Saying goodbye to an old friend

BY TRAVIS FICK
Managing Editor

The final snow emergency of 2008-09 was the last time students would receive a call “from Jerrie Seibert.”

Jerrie Seibert, former director of Campus Safety, died on Tuesday, Jan. 12, at the University of Minnesota Hospital in Minneapolis, less than a year after retiring from Saint Mary’s University.

Before coming to SMU, Seibert worked at the Winona Police Department for 32 years, where he served as deputy chief before his retirement. Then, Seibert worked at SMU for 10 years as the director of Campus Safety.

Chris Kendall, vice president for Student Development, said that he will remember Seibert for “his trusted advice, his people skills, his sense of humor, his love for his family and of course, his voice.”

For those who worked closely with Seibert at Campus Safety, his death signifies a great loss. For Clint Estle, associate director of Campus Safety, Seibert served as a teacher, co-worker and friend.

“Jerrie was a big part of my life,” said Estle. “He was my boss and partner here at Saint Mary’s and my friend. If I needed help with my truck or advice about a girl I was dating, I knew he was good for it!” Seibert had a knack for working with people, said Estle, and was able to provide comfort to others in situations that some would find uncomfortable.

“He knew when to crack a joke if he thought it would help ease the tension,” said Estle. “And he was right.”

A few years ago on graduation day, Seibert and Estle were driving around campus on a golf cart and found themselves in an interesting situation. Seibert and Estle were driving down the path next to Gilmore Creek and quickly found out that the golf cart they were riding on did not have any brakes.

“I could feel the panic building inside me as I pictured he and I crashing into a tree or ending up upside down in the creek,” said Estle. “I turned to look at him as he looked at me. All he did was shrug his shoulders and look back down the hill and concentrate on driving the cart.” Estle said that he and Seibert drove across the footbridge and ended up in the bushes by the Saint Yon’s steps.

“We sat there for a few seconds before Jerrie turned to me and said, ‘I think we need to get the brakes looked at,’” said Estle.

Two new vice presidents to join the SMU family

BY KARINA RAJTAR
Editor in Chief

Saint Mary’s University is actively searching for two new vice presidents, a vice president for the Schools of Graduate and Professional Programs (SGPP) and a senior vice president for university advancement.

“Really, only one of them is new,” said Ann Merchlewitz, executive vice president and general counsel. After Jeffrey Highland, former provost and vice president for the college, retired last spring, Jim Bedtke took on the duties of vice president for the college in addition to his position as vice president for SGPP. “One person can’t hold both positions,” Merchlewitz said, adding that both positions require a significant time commitment.

The new vice president for SGPP will “grow grad programs, grow (the university’s) reputation in the Twin Cities and make (the university) more visible,” Merchlewitz said, while Bedtke will retain the position as vice president of the college.

The senior vice president for university advancement is a new position that will oversee the Alumni and Development and Communications and Marketing offices.

The new senior vice president will look at “big picture things, integrating those two departments in ways that will benefit the university in the long run,” Merchlewitz said.

“The push for adding that new position is to continue to create some stability in that area (Alumni and Development),” Merchlewitz said. She said there has been a lot of turnover in the department in the last few years, and the senior vice president will be able to look at the “broad term” and “big picture” while those working in the department can continue to build relationships with alumni.

Merchlewitz believes both vice president positions are “investments in the institution” that will increase revenue by increased enrollment at SGPP or philanthropic and alumni gifts.

“I really believe that these are really big investments in the long term health and viability of the institution,” Merchlewitz said.

Faculty and staff donate $1,400 to local Food Shelf

BY SARA EISENHAUER
News Editor

The Saint Mary’s University Volunteer Committee, comprised of faculty and staff, raised and donated $1,400 toWinona Volunteer Services to benefit the local food shelf, according to Laurie Haase, business office coordinator.

Each year, Volunteer Committee chooses to raise money through a variety of fundraisers to donate to a cause or group they feel is in particular need. The committee choses to help a local cause, the food shelf, because of a recent increase of families in need, Haase said.

The food shelf provides food for emergency situations and allows families that demonstrate financial need to come in and receive boxes of food, including items such as rice, beans and canned goods. The shelf now allows people to come in and shop from the shelves for food they actually want, Haase said.

“(Shopping) is a very cool thing that they do now,” Haase said. The committee raised money through several fundraising initiatives including “Jeans for a Cause” and “Let’s Do Lunch.”

“As employees, if you make a donation of $10 a month, you can wear jeans on Fridays,” said Haase about the ongoing “Jeans for a Cause” that helped raise some of the money. “Let’s Do Lunch” is a potluck that is sponsored each month by a different department. Staff members are welcome to come eat and leave donations, Haase said. These are ongoing fundraisers that occur each year for a different cause, which has in the past included Hurricane Katrina relief, supporting the De La Salle school in New Orleans and supporting the Nairobi campus.

“There are so many causes out there; sometimes it’s hard to pick,” Haase said. The committee was formed by Cynthia Marek, vice president for Financial Affairs, because of the willing individuals who wanted to match the efforts of student volunteers, Haase said.

“We wanted to come together as a committee and get organized to help not only the SMU community but the greater community as well,” Haase said.

Students learn to create iPhone applications

BY KARINA RAJTAR
Editor in Chief

Saint Mary’s University is offering a topics course in iPhone application development as a kick-off to the university’s membership in Apple’s iPhone Developer Program for Universities.

“Students are able to actually develop apps that they can use on the iPhone,” said Ann Smith, associate professor and department chair of computer science. Smith said the program was started by Apple “to encourage universities to introduce iPhone application development into their curriculum.” Smith said students are able to learn and develop applications through an emulator on a computer and then “push” their applications to their iPhones if they have them.

“To do that without cost, we went through the process of becoming a member (of the Apple program),” Smith said. The university went through an application process and legal agreements with Apple, but the program itself is free of charge, Smith said.Students in the topics course will focus on eight programs before working on their own application. Smith said that during the last few weeks of the semester, students will design and develop an application to meet some sort of educational need. “They’ll be able to build pretty sophisticated projects by the end,” Smith said, adding that there will be “some sort of gathering” for faculty and students to have the opportunity to see the final results.

Smith believes the program has a lot to offer students, giving them a skill that is “really popular right now.” Smith is also excited that the students have the opportunity to create applications to “fulfill real needs.”

“It gives a way to enjoy the work that we’re doing with a different sort of angle,” she said.

Don’t miss the Green Team’s Sustainability Forums

There are only three of the Saint Mary’s University Green Team’s Sustainability Forums left. The Green Team invites all to join in discussions on how SMU is responding to climate change issues — and how to help. As SMU implements an Environmental Management System, the university will reduce consumption of resources, reduce its carbon footprint, become a better steward of creation and support environmental justice.

Tuesday February 23 – Behavior Change
Joe Tadie, Joyce Altobelli and Jeff Amundson will lead a discussion on how small changes in our daily lives may have the greatest impact on lowering our energy consumption.

Wednesday March 17 – Food
Mary Gleich, Curt Coshenet, Chris Kendall and Chris McClead will lead a discussion on how food affects and is affected by climate change including locally grown foods, composting, gardening, farming, Fair Trade, starvation and other topics.

Monday April 12 – Green Economy
Tom Marpe, Chris Kendall and Andy Robertson will lead a discussion on how climate change impacts the way we do business including green purchasing, marketing strategies, and new careers related to sustainability.

Cross country skiing in our own backyard

BY RYAN BRISCOE
Copy Editor

Home to miles of maintained cross country skiing trails open to the greater Winona community and open to Saint Mary’s University students, the SMU Environmental Awareness Center (EAC) provides equipment free to any SMU students who wish to try their luck on skiis.

The trails are maintained by the Winona Ski Club and Brother John Grover. Brother Jerome Rademacher, who recently retired from trail maintenance due to health complications, was enthusiastic about the trails’ maintenance and expansion. Brother John said Brother Jerome was a ski enthusiast, but he gave it (cross country skiing) up in order to help take care of the trails. Brother John operates the EAC and makes skiis and snowshoes available. The EAC is open on Saturdays and Sundays from 1-4 p.m., but Brother John is also willing to meet people at other times to loan equipment.

Brother John is willing to take new skiers out on the trail. “There’s not a lot to it,” he said. “I wish more people would take advantage of this equipment; it’s really here for the students. Cross-country skiing is a lifetime sport, and there’s no better exercise.”

Brother John can be contacted at jgrover@smumn.edu or by calling Ext. 1404.

Jobs and Internships fair provides opportunities

BY KAYLA TORRES
Cardinal Staff

Saint Mary’s University students can prepare themselves for the Minnesota Private Colleges Job and Internship Fair on Feb. 16-17, at the Minneapolis Convention Center.

The Minnesota Private Colleges Job and Internship Fair is an annual event specifically geared toward currently enrolled sophomores, juniors and seniors. The event is sponsored by the Minnesota Private Colleges Career Services Association. The fair is a place where more than 150 organizations, including Mayo Clinic, Target Corporation, Teach for America and the Peace Corps, actively recruit to fill job and internship opportunities.

“Each year, we (SMU) have anywhere between 30 and 50 students that attend this fair,” said Jackie Baker, director of Career Services and Internships. The fair provides several chances for students to promote themselves to gain confidence when going out into the workforce and show employers what they have to offer. The students who attend get the opportunity for face-to-face interaction employers, interviewing experience and can possibly even get a job or an internship. Students have the ability to meet with over 150 employers in one building and also enables students to network.

“It’s a great event,” said Baker. “It’s an event everyone should attend!”

Pre-registration for the Job and Internship Fair is required before Feb. 12, and costs $14. For more information, students can contact the Career Services and Internships Department in Saint Mary’s Hall, room 136 or visit www.smumn.edu/careerservices and click on “Job & Internship Fair Graphic.”

Clock Tower commemorates alum

BY ASHLEY ACOSTA
Feature Editor

More than 11 years ago, Saint Mary’s College alumnus and Saint Mary’s University Trustee Emeritus, Oscar Straub ’52 and his wife Mary Jane Straub, a 1952 graduate of the College of Saint Teresa, were searching for ways to visually improve the SMU campus while camouflaging the giant power plant smokestack located in the middle of campus.

The couple, both significant supporters of the SMU community with a great interest in art, decided the best way to accomplish this task was to construct a visually appealing structure around the smokestack.

On Oct. 1, 1999, the Oscar and Mary Jane Straub Millennium Clock Tower, located between Saint Mary’s Hall and the plaza, was officially introduced to the SMU campus at a special dedication ceremony under then president of the university, Brother Louis DeThomasis.

“It (the clock tower) is something unique about our campus,” said senior Erin Roden. “It is a part of our school and not only looks nice but is also useful.”

Despite its unique appearance, the clock tower still follows the traditional grandfather clock chimes at every quarter, half and hour. The tower also is programmed to play a number of different hymns including “Ave Maria” and “Immaculate Mary.” In addition, each year the tower also plays “Pomp and Circumstance” on Commencement Day.

Although the structure was originally a gift to improve the campus appearance, the university felt it was appropriate to use the tower as a way to commemorate the Straubs for their years of dedication and support to the SMU community.

The university dedicated the courtyard surrounding the clock tower to the Straubs and honored their service to the SMU community with a dedication plaque located at the base of the tower.

“He (Oscar) and his wife were very dedicated to SMU,” said Dr. Mary Fox, former vice president of university relations and current professor Interdisciplinary Studies. “Because of their goodness and great generosity, we have this highly-unusual smoking clock tower.”

Unfortunately, this past January Oscar passed away, but his many years of dedication and service to the university will continue to live on as part of the SMU campus.

Sculpture reflects campus, community

BY EMMA STENZEL
Cardinal Staff

Amid the Oakes Plaza of Saint Mary’s University stands a towering structure, composed of many steel, bronze and wooden bars positioned to form several crosses. This dramatic sculpture, while very much a part of theWinona campus, is often overlooked by SMU’s students and staff.

“I walk by it a million times a day, but I never think about it or its history,” said the University Archivist Dr. Bill Crozier.

There is actually much to be known about Oakes Plaza’s focal structure, titled “Gateway to Belief.” In the early 1990s, SMU’s former president, Brother Louis DeThomasis, envisioned for the campus a garden to be complemented by art, according to Dr. Mary Fox, professor of Interdisciplinary Studies. Thus, the idea of “Gateway to Belief” was born.

“Gateway to Belief” was created by the Russian sculptor and architect Alexander Tylevich, said Crozier. With the help of nearly 60 other local artists and artisans, the sculpture was successfully constructed in 1995. “Gateway to Belief” was a gift to the university donated by Rosemary Oakes Kalm ’74.

The donation honors Kalm’s mother, the late Grace Gibson Oakes, who had recently passed away at the time. According to Crozier, the structure’s completion was a ceremonious event.

“A large crowd came to see the sculpture,” said Crozier. “The concert choir and band were there. Even Bishop Vlazny was there.”

Though celebrated at first, “Gateway to Belief” received some negative responses soon after. Fox said that the piece was very controversial, provoking many thoughts and opinions about the art. Despite its abstract design, however, critics admired the piece for its cultural integration. Tylevich dedicated himself to incorporating particular aspects of location into his art. He took into consideration the history of the area and the human activities that took place there. Because of this, “Gateway to Belief” reflects various elements of the SMU campus, along with the Winona community. For instance, Crozier said that the bronze panels portray Winona’s Native American history, as well as a number of Catholic symbols and beliefs. The steel towers form the shape of a cross regardless of where the viewer is standing. Even its red, silver and yellow color scheme relates it to the well known “Columns” structure in the plaza.

These are only a few of the many symbols added to “Gateway to Belief.” Although the structure has been a part of SMU’s campus for nearly 15 years, “Gateway to Belief” still accurately depicts the culture and history of the community. So long as the structure stands tall in Oakes Plaza, it will continue to bring the university into the future. “Gateway to Belief” holds much more than meets the eye.

Sister Margaret Mear’s ‘The Waiting’

BY ANDREAALLIS
Cardinal Staff

In 1982, “The Waiting,” a sculpture by Sister Margaret Mear, professor of art and design at Saint Mary’s University, was installed on the Winona campus.

After several years of welding in the sculpture room at SMU, the finished product was a close-to-life-size horse made of mild steel and mounted in cement. Standing about 8.5 feet tall and weighing in at 500- 600 pounds, “The Waiting” was positioned in Saint Mary’s Park behind Heffron Hall. Today, the sculpture can still be viewed as a part of SMU’s campus in its original location, although it has been vandalized twice, Sister Margaret said. Since 1982, she has made repairs to the sculpture on two occasions, both involving damage to the head and neck region of the sculpture.

“You take a risk displaying something on a college campus,” Sister Margaret said. “But it hasn’t been damaged for quite a while, which is good.”

Aside from sculpting, Sister Margaret enjoys many other forms of art, but horses are her favorite subject matter. She feels that humans have a bond with horses and that we share a lot in common with them. “I love horses dearly,” Sister Margaret said. “I think their form is very exciting, and I like to use horses as a metaphor for people.” Other work by Sister Margaret can be viewed on campus, including a drawing displayed on the first floor of Saint Mary’s Hall. In addition, several of her drawings and other works are currently being shown as part of the faculty display in the Lillian Davis Hogan Galleries in the Michael H. Toner Student Center, which will be open for viewing until Feb. 14.

MOVIE REVIEW: ‘THE AGE OF STUPID’

BY EMMA STENZEL
Cardinal Staff

What if you knew that the world as we know it will no longer exist in 45 years? What if you knew we were able to put a stop to its destruction but didn’t? It seems unbelievable, but this is exactly how “The Age of Stupid” forecasts our future.

The Greenpeace documentary, recently presented at Saint Mary’s University by the Philosophy and Frozen River Film Festival clubs, is a thought-provoking and inspiring film, taking its viewers through the reality of the changes and disorder of our planet. It begins with a man, played by actor Pete Postlethwaite, who lives alone on the devastating wasteland that used to be Earth. The year is 2055, and humankind is nonexistent. He searches through archives of old video footage, trying to pinpoint where things went wrong and how people could have saved themselves.

Throughout the film, the audience is exposed to issues like global warming, war and the excess of human consumption. “The Age of Stupid” approaches these topics using a variety of mediums including authentic news clips, sarcastic cartoons and human interest stories.

Viewers of the documentary follow a collection of people across the globe, such as a mountain guide from France, a Nigerian medical student, two children from Iraq, an Indian businessman and a farmer in Great Britain. These people struggle in different ways with the “stupidity” of the world, and their stories motivate audience members to act against the harmful trends with which we’ve somehow become comfortable.

Should an oil company earn nearly $700 per second while people in Nigeria live on less than $1 a day? Is war a reasonable solution for gaining control of the oil market? Should wind energy be sacrificed because the turbines disturb the scenery? Is water from a bottle really better than the tap? “TheAge of Stupid” raises these questions, along with many others, and it’s up to us to fairly determine the answers.

As the man in the film says, “We could have saved ourselves.” We still have a chance to make a change. We can rise above “The Age of Stupid.”

Fringe Fest to feature some familar faces

BY JESSICA LACANNE
Cardinal Staff

On Jan. 29, the Frozen River Film Festival Fringe Fest will feature a few familiar faces.

Davey Warner, outdoor leadership coordinator at Saint Mary’s University, will be playing acoustic guitar and singing from 2-4 p.m. at Jefferson’s Pub and Grill. His music will include folk, contemporary and classical guitar.Warner said he decided to play for FRFF because, “I love playing and performing, and I haven’t had many opportunities for solo performances.”

Chris Kendall, vice president for Student Development, will be performing with his band, “Chris Kendall and the Coulee Kings,” at the Blue Heron Coffee House at 7:30 p.m. “All of the songs we perform are original tunes that I have written, and hopefully, they add to the local flavor of this event,” said Kendall. Kendall decided to perform for the festival in support of the unique films the festival brings to the community.

Benjamin Scott, a sophomore at SMU, will be reading his original poetry at Mugby Junction from 4-6 p.m. The poetry reading is called “A Confluence of Voices” and will include several SMU and Winona State students. Scott is participating in the Fringe Fest because, “When there’s any opportunity for expression — particularly poetry — to take place, it would be a shame to miss it.”

Fringe Fest is a mix of arts and entertainment in conjunction with businesses, artists and musicians to promote the FRFF and local businesses. Fringe Fest will be making its debut as part of FRFF this year.

There will also be many other performances during the Fringe Fest. For a full schedule of events, visit www.frff.org.

‘Seven Point Perspective’ highlights faculty talent

BY BENJAMIN SCOTT
Cardinal Staff

If you walk into the Lillian Davis Hogan Galleries at Saint Mary’s University, you will find a diverse gathering of artwork.

The new art show, “Seven Point Perspective,” is a collection of all the members of the Art Department and their respective styles. These individuals are Brother Roderick Robertson, Preston Lawing, Rob McCall, John Whelan, Charlie Campbell, Kathy Greden Christenson, and Sister Margaret Mear, who is the featured artist in the show.

Sister Margaret began working at SMU in 1976, around the time when the Art Department was first conceived as a discipline at SMU. Over the past 33 years, she has worked to help develop the Art Department into what it is today. Sister Margaret’s artwork may be found all over campus, but what immediately stands out about her expression is her love of horses, which she joked is “the only worthwhile subject matter.” This passion came about in her childhood.

She grew up on a horse farm, which instilled an indelible ardor for horses. After finishing her Bachelor’s Degree, she started teaching at Carmel High School, not far from Chicago. “I’d often on the weekend go down to Chicago and look at the museums and the galleries(…) I was very strongly influenced by whatever I saw on the weekend,” said Sister Margaret. “I was having a really hard time finding my own style; (there was) too much art!” She admitted that although she will enjoy her oncoming retirement at the end of the semester, “I will miss the kids,” said Sister Margaret. “I really enjoy students. They are really beautiful people.

The art show incorporates three principal mediums of expression Sister Margaret utilizes: painting, sketching and sculpturing, all of which are deeply influenced by personal life experiences.

Sister Margaret’s artwork, as well as the other art faculty artwork in “Seven Point Perspective,” will remain in the gallery until Sunday, Feb. 14. The gallery hours are 9 a.m. - 8 p.m.

S.O.U.L. to give a helping hand over break

BY LAUREN ROTHERING
Arts and Entertainment Editor

Serving Others United in Love (S.O.U.L.) will again be hosting mission trips from Feb. 12-20. This year, S.O.U.L. will be taking nine trips around the United States.

S.O.U.L. will return to locations such as the De La Salle Blackfeet School in Browning,Mont., to work with students at the De La Salle Blackfeet School on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation. S.O.U.L. will also return to the Catholic Worker House in Kansas City, Mo., to serve meals and minister to those at the house.

S.O.U.L. will also travel to Clinton, Iowa, to serve at the L’Arche Community. L’Arche was founded in 1964 by Jean Vanier in France. According to their official website, “L’Arche communities, family- like homes where people with and without disabilities share their lives together, give witness to the reality that persons with disabilities possess inherent qualities of welcome, wonderment, spirituality and friendship.” Those serving on the S.O.U.L. trip will assist residents of L’Arche with daily activities as well as work on other service projects. S.O.U.L. will also serve those affected by Hurricane Katrina at Camp Hope in New Orleans, La. Camp Hope is located near the French Quarter, which was heavily affected by Hurricane Katrina. Reconstruction efforts are still underway, and S.O.U.L. volunteers will help plant trees, install drywall and paint.

The Office of Campus Ministry is offering an international service trip to Guatemala from May 9-19. There will be an informational meeting at 6 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 31, in the Michael H. Toner Student Center’s Room B. Applications are due to the Office of Campus Ministry by Feb. 8. The trip will cost about $1000.

Friendship on and off the basketball court

BY BRIAN THOMAS
Cardinal Staff

Those who have attended a Saint Mary’s University women’s basketball game this year have probably noticed two freshmen in the starting lineup. Renee Pecarina and Jessica Thone have started nearly every game this season and have averaged almost 30 minutes each per contest. If things would have gone differently this summer, however, SMU might never have had these two women playing on its home court.

“I’m having a good experience here at SMU,” said Thone. “I’m glad I decided to
come here.”

Neither Pecarina nor Thone planned on attending SMU initially, and it was not until early August that Pecarina made her decision to enroll; Thone decided in mid-June. “I never thought I would be here,” said Thone.

Pecarina spent last summer playing league basketball for the University of St. Thomas (UST) and had her heart set on attending college there. At the last minute, she changed her mind.

“It was the day of orientation (at UST),” said Pecarina. “I told my dad that I didn’t want go there. It just didn’t feel right. I told him I wanted to check out Saint Mary’s.”

Shortly afterwards, Pecarina enrolled at SMU and was invited to come out for the team by women’s basketball Head Coach Mandy Pearson. “I always wanted to play basketball (in college); I’m just glad I made the decision to come here instead,” said Pecarina, as Thone nodded in agreement. Thone was not intending to play basketball after high school. It was Pecarina who first encouraged Thone to come out for the team. The two played against each other in high school and became friends upon attending SMU.

“Renee was one of the first people I talked to when I got here,“ said Thone. “I recognized her immediately. I was going to go to school in California and not play basketball, but I didn’t want to have to get on a plane every time to come home. I think I made the right decision to come here and to play.” Thone, who recently scored a career-high 27 points against Carleton College, described the team’s tight-knit vibe. “Everyone gets along really well on and off the court,” said Thone. “We’re really close, like a family. It’s about more than just basketball.”

“Everyone is behind each other 110 percent, the coaches especially,” said Pecarina. “The team chemistry is great — we gel together really well.” The women’s team has already matched its win total from last season. With eight scheduled games left, the team still has a chance to make the playoffs.

Men’s hockey takes East Coast by storm

BY ALEXIS BOHLINGER
Cardinal Staff

The Saint Mary’s University men’s hockey team spent an exciting New Year’s on the East Coast as it travelled to Smithfield, R.I., for the Bison Hockey Classic.

Leaving on New Year’s Eve, the team members flew into Boston and from there, hopped on a bus that took them to their destination in Smithfield. The tournament was hosted by Nichols College from Jan. 2-3, and four teams participated: Nichols College (R.I.), SMU, Wesleyan University (Conn.) and Lebanon Valley (Pa). According to men’s hockey Head Coach Moore, who is in his second year as head coach, the team took four lines of forwards, six defense and three goalies. The Cardinals’ first contest was played on Jan. 2, against Nichols College, where SMU managed to take away the Bison’s lead and win in a shootout, which advanced the team to the championship against Wesleyan (WU). The Cardinals were ahead 3-1 during the game, but WU had a burst of goal scoring that resulted in aWU 5-3 win. “It was disappointing to give up our lead in the championship game,” said senior captain Jeff Miller. “But overall, it was a successful trip, and it was a lot of fun to play teams outside of our conference.”

“The team has not taken a trip in a long time, and I remember how much fun I had traveling when I was a Cardinal hockey player,” Moore said. “I wanted these guys to have those same great memories.”

According to Moore, the trip was made possible through fundraising and contributions from hockey alumni. Each player also had to contribute. Moore plans to continue fundraising for the men’s hockey team so that it will be able to take trips like this every other year. His hope is that the team will raise enough money to fully cover all expenses.

“I think the trip to Rhode Island was great for our hockey program,” said freshman goalie Jason Horstman. “It helped us as a team to see some different competition and to bond together.”

The Cardinals have eight conference games remaining, and Moore hopes that the team chemistry they formed out east will help them successfully face this
challenge.

“It was great to see us come together like that,” said Horstman. “Hopefully that kind of play will continue into the second half of the season.”

Club sports expanding on campus

BY CONNIE BUDIN
Cardinal Staff

Are you a student that has free time and wants to be active, but are not quite sure what to do or where to turn? Go Clubbing, that is – clubbing SMU style! Whether you are in the mood for the rough and tough of Hellfish Rugby or being light on your feet with Competition Dance Team, there is a club sport here on campus for you.

Saint Mary’s University offers 10 club sports including: ultimate frisbee, men and women’s lacrosse, competition dance team, cheerleading, fencing, paintball, rugby, archery and men and women’s water polo. Since there are no coaches, the captains or officers take care of everything, and previous experience is not required to participate.

One of the newer and growing club sports on campus is the Competition Dance Team, lead by captain Megan Mollison. “It is very rewarding and thrilling to have come so far and accomplished so much as a growing and well-rounded team, dedicated and passionate for the thing we love to do — dance,” Mollison said. The team gets ready for its competitions by “practicing in the dance studio about six hours a week, as well as perform at several basketball games,” Mollison explained. Even with the hard work and focus, Mollison said it is important the team members always show respect and passion to SMU, the student body and themselves.

Captain Sarah Frey of the cheerleading team gave similar thoughts. “We cheer at men and women’s basketball games and practice twice a week, usually starting in November, gradually work our way into cheers, jumps and eventually stunting,” said Frey. Frey emphasized the relaxing atmosphere and that the schedule is never taken too seriously.

For those who do not want to express themselves in such creative and enthusiastic ways, fencing may be the right answer. Fencing Club President Peter Tornquist said fencing is “a great way to live out the amazing fight sequences we see in movies in real life using our imaginations as our guides.” At the moment, the team is organizing a meet with the Winona State fencing team, and practices are held weekly.

On the more physical side of the SMU club sport spectrum is the women’s lacrosse team, currently coming into its second season in the North Central Women’s Lacrosse League. Just this fall, the team became a full member of the league with seven regular season games in the spring and the possibility for post-season play. Jen Koezly, one of the team’s captains, expressed how excited the whole team is. “It is a fun, competitive sport that combines elements of many different sports into one and relies heavily on teamwork,” said Koezly. “At every practice, we not only improve our game but also get to know one another better. I love it.”

“Ulti,” or ultimate frisbee, is headed by tri-captains Alex Lam, Tim Sheedy and John Delmundo. “This is such a unique sport,” Lam explained. “All of our games are two-day tournaments, and it is a lot of fun.” A lot of these players are transfers from other sports, which adds to the excitement and experience of being on a club team.

“A club sport here is what you make of it,” said Lam. If you put time into it, it’ll be good, entertaining and best of all, everyone has a chance to compete.”

Sports Column: Tiger Woods needs golf

BY ALEX CONOVER
Sports Editor

The media jumped into a whirlwind immediately after Tiger Woods crashed his vehicle in his neighborhood on Nov. 27.

Since then, every detail has been scrutinized in what has to be one of the most embarrassing moments for an athlete, ever. Tiger’s adulterous face has been plastered on every tabloid cover and newspaper. He’s appeared in countless SportsCenter episodes—and not for his golf achievements. His most recent statement has been that he will take an indefinite leave from the sport, which he contributed so much to. Tiger still hasn’t appeared in public since his crash; he has simply stayed quiet and endured the destruction of his reputation.

If he really wants to begin to shed his tainted image, he needs to get back onto the fairway. I’m not trying to downplay the severity of Tiger’s actions; what he did was hurtful and wrong. But if he ever wants to move on from this, he needs to get back to what he does best –– golfing incredibly well. The first time he golfs publicly, the media will go nuts. It will be an incredible frenzy for several days… but then what?

He’ll continue to dominate the Professional Golfers’ Association (PGA) tour, and most of us will forget about his wrongdoings within a year.

Roger Federer recently assured the media that Tiger would soon return “as the wonderful golfer we know.” The day that this happens will be the day that the tiger can finally come out of his cave.

CARDINAL PROFILES

BY CAROLINE STRINGER
Cardinal Staff

Name: Pat Freeman
Class: Sophomore
Sport: Basketball
Major: Sports Management
Hometown: Champlin, Minn.
High School: Champlin Park

Name: Cassie Stoner
Class: Senior
Sport: Hockey
Major: Marketing
Hometown: Kenosha, Wis.
High School: The Prairie School



What made you decide on SMU as your college
choice?
Freeman: What made me choose to come to SMU was Coach Landrum. I had worked for him for the Minnesota Timberwolves for the past few summers, and once he got the job, I made my decision to come play here. He is the best coach I have had, and I have had a lot of fun playing here over the past year. We also had a lot of great young talent, and I wanted to be a part of turning SMU into a top team in the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference.

Stoner: I decided to come to SMU for a variety of reasons, but I would have to say that being able to play hockey here was one of the main reasons. I enjoyed the idea of a small, private, Catholic university because I was used to a similar atmosphere in high school. I also decided upon SMU due to its location for two reasons: its beautiful location in the bluffs and its proximity to home, which is far enough away but not too far.

What is your favorite part about SMU athletics?
Freeman: The fans have been great so far this year. I really enjoy playing at home now with the loud crowd right by the side of the court, with their chests painted, yelling and screaming the whole game. We really appreciate that and hope it continues to keep growing with more and more people.

Stoner: I would have to say my favorite part about SMU athletics has been the friendships I have made playing hockey over the past four years. I feel that it’s the most irreplaceable part of being on a team.

What is your favorite athletics moment?
Freeman: My high school team went to the state tournament my sophomore year of high school, and that is one of the best experiences that I have had. It was great to go play at the “Barn” in Minneapolis and share that experience with my teammates. Also, beating Bethel this year was a ton of fun because of the energy of the crowd after some blocked shots and Will (Wright’s) dunk. We played well that game, and that was probably the most exciting game I have ever played in.

Stoner: My favorite athletics moment would have to be when we beat St. Thomas my freshman year, which also happened to be senior night. That was the year we had 10 seniors, so it was a great way for the seniors to end their conference games at SMU before we headed into playoffs.

Who is your favorite professional athlete?
Freeman: I think right now it’s got to be Brett Favre. Without him, the Vikings would have continued to have problems, but he has played amazing this year. A special thanks to the Packers and Jets for letting him go. Joe Mauer is also up there as well.

Stoner: My favorite professional athlete is Patrick Kane, who plays for the Chicago Blackhawks.

Ask Angel

Dear Angel (are my sleeping habits normal?),
My roommate insists I don’t sleep enough. She wants lights-out by midnight. During the week, I usually have to be up until 2 or 3 a.m. in order to get my studying done. I have 7:45’s every day, so I can’t get up early to study like she does. I admit I am frustrated — it seems like I just can’t get ahead, but at least I’m doing ok with grades. Napping for a couple of hours in the afternoon gets me by. I think this is just part of college life, and my roommate needs to chill out. I really need to keep my grades up in order to keep my scholarship and have a high enough GPA to get into graduate school.
Signed,
Sleep Deprived


Dear Sleep Deprived,
Studies have linked sleep deprivation to a decrease in reaction time, poor judgment, decreased vision, greater difficulty in processing information, poor short-term memory, weight gain, impaired immune and cardiovascular systems, relationship difficulties and a host of other preventable or avoidable health problems. So, yes, sleep is very important to your success both now and in the future.

Since your pressing concern now is doing well in classes, I won’t go into later-life consequences of sleep deprivation, but I will encourage you to consider how the lack of sleep is impacting your GPA. It may be that instead of studying harder, you need to study smarter! It stands to reason that if processing information and shortterm memory is impaired due to sleep deprivation, you will not perform as well on quizzes or exams. Most likely, the quality of daily assignments and larger papers or projects will be substandard due to fatigue. You are also more likely to miss class due to sleeping through your alarm. Fatigue also contributes to decreased motivation and organizational skills and has a negative impact on your capacity to enjoy activities and people outside of class. So, getting sleep can actually mean you will study less and have more time to enjoy other parts of a healthy college life. Here are some things you might try:

• Set a schedule for yourself. Pick a regular time to get up each morning and go to bed each night. This routine should extend to weekends as well. While it is tempting to “sleep in,” varying too far off of your regular weekday routine throws off your biorhythms and decreases the quality of your sleeping and waking time.
• Keep in mind the saying “nothing good happens after midnight.” Studying after midnight doesn’t equate with good grades.
• Try to get a minimum of 7-8 hours of sleep each night. Keep the time frame similar. Please note, I am suggesting that you get the 8 hours in one time frame. Splitting the time into two or three nap periods does not allow the body and mind to rejuvenate.
• Skip your afternoon nap or keep it to a short 20-minute “power nap.”
• Add some mild exercise into your daily routine. You might consider doing this during the time you currently nap. Not only will exercise make you more alert, it also has the advantage of improving the quality of your sleep. Pay attention to your eating and stress levels—these can interfere with your ability to concentrate, study and do well.

If you are having difficulty falling asleep, there are other techniques that can be of help depending upon the cause. Feel free to stop in the Wellness Center and set up a time to talk about this.

Students’ Concern: Introducing ‘Fridays in the Caf’

BY BRANDON WANLESS
Cardinal Staff

As this issue of the Cardinal is being printed, a large social project for food service has already been well under way. On Friday, Jan. 22, Chartwells, KSMR and Student Activities Committee (SAC) cooperated in bringing about the first of the “Fridays in the Caf” events. Many people reading this paper have already been exposed to this new weekly activity in the Michael H. Toner Student Center’s Cafeteria on Fridays during lunch hours.

The project all started with discussions I had with Curt Coshenet, Chartwell’s food service director, regarding thoughts of vitalizing the social atmosphere for the Caf. After weeks of passively throwing out ideas, a student approached me asking about whether Chartwells would be willing to play music sometime during meals. Upon discussion with Coshenet, we realized the great opportunity for solidifying our ideas into a reality, and thus began the concept of “Fridays in the Caf.”

For those who are unfamiliar with the event, every Friday from 11:30 a.m. until 1:15 p.m., the Caf gets a jumpstart of activity. For starters, every week there is a new special guest chef, a member of the SMU faculty or staff who dresses up in the chef’s outfit — complete with hat — and assists at one of the serving stations. This is usually done to support something with which he or she is actively involved. For example, Jason Richter, assistant dean of students for activities, leadership and service, was the first official guest chef, and he used the opportunity to support the recent International Showcase. Future chefs will have the occasion to do the same for their clubs, organizations or events.

Finally, to top everything off, KSMR agreed to provide a specially-formatted radio show to broadcast from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. every Friday. While the program is available everywhere in Winona and on campus, it is specifically designed for those eating lunch in the Caf. With everything from the best music to entertaining stories, the radio show provides a fun and active social atmosphere to properly host students who simply want to hang out during “Fridays in the Caf.”

If you have any questions, comments or concerns relating to student life at SMU, please email me directly at ugstudentconcerns@smumn.edu.

International Scoop: Hope for the new year

BY AMYWULFF
Cardinal Staff

Hello dear international news enthusiasts! As we begin another new year, we can only hope that we hear and see more positive than negative plots unfold on the world stage.

A piece of news that is impossible to stay away from and has hit shockingly close to home for some of our fellow students is the earthquake in Haiti. According to the Wall Street Journal, U.S. troops arrived on Tuesday to “create the first major point for humanitarian supplies outside the capital’s overburdened airport.” In addition to the approximately 2,000 troops consisting of Coast Guard andMarines, the United Nations has pledged to send about 3,000 blue helmets and U.N. police “to help guard the distribution of aid.” In response to queries on why the military wasn’t moving more quickly to offer airdrops to help, Major General Daniel Allyn, who is in charge of U.S. operations in Haiti, replied, “Quite frankly, the earthquake did not take into account the location of drop zones.” Natural disasters hardly ever do. Thankfully, it looks like the world is working together to help Haitians as much and as quickly as possible.

Iran is back in the news, as it has “warned it will reassess its relations with Britain in a number of key areas,” according to Aljazeera.net. "Complaining that the UK, along with Western nations, was 'fomenting the post-election turmoil in Iran following presidential elections in June and of attempting to destabilize its nuclear program.'"

However, Iran is not the only one ready to do some wrist slapping, as German Chancellor Angela Merkel is planning to sanction Iran if it doesn’t change its nuclear program. In cahoots with Merkel is Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu. According to Aljazeera.net, “Israel (…) sees Iran’s (nuclear) project as a threat to its existence.” Keep in mind, sanction after sanction has been presented to Iran about its nuclear program to no avail. Careful Merkel, you wouldn’t want to hurt Iran’s feelings.

In Afghanistan, just 24 hours after an attack paralyzed the city of Kabul, things were in full swing again, according to the New York Times. Shoemakers and shopkeepers whose stalls are at the site of the attack are back in business, both wary and jaded. In fact, one of the shoemakers is quoted as saying, “It does impress us. If they wanted to they could have killed everyone.” In general, many citizens questioned agreed that “the government was too weak to prevent such attacks and assaults.”Many are also wondering how the men got into the city and through many military safety checkpoints. Many people attribute it to the corruption that is actually “so pervasive that the U.N. Office on Drugs and Crime reported on Tuesday that (they’ve been) led to the conclusion that the bribes people pay account for nearly a quarter of the country’s gross domestic product.” Wow.

Until next time, faithful reader, keep your eyes and mind open to the world we live in.

Domestic Perspective: Supreme Court’s worst ruling ever?

BY TRAVIS FICK
Managing Editor

On Jan. 21, the United States Supreme Court overturned a 63-year-old campaign finance law that limited big business and big labor’s influence in elections and legislation.

In a 5-4 ruling, Chief Justice John Roberts was joined by justices Anthony Kennedy, Samuel Alito, Antonin Scalia and Clarence Thomas by invoking the First Amendment’s free speech protections. “The government may regulate corporate political speech through disclaimer and disclosure requirements, but it may not suppress that speech altogether,” wrote Kennedy, the author of the majority opinion.

The court’s decision personifies big business and big labor and now gives them the same protections as everyday Americans. The five justices took advantage of the ambiguity of the FirstAmendment and instead participated in judicial activism to seek favor from those who believe that special interests should rule our political process. Lawrence M. Noble, the attorney arguing in favor of the law, told the Washington Post that lobbyists can now walk up to a member of congress and say, “We have got a million we can spend advertising for you or against you — whichever one you want.”

The court’s decision to view money as a form of political speech opens the door to a world where big business and big labor can and will dominate and increase their political influence simply because they possess a large amount of money. All because five individuals decided to side with wealthy corporations and labor unions, the everyday American’s influence in the political system will soon be irrelevant. Instead of candidates seeking smaller donations from individual Americans, they may now turn to special interest groups such as the Chamber of Commerce or the AFLCIO to raise money toward their re-elections, making smaller individual donations obsolete.

Once again, we see the federal government siding with those who have money instead of everyday Americans, and it is disgusting. When Americans who are living paycheck to paycheck hear about the government bailing out the banking industry while providing little to no help to middle and lower class Americans, we get mad. When the Supreme Court opens the door for the banks that owe the American people credit for their very existence, we get furious.

President Barack Obama issued a statement that fit the attitude of economic populists. The president criticized the court’s decision and called the ruling a “major victory for big oil, Wall Street banks, health insurance companies and the other powerful interests that marshal their power every day in Washington to drown out the voices of everyday Americans.”

I support the message of other economic populists who recognize that the needs of everyday Americans are more important than the needs of big business or labor. This decision does exactly opposite and only increases the power of special interest money, lobbyists, corporations and labor unions. This dastardly and regressive ruling by the court is a step in the wrong direction. Republicans and Democrats, liberals and conservatives should stand together to fight this decision and ensure that the issues that matter most to hardworking, everyday Americans are elected officials’ top priority. I wonder when the Supreme Court will give big business and big labor a vote? The bottom line is that the American people lost on Jan. 21, and we lost big.

The RAC: Whose responsibility is it?

BY MARY GLEICH
Guest Writer

We all know what the RAC is like on any given day. There are at least two treadmills not working, only one leg of the stair-stepper works, the pedals fall off of the bikes, and there are chunks of wood missing from the dance studio floor. They tried to give the weight room a facelift by painting all of the equipment white, but now all the paint is peeling off so instead of walking away with bulging biceps, you walk away covered in paint shavings!

Every year, the school submits a capital improvement request to Student Senate for money to improve the RAC. They say that the equipment is outdated, broken and unsafe. While we agree, the Student Senates of the past decided that it was not our responsibility as students to pay for the safety of our facilities. For two years, Student Senate boycotted any capital improvements for the RAC—if the administration and athletics department realized that the RAC is in dire need of new, safer equipment to attract more potential students, then they should pay for it. While justified, this boycott was ultimately ineffective. During those two years, the RAC simply got worse.
Last year, Student Senate finally decided to fund a capital improvement request for a
stair-stepper and a bike in the RAC. As this year’s Student Senate president, I am unsure as to whether we should reinstate the boycott and continue trying to make our point about how it is the school’s responsibility to maintain the quality and safety of our facilities or to give in and fund improvements to the RAC for the benefit of SMU students.

I would like your help in this decision. I think that we all agree that changes and improvements need to be made. The question, is who is responsible for the RAC? Should you pay for the safety and quality of the RAC, or should the school pay for it? Please let me know at senate@smumn.edu.

A call to action

BY ROBBY MCGUIRE
Cardinal Staff

Throughout 2008, hundreds of thousands of young Americans donated hundreds of thousands of hours in support of their respective candidates. We made phone calls, licked envelops and held signs. We shouted in support of the causes we held most dear. We made a difference. Then, we vanished.

I write this editorial not as a Democrat, nor as a Republican. Rather, I write as a young American who has become fed up with our armchair-quarterback approach to the world around us.

We certainly do not deny the chaos of the world around us. Upon seeing a need for change, we are uncannily quick to blog, Twitter and talk about it. Words do not volunteer time. Words do not clean our parks or fill an empty plate.

As the young inheritors of this potentially grand world we inhabit, we have a responsibility to step down from our ivory towers, lest we desire to see the world remain in shambles below. Critics, and even former supporters of the president, are criticizing the president for failing to live up to the great expectations we placed in him. Let this not be the presidency we hang our heads in defeat. Let this not be the presidency we hold our breath in hopes of saying “we told you so.” Instead, let us rise from our chairs. Let us step down from our towers. Let us change the world.

Annual 10k cross country ski race is Jan. 31

BY JENNIFER WULFF
Guest Writer

Let’s face it, Winona can be fairly dull most of the time. How many of you reading this has heard or said to a friend, “There’s nothing to do?” Yeah, that’s what I thought.

So, here’s your chance. Mark your calendars all you complainers. Sunday, Jan. 31, Saint Mary’s University is hosting their 9th Annual 10k Classic Ski Event.

The cost is FREE for SMU students(woohoo!), otherwise $10 for everyone else. And we’re giving out FREE equipment too! Registration is held at 11 a.m. in the Michael H. Toner Student Center, and there is a Mass starting at 1 p.m.

Never skiied? That’s okay; it’ll be a new learning experience. Are you a pro at skiing? Well, we have something for you too. There are four categories for the race: Men’s/Women’s Open and Men’s/Women’s Recreational. Did I mention this event is FREE? Okay, just checkin.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Davey Warner by phone, Ext. 8740, or email drwarn03@smumn.edu. Now, finally, you have something to do! So do it.

Staff Spotlight: Sister Judy Schaefer

BY SARAH MCDONOUGH
Cardinal Staff

While her official title is the university dean for University Affairs and department chair and associate professor of Theology, Sister Judy Schaefer has had many experiences that have lead her to the position she has today.

Sister Judy’s journey began while attending grade school when she had Sisters for teachers. Their joy, intelligence and compassion for students is where Sister Judy’s passion to become both a Sister and teacher bloomed.

After high school graduation, Sister Judy set out for college to major in education. Becoming a Sister was still one of her goals, but the convent required that theose desiring to dedicate their lives to their religious community must show that they have had some life experiences.

At the age of 20, Sister Judy felt it was time to get on the path of Sisterhood. She was accepted, and the typical seven-to-nine-year process began. After years of education and spending five years living as a sister, she took her final vows as a Dominican Sister at the age of 27.

After entering the Sisterhood, Sister Judy found a home at Saint Mary’s University, where she spent 10 years teaching in the Theology Department before adding her current administrative position in June 2009. Sister Judy said that she took the job because she saw that her goals for the university were the same as Brother William Mann, president of the university.

“He is driven by his love of students, and so am I,” said Sister Judy. “That’s what gives me life — interacting with students.”

Sister Judy’s responsibilities also include following up with students after they have expressed questions or concerns to Brother William. While Brother William is out of the office, Sister Judy also keeps him up-to-date with events around campus.

“I’m glad I can contribute to make Saint Mary’s the best it can be,” said Sister Judy.

Staff Spotlight: Dominic Lawrence

BY SARAH MCDONOUGH
Cardinal Staff

After graduating from Saint Mary’s University in 2006, Dominic Lawrence did not think he would have the opportunity to give back to SMU as much as he has in the past three years.

Through his employment with the university’s Office of Development and Alumni Relations, Lawrence is involved with the Kabara Institute for Entrepreneurial Studies while also working to raise funds to meet the needs of our university and students.

Lawrence’s current title with the university is leadership gift officer, and he meets “with SMU benefactors who would like to share their time, talent and treasures with our school; traveling as far as California, Texas and Florida,” said Lawrence.

One of Lawrence’s bigger accomplishments has been the establishment of an endowed scholarship of $50,000.

“Raising funds for students is a need which is close to my heart,” said Lawrence. “I would have never been able to attend SMU if it weren’t for the support of our generous benefactors. To raise $1 or $100,000 is equally important; to see others understand and support the needs of our campus is something special.”

Besides helping current students, Lawrence loves having the opportunity to reengage with alumni and hear about their time spent at SMU. Through these stories, he has heard about the progression of SMU and is thankful to now be a part of making history with his own efforts of accomplishing our university’s needs.

Since becoming a staff member in 2007, Lawrence has received his Master of Arts in Philanthropy and Development while a full-time employee at SMU and married his college sweetheart, Sara (Vargason ’06) Lawrence. On campus, Lawrence has been a staff advisor for Together Encountering Christ (T.E.C.) retreats and has enjoyed opening his home to visiting students from San Miguel School of Chicago.

“To know you’re making a difference is worth putting in all the long hours,” said Lawrence. “Now as an alum and former student, knowing my work directly impacts my alma mater as well as current students is a great feeling.”

Club Corner: Yoga club

BY AMALIA SANTOS
Cardinal Staff

Yoga is becoming a growing trend on campus thanks to the new Yoga club.

The Yoga club was founded by Amy Wulff, senior, so that students would have “an alternative way to stay healthy, not just physically, but mentally too.” Yoga has been around for centuries, but it has just recently started coming up on the radar in the United States. Wulff said that she wanted to “educate people about this new alternate form of exercise and also to inspire people.”

This goal seems to have been met. “More people have come than I thought,” Wulff said. “It is like watching my baby grow.” A person in yoga is only trying to do his or her personal best, so if you’ve never done yoga before, no worries. Every Monday at 8-9 p.m., and Wednesday at 7:30-8:30 p.m., anyone can show up and have his or her own personal experience through yoga. This is a great way to stay in balance during what can be a very hectic school year.

Club Corner: Frozen River Film Festival

BY AMALIA SANTOS
Cardinal Staff

The Frozen River Film Festival (FRFF) now has its own club on campus.

The Frozen River Film Festival club was created to help inform students about the FRFF, which will be held Jan. 27-31, at various locations throughout Winona. This year’s theme is food. FRFF has many events during the weekend: films, music, workshops and food. The films are on a number of topics like climate, global and social issues. There is a movie for every person and every issue he or she cares about.

One of the founders of the club, Jessica LaCanne, sophomore, stated that the main goal of the club was to “get more people to participate in the festival by raising awareness.” She would like to let students and the rest of the community know what is available to do in town. Also, LaCanne said that the club is a “call to action” to get people to come see these movies. LaCanne hopes that every person “walks away from a film feeling a little unnerved and wanting to change something.” Actually being able to see if the club’s goal has been reached is hard to tell, but with the amount of free passes that LaCanne has given out during lunch time, there is a good chance that the crowds will be a little thicker this year.