Saint Mary's Newsroom / Campus Notes
Winona Campus Newsletter
Nationally known, on-campus business garners 99% placement rate for student workers
Twenty five years ago, Saint Mary’s University’s GeoSpatial Services (GSS) was formed with just a handful of employees and the desire to provide hands-on digital mapping and experiences for students. This on-campus project center has grown to:
- 80 employees (including 27 permanent plus 50 students on both Saint Mary’s Twin Cities and Winona campuses);
- Providing an additional continuous revenue stream to the school annually;
- National recognition and a lengthy list of clients, including the Biden administration, Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the National Park Service.
In its 25-year history, more than 500 graduate and undergraduate students have worked on a variety of projects, which largely revolve around creating and analyzing natural resource information. Job placement has been an astounding 99%, according to director Andy Robertson.
Timothy Boland, who earned his master’s degree in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) from Saint Mary’s in 2008 is now working at Union Pacific Railroad. He credits his time with GSS in helping prepare him for his current role.
“At GSS, I was able to be a part of a community of learners and also gain experience in a business environment,” Boland said. “I was able to not only develop the technical skill sets related to GIS, but also better understand what it takes to work for a GIS-driven organization with customer goals and requirements. Today, part of my role at Union Pacific Railroad is managing our critical engineering GIS datasets that allow us to move trains with greater safety and efficiency, and I’m very thankful that GSS was there to provide that learning environment for me as a student.”
Which students benefit from working in GSS?
GSS employs both graduate and undergraduate students from all disciplines. The students who benefit most directly from the experience of working at GSS are the M.S. in Data Intelligence and GeoAnalytics students and science majors at the undergraduate level (particularly environmental biology). But, Robertson said, students in business, theatre, history, and criminal justice have all gone on to careers in the geospatial technology field after having been exposed to GIS technology through working at GSS.
“The application of geospatial technology spans all disciplines GeoSpatial Services focuses on the application of the technology to natural resource management, however, a solid understanding of the software tools can benefit the career aspirations of students from any undergraduate major,” he said.
GSS works in GIS
They operate in the field of geographic information science, also known as GIS. Students in GSS at Saint Mary’s most often map using remote satellite imagery to assess wetlands, streams, lakes, rivers, and vegetation; they also do field verification, which includes traveling to some of our nation’s most beautiful locations.
Their work varies from assessing the natural resource condition for 38 national parks across the U.S., to assisting seven Indigenous tribes in the U.S. with developing a wetland and water management program, to providing the Biden administration with information related to the Clean Water Act.
The GIS market is projected to reach $25.6 billion by 2030, increasing at a compound annual growth rate of 12.1% between 2020 and 2030, per Prescient & Strategic Intelligence. The U.S. Department of Labor predicts that GIS skills will be in high demand over the next decade.
Meet Mary Jacobs, new assistant dean and MBA program director
Driven to fostering notable, necessary change in the workforce, Mary Jacobs brings both a profound, invaluable expertise and a fresh sense of energy and drive to her role as assistant dean and MBA program director within the School of Business and Technology.
Known for being innovative, personable, and a champion for those pursuing career growth, Jacobs has focused her career on empowering women entrepreneurs by providing them with the sales strategy skills and sales acumen necessary to thrive. A former colleague and workshop attendee, Brittany Woitas, stated, “Through her research and experience as a successful sales leader, Mary uses her distinct, data-driven perspective to quite literally lift the ‘glass ceiling’ that so many women encounter. She effectively turns the table and provides the skills and education necessary to confidently pursue your career path, whatever that may be.”
In her new role with Saint Mary’s University, Jacobs plans on continuing her work in supporting female business owners and leaders. Most recently, she presented on the importance of on educating women entrepreneurs on developing sales strategy and building sales acumen at the Diana International Research Institute (DIRI) through Babson College.
We had the opportunity to connect with Jacobs to learn more about her both professionally and personally.
Share a bit about your professional experience.
For 19 years, I built my career as a sales leader within the airline industry. I then went into consulting and training women entrepreneurs, and then transitioned to higher education.
Outside of your work, what are some of hobbies you enjoy?
Easy! Gardening, time at the cabin, and playing tennis and golf.
What is your favorite classroom assignment?
Writing business plans because it helps people really understand the direction they want to take their businesses, and clearly uncover opportunities for growth.
How can students contact you?
Students can connect with me on LinkedIn.
Last call: Saint Mary’s invites businesses to career fair
WINONA, Minn. — Is your company looking for great interns and employees? You’re invited to the eighth annual Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota Career Fair Wednesday, Oct. 20, from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the Saint Mary’s gym.
Saint Mary’s students gain the advanced knowledge, skills, and critical thinking abilities necessary to be lifelong learners, successful workers, good neighbors, and ethical citizens — ideal candidates for employment at your company or enrollment at your school.
Come introduce your organization to these outstanding students and explore internship, job, and continuing education opportunities with them. This event will be in-person; social distancing and other guidelines will be communicated closer to the event and will be inline with the latest Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other health guidelines and mandates.
Registration is $95 and includes two lunches. Register online at smumn.joinhandshake.com and follow the employer registration process (note: Handshake is free to employers and provides you 24/7 access to post your jobs and internships). Once registered, click FAIRS and search for 8th Annual SMU Career and Internship Fair. Click on the fair and follow the instructions to complete your registration. Registration will close Friday, Oct. 15, at 4:30 p.m.
For more information, contact Saint Mary’s Career Services at careerservices@smumn.edu or 612-238-4556.
Fine and Performing Arts to stage “Girls Like That”
The Saint Mary’s University Department of Fine and Performing Arts will perform “Girls Like That” by Evan Placey at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 7 through Saturday, Oct. 9 in Page Theatre. All shows in the 2021-2022 academic year are free and open to the public.
The all-female cast of 14 women will take audiences through the complex journey of how young women treat each other amidst the all-consuming digital era. What happens when a nude photo of a classmate gets leaked to the entire school? Will the girls band together or will they tear each other apart? And what happens when the same thing happens to a boy; will he face the same repercussions?
Saint Mary’s University is welcoming audiences back in person (with safety protocols in place). Unlike last year, there will be no live-streamed performances.
The audience will be restricted to no more than 85 attendees to ensure social distancing guidelines are followed Additionally, masks are to be worn by audience members throughout the entire performance. Those who plan to attend must register online via our Google form to ensure that the 85-seat limit is not exceeded. All performances will start at 7:30 p.m., with doors opening at 7 p.m.
We ask that all audience members bring their smartphones to the performance. We will have a QR code to scan at the door when you arrive to help immerse our audience into the world of the play.
To reserve seating and for more information about the production, go to https://sites.google.com/smumn.edu/girlslikethat/home.
No immediate change in mask mandate
Dear students,
As you are all aware, our Oct. 8 deadline for filing proof of a COVID-19 vaccination or uploading an exemption form is fast approaching. I am writing to let you know what will transpire after that date.
A small number of staff in the Wellness Center and Human Resources will review the data uploaded to the health portal for two purposes:
- First, they will determine who has failed to comply with the requirement. Those individuals will then be contacted, and further lack of compliance will result in actions including fines of $100 per week as well as other disciplinary action.
- Second, they will determine the percentage of our students, faculty, and staff who are fully vaccinated. That percentage will factor into our future COVID-19 protocols. Hopefully, we can reassess some of these protocols, with guidance, as always, from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) and with information on the transmission levels of COVID-19 in the state of Minnesota and Winona County. Any decision to remove our universal masking mandate will be based on all information from all those sources, not just our percentage of fully vaccinated individuals. To dispel any and all rumors, there will be no immediate removal of our universal masking mandate this Friday.
We firmly believe that the masking, in addition to our other COVID-19 protocols, have kept our COVID-19 positive cases low to date. So, thank you for your compliance with those protocols. We know it has not been easy. However, as many of you know from Fall 2020, those positive case numbers can also change very quickly. We ask for your continued cooperation as we assess our path forward with the ultimate goal of keeping our community safe from COVID-19.
Together, we are stronger. Together, we are Saint Mary’s.
Ann Merchlewitz
Senior Vice President and General Counsel
MCA offers percussive music class for older adults
WINONA, Minn. — Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts (MCA) will offer a discounted, eight-week percussive music class for adults ages 55 and older. The classes will be held on Tuesdays from 1 to 2 p.m. from Oct. 26 to Dec. 14.
Through hand drums and other percussive instruments, this class will give participants a chance to experiment with music and explore the world of drumming and percussion in a relaxed environment. This course, taught by Kayla Jannsen, is designed for students who have never taken percussive instrument lessons or have taken lessons a long time ago. The training in this class intends to create musical experiences that will enhance participant rhythm skills and bring joy to their life. The only prerequisites are that participants wish to learn and have fun.
The class costs $24. Participants can register at mca.smumn.edu.
This activity is made possible through a grant from Aroha Philanthropies, a nonprofit arts organization working to improve quality of life through creative self-expression.
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.
Hurley receives Brother Julius Winkler, FSC, Adjunct Faculty Recognition Award
Harry Hurley, course-contracted assistant professor, was awarded the Brother Julius Winkler, FSC, Adjunct Faculty Recognition Award during the virtual Fall Faculty Conference on Sept. 25.
Each year, the Brother Julius Winkler, FSC, Adjunct Faculty Recognition Award is presented to a course-contracted faculty member in the Schools of Graduate and Professional Programs who has sustained excellence in teaching and contributed to Saint Mary’s University by serving as a model of the Lasallian spirit in the classroom. Among other criteria, this award recognizes faculty for demonstrating excellence, effectiveness, and integrity.
Harry Hurley
“Receiving this award is a great honor. With the number of adjunct faculty, I feel honored to be selected,” said Hurley.
Hurley has been a beloved faculty member in the undergraduate telecommunication and information technology (IT) programs and graduate IT management program for the past 35 years. With more than three decades of teaching and service to the university, Hurley embodies the Lasallian spirit through his dedicated teaching, thoughtful advising, and selfless donation of time to many initiatives at Saint Mary’s. Hurley is always looking to improve his teaching abilities by attending several Center for Excellence in Learning and Teaching (CELT) training webinars and has proven to be very adept in the online environment, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Hurley’s commitment to the Lasallian tradition goes beyond university walls. He has been a vital volunteer for The Silent Warrior Project, which sponsors spiritual retreats for veterans with PTSD. These retreats focus on reducing the suicide rate among that population.
Hurley hopes to use his experience in IT to help students understand the value of ethics in the workplace. “I enjoy having the diversity in the student population I am able to teach, and I enjoy the emphasis on ethics we put on the coursework we offer.”
Please join in recognizing and congratulating Hurley for his many years of dedicated service to the students and mission of Saint Mary’s.
Photo caption: Brian Schmisek, provost and dean of faculties, presents Harry Hurley, course-contracted assistant professor, with the Brother Julius Winkler, FSC, Adjunct Faculty Recognition Award during the virtual Fall Faculty Conference on Sept. 25.
Research led by Wieser finds inequities in MBA education, outcomes
Recent research conducted by Michelle Wieser, dean of the Saint Mary’s University School of Business and Technology, found inequities in the academic experience and career outcomes of female and minority MBA students and graduates of top-tier business schools.
Wieser led the research on behalf of the Forte Foundation, an organization that partners with corporations, nonprofits, and graduate and undergraduate universities to address inequities at top business schools and the impact those inequities have on the business world.
Wieser’s research looked at the MBA application process and student experience from a diversity, equity, and inclusion perspective, as well as career outcomes based on gender and race. For the research, Forte polled more than 3,000 MBA students, prospective students, and alumni from nearly 60 MBA programs.
Finding’s from Wieser’s research include:
- When asked about diversity, equity, and inclusion in the admissions process for MBA programs, most respondents had favorable views. However, men were more likely to have a positive response than women.
- While respondents had favorable views of the admissions process in regards to diversity, equity, and inclusion, more than one in five survey respondents said diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts in their MBA program did not meet their expectations.
- In 2020, men with MBAs earned $177,112 on average, where women with an MBA earned $147,412, a pay gap of $27,900.
- The gender pay gap between men and women with MBAs has narrowed since 2016. However, the gap widens for women as they progress in their careers from 9% for those with zero to two years of work experience to 35% for those with nine or more years of work experience.
- Women are more likely to strive for early leadership positions within organizations. However, women trail when it comes to striving for executive-level leadership.
“This research helps shine a light on continued gender inequality in pay and other extrinsic and intrinsic career outcomes. The participants of this study included 3,100 graduates of over 50 large, top-ranked MBA programs in the U.S. and Europe. These individuals work for some of the most well-known organizations across the globe. Studying their career outcomes and perceptions provides great insight into the state of gender and racial equality in the workplace. My hope is that it spurs conversations around how we are doing, what we can do better, and how we work toward inclusive workplaces for all,” Wieser said.
This research is a follow-up to previous research done by Wieser and the Forte Foundation in 2019 that explored whether MBAs assisted women and minorities in increasing equality in their workplaces, as well as their earnings.
So far, the research has been highlighted in 30 articles, as well as TV and radio segments. Outlets the research has appeared in include Financial Times, Bloomberg, Yahoo! Finance, and CBS News.
“It is incredibly rewarding to see this research getting national and international press,” Wieser said. “As a scholar, it is wonderful to keep the conversation going on gender pay inequality and other important topics addressed by this research.”
As dean of the School of Business and Technology, which houses an MBA program, Wieser says the findings of the research will be used in the work she carries out for Saint Mary’s University.
“The outcomes of this research give me valuable insights into how I can build inclusive learning environments where all individuals see themselves reflected in their faculty, case studies, readings, and speakers. This is so well aligned with our Lasallian Catholic charism and is one small way we can begin to work toward bigger change,” she said.
Heinz to serve as interim dean for School of Health and Human Services
Due to personal family circumstances, Susan Jarosak has returned to her role as assistant dean for the School of Health and Human Services. We thank her for her dedication and continued leadership.
Amy Heinz, OTD, has graciously agreed to step in as the school’s interim dean. Dr. Heinz joined Saint Mary’s about three years ago and has served as the program director for the M.A. in Health and Human Services Administration. Outside of Saint Mary’s, she has worked in healthcare as an occupational therapist for nearly 25 years and has been in academia for more than 20 years. Many thanks to Dr. Heinz for her willingness to serve in this capacity.
Join forming character within the university presentation Oct. 18
Saint Mary’s University will welcome Michael Lamb, Ph.D., to present “Several Reasons why it is Good to form Character within the University.” This presentation is open to Saint Mary’s students, faculty, and staff and will take place Monday, Oct. 18, at 3 p.m. in Brother Louis Hall Room 105 on the Twin Cities Campus.
Dr. Lamb will also facilitate a seminar for faculty on strategies for character development in the context of higher education, the topic of his forthcoming article in the Journal of Character Education.
Dr. Lamb is executive director of the Program for Leadership and Character and assistant professor of politics, ethics, and interdisciplinary humanities at Wake Forest University. He is also a research fellow with the Oxford Character Project. He holds a Ph.D. in politics from Princeton University, a B.A. in political science from Rhodes College, and a second B.A. in philosophy and theology from the University of Oxford where he studied as a Rhodes Scholar.
His research focuses on leadership, character, and the role of virtues in public life. He is the co-editor of “Cultivating Virtue in the University and Everyday Ethics: Moral Theology and the Practices of Ordinary Life,” and the author of “A Commonwealth of Hope: Augustine’s Political Thought.” His work has been published in the American Political Science Review, Journal of Religious Ethics, Journal of Moral Education, and Journal of Character Education, and he has presented on the importance of character education at universities around the world. He is currently a principal investigator on grants to educate character funded by the John Templeton Foundation, Kern Family Foundation, and Lilly Endowment, Inc. Prior to joining Wake Forest, he helped to launch the Oxford Character Project and served as dean of leadership, service, and character development for the Rhodes Trust in Oxford.
For more information or questions about the event, contact cve@smumn.edu.
Theatre and dance announces 2021-22 production calendar
The Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota Department of Fine and Performing Arts announces the 2021-22 production calendar for theatre and dance. This season’s performances are full of humor, variety, and heartfelt surprises.
“Girls Like That”
Thursday through Saturday, Oct. 7-9, 2021 (Page Theatre)
By Evan Placey. When a naked photograph of a schoolgirl, Scarlett, goes viral, rumors travel fast. Scarlett’s reputation is affected and it threatens her relationships with the girls she grew up with. Directed by Walter Elder.
“The 39 Steps”
Thursday through Saturday, Nov. 4-6, 2021 (Page Theatre)
Adapted by Patrick Barlow. A man with a boring life meets a woman with a thick accent who says she’s a spy. When he takes her home, she is murdered. Soon, a mysterious organization called “The 39 Steps” is hot on the man’s trail in a nationwide manhunt that climaxes in a death-defying finale. A riotous blend of virtuoso performances and wildly inventive stagecraft, it amounts to an unforgettable evening of pure pleasure! Directed by Jimmy Bickerstaff, Ph.D.
“The Nutcracker”
Wednesday through Sunday, Dec. 1-5, 2021 (Page Theatre)
The holiday classic and family favorite includes performers of all ages in association with the Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts. Directed by Tammy Schmidt.
“SPLaSH!” (Short Play Showcase)
Thursday through Saturday, Feb. 17-19, 2022 (Page Theatre)
Directed, designed, (and often written) by Saint Mary’s students. Come be a part of the future of theatre!
“Legally Blonde, the musical”
Thursday through Saturday, March 24-26, 2022 (Page Theatre)
Book by Heather Hach and lyrics and music by Laurence O’Keefe and Nell Benjamin is based on the novel by Amanda Brown and the popular and entertaining 2001 film of the same name. This musical shows how a young woman can surprise her colleagues, exceed expectations, and still stay true to herself. Its heartfelt message of acceptance will warm you to your toes and leave you wanting more. Directed by Judy Myers.
Dance Repertory Company Concert
Thursday through Saturday, April 7-9, 2022 (Page Theatre)
An evening of classical and contemporary dance choreographed by faculty and regional guest artists. Directed by Tammy Schmidt.
Feel free to contact us at any time if you have questions:
- Ned Kirk, D.M., professor, chair (fine and performing arts): nkirk@smumn.edu
- Judy Myers, professor (musical theatre): jmyers@smumn.edu
- Jimmy Bickerstaff, Ph.D., associate professor (history/theory): jbickers@smumn.edu
- Tammy Schmidt, assistant professor (director of dance): tschmidt@smumn.edu
- Walter Elder, assistant professor (acting/directing): welder@smumn.edu
- Niffer Pflager, assistant professor (design/technology): jpflager@smmumn.edu
- Jason Underferth, lecturer (lighting and sound design): junderfe@smumn.edu
- Anastasia Goodwin, lecturer (costume design): aygoodwi@smumn.edu
Family Weekend 2021
Dear Saint Mary’s Family!
Saint Mary’s University welcomes you and your family to Family Weekend 2021!
All are welcome to visit. Our Winona Campus, with the exception of residence halls, will be open to visitors. Unfortunately, we are not able to provide overnight accommodations; however, there are a number of hotels, bed and breakfasts, and other accommodations available nearby.
For your enjoyment, the university is providing a host of activities. In addition, the Winona, Minn., region offers a number of amazing activities you and your family can enjoy. Learn more from visitwinona.com.
To help us best welcome you, please register.
The entire weekend and/or individual activities may be suspended based on COVID-19 transmission at the College, in Winona, and in the state of Minnesota.
For any questions, please contact the Office of R.I.S.E. (Recreation, Involvement, and Student Engagement) at rise@smumn.edu or call 507-457-1686.
We look forward to seeing you!
Jazz at Saint Mary’s announces 2021-22 season
WINONA, Minn. — Jazz at Saint Mary’s is planning a full season of performances for the 2021-22 academic year.
Fall 2021
The season kicks off at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 25, on the Saint Mary’s Plaza. This free Family Weekend concert will feature jazz favorites and a preview of themes from our fall and spring events. Due to on-going COVID-19 restrictions, the performance will be canceled in the event of rain.
On Friday, Dec. 10, the Jazz Ensemble and Jazz Combo 1 will present Holiday Hits at 7:30 p.m. in the Page Theatre. The concert will feature festive jazz favorites selected by the student musicians from performances over the past 10 years.
Twice a year, all three Jazz at Saint Mary’s groups get together for an informal session of great music in a casual setting. The fall Jazz Final will again be held at Island City Brewing Company from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 19, as part of their free monthly Jazz Jam event. The public is invited to join the musicians as they celebrate the end of the semester.
Spring 2022
On Sunday, April 24, at 3 p.m. in the Page Theatre, travel down memory lane as Jazz at Saint Mary’s presents Big Screen/Small Screen–Classic Jazz Themes featuring jazz-inspired soundtracks from “The Pink Panther,” “M.A.S.H.,” “Mission Impossible,” and “The Flintstones.”
The season will end with another Jazz Final, and spring takes the festivities outdoors. Grab a seat on the Plaza and join at 1:30 p.m. Sunday, May 1, for a free and fun afternoon of great music to wrap up the 2021-22 season.
For more information, contact A. Eric Heukeshoven, director of Jazz Studies, at 507-457-7292 or eheukesh@smumn.edu.
Photo caption: Guest drummer Rich MacDonald solos with the Jazz Ensemble during the Choppin’ Wood concert in April 2021.
© Copyright 2016. All Rights Reserved. | Privacy | Site Feedback/Changes | Accreditation