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Winona Campus Newsletter
The model of civility
While the Nov. 3 presidential election has been fraught with divisiveness and increased polarization, Saint Mary’s has found reason for hope. In a university wide initiative that began in September, the Office of the President, Student Affairs and the Provost joined the Student Senate and the presidents of the College Democrats and Republicans to advocate for voter registration and civic engagement. In addition, Dr. Brian Schmisek, provost and dean of Faculties, and Dr. Tim Gossen, vice president of Student Affairs, along with many faculty and administrators, sponsored several panel discussions including pre-debate discussions on civil discourse, “Catholic Principles for Voting,” and “Civic Virtues in the Classroom.”
Jonathon Krull, president of the College Republicans, and Clare Bath, president of the College Democrats, provided a united front on two issues: empowering students to vote and the need to model civil discourse, particularly during this contentious national election. It was that shared love for the democratic process and the campus community that motivated them to dedicate countless hours advocating and educating. Both college political leaders believed the responsibility to vote was more crucial than party. Bath and Krull assisted with hosting a voter registration drive, included voting information in newsletters and on social media, put up flyers with informational QR codes; passed out “I will vote” stickers; and spoke to classes. Bath alone spoke to 30 classes about how to register to vote, and the various voting options.
Bath and Krull had the opportunity to join a conversation about young voters on MPR News with Kerri Miller. Bath shared the enthusiasm of Saint Mary’s University students, “Everyone’s expecting everyone to participate. There is no taboo about it. It was really awesome, it was really positive, and it was honestly a great way to bring the community together, even if we have different views. I am really proud of our university for working that well.” Krull commented on the perspective of this generation, stating, “I think it is a mix of voting and activism. I think our generation has felt we have reached a breaking point where the current politicians have put off these issues for the past generation or so, and the current generation feels like it’s our turn to right some of those wrongs.”
Bath and Krull believe our nation’s leaders, representing both major parties, can and should do better. They’re tired of what they call hyperpartisanship, increased fear mongering, and name calling. The two also cooperated on an opinion article that ran in the Star Tribune Oct. 31. As they shared, “Often, national politics is engulfed by hyperpartisanship, but at Saint Mary’s our students are promoting civil discourse and understanding.”
Saint Mary’s University is hosting an interfaith prayer service for peace and civility during and after the election. The event will be viewable, beginning at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 3. All are welcome to this largely student-led virtual event. Based on the reaction to the civil discourse campaign prior to the election, campus leaders will develop a list of resources and continue the dialogues focusing on civic engagement and a culture of respect. Bath and Krull articulated their vision, writing, “We hope to see national politics emphasize the same values as Saint Mary’s students: valuing the opinions of others and respectfully engaging in political conversation.”
Artists from Playful Postcards: Artist Study join MCA Nov. 7
The artists of Playful Postcards: Artist Study for a Virtual Gallery Walk and Artist Celebration will join the Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts (MCA) at 10 a.m., Saturday, Nov. 7, via Zoom. This event will highlight the work of eight talented community artists who participated in MCA’s Playful Postcards: Artist Study class this fall. The community is invited to join the Zoom conference, although pre-registration is required.
Playful Postcards: Artist Study was an eight-week creative aging program designed for participants ages 55 and older to explore art techniques and artists while using a blank postcard as the canvas. After creating weekly challenges, each student sent creations to a classmate to share their art and conversation. Artists explored pop artist David Hockney, Bridget Riley’s Op Art, Henri Matisse’s collage techniques, and more.
The virtual gallery walk will feature a slide show presentation of created postcard photos, as well as a short discussion with attending artists and instructor Brianna Haupt. Artists include: Leslie Albers, Deborah Becker-Galewski, Connie Bodas, Nancy Brown, Patricia Karnick, Margaret Kiihne, Pat Mutter, and Beth Seebach.
To attend this live virtual event, please register in advance at https://mca.smumn.edu/2020/10/17/virtual-gallery-walk-and-artist-celebration/. Registered participants will receive a Zoom Link prior to Nov. 7. The slideshow gallery also will be shared after Nov. 7 on MCA’s Facebook Page and YouTube Channel.
Race, Faith, and Higher Education: Hope for a Path Forward
Join an esteemed panel of speakers on Wednesday, Nov. 11, to discuss the role higher education plays in understanding race, race relations, and the effects of racism in society, especially in light of faith and religious belief, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. via Zoom. Register today to reserve your space.
The event will be moderated by Ms. Lannette Turicchi, formerly head of Non-Theatrical Distribution for DreamWorks SKG. The dynamic panel will explore the current cultural climate while shedding light on how faith, race, and education can work together to create a positive and actionable path forward.
Lannette Turicchi
Ms. Turicchi will be joined by:
- Mr. Louis Brown, executive director of Christ Medicus Foundation and health care expert;
- Mr. Walter B. Hoye II, founder and president of the Issues4Life Foundation and the California Civil Rights Foundation;
- Dr. Jacqueline Rivers, executive director of the Seymour Institute for Black Church and Policy Studies;
- The Rev. Eugene F. Rivers III, Harvard-educated writer, committed activist-intellectual, and renowned worldwide speaker;
- Father Leo Pattalinghug, IVD, theologian, award-winning chef, radio, and TV host.
This panel will also discuss how each understands faith as a way to influence higher education for the good of all people.
This is part of our ongoing discussion on topics related to race and justice in our country. Capacity for this event is limited, so please reserve your space at your earliest convenience.
In the news
Matt Nowakowski, DBA program director, was interviewed on KARE 11 last week. He happened to be in the right place at the right time as they were doing a snowstorm story. Nowakowski was out taking wildlife photographs.
On Oct. 23, the Student Activities Committee (SAC) hosted a pumpkin patch in St. Ed’s Field. With COVID restricting the student’s ability to travel off campus, the students on SAC decided to bring the pumpkin patch to campus. All students were able to enjoy a free pumpkin, pumpkin carving stations, apple cider donuts, hot chocolate, and good times. In total SAC had over 100 student participate in the pumpkin patch, making it a successful community building event. The event was featured in the Winona Daily News on Oct. 24.
Mark your calendars for treat giveaways
Thank you for your continued efforts to adhere to our COVID-19 guidelines. I continue to be impressed with your drive and desire to remain in-person, on-campus, this semester. I have equally been impressed with the number of creative programs various student leaders and offices have planned and implemented. The T-shirt exchange, ice cream treat give away, on-campus volunteer events, music groups and movies, retreats, on-campus pumpkin patch, and stress kit giveaway are just a few of the many programs that have occurred over the past two weeks. Keep it up!
I would like to invite you to the following events:
- Friday, Oct. 30, from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. — Candy bar giveaway in the plaza
- Friday, Nov. 20, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. — Ice cream and frozen treats give away in the student dining hall.
Come and enjoy a sweet treat to start off your weekend.
Take some time to reduce your stress
In the midst of a world-wide pandemic, an election, and a condensed semester, it’s hard to find time for self-care. While it’s not possible to mute all of the news, chatter, and noise, there are some intentional strategies you can employ to make the next couple of weeks more manageable. During times of stress, it is essential that we take the time to care for ourselves mentally, emotionally, and physically.
- Quiet social media
There are varying degrees of disengagement we can pursue when distancing from social media. This is a time to do what you need to do in order to feel ok, and not to worry about what others think. Some people can scroll and feel unaffected by the posts, the banter, and the verbal sparring. Others need to weed it from their view. Unfollow, block, or take a brief vacation from social media, if it will be helpful to you.
- Do something (ANYTHING) else!
Times like these call for some serious distraction. Choices are more limited than usual due to the pandemic, but there are plenty of ways to try to get involved in other things. School planned activities, books, movies, projects, crafts, and other hobbies are at your disposal. Swap out the background noise for some of your favorite music or podcasts while you make dinner or organize your room and your schedule for upcoming assignments and self-care plan through finals week!
- Lean on your support people
We are all in this together. Reach out to people who you trust and let them know what you need from them.
- Take a mental health moment
Maybe taking time off isn’t an option for you, and you have to get creative around carving out some “you time.” Give yourself a little positive TLC and honor what your mind, body, or heart are telling you. You know yourself best. Do what feels right.
- Make a gratitude list.
Make a list of things, people, and places you are grateful for and use this list as a reminder when the clutter and noise of the world is around you. Focus on your strengths and draw upon them when feeling challenged.
- Ground yourself.
Look around you, notice what greatness lies in front of you! Use your senses to take in the moment to ground yourself. Once you notice all that is around you, you may begin to notice the positives that are happening on campus.
- Breathe.
Take deep belly breaths by inhaling through your nose and out through your mouth.
- Acknowledge what you see around you.
Acknowledge five things around you that you can SEE. Acknowledge four things around you that you can TOUCH. Acknowledge three things around you that you can HEAR. Acknowledge two things around you that you can SMELL. Acknowledge one positive thing around you that you can taste or acknowledge one positive thing about yourself.
Anxiety can leave us feeling inadequate or silly that we are getting “worked up over nothing,” but taking time to address your feelings is an accomplishment. There are many good things about you. Positive thinking can help bring about a positive feeling in yourself. At the end of the exercise, celebrate your success. Recognize you were able to ground yourself and prevent the anxiety spiral.
This list isn’t exhaustive, but hopefully one or two will make an impact on your sense of calm. Done routinely, making time for yourself can have a big impact on your overall wellness!
*Information taken from
Elevator Pitch Competition nears
Sign up for this year’s Elevator Pitch Competition — the only place on campus you can earn $500 in 90 seconds! Have an idea? Know how things could be better? The Kabara Pitch Competition is back for 2020 in a virtual format!
Not only that, but you can pitch from anywhere. We will be hearing pitches on Zoom this year.
Remember, teams are encouraged, so if you are not comfortable pitching but you have a great idea, find that friend who is always the spokesperson for the team and sign up to pitch together.
To sign up, just send an email with your name (and the names of anyone pitching with you) along with the title of your presentation to kabarainstitute@smumn.edu.
Panel discussion on religion, science is Nov. 3
Want a break from the election? Are you interested in the relation between religion and science, faith and reason? Join faculty on Tuesday, Nov. 3, at 7 p.m. in the Common Room to discuss “Science and Religion: Friends or Foes.” Following the panel discussion, there will be time for questions. This event is sponsored by the Hendrickson Institute for Ethical Leadership.
A reminder of travel protocols
We are only 26 days away from our move to remote learning/finals and a well-deserved break!
It is our goal to get to Nov. 24 so our community can safely enjoy the holiday season. With the entire Midwest surging with new positive COVID-19 cases, it is imperative we continue to follow our COVID-19 guidance (wearing masks, social distancing, etc.). All travel is discouraged. Our recent COVID-19 cases are traced back to travel and contact with individuals external to our Saint Mary’s community. If travel is necessary, you must complete the travel notification form for the health and safety of our community.
Remote learning and winter break information
Thank you for a great semester so far! It has been a pleasure having you all back on campus and seeing the community come together in new and creative ways.
Just a few things as we look ahead to moving to remote learning and winter break.
Nov. 24 is the last day of in person classes.
The residence halls will officially close at noon on Wednesday, Nov. 25, to all residents who were not granted an exception. Each resident must complete a winter break housing check-out form before departure. The checklist includes: unplugging and defrosting mini-fridges (full-size fridges in apartments will remain plugged in.), cleaning the room, tossing trash, etc. Air purifiers are to remain plugged in and turned on low. Failure to complete the check-out form will result in fine(s).
The cafeteria will be open until 7:30 p.m. for dinner on Tuesday, Nov. 24, while all retail (Cardinal Coffee, Cardinal Club, and The Market) will close at 4 p.m.
Requests for break exceptions must be submitted by Friday, Nov. 13, at noon. Official approvals will be given via email by Friday, Nov. 20.
New work study positions added
Two work study positions have recently been added to Handshake. Principal Pat Bowlin of the Winona Area Catholic Schools is hiring work-study eligible students to tutor students both in person and online. Instructional technologist Spencer Wanlass is hiring work-study eligible students to assist with online platforms. If you have accepted work study for 2020-21 on your student portal and are interested, apply on Handshake!
Follow these tips for a safe Halloween
Protect yourself at Halloween during this pandemic.
- Incorporate a mask into your costume!
- Dress warm and stay outside.
- Avoid gatherings of five or more.
- Get dressed up but stick with a small group or show off your costume over a Zoom party.
- Don’t go to bars or parties where there are large crowds; if you go to a bar, go to one that follows social distancing.
Remember:
-
- SAFE = CELEBRATE IN YOUR RESIDENCE HALL
- Watch spooky movies
- Create a scavenger hunt
- Dress up and share photos
- Host an online party
- LESS SAFE = CAREFUL TRICK-OR-TREATING
- Wear a face mask
- Avoid crowds
- Use hand sanitizer
- Wash hands before eating
- Use a table to distribute treats
- UNSAFE = BEWARE OF …
- Large gatherings
- Indoor events
- Haunted houses
- Hayrides
- SAFE = CELEBRATE IN YOUR RESIDENCE HALL
Get information about safe holiday gatherings from the Minnesota Department of Health and the Center for Disease Control. Be smart and safe now so that you don’t bring COVID-19 to your families at Thanksgiving.
Psy.D. student and faculty earn awards from Minnesota Psychological Association
Several faculty members, and one doctoral student received awards from the Minnesota Psychological Association in October. They include:
Susan T. Rydell Lifetime Achievement Award for Outstanding Contributions to Psychology
Robin McLeod, Ph.D., LP, is co-owner, president, and chief business development officer of Natalis Counseling & Psychology Solutions, with a primary practice location in Woodbury, Minn., and the director of training of the Twin Cities Psychology Training Program. She is also the current chair of the Minnesota Board of Psychology, and an associate faculty member of the doctoral program in Counseling Psychology at the University of Saint Mary’s University in the Twin Cities. Dr. McLeod is the 2016 Past President of MPA. She is active in APA and is a member of Class 9 of APA’s Leadership Institute for Women in Psychology. Dr. McLeod also is active in APA’s Division 35 (The Society for the Psychology of Women) where she is serving on the planning committee for the Feminist Practice Leadership Institute. Finally, Dr. McLeod serves on the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards (ASPPB) as a member of the Exam Coordinating Committee.
Outstanding Graduate Faculty in Psychology Award
Aimee Murray, Psy.D., LP, is an assistant professor and Assistant Child & Adolescent Fellowship director at the University of Minnesota, where she teaches and supervises psychiatry and psychology learners. She is also an adjunct faculty at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota. Dr. Murray is a licensed psychologist in Minnesota and her clinical work focuses on early psychosis, including running a clinic that focuses on the assessment and treatment of youth at-risk for psychosis. She has a diverse research background including work in cognitive training, remote assessment and support, infant perceptual development, assessing organizational culture, and equine facilitated psychotherapy with adolescent populations.
Outstanding Graduate Student of the Year
Erika Brink is a doctoral candidate at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota and is currently pursuing her predoctoral internship at Washburn Center for Children in Minneapolis, Minn. Her involvement with MPA began as the student division co-chair and developed into a role within many committees. Her largest achievement to date has been the development and implementation of a leadership program through MPA which will launch January 2021. She attributes much of her training and experience outside of academia to her mentor Dr. Robin McLoed and the MPA Governing Council.
Thomas P. Carrillo Leadership in Diversity Award
Phyllis C. Solon, Psy.D., LP, is a clinician, consultant, and trainer in South Minneapolis and a professor at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota. She has taught doctoral students, administrators, teachers, clinicians, clergy, and others about systems of oppression and privilege for over 25 years. She believes that every individual has the capacity for being awake and taking responsibility for the world we share. Dr. Solon is a developmental psychologist, a mom and aunt, a friend and community member, a teacher, consultant, therapist, and warrior for the elimination of racism and misogyny and the empowerment and uplifting of those who have most been denied.
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