Freshman class nears record

By Alex Downes-Borowski
Cardinal Staff

Students who returned to Saint Mary’s University this fall may have noticed that the campus is more crowded than years past. At 399 students, the incoming freshman class is the second largest SMU has seen, partially due to increased efforts from staff.
Read more... The freshman enrollment is 6 percent higher than last year. There is a total undergraduate enrollment of 1,350 students.

Director of Admission Karen Sullivan believes the increase in admission can partly be based on their tremendous staff in the Admissions Office and the specific goals they set. Their approach towards recruiting was to focus on each student and their family individually.

Sullivan also gives credit to the Communication and Marketing Office and their efforts to make SMU more visible. Because more students use the Internet for researching schools, Sullivan feels that the SMU website played a huge role in creating interest among prospective students.

Sullivan explained that community also played a key role in recruiting students. Junior Erin O’Keefe agreed by saying, “When I was looking at schools, I felt accepted at SMU. I really liked the welcoming atmosphere.”

SMU has adjusted to accommodate the increased number of students. One of the biggest changes on campus has been the re-opening of Saint Yon’s Hall. Yon’s is the current home of the music department, but it now shares its halls with two floors of students. Tim Gossen, dean of students, said there are only about 14 open beds on campus. This doesn’t include the second floor of Yon’s, which is currently closed.

If admission continues to rise over the next few years, the university will be ready to accommodate the growing numbers of students. Some options include opening the second floor of Yon’s Hall, moving staff offices, and remodeling or downsizing rooms in current halls.

There are also more cars on campus this year. One might think this may become a bigger issue in the coming months as we approach the snow emergency season; however, Jerrie Seibert, director of campus safety, is confident that the current parking system with its voicemail and e-mail notifications will be enough to efficiently notify students of snow emergency alerts. For students who ride bikes, 12 new racks have been added to various spots around campus.

The number of international students has doubled this year. There are 47 international students representing more than 17 countries.

Many people seem excited about the increased enrollment. The general consensus is that it can only have positive effects for the whole SMU community.

Breathalyzer can prove innocence

By Amanda Klingberg
Cardinal Staff

This year at Saint Mary’s University if a student under the age of 21 is found in or around a location where alcohol is present, they have the right, within an hour of the filed disciplinary report, to go to Campus Safety and request a breathalyzer test. If the results are negative, that particular student is able to avoid the disciplinary sanctions that would typically go along with underage drinking at SMU.
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The university makes it clear that alcohol is only permitted to those students who are over the legal drinking age of 21, and only within the privacy of Villages or in confined rooms in certain residence halls. In residence halls such as Hillside, Skemp, Vlazny, Saint Edward’s and Saint Benilde’s, there is azero-tolerance alcohol policy.

Part of SMU’s alcohol policy also includes the fact that the resident of any room is held responsible for guests and for the decisions those guests make, including the possession of alcohol. In many cases, all of the alcohol will be confiscated.

If a student under the age of 21 is found in a location where alcohol is present and chooses not to take the breathalyzer test, or the results of the test are positive, disciplinary action will take place. The first offense includes, but is not limited to, a meeting with the appropriate staff and judiciary members, notification of parents, an informative alcohol class, fines, and community service. Dependent upon the seriousness of the violation, a major offense could result in expulsion from the campus or the involvement of law enforcement.

“It’s nice that students are not assumed to be breaking policy. SMU is using its resources well,” said Lucas Kaplan, an SMU sophomore.

Prior to the new policy, students under the age of 21 found in an area where alcohol consumption was taking place may have been sentenced to these disciplinary actions regardless of whether or not they were drinking.

“I think [the new policy is] fair,” said freshman Brittany Kubik. With the new policy, students like Kubik can be with of-age students while those students are consuming alcohol, without worrying about being accused of drinking in the process.

Kayci Landeen, another freshman under the age of 21, agrees and claims that she could see herself in a similar situation in the future.

Some students feel a downside to this policy is that students under 21 may be less careful and cautious about the situations they place themselves in because they are not as worried about getting caught and facing consequences.

Br. Bob takes post at Bethlehem U.

By Lindsay Dickson
Editor-in-Chief

Brother Robert J. Smith, FSC, said goodbye to his friends and colleagues at Saint Mary’s University last month. Brother Bob has since assumed duties of vice president for academic affairs at Bethlehem University of the Holy Land, a Lasallian university in Palestine.

“As a Brother, I want to be open to needs that other Lasallian schools face. There’s a need and I was asked,” Brother Bob said.
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He considered this offer for a few months before announcing it to SMU. While at SMU, Brother Bob was a professor in the theology department and was also director of Christ the Teacher Institute of Education in Nairobi, Kenya. Most recently, he was the vice president for mission and the director of Center for Enhancement of Learning and Teaching.

Bethlehem University was co-founded by the Vatican and the Christian Brothers in 1973. With approximately 2,600 undergraduates, the university is 70 percent Muslim and 30 percent Catholic. Brother Bob explained that the university is in Palestine, an occupied territory. There are checkpoints manned by Israeli soldiers and the school was closed from 2000-2003 due to violence. “There are irresolvable issues there. Some parts of the world have it more difficult than others,” he explained. “Our campus shows effects of rockets, bullets and teargas.”

Before leaving SMU, Smith explained that he feels psychologically and mentally prepared for this new journey. “Being in Africa five years ago gave me good practice,” said Brother Bob. “But the preparation has been laid over the past 20 years.”

Brother Bob said, “Everything I am has been shaped by my experiences [at SMU]. I now have a keener sense of mission.” He described the awareness for and understanding of Lasallian and Catholic identity, education for justice, and respect for a diverse world he saw while at SMU. He plans to take that knowledge of mission and will continue to address what it means to say one is Catholic and Lasallian. Brother Bob explained that he will miss the people, mission and identity at SMU. He said that his time has been satisfying and rewarding and that “it’s not about buildings and programs. It’s about the people.”

“His leadership will surely be missed. He was a mentor to all of us in all things Lasallian. He embodied the spirit of the Christian Brothers,” said Bob Fisher, director of annual giving.

“In addition to thanking Brother Robert for his long-time commitment to this university, I know I speak for the entire community in offering our support and prayers to him as he begins a very challenging assignment in a turbulent area of the world,” said Jeffrey Highland, Ph.D., university provost and vice president for the college.

Renovated ball fields and pavillion to be completed

By Alex Downes-Borowski
Cardinal Staff

This summer, Saint Mary’s University made additions to the Winona campus. The softball and baseball fields were renovated, along with an addition of a pavilion. The fields will be ready for competition in the spring of 2009.
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The pavilion began as a gift from the class of 2004 and was originally supposed to be located near the bonfire pit along the path to the New Village. However, with the addition of the softball and baseball fields, it was decided that the pavilion would be better utilized in-between the two fields. The fields and pavilion are located just across the parking lot of the Toner Student Center and can be seen while entering the campus.

The university began construction on the two fields in mid-May. Several years ago, the state of the old fields became a safety issue. The new fields are special as they are sand-based, which allow for proper drainage. It features an irrigation system that allows for up to 12 inches of rain an hour and yet can still maintain playable conditions. “It’s the Cadillac of baseball fields,” said Al Joswick, maintenance’s trades department supervisor. Joswick spent a large portion of his summer on-site supervising the project.

Starting from below the ground, there are trenches 25 to 30 feet apart that take water to an irrigation pipe. Above that, there are 3 to 4 inches of sand, followed by 7 to 10 inches of sand and peat. The sand, a special blend of different sizes of angular grains, had to be sent to New York for pH level and size analysis. The grass is a mix of bluegrass and perennial rye. The construction of the field required the use of GPS/Laser guided systems.

According to Nikki Fennern, athletic director, the multiple layers and root system actually filter the water as it is irrigated, resulting in cleaner excess water.

When the pavilion is completed, it will have a column-supported roof as well as tables for picnic dining. Bob Fisher, director of annual giving, served as an advisor for the committee of 20 students that worked on the gift. “The pavilion will be a great asset to the newly renovated outdoor athletic facilities,” he said. “I believe our students, faculty and staff will all be able to enjoy this new gathering space on campus.”

The university plans on utilizing the space for many activities, including events for alumni.

Follow the yellow brick road

By Kaylin Martin
Cardinal Staff

Brother Frederick C. Mueller, FSC, a leader in the Lasallian community, spoke to the undergraduate class at Saint Mary’s annual convocation on Sept. 11.

Using a combination of quotes from Ralph Waldo Emerson, personalities of “The Wizard of Oz,” and real life Lasallian stories, Brother Frederick was able to captivate the audience and present four areas of challenge in which students can spread their wings: scholarship, character, leadership and service.

“He modeled all that we hope to be the hallmark of a Saint Mary’s education,” said Mary Fox, Ph.D., a professor at Saint Mary’s. “Lasallian values, the development of ‘critical consciousness,’ passion for ‘simple, clear, direct, action’ as means of ‘living what you believe,’ scholarship as a way of ‘making meaning out of chaos,’ and most important of all, a sense of each person’s unique God-given destiny.”
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Brother Frederick began by telling a story of an eagle who grew up with chickens, thought he was a chicken, and died a chicken; an eagle that never thought he could be anything but what his surroundings would let him. He asked SMU students to take themselves out of their surroundings and away from other people’s expectations in order to “soar like an eagle.”

Using the Scarecrow from the “Wizard of Oz” as an example, Br. Frederick warned against being a mirrored thinker. Scholarship is not accumulated information, but the process of logic and using imagination, he said, and one must have the ability to look at life and culture and be able to think independently.

“The first challenge is to use your mind,” said Brother Frederick. He added that one must develop a critical consciousness to be a scholar and to be a true Lasallian.

Brother Frederick presented his second challenge, quoting Emerson: “Character is higher than intellect. A great soul will be strong to live as well as think.” The Tin Man found a heart and defended what he believed in, even when his tears threatened further rusting, he said.

You need to live what you believe in, said Bother Frederick, to be an eagle, to be a Lasallian.

“Fear always springs from ignorance,” said Br. Frederick. He challenged students to be like the Courageous Lion and have hope; one person can make a difference.

“Would you dare look danger eye-to-eye,” Brother Frederick said, “and still hope to be a leader?”

He addressed the last of his challenges using Dorothy, the most prominent character in “The Wizard of Oz,” as a person of service. She is on a quest to go home, find out who she is, and spread her wings, said Brother Frederick, though she puts her deepest desires aside and helps her friends. Through her serving, he explained, Dorothy finds her dreams and reaches for the rainbow.

“We must come home to our deepest selves by serving as wounded healers,” said Brother Frederick.

He concluded his address with words of encouragement to the student body. “You are eagles; you are young Lasallians,” said Brother Frederick, “May you ever believe more deeply in your lives, to hope, to heal. You are this world’s best hope. You are this world’s only hope.”

President named by Dec.

By Julie Jergenson
Undergraduate Representative, Presidential Search Committee

Each year brings change to the Saint Mary’s University community. This year, especially, the university must prepare for a new chapter in SMU history: the appointment of our next president.
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Since Brother Chancellor Louis DeThomasis, FSC, Ph.D., assumed the duties of president, members of the Presidential Search Committee have been hard at work developing a list of challenges and opportunities for the university as well as qualifications for SMU’s new leader.

Aiding in this task is Allen Koenig, Ph.D., of R.H. Perry and Associates, a search firm that will help to focus and refine the search. Many had the opportunity to meet with Koenig when he visited the campuses to collect community input for the search profile.

The search committee has appreciated the strong turnout at these public meetings, as the opinions provided the reinforcement needed to construct a strong profile that will attract an individual prepared to meet the needs of the SMU community.

There have been some questions from the community regarding the committee’s need to keep this search confidential. Some may recall that question and answer sessions with the finalists were held during the last search. The reason that the search committee has chosen to omit those sessions and to keep this search confidential is so that it will be able to find higher caliber best-suited for this position.

Candidates who are sitting presidents at other universities may be unwilling to apply if they believe that they will not be protected from backlash in their current community. The goal of the committee is to draw finalists from a large pool of possible candidates, and a confidential search is the only way to draw the most qualified people.

To give everyone an idea about how soon these events will all come to pass, here is the general timeline. In early November, the search committee will select semi-finalists from the candidate pool. By mid-November, these semi-finalists will have completed an interview process and the search committee will select the finalists. In December, the search committee and the Board of Trustees will interview the finalists again and, shortly after, the board will select the next president.

If all goes as planned, the next president will be announced before this Christmas and will assume the duties of the presidency in time for the 2008-09 academic year.

For more information and updates on the Presidential Search, please visit the Office of the President at www.smumn.edu.

SMU senior continues healing process

By Candice Norrell
Sports Editor

On Saturday, July 28, at 3:20 in the morning, Saint Mary’s University senior Christina Marie Pickford, 21, was struck by a train near Sioux Street in Winona. She was flown to Gundersen Lutheran Hospital in La Crosse where she remained in the Intensive Care Unit for three weeks, in a coma, leaving family and friends in prayer.
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Kelly Pickford (’05), Christy’s older sister, opened a CaringBridge website through Gundersen Lutheran to update those interested in following Christy’s progress.

“I decided to set this up when a nurse here at the hospital referenced this site,” Kelly said on the website. “I took one look and thought this would be a great way to send Christy our love ... from all over. Please use this site to send her your love. She needs as much as she can get.”

Christy opened her eyes on Saturday, Aug. 25, and five days later was transported by ambulance to Bethesda Rehabilitation Facility in Saint Paul, Minn.

“Now that she is … at Bethesda, she is going through regular therapy. She is still opening those eyes of hers periodically, but her other movements are still sporadic,” Kelly said of her sister, who is currently in the respiratory rehabilitation center.

Community members can access the website and leave a note of support for Christy and her family at http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/christypickford.

Café changes

By Candice Norrell
Sports Editor

New students as well as sophomores on campus will never know how beautiful Cotter Hall once was before it burned to the ground on June 12, 2006. But hopefully they have at least heard of the house that was located between La Salle and Hoffman halls.
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To help commemorate the beautiful brick house, built in 1876-77, I went to Chris Kendall, vice president of student development, early last year with the idea of either building a coffee shop where Cotter Hall once stood or changing the name of Main Street Café, located on the third floor of Saint Mary’s Hall, to Cotter Café. After talking to a few more people, Kendall was able to get the name and look changed over the summer.

To read about the history of Cotter Hall, students may visit www.smumn.edu/sitepages/pid2331.php.

Bookstore changes

By Alli Hill
Cardinal Staff

Over the summer, the Saint Mary’s University bookstore made the decision to discontinue charging to student accounts.
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In the past, students were allowed to charge items from the bookstore to their tuition accounts. Students were then able to add those charges to their minimum monthly balance.

Cindy Marek, vice president of financial affairs, said, “We learned last year that there were almost no Barnes and Nobles-operated bookstores in the country using this type of charge system. The internal charging created more difficulties in collecting from students and was inefficient.”

Even though this causes a discomfort for returning students, the bookstore is trying to render this problem.

“We were disappointed to see it discontinued, but we support Saint Mary’s decision with the student charging system,” said Donna White, bookstore manager. “We have instituted the parent/student card to give the students another option.” This card acts as a gift card for parents to ensure that students have some disposable income.

Volunteer efforts near 1,500 hours

By Betsy Baertlein
Features Editor

During the weekend of Sept. 8-9, 314 Saint Mary’s University students volunteered for flood relief, contributing a total of 1,479 hours of service. This was part of a kickoff for relief efforts sponsored by SMU Volunteer Services.
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Students went to the towns of Minnesota City, Houston, Stockton, and Rushford to help with tasks such as light construction, yard work, tree removal, mucking, power washing, clothes folding, and river cleanup.

Although SMU immediately responded to the flood by housing the Red Cross shelter on campus and sending out faculty and staff just two days after the flood, this was one of the first opportunities for students to get involved. SMU worked with Winona County and agencies such as the Mississippi River Center and Edina Realty to send aid where the need was greatest.

However, much more still needs to be done, said Katie LaPlant, director of student activities and volunteer services, who estimates that relief efforts will continue for at least two years. Right now, said LaPlant, people are waiting for their houses to dry out, and only after this happens can the real construction begin. For the next two to three months, there will be volunteer opportunities for students to help with the cleaning and gutting of homes. If students would like to be involved in upcoming relief efforts, they can go to www.smumn.edu/floodhelp to fill out a form. LaPlant said that “there is no better way to carry out the Lasallian charism than empowering community and bringing hope to those who feel hopeless.” With the continued efforts of SMU students, said LaPlant, this mission will be realized.

SMU rocks for relief

Habitat and Catholic Charities to benefit

By Emilie Fisch
Cardinal Staff

Rockin’ for Relief, a benefit concert for victims of the flood in Southeastern Minnesota, was held on Sept. 7. All Winona community members were invited to attend this benefit.
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The event was co-sponsored by Volunteer Services and Campus Ministry. Admission was $5 for students and $10 for adults, which covered the cost of food as well as live entertainment and games. Among the bands that played were SMU alumnus Adam Stasica; SMU campus band Bookreader; The Monday Saga, featuring SMU alumnus Brandon Mathieus; and SMU alumnus Mike Munson.

Another large part of the fundraiser was a live auction which raised $1,087. Combined with the money from admission and donations, Rockin’ for Relief raised a total of $5,398.78 total. Proceeds went to Habitat for Humanity and Catholic Charities.

There are other ways students can help with flood relief efforts. Several volunteer groups from SMU have helped on weekends, and more opportunities will be offered in the future. Students interested in volunteering can contact Katie LaPlant in Volunteer Services.

Flooded with loss: one victim's story

By Theresa Breault
Cardinal Staff

For those affected by the floods in Southeastern Minnesota, the possibility of a life-changing disaster was far from their minds.

Such was the case of Saint Mary’s University freshman Kasey Warnke, who lived in Stockton, Minn.
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Rains started to pour Aug.18, 2007, and Warnke’s entire home, from her basement to the top floor of her house, was soon flooded.

When the time came for Warnke to move in to SMU, the only possessions she had here were a pair of shoes, a pair of flip flops, and a half-full garbage bag with the only clothes she could salvage. Everything else was lost with the rest of her home.

Weeks later, Warnke still has not been able to get over the initial shock of such a disaster. “It hasn’t really sunk in yet that I have no house to go home to. I have no baby pictures to show my own kids anymore. I have nothing,” said Warnke.

Through the tragedy, however, organizations that have responded to victims’ cries. FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) has supplied the Warnke family with $26,000 in flood relief. Although it doesn’t even come close to compensating for the loss of their home or the two cars that were destroyed along with it, it will be used to help get them back on their feet.

SMU has also been doing a great deal to help out with victims such as Warnke. Rockin’ for Relief raised nearly $5,400 for flood victims. Two-hundred athletes, along with an additional 112 other students from SMU, have volunteered their time to aid in the clean-up of towns affected.

Although this will never make up for all of the losses suffered, we can only hope that, in the end, it will help brighten these very dark times.

Hot off the Prez: J. Freeman

By John Freeman
Student Senate President

“Welcome back! I hope you had a great summer,” what a cliché. It’s the middle of September already; can you believe it? How about: “Welcome to windy Winona and the crazy Minnesota weather that comes with it.”

I hope that everyone is as excited for the school year as I am; it should be a great year. To make sure that you enjoy your year, here is some advice that I would have found helpful when I was in your shoes.
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Freshmen, enjoy the simplicity of your general education classes and the fact that it takes 30 seconds to get to the café. Also keep in mind that you have four years with your classmates, so try not to step on too many toes.

Sophomores, this is your year to step it up and take leadership positions in the clubs and organizations you joined last year. You know the ropes now, so there are no excuses.

Juniors, I wish you the best of luck; this is the year that you find a balance between work and play.

Seniors, we have an entire year of college left; let’s not worry about the “real world” quite yet.

Let’s all have a great year and appreciate and enjoy everything that the year has to offer.

An American adventure, international style

By Jakub Szymanski
Cardinal Staff

You may ask why I am writing about international students. I write because I believe that every student at Saint Mary’s University is their own breed of international student, either because of the distance from home, different cultural background, or simply because they feel alone and alienated.
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Diversity in the student body is an important factor in providing education to all students because we have the opportunity to learn from different experiences, beliefs and perspectives. These differences challenge stereotyped preconceptions and encourage critical thinking – essential skills of an educated person.

I believe that SMU and its students are extremely lucky to be a second home for students from over 10 different nationalities. Those international students may have different ages, backgrounds, cultures, or religions. They may come here to improve their English or get their master’s degree, but they all have one thing in common.They are people in transition who decided to live in a foreign academic setting to realize their educational objectives, away from friends, families and relatives.

For most of them, the first weeks are a phase of excitement when they are discovering a new place and new people. However, after a couple of weeks, they start to feel frustration, boredom and homesickness. Can you imagine coming to a college with only 70 pounds of luggage, and the thought of not seeing home for the next couple of months? How would you feel if you had to spend Thanksgiving or Easter several thousand miles away from your family, sitting in your dorm over break? What about leaving a girlfriend or boyfriend that you dated for the last couple of years? A long-distance relationship is extremely hard to maintain.

For me , the transition from the European way of life into the American one was a long and exhausting process. College education in the United States is different from a European university. Homework, in-class discussions, presentations, essays, and pop quizzes are not a part of the academic routine in Europe. Both systems have their positive and negative aspects, but I believe that most students from Europe and Asia find the American education system less rigid and friendlier. Add differences in culture, language, or even food to that and you will have a feeling of it means to be an international student.

From a personal aspect, I regret that it took me two years to adjust to a new environment. To avoid the mistakes I made because of my fears, freshmen and returning students should get involved in the huge variety of activities at SMU. We can build a friendly environment and a safe community, which helps us appreciate that we are all uniquely different.

Cardinal writer reports from Galway, Ireland

By Laura Andrews
Cardinal Staff

Hundreds of miles away across the Atlantic Ocean, in Galway, Ireland, I am still the same person that I was on the Saint Mary’s University campus. Although, I can now say that I have experienced three wonderful weeks of the Irish culture and am thirsty to learn more each day.
Read more... It is difficult to describe how being abroad has enriched my life, both socially and academically.

I am the only student from Saint Mary’s to study in Galway and didn’t know a soul when I arrived.

Fortunately, I met several other international students, three of whom are my roommates, and have very quickly become comfortable in my new surroundings. It has been very comforting to have others who share the same challenges of navigating both life in Galway and the very different aspects of college life in Ireland.

Luckily, the Irish are almost always glad to help and are eager to learn about visitors and their experiences in Galway. For the Irish, the pubs are the most social places where there is usually traditional Irish music and dancing and plenty of “interesting” characters. I am sure that I will long remember their unique culture as experienced through pub life.

Academically, I am taking an Irish studies class and am thrilled to be in the country that I am studying. I feel that being in Ireland while studying its literature and history makes me genuinely more interested in the subjects. It also inspires me to want to know more.

I am living five minutes from the ocean with a view of mountains right outside my window. I have fallen in love with Ireland and am soaking in everything that I can before it’s all a memory or simply reduced to digital photos.

Of course there are a few things that Galway is missing: my closest friends, my family and my Saint Mary’s community. And for this reason, I will say goodbye to Ireland at the end of the semester with excitement to see those that I miss. But I will most certainly return to Ireland again and again.

Act of free speech or offensive display

By Amy Kalina
Copy Editor

September 11 is a day when Americans unite to remember those lost in the terrorist attacks six years ago.

It is a day to remember the attacks, not to engage in attacks of our own.

On that date this year, a display set up by Saint Mary’s University students, apparently on behalf of College Republicans, stirred up controversy on campus.
Read more...The display, located outside of Hendrickson, was probably meant as a memorial to those who have lost their lives in Iraq. The flags exhibited in the turnaround represent the American death toll, one that keeps climbing as the war continues.

However, banners that accompanied the flags were removed because of their discriminatory message and their political affiliation.

But don’t we have the right to voice our views, regardless of whether it is in accordance with popular opinion? One might argue that on such a patriotic day, we should especially be engaging in the rights granted to us as citizens. It is true that the First Amendment grants each of us the freedom of speech. However, if we as citizens have the “right” to do something, does that make it okay? I am choosing to exercise another constitutional privilege, freedom of the press, to share my views on the flaws of this less-than-patriotic display.

Any marketing or public relations student will tell you that an essential part of sending an effective message is knowing your audience. The audience of SMU is one that values its sense of community. The error behind displaying a political banner is easy to explain. To exhibit a particular political message on campus, especially in such a prominent location, is to suggest that SMU itself is affiliated with that party. Such an affiliation would be unethical.

Another flaw in the message was its blatant targeting of a particular religious group. Though a Catholic university, SMU welcomes members of all faith traditions. To attack a specific group, especially one represented by fellow students, can be seen as a promotional act of discrimination. By targeting a part of our community, regardless of its size, one threatens our unity. It is important for everyone’s voice to be heard, but there is a difference between what is allowed and what is appropriate.

Regardless of its flaws, the ideas behind the display were perhaps honorable. The flags continue to grace the turnaround to serve as a reminder of our American heritage.

Here are some important numbers to

keep in mind as we remember those who have lost their lives:
*Total American deaths in Iraq since March 19, 2003: 3,776
*Number of non-American coalition deaths: 299
*Estimated Iraqi civilian deaths: 75,000
*American casualties on Sept. 11, 2001: 2,646
*Non-American casualties on Sept. 11, 2001: 327
(Courtesy of CNN.com)

Just as we have a social responsibility to treat one another with dignity and respect, we have a responsibility to ourselves to be aware of propaganda, analyze the messages that bombard us, and filter those that are potentially harmful. As students, we know the importance of critical analysis. Make your beliefs your own, and base them on substance rather than display.

What is Peace and Justice?

By Mary Gleich
Guest Writer

No, we’re not just a group of hippies. We are a diverse group of Saint Mary’s University students who promote a genuine servant community dedicated to the works of peace, justice and reverence for life. We strive to take effective action against injustice and foster life-long seekers of justice.
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As textbook as all that may sound, we are a casual group that meets weekly to discuss anything and everything having to do with Peace and Justice, both here at SMU and worldwide.

We work in a four-week cycle focusing on one Catholic Social Teaching (CST) every semester. The CSTs are broad topics describing the Catholic responsibility to justice in our world. The cycle will include round-table discussions, activities, field trips, movies and maybe even a few potlucks!

BIG EVENTS:
Common Threads Clothing sale Oct. 25-27. When you’re home for October break, bring old clothes back to school with you.

Our trip to WHINSEC or Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation (formerly known as SOA or The School of the Americas) is Nov. 16-18. WHINSEC has trained over 60,000 Latin American soldiers in counterinsurgency techniques, commando and psychological warfare, and interrogation tactics.

These graduates have consistently used their skills to wage war against educators, union organizers, religious workers, student leaders, and justice workers. (courtesy of www.soaw.com)

There will be an informational meeting Tuesday, Sept. 25, at 9 p.m. in Room B. The deadline for the WHINSEC rally registration is Oct. 10. Contact Mary Gleich, Laura Holupchinski, Andrew Rath, Glenna Krzyzanowski or Andy Pass.

A new year, a new look

By Lindsay Dickson
Editor-in-Chief

Renovated baseball fields. New furniture. Rearranged offices. Electric trucks. A pavilion in-the-works. It’s time for the Cardinal newspaper to stay up-to-date with all of these upgrades on campus.
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Hopefully you noticed that the paper you’re reading right now is a different format from previous years. Many students suggested that we change the paper to a tabloid-style so that it’s easier to read while sitting at a desk or walking down the hall. Well, we listened to you!

Different from the past, the paper will not be distributed in individual P.O. boxes. We’d like to stay in stride with the green surge on campus and save as much paper as we can. Instead, we will notify you of an upcoming edition via a campus-wide publication, the Early Bird. This will provide featured photos, main headlines, and a general idea of what you can read in the next issue of the paper.

Finally, the Cardinal is online! Stories and photos featured in the print version of the paper will be posted on a Cardinal blog. The Cardinal staff urges you to check out the website at www.smumn.edu/cardinal and comment on stories. The purpose of the blog is to provide a more interactive, up-to-date source for campus news. Our goal is to make the blog a part of your normal Internet routine.

If you have any questions or comments about the paper, contact the staff at P.O. box 36 or cardinal@smumn.edu.

Ultimate Frisbee club forming

By Jessica Paulsen
Cardinal Staff

“A [Saint] Mary’s Ultimate Frisbee (MUT) club is being formed on campus,” said Eric Duffy, junior.

Duffy is one of three SMU students who started the club. They wanted to form the club because they feel Ultimate Frisbee is an open, honest and fun game and it also gives students another way to get involved on campus.
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The club is not official because the student senate has yet to vote on the issue. Duffy said he has been in contact with members of the Student Senate Executive Board. The members think that the senate will most likely approve the request.

Many students feel Ultimate Frisbee is fun because it is a competitive, taxing sport, explained Duffy. It emphasizes sportsmanship because there are no referees and players are expected to be honest. Ultimate Frisbee pushes “this thing they call spirit of the game...every team’s going to be open and honest,” said Duffy.

Most of the players in the club are freshmen, many of whom played on high school Ultimate Frisbee teams and have some experience. All members are expected to make practice three times a week. “I respect and understand that they have other things going on, and school comes first,” Duffy said. He’s also had to work practices around the times intramural teams play because they both use Saint Joe’s field.

They have heard many positive reactions from people about the club. Many were excited to play, but others are just happy to attend. Many consider Ultimate Frisbee is considered to be a good spectator sport because it is easy to follow the game and learn the rules.

People like Ultimate Frisbee because it is fun “watching people work the disc around, pass even when guarded, and make unbelievable catches,” said Duffy, and it is about “all the players that have been coming out. They’ve been amazing and they’re really committed” to the game.

Their first scrimmage is Sept. 23 against Winona State University.

Cardinal faithful show their true colors

By Eric Lear
Sports Editor

Every morning I do what most people do. I hit the snooze button on my alarm about five times, shower, brush my teeth, eat breakfast, and put a shirt on. A few weeks ago I did just that, and the shirt I put on happened to be a purple shirt that said “Winona State.” I didn’t think anything of it, but many of my classmates did. I had over 10 comments in regards to my shirt on campus that morning and one via text message before noon.
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I consider myself very involved in the Saint Mary’s University community, and most of my involvement has something to do with the world of sports. One former SMU student even referred to me as “Mr. Cardinal” due to my involvement on campus and near endless, yet unsuccessful, efforts to have him stay in Cardinal Country.

I sometimes wear shirts of other colleges and no one said much, except for the occasional Duke fan I run into. However, chances are that when you see me, I am sporting some sort of SMU apparel. I may just have more SMU shirts than the campus bookstore. As a matter of fact, since I strolled onto campus a shade over three years ago, I have accumulated enough SMU shirts and sweatshirts to wear a different SMU top everyday for over two months. Shocking and somewhat pathetic, yes I know.

I was initially frustrated by the constant grief given to me that day. I argued that WSU is not our rival, but just another school in this college town. Historically, it has been rare for us to give the Division II school across the street much athletic competition. One SMU senior put it very well by saying that SMU only competes with WSU for “real estate.” Please don’t get me wrong, I would absolutely love for us to beat the pants off the “purple people-eaters,” on Nov. 17, for obvious personal affiliations. Nothing would please me more then to put a blemish on their record and put that sour taste back in their mouths from when their record-setting winning streak came to an end in the National Championship last season.

The more grief I got, the happier I actually became. You would be hard pressed to find someone who wants to see SMU succeed at sports more than “Mr. Cardinal” himself, and here I am wearing a shirt of our cross-town foes? I now see what upset those who confronted me, and I like it. I have criticized SMU students in the past for lacking pride in being a Cardinal and I was quite pleased to see such a response.

Some of you might know that I do some TV work at HBC Channel 25 broadcasting WSU basketball games, which is how I got the infamous purple shirt in the first place. I often wear my SMU gear when I broadcast at WSU and I love the grief I get for rocking the SMU red on the purple side of town. It is a matter of pride, and you guys have proven me wrong and showed me that you have a great deal of pride in being Cardinals. So if you see someone on campus, as one SMU coach put it, “wearing the wrong shade of red,” go ahead and give them a hard time and instill your Cardinal pride in them.

Let’s take it to the Warriors this year and make them our competitors no matter what sport it may be, and let’s paint this town the right shade of red.

SMU athletics website redesign allows for more interaction

By Abby Zimmer
Copy Editor

Saint Mary’s University athletics website has been recently redesigned thanks to Sports Information Director Donny Nadeau and Vice President of Communication and Marketing Bob Conover.

“I think the new site is so much better than the old site, and I’ve heard a lot of compliments,” said Nadeau. “I think this is because it’s very eye-catching, neat, clean, informative and it’s all right there. If anyone needs anything that has to do with Saint Mary’s athletics, it’s there.”
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The website, redesigned by Internet Consulting Services (ICS), the same company the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference uses for their website, has many new features. Among these features include a calendar feature to show games occurring each day, banners with sports-specific flash photographs, and Athletes of the Week. It also includes Live Stats, which updates as the game is taking place.

“I think the new sports website for Saint Mary’s is a great improvement over the old one,” said sophomore swimmer Tom Walsh. “It’s a lot easier to navigate and it’s much more technologically advanced.”

Athletic Director Nikki Fennern, also impressed by the new website, said, “I love the colors. I love the actions. There’s always something changing on our website; you’re always seeing new pictures popping up. Also, I love that every story has a picture with it because, although you can read about a team, pictures make it more real.”

Yet Fennern’s favorite part of the new website has more to do with Nadeau: the fact that everything is updated instantly.

“Once a game is over, I’ll go into the schedule and I’ll update the score and (with ICS’s system) it is automatically updated in every other place that needs to be updated,” said Nadeau. “Now I don’t have to take four steps; I only have to take one.”

During the redesign this summer, Nadeau transferred 4,520 archived news stories from the old website to ensure that they were in the same format as the rest of the website.

“We could have had a link to the old site and said that for any archived stories, go to the old site,” said Nadeau. “But I didn’t want to do that because my feeling was that if we were going to have a new site, I wanted the new site to be the [only] site.”

Currently, statistics for any SMU sport from the time that sport began are available on the website, and schedules with game results dating just as far back will soon be available.

“The website shows that they care more about their athletics department than before,” said Walsh. “And if your website is well done, it puts out the image that the sports teams are good.”

“As we like to say in athletics, the website is the front porch of the school. If you catch their eye, prospective students are probably going to look around,” said Nadeau. “If they keep coming back [to the website], there’s going to be a reason and if we can keep them there, maybe we can bring them to school here.”

Dembiec thrives in dual coaching role

By Alex Conover
Cardinal Staff

Saint Mary’s University Women’s Soccer Coach Tony Guinn stepped down from his position two weeks before the start of the season. This left Athletic Director Nikki Fennern in a tough situation.
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Many options were discussed, but it was ultimately decided that the best person for the job was already at SMU: second-year Men’s Soccer Coach Chris Dembiec.

“Nikki and I talked, and we agreed that the best option was to use someone who already knew the girls,” said Dembiec. “I was happy to take the job; I volunteered.”

Coach Dembiec, who played soccer at Marquette and coached at the high school level, is coming off a 4-12 debut season with the men’s team last year.

“It’s clear that he’s very busy, but he views it as a challenge,” commented Connor McHugh, a freshman on the men’s team. “It just comes down to time management.”

Dembiec’s situation is not unique. There are already three other schools in the MIAC that have the same coach for both the men’s and women’s soccer teams: Bethel, Concordia-Moorhead, and Macalester.

“We just had to move some things around,” said Dembiec. “For instance, we had to reschedule a women’s game last week because I was out of town with the men’s team. There were lots a little glitches at first, but we’re all adjusting to it.”

It was perhaps most frustrating before the season even started.

“During two-a-days, I was on the field for nine hours a day,” Dembiec said. “Along with the flooding of our fields, it was a stressful pre-season.”

Even with all the conflicts, however, both teams are already starting to see results. The men’s squad opened up the non-conference schedule 2-2-0, and the women’s team is 5-1-0, outscoring their opponents 24-1 in their first four games.

“Coach has high hopes for us this season,” said Marie Allen, a freshman for the women’s team. “The men’s team, too. We’re both young squads, and we can’t wait to see where Coach can take us in the next couple of years.”

Rugby players express love of the game

By Candice Norrell
Sports Editor

Rugby: a gentleman’s sport played by barbarians. Interesting enough to get anyone’s attention, but what exactly is rugby?
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Rugby was invented in Rugby, England, in the early 1800s and is the precursor to modern-day football. Played on a 70 by120 meter field, each team consists of 15 players, and the game is comprised of two 40-minute halves.

“It’s played much like soccer or hockey in that it is a free-flowing game with little stoppages,” said Saint Mary’s University Hellfish Co-captain Jared Ortgiesen.

Teams score when players run into the “Try,” or endzone, and touch the ball to the ground (now we know why it’s called a touchdown in football). Each “Try” is worth five points with a kick following it worth two points.

The ball is progressed down the field through a series of punts and lateral passes, as it is illegal to throw the ball forward. Play is restarted either by a lineout, in which players are hoisted into the air after the ball is thrown out of bounds, or by a scrummage, or scrum, after a penalty is committed.

Over 30 men are on the team this year, the team’s tenth year at SMU. “We are looking better than ever…and are looking forward to winning the [Division III] championship,” said Ortgiesen.

Senior Captain Josh Barrett said that the game of rugby is his passion and that he loves “everything that has to do with rugby. There is not a second of the day that I don’t wish I was playing.”

Ortgiesen added that the thing he loves most about the game is the camaraderie. “I have never made so many friends doing anything else. I know people from all over the Midwest and even as far as Louisiana, Hawaii and California who I have either played with or know through the sport.

“It’s the only sport where you go out on the field and beat the crap out of a guy…punching, scratching, kicking, getting stomped on…and when that 80 minutes is up, you go and say to that other chap, ‘Hey that was a nice cleat mark you left on my back! Remember when I punched you in the face and stepped on your hand?’ And that guy laughs and tells you that it was a hell of a game. I haven’t found that in any other sport I have watched or played and I think it’s amazing,” said Ortgiesen.

Before each game, the team warms up and sings their fight song. “Last year we also started the tradition of saying a Hail Mary as a team before games,” Ortgiesen said. “We have never lost a game where we prayed before the match as a team.”

Though the team is still in the process of scheduling games, they are looking forward to playing Winona State, their rivals for the last three years. Upcoming home games are scheduled for Sept. 29 and Oct. 6. The Hellfish won their first game 24-10 against Viterbo on Sept. 15.

It's the most wonderful time of the year

By Candice Norrell and Eric Lear
Sports Editors

CN: *sigh* It’s that time of year again. Leaves are turning gorgeous colors, it’s starting to get chilly, the days are getting shorter, and baseball wise, it’s the hunt for October! Eric, please tell all our readers how you feel this time compared to years past.

EL: What a strange feeling it is for me to be happy this time of year while watching my beloved Chicago Cubs play.
Read more... And when I say strange, I don’t mean catching-a-glimpse-of-your-roommate-as-they-are-leaving-the-shower strange. I mean a Father-Fabian-class-getting-out-early strange. For those of you that don’t follow, it is a feeling that I really could get used to, seeing as though my “northsiders” have been in the playoffs just three times since I was introduced to this world.

CN: Well, my Twinkies have only appeared in the playoffs six times in my own lifetime; however, two of those times they were World Series champs! (Whoop whoop!)

EL: ONLY six times? Are you kidding me? I would be happier than you in the Home Run Porch, chomping on a Dome Dog while watching Joe Nathan in the bottom of the ninth if my Cubbies had such success come playoff time.

CN: Yummm, Dome Dogs. Well, I mean, ONLY six times compared to those “Damn Yankees,” who’ve been there 12 consecutive years. It gets old. They need to take turns and let others play.

EL: Forget the Yankees. They will be lucky if they win the wild card this year. Right now all I can think about are my Cubbies. I get a warm, tingling sensation even thinking about them winning the pennant; the same tingling sensation that every Minnesota girl gets when Joe Mauer crouches into his catching position behind home plate.

CN: How dare you put images like those in my head, Eric Lear. I’m an engaged girl! Moving on, I’m quite disappointed in the Twins right now. However, even though they’re over 10 games back, I still have much hope because a true baseball fan never gives up on their team. NEVER.

EL: No one knows that more than me, Candice. It has been downright painful in the past watching my Cubs struggle, yet I still have a hard time falling asleep if I don’t know if the Cubs won or lost. Some people may call that a crazed obsession, but I see it as a healthy dose of hope.

CN: Hope. That’s about all we can have, you know? Crazed obsession is okay, too, so don’t worry. At least that’s what I say. And I only say it because I’m a die-hard Twins fan and will be until the day I die. But I want you to know, all of you, that I hope and pray the Cubs make it this year. They definitely deserve it.

EL: I can truly say that I wish the Twins could be there, too, for two reasons: to see my friends who are Twins fans happy and so that the Cubs could play them in the World Series.

KSMR DJ Spotlight: Jergenson

By Tamika Robinson
Cardinal Staff

During trips down to the lower level of the Toner Student Center, you may often hear people talking and music playing.

If curiosity ever got the best of you, then you may have discovered that it was none other than Saint Mary’s University’s radio station, KSMR. Talented students and faculty serve on a variety of positions, ensuring a pleasurable listening experience.
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As programming director for KSMR, junior Julie Jergenson serves as a liaison between record labels and the DJs of the station. One of her duties is helping DJs with any problems they may encounter, but she can also be heard on-air playing a variety of music ranging from indie rock to country.

Jergenson became involved with KSMR last year after helping out at the activity fair. She continues to stay involved because of the many opportunities with which she is provided , like talking with record labels and having access to various kinds of music. “Its cool getting an artist’s music from their record label and then when they become big you’re in awe because you used to play their music,” she said. As a student and as a member of the station, she has learned critical lessons in responsibility and time management.

KSMR is a free format radio station that allows students the opportunity to voice their own opinions and play the music they want to hear. This year KSMR has some ambitious plans. “We plan to be more DJ friendly and offer incentives to those who perform shows,” said Jergenson. “We also plan to gain more interest from the people of Winona and run consistently without crashing.”

So wherever you are on campus, grab that radio and tune in to KSMR-FM 92.5. Off-Campus students shouldn’t feel left out, just tune in to KSMR-FM 94.3.

Bouler directs 3-man show, 'Art'

By Maria Sullivan
Cardinal Staff

The Saint Mary’s University Department of Theatre Arts presents “Art,” a comedy starring three SMU students.

“Art” is directed by Steven Bouler, assistant director of theatre arts, and will debut Family Weekend.
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The play tells a story of three middle class men: a doctor, an engineer and a salesmen.

The doctor, a fan of art, purchases an expensive painting, costing more money than his friend earns in a year. Ironically, the painting is simply white. Bouler describes the painting as a polar bear in a snowstorm.

“Art” contains adult language and is centered around his friends’ reaction to the expensive painting.

Bouler said, “This is a play that parents of college students should be expecting universities to do, because there is that whole discussion of ‘what is art?’”

Bouler decided to do this play because it has been on his list for quite some time, and is excited to be doing this play at SMU.

Casting for this play was difficult because Bouler could have gone so many directions in terms of who he chose for the leads.

The three actors chosen include: Peter Snell, playing Serge, Andrew Winecke, playing Marc and Curtis Kempton, playing Yvan. The play addresses the topic of friendship, specifically in males.

“I think that everyone is going to take [something] from this play,” said Bouler. “It’s very much like looking at the white painting. Everyone is going to take from it something different.”

Bouler looks at this experience as very gratifying. He has enjoyed every moment of working with the students and the faculty designers. He hopes that the SMU community will attend the performance.

Bouler said, “I think it’s going to be the funniest show that has been done here in a long time.”

“Art” runs for 90 minutes without an intermission. The play will be held at the Page Theatre Sept. 28, 29, and Oct. 1 at 7:30 p.m. and Sept. 30 at 3 p.m.

Pavlo provides a taste of the Mediterranean

By Ellen Jordan
Cardinal Staff

On Friday, Sept. 14, the Winona community was invited to experience the music of Pavlo at the Saint Mary’s University Page Theatre.

Pavlo was interactive with the audience members and provided a pleasurable musical experience in which people felt as though they were in the heart of the Mediterranean.
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In addition to Pavlo, four other band members helped create the music: George Vasilakos, Gino Mirizo, Randy Rodrigues and Spyros Gazetos.

The band members combined several types of music including Latin, classical and Greek.

The mix of genres allowed audience members to experience sounds that varied from traditional music.

Pavlo’s interaction with the audience members was the highlight of the show.

Before starting a new song, Pavlo gave the history and album name from which it came. Pavlo also urged audience members to clap their hands and dance.

Midway through the show, he even asked an audience member to accompany him in dancing on stage. The personal contact raised the energy level throughout the entire theater.

Students were satisfied with the concert as well.

Sophomore Samantha Sokol said, “I had to come to this concert for a class, but I am really glad I did. It was fun and interesting to hear music that was so different from what I normally hear.”

Pavlo was successful in getting a theater filled with people, playing a combination of diverse and different styles of music and providing the Winona audience with an enjoyable evening.

Kanye does it differently with 'Graduation'

By Alex Conover
Cardinal Staff

Are you sick of repetitive, gimmick-filled pop rap? Is Soulja Boy’s “Crank Dat” dance not doing it for you? Before you give up on hip-hop, give Kanye West’s “Graduation” a spin. It might just renew your faith in the genre.
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There are many other hip-hop artists making improvements to the scene, but no one is doing it quite like Kanye. His first two albums were almost revolutionary (“College Dropout” brought the sped-up soul sample, “Late Registration” brought the multi-layered orchestral beat). “Graduation” is no different.

Most of the tracks on the album follow a similar formula: laid-back synthesizers laced with hard-hitting hip-hop beats. Although many songs sound similar in style, each one is distinctive. “Flashing Lights” has a light, catchy riff, while “Barry Bonds” (Don’t get the name? Listen to the hook) sounds like the low octave of a church organ.

Although his producing style continues to progress, Kanye didn’t forget the sampling that made him famous. “Graduation” is filled with cleverly-cut snippets of artists like Elton John, Steely Dan, and Michael Jackson, but the real pride of the album is “Stronger.” In his first single, Kanye shows his producing versatility by drawing elements from the techno song “Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger” by Daft Punk. Bringing in Timbaland to program the drums, the two producing superstars combined styles to bring us a smash hit and the most impressive effort of the album.

With such impressive beats, it’s easy to overlook Kanye’s lyrics. Just like his producing, however, Kanye’s rapping is clearly different from his last album. Especially in tracks such as “Can’t Tell Me Nothing,” he uses different emphasis styles to get his point across. One thing that is very different from his past albums is the general lack of skits or guest artists; there are only two verses on “Graduation” that are not done by Kanye, one of them being a very unimpressive cameo from Lil’ Wayne.

Whether you are a diehard hip-hop fan or a casual listener, you will find something to like in Kanye’s latest release. By their third album, many artists succumb to laziness or lack of creativity; “Graduation” defies both, proving to fans that Mr. West still has the ability to make hits and keep us listening.

The Good:
-Kanye’s lyrical abilities continue to improve.
-Heavy in synthesizers, the beats give a mellow, laid-back feel. There are also plenty of samples in his classic style.
-Unlike other albums, “Graduation” has no skits and is a solid 51 minutes of music.

The Not-So-Good:
-Besides Stronger, nothing jumps out at first. The album takes a few listens to adjust to.
-One of the best parts of past albums were exceptional guest verses from artists like Jay-Z, Twista, and Lupe Fiasco. “Graduation” contains only two, including a weak effort from Lil’ Wayne.

Best Tracks:
Stronger, Can’t Tell Me Nothing, Good Life, Homecoming

Final Rating: 8 out of 10

Student praises Jon McLaughlin album

By Rachel Elbert
Cardinal Staff

On the brink of stardom, Jon McLaughlin released his album “Indiana” in early 2007. The album title pays a special tribute to his hometown of Anderson, Indiana.

Growing up as a pianist, songwriter, and singer, McLaughlin was influenced by Ben Folds, Billy Joel, and Elton John.
Read more... The influence of these people and his passion are evident in his music.

The album equally mixes upbeat tunes with mellow/relaxing tunes, providing a great listening variety on the album.

The album starts off with the song “Industry,” which has a jazzy tune hidden under the pop feel.

McLaughlin’s music has recently been appearing in movies, such as Disney’s “Enchanted” and “Bridge to Terabithia.” Last month, he made an appearance on the Today Show, performing his current number-one hit, “Beautiful Disaster.” Currently on a nationwide tour, he will be appearing in the Midwest on Sept. 29 and 30 in Illinois and Iowa, respectively. He will also be performing in the Twin Cities on Nov. 2 at the State Theatre.

For more information on tour dates: www.myspace.com/jonmclaughlin.

'Nature' and 'Interstices' show artists' skill

By Lauren Rothering
Cardinal Staff

Rarely does one find a ceremonial robe standing in front of a speeding train.

But until Oct. 5 at Saint Mary’s University’s Lillian Davis Hogan Galleries, you can see these and a variety of other unique art pieces on display during the showing of “Images of Nature” and “Interstices,” featuring artists Carol Faber and SMU’s Director of Web Communications, Monta May.
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Faber, assistant professor of art and design at Iowa State University, considers her artwork a representation of “how [she] perceives the world,” her emotional response to personal and global events.


One particular personal tragedy served as strong inspiration for a majority of this collection: the accidental death of her beloved horse Ruby. With pieces such as “Ruby” and “Above the Ice” featuring digital mixed media images of animal bones, grass, and horse hair, Faber is able to connect her audience with the reality of who Ruby once was.

As much as Faber’s pieces focus on the connection between personal emotion and reality, May’s collection serves to blur the distinctions between craftsmanship and art, ancient methods, and current techniques.


An accomplished painter, sculptor, and photographer, May uses a variety of textured supplies: fabrics, metals, beeswax, ink, clay, glass, and paper. She re-creates distinctly historical pieces with an obvious modern flair. May admits that she is “intrigued by process,” and this fascination is displayed though the incredibly intricate processes of knotting and stitching evident in much of her artwork as well as the amazingly fluid, connected quality that it seems to retain.

In addition to textiles, May is also skilled in encaustic painting, a type of artwork. Dating back almost 2000 years, encaustic painting involves melting beeswax and resin until it becomes molten, and then applying them to various surfaces, fusing them to create an enamel effect. May’s “Apocalypse” and “From the Beginning,” along with multiple others, were created using this method.

The exhibit is free and open to the public daily from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. For more information, call the gallery at ext. 1652.

Fall Fashion: Tips to stay up on trends

By Becky Newby
Arts and Entertainment Editor

In the past, wearing summer clothes after Labor Day was a sin, but according to InStyle magazine, making a few changes to your summer wardrobe is the latest trend in fall fashion.
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InStyle’s national correspondent Katrina Szish suggests taking warmer-weather clothes and layering them with different textures appropriate for the cool weather.

Dawn Yanek of Life & Style Weekly said, “You don’t need to spend a ton of money to look amazing and trendy for the fall. With a few smart purchases, you can easily update your current wardrobe for fall 2007.”

Tip 1: Summer Update
Girls, don’t ditch those summer dresses. Just replace your sandals with pumps and add a cashmere argyle hoodie or a chunky knit cardigan. InStyle also said to keep those summer shorts handy. Just trade the tank-top for a button down blouse and a skinny belt. Boys will need to replace shorts with pinstriped trousers or jeans and throw a sweater over that t-shirt.

Tip 2: The Preppy Look
According to Yanek, the “preppy” look is back. Boys, toss out those chunky backpacks and replace them with a sleek messenger bag. Sweater vests are also in style for men this fall. Wear them over a plain t-shirt to look both classy and casual. Two-toned cables, loose knits, and simple combed scarves will also add character and class to your wardrobe. Girls, according to InStyle magazine, oxford heels along with a schoolboy jacket are a must.


Tip 3: Return to ‘80s Style
A lot of the ‘80s-inspired looks for men and women are being showcased as well. Purple has become the new black, especially on men. If you’re feeling daring, men, a light lavender palette will not only make a statement, but look great as well. And according to GQ magazine, you should kiss those bootleg jeans goodbye and say hello to straight legs and tapered jeans. Girls, try adding patent leather to your accessories in bold, bright colors. Remember, patent leather is easy to over-do; one or two items is enough.

Tip 4: Accessories
Girls, hang on to your blacks this fall. Szish suggests pairing black clothing with metallic accessories, such as a silver clutch and high heel. If you’re not into wearing heels, ankle boots are still going strong this year, said InStyle. Boys, colorful sneakers will add style to any pair of jeans.

Russian pianist provides musical interlude

By Karina Rajtar
Cardinal Staff

Classical music lovers got a special treat on Sunday, Sept. 16. When the music department sponsored a free concert featuring Russian pianist Svetlana Belsky.

During the nearly two-hour performance, Belsky demonstrated musical versatility and a passion for her work that captured the audience.
Read more... She clearly enjoyed herself as she proceeded through a carefully-chosen program highlighting the works of Johannes Brahms, Robert Schumann, Jacques Duphly, Ludwig von Beethoven, and Frederic Chopin. The consideration and thought she put into the recital was evident in the detailed explanations of each piece and its composer.

Belsky’s entrance into Figliulo Recital Hall was a quiet and modest one. She walked straight to the piano and began to playing Brahms’s “Three Intermezzi, Op. 117.” The piece was slow and, although beautifully played, did little to spark initial interest in the program. The next three songs were more upbeat and exciting, and it became increasingly easy to lose oneself in the music and the stories behind it. Even Belsky appeared deeply lost in what she was doing.

She finished with Chopin’s “Nocturne in C sharp minor, Op. 27 No. 1” and was met with appreciative applause and a curtain call. Altogether, the concert was a pleasant and peaceful break from the pressures of the new school year.

SMU staff of the month: Sheri Hemmelman

By Laura Flicek
Cardinal Staff

Service with a smile? Always! Sheri Hemmelman has been selected by the Cardinal staff as the Saint Mary’s University staff member of the month. Hemmelman has worked at and managed the Cotter Café (located on the third floor of Saint Mary’s Hall, formerly known as “Main Street Café”) for five years.
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From St. Charles, Minn., Hemmelman has two daughters, Holly and Staci. Holly lives in Chicago and has a 6-year old daughter named Madison, and Staci lives in Winona and has a one-month old baby girl named Alyia. Hemmelman loves spending time with her family and telling stories about her grandchildren.

What exactly does Hemmelman enjoy most about working at the Cotter Café? Her favorite part about working and being a part of the Saint Mary’s community is truly the students. She loves having the opportunity to meet the new students and also to converse with the returning upperclassmen. She will greet all, often by name, with a smile. Working at the Cotter Café is also a great way to get to know the faculty who come in every morning for refill after refill of coffee.

Hemmelman’s favorite menu item at the café is any of the new Panini sandwiches, which are prepared fresh and grilled to order. A student favorite is the “Chicken Caesar Melt” Panini, which includes a variety of cheeses, grilled chicken, and Caesar dressing, piled high and toasted to perfection. Hemmelman is a wonderful person to get to know, but she does have one pet peeve: when people leave the chairs pulled out from the tables.

Cotter Café is open weekdays from 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Breakfast items are available in the mornings and include the Early Riser hot breakfast sandwich and an assortment of muffins, doughnuts, cereal, fruit, and pastries. Later in the morning, the lunch menu is offered and includes soups, cold sandwiches, and Paninis. New students should especially take time to check out Cotter Café, as it is arguably the best food on campus and provides a great alternative to the cafeteria or Cardinal Club menu. So drop by to say “hi” to Sheri- but remember to push your chair in when you leave!

A great deal at the 'Great Hunan'

By Becky Newby
Arts and Entertainment Editor

Nestled between a sandwich shop and a bar on Third Street, Great Hunan’s front door is easy to miss. But don’t let the humble appearance keep you away.
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Once you find the door, you enter a cozy space with a coffee-shop-meets-Chinese-restaurant atmosphere. Cafeteria tables, dim lighting, Chinese-inspired artwork and a large fish tank decorate the one-room eating establishment.

While the ambiance may not impress you, the food, price, and portion size will. On a recent visit to Great Hunan’s, I ordered the Cashew Shrimp dish lunch special. Along with authentic egg drop soup, egg roll and drink, the price tag was a mere $6.25. Despite the reasonable price and the food’s pleasing taste, they didn’t skimp on the portion size or the service. The moment I finished my soup, the entrée was on its way to my table, and I even filled two take-out boxes with leftovers for later.

Specializing in Chinese food to eat-in or carry-out, the Great Hunan is open seven days-a-week. It is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday and stays open a half hour later on Friday and Saturday, but closes at 8 p.m. on Sunday. All meals include a choice of soup; egg roll, chicken wings, or crab rangoon; and a beverage. Lunch specials, available from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., are $6.25. Dinner specials, available from 3:30 p.m. to close, cost $7.98. Delivery is free with a $30 order.

Located at 111 W. Third Street, Winona
507-452-1559

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