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Winona Campus NewsletterRegional media highlights expertise of Saint Mary’s community
In the past weeks, administrators, faculty, and students have been able to share our Saint Mary’s story with a wider audience through regional media. These articles showcase the expertise of our faculty and staff, and the ability of our students to knowledgeably weigh in on important issues.
Krull highlights advocacy with MAPCS in Star Tribune
Senior Jonathon Krull, who serves as the chair for the Minnesota Association of Private College Students (MAPCS), the student-run organization that helps advance the legislative priorities of the Minnesota Private College Council, had an opinion article published in the Star Tribune calling on the Minnesota legislature to expand the state’s Hunger Free Campus Act.
As Krull wrote in the article, the Hunger Free Campus Act includes a provision that allows state and community colleges to access funds to operate food pantries. Krull calls on legislators to use some of the state’s historic $9 billion budget surplus to open up funding opportunities so private colleges and universities can also operate pantries.
Wieser speaks about gender pay gap on KIMT
KIMT in Rochester sought an expert to speak about the gender pay gap, and Michelle Wieser, dean of the School of Business and Technology, was able to weigh in with recent and applicable research.
In the story, Wieser spoke about why the pay gap exists, what organizations can do to combat gender pay gaps, and the importance of advocating for women in the workplace. During her time working in higher education, Wieser has focused on researching gender and race in business education and the greater business world.
Scott discusses gas prices on KTTC
KTTC was looking to localize a story on the sharp rise in gas prices, and assistant professor Andrew Scott of the Business and Communication Department shared his knowledge of economics.
In the interview, Scott spoke about the cause of the cost increase, and how people might have to consider changing their traveling habits.
Doctoral research looks at restorative practices in education
After receiving a health and physical education degree, Jamell Tidwell D’22 never planned to go into the field of education.
“I don’t think I chose education,” he said. “Education chose me.”
Tidwell is currently serving as an assistant administrator and athletic director at Valley Middle School of STEM in Apple Valley and holds an Education Doctoral Degree in Leadership from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota.
He earned the academic title “doctor” earlier in the spring of 2022 after defending his dissertation “The Lived Experiences of Teachers in a Restorative Practice Program at a Minnesota Suburban Middle School.”
“When I got to Saint Mary’s (for my master’s degree), it just changed my whole outlook on getting an education and pursuing education,” Tidwell said. “At Saint Mary’s, there were so many people who wanted me to succeed.”
Tidwell said he had always had his eyes set on joining the military. But after completing his undergraduate degree, he took a job as a paraprofessional at Apple Valley High School and eventually moved to a position at Valley Middle School of STEM. While he was there, he decided to pursue a master’s degree, which brought him to Saint Mary’s. It wasn’t long after he earned his master’s degree that he thought again about leaving education, but this time, for the corporate world. But before he could leave, the principal at his school talked him into staying. It was then he says he realized education was where he belonged and where he felt he could make the most impact.
Tidwell returned to Saint Mary’s again to receive a Graduate Certificate in Education Administration, and eventually, his doctoral degree.
When it was time to select a research project for his dissertation for his doctoral degree, Tidwell decided to focus on a subject he knew well from his time as an administrator: finding alternatives to suspensions.
“Unfortunately, students who are being suspended at a much higher rate are students of color,” Tidwell said. “So, my goal was to see if restorative practices were a good alternative to suspensions.”
Through restorative practices, teachers and administrators attempt to understand why a student may have acted in a certain way and communicate to the student how their actions not only impacted themselves but the entire school community. At Valley Middle School of STEM, teachers, administrators, and students take part in restorative practices regularly, with teachers participating in regular equity circles and students going to restorative conferences instead of more traditional disciplinary measures.
What Tidwell found through his research was that while restorative practices work as an alternative to suspensions, one can’t have restoration without consequences. Another finding that surprised Tidwell was the number of teachers who do not want to move away from traditional, zero-tolerance policies when it comes to discipline, which he attributes to a rise in behavior issues stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic.
One of the main reasons Tidwell took on the topic of restorative practices for his dissertation was to find a way to help keep students of color in school and to help eliminate any racial discipline disparity.
“I want to see if I can make a difference in education, make a difference in the world. I really believe a lot of things start in school for kids,” he said.
Report showcases Saint Mary’s University’s strength in preparing Minnesota principals
Saint Mary’s University has been recognized for its excellence in preparing Minnesota’s principals, as well as for its significant market share within the state for preparing educational administrators.
Each year in October, Minnesota school districts are required to report to the Board of School Administrators (BOSA) on the success of their probationary principals. This information is then presented to the state legislature.
According to the most recent BOSA report, which compiles information about whether or not probationary principals from 2020-21 were offered a continuing contract, graduates of Saint Mary’s Education Specialist (Ed.S.) program rank the highest in percentage of candidates in the “proficient/accomplished” category — at 84%.
The data also reflects Saint Mary’s market share as 27%, significantly higher than the other 12 universities providing licensure preparation programs in the state.
“These data points provide overwhelming evidence that Saint Mary’s Ed.S. program and our graduate certificate in Educational Administration K-12 Principal are doing an outstanding job preparing today’s education leaders,” said Craig Sundberg, program director for Saint Mary’s Ed.S. and M.A. in Educational Leadership programs. “Our flexible format, combined with our rigorous and relevant curriculum are designed to set our graduates up for success.”
“Saint Mary’s Ed.S. program has enjoyed a strong reputation throughout the state for many years,” said Michael Hahn, Ph.D., assistant dean of the School of Education. “With the $1.7 million investment from the Kern Family Foundation to infuse character and virtue education throughout the Ed.S. program, we are confident that we will meet our goal of forming future educational administrators who are not only fully competent but also people of character who will serve students and communities well.”
“With almost 1,200 students, the School of Education offers a number of strong programs, whether it is initial teacher licensure programs, graduate programs for practicing teachers, or our doctoral program in educational leadership,” said Mike Lovorn, Ph.D., dean of the School of Education. “My vision for the school of education is that we build on our long-standing strengths as a Lasallian Catholic university to continue to meet the current needs of educators in the state.”
Lippman discusses Russia-Ukraine conflict on Saint Mary’s Currents podcast
On February 24, 2022, after months of amassing troops at the border of Ukraine, Russia, at the direction of President Vladimir Putin, launched an attack on the country. As of Thursday, March 10, Reuters reported thousands of people have been injured, 13,000 people have been killed, and nearly 2,000 buildings have been destroyed because of the conflict. In this week’s episode of Saint Mary’s Currents, host Ben Rodgers is joined by history professor Erich Lippman to discuss the historical context behind Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
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.
MCA, Saint Mary’s to present ‘¡Paquita Paella!’
The Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts (MCA) and the Saint Mary’s University Department of Fine and Performing Arts will present the Dance Repertory Company in “¡Paquita Paella!.”
The Dance Repertory Company presents an evening of inspiring and eclectic works with the re-staging of excerpts from the 1846 classical ballet, “¡Paquita!,” the premiere of a new contemporary dance work, and the re-staging of past DRC rhythm tap, hip-hop, modern dance, and jazz works — all with a Latin flair.
The cast of 17 dancers includes students from Saint Mary’s University and dancers from Winona and surrounding areas.
“¡Paquita Paella!” will be presented at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 7, and Friday, April 8. On Saturday, April 9, the show is at 3:00 p.m. Tickets are $15 for adults and $7 for students and senior citizens.
Tickets may be purchased at the Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts office from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 pm and 3:45 to 6:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Fridays starting Monday, March 7. Payment via cash or check only. For more information about MCA or the DRC, visit https://mca.smumn.edu/, e-mail mca@smumn.edu, “like” them on Facebook, or call 507-453-5500.
The Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts provides year-round programming in dance, music, visual art, and theatre. Classes, lessons, workshops, and camps are offered for children ages 18 months and older through adults at the historic Valéncia Arts Center, located at 1164 West 10th St.
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. The Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts is an affiliate program of Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota.
A voice for immigrants
Abdurrahman Mahmud (who also goes by Abdu Rahman) B’19 doesn’t often talk about his young life as a refugee in Dadaab, Kenya. He’s worked hard to build a life beyond the trauma and feels it doesn’t do any good to look back. Yet, in many ways, hidden in this past, is the reason Mahmud has dedicated his life to helping others.
Born right before Somalia’s civil war, Mahmud was only 1 year old when the country collapsed. In need of help, his mother carried him 700 kilometers before arriving at a refugee camp where he spent the next six years of his life. He remembers being ill as a child, suffering from asthma, malnutrition, and other chronic illnesses.
Perhaps this is why he first sought a career in clinical nursing. During his final year of college, Mahmud worked for the Ethiopian government and was sent to clinic outposts in rural areas. “I realized the problem deep down in my life — the trauma — wasn’t an issue that a doctor deals with,” he said. “It involved things you can work on at a community level. Public health was a new trend at that time. I realized I can do more in the public health world than in the clinical world.”
For the next few years in Africa, he worked in the public health sector for INGOs (international non-governmental organizations) funded by the UN — including training TBA (traditional birth attendants) with Bemoc (basic emergency obstetric care), educating populations about preventing AIDS, HIV, and female genetal mutilation. He immigrated to the U.S. when he was 25.
In Minnesota, he struggled for nearly two years to find comparable work.
“Before I came here, I had been a field manager. But here, I didn’t know how the system worked, and employers didn’t know how to understand my background,” he said. “They didn’t know my educational background and were unfamiliar with the names of my previous employers, and I couldn’t get a job. I had managed grants, funds, teams. I just wanted to do the work.”
After 18 months of working various labor positions, he was hired for a part-time position educating the African community in Minnesota about HIV, largely because the man who hired him was himself African. “He knew the names and knew they were big employers,” Mahmud said.
From that connection, came more connections and more jobs. Mahmud realized the key was both networking and having employers see the results of his work.
And he realized he could help the larger Minneapolis metro immigrant population also struggling to find employment comparable to their skill levels. “They feel such despair and end up in labor jobs,” he said. “They’re accountants and lawyers. They needed a place that puts people together.”
In 2018, he started Twinist (twinist.com), an online resource to connect immigrant citizens with professional jobs and employers who want to diversify their teams. Although it was designed as a resource for immigrants, Mahmud stresses the site is free and available to everyone.
Users can create profiles, upload résumés, and apply to positions. [Twinist also publishes a bilingual magazine that educates African-born Minnesotans about the services and products of Minnesota-based employers, organizations, and companies.]
Currently, several job seekers have profiles on the site, and an average of 70 jobs are posted monthly. The site receives 10,000 visitors each month.
Mahmud further became an immigrant advocate in Minneapolis. He founded the City of Nations Storytelling Studio, sponsored by Mixed Blood Theatre in Minneapolis, to empower local residents to be advocates for their own health care and to create a dialogue about important timely issues.
His studio produces films and healing circles, and he focuses on taboo topics, specifically mental health, substance abuse, and reproductive education especially sex education, which are often interconnected, in order to address persistent health disparities. His work also expanded to a focus on Lake Street after the murder of George Floyd spurred rioting and mass destruction in that area.
“I’m creating a documentary film about the stories of Black immigrants who lost businesses because of the riots,” he said. “Ninety percent of businesses that were destroyed were immigrant- owned businesses. That’s a narrative that is not public.”
Several individuals chose not to be filmed or photographed, fearing retribution. “There’s a lot of mistrust in the community,” he said. “The purpose was to tell us what happened. Tell it to the world.”
The film, which will be shown at Mixed Blood Theatre this spring, will also travel as needed. Mahmud said if individuals have the space and the audience, he will bring the film to them in order to share these important stories.
“My studio focuses on these taboos and current issues in this community,” he said. “People need to feel seen and heard and feel cared for. I want to show the world stories that are not seen, heard, or cared enough about.”
Mahmud believes Saint Mary’s does a good job in assisting diverse and immigrant populations.
When he found his previous bachelor’s degree fell just short of what he needed to continue his graduate studies, he found Saint Mary’s Healthcare and Human Services Management bachelor’s completion program and graduated in 2019. “Saint Mary’s was convenient, and people I knew had recommended it,” he said. “I had a good experience and learned things that were helpful to my career, particularly in working with communities.”
Digital badges lead to job offers
When Shauna Spencer M’21, C’21 was first told Saint Mary’s was offering her a digital badge to recognize the graduate certificate she had earned as part of her master’s degree at Saint Mary’s University, she wasn’t sure what to think.
“It was cool to get an email saying that I had this badge and that I could print out my certificate,” Spencer said. “But my initial thought was ‘What else does it do?’”
At Saint Mary’s, graduate students are offered digital badges as a graphic verification representing their achievement after completing a specific online course or program. The badges can then be added to a résumé, portfolio website, or LinkedIn and other social media to draw attention to what they’ve learned.
Now, with six badges added to her résumé and LinkedIn profile, the M.S. in Business Intelligence and Data Analytics graduate says she understands the value of the digital credential.
Like many students in the Schools of Graduate and Professional Programs, Spencer sought out Saint Mary’s for its flexibility in allowing her to continue her career while earning a degree.
“Working and learning on the job, along with obtaining a formal education was super important, and Saint Mary’s allowed me to do that,” she said.
After finishing her master’s program in business intelligence and data analytics in September 2021, it didn’t take Spencer long to find a new job with Children’s Minnesota. And she says her education from Saint Mary’s, combined with the digital badges, played a role in the career move.
“When I was talking to the person who is now my supervisor, he said, ‘By the way, I noticed all these badges or certificates that you received from Saint Mary’s, can you tell me a little bit more about those?,’” she said. “They’re really a great conversation starter.”
Most of those conversations about the badges aren’t even started by her. “It’s usually the recruiter or the person interviewing me who asks about them,” she said.
To Spencer, the badges give recruiters and hiring managers a quick look into what students have learned while in the classroom.
“You can always say you got a master’s degree from a certain program, but employers want to know more about that program’s content,” Spencer said. “Digital badging allows you to stand out, because it shows a software engineering or specific analytics class you may have taken and succeeded in.”
As someone who has seen the benefits of digital badging, she encourages any Saint Mary’s students or graduates who have accumulated the credentials to take advantage of them.
“I just think it’s a great way to differentiate yourself from other competitors when you’re looking for a position or even looking for a promotion,” she said. “They’re just a great way for you as an individual to stand out.”
Saint Mary’s University to honor five during annual Founders’ Day celebration
In celebration of its heritage, Saint Mary’s University will present awards to our beatified alumnus, Blessed James Miller, FSC ’66, M’74, as well as one faculty member, one staff member, and two outstanding seniors at its annual Founders’ Day celebration Tuesday, March 15, on the Winona Campus.
Blessed James Miller will receive an honorary Doctorate in Educational Leadership posthumously, in recognition of his lifelong dedication (and ultimately tragic death) in service to the marginalized youth in his care. The recognition highlights Blessed James Miller’s devotion to youth in Central America at a time of great violence, pervasive injustice, civic unrest, and political turmoil, and his faithful and devout life as a De La Salle Christian Brother for 19 years prior to his death.
Paul Kotz, Ph.D., core professor in the Ed.D. in Leadership program
Paul Kotz, Ph.D., core professor in the Ed.D. in Leadership program, will receive the Distinguished Lasallian Educator Award. Presented each year, the award recognizes a member of the faculty, staff, or administration whose life of faith and service exemplifies the ideals of Saint John Baptist de La Salle. The award is given by Lasallian institutions like Saint Mary’s in the Lasallian Region of North America of the De La Salle Christian Brothers to honor contributions and commitment to the Lasallian mission of education. Kotz, a core professor in the Ed.D. in Leadership program who has worked at Saint Mary’s for a total of 18 years, is renowned for his kindness, his patience, his dedication, and his positive spirit — traits that he shares with students, colleagues, and through his many involvements and written works. A sought-after adviser and mentor, Kotz models the Lasallian charism in his interactions.
Deb Nahrgang, senior director of communication
Deb Nahrgang, senior director of communication, will receive the Bishop Heffron Award. The Heffron award — named after the founder of Saint Mary’s University — is awarded every other year to an employee who has contributed positively to the life of the university, has demonstrated a long-term commitment to the values of the university, and has been a model of the Lasallian spirit in interactions with colleagues and students. Nahrgang has served the university faithfully and tirelessly for 18 years. She demonstrates, through her work and her interactions with other employees and with students, a deep commitment to respect for all persons and to our mission of ethical leadership and service. Her bright smile and infectious laugh lighten the load of many employees and are a source of inspiration for many.
At this event, Saint Mary’s also announces its Outstanding Male and Female Seniors. Outstanding Seniors have demonstrated the ideals of scholarship, character, leadership, service to colleagues and the university community, as well as genuine concern for the needs of others. Nominees include: females, Mary Furlong, Jordan Keeley, Terra Lieser, Jordan Modjeski, and Destiny Walker; males, Jack Hatton, Jonathan Krull, Trevor Paradise, Angel Sacta Espinoza, and Elijah Williams.
Students represent Saint Mary’s at MPCC Scholar Showcase
Two Saint Mary’s undergraduate students had the opportunity this past week to share their research during the Minnesota Private College Council’s Scholar Showcase to state legislators, as well as the general public.
The annual event showcases the academic excellence occurring within private colleges and universities across the state. Student presentations span a variety of disciplines, from the humanities to the sciences.
Seniors Keaton Cloven and Rachel Simon represented Saint Mary’s at this year’s Scholar Showcase. Cloven presented her research regarding how bat activity differentiates between habitats, while Simon’s research focused on how the herbicide atrazine affects the immune system.
Read more about the two scholars and their experience below:
Keaton Cloven, environmental biology
Briefly explain your research and your outcomes:
I looked at bat activity in an oak savanna habitat compared to a forest habitat. In my results, I found that oak savannas were occupied by more species of bats, however, were not used more frequently by bat species.
As a student, how do you benefit by taking part in research like this?
Keaton Cloven presents research at the MPCC Scholar Showcase
As a student, it was beneficial to take part in research like this in order to gain more experience doing fieldwork and creating my own studies with the help of my adviser, associate biology professor Ben Pauli, Ph.D. As a future environmental educator, going through this process of field research, I will hopefully be able to one day help students ask challenging questions about the world around them and hopefully help spark an interest in the natural world.
What was it like to share your research with a broader audience during the MPCC Scholar Showcase?
Not a lot of people are aware of bats or oak savannas in general, so it was good to spread awareness of endangered species and threatened habitats. I also looked forward to presenting at this showcase in order to gain more experience speaking in front of different audiences.
How did Saint Mary’s faculty assist you through your research process?
Dr. Pauli was my research advisor during this process and gave great insight on ideas and helped me with any questions I had. Saint Mary’s provided me with the equipment and space that was necessary in order to collect data. I am also very thankful that the biology department requires every student to do research and a thesis, because I would not have otherwise become as knowledgeable or passionate about these topics.
What do you hope to do after graduating from Saint Mary’s and how has the university helped prepare you?
I have accepted a two-year fellowship position at Walking Mountains Science Center in Avon, Colo. This program will allow me to teach natural science classes to the local school district, teach science-based summer camps, and pursue my master’s in Natural Science Education through the University of Northern Colorado’s extended campus. I even used my knowledge gained during this research project to create a mini-lesson that I used in the interview for the fellowship program; l taught the interview panel about bat species and how we can identify them in a non-invasive way. Saint Mary’s has helped me land a dream job right out of college in many ways. Saint Mary’s provided a space for me to gain team-oriented skills through athletics, a place to explore my passion for environmental biology and sustainability, an option to do an internship at a local environmental learning center, professors who provided me with letters of recommendation that were meaningful, as well as this research experience.
Rachel Simon, biology
Briefly explain your research and outcomes:
My research explored how the herbicide atrazine affects the immune system. Previous research done at Saint Mary’s found that atrazine negatively impacted IL-2 production in splenic TH cells. The main objective of my experiment was to confirm those results and determine whether the decrease in IL-2 production is because TH cells have become sluggish or apoptotic. Mice were chronically exposed to atrazine for two months in three treatment groups: 0 ppb, 3 ppb, and 30 ppb. Results from an ELISA confirmed that atrazine does, indeed, negatively impact the immune system as there was a statistically significant decrease in IL-2 production in splenocytes between the 0 ppb and 30 ppb treatment groups. Stimulation with ConA was also successful as all stimulated cells were statistically significant from cells that were not stimulated. However, flow cytometry showed that there were no statistically significant changes in the number of TH cells. This suggests that atrazine makes TH cells less able to respond to stimulation and, therefore, more sluggish.
As a student, how do you benefit by taking part in research like this?
Research will always play an important role in medicine and will be the foundation behind my future career. This project allowed me to further dive into the world of laboratory research and practice some common techniques, like flow cytometry. I learned what it is like to spend 10-hour days doing research and was proud of the results that came about from all the hard work. I will be better prepared for a future job that involves research, especially one that revolves around biochemistry or molecular biology, which are two subjects that I love. This project also provided me with more knowledge on the dangers of atrazine so that I might someday be able to advocate for its discontinued use.
What was it like to share your research with a broader audience during the MPCC Scholar Showcase?
It made me happy to know that people actually cared to listen. It also made my research seem more important, especially because legislators were invited to attend the showcase. I went through this long process and worked really hard. I was glad to have the opportunity to share it and hope that others actually found meaning in my research.
How did Saint Mary’s faculty assist you through your research process?
My research adviser and biology professor Debra Martin, Ph.D., was absolutely wonderful through the whole process. She was always right there in the lab with me, and I could not have done it without her. We came in together over fall break and Thanksgiving break to get things done. She always answered my questions. Overall, I think we made a really good team. I would also like to acknowledge associate biology professor Matthew Rowley, Ph.D., who helped with the flow cytometer analysis.
What do you hope to do after graduating from Saint Mary’s, and how has the university helped prepare you?
My ultimate goal is to attend medical school and become a physician. I have been accepted to multiple master’s programs in biomedical science at various universities around the U.S. However, I am really hoping to get into Drexel University in Pennsylvania. Otherwise, I am thinking about spending two years simply working and volunteering at Mayo Clinic in Rochester. I have started applying to research technologist positions. I am really looking forward to what is to come after graduation and feel as though Saint Mary’s has prepared me well for a future career in medicine. Classes have been tough, but I have gained a strong background in science and research. I have also gained amazing teamwork and people skills as a student-athlete and admissions ambassador. Additionally, the honors program has been wonderful, and I am all-around more confident in myself and where I want to go in life.
Saint Mary’s Spotlight: Tianna Johnson
The Marketing and Communication Office will be profiling Saint Mary’s University leaders regularly in the Cardinal Update. Our goal is to showcase those overseeing and guiding key areas important to our strategic initiatives. This week, we feature Tianna Johnson, Saint Mary’s assistant vice president for information technology
Tianna Johnson, assistant vice president for information technology
Name: Tianna Johnson
Title: Assistant vice president for information technology
How long have you worked at Saint Mary’s?
I have worked at Saint Mary’s for a little over nine years, starting in 2012 as the manager of technology support services. I became the director of information technology in March 2016, and in June 2021 was promoted to assistant vice president for information technology.
How would you describe your role at Saint Mary’s?
My day-to-day activities here at Saint Mary’s constantly change, but overall, I’m here to make sure our IT department supports the needs of our university community. My team ensures that staff, faculty, and students can effectively use the technology and have access to the resources they need.
What’s your favorite part of your job?
Without a doubt, my favorite part of the job is my team here in the IT department. Some have worked here for more than 20 years, and some have joined us more recently, but every one of them supports the university’s mission and is here to help make Saint Mary’s a better place for our students.
What are your hopes for the future of Saint Mary’s?
Saint Mary’s is facing challenges just like many other universities today. I’m hopeful that we will continue to pull together as one to meet the budget deficit head-on, increase our enrollment and continue to serve our students as we have for the past 100 plus years.
What is your proudest professional accomplishment?
While I don’t know that this is my proudest accomplishment, I am very excited about the upcoming implementation of Jenzabar. I think we have a great group of people in and outside of IT that are committed to making this a successful implementation, and I am so thankful for their commitment to the project. It will take a huge amount of work from many departments, but will certainly move Saint Mary’s forward in our ability to better serve our students.
Looking at the “Declaration on the Lasallian Educational Mission,” which of the 12 declarations resonates with you the most? Why?
Declaration 11 (We believe that today’s realities demand taking risks and being creative.) Especially during these challenging times, we need to rethink what we are doing and why we are doing it. We need to evaluate and find the true value-add projects for our students and focus on those first and foremost. Students have many options to choose from when considering where to get their education, and we need to continue to focus on the student by implementing new and creative ideas that speak to them.
A commitment to community service
Service has long been a part of Saint Mary’s mission as a Lasallian Catholic University, and our faculty, staff, and students are showing their commitment to bettering their communities in a number of ways.
Student-athletes recognized by trustees for being NCAA Division III Team Works Service Challenge winner
Last Friday, the Saint Mary’s University Board of Trustees passed a resolution congratulating the university’s student-athletes, who were recently recognized by the NCAA for their commitment to community service.
In February, the NCAA office named Saint Mary’s the NCAA Division III Team Works Service Challenge winner. Competing in the challenge for the first time ever, Saint Mary’s student-athletes logged more than 2,000 hours of community service between the months of September and November. With the hours logged, the student-athletes helped make a $34,219 economic impact on their community during the challenge.
As stated in the board’s resolution, “This recognition is a testament to the hard work of all our student-athletes and their coaches, trainers, and other athletics staff as they have benefited from involvement in the Winona community, opportunities to be servant leaders, and a deep personal experience of empathy, gratitude, and social responsibility.”
NCAA Team Works, which coordinates community service efforts at the NCAA championships, and Helper Helper, a volunteer management and tracking platform, launched the community service competition to recognize student-athletes who give back to their communities. The competition, which ran from September through November, is based on the number of service hours completed and the number of participating student-athletes.
Sisson, Tadie take part in Grocery Grab event
Saint Mary’s philosophy professor Joe Tadie and athletic director Brian Sisson again represented the college during WNB Financial’s Grocery Grab event this past week.
The fun event is held every year to kick off the Minnesota FoodShare March Campaign and assist the Winona Volunteer Services Food Shelf.
During the event, Sisson and Tadie had 90 seconds to race through Midtown Foods and collect as many groceries as possible. The Saint Mary’s duo came in second, grabbing $721 worth of food, and contributing to the overall event donation of $3,999 of food to the Winona Volunteer Services Food Shelf.
Andy Robertson discusses climate change on Saint Mary’s Currents
In this episode of the podcast, Saint Mary’s Currents host Ben Rodgers is joined by Andy Robertson, executive director of GeoSpatial Services, to discuss the topic of climate change. Working in the field of natural resource management and digital mapping, Robertson has seen the impacts of climate change up close. During their conversation, Ben and Andy discuss a variety of topics, including what climate change affects he has seen while doing fieldwork, the topic of environmental justice and how it intersects with climate change, and why a local response to the climate crisis is needed.
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.
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