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Campus ConnectionAn update from the president to alumni and parents
Wolf named 2021 Hockey Humanitarian Award winner
WINONA, Minn. — Saint Mary’s University senior Cardinal hockey player Delaney Wolf is a blur on and off the ice.
In addition to her responsibilities as a team captain and student-athlete, she balances the rigors of carrying close to a 4.0 GPA as a double major in biochemistry and Spanish, and is active in an abundance of extracurricular organizations ranging from Biology Club to Concert Band.
Above all, this future med school student has made it her mission to help others — she tutors students, mentors youth hockey players, volunteers with the Humane Society, and works with the local warming center. Her service encompasses all ages, from tutoring elementary Spanish immersion students to interacting with residents at local senior living communities.
Her volunteer list is long — long enough to garner the attention of the Hockey Humanitarian Award Foundation, who has listed Wolf as one of three finalists for the Hockey Humanitarian Award (HHA) for the second year in a row.
In its 26th year, this award is presented annually to college hockey’s finest citizen — a student-athlete who makes significant contributions not only to his or her team but also to the community-at-large through leadership in volunteerism.
And this year, Wolf can add yet another accomplishment to her ever-expanding résumé — recipient of this prestigious award.
Wolfe was recognized virtually Friday, April 9, during the Friday Night at the Frozen Four ceremony, and her Saint Mary’s community was able to join her in celebration during a viewing party.
“I am so grateful to have been given this opportunity by my coaching staff and could not have been so involved in the community without the encouragement of my teammates, friends, and professors,” said Wolf. “It’s an honor to be chosen, especially in light of the incredible accomplishments of the other candidates.”
“Each season, it is exciting to learn about many exceptional student-athletes who are committed to volunteerism,” said Matt Patrick, executive director of the Hockey Humanitarian Award Foundation, noting that Wolf is the 10th female — and just the eighth NCAA Division III student-athlete — to win the Hockey Humanitarian Award. “Delaney’s academic and athletic achievements, leadership, and long-term community focus are remarkable; we are delighted that she is this year’s recipient.”
Wolf has proven to be a team leader from the minute she stepped on the Saint Mary’s campus. Voted a team captain as both a junior and a senior, Wolf is beloved by her teammates, coaching staff and Saint Mary’s professors — because they all know she is going to bring her best to whatever she is asked to do.
“We are incredibly honored that Delaney was selected as this year’s Hockey Humanitarian Award recipient,” said Saint Mary’s women’s hockey coach Sarah Murray. “We know it was a tough year for volunteering and community involvement, but Delaney has made the most of a tough situation — and her history of selflessly giving back speaks for itself.
“We are incredibly proud of all of Delaney’s accomplishments, both on and off the ice, and her commitment to serve the people around her.”
Wolf said she believes serving others builds a connection, and that connection is what makes a community. Because Wolf values the Saint Mary’s community and the wider communities of Winona, Minn., and her hometown of Bismarck, N.D., she believes volunteering is a great way to give back.
“I am ecstatic and so happy for Delaney in receiving this tremendous honor,” said Brian Sisson, Saint Mary’s athletic director. “Delaney truly embodies what being a student-athlete at Saint Mary’s is all about. She is such a high-character individual who is a servant leader for others in everything she does. Her incredible success as a student, first and foremost, as a student-athlete, and in helping those in need is something we look for all our student-athletes to emulate.
“She is a leader who is always looking to where she can lend a hand to those in need,” Sisson added. “I am so proud of Delaney and know she will go on to set the world on fire and make Saint Mary’s proud.”
The Hockey Humanitarian Award Foundation presented Wolf with a check for $2,500, which she has donated to Catholic Charities of Southern Minnesota for the Winona Community Warming Center. Additionally, she and the other HHA finalists each received $500 for their respective designated charities. These donations from the HHA Foundation are possible through the generous support of the award’s partners and donors.
CPA Exam changes coming in 2024
It is vital to our B.S. in Accounting program to properly equip our students for success as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) after graduating from our program. In honor of this commitment, our B.S. in Accounting program director, Melanie Torborg, shares her insights on the upcoming changes to the CPA Exam, expected to arrive in January 2024.
The background
The changes to the CPA Exam will reflect the skills and knowledge that CPAs need in a technology-driven marketplace. What this means is that candidates will pass three core exams and one discipline exam. The three core areas are the same as the current exam: financial accounting, audit, and tax. The fourth exam is a technical option in one of the following topics: 1) business analysis and reporting, 2) information systems and controls, and 3) tax compliance and planning.
What might the new exam look like?
Here is what we expect would stay the same:
- Designed for 1-2-year level
- No more than a 16-hour exam
- No new experience requirements to sit for the exam
- Candidates pass four sections
- Exam sections can be taken in any order
- No separate time limits to pass core and discipline
How might the exam change?
- Candidates pass the three core sections and one discipline section (maximum of four sections)
- Candidates don’t have the option to pass additional disciplines
- All sections cover discrete content and a range of skills (including higher order)
- Discipline passed will not differentiate the license granted
Source: American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). (2021) CPA Evolution. evolutionofcpa.org
How we’re preparing
Saint Mary’s University’s accounting programs already contain technical topics in several courses. We use up-to-date software in audit and accounting information systems. We have courses in data analytics for accounting and tax compliance and reporting, and cover topics in IT audit, cybersecurity, and blockchain.
More about Melanie Torborg
Melanie Torborg is the program director of the accounting programs at Saint Mary’s University. She has a bachelor’s degree in finance and a master’s degree in business. She is also a Certified Management Accountant with over 25 years of experience in corporate accounting.
Her favorite areas of accounting are budgeting, strategic planning, and financial statement analysis.
Torborg began teaching as a course contracted instructor and now has 25 of experience in education. As program director, she continually reviews the industry trends and program curriculum to ensure that our students receive the best education possible. She is a current member of the Institute of Management Accountants, the Minnesota Society of Certified Public Accountants, and the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners. She also serves on two nonprofit boards.
Kotz shares inspirational message
MCA presents communitywide mystery art hunt
WINONA, Minn. — Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts (MCA) invites the Winona community to join Winona Grows, a COVID-19-friendly mystery art hunt, between April 17 and May 1.
Oil pastel artwork created by Winona area artists of all ages will be on display in windows of area businesses and outside in public spaces. Not only will participants get to view beautiful Winona and spring themed artwork, but they will also get to explore Winona and solve a mystery. Next to the artwork in each location, clues will be given to fill in a poem created by Winonan Miranda Harper.
Participating locations include the Winona Visitor Center; Winona Feed, Seed & More; Jovy Rockey Jewelry; Levee Park; Green Thumb Artistry; MCA; and Winona County Historical Society.
Maps and the fill-in-the-blank mystery guide will be available online to print at mca.smumn.edu and in-person at the Winona Visitor Center, 924 Huff St.
Once the mystery is solved, completed puzzles can be turned in virtually or in-person to be entered to win one of three unique MCA art kits.
This family friendly event aims to give community members a fun and safe activity to do during challenging times. This activity is possible thanks to all of the community partners with the support from a Walmart Community Grant.
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: Winona Bridge in oil pastels by Lisa Douglas.
Student Activities Committee elections meeting Sunday
The Saint Mary’s community is invited to attend the Student Activities Committee (SAC) special elections meeting Sunday, April 11, at 7 p.m. The executive board for 2021-22 will be selected during this meeting. Available e-board positions include president, vice president, executive assistant, on-campus/virtual events chair, outdoor leadership representative, signature events, PR and social media chair, and off-campus events. See below for meeting information:
SAC elections meeting
Sunday, April 11, at 7 p.m.
Join via Zoom
Meeting ID: 819 1119 1855
Password: 127193
Questions can be directed to studentactivities@smumn.edu.
Mental health speaker April 13 at 7 p.m.
The Student Activities Committee invites the entire Saint Mary’s community to take part in a speaker event that will address mental health concerns and provide advice for dealing with your own personal mental health.
Whether you are a student or an employee, life is getting tough for everyone. Did you know that two out of every three people living with mental illness suffer in silence? Don’t be one of those people! Learn how to create a self-care action plan and how to prevent burnout.
Join Kat Feihammer, MSW, LGSW, for a talk about mental health and mechanisms for yourself when you are stressed out. Feihammer is a mental health advocacy speaker that works in the Wellness Center on the Winona Campus. Virtual event details are below:
Tuesday, April 13, at 7 p.m. CST
Join via Zoom
Meeting ID: 892 6032 2936
Housing reminder
If you have not done so already, log in to eRezLife and select an available room for the 2021-22 academic year. Housing selection closes on Thursday, April 15. If you have questions, contact the Office of Residence at reslife@smumn.edu or Niki Peterson, director of Residence Life, at npeterso@smumn.edu.
Student Senate meeting minutes – April 6, 2021
Meeting called to order by Mary Furlong, vice president of Academic Affairs, at 7 p.m.
Prayer by Collin van Waardenburg
Members present: Cece Abel, Samantha Carlson, Larkin Clem, Jake Emeott, Sarah Fowler, Mary Furlong, Gabriel Graves, Riley Hall, Jonathon Krull, Abigail Lang, Thomas Magnavite, Allison Moysis, Tara Nikolich, Nicole Noreen, Lyanna Novak, Enitan Onayiga, Angel Sacta Espinoza, Joseph Schauf, Ryan Stoynich, Collin van Waardenburg, Destiny Walker, Elijah Williams
Members absent: Noah Kimel, Megan Kowalis, Sophia O’Neil
Members excused: Kendall Archer
Discussion items
Facilities presentation by James Bedtke, vice president of facilities
- Remodel of Toner Dining Hall
- Would like Student Senate input on colors
- Senators will receive images of the options to vote on
- Using ceramic tile upstairs in the server area (food area)
- Same grey tile as seen in Cardinal Club for flooring
- Looking at using laminate for cabinetry and strategic locations around the dining area, laminate for other areas, and carpet for the dining hall portion
- List first and second choices of each
- Would like Student Senate input on colors
- Plaza furniture
- Currently, we have 20 yellow tables with 80 chairs
- Umbrellas are also used on about half
- Have wanted to replace these for years
- Looking for sturdy options that fit what we are looking for
- Looking for more modern options
- Products made of recycled plastic options
- The actual product was not what we were looking for
- Products made of recycled plastic options
- We are going to change the furniture this summer
- $45-$50,000 investment in the new furniture
- Seeking senate’s approval and monetary support for this project as a capital improvement request
- Currently, we have 20 yellow tables with 80 chairs
- Air conditioning in the residence halls
- We know that it’s warm; the university has policies in place to switch over from heating to air conditioning. This process takes a few days and we want to ensure that we do not have to switch back and forth between heat and air conditioning.
- An email was sent out to the campus on April 6 in regards to this.
Capital improvement presentation
- Angel Sacta Espinoza, chair of the Capital Improvement Request Committee
- Student Senate can fund improvements to the university
- Previous projects include the mural outside the fieldhouse
- Dr. Heukeshoven presenting on her proposal
- Music professor, her class came up with the capital improvement idea of a painted mural here on campus. There is a long blank wall in Yon’s that would be a good location for this. The Music Department thinks this could symbolize Yon’s as a music building.
- Create a mural utilizing our school song, with the background of the wall being a wash of warm colors (yellow, orange, red) with the music for our Alma Mater painted over it in black notes. Silhouette figures will also be located on one side, opposite of it in the other corner would be possibly the Saint Mary’s logo
- The budget would be just for the paint, around $600-$800
Culture of Life budget
- Graham Lorsung present
- Pro-life in all aspects of life
- Trying to reach out to a greater population of the students
- Putting together care packages for the homeless
- Giving out flowers on campus
- Making baby blankets for Birthright and homeless shelters
- Attending the March for Life in Washington, D.C.
- Requested funding at $7,885
- Fleece for Blankets-$500
- Flowers-$200
- Advertising-$24
- Speaker-$1,150
- March for Life (hotel, flight, metro passes, rental cars, gas)-$6,000
- Recommended funding at $5,440
- Motion to fund at $5,440 by Joseph Schauf
- Seconded by Collin van Waardenburg
- Motion to fund at $5,440 passes unanimously
Dungeons and Dragons budget
- Elizabeth King present
- Has been on campus for three years
- Club gets together to play the Dungeons and Dragons game
- Helps with team-building and improvisation
- Requested funding at $145
- Game materials-$135
- Advertising-$10
- Recommended funding at $150
- Motion to fund at $150 by Riley Hall
- Seconded by Collin van Waardenburg
- Motion to fund at $150 passes unanimously
MIX budget
- Gigi Centeno and Sarah Phipps present
- Merging Intercultural Experiences
- Celebrates all types of diversity and cultures
- Puts on events such as the altar for Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos) and language learning opportunities
- Requested funding at $550
- Day of the Dead-$50
- Cultural fair-$200
- Learn a language-$50
- Lunar New Year-$50
- Advertising-$10
- Recommended funding at $360
- Motion to fund at $360 by Riley Hall
- Seconded by Joseph Schauf
- Motion to fund at $360 passes unanimously
Club Hockey budget
- Kohl Babcock present
- The club travels to colleges within the midwest to play 15 games against other universities
- Looking to be part of the ACHA
- Club looking to increase funding
- The budget is tabled to next week
Executive board updates
- Jonathon Krull, VP of Media and Communications and executive assistant
- Class officer elections are postponed until further notice, we are still looking for more individuals to run.
- If interested, reach out to Kendall Archer for more information.
- If you cannot attend senate, please reach out to me or Kendall Archer prior to the meeting, we are beginning to see some attendance issues.
- Class officer elections are postponed until further notice, we are still looking for more individuals to run.
- Angel Sacta Espinosa, VP for Campus Affairs
- More on capital improvements next week
- Nicole Noreen, VP for Financial Affairs
- Finishing up with budgets in the next few weeks
- Destiny Walker, VP for Multicultural Affairs
- Cultural Fair on the weekend of April 16
- Looking for performers still, email Destiny if interested
- SAGA will be hosting events for Pride Month coming up
- Cultural Fair on the weekend of April 16
- Mary Furlong, VP for Academic Affairs
- No reports
- Elijah Williams, VP for Student Life
- Mandatory testing for those who went home for Easter, watch the CommUNITY for more info
- For concerns surrounding housing, issues have been noted and things will be looked at being fixed for next year
- Sarah Fowler, SAC President
- Covid Olympics starting Thursday through this weekend
- SAC e-board this Sunday at their meeting
- Tim Gossen, adviser
- Thank you for your patience today!
- Senators, please vote for the options for the Toner remodel by noon on April 7
Class officer reports
- Freshman: No updates
- Sophomore: No updates
- Junior: No updates
- Senior: Continuing to meet with Marisa and putting finishing touches on Senior Day
Motion to adjourn
- Motioned by Lyanna Novak
- Seconded by Ryan Stoynich
- Time 8:11 p.m.
Sexual Assault Awareness Month art contest and coloring sheets
To continue to raise awareness during Sexual Assault Awareness Month, the Office of Student Affairs invites you to help raise awareness on campus through art and coloring.
If you missed it, we are accepting entries for a campuswide art contest. Deadline for entries is Thursday, April 15. Read the contest rules.
In addition, we are providing you a number of coloring pages with themes to help prevent sexual assault and to support survivors. Feel free to download any of these coloring pages.
Coloring sheet 1: Believe and support survivors
Coloring sheet 2: Believe and support survivors (Spanish)
Coloring sheet 3: Believe survivors
Coloring sheet 4: Believe survivors (Spanish)
Coloring sheet 5: Believe survivors (heart hands)
Coloring sheet 6: Yes means yes
Coloring sheet 7: Your voice has power #metoo
We want Saint Mary’s University to be a community safe for everyone.
The Rev. James P. Burns, IVD, Ph.D.
President
Saint Mary's University of Minnesota
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