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Winona Campus Newsletter
Abundant opportunities helped graduating senior grow and achieve her goals
By Tom Brandes
A total stranger provided the crucial advice that helped Kendall Archer choose Saint Mary’s University over the other 16 schools to which she applied. Unbeknownst to Archer, the person she contacted after a Google search of “notable alumni of Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota” just happened to be a member of the school’s Board of Trustees.
“I contacted everyone with ‘J.D.’ (Juris Doctor) after their name, because I knew I wanted to go to law school, and this gentleman (Patrick Salvi ’75) was a successful Chicago lawyer,” said Archer. “He told me, ‘There’s a great opportunity to do lots of things at Saint Mary’s and be successful in law school.’ He helped me see a potential path where I could grow to reach my goals, and I realized Saint Mary’s was where I could go to be successful.”
Archer, who grew up near Salt Lake City, Utah, is graduating with Bachelor of Arts degrees in Philosophy and Literature with a writing emphasis, and a minor in political science. She is Student Senate president, was named Outstanding Senior Woman, and also played soccer for four years. This fall, she’s heading to George Washington University Law School in Washington, D.C., with a full tuition scholarship.
“Saint Mary’s was an incredible fit and worked perfectly with my academic and intellectual interests. I never thought I’d go to a smaller school with 1,200 students in southeastern Minnesota. I looked at schools in almost every region, and this was my ‘Midwest school,’ added Archer. “I thought I’d be limited to Winona, but my freshman year I spent 10 days in Scotland and Northern Ireland with the soccer team and two weeks with the literature program in London. I completed a pre-law certificate program in New York City my sophomore year, and a study abroad in Rome last spring until the pandemic cut it short.”
Despite having her study abroad experience in Rome abruptly shortened, Archer actually views it as a perk of the pandemic. When she returned home, she had two months of unscheduled time to study for the Law School Admission Test (LSAT). George Washington University was among the five law schools Archer applied to, and she was one of approximately 10 incoming students out of 500, to receive a Presidential Scholarship.
“I decided I wanted to be a lawyer when I was 13, and my ideal job is where I’m helping clients with their real-life problems,” said Archer. “I always said I wanted to be a judge, and my internship with a judge this summer will give me a better idea of what it’s like.”
Archer appreciates the many opportunities she’s had to experience other cultures and travel internationally in tandem with everything at Saint Mary’s. She was able to find time for her studies and other activities with the help of her coaches, professors, and peers who helped when she couldn’t be in two places at once.
Careful planning and scheduling help were crucial to Archer’s remarkable college experience, and she’s thankful her professors were involved and available. When she was a freshman, John Kerr, Ph.D., an associate professor and one of her advisers, helped her make a spreadsheet that included all her courses, study abroad, and soccer — over the next four years — to ensure everything she wanted to do was accessible and could happen.
“My advice to incoming freshmen is to be really involved. Saint Mary’s doesn’t limit you. I wasn’t known as ‘a soccer player,’ I was a well-rounded student,” said Archer. “Get involved and take advantage of opportunities early to see what you like and then you can pursue your interests.”
Undergraduate students receive academic honors
The following academic honors were given to Saint Mary’s University undergraduate students in spring 2021. Business awards were announced earlier.
Biology
Biology Academic Achievement Award: Graham Lorsung, Cole Van Houten, Mackenzie Waters
This award is presented in recognition of outstanding academic achievement by majors in the biology department. These students have earned both a cumulative GPA and a major GPA of 3.8 or greater.
Beta Beta Beta inductees: (December 2020 inductees) Lexi Albert, Mariah Bell, Erica Camarato, Alyssa Harem, Mackenzie Waters, Grace Wilson; (spring 2021 inductees) Kayla Boettcher, Amber Chow, McKenna Gaalswyk, AnnMarie Jacobson, Abigail Johnson, Marissa Kleckler, Erin Lime, Graham Lorsung, Andrew Tepp, Cole VanHouten
The purpose of Beta Beta Beta Biological Honor Society is to function as an honor and professional society for students of the biological sciences. Its activities are designed to stimulate interest, scholarly attainment, investigation in the biological sciences, and to promote the dissemination of information and new interpretations of information among students of the life sciences. For membership, students need to be a biological sciences major, complete at least three courses in biological science, of which at least one is not an introductory course, with an average grade of B in the biology major.
Chemistry
American Institute of Chemist’s Student Award in Chemistry: Delaney Wolf
Each year, the American Institute of Chemists (AIC) sponsors student awards to outstanding seniors majoring in chemistry or biochemistry. Such awards are given in recognition of a demonstrated record of ability, leadership, and professional promise. The AIC was founded in 1923 to foster the advancement of the chemical profession in the United States; to promote and protect the public welfare; to establish and maintain standards of practice for the chemical professions; and to promote the professional experience through certification as to encourage competent and efficient service. These concepts represent the commitment that the chemical scientist undertakes in order to assure the best possible use of science and technology for the good of the community, the nation, and the world at large.
American Chemical Society Outstanding Senior Award: McKenna Gaalswyk
Each year, the LaCrosse-Winona local section of the American Chemical Society (ACS) presents awards to the outstanding chemistry majors who intend to continue their study of chemistry or work in a chemical field. The ACS is a nonprofit, independent membership organization chartered by Congress in 1876, representing professionals at all degree levels and in all fields of chemistry and sciences that involve chemistry. The ACS is the world’s largest scientific society and one of the world’s leading sources of authoritative scientific information. It is the premiere professional home of chemists and chemical engineers around the globe.
Education
Kappa Delta Pi members: (juniors) Bridgette Hegarty, Marian Hollenbeck, Maddelyn Long, Luke Pauly, Tzolquin Pinedo, Maya Reichenbacher, Daniela Zavala; (seniors) Isaac Dotzler, Bridget Finley, Sarah Fowler, Bailey Frattalone, Ivy Hunt, Brianna Jacobson, Emilia Jury, Claire King, Claire Klassen, Claire Patterson, Hallie Schmeling, Daniells Stevens, Abby Winter
Kappa Delta Pi, an international honor society for education, was established to foster excellence in education and promote fellowship among those dedicated to teaching. For membership, students need at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA for all coursework completed and must have 12 credits of education coursework completed.
English
Sigma Tau Delta members: Kendall Archer, Katie Keller, Elliott Rysavy, Kris Shepard
Sigma Tau Delta is the international English honor society, established to confer distinction for high achievement in English language, literature, and writing. To be considered for membership, English majors or minors must have completed at least three semesters of college work, including three English courses beyond the introductory level; have earned a 3.0 overall GPA; and rank in the top third of their class.
Honors program
Outstanding Honors Program Senior Award: Clare Bath
2021 Lasallian Honors Program graduates: Kendall Archer, Clare Bath, Isabel Bettag, Abbey Callahan, Sam Chaffee, Elizabeth Duellman, David French, McKenna Gaalswyk, Christina Haile, Alica Kaari, Rachel Kedl, Katelyn Keller, Julia Kirk, Isaiah Lippert, Dom Lonette, Jordan Malikowski, Jessica Patton, Ellitot Rysavy, Ben Schoonmaker, Brooke Shefchik, Kris Shepard, Ted Sweet, Linnaea Wallis, Mackenzie Waters, Grace Wilson, Delaney Wolf
Students with outstanding academic achievements are invited to participate in the Lasallian Honors Program, an alternative general education program at Saint Mary’s. As a cohort, Honors students complete eight shared inquiry seminars over the course of their four years at Saint Mary’s and participate in intensive service learning projects in their sophomore and senior years.
Math, Computer Science, and Physics
Brother Jerome Rademacher Award: Sawyer Rosner
This award is given in honor of Brother Jerome who served the Saint Mary’s community from 1965 until his retirement in 2008. The recipient is an outstanding physics major who exemplifies Brother Jerome’s dedication to the values of intellectual vigor, careful scholarship, service to the community, and who gives evidence of commitment to the profession of physics. The awardee must have an overall cumulative GPA of 3.9 or higher, participate in physics research, and intend to pursue physics as a profession.
Brother Leo Northam Award: Colleen Lois
This award is given to senior mathematics or mathematics education majors who have excelled in their major based upon coursework, senior project, presentations, and dedication toward mathematical development.
Music
Brother Laurence Walther Founder’s Award: Julia Kirk
This award is given in honor of Brother Laurence Walther who served for many years in the music department at Saint Mary’s. The recipient is the senior with the highest GPA in music, music education, music performance, or music industry.
Performance Award: Julia Kirk
The recipient of the Performance Award is a music student who has consistently performed at a high level of musicianship, contributed to the growth and development of ensemble, and displayed leadership qualities and dedication to the art of musical performance.
Philosophy
Saint Thomas Aquinas Award for Excellence: Benjamin Schoonmaker
The Aquinas prize is awarded each spring to a senior philosophy major who exemplifies the following qualities: breadth of knowledge in the history of philosophy; outstanding written and oral communication skills; intellectual curiosity; marked growth in virtues of character; and modeling of the philosophical life, both in and out of the classroom.
Father Andrew Fabian Scholarship: Paul Rupert
The recipient is an excellent junior or senior philosophy major, with or without financial need, to be selected by Father Fabian in consultation with the members of the philosophy department.
Psychology
Larry Luttmers Award: Samantha Chaffee
The Larry Luttmers Award acknowledges the student who has achieved excellence in the research process, involving engagement in empirical literature, the development of experimental design and organization, and the pursuit of statistical analyses. This student demonstrates a passion for the development of research questions which facilitate opportunities for hypothesis testing and data interpretation. With this superior inquisitiveness, this student embodies the Lasallian spirit in the pursuit of lifelong learning. By continuing to question, test, and interpret, this student illustrates an awakened, nurtured, and empowered learner.
Marilyn Frost Award: Denise Quizhpi, Justine Schultz
The Marilyn Frost award recognizes the student who has consistently demonstrated an exemplary commitment to a very deep level of understanding in psychology, to outstanding application of the principles of psychology, and a strong demonstration of our Lasallian tradition.
Psychology’s Dedicated Lasallian Award: Sarah Hardy
This student has consistently worked toward excellence in academics, service, scholarship, and for the greater good of our Lasallian community. We recognize the stellar performance of this student as a leader, a scholar, a team member, a community member involved in many areas of campus life, and a person who consistently shines while lifting others to shine as well.
Psychology Department Distinction Award: Samantha Chaffee, Sarah Hardy, Danielle Harris, Tara Nikolich, Jon Orvarsson, Brandi Remold, Justine Schultz
Distinction is an honor that can be achieved by students majoring in psychology who have demonstrated exceptionally high quality work leading up to and including a major capstone paper, presentation, and portfolio. Students must earn at least a 3.7 GPA in the major and a 3.3 GPA across the college. Students must also submit an outstanding internship integration or thesis paper and public presentation.
Theatre and Dance
Alpha Psi Omega 2021 inductees: Jen Honsa, senior; Hanna Hagberg, senior; Mackenzie Jensen, junior; Bre Kenney, junior; Caitlin Ledin, junior; Mackenzie Moller, junior; Katie Kitchen, sophomore; Gabbie Johnson, sophomore; Emma Paquette, sophomore; Sam Wesch, sophomore
Class of 2021 graduating seniors: Anna Dale, Hanna Hagberg, Jen Honsa, John Huevos, Ryan Krewer, Arielle Miagkov, Amanda Pohlman, Marlee Ressa, Billy Scannell, Nick Winkler
Established in 1925, Alpha Psi Omega (APO) is one of the oldest fraternities. It requires its cast members to have an overall GPA of 3.0 or higher and a departmental major GPA of 3.5 or higher. Casting in APO also requires excellence, diversity, and commitment within departmental productions. Based on a point system, cast members must accrue a total of eight points from at least two different areas of production. Points are awarded to individuals who have completed their duties or roles in a manner that is beyond reproach.
Grove Bree Holman Award: Maggie Heuer
The Grove Bree Holman Award is an award given in honor of Grove Holman who passed away shortly after graduating from Saint Mary’s. This award, provided by his family, is presented to a non-theatre major who has been actively involved in a musical theatre production and who best demonstrates the performance level and personal qualities which made Grove Holman the admired and loved performer that he was.
Millie Harrison Spirit Award: Arielle Miagkov
The Millie Harrison Spirit Award is an award given in honor of Millicent “Millie” Harrison, a theatre major at Saint Mary’s, who passed away suddenly in her freshman year 2011. Millie was an extraordinary young woman who made an immediate impression on the Saint Mary’s community through her generosity, enthusiasm, dedication, love of life, and genuinely warm approach to each person she met. Recipients of this award demonstrate the following attributes to faculty, staff, and students.
- Graduating theatre major
- Demonstrates a sense of ensemble and collaboration, strong ethics and values, and the spirit of humility
- Is a positive ambassador for the Department of Theatre and Dance
- Is a creative individual and thinks outside the box
- Is contagiously enthusiastic
The Michael G. Flanagan Ghost Light Award: William Scannell
The Michael G. Flanagan Ghost Light Award was established in 2005 when Dr. Michael Flanagan retired as professor of theatre arts. The ghost light is the light in the theatre which burns anytime the theatre is unoccupied. Its light serves anyone who enters the theatre. It gives light, but never has light cast upon it. The recipient of the Ghost Light Award is a theatre major who has worked hard and effectively, though without significant recognition. The recipient understands the importance of all aspects of theatre production, and has sought out opportunities to understand theory and perfect practice in a significant variety of assigned tasks.
Gerald Sullivan Award – Outstanding Senior Theatre Major: Anna Dale, Amanda Pohlman
Gerald (Gerry) E. Sullivan was the director of the theatre at Saint Mary’s College from 1959 to 1967. If it were not for him, there would not be a theatre department today. His productions for theatre Saint Mary’s clearly established the fact that great theatre could be done in the third floor theatre of Saint Mary’s Hall (currently the Common Room). This room provided Gerry with the opportunity to mount many of the spectacular productions which were his trademark, including a functional showboat which moved on and off stage. Those who create theatre in state of the art spaces, such as our Page Theatre, must always remember from where we have come. This award, currently hanging in the Common Room, warmly recalls the continuing contributions of Gerry by honoring those who contribute so much today. The recipient of the Outstanding Senior Theatre Major is someone who has achieved both academic and artistic excellence and has shown leadership abilities and dedication to the Department of Theatre and Dance and to our community.
National Honor Society for Dance Arts members: Sarah Hannan, Jennifer Honsa, Ryan Krewer, Ana Paula, Saldana Cisneros
Biology and biochemistry students present research at regional meeting
Saint Mary’s University biology and biochemistry students presented at the Beta Beta Beta National Biology Honor Society District Meeting, held in conjunction with the Minnesota Academy of Science’s Winchell Undergraduate Research Symposium on April 24. During the virtual meeting, students from 14 regional colleges and universities presented their original STEM research. Cole Van Houten won the honors of second place for the Tribeta Frank G. Brooks oral presentation. Van Houten (biology), MacKenzie Waters (biochemistry) and Delaney Wolf (biochemistry) won the MAS Judges’ Choice Awards for best presentations.
Engaging with the ‘Declaration on the Lasallian Educational Mission’
Brother Robert Smith, FSC, Ph.D., senior vice president for university initiatives and special advisor to the president, wrote a piece that was featured in the spring 2021 issue of De La Salle Today, the magazine of the Lasallian Region of North America. His piece focused on the “Declaration on the Lasallian Educational Mission: Challenges, Convictions and Hopes” and is included as part of the new Lasallian Essentials section where Lasallian documents will be explored. His writings offer an understanding of the document and suggestions on how to engage with it.
From the article:
“The ‘Declaration on the Lasallian Educational Mission: Challenges, Convictions and Hopes’ is the most recent substantive statement on our shared Lasallian educational mission. Released by Brother Superior General Robert Schieler, FSC, and the General Council on April 30, 2020, the anniversary of Saint John Baptist de La Salle’s birth, the 45th General Chapter (2014) and the 2nd International Mission Assembly (2013) called for this document, which is intended to ‘give us a central reference point for our educational work so that it is life-giving and creative for [those] entrusted to our care’ (Page 8). …
“What is the Declaration? The Declaration could well serve as a primer on the Lasallian mission, offering as it does four distinct parts that include the historical development of the Institute, those who have been and continue to be engaged in the educational mission, the fundamental theological and pedagogical principles that serve as the foundation of the mission, and a nod toward the future and its challenges. The text is readable, engaging, informative and, at points, challenging. It speaks to those who have been engaged in the mission for many years and those new to the Lasallian family.”
Prokosch awarded public relations scholarship
Morgan Prokosch
Saint Mary’s University junior Morgan Prokosch was awarded a $1,000 Dr. Willard Thompson Scholarship from the Minnesota Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA). Minnesota PRSA states the “scholarship recognizes students who excel in the study of public relations and communications.” A panel of Accredited Public Relations (APR) professionals judge the student entries. Prokosch was one of two students from eligible colleges in Minnesota and South Dakota who were awarded scholarships. Prokosch is a double major in public relations and digital media and journalism, has a general business minor, and is in the Lasallian Honors Program.
Send a kudos to the 2021 College graduates
Help the Alumni Association offer a big congratulations to the 2021 College graduates! Visit the Kudoboard and submit your message today. We would love to fill up this board as much as possible to show the Class of 2021 how proud we all are of their many accomplishments. Feel free to share this link with family and friends of the graduates.
A similar Kudoboard will be shared for our Schools of Graduate and Professional Program graduates at a later date.
IT Department works to improve Wi-Fi on Winona Campus
The IT Department is collaborating with the Student Senate to improve Wi-Fi throughout the Winona Campus and will be making some upgrades over the summer. If you are aware of any areas that lack signal or have poor quality Wi-Fi, please complete this form so we can work to prioritize our improvements. It should only take a few minutes.
University Program Planning Committee update
The University Program Planning Committee (UPPC) met on April 21 as a follow up to its March 24 meeting to consider available university resources and opportunities related to current and proposed programs. At the meeting, the UPPC reviewed recommendations from the school deans and curriculum committees regarding new, closing, and revised programs for the 2021-22 academic year
Based on the data-informed discussions and UPPC recommendations, I am approving the following program launches, changes, and closures.
The following new programs are approved to begin in fall 2022:
- Graduate Certificate in Supply Chain Analytics (online)
- Graduate Certificate in Digital Marketing (online)
- Minor in Natural Resources Management (College)
- M.S. in Computer Science and Information Systems (depending on continuing talks with our OPM)
The following program will be redeveloped for a fall 2022 launch:
- B.S. in Information Technology (online)
The following degrees and programs will begin the closing process, overseen by the appropriate school dean:
- B.A. in Political Science (College)
- M.S. in Accounting (blended in Minneapolis)
- M.A. in Special Education (blended in Minneapolis)
The following department mergers and name changes are approved:
- Programs and faculty in psychology, human services, criminal justice, and political science will be moved to the School of Health and Human Services into a department of psychology and social sciences.
- The history program and faculty will be moved into a department with English and world languages, named “Literature, Language, and Culture,” which will be in the School of Arts and Humanities.
As a reminder, the UPPC, constituted in 2019, is comprised of academic and administrative leaders from across the university. The committee meets for regular consideration of programmatic decisions to maintain vibrant, relevant, and marketable programs in alignment with the goals in our strategic plan. This planning is especially important now, in the midst of the ongoing global pandemic and its impact on the economy. We continue to focus on student outcomes and market needs. Learn more about the UPPC, its role, and its membership.
Please direct any questions you have to the appropriate school dean.
End of the academic year mailroom reminder
Before those on the Winona Campus depart for summer break, they should please check their individual faculty/staff mailboxes. On Friday, May 14, the mailroom will empty all individual faculty/staff mailboxes.
If you have questions or need to make arrangements for your mail, please contact Neal Nixon, mailroom coordinator, at 507-457-1571 or mailroom@smumn.edu.
Have a safe and wonderful summer!
URGENT: Advocacy needed for Minnesota State Grant
We have one final opportunity to communicate with Gov. Tim Walz and key state legislators about the importance of helping college students by increasing funding for the State Grant program. These need-based grants help 43% of the Minnesota students going to college in the state, at both public and private nonprofit institutions. And here at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, more than 360 students students receive these grants. You can find out more about why the MN State Grant matters.
As the legislative session is coming to a close, now is a critical time to ask Minnesota policymakers to invest in college students and increase the size of these grants. The State Grant program, which provides need-based financial aid similar to the Pell Grant, is the only way that the State of Minnesota supports students at our institution and other private colleges throughout the state.
Through the Minnesota Private College Council’s advocacy system, Advocates for Minnesota Student Aid, you can easily send a message to the Governor and key legislators stating your support for increased funding for the State Grant program.
I have taken this step, and I ask you to consider doing so as well. Find out more and take action.
Speaking up for our students during this difficult pandemic is more important than ever. Your voice can make a difference for students here and across the state.
Upcoming Mass schedule at Saint Mary’s Winona Campus
Baccalaureate Mass for Graduating Seniors | Friday, May 7 | 4 p.m. | Saint Thomas More Chapel
Please note that we are unable to accommodate guests at this celebration.
Sunday, May 9 | 10:30 a.m. | Saint Thomas More Chapel
Monday, May 10, through Friday, May 14 | 12:15 p.m. | Saint Thomas More Chapel
Cardinal athletics week in review: May 3
It’s Tuesday, and before we start looking ahead to all the Cardinal action this week, here’s a quick look back at last week, which included action in baseball, fastpitch softball, volleyball, track and field, and women’s soccer.
Saint Mary’s University names Leon Dixon vice president for inclusion and human dignity
Leon Dixon
WINONA/MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. — Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota — in its ongoing focus to advance diversity and inclusivity initiatives across the university — has appointed Leon Dixon, MBA, as vice president for inclusion and human dignity.
Dixon — who begins June 1 — will assist with establishing an innovative culture of diversity, inclusion, and engagement within the Lasallian Catholic tradition. He is charged with engaging faculty, staff, and students in building a welcoming culture of hospitality, and he will collaborate across the university in creating, implementing, and monitoring programs to support this strategic initiative.
“This position supports and reaffirms that Saint Mary’s honors and respects the human dignity of all individuals, and we welcome Mr. Dixon to our community,” said Father James P. Burns, IVD, Ph.D. “He brings to us a rich understanding and thick, textured discourse in the diversity, inclusion and human dignity space, as a man of deep faith and compassionate understanding.”
Dixon brings extensive leadership experience providing guidance and coordination of efforts to build more inclusive cultures, where people from all backgrounds thrive. Most recently, Dixon served as director of mission integration for inclusive excellence in the office of equity and success at Mount St. Mary’s University. Before Mount St. Mary’s, he held various leadership positions at the Archdiocese of Detroit, Kingdom Visions Human Services, and Detroit Cristo Rey High School. Dixon is a veteran of the U.S. Army and holds a B.S. in Management and an MBA from the University of Phoenix.
“What I have to offer is what Saint Mary’s is seeking, which is an approach to inclusion through the lens of Catholic Social Teaching,” Dixon said. “The opportunity to document and support what diversity, equity, and inclusion can be at a Lasallian Catholic institution is enticing as is the ability to walk with students through complex issues and trying times. The dignity of each person is at the core of my work and is the vision Saint Mary’s has set for the position.”
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