minn., Environmental Biology, Loren Tews and Theresa Nunemacher-Tews
April Thornberg, Shakopee, Minn., Digital Graphic Design, Dan and Lisa Thornberg
Cole Van Houten, Pine Island, Minn., Environmental Biology, Chad and Holly Van Houten
Joseph VanDenheuvel, Bertha, Minn., IHM Seminary Philosophy
Maxwell Vetch, Aberdeen, S.D., IHM Seminary Philosophy, David and Sara Vetch
Magen Vlaminck, Willmar, Minn., Psychology, Tracy Vlaminck
Linnaea Wallis, Dresser, Wis., Business Intelligence and Analytics, Finance, Michael and Terilyn Wallis
Kieran Walsh, Saint Paul, Minn., Physics/Engineering Science, Spanish, Laurence and Erin Walsh
Justin Weinberg, Saint Paul, Minn., Public Relations, Paul and Stephanie Weinberg
Timothy Welch, Winona, Minn., IHM Seminary Philosophy, Thad and Jennifer Welch
Jackson Wells, Glenview, Ill., Biology Pre-Physical Therapy
Nicole Weninger, Woodville, Wis., Art Studio, Literature, Martin and Gail Weninger
Sion Williams, Chicago, Ill., Literature w/ Writing Emphasis, Gerald Donelson and Danita Williams
Nickolas Winkler, Moody, Texas , Theatre: Musical Theatre Track, Pamila Winkler
Abby Winter, Winona, Minn., Elementary Education K-6, Toni Winter
Kathryn Wohlberg, Saint Paul, Minn., Human Services, Thomas and Bonita Wohlberg
Delaney Wolf, Bismarck, N.D., Biochemistry, Spanish, Terry and Linda Wolf
Teresa Wroblewski, Mayer, Minn., Digital Graphic Design, Angela Wroblewski
Ayan Yakob, Santa Fe, N.M., Psychology
Gaojoshia Yang-Nicks, La Crosse, Wis., Digital Graphic Design, Nicholas Nicks
Aryana Ziakas, Palatine, Ill., Biochemistry, Teresa Ziakas
Fletcher Zuerlein, Red Wing, Minn., Digital Media and Journalism
Mother and daughter to begin multi-generational academic journey at Saint Mary’s this fall
Sonya and Samantha Ganther will soon share more than family ties. This fall, the mother-daughter duo is set to begin programs at Saint Mary’s University.
Samantha will start as a first-year student at the Winona Campus, while Sonya will be pursuing an M.A. in Human Resource Management online.
After graduating early from high school and working as a paraprofessional in an elementary school, Samantha is considering majoring in elementary education or psychology. Coming from Holmen, Wis., Samantha partly chose Saint Mary’s because of its close location.
“For me, it was the campus and the environment in Winona,” Samantha said. “And I wanted to get away from home a little bit, but not too far.”
For Sonya, who works in human resources for the Onalaska, Wis., school district, there were multiple reasons to pick Saint Mary’s.
“For me, it was looking at a Master’s in Human Resources versus an MBA, and Saint Mary’s had that option,” she said.
Since Sonya plans to work full time while attending school, she said the opportunity for online learning was also critical.
Samantha had committed to Saint Mary’s long before her mother considered attending the university for a master’s degree program.
“It wasn’t until a few months ago that I was looking at doing a master’s program, so I began looking at other universities, and SMU wasn’t even on my radar until I saw they had the HR program,” she said. “After I was going through the process, I’m like, ‘Wow, this could actually happen.’ And Sam wasn’t a part of that process, but I hope she’s excited for it.” Samantha replied, “I am.”
While the two won’t be sharing a campus or a classroom, they do plan to share resources and their experiences. Sonya said helping her daughter with the application process made it easy when it was her turn to apply to school. Samantha has also helped show her mom some of the technology they will be using this fall.
“I don’t want to be a helicopter parent ever, but if we end up having to have some of the same resources … I can rely on her for some assistance as well,” Sonya said.
Samantha and Sonya see sharing the same school as a way to stay connected after Samantha moves to Winona.
“I will be able to be in more contact with her, and I feel like I won’t come home a lot, but I’ll come home to help her out and have her help me,” Samantha said.
Her mom added, “Sam and I are very close. I don’t think a lot of mothers and daughters are maybe as close as Sam and I are, so I think this might actually make us closer and stay connected.”
The two have plenty to look forward to heading into the fall. Samantha says she is eager to meet new people and experience life on campus, while Sonya is ready to network with others in the human resource field and gain new insights.
While the two expect to share school resources, they laughed, saying they will also share all of their Cardinals gear.
First Generation Initiative student spotlight: Cynthia Leon ’23
By Krista Joy Coleman
Cynthia Leon began her college career at Saint Mary’s as a biology major hoping to go into premed, but she realized there was more than one way to help people and switched her area of study to psychology and Spanish. With a heart for helping others and her family’s support, she embarked on her academic journey ready to grow.
Cynthia Leon
Leon loves her hometown of Milwaukee, Wis., for its diversity and easy access to important resources. She hopes to find a career creating more health resources for the lower-income LatinX community in the area. Most of all, the sophomore is excited to use her psychology major to support others with their mental health while providing them with strategies to help them regain emotional independence.
“I feel like most people see psychologists, therapists, and counselors only as someone who you tell your problems to, but they are also there to help and prepare you to be able to deal with tough situations on your own,” she said.
Leon encourages others to work on their mental health and, most importantly, talk about it. With certain stigmas around mental and emotional health, the topic is too often avoided. “Talking about mental health can be taboo in Spanish culture,” she noted. Leon added there should be no shame in asking for help and starting the healing process, and she looks forward to being part of the solution.
The Leon family is full of hard workers. With her father working in construction, her mother owning her own business, and her sister being close to finishing her nursing degree, Cynthia grew up seeing that anything was possible with diligent work. She is particularly proud of her sister: “She’s gotten so far and is so fulfilled by her job,” she said.
If Leon has learned anything from her family, it’s that “money can’t replace the feeling of doing what you love.” She said she feels ready to take on anything supported by her loving family who cheers one another on.
Going to private schools growing up helped the double major immediately feel at home at Saint Mary’s. She appreciates that Saint Mary’s professors give their students more individual attention and focus with smaller classroom sizes. “It feels like advisers and professors here are here to help us succeed, not just finish,” Leon said. She believes thriving at college is equally as important as graduating and is relieved that Saint Mary’s professors and faculty feel the same way.
After attending Countdown to College (C2C) for four summers during high school, Leon was thrilled to be chosen as a First Generation Initiative (FGI) scholar at Saint Mary’s. “It was mind-blowing to get recognized for my hard work,” she said. “It helped me realize I deserved to go to college and gave me a boost of confidence.”
During C2C, she got a taste of the college life she enjoys now. She pours herself into learning new hobbies, growing her interests, and having new experiences during her free time. “There are endless opportunities in life. You can have so many interests. You don’t have to stick to doing one thing for your entire life.” she said. “Learning to do more activities, and learning more about the world can only help you grow.” Looking at the world as her oyster, she never turns down an opportunity to take on a new challenge or look at the world from a different perspective.
Leon is excited to travel in the future, wanting to experience more Spanish-speaking countries. She enjoyed comparing the culture of her Spanish community in Milwaukee to that of Argentina during a high school trip. She eventually wants to travel to Cuba, Spain, Mexico, Puerto Rico, and beyond. Leon contemplates moving to another country someday with her career to help advance mental health resources for youth in different parts of the world.
To the benefactors of the FGI program and C2C, Leon said, “Your donation might just be money to you, but it changed everything for me. You made a good investment because I am here to give back to my community in the future.”
MCA to hold auditions for outdoor performance
WINONA, Minn. — Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts (MCA) will hold auditions for actors ages 8 through 18 for an outdoor performance of Brian D. Taylor’s production of “Thirty-three Little Pigs.” Auditions will be Monday, June 28, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Valéncia Arts Center, 1164 W. 10th St.
Actors are needed to ham it up in this fantastic new twist on an old tale. Squeal with delight as the 33 pigs in the meadow continuously outsmart the hungry wolf, much in the style of Roadrunner and Coyote or Tom and Jerry. From Straw, Stick, and Brick pigs to Pirate, Chef, and Ninja pigs (plus 27 endearing others), they each have their chance to misdirect, heckle, and hound the bumbling Big Bad Wolf, who only finds himself further and further from getting his fill of little piggies. Full of classic, pop culture, and world-inspired piggie characters and references, actors and audiences alike will go hog-wild for this show.
Interested young actors should sign up for a 20-minute audition time slot at bit.ly/2Q1i5RV. Actors should come wearing clothing to move and dance in and be prepared to read from the script. Details about mask requirements and any other COVID-19-related guidelines to be followed at the auditions will be communicated with registrants closer to the audition date.
There will be a mandatory all-cast and parent meeting on Wednesday, June 30, at 7 p.m. Rehearsals, which will be held in small groups, will begin Tuesday, July 6, and typically run 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Monday through Friday with possible weekends.
There is no fee to audition, but cast members will be asked to pay a $35 participation fee (scholarships are available). Performances will be in the green space between MCA’s Valéncia Arts Center and Alverna Center Friday and Saturday, July 30-31.
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.
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 theatre. 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: Seamus Schwaba during a previous MCA Youth Theatre production.
The Rev. James P. Burns, IVD, Ph.D.
President
Saint Mary's University of Minnesota
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