Saint Mary's Newsroom / Campus Notes
Winona Campus Newsletter
Saint Mary’s celebrates Food Week
Join in on upcoming Food Week events happening Oct. 6-12. Events include trips, on-campus events, a film screening, Food Journal Challenge, Eat and Learn sessions every weekday, and so much more! Registration for off-campus trips and more information can be found at smumn.edu/connections. Students, faculty, and staff are all invited to attend events and engage in this multidisciplinary look at food.
Saint Mary’s in the news
Father Burns’ new calling: Grow Saint Mary’s [Rochester Post Bulletin]
International symposium draws Lasallians from 11 countries
Educators from across the world gathered to discuss research in crucial areas, such as online learning, spirituality, women in leadership, and more, as part of the seventh annual International Symposium on Lasallian Research Sept. 21-23.
The symposium, held annually at the Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota Twin Cities campus and co-sponsored by Christian Brothers Conference, involved 126 professors, administrators, researchers, and students from 11 countries.
Creative minds gathered to dialogue about the key characteristics or key areas that comprise the field of Lasallian research today; look beyond a study solely of the origins, tradition, and heritage in Lasallian research; break open the possibilities for Lasallian research in the 21st century; and propose avenues or topics for future needed Lasallian research.
Through sharing research, attendees were able to gain ideas, ask questions, and collaborate on future projects that revolve around critical global topics.
Three keynote presentations were featured at the symposium:
- “From Chaos to Ethical Clarity: The Quest for Lasallian Higher Education in Today’s Global Society,” delivered by Brother Louis DeThomasis, FSC, Ph.D., president emeritus of Saint Mary’s University.
- “Conversations on Cross Institution Research,” delivered by Carmelita Quebengco, AFSC, Ph.D., consultant to the president and chancellor emeritus at De La Salle University in Manila, Philippines.
- “Making Peace Possible: Grassroots Peacebuilding Leaders,” delivered by Brother Christian Diaz, FSC, Ed.D. ’18, principal of the Normal School in Gigante, Huila, Colombia.
Participants at the symposium also heard from several other researchers during breakout sessions and panel discussions centered around four themes: innovation in education; environment and sustainability; food, nutrition, and health; and health care. There were also ample opportunities for networking through shared meals and social gatherings.
Saint Mary’s is part of a global network that includes 90,000 individuals engaged in the Lasallian Catholic educational mission of serving society and nearly one million students throughout 79 countries. The Lasallian network is also comprised of nearly 4,000 De La Salle Christian Brothers carrying out the tradition founded by Saint John Baptist De La Salle, a priest and educational innovator of 17th century France.
To see more photos from the event, visit smumn.edu/photos.
Saint Mary’s Kabara Institute to host Artisan Fair on the Plaza Oct. 6
WINONA, Minn. — The Kabara Institute for Entrepreneurial Studies at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota will host an Artisan Fair on the Plaza on Saturday, Oct. 6, from 1-4 p.m.
Regional artisans, musicians, and nonprofit organizations will fill the plaza on the Winona Campus with the aim of bringing together the local artisan entrepreneurial community.
Approximately 20 artisans will showcase and sell a large variety of their work that ranges from artisanal soaps to jewelry to wood carving.
Local nonprofits Project FINE and Engage Winona will have tables set up, and the Saint Mary’s Catholic Relief Services organization will have fair trade jewelry for sale. Entrepreneurship students will sell refreshments.
Music will run throughout the event with Amanda Grace performing at 1 p.m., Dust Settlers at 2 p.m., and a Saint Mary’s student-led band at 3 p.m.
Questions and requests for more information can be directed to Christine Beech, director of the Kabara Institute, at cbeech@smumn.edu or 507-457-6978. The rain location for the event is the Hall of Fame Room, located in Saint Mary’s Toner Student Center.
Upcoming inauguration events

Students, faculty, and staff are all invited to attend the upcoming inauguration events listed below. Our expectation is that students will be able to attend the inauguration convocation as classes have been re-assigned and not canceled. For a full schedule and more information, visit smumn.edu/inauguration.
FRIDAY, OCT. 5
Inauguration Mass
10:15 to 11:30 a.m. — Saint Thomas More Chapel
Lunch
11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. — Gostomski Fieldhouse (Faculty, staff, and students)
Inauguration Convocation
2 to 4 p.m. — Gymnasium, Toner Student Center
Inauguration Reception
4 to 5 p.m. — Gostomski Fieldhouse
SATURDAY, OCT. 6
Student Service Highway Cleanup Project
9:30 to 9:45 a.m. check-in — Toner Student Center by the Art Gallery
Soccer Tailgate (food, inflatables, giveaways, games)
Noon to 5:30 p.m.
Artisan Fair (food, artisans, music)
1 to 4 p.m. — Plaza
RSVP
Students RSVP here: mysmumn.org/inaugurationstudent
Faculty RSVP here: mysmumn.org/inaugurationfaculty
Staff RSVP here: mysmumn.org/inaugurationstaff
Lasallian research symposium explores crucial topics

Educators from across the world gathered to discuss research in crucial areas, such as online learning, spirituality, women in leadership, and more, as part of the seventh annual International Symposium on Lasallian Research Sept. 21-23 on the Twin Cities Campus. Hosted by our Institute for Lasallian Studies and co-sponsored by Christian Brothers Conference, the event raises the visibility and reputation of Saint Mary’s as a world leader in promoting research by Lasallians that is relevant and important in the 21st century. Attendees included 126 professors, administrators, researchers, and students from 11 countries. Presenting research through the international Lasallian educational network, allowed those in attendance to gain ideas, ask questions, and plan to collaborate on future projects that revolve around crucial global topics. Three keynote presentations were featured at the symposium:
- “From Chaos to Ethical Clarity: The Quest for Lasallian Higher Education in Today’s Global Society,” delivered by Brother Louis DeThomasis, FSC, Ph.D., president emeritus of Saint Mary’s University.
- “Conversations on Cross Institution Research,” delivered by Carmelita Quebengco, AFSC, Ph.D., consultant to the president and chancellor emeritus at De La Salle University in Manila, Philippines.
- “Making Peace Possible: Grassroots Peacebuilding Leaders,” delivered by Brother Christian Diaz, FSC, Ed.D. ’18, principal in Gigante, Huila, Colombia.
To see more photos from the event, visit smumn.edu/photos.
Students network with local business leaders

Students of all majors gathered yesterday to attend a Business Mixer event, followed by a presentation on the Saint Mary’s data analytics program. The event was co-hosted by the Business Department and the Kabara Institute for Entrepreneurial Studies at Saint Mary’s University and co-sponsored by Miller Ingenuity, WinCraft, and RTP Company. More than 50 people attended the event which was designed to connect students with local business leaders and increase their awareness of local career opportunities. Other local businesses in attendance were Fastenal, Watlow, and Benchmark.
Saint Mary’s invites public to inauguration of 14th president
WINONA, Minn. — Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota is inviting the public to attend the inauguration of its 14th president, the Rev. James P. Burns, IVD, Ph.D., on Friday, Oct. 5, on Saint Mary’s Winona Campus. The theme for the inauguration, chosen by Father Burns, is “Saint Mary’s: A Sign of Faith, Hope, & Knowledge.”
The public is invited to be part of this historic occasion and is welcome to attend the following inauguration events:
- Inauguration Convocation — 2 to 4 p.m., Gymnasium, Toner Student Center
- Reception — 4 to 5 p.m., Gostomski Fieldhouse
Father Burns became president on July 9, 2018, succeeding Brother William Mann, FSC, who stepped down in May after a decade of service. Father Burns most recently served as the dean of the Woods College of Advancing Studies and Summer Session at Boston College.
An Artisan Fair on the Saint Mary’s Plaza on Saturday, Oct. 6, will be held in conjunction with the inauguration celebration and is open to the public as well. More details will be announced soon. Student service projects on Saturday will also be part of the weekend inauguration festivities.
More information about Father Burns and the inauguration events can be found at smumn.edu/inauguration. RSVPs for the general public are requested to mysmumn.org/inauguration2018.
Many activities planned for Family Weekend
Invite your family to visit Winona during Family Weekend, Sept. 28-30. Family Weekend includes a full slate of activities for families of students and the Saint Mary’s community. In previous years, as many as 1,000 visitors have come onto campus for music events, sporting events, the Fall Frolic, and other games and activities. Find a full schedule of events at smumn.edu/familyweekend.
Celebrate peace with events on campus
You’re invited to join these upcoming events in celebration of International Lasallian Days for Peace.
SUNDAY, SEPT. 30
10:30 a.m. — Mass
Saint Thomas More Chapel
MONDAY, OCT. 1
8:15 to 10:15 a.m. — Coffee and Donuts
Come talk with Kathleen Swain, director of Lasallian Volunteers
Vlazny Lounge
12:10 p.m. — Mass
Saint Thomas More Chapel
7 p.m. — Sanctuary Church: “Creating Peace in our Community”
Presentation by Fr. Jim Callahan, pastor at St. Mary’s Catholic Church (in collaboration with the English Department, Lasallian Honors, and Winona Interfaith Council)
SLC 200
Originally from Boston, Mass., Fr. Jim has been a pastor at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Worthington, Minn., since 2010, but has been in ministry for 35 years. Fr. Jim spent 17 years in Africa, Haiti, El Salvador, and in south central Los Angeles, working on refugee resettlement with Doctors without Borders and the United Nations. He has master’s degrees in theology and African/black studies, works with alcoholics and addicts, and also teaches spirituality at a treatment center for priests.
TUESDAY, OCT. 2
8:15 a.m. – Pancakes and Morning Prayer for Peace
Vlazny Lounge
12:10 p.m. — Mass
Saint Thomas More Chapel
12:40 p.m. — Prayer
Peace Pole
WEDNESDAY, OCT. 3
Noon — “Work for Justice”
Presentation by Justin Van Dalen, attorney at Van Dalen Law Firm (in collaboration with the Kabara Institute for Entrepreneurial Studies)
Figliulo Recital Hall, Performance Center
Justin is a solo-practitioner attorney from Rochester, Minn. Before graduating magna cum laude from Mitchell Hamline School of Law, he spent 10 years as a supply chain analyst and sourcing executive in the electronics manufacturing and health care industries. Justin spent 16 months in Gulu, Uganda, serving as a Legal Fellow with International Justice Mission (IJM) where he defended widows and orphans who were victims of violent land theft. His experience with IJM brought into focus what it means to pursue peace by working for justice. Justin and his wife, Rebekah, live in Rochester with their three young children.
THURSDAY, OCT. 4
12:10 p.m. — Mass
Saint Thomas More Chapel
7:30 p.m. — “Pope Francis: A Man of His Word”
Documentary and Discussion
Salvi Lecture Hall
A rare co-production with the Vatican, the pope’s ideas and his message are central to this documentary, which sets out to present his work of reform and his answers to today’s global questions of death, social justice, immigration, ecology, wealth inequality, materialism, and the role of the family. “Pope Francis: A Man of His Word” documents a personal journey with Pope Francis and was written and directed by Oscar-nominated German filmmaker Wim Wenders.
FRIDAY, OCT. 5
7:45 to 10 a.m. — Coffee and Donuts
Vlazny Lounge
Beyond the Classroom Walls: Podcasting, Public History, and Pop Culture
You’re invited to “Beyond the Classroom Walls: Podcasting, Public History, and Pop Culture” on Wednesday, Oct. 3, in Room 200 of the Science and Learning Center from 4 to 5:30 p.m.
East Asia for All is a podcast about East Asian popular culture and media. Co-hosts Melissa Brzycki and Stephanie Montgomery each have a Ph.D. in East Asian history. Brzycki is currently a member of Saint Mary’s History Department, and Montgomery is an assistant professor in History and Asian Studies at St. Olaf College. They created the podcast to develop an easily accessible platform that makes historical research and knowledge interesting and available to students, scholars and the public. Their talk will focus on how they began the project and how it figures in their work as academics.
This event is sponsored by the Saint Mary’s University Department of History and Social Sciences. For more information, contact Dr. Erich Lippman at 507-457-6944 or elippman@smumn.edu.
Public Relations/Business Club visits WinCraft
About 20 members of the Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota Public Relations/Business Club recently visited WinCraft, a Winona company that is a nationwide leader in the manufacturing of licensed and promotional products that specializes in sports-related merchandise. The students learned about WinCraft’s communication, marketing, and sales strategies, and then toured WinCraft’s state-of-the-art manufacturing and distribution facilities. The club’s visit was made possible in part by Robert Gas ’12, a Saint Mary’s Business and Public Relations alumnus who is now a national account manager at WinCraft. Saint Mary’s Public Relations/Business Club faculty advisers Dean Beckman and Dr. Shelly McCallum-Ferguson accompanied the students on the visit.
Photo caption: From left, Amber Collins, team sales manager at WinCraft, Liz Sagar, inside sales/collegiate sales at WinCraft, and Robert Gas ’12, Saint Mary’s alumnus and national account manager at WinCraft, address the Saint Mary’s Public Relations/Business Club during its visit to WinCraft.
Music performance scheduled for Saint Mary’s Family Weekend
WINONA, Minn. — Jazz, choir, and band are joining together for a public student performance during Saint Mary’s University’s upcoming Family Weekend Sept. 28-30. The joint performance will take place at 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 29, in the Page Theatre.
Saint Mary’s University’s Jazz Ensemble will launch another great season. Under the direction of A. Eric Heukeshoven, students will preview this season’s Red Bird Club show Christmas in New Orleans, A drawing for up to four complimentary tickets to the Dec. 7 performance will be held at this event. For more information, email eheukesh@smumn.edu.
Saint Mary’s choirs and concert band will also join forces alongside the Jazz Ensemble for the show. The 64-member concert choir and the 25-member Chamber Singers are directed by Dr. Patrick O’Shea. The band is directed by Dr. Janet Heukeshoven and is open to Saint Mary’s students from all majors as well as advanced high school players and qualified community member. For information, email jheukesh@smumn.edu or poshea@smumn.edu.
Tickets to the performance are $10 for adults, $5 for students and seniors, and are available at the Saint Mary’s Box Office, 507-457-1715, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays or online at smumn.edu/tickets. Tickets are also available at the door.
In previous years, as many as 1,000 visitors have come onto campus for Family Weekend, which includes a full slate of activities for families of students and the Saint Mary’s community.

