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Missing campus this summer? Here’s a breathtakin

Missing campus this summer? Here’s a breathtaking aerial view of Saint Mary’s and the surrounding bluffs. Whether you’re a current student, an alumni, a prospective student, or a visitor, we can’t wait to have you on campus.

Senior Spotlight Claire Patterson Hometown: Mari

Senior Spotlight

Claire Patterson
Hometown: Marine on St. Croix, Minn.
Major: Math Education

Favorite memory at Saint Mary's: My all time favorite memory from SMU was getting to travel to South Africa my freshman year with the women's basketball, fastpitch, and volleyball teams. It was a once-in-a-lifetime trip, where we got to play basketball against South African teams, host a couple basketball clinics, climb Table Mountain, visit Robben Island, go on a safari (where we got chased by a rhino), go shark cage diving (where I was inches away from a Great White Shark), and so many other incredible experiences. Aside from that trip, I've loved playing on the basketball team at SMU, going to bonfires in the bluffs with friends, cheering on the different sports teams, and wearing my Zubaz every Friday around campus.

Plans for after graduation: Working at a day camp and coaching an AAU basketball team this summer before beginning her teaching career this fall at Osceola High School.

"Thank you for everything. My time at Saint Mary's has been a time for learning and growth and I wouldn't have been able to do it without all of you. To the entire Education Department, thank you for not only teaching me how to be a great teacher, but for showing me how to be a great teacher as well. To Dr. Scott Sorvaag, you inspire me everyday to be a leader and to use my life to make a difference. To the Math Department, thank you for the countless puzzles, jokes, tricks, dinners, lunches, songs, and all around fun times. You truly helped me embrace my love for math. To Joe Dulak, thank you for giving me the opportunity to grow as a PLA and tutor the last four years. Lastly, to all my teammates and friends that I've met— thank you for always being there for me through the ups and downs. I couldn't have made it through these last four years without you. Here's to many more memories in the future."

Visit campus the week of June 21-25 and you’ll b

Visit campus the week of June 21-25 and you’ll be entered in a drawing to win a gift card to one of four Winona staples: Bloedows Bakery, Minnesota Marine Art Museum, Nate & Ally's, or Blooming Grounds Coffee House. Sign up by visiting the link in our bio or going to smumn.edu/visit. You
can get an inside look at all four places by checking us out on TikTok, username SMUMN. See you soon! #smumn #winona #college

Saint Mary’s University student Jordan Keeley is

Saint Mary’s University student Jordan Keeley is taking the school’s mission of service and running with it.

This summer, Keeley will run, walk, or Rollerblade 250 miles in 100 days to raise money for the Taylor Richmond Benefit Fund. The fund was formed by students in 2001 in honor of Taylor Richmond, the son of a former Saint Mary’s staff member who was born with a genetic disease that affects the immune system.

The money raised by the benefit fund is given to a different person every year who has a connection to the university.

Read more about Keeley's summer fundraiser: https://newsroom.smumn.edu/2021/06/15/student-to-run-walk-or-rollerblade-250-miles-in-150-days-for-taylor-richmond-benefit-fund/

Sonya and Samantha Ganther will soon share more th

Sonya and Samantha Ganther will soon share more than family ties. This fall, the mother-daughter duo is set to begin programs at Saint Mary’s University.

Samantha will start as a first-year student at the Winona Campus, while Sonya will be pursuing an M.A. in Human Resource Management online.

Read more about what brought the two to Saint Mary's and what they are looking forward to with their shared experience: https://newsroom.smumn.edu/2021/06/14/mother-and-daughter-to-begin-multi-generational-academic-journey-at-saint-marys-this-fall/

Furniture is arriving, and landscaping is beginnin

Furniture is arriving, and landscaping is beginning! The Adducci Science Center's Hoffman and Brother Charles Halls have been completely renovated to house innovation in business and the sciences (as well as our new B.S. in Nursing program). A public dedication is planed for fall, but here's a sneak peek.

SENIOR SPOTLIGHT Bridget Finley Hometown: Esther

SENIOR SPOTLIGHT

Bridget Finley

Hometown: Estherville, Iowa

Major: Spanish Education

Favorite memory at Saint Mary's: It’s so hard to just pick one! One of my favorite memories is participating in and winning trivia nights with my friends. I also have loved going to the Christmas candlelight services, the benefit dances, and working on the art project with my roommates this year!

Plans for after graduation: I will be starting my teaching career as a high school Spanish teacher at Martin County West in Sherburn, Minn.

"I am grateful for all the Saint Mary’s faculty and staff who have guided and taught me these last four years. I especially want to thank the Spanish and chemistry professors because I would not be who I am today without them. I have learned so much from all of you!"

SENIOR SPOTLIGHT Brooke Shefchik Hometown: Steve

SENIOR SPOTLIGHT
Brooke Shefchik

Hometown: Stevens Point, Wis.

Majors: Biology/Pre-Physical Therapy

Favorite memory at Saint Mary's: I have been given so many opportunities at Saint Mary's that make my experience so memorable. From the leadership opportunities such as serving as an Orientation Leader and Resident Assistant, to taking two S.O.U.L. trips, to days spent hiking with friends, the past four years have been filled with so many fun people and times! My time spent on the swim team brought so many fun memories and many learning experiences, going to Hawaii and having fun breaking school records rank among the top. Transitioning to the cross country and track teams was so fun as well! Time spent with friends holds many memories as well! I feel like it is cliche to say, but my time at SMUMN has brought so many fun memories!

Future plans: After graduation, I will be attending Concordia University-Wisconsin in Mequon, Wis., to continue my education as a member of their Doctor of Physical Therapy program. I hope to become a physical therapist!

SENIOR SPOTLIGHT Kris Shepard Hometown: Crystal

SENIOR SPOTLIGHT
Kris Shepard

Hometown: Crystal Lake, Ill.

Majors: Literature with a Writing Emphasis

Favorite memory at Saint Mary's: It's difficult to pick one favorite memory at Saint Mary's, but I know I'll never forget playing in midnight frisbee tournaments, hosting Blue Angel concerts, running three years of NSOR and Welcome Weekends, and webcasting electrifying hockey and soccer game winners.

Plans for after graduation: After graduation, I'll be back in Winona for the fifth year program at SMU where I will get a master's in teaching. I hope to one day teach English at the high school level, but it would also be pretty cool to find a way to continue with play-by-play broadcasts.

"I am grateful for so many selfless professors, staff members, and students who have made an impact on my life while at Saint Mary's, whether big or small. I want to recognize all of the professors of the English and World Languages Department, specifically Dr. Ayers for being my adviser and Dr. Black for his guidance with my Spanish minor and community service in the SMUMN garden. I also want to thank Dr. Sorvaag, Dr. Charron, and Professor Beckman, who introduced me to the Leadership minor which has drastically changed the way I choose to approach each day."

We're incredibly proud of our 2021 spring graduate

We're incredibly proud of our 2021 spring graduates from our Schools of Graduate and Professional Programs! Join our virtual ceremonies and cheer them on tonight at 7 p.m. by tuning in at smumn.edu/about/virtual-commencement-2021. Congrats to all of our adult learners on all that they've accomplished. We can't wait to see what they do next.

Anna Swanson came within one throw of becoming Sai

Anna Swanson came within one throw of becoming Saint Mary’s first-ever NCAA Division III outdoor national champion last Thursday, uncorking a school-record throw of 46.65 meters to finish second.

In fact, with just Southern Maine’s Sophia Slovenski left to throw, Swanson had a strangle-hold on the NATIONAL TITLE, leading the field by more than 3 meters. Slovenski, however, saved her best throw for last, delivering a winning throw of 48.21 meters to snatch that coveted national crown away from the Cardinal sophomore. Congratulations, Anna on this amazing accomplishment!

As we look forward to Saturday's virtual commencem

As we look forward to Saturday's virtual commencement, this Throwback Thursday features a ceremony from past years. We look forward to welcoming large groups back to our commencements, because it's a celebration worth sharing! Join our newest alumni from the Schools of Graduate and Professional Programs 7 p.m. Saturday at https://www.smumn.edu/about/virtual-commencement-2021. The ceremonies will be available for several weeks following their release Saturday.

The sky is the limit for Anthony Saucedo, a junior

The sky is the limit for Anthony Saucedo, a junior business major and Saint Mary's First Generation Initiative Scholar, who is grateful for the opportunity to obtain his degree, but also make an impact on the business world.

“I would like to thank (the benefactors of the FGI program) for providing the opportunity to have a successful future and thrive and for giving me the motivation to want to build a better future for myself,” said Saucedo. “One day, I might make a big impact in the business world, and they would have started that for me … Thank you for changing my life.”

https://newsroom.smumn.edu/2021/06/02/first-generation-initiative-student-spotlight-anthony-saucedo-22/

SENIOR SPOTLIGHT Anna Dale Hometown: Cottage Grove

SENIOR SPOTLIGHT
Anna Dale
Hometown: Cottage Grove, Minn.
Major: Musical Theatre
Minors: Dance and Leadership

Favorite memory at Saint Mary's: One of the most favorite memories I have at SMU is living in Hillside sophomore year and watching movies in the classroom. We would fire up the projector and have our own little movie theater. I also have to throw in my semester abroad in London with the junior theatre class as a favorite memory; we saw so much theatre and were able to bond so much over the course of four months.

Plans for after graduation: I plan to go back to the Twin Cities and start auditioning for companies. Eventually, I would love to move to Vancouver to start an acting career there!

Message to Saint Mary's community: The community at Saint Mary's has been one I have been honored to be a part of; the faculty and staff care so much about the students and our success, which is prominent in any classroom. The people and connections I have made throughout the last four years are ones that I hold near and dear to my heart.

What do you find under the rainbow?Thanks, Clint E

What do you find under the rainbow?Thanks, Clint Estle, for the beautiful photo of campus this evening.

On this Memorial Day, we pause to remember and hon

On this Memorial Day, we pause to remember and honor the brave men and women who have given their lives in service to our country. Thank you for your generous sacrifice.

SENIOR SPOTLIGHT: Jordan Meyers Hometown: Eyota, M

SENIOR SPOTLIGHT:
Jordan Meyers
Hometown: Eyota, Minn.
Majors: Exercise science
Minors: Psychology

Favorite memory at Saint Mary’s: There are too many memories to just pick one, but some of my favorite Saint Mary’s memories have to do with hiking the bluffs, going to hockey and baseball games, hanging out with my volleyball and softball teammates, spending countless hours in the SLC trying to study with my friends, and going to Florida every year with my softball team.

Plans after graduation: Gain experience in the dietary industry through an internship or small clinical job, then attend graduate school to become a registered dietitian.

Message to Saint Mary’s community: I’d like to thank all the staff for making Saint Mary’s such an enjoyable place. All the maintenance keeping our campus beautiful and to all the professors for working with student athletes and their crazy schedules. Thank you to Dr. Debra Martin for being my academic and thesis adviser, for always believing in me and working with me through everything. To all my friends and teammates, I wouldn’t be who I am without you all and I’m so grateful Saint Mary’s brought us together! To all my professors, you all care about us not only as students, but as individuals, and I felt so welcomed all four years! Thank you for making my home away from home so special!

Ahhh the sound of sweet, sweet music. Throwback to

Ahhh the sound of sweet, sweet music. Throwback to the 2001 jazz summer workshop. Do you recognize any of these musicians? #ThrowbackThursday #tbt

SENIOR SPOTLIGHT: Danielle LoMastro Hometown: Wau

SENIOR SPOTLIGHT:
Danielle LoMastro
Hometown: Wauconda, Ill.
Majors: Finance; management

Favorite memory at Saint Mary’s: My favorite memory of my time at Saint Mary’s was when the Saint Theresa and Saint Peter’s Leadership Club brought in my favorite TedTalk speaker, Drew Dudley. I had been exposed to his TedTalk my sophomore year during orientation training where Anne Thurmer, former dean of Student Success, showed us his Lollipop Moment TedTalk. I instantly became invested in his leadership philosophy and the club managed to host him for an event. I was able to give him a tour of campus, have lunch with him, and introduce him with David French, my co-president. This was hands-down my favorite memory at Saint Mary’s.

Plans after graduation: I will be working in the senior living industry post-graduation. Within the next 3-5 years, I hope to become an executive director of my own assisted living and memory care community. I also hope to travel a little before life gets too hectic.

Message to Saint Mary’s community: To the business professors, thank you for pushing me beyond my expectations these last four years. You have all had a huge impact on my life. To Mike Hagarty, thank you for being my supervisor and mentor the last four years. You have taught me lessons regarding work and life, and I couldn’t have been luckier to have met you. To the senior class, I anticipate each of you reaching your goals — good luck.

Criminal justice and psychology double major Desti

Criminal justice and psychology double major Destiny Walker hopes to make an impact as a community changer and is well on her way. Walker is already very familiar with being a proponent of change in an evolving community. She is heavily involved in the leadership teams of multiple clubs at Saint Mary's University, including the Merging Intercultural Experiences (MIX) Club and Solidarity Club (to name a few).

Walker believes in working hard to achieve goals. However, when offered the First Generation Initiative (FGI) scholarship, she felt uniquely rewarded and recognized for her hard work. "It's so great to have someone tell me what I do is important and that I need to give myself some credit for the hard work I do," she said.

Read more: bit.ly/DestinyWalker

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