Compiled by Karina Rajtar
Cardinal Staff
The following are biographies and words of wisdom from the ten Outstanding Senior finalists of 2008.
Read more...
Kevin James Black
Hometown: Mahtomedi, MN
Major: Accounting (Minor: Economics)
Plans after graduation: On September 2, 2008 I will be starting a new job as an auditor for Deloitte Touche, an accounting firm based out of Minneapolis. Until then, I will be taking classes and studying to pass the Certified Public Accountants (CPA) exam. This summer I will also be helping coach the Mahtomedi American Legion Baseball team, and training to possibly run in the Grandma's Marathon.
Advice for underclassmen: The only advice I can think of for underclassmen is to enjoy your college experience and understand how privileged you are to attend an institution like St. Mary's University. Get involved around campus, take the initiative to motivate others, and welcome the opportunity to meet new people. College is the best four years of your life, so enjoy it to the fullest because it goes by way too fast.
Jeff David
Hometown: Potosi, WI
Major: Music
Plans after graduation: Enroll in a graduate program and get my
teaching license.
Advice for underclassmen: Enjoy college. Four years may seem long, but it's not.
Lindsay Dickson
Hometown: Brooklyn Park, MN
Major: Social Science with a Public Relations minor
Plans after graduation: I'm actively searching for communications and public relations jobs in the Twin Cities and Rochester areas. I hope to eventually work for a non-profit organization doing event planning. I would also love to spend more time traveling in Europe.
Advice for underclassmen: Get involved but keep a balance between activities, friends, homework, and time for yourself. I'd also recommend getting to know different faculty and staff around campus; some of my strongest Saint Mary's friendships have been with staff members.
Michael Alexander Downes-Borowski the 1st.
Hometown: Woodbury, MN
Major: Music Industry
Plans after graduation: Volunteering and finding Truth.
Advice for underclassmen: Make mistakes and learn from them. Following your heart and its passions is the juice that is always worth the squeeze.
John Freeman
Hometown: Aurora, IL
Major: Environmental Biology
Plans after graduation: Find an internship or a job to gain some experience in my field.
Advice for underclassmen: Treat everyone with respect, regardless of how they treat you because you will be spending the next four years of your life with them and you will need to interact with them many more times in the future.
Laura Holupchinski
Hometown: St. Paul, MN
Major: Social science education
Plans after graduation: I have 1 year left here, then I hope to volunteer or begin teaching.
Advice for underclassmen: Be open to receiving all of the gifts being offered to you here...receive with joy and gratitude and don't be afraid.
Amy Kalina
Hometown: Webster, MN
Major: Public Relations; Minors: Spanish, Psychology
Plans after graduation: I hope to participate in the Lasallian Volunteer program or another long-term volunteer opportunity.
Advice for underclassmen: Take advantage of all of the opportunities available at Saint Mary's, particularly those outside of your major. After college, it will be so much harder to be involved with music or theatre or the newspaper if it isn't your career choice. Now is the time to explore your hidden passions; leave college without any regrets.
Rick McCoy
Hometown: West St Paul, MN
Major: Business Management: Human resources (psych/music minors)
Plans after graduation: Working in a twin cities firm in the human resources department.
Advice for underclassmen: If you don't like the way that things are going, get involved and change the process. Any one person can change how any group operates, it just takes motivation to recognize and fix the problem.
Kasey Schultz
Hometown: Cary, IL
Major: Psychology
Plans after graduation: I will be attending graduate school, where I will be pursuing a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology.
Advice for underclassmen: Take advantage of what this campus has to offer while you are still here: the bluffs, the people, the clubs and organizations. During the second semester of your senior year, you don't want to look back and wonder what you did with the past four years. Also, you can never judge a book by its cover, especially in the cafeteria, and ranch dressing goes great with everything.
Anastacia Louise Sontag...or just Ana Sontag!
Hometown: Minneota, MN
Major: Marketing major & Chemistry minor
Plans after graduation: Become a long-term volunteer! Hopefully become an after-school tutor for junior high and high school students.
Advice for underclassmen: Don't be afraid to stay up late doing absolutely nothing with a close friend...and when you buy tuna in a can, never buy tuna in oil, only buy tuna in water (tuna in oil is nasty).
Friday, February 29, 2008
Memorial redesign addresses concerns
By Amy Kalina
Managing Editor
A new design was announced for a Veterans Memorial project planned for the Saint Mary’s University Winona campus, in response to student, faculty and community concern over the memorial’s intent and overall message.
Read more...
The memorial, a project conceived and proposed by the Alumni Association Board of Directors, was a recent topic of concern and discussion among Saint Mary’s community members. A forum was held on Jan. 29 as an opportunity for any students, faculty or staff to make comments or ask questions about the project.
The concerns voiced at the forum, along with comments posted on a “Saint Mary’s University Voices on the Veterans Memorial” blog dedicated to discussing the memorial, were considered at the meeting of the Saint Mary’s University Board of Trustees as well as the Alumni Board of Directors meeting on Feb. 9.
In an email addressed to Saint Mary’s faculty, staff and students on Feb. 12, Board of Trustees Chairman Michael Meagher and Chancellor Brother Louis DeThomasis announced the board’s recommendation for a redesign of the memorial “that is appropriate and complementary to the campus of a Catholic, Lasallian university.”
The new design was made available for viewing on the university website on Feb. 18. The design by Preston Lawing, chairman of the SMU art department, will feature a large glass monument at the memorial’s center, etched with an olive branch and bearing the words “Peace Through Service.” At night, the glass will glow with soft interior lighting, which will project up from the base.
This monument, which addresses a major concern from community members over whether the former design glorified war and the military, will be joined by five pedestals within the semi-circular construction, the first of which will hold a plaque outlining the memorial’s dedication and a statement of intention. Another pedestal will bear the names of the alumni veterans of the five branches of the military who died in service. A pedestal recognizing the 1940s V-12 program, a Navy officer training program on campus during World War II, will also be incorporated, along with a pedestal commemorating the Ditter and Rooney barracks, on-campus residences named after Saint Mary’s alums, which housed veterans upon their return from the war.
A final pedestal is proposed to address the memorial’s intent, specifically at a Catholic, Lasallian institution. This pedestal could cite Catholic doctrine regarding military service, bearing words from the Catechism of the Catholic Church:
“Those who are sworn to serve their country in the armed forces are servants of the security and freedom of nations. If they carry out their duty honorably, they truly contribute to the common good of the nation and the maintenance of peace” (Catechism of the Catholic Church 2310).
According to the university website, the Veterans Memorial will “stress the relationship of peace through service to our country.”
Both the Board of Trustees and the Alumni Board of Directors also indicated support for scholarship aid for veterans and their families, and both boards will discuss the topic at future meetings, according to the Feb. 12 email.
Meg Richtman, director of alumni relations and university liaison to the Alumni Association, said the Alumni Association was receptive to the concerns from the Saint Mary’s community as well as to the redesign.
“Their comments have been very positive, both to the overall design as well as to the fact that the goal of the memorial did not change,” said Richtman. “This project is something they are excited to see coming to fruition after dedicating so much time and effort to it in the past three years.”
Richtman said the Alumni Association hopes the new design will help unify community feelings over the project.
“I hope that the changes help faculty, staff, students and alumni to support—or at least feel good about—the project as it moves forward,” said Richtman, noting her appreciation for Lawing’s redesign. “It is very open and inviting, a very appropriate and respectful area for us to pay tribute and reflect.”
Some students, however, were disappointed in the new design’s quick turnaround. According to senior Glenna Krzyzanowski, who had been active in raising awareness about the memorial on campus, the overall mission of the student group was to request a moratorium in order for the entire Saint Mary’s to address concerns together.
“I am disappointed that the process of a closed conversation regarding design development was duplicated,” said Krzyzanowski. “I had hoped that our community could gather together to collaborate and exchange ideas about how to best represent lives of service.”
Though the Board of Trustees tried to address the community’s concerns in reviewing and redesigning the memorial, it also acknowledged the fact that complete satisfaction among community members would be an impractical goal.
“We are realistic and fully realize that no decision will be totally agreeable to all of the community,” Meagher and Brother Louis wrote in the Feb. 12 email. “However, we are confident that most will be understanding of a memorial to Saint Mary’s veterans, with an appreciation of our history, and with service and peace as key messages.”
Regardless of her disappointment in the outcome of her efforts, Krzyzanowski said she appreciated the forum as an occasion for open discussion.
“The forum allowed a limited number of people to express their concerns or ideas, though it did serve to provide an opportunity for many different people of the community to come together and practice respectful dialogue,” said Krzyzanowski. “I was very thankful for the chance to speak before the Board of Trustees, and especially grateful that they accepted the idea of a redesign.”
As the project moves forward, Richtman said she is also appreciative of the discussions that have taken place regarding the memorial and the student interest invested in the project.
“Students need to and should feel connected to this university,” said Richtman. “I’m glad they’ve had opportunities to voice their questions or concerns.”
Richtman said the inspiration for a memorial to alumni veterans comes from important historical events at Saint Mary’s. According to the university website, 1,440 Saint Mary’s alumni and students served in World War II, and 32 Saint Mary’s students and alumni had died in service by the end of 1945. Many more have served and sacrificed in the years since.
Groundbreaking for the memorial, which will be located just east of Fitzgerald Library and north of Gostomski Fieldhouse, will be in spring 2008, with a dedication scheduled for Homecoming 2008, June 13-15.
Managing Editor
A new design was announced for a Veterans Memorial project planned for the Saint Mary’s University Winona campus, in response to student, faculty and community concern over the memorial’s intent and overall message.
Read more...
The memorial, a project conceived and proposed by the Alumni Association Board of Directors, was a recent topic of concern and discussion among Saint Mary’s community members. A forum was held on Jan. 29 as an opportunity for any students, faculty or staff to make comments or ask questions about the project.
The concerns voiced at the forum, along with comments posted on a “Saint Mary’s University Voices on the Veterans Memorial” blog dedicated to discussing the memorial, were considered at the meeting of the Saint Mary’s University Board of Trustees as well as the Alumni Board of Directors meeting on Feb. 9.
In an email addressed to Saint Mary’s faculty, staff and students on Feb. 12, Board of Trustees Chairman Michael Meagher and Chancellor Brother Louis DeThomasis announced the board’s recommendation for a redesign of the memorial “that is appropriate and complementary to the campus of a Catholic, Lasallian university.”
The new design was made available for viewing on the university website on Feb. 18. The design by Preston Lawing, chairman of the SMU art department, will feature a large glass monument at the memorial’s center, etched with an olive branch and bearing the words “Peace Through Service.” At night, the glass will glow with soft interior lighting, which will project up from the base.
This monument, which addresses a major concern from community members over whether the former design glorified war and the military, will be joined by five pedestals within the semi-circular construction, the first of which will hold a plaque outlining the memorial’s dedication and a statement of intention. Another pedestal will bear the names of the alumni veterans of the five branches of the military who died in service. A pedestal recognizing the 1940s V-12 program, a Navy officer training program on campus during World War II, will also be incorporated, along with a pedestal commemorating the Ditter and Rooney barracks, on-campus residences named after Saint Mary’s alums, which housed veterans upon their return from the war.
A final pedestal is proposed to address the memorial’s intent, specifically at a Catholic, Lasallian institution. This pedestal could cite Catholic doctrine regarding military service, bearing words from the Catechism of the Catholic Church:
“Those who are sworn to serve their country in the armed forces are servants of the security and freedom of nations. If they carry out their duty honorably, they truly contribute to the common good of the nation and the maintenance of peace” (Catechism of the Catholic Church 2310).
According to the university website, the Veterans Memorial will “stress the relationship of peace through service to our country.”
Both the Board of Trustees and the Alumni Board of Directors also indicated support for scholarship aid for veterans and their families, and both boards will discuss the topic at future meetings, according to the Feb. 12 email.
Meg Richtman, director of alumni relations and university liaison to the Alumni Association, said the Alumni Association was receptive to the concerns from the Saint Mary’s community as well as to the redesign.
“Their comments have been very positive, both to the overall design as well as to the fact that the goal of the memorial did not change,” said Richtman. “This project is something they are excited to see coming to fruition after dedicating so much time and effort to it in the past three years.”
Richtman said the Alumni Association hopes the new design will help unify community feelings over the project.
“I hope that the changes help faculty, staff, students and alumni to support—or at least feel good about—the project as it moves forward,” said Richtman, noting her appreciation for Lawing’s redesign. “It is very open and inviting, a very appropriate and respectful area for us to pay tribute and reflect.”
Some students, however, were disappointed in the new design’s quick turnaround. According to senior Glenna Krzyzanowski, who had been active in raising awareness about the memorial on campus, the overall mission of the student group was to request a moratorium in order for the entire Saint Mary’s to address concerns together.
“I am disappointed that the process of a closed conversation regarding design development was duplicated,” said Krzyzanowski. “I had hoped that our community could gather together to collaborate and exchange ideas about how to best represent lives of service.”
Though the Board of Trustees tried to address the community’s concerns in reviewing and redesigning the memorial, it also acknowledged the fact that complete satisfaction among community members would be an impractical goal.
“We are realistic and fully realize that no decision will be totally agreeable to all of the community,” Meagher and Brother Louis wrote in the Feb. 12 email. “However, we are confident that most will be understanding of a memorial to Saint Mary’s veterans, with an appreciation of our history, and with service and peace as key messages.”
Regardless of her disappointment in the outcome of her efforts, Krzyzanowski said she appreciated the forum as an occasion for open discussion.
“The forum allowed a limited number of people to express their concerns or ideas, though it did serve to provide an opportunity for many different people of the community to come together and practice respectful dialogue,” said Krzyzanowski. “I was very thankful for the chance to speak before the Board of Trustees, and especially grateful that they accepted the idea of a redesign.”
As the project moves forward, Richtman said she is also appreciative of the discussions that have taken place regarding the memorial and the student interest invested in the project.
“Students need to and should feel connected to this university,” said Richtman. “I’m glad they’ve had opportunities to voice their questions or concerns.”
Richtman said the inspiration for a memorial to alumni veterans comes from important historical events at Saint Mary’s. According to the university website, 1,440 Saint Mary’s alumni and students served in World War II, and 32 Saint Mary’s students and alumni had died in service by the end of 1945. Many more have served and sacrificed in the years since.
Groundbreaking for the memorial, which will be located just east of Fitzgerald Library and north of Gostomski Fieldhouse, will be in spring 2008, with a dedication scheduled for Homecoming 2008, June 13-15.
Budget season begins, senate to decide
By Sean O’Brien
News Editor
The middle of the semester not only marks the time for warm weather to begin coming back, but it also means budget season for student senators and club presidents.
Read more...
Every year clubs have to submit a budget to the student senate so they may allocate the next years’ funds appropriately. Club budgets range from $100 to $70,000, making this a heavy load for not only the club leaders but for senate and its finance committee as well. Club leaders are expected to budget the cost of any trips, events, or other club necessities for the next school year.
These budgets are then submitted to the student senate finance committee, headed by senior Rick McCoy, vice president for financial affairs. “The finance committee reviews all the budgets that are submitted and tries to make adjustments with the club leaders if they need help,” said McCoy. “It’s a lot of work doing a budget.”
After adjusting the budgets, the finance committee submits them to the student senate. The senate then deliberates over budgets from every club on campus, beginning with the smallest budget.
The budgets are arranged in ‘brackets,’ one through four. The bracketing system is set up so that clubs in specific budget ranges are allowed to make increases to their budgets from the previous year by a certain percentage. These percentages become smaller as the size of the club’s budget increases, thus capping the amount a budget can be increased. With the bracketing system, senate can predict how much money is going to be requested by and available for all clubs on campus.
The system also rewards clubs for fundraising, allowing them to increase their budget by five percent if they fundraise the equivalent of five percent of their previous year’s budget.
“This system makes everything more manageable for us, inspires clubs to more proactive in their fundraising efforts, and also makes sure that clubs know roughly how much money to expect for a budget increase,” said McCoy.
Students are encouraged to contact Rick McCoy at rrmcco04@smumn.edu as soon as possible if they need help with their budget or need more information on the budget process.
News Editor
The middle of the semester not only marks the time for warm weather to begin coming back, but it also means budget season for student senators and club presidents.
Read more...
Every year clubs have to submit a budget to the student senate so they may allocate the next years’ funds appropriately. Club budgets range from $100 to $70,000, making this a heavy load for not only the club leaders but for senate and its finance committee as well. Club leaders are expected to budget the cost of any trips, events, or other club necessities for the next school year.
These budgets are then submitted to the student senate finance committee, headed by senior Rick McCoy, vice president for financial affairs. “The finance committee reviews all the budgets that are submitted and tries to make adjustments with the club leaders if they need help,” said McCoy. “It’s a lot of work doing a budget.”
After adjusting the budgets, the finance committee submits them to the student senate. The senate then deliberates over budgets from every club on campus, beginning with the smallest budget.
The budgets are arranged in ‘brackets,’ one through four. The bracketing system is set up so that clubs in specific budget ranges are allowed to make increases to their budgets from the previous year by a certain percentage. These percentages become smaller as the size of the club’s budget increases, thus capping the amount a budget can be increased. With the bracketing system, senate can predict how much money is going to be requested by and available for all clubs on campus.
The system also rewards clubs for fundraising, allowing them to increase their budget by five percent if they fundraise the equivalent of five percent of their previous year’s budget.
“This system makes everything more manageable for us, inspires clubs to more proactive in their fundraising efforts, and also makes sure that clubs know roughly how much money to expect for a budget increase,” said McCoy.
Students are encouraged to contact Rick McCoy at rrmcco04@smumn.edu as soon as possible if they need help with their budget or need more information on the budget process.
SMU heads to sweet home Chicago
By Lindsay Dickson
Editor-in-Chief
Over 120 Saint Mary’s University students, staff and faculty loaded busses this morning, red and white apparel packed in their suitcases, ready to share SMU with alumni, parents and prospective students. Their destination? Chicago.
Read more...
This weekend marks the third “SMU Convention – Chicago,” an event that showcases SMU and provides an opportunity for alumni to reconnect with the university. “To do this, we need the help of many faculty, staff and students so when our guests come to the event, they can visit academic departments, admissions/financial aid, student organizations, athletics and more,” said Director of Alumni Relations and convention coordinator Meg Richtman. “Having them in person, doing what they are so great at, is what makes this event a success.”
The convention features two major events – an alumni reception tonight and exhibitor booths and breakout sessions on Saturday. A keynote address will also be given by John McDonough,president of the Chicago Blackhawks, who is a 1975 SMU alumnus.
Richtman explained that the three main goals of the event include increased student recruitment efforts in the Chicagoland area; interactions among current students, alumni, and faculty and staff; and general visibility of the university in the Chicago area. “We host many alumni events in Chicago, but this one is the most attended for that simple chance to see so many faces of SMU,” said Richtman.
One of the major reasons that 120 people from SMU are attending is the importance of connections.
“These connections can go so far in attracting students to attend SMU and reconnecting and updating our alumni and friends on the wonderful happenings at their alma mater,” said Richtman.
Senior Rick McCoy, who attended the 2006 Chicago Convention, hopes to “figure out some of the things that [alumni] have done during their time and their memories of the university.” McCoy hopes to be able to mirror some of these stories with his own experiences.
Current students attending the convention will be participating in trivia games, photo opportunities with the mascot, an “Ask a Student” booth, breakout sessions like “A YouTube View of SMU,” and other organization and departmental booths. McCoy will be working the Phi Mu Alpha booth as well as performing in the Oldie Moldie All-Stars during Saturday’s luncheon.
Richtman said that participating in the convention helps current students further embrace the larger SMU community and shows pride in their future alma mater.
“Many have attended this event and come back to campus with some new knowledge about SMU and a rejuvenated spirit,” said Richtman.
Editor-in-Chief
Over 120 Saint Mary’s University students, staff and faculty loaded busses this morning, red and white apparel packed in their suitcases, ready to share SMU with alumni, parents and prospective students. Their destination? Chicago.
Read more...
This weekend marks the third “SMU Convention – Chicago,” an event that showcases SMU and provides an opportunity for alumni to reconnect with the university. “To do this, we need the help of many faculty, staff and students so when our guests come to the event, they can visit academic departments, admissions/financial aid, student organizations, athletics and more,” said Director of Alumni Relations and convention coordinator Meg Richtman. “Having them in person, doing what they are so great at, is what makes this event a success.”
The convention features two major events – an alumni reception tonight and exhibitor booths and breakout sessions on Saturday. A keynote address will also be given by John McDonough,president of the Chicago Blackhawks, who is a 1975 SMU alumnus.
Richtman explained that the three main goals of the event include increased student recruitment efforts in the Chicagoland area; interactions among current students, alumni, and faculty and staff; and general visibility of the university in the Chicago area. “We host many alumni events in Chicago, but this one is the most attended for that simple chance to see so many faces of SMU,” said Richtman.
One of the major reasons that 120 people from SMU are attending is the importance of connections.
“These connections can go so far in attracting students to attend SMU and reconnecting and updating our alumni and friends on the wonderful happenings at their alma mater,” said Richtman.
Senior Rick McCoy, who attended the 2006 Chicago Convention, hopes to “figure out some of the things that [alumni] have done during their time and their memories of the university.” McCoy hopes to be able to mirror some of these stories with his own experiences.
Current students attending the convention will be participating in trivia games, photo opportunities with the mascot, an “Ask a Student” booth, breakout sessions like “A YouTube View of SMU,” and other organization and departmental booths. McCoy will be working the Phi Mu Alpha booth as well as performing in the Oldie Moldie All-Stars during Saturday’s luncheon.
Richtman said that participating in the convention helps current students further embrace the larger SMU community and shows pride in their future alma mater.
“Many have attended this event and come back to campus with some new knowledge about SMU and a rejuvenated spirit,” said Richtman.
Catholic Youth Camp seeks counselors
By Laura Andrews
Cardinal Staff
Catholic Youth Camp, Minnesota’s only full-season Catholic camp, is hiring camp counselors for the summer.
Read more...
Located on Big Sandy Lake in McGregor, Minn., CYC hires counselors to work in pairs, each pair assigned to a cabin of 12-14 girls or boys ranging from first-grade to 12th-grade. Counselors lead campers through daily activities, including arts and crafts, archery, games, skits, canoeing, fishing, swimming and tubing.
All camp counselors must go through a full week of training before campers arrive. Counselors must be at least 19 years old and be first-aid and CPR certified before beginning their training.
Natalie King, program director of CYC, invites all, Catholic and non-Catholic, to apply, stressing that “everyone is welcome at CYC.”
King, who graduated from Saint Mary’s University in 2004 with a political science degree, said, “I know what it feels like to be in college and to be thinking, ‘What am I going to do with my life’?”
King said that “working at CYC will teach you about yourself and help you figure out what makes you happy.”
CYC applications are available online at www.cycamp.org. Any questions can be emailed to
natalie@cycamp.org.
Cardinal Staff
Catholic Youth Camp, Minnesota’s only full-season Catholic camp, is hiring camp counselors for the summer.
Read more...
Located on Big Sandy Lake in McGregor, Minn., CYC hires counselors to work in pairs, each pair assigned to a cabin of 12-14 girls or boys ranging from first-grade to 12th-grade. Counselors lead campers through daily activities, including arts and crafts, archery, games, skits, canoeing, fishing, swimming and tubing.
All camp counselors must go through a full week of training before campers arrive. Counselors must be at least 19 years old and be first-aid and CPR certified before beginning their training.
Natalie King, program director of CYC, invites all, Catholic and non-Catholic, to apply, stressing that “everyone is welcome at CYC.”
King, who graduated from Saint Mary’s University in 2004 with a political science degree, said, “I know what it feels like to be in college and to be thinking, ‘What am I going to do with my life’?”
King said that “working at CYC will teach you about yourself and help you figure out what makes you happy.”
CYC applications are available online at www.cycamp.org. Any questions can be emailed to
natalie@cycamp.org.
Attendance: Should students be punished?
By Sean O’Brien
News Editor
“What’s the attendance policy for this class?” We’ve all heard this question, and it’s one that is on the mind of most of the student body here at Saint Mary’s University.
Read more... The official student handbook policy says “students must consult the course syllabus for the specific attendance policy of each course.” This means that every single class has a different attendance policy, and while some professors go the lenient route, there are many who take away points or even a full letter grade every time students miss class.
While I respect that professors here have a job to do, and they can’t do it without people in the class, I believe there has to be a change to this policy.
The rationale behind an attendance policy is that without it students will not come to class and that every class period students miss equals educational hours they have to make up. Professors believe it is ‘unfair’ for one student to go to class every day and get a B, while another student misses 7 times and also gets a B. To this I would say, life isn’t fair. To think that every student has the same learning rate is foolish. Some people need more time in class, and some need less.
Attendance policies might have worked in high school, especially with the fact half the people didn’t really want to be there. College, on the other hand, is a different animal altogether; we choose to come here, we want to learn, and we are adults that have lives outside of classes that can sometimes take us away from class. When I make a decision to not go to a class, I am well aware of the repercussions of this decision: I have to study more to make up for what I missed, and I have to get notes from someone who was in class. This seems to be ‘punishment’ enough.
By not going to the class, I have basically given myself more work to do, and as an adult that is a consequence I will have to live with or my option is to go to class more. Instead though, if a student misses a class at SMU, not only do they have more work to do, but in most cases they are going to lose points towards their academic grade for something that has nothing to do with academics at all.
I want to be graded based purely on my academic performance. It seems ridiculous to me to drop a grade that says “this is how well the student understood this material” from an acceptable B to an unacceptable C because of how often that student was sitting in a room.
My solution is simply this: instead of trying to make students come to class by holding a punishment over their heads, why not re-evaluate the methods of teaching. To use a favorite quote from one of the faculty here, I believe we should “meet the students where they are.” Instead of making a student come to class because they fear losing points, how we should inspire students to want to come by engaging them and offering more than 50 minutes of listening to a professor talk. There are plenty of professors on campus who do engage their students, and I go to their classes not because I fear losing points, but because when I go to class, I am actively participating in the learning process instead of sitting like a drone and listening to a lecture. The university may say it’s our responsibility to make sure students succeed here by doing well in classes, so that means they have to attend class. I would say that we are adults, and while it is appreciated that the school cares, why not let us, like adults, make our own decisions and deal with the consequences of them. I know of no better way to learn in life than by making a mistake and learning a lesson from it. If I make the mistake of not going to a class enough and I end up being unable to understand the material well enough, that will teach me to go to class a lot better than simply if a teacher drops my grade at the end of a semester to something less than what is academically deserved. I love this school, and I honestly think you would be hard pressed to find a more devoted and dedicated faculty and administration, but I ask that the university let us learn the hard way and make decisions for ourselves.
News Editor
“What’s the attendance policy for this class?” We’ve all heard this question, and it’s one that is on the mind of most of the student body here at Saint Mary’s University.
Read more... The official student handbook policy says “students must consult the course syllabus for the specific attendance policy of each course.” This means that every single class has a different attendance policy, and while some professors go the lenient route, there are many who take away points or even a full letter grade every time students miss class.
While I respect that professors here have a job to do, and they can’t do it without people in the class, I believe there has to be a change to this policy.
The rationale behind an attendance policy is that without it students will not come to class and that every class period students miss equals educational hours they have to make up. Professors believe it is ‘unfair’ for one student to go to class every day and get a B, while another student misses 7 times and also gets a B. To this I would say, life isn’t fair. To think that every student has the same learning rate is foolish. Some people need more time in class, and some need less.
Attendance policies might have worked in high school, especially with the fact half the people didn’t really want to be there. College, on the other hand, is a different animal altogether; we choose to come here, we want to learn, and we are adults that have lives outside of classes that can sometimes take us away from class. When I make a decision to not go to a class, I am well aware of the repercussions of this decision: I have to study more to make up for what I missed, and I have to get notes from someone who was in class. This seems to be ‘punishment’ enough.
By not going to the class, I have basically given myself more work to do, and as an adult that is a consequence I will have to live with or my option is to go to class more. Instead though, if a student misses a class at SMU, not only do they have more work to do, but in most cases they are going to lose points towards their academic grade for something that has nothing to do with academics at all.
I want to be graded based purely on my academic performance. It seems ridiculous to me to drop a grade that says “this is how well the student understood this material” from an acceptable B to an unacceptable C because of how often that student was sitting in a room.
My solution is simply this: instead of trying to make students come to class by holding a punishment over their heads, why not re-evaluate the methods of teaching. To use a favorite quote from one of the faculty here, I believe we should “meet the students where they are.” Instead of making a student come to class because they fear losing points, how we should inspire students to want to come by engaging them and offering more than 50 minutes of listening to a professor talk. There are plenty of professors on campus who do engage their students, and I go to their classes not because I fear losing points, but because when I go to class, I am actively participating in the learning process instead of sitting like a drone and listening to a lecture. The university may say it’s our responsibility to make sure students succeed here by doing well in classes, so that means they have to attend class. I would say that we are adults, and while it is appreciated that the school cares, why not let us, like adults, make our own decisions and deal with the consequences of them. I know of no better way to learn in life than by making a mistake and learning a lesson from it. If I make the mistake of not going to a class enough and I end up being unable to understand the material well enough, that will teach me to go to class a lot better than simply if a teacher drops my grade at the end of a semester to something less than what is academically deserved. I love this school, and I honestly think you would be hard pressed to find a more devoted and dedicated faculty and administration, but I ask that the university let us learn the hard way and make decisions for ourselves.
Approaching the job search
By Alli Hill
Cardinal Staff
As we are entering our last couple of months as seniors, it seems that the time has come to start looking for jobs, and here are some places to start your search.
Read more...
If you are looking for jobs in the Twin Cities, the first option is to check out the St. Thomas Job/Internship website. It has been very helpful in leading me to some suitable options. The web address is www.stthomas.edu/careerdevelopment/joblistings/default.asp, and it has listings for everything from accounting to science.
For those from Chicago, a website you might want to look at is www.chicagojobs.com, even though it seems a little too obvious. The site features a lot of prominent companies that have a variety of positions to fill.
As soon-to-be recent graduates, we look forward to having a full-time position with great benefits, but we also need to remember that most employers are looking for years of experience. Yet, if many of you are like me, you definitely do not have five or more years of experience, let alone the usual one to two years most employers require.
One option to gain experience and still be able to pay off your college loans is to get a full-time paid internship for the summer. I have found some really great opportunities out there, including some internships that will pay me more than I make at my current two jobs!
This is something for all of you seniors to start thinking about. As you begin the search, don’t limit yourself, and don’t take an offer just because you think it will eventually turn into a good thing. Do what you think would be best for you in the long run.
Cardinal Staff
As we are entering our last couple of months as seniors, it seems that the time has come to start looking for jobs, and here are some places to start your search.
Read more...
If you are looking for jobs in the Twin Cities, the first option is to check out the St. Thomas Job/Internship website. It has been very helpful in leading me to some suitable options. The web address is www.stthomas.edu/careerdevelopment/joblistings/default.asp, and it has listings for everything from accounting to science.
For those from Chicago, a website you might want to look at is www.chicagojobs.com, even though it seems a little too obvious. The site features a lot of prominent companies that have a variety of positions to fill.
As soon-to-be recent graduates, we look forward to having a full-time position with great benefits, but we also need to remember that most employers are looking for years of experience. Yet, if many of you are like me, you definitely do not have five or more years of experience, let alone the usual one to two years most employers require.
One option to gain experience and still be able to pay off your college loans is to get a full-time paid internship for the summer. I have found some really great opportunities out there, including some internships that will pay me more than I make at my current two jobs!
This is something for all of you seniors to start thinking about. As you begin the search, don’t limit yourself, and don’t take an offer just because you think it will eventually turn into a good thing. Do what you think would be best for you in the long run.
Time to reflect on future plans
By Austin M. D. Quick
Cardinal Columnist
Discernment, a word that is the epitome of what is taking place at Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary. When many people think of IHM, they think that it’s a place where men are being trained to be priests.
Read more... Where that is true in part, the reality is that the men of the seminary are discerning God’s will for them in their lives. This means that when a guy comes to IHM, he is not necessarily going to become a Roman Catholic Priest. He is, however, taking a very important and serious step into the way of active discernment to find out what it is he is meant to do. I’m not a big fan of statistics, but if my memory serves me right, only one in eight of the men at IHM will become priests. This is hard for many people to understand and comprehend, and until recently, I don’t believe even I completely understood it myself (if I do yet).
After almost two years here at IHM and Saint Mary’s University, I will be leaving for an unknown period of time to actively discern my vocation outside of the seminary walls. It is my sincere feeling that God is calling me to become a priest and that although it is not clear yet, He has a plan for me and I am willing to follow that wherever it takes me. It is not easy to follow God to places unknown or uncomfortable. It is not a walk in the park to leave your life and your home behind. It is not easy to do what God calls us to (especially when it’s not what we think we should do). The bottom line is that all of us are called to discern what it is that God calls us to.
Given the fact that we are in the middle of the great season of Lent, we all are encouraged to take time to reflect on our lives and see what things keep us from giving ourselves completely to God. Take this time to reflect and pray for God’s grace to fill your heart and allow you to see that the plans He has laid out for us are the ones that will make us happiest.
I will always look back on my time here at SMU and IHM with great fondness for it is here that I was able to grow closer to God and see first hand the great things happening in the Church. May this Lenten season be a great time of spiritual reflection and growth for each of you. Know of my prayers for the entire SMU community, and please keep me in yours as well.
Cardinal Columnist
Discernment, a word that is the epitome of what is taking place at Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary. When many people think of IHM, they think that it’s a place where men are being trained to be priests.
Read more... Where that is true in part, the reality is that the men of the seminary are discerning God’s will for them in their lives. This means that when a guy comes to IHM, he is not necessarily going to become a Roman Catholic Priest. He is, however, taking a very important and serious step into the way of active discernment to find out what it is he is meant to do. I’m not a big fan of statistics, but if my memory serves me right, only one in eight of the men at IHM will become priests. This is hard for many people to understand and comprehend, and until recently, I don’t believe even I completely understood it myself (if I do yet).
After almost two years here at IHM and Saint Mary’s University, I will be leaving for an unknown period of time to actively discern my vocation outside of the seminary walls. It is my sincere feeling that God is calling me to become a priest and that although it is not clear yet, He has a plan for me and I am willing to follow that wherever it takes me. It is not easy to follow God to places unknown or uncomfortable. It is not a walk in the park to leave your life and your home behind. It is not easy to do what God calls us to (especially when it’s not what we think we should do). The bottom line is that all of us are called to discern what it is that God calls us to.
Given the fact that we are in the middle of the great season of Lent, we all are encouraged to take time to reflect on our lives and see what things keep us from giving ourselves completely to God. Take this time to reflect and pray for God’s grace to fill your heart and allow you to see that the plans He has laid out for us are the ones that will make us happiest.
I will always look back on my time here at SMU and IHM with great fondness for it is here that I was able to grow closer to God and see first hand the great things happening in the Church. May this Lenten season be a great time of spiritual reflection and growth for each of you. Know of my prayers for the entire SMU community, and please keep me in yours as well.
War in Kenya hits close to home
By Tamika Robinson
Cardinal Staff
Tribal violence between the Kikuyu and the Luo has been taking place in Kenya as a result of a disputed recent presidential election. Remembering that Saint Mary’s University has a campus in Nairobi, Kenya, made me ponder the effects this war was having on students there.
Read more... In terms of our country, this also made me ponder the effects this war could have on us as citizens and as students.
On Dec. 27, Kenyans headed to the polls to cast votes that would possibly remove their current president and a Kikuyu, Mwai Kibaki, from office and give residents an opportunity to experience change with presidential candidate Raila Odinga, a Luo. Though Kibaki is credited with the recent economic growth Kenya has experienced, he is also accused of corruption and nepotism with members of his own tribe. Ultimately, Kibaki was declared the winner of the election leading to instant violence between the two tribes. Since December, more than 1,000 people have died.
In the SMU Campus Notes posted Jan. 18, Brother Paulos Welday Mesmer and Father Michael Kirwen, directors for the SMU programs in Nairobi, reported that all students, staff, and faculty were safe. Though the campus is not located within the vicinities of the war, counseling is available to the campus. On the Winona campus, Dr. Jeffrey Highland, university provost and vice president, has been in direct communication with the directors regarding the political situation in Kenya. Though their students, faculty and staff are unharmed, “there have been some impacts on the students at Tangaza College, which is where our programs reside,” Highland said. “Our colleagues are looking for some assistance.”
According to the U.S. Department of State, Kenya is an exporter of agricultural goods on the International Trade Market. The exportation of certain agricultural products supplied by Kenya may be negatively affected by the war. This negative effect could cause a shortage in food consumed in our country and therefore could cause a food shortage or scarcity. So the real question is: will you idly watch potential starvation become a reality or will you take a stand against this violence?
Dr. Highland stated that part of SMU’s Lasallian mission is to be of service to others. Though distance may separate us, we all share a commonality: education. Let us continually pray for peace in Kenya and use this time to educate ourselves about the current violent situation.
Cardinal Staff
Tribal violence between the Kikuyu and the Luo has been taking place in Kenya as a result of a disputed recent presidential election. Remembering that Saint Mary’s University has a campus in Nairobi, Kenya, made me ponder the effects this war was having on students there.
Read more... In terms of our country, this also made me ponder the effects this war could have on us as citizens and as students.
On Dec. 27, Kenyans headed to the polls to cast votes that would possibly remove their current president and a Kikuyu, Mwai Kibaki, from office and give residents an opportunity to experience change with presidential candidate Raila Odinga, a Luo. Though Kibaki is credited with the recent economic growth Kenya has experienced, he is also accused of corruption and nepotism with members of his own tribe. Ultimately, Kibaki was declared the winner of the election leading to instant violence between the two tribes. Since December, more than 1,000 people have died.
In the SMU Campus Notes posted Jan. 18, Brother Paulos Welday Mesmer and Father Michael Kirwen, directors for the SMU programs in Nairobi, reported that all students, staff, and faculty were safe. Though the campus is not located within the vicinities of the war, counseling is available to the campus. On the Winona campus, Dr. Jeffrey Highland, university provost and vice president, has been in direct communication with the directors regarding the political situation in Kenya. Though their students, faculty and staff are unharmed, “there have been some impacts on the students at Tangaza College, which is where our programs reside,” Highland said. “Our colleagues are looking for some assistance.”
According to the U.S. Department of State, Kenya is an exporter of agricultural goods on the International Trade Market. The exportation of certain agricultural products supplied by Kenya may be negatively affected by the war. This negative effect could cause a shortage in food consumed in our country and therefore could cause a food shortage or scarcity. So the real question is: will you idly watch potential starvation become a reality or will you take a stand against this violence?
Dr. Highland stated that part of SMU’s Lasallian mission is to be of service to others. Though distance may separate us, we all share a commonality: education. Let us continually pray for peace in Kenya and use this time to educate ourselves about the current violent situation.
Questioning Catholicism: How can I know there's a God who cares?
By Tim Hepner
Guest Columnist
Let’s see if I can answer this question in 400 words. Oh no, now I only have 383. Better get started:
Rather than look at the question in terms of “proving” God like He’s some math problem, let’s look at a more personal, but still objective, solution. If it’s true that God (in the person of Christ) plunged himself into the depths of my human experience, then the challenge now is to simply go and meet Him there.
Read more... “If you are seeking God,” said John of the Cross, “you may be sure of this: God is seeking you much more.” So the answer I’m offering for the frustration, restlessness and despair in our lives is an old one—namely prayer. But it’s prayer like you may never have experienced it. It requires silence, humility, honesty and persistence.
First, we need to realize how much noise we allow into ourselves. This can be a barrier between us and God, who wants to find us in the quiet, private, interior of our lives. We’ve barely skimmed the surface of ourselves and have yet to dive into the deep interior life that He gave us. As deep as I am, I need to be humble. Through humility, I admit that, if there is a God, He’s bigger than I am and knows more than I do. If I can find peace, it will involve admitting my littleness and vulnerability before Him; a process that causes me to sacrifice my comfort for fear, which in turn leads to genuine peace. But I can’t pretend I’m someone else—I have to be honest with God. If I’m angry or confused, I have to admit it to Him before I can come to that peace. Nothing will happen if I’m not genuine in prayer.
Finally, I need to be persistent, like an annoying little kid who will constantly pound away at a door until someone opens. This involves committing a specific time to quiet prayer every day and sticking to it, even if it doesn’t feel like it’s doing anything. If I’m not persistent, then I can’t say I truly want to know God.
This advice might not answer the question completely, but it’s a start. There’s more to be said by more knowledgeable people than me. But if you want to know more, there’s always that beer—no one’s taken me up on it yet.
Guest Columnist
Let’s see if I can answer this question in 400 words. Oh no, now I only have 383. Better get started:
Rather than look at the question in terms of “proving” God like He’s some math problem, let’s look at a more personal, but still objective, solution. If it’s true that God (in the person of Christ) plunged himself into the depths of my human experience, then the challenge now is to simply go and meet Him there.
Read more... “If you are seeking God,” said John of the Cross, “you may be sure of this: God is seeking you much more.” So the answer I’m offering for the frustration, restlessness and despair in our lives is an old one—namely prayer. But it’s prayer like you may never have experienced it. It requires silence, humility, honesty and persistence.
First, we need to realize how much noise we allow into ourselves. This can be a barrier between us and God, who wants to find us in the quiet, private, interior of our lives. We’ve barely skimmed the surface of ourselves and have yet to dive into the deep interior life that He gave us. As deep as I am, I need to be humble. Through humility, I admit that, if there is a God, He’s bigger than I am and knows more than I do. If I can find peace, it will involve admitting my littleness and vulnerability before Him; a process that causes me to sacrifice my comfort for fear, which in turn leads to genuine peace. But I can’t pretend I’m someone else—I have to be honest with God. If I’m angry or confused, I have to admit it to Him before I can come to that peace. Nothing will happen if I’m not genuine in prayer.
Finally, I need to be persistent, like an annoying little kid who will constantly pound away at a door until someone opens. This involves committing a specific time to quiet prayer every day and sticking to it, even if it doesn’t feel like it’s doing anything. If I’m not persistent, then I can’t say I truly want to know God.
This advice might not answer the question completely, but it’s a start. There’s more to be said by more knowledgeable people than me. But if you want to know more, there’s always that beer—no one’s taken me up on it yet.
Transformation through service
By Betsy Baertlein
Feature Editor Service
“Sore muscles speak of hard work and a job well done.” This was probably not what most students were saying after winter recess, but this was the comment of senior Brittany Staver, a Saint Mary’s University student participant in Serving Others United in Love.
Read more...
Groups of students from SMU traveled to Missouri, New Jersey, Louisiana, Kentucky and Montana during winter recess Feb. 9-17 in order to participate in volunteer activities. Five faculty and staff advisors traveled along with over 40 students to these destinations through the Campus Ministry SOUL program. There was also a group that went to Wisconsin during October break and a group that will be going to the Philippines this summer.
Student leaders who serve as members of the SOUL Council choose the individual volunteer sites. SOUL welcomes participants of all faiths and denominations, but some destinations have connections with the Catholic, Lasallian tradition, such as the San Miguel schools and Catholic Worker homes. This winter’s trips included such diverse missions as building houses, working in schools, working with community programs and working in homeless shelters.
The primary focus of SOUL may appear to be service, but each trip incorporates an array of activities. The four cornerstones of SOUL are faith, community, service and transformation. The goal of the trips is not only to serve others, but also to learn more about local culture and social justice issues. SOUL Staff Advisor Kami Ward said, “I learned that the stereotype of homelessness is just that, a stereotype. These were some of the nicest … people I ever met.”
The trips also lend themselves to personal growth and faith development. Sophomore Katie Klus, a student SOUL participant, said, “I think we were the ones who were truly transformed.”
Participants engage in group prayer and reflection at the end of each workday. “Oftentimes when we [reflected on] our day,” said SOUL Council Member Stephanie Marnocha, “there was just silence because we were all so overcome by what had happened during the day and how it had affected us on a personal level.”
SOUL trips prove to be an eye-opening experience for many participants, exposing them to the poverty that exists in our nation today. Marnocha said that she feels “aware now of how prevalent poverty is in our country and how people are taking steps to change that.”
An important lesson of SOUL is that hope still exists even where there is great poverty and devastation.
“I’ve learned to always have faith and hope in people and the future,” Klus said.
According to Ward, “Words cannot describe the experience nor can they accurately project what we saw there.” Many SOUL participants return with a renewed desire to serve others, both in the Winona community and elsewhere.
SOUL depends largely on fundraising to keep the cost of the trips affordable for students. Students and faculty who are interested in learning more about the program should contact Campus Ministry or a SOUL Council member. For those interested in supporting SOUL, the council will be hosting a spaghetti dinner on Friday, April 25, and the Row, Ride, Run Triathlon on Saturday, April 26, as fundraisers.
Feature Editor Service
“Sore muscles speak of hard work and a job well done.” This was probably not what most students were saying after winter recess, but this was the comment of senior Brittany Staver, a Saint Mary’s University student participant in Serving Others United in Love.
Read more...
Groups of students from SMU traveled to Missouri, New Jersey, Louisiana, Kentucky and Montana during winter recess Feb. 9-17 in order to participate in volunteer activities. Five faculty and staff advisors traveled along with over 40 students to these destinations through the Campus Ministry SOUL program. There was also a group that went to Wisconsin during October break and a group that will be going to the Philippines this summer.
Student leaders who serve as members of the SOUL Council choose the individual volunteer sites. SOUL welcomes participants of all faiths and denominations, but some destinations have connections with the Catholic, Lasallian tradition, such as the San Miguel schools and Catholic Worker homes. This winter’s trips included such diverse missions as building houses, working in schools, working with community programs and working in homeless shelters.
The primary focus of SOUL may appear to be service, but each trip incorporates an array of activities. The four cornerstones of SOUL are faith, community, service and transformation. The goal of the trips is not only to serve others, but also to learn more about local culture and social justice issues. SOUL Staff Advisor Kami Ward said, “I learned that the stereotype of homelessness is just that, a stereotype. These were some of the nicest … people I ever met.”
The trips also lend themselves to personal growth and faith development. Sophomore Katie Klus, a student SOUL participant, said, “I think we were the ones who were truly transformed.”
Participants engage in group prayer and reflection at the end of each workday. “Oftentimes when we [reflected on] our day,” said SOUL Council Member Stephanie Marnocha, “there was just silence because we were all so overcome by what had happened during the day and how it had affected us on a personal level.”
SOUL trips prove to be an eye-opening experience for many participants, exposing them to the poverty that exists in our nation today. Marnocha said that she feels “aware now of how prevalent poverty is in our country and how people are taking steps to change that.”
An important lesson of SOUL is that hope still exists even where there is great poverty and devastation.
“I’ve learned to always have faith and hope in people and the future,” Klus said.
According to Ward, “Words cannot describe the experience nor can they accurately project what we saw there.” Many SOUL participants return with a renewed desire to serve others, both in the Winona community and elsewhere.
SOUL depends largely on fundraising to keep the cost of the trips affordable for students. Students and faculty who are interested in learning more about the program should contact Campus Ministry or a SOUL Council member. For those interested in supporting SOUL, the council will be hosting a spaghetti dinner on Friday, April 25, and the Row, Ride, Run Triathlon on Saturday, April 26, as fundraisers.
Seniors forfeit job search to volunteer
By Ellen Jordan
Cardinal Staff
As the year progresses and graduation looms closer, some seniors are considering long-term volunteering as they make postgraduation plans.
Read more...
Students from any major can choose to be a volunteer. Service venues are plentiful, including jobs such as teaching, tutoring, coaching, organizing service projects, fundraising, grantwriting and doing social work.
Volunteers work throughout the United States, including major cities like Chicago, New York, Tulsa, Memphis, Portland, San Francisco and Los Angeles.
Senior Amy Kalina plans to pursue a long-term volunteer commitment next year. “As I get ready to graduate, I realize that there will never be another time in my life when I will be totally free of commitments and able to do something different,” said Kalina. “As naive as it may sound, I don’t just want to ‘enter’ the real world; I want to try to change it.”
Graduate Sarah Jane Engle ’07 is currently a Lasallian Volunteer, and was on campus last week recruiting and informing students about the program. The most rewarding part of the experience for her has been “experiencing different parts of our culture in the United States while still preaching and living the Lasallian mission.”
Lasallian Volunteers is a program affiliated with Saint Mary’s University and often attracts graduates. Volunteers are comprised of men and women from the United States who directly serve the poor while working and living in community with Lasallian Christian Brothers and other volunteers.
While most volunteers are not paid a salary, many volunteers, depending on their program, are given room, board, a small stipend, medical insurance, college loan deferment and an AmeriCorps education reward.
Cardinal Staff
As the year progresses and graduation looms closer, some seniors are considering long-term volunteering as they make postgraduation plans.
Read more...
Students from any major can choose to be a volunteer. Service venues are plentiful, including jobs such as teaching, tutoring, coaching, organizing service projects, fundraising, grantwriting and doing social work.
Volunteers work throughout the United States, including major cities like Chicago, New York, Tulsa, Memphis, Portland, San Francisco and Los Angeles.
Senior Amy Kalina plans to pursue a long-term volunteer commitment next year. “As I get ready to graduate, I realize that there will never be another time in my life when I will be totally free of commitments and able to do something different,” said Kalina. “As naive as it may sound, I don’t just want to ‘enter’ the real world; I want to try to change it.”
Graduate Sarah Jane Engle ’07 is currently a Lasallian Volunteer, and was on campus last week recruiting and informing students about the program. The most rewarding part of the experience for her has been “experiencing different parts of our culture in the United States while still preaching and living the Lasallian mission.”
Lasallian Volunteers is a program affiliated with Saint Mary’s University and often attracts graduates. Volunteers are comprised of men and women from the United States who directly serve the poor while working and living in community with Lasallian Christian Brothers and other volunteers.
While most volunteers are not paid a salary, many volunteers, depending on their program, are given room, board, a small stipend, medical insurance, college loan deferment and an AmeriCorps education reward.
Students go south to make a difference
By Karina Rajtar
Cardinal Staff
Spring break is coming up, and while many Saint Mary’s University students are planning exotic vacations or anticipating a quiet week at home, thirteen students are preparing to help others.
Read more...
Members of the Saint Mary’s University campus chapter of Habitat for Humanity will travel to Abilene, Texas, to participate in a weeklong Collegiate Challenge, a program sponsored by Habitat for Humanity International that allows high school and college students to travel to other parts of the country during school breaks to help build houses. The program aims at getting youth involved in eliminating substandard housing while allowing them to experience a new community with new people.
The thirteen students and one staff advisor will likely work on a number of different tasks, which may include tiling, painting, putting in appliances, putting up siding and installing insulation. They will also have a chance to learn more about problems with poverty and affordable housing while also getting to know people they might not otherwise get a chance to talk to.
Junior Bethany Kaufmann went on last year’s trip to Greensboro, Ala., and said she would do it again “in a heartbeat” if she had the time to. She still spends time with some of the people she first got to know on the trip and is glad she had the opportunity to go. “I don’t think there’s anyone on the trip that could say they had a bad time,” Kaufmann said.
The group will drive about 20 hours and spend a day sightseeing before beginning work, and they will be back in time for Easter weekend.
Cardinal Staff
Spring break is coming up, and while many Saint Mary’s University students are planning exotic vacations or anticipating a quiet week at home, thirteen students are preparing to help others.
Read more...
Members of the Saint Mary’s University campus chapter of Habitat for Humanity will travel to Abilene, Texas, to participate in a weeklong Collegiate Challenge, a program sponsored by Habitat for Humanity International that allows high school and college students to travel to other parts of the country during school breaks to help build houses. The program aims at getting youth involved in eliminating substandard housing while allowing them to experience a new community with new people.
The thirteen students and one staff advisor will likely work on a number of different tasks, which may include tiling, painting, putting in appliances, putting up siding and installing insulation. They will also have a chance to learn more about problems with poverty and affordable housing while also getting to know people they might not otherwise get a chance to talk to.
Junior Bethany Kaufmann went on last year’s trip to Greensboro, Ala., and said she would do it again “in a heartbeat” if she had the time to. She still spends time with some of the people she first got to know on the trip and is glad she had the opportunity to go. “I don’t think there’s anyone on the trip that could say they had a bad time,” Kaufmann said.
The group will drive about 20 hours and spend a day sightseeing before beginning work, and they will be back in time for Easter weekend.
Professor defines a Catholic, Lasallian university
By Danielle Larson
Cardinal Staff
Catholic, Lasallian universities have become more mainstream due to the pulling forces of American higher education to appear like every other university, explains the “Lasallian Assessment: Charism and the University” report, written by Saint Mary’s University history professor Dr. Richard Tristano.
According to Tristano, the shift toward mainstream is what is causing Lasallian universities to lose their identity and why many faculty, staff and students cannot explain what it means to be Lasallian.
Read more... With that in mind, Tristano devised the idea of writing the report. The report was written with the help of three other professors: Dr. Mary Catherine Fox, professor of interdisciplinary studies; Melissa Luedtke, professor of education; and Sister Judy Schaefer, professor and chair of theology.
Because Saint Mary’s faces this same threat, the assessment states that the professors felt it was their duty as Lasallian educators to put together a document with the goal of creating a truly Lasallian university.
“Lasallian Assessment is a means of integrating the Lasallian charism with the purpose of an American Catholic university through the evaluation of Lasallian goals and objectives,” the document states.
Tristano said the purpose of this assessment was to define a Lasallian university in a concrete and specific way.
To do this, they compiled broad goals of what a Lasallian university should be. Each goal was then broken down into more specific objectives that define the goal. Tristano and the other professors came up with examples from prior experiences to express how a Lasallian university could reach each objective and obtain its goals.
Goals of a Catholic, Lasallian university:
*Reflects its Catholic and university identities.
*Reflects the charism of John Baptist de La Salle and the Brothers of the Christian Schools.
*Provides a holistic, values-based education that integrates Catholic thought and tradition with various other traditions and cultures.
*Fosters relationships in community, together and by association, with particular attention to the relationship between teacher and student.
*Develops an identity in students rooted in faith and zeal.
*Responds to specific and changing educational needs especially focused on individual students.
*Measures its effectiveness by how it addresses the religious, social, political, and economic needs of those less fortunate, especially the young.
Saint Mary's is one of seven Lasallian universities in the United States. The Lasallian Assessment was sent out to the other six universities after it was completed to help them develop their Lasallian identities as well.
If Saint Mary's wants to be a truly Lasallian university, said Tristano, “[it] needs to have the will to gain the knowledge on how to become more Lasallian.”
The professors believe that by enhancing the Lasallian identity, the institution will become more appealing to students and parents because its education is based on these Lasallian values.
The Assessment took approximately 11 months to complete, from January to November 2007.
Cardinal Staff
Catholic, Lasallian universities have become more mainstream due to the pulling forces of American higher education to appear like every other university, explains the “Lasallian Assessment: Charism and the University” report, written by Saint Mary’s University history professor Dr. Richard Tristano.
According to Tristano, the shift toward mainstream is what is causing Lasallian universities to lose their identity and why many faculty, staff and students cannot explain what it means to be Lasallian.
Read more... With that in mind, Tristano devised the idea of writing the report. The report was written with the help of three other professors: Dr. Mary Catherine Fox, professor of interdisciplinary studies; Melissa Luedtke, professor of education; and Sister Judy Schaefer, professor and chair of theology.
Because Saint Mary’s faces this same threat, the assessment states that the professors felt it was their duty as Lasallian educators to put together a document with the goal of creating a truly Lasallian university.
“Lasallian Assessment is a means of integrating the Lasallian charism with the purpose of an American Catholic university through the evaluation of Lasallian goals and objectives,” the document states.
Tristano said the purpose of this assessment was to define a Lasallian university in a concrete and specific way.
To do this, they compiled broad goals of what a Lasallian university should be. Each goal was then broken down into more specific objectives that define the goal. Tristano and the other professors came up with examples from prior experiences to express how a Lasallian university could reach each objective and obtain its goals.
*Reflects its Catholic and university identities.
*Reflects the charism of John Baptist de La Salle and the Brothers of the Christian Schools.
*Provides a holistic, values-based education that integrates Catholic thought and tradition with various other traditions and cultures.
*Fosters relationships in community, together and by association, with particular attention to the relationship between teacher and student.
*Develops an identity in students rooted in faith and zeal.
*Responds to specific and changing educational needs especially focused on individual students.
*Measures its effectiveness by how it addresses the religious, social, political, and economic needs of those less fortunate, especially the young.
Saint Mary's is one of seven Lasallian universities in the United States. The Lasallian Assessment was sent out to the other six universities after it was completed to help them develop their Lasallian identities as well.
If Saint Mary's wants to be a truly Lasallian university, said Tristano, “[it] needs to have the will to gain the knowledge on how to become more Lasallian.”
The professors believe that by enhancing the Lasallian identity, the institution will become more appealing to students and parents because its education is based on these Lasallian values.
The Assessment took approximately 11 months to complete, from January to November 2007.
Sign-up begins for SMU Disc Golf Open
By Nicole L. Dalitto
Guest Writer
The Office of Outdoor Leadership and Innova Disc Golf will sponsor a disc golf tournament at Saint Mary’s University on Saturday, April 5.
“The disc golf course has seen amazing use by the Saint Mary’s community as well as the Winona community and the region,” said Davey Warner, outdoor leadership coordinator.
Read more...
“The disc golf open will provide a chance for all of these people to come together for a fun day to recreate and compete while benefiting the course and the new Outdoor Leadership program at SMU.”
The tournament registration fee is $15 for students from any institution and $25 general admission. All proceeds from the tournament will go to the maintenance of The Woods disc golf course and the Office of Outdoor Leadership. Each participant will receive a free Saint Mary’s customized Innova Putt and Approach Disc.
According to Warner, individual scores will determine first, second and third place. First prize will receive an Innova portable disc catcher, disc golf carry bag and three discs, including a driver, mid-range and putter. Second prize will win an Innova carry bag and the three discs, and third prize will be the three discs.
Tee times will be determined by order of registration and will be announced at check-in. Check-in is between 9 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. on April 5 at the Toner Student Center. To receive the best tee time, participants are encouraged to register early. Professional Disc Golf Association rules will apply. More information on the rules is available at www.pdga.com or www.smumn.edu/thewoods.
Disc golf was invented in 1970 and is similar to traditional golf in some respects. According to the PDGA, opponents throw discs- than using balls and clubs) to use the fewest strokes to get to a hole. The hole is sometimes referred to as the pole hole and is an elevated metal basket placed a good distance from the tee area.
The SMU community has been interested in disc golf since the installment of the 18 hole disc golf course, The Woods. The course winds through the bluffs surrounding the SMU campus and includes challenging fairways that both beginners and experts could appreciate.
Registration forms will be available in the next week in the Office of Outdoor Leadership, located in the lower level of Toner, or online at www.smumn.edu/thewoods. For more Disc Golf Open information contact Davey Warner at outdoorleadership@smumn.edu.
Guest Writer
The Office of Outdoor Leadership and Innova Disc Golf will sponsor a disc golf tournament at Saint Mary’s University on Saturday, April 5.
“The disc golf course has seen amazing use by the Saint Mary’s community as well as the Winona community and the region,” said Davey Warner, outdoor leadership coordinator.
Read more...
“The disc golf open will provide a chance for all of these people to come together for a fun day to recreate and compete while benefiting the course and the new Outdoor Leadership program at SMU.”
The tournament registration fee is $15 for students from any institution and $25 general admission. All proceeds from the tournament will go to the maintenance of The Woods disc golf course and the Office of Outdoor Leadership. Each participant will receive a free Saint Mary’s customized Innova Putt and Approach Disc.
According to Warner, individual scores will determine first, second and third place. First prize will receive an Innova portable disc catcher, disc golf carry bag and three discs, including a driver, mid-range and putter. Second prize will win an Innova carry bag and the three discs, and third prize will be the three discs.
Tee times will be determined by order of registration and will be announced at check-in. Check-in is between 9 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. on April 5 at the Toner Student Center. To receive the best tee time, participants are encouraged to register early. Professional Disc Golf Association rules will apply. More information on the rules is available at www.pdga.com or www.smumn.edu/thewoods.
Disc golf was invented in 1970 and is similar to traditional golf in some respects. According to the PDGA, opponents throw discs- than using balls and clubs) to use the fewest strokes to get to a hole. The hole is sometimes referred to as the pole hole and is an elevated metal basket placed a good distance from the tee area.
The SMU community has been interested in disc golf since the installment of the 18 hole disc golf course, The Woods. The course winds through the bluffs surrounding the SMU campus and includes challenging fairways that both beginners and experts could appreciate.
Registration forms will be available in the next week in the Office of Outdoor Leadership, located in the lower level of Toner, or online at www.smumn.edu/thewoods. For more Disc Golf Open information contact Davey Warner at outdoorleadership@smumn.edu.
Track/soccer complex to break ground
By Lauren Rothering
Cardinal Staff
With spring approaching, many Saint Mary’s University students are anticipating the return of warm weather and green grass. This spring, however, a new development on campus is accompanying more traditional signs of the season: the construction of the new track and field/soccer complex.
Read more...
Construction is set to begin as soon as ground conditions permit. Managed by Glenn Rehbein Companies, the complex has been under development for months and has now reached its fourth-generation, and most likely final, master plan, according to Athletic Director Nikki Fennern.
“Now we are into the nuts and bolts of the project,” said Fennern.
Although the basic foundation of the complex has remained the same throughout the planning, many minor details have had to be adjusted, such as the orientation of jumps and location of fences, water and plumbing. Construction is set to occur in two phases. The first will include “all the competitive amenities,” said Fennern, while the second phase will contain aspects such as spectator bleachers and concession areas.
The addition of the complex will serve to bolster current Saint Mary’s athletics, especially men’s and women’s soccer, track and field, and cross country. Although these teams may be the more obvious beneficiaries of the complex, Fennern said that all the teams will benefit. “It’s a great training facility,” said Fennern.
The complex is not only for student athletes, though. The addition of an outdoor track and field/soccer pitch will support many current physical education classes, intramurals and club tournaments on campus.
While enhancing current athletic, academic and club programs, the complex will also affect the future of Saint Mary’s. Fennern believes this development will attract more and better student athletes to Saint Mary’s, especially because of its location. With its presence directly at the entrance of campus, it will be the first thing many prospective students will see upon entering campus from Hwy. 14.
Fennern feels the complex will “send the message” that athletics, whether for athletes or athletic supporters, are an important part of this university’s community.
Cardinal Staff
With spring approaching, many Saint Mary’s University students are anticipating the return of warm weather and green grass. This spring, however, a new development on campus is accompanying more traditional signs of the season: the construction of the new track and field/soccer complex.
Read more...
Construction is set to begin as soon as ground conditions permit. Managed by Glenn Rehbein Companies, the complex has been under development for months and has now reached its fourth-generation, and most likely final, master plan, according to Athletic Director Nikki Fennern.
“Now we are into the nuts and bolts of the project,” said Fennern.
Although the basic foundation of the complex has remained the same throughout the planning, many minor details have had to be adjusted, such as the orientation of jumps and location of fences, water and plumbing. Construction is set to occur in two phases. The first will include “all the competitive amenities,” said Fennern, while the second phase will contain aspects such as spectator bleachers and concession areas.
The addition of the complex will serve to bolster current Saint Mary’s athletics, especially men’s and women’s soccer, track and field, and cross country. Although these teams may be the more obvious beneficiaries of the complex, Fennern said that all the teams will benefit. “It’s a great training facility,” said Fennern.
The complex is not only for student athletes, though. The addition of an outdoor track and field/soccer pitch will support many current physical education classes, intramurals and club tournaments on campus.
While enhancing current athletic, academic and club programs, the complex will also affect the future of Saint Mary’s. Fennern believes this development will attract more and better student athletes to Saint Mary’s, especially because of its location. With its presence directly at the entrance of campus, it will be the first thing many prospective students will see upon entering campus from Hwy. 14.
Fennern feels the complex will “send the message” that athletics, whether for athletes or athletic supporters, are an important part of this university’s community.
Coach Farren's legacy left on the fairway
By Theresa Breault
Cardinal Staff
With the upcoming golf season, the life and legacy of the late Coach Tom Farren has been reflected upon. It has been especially difficult for the Saint Mary’s University men’s golf team to cope with the loss of their coach, who died suddenly in November. Although his death has not been felt on the fairway yet, as the snow begins to melt and the team begins their practice once more, questions on how the SMU golf team will carry on in Farren’s absence.
Read more...
“It’s been hard,” said sophomore golf team member Rob Klein, “but we are doing our best to stay together as a team.” Klein reported that the team intends to carry on the traditions of golf that Farren instilled.
Although they are still in the process of looking for a new coach, Klein seemed ready for the new season. “We are dedicating this next season to Coach Farren,” he said. “We are going to continue his
legacy.”
Although Saint Mary’s will not choose a permanent coach until the season next fall, senior captain Jesse Polk seemed optimistic about the team carrying on. “It will be a difficult transition, but I think we will be okay.”
Like Klein, Polk seemed eager to continue on in the ways that Coach Farren had started. As spring approaches and the team prepares to hit the greens once again, it will be with Coach Farren’s voice still in their heads that they continue on into the next season.
Cardinal Staff
With the upcoming golf season, the life and legacy of the late Coach Tom Farren has been reflected upon. It has been especially difficult for the Saint Mary’s University men’s golf team to cope with the loss of their coach, who died suddenly in November. Although his death has not been felt on the fairway yet, as the snow begins to melt and the team begins their practice once more, questions on how the SMU golf team will carry on in Farren’s absence.
Read more...
“It’s been hard,” said sophomore golf team member Rob Klein, “but we are doing our best to stay together as a team.” Klein reported that the team intends to carry on the traditions of golf that Farren instilled.
Although they are still in the process of looking for a new coach, Klein seemed ready for the new season. “We are dedicating this next season to Coach Farren,” he said. “We are going to continue his
legacy.”
Although Saint Mary’s will not choose a permanent coach until the season next fall, senior captain Jesse Polk seemed optimistic about the team carrying on. “It will be a difficult transition, but I think we will be okay.”
Like Klein, Polk seemed eager to continue on in the ways that Coach Farren had started. As spring approaches and the team prepares to hit the greens once again, it will be with Coach Farren’s voice still in their heads that they continue on into the next season.
Santana to the Mets, Twins receive... who?
By David Krieger
Guest Columnist
The blockbuster trade between the Minnesota Twins and New York Mets involving the best pitcher on the planet, Johan Santana, was cleared on Feb. 2. In exchange for their ace, the Twins received four prospects from the Mets: outfielder Carlos Gomez and pitchers Phil Humber, Kevin Mulvey and Deolis Guerra.
Read more...
This is the first step, along with the inability of the Twins to resign center fielder Torii Hunter, in what appears to be the inevitable restructuring of the Minnesota Twins. This transformation process has all begun under new general manager Bill Smith.
Smith was anxious to get the deal done, saying, “I think it dragged on long enough, and we all got to a point where you want to go into spring training knowing what you have,” Smith continued that, “The other teams certainly want to do that. The Twins, our manager and coaching staff ... I think everybody just reached the point that this was the best deal we were going to get.”
While it appeared to be clear that Santana would be leaving (Santana’s new $137.5 million contract over six years was the largest contract for a pitcher in baseball history), Twins fans are still left to question why the organization was not able to add proven players rather than just prospects.
The reason for the trade with the Mets goes something like this: After Torii Hunter left for the Angels in late November, Santana made the decision to waive his no trade clause. It was clear that the Twins would have to make a long-term offer. Because the Twins were unable to come to an agreement due to Santana’s high monetary demands, he was soon on the market. The trade talks, which began to surface sometime in early December, originally involved the two powerhouse clubs of the American League East: the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox.
The Twins were looking for a proven position player and young major league experienced pitcher; more specifically, they sought to acquire packages with either Phillip Hughes and Melky Cabrera of the Yankees or pitchers Jason Lester and Jacoby Ellsbury of the Red Sox. Neither one of these deals panned out because neither New York nor Boston was willing to give up both a dominant pitcher and position player. Seeing that neither New York nor Boston was likely to obtain Santana, both seemingly dropped out of the race.
Meanwhile, Santana was still looking to be dealt, and the best available deal, in General Manager Bill Smith’s eyes, seemed to be the one the prospect heavy Mets proposed. The Twins were forced to decide if they would roll with Santana for the year and receive nothing for him after the season or take the deal. They chose the latter.
Devout fans are deeply concerned about the absence of Santana, considering the moves that the rest of the AL central teams have made. The Detroit Tigers may have the best lineup in baseball; however, fans, too, frowned upon a little deal in 2003 that sent A.J. Pierzysnki to the Giants for a couple of pitchers few had never heard of…please rise Joe Nathan, Francisco Liriano, and Boof Bonser.
Loyal fans of Twins territory, my advice is this: before we hang Bill Smith by his trousers on the mighty Paul Bunyan statue, let’s wait it out and see what these new Twins can do. Keep in mind, Smith inherited these problems and has made a couple of key signings, including Delmon Young and Livan Hernandez. Also, in a few years, our club will be playing outdoors, bringing in new mone, and signing our stars to long-term deals. In the words of the late Kevin Garnett to Charles Barkley after going up 2-0 on the to-be-champion L.A. Lakers, “We commmmiiiiinnnnn!” … only it may take a couple seasons.
Guest Columnist
The blockbuster trade between the Minnesota Twins and New York Mets involving the best pitcher on the planet, Johan Santana, was cleared on Feb. 2. In exchange for their ace, the Twins received four prospects from the Mets: outfielder Carlos Gomez and pitchers Phil Humber, Kevin Mulvey and Deolis Guerra.
Read more...
This is the first step, along with the inability of the Twins to resign center fielder Torii Hunter, in what appears to be the inevitable restructuring of the Minnesota Twins. This transformation process has all begun under new general manager Bill Smith.
Smith was anxious to get the deal done, saying, “I think it dragged on long enough, and we all got to a point where you want to go into spring training knowing what you have,” Smith continued that, “The other teams certainly want to do that. The Twins, our manager and coaching staff ... I think everybody just reached the point that this was the best deal we were going to get.”
While it appeared to be clear that Santana would be leaving (Santana’s new $137.5 million contract over six years was the largest contract for a pitcher in baseball history), Twins fans are still left to question why the organization was not able to add proven players rather than just prospects.
The reason for the trade with the Mets goes something like this: After Torii Hunter left for the Angels in late November, Santana made the decision to waive his no trade clause. It was clear that the Twins would have to make a long-term offer. Because the Twins were unable to come to an agreement due to Santana’s high monetary demands, he was soon on the market. The trade talks, which began to surface sometime in early December, originally involved the two powerhouse clubs of the American League East: the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox.
The Twins were looking for a proven position player and young major league experienced pitcher; more specifically, they sought to acquire packages with either Phillip Hughes and Melky Cabrera of the Yankees or pitchers Jason Lester and Jacoby Ellsbury of the Red Sox. Neither one of these deals panned out because neither New York nor Boston was willing to give up both a dominant pitcher and position player. Seeing that neither New York nor Boston was likely to obtain Santana, both seemingly dropped out of the race.
Meanwhile, Santana was still looking to be dealt, and the best available deal, in General Manager Bill Smith’s eyes, seemed to be the one the prospect heavy Mets proposed. The Twins were forced to decide if they would roll with Santana for the year and receive nothing for him after the season or take the deal. They chose the latter.
Devout fans are deeply concerned about the absence of Santana, considering the moves that the rest of the AL central teams have made. The Detroit Tigers may have the best lineup in baseball; however, fans, too, frowned upon a little deal in 2003 that sent A.J. Pierzysnki to the Giants for a couple of pitchers few had never heard of…please rise Joe Nathan, Francisco Liriano, and Boof Bonser.
Loyal fans of Twins territory, my advice is this: before we hang Bill Smith by his trousers on the mighty Paul Bunyan statue, let’s wait it out and see what these new Twins can do. Keep in mind, Smith inherited these problems and has made a couple of key signings, including Delmon Young and Livan Hernandez. Also, in a few years, our club will be playing outdoors, bringing in new mone, and signing our stars to long-term deals. In the words of the late Kevin Garnett to Charles Barkley after going up 2-0 on the to-be-champion L.A. Lakers, “We commmmiiiiinnnnn!” … only it may take a couple seasons.
Sick and tired of steroid talk
By Eric Lear
Sports Editor
Enough is enough. I want to be able to turn on ESPN and hear baseball analysts talk about spring training, not who they speculate is or is not on the juice.
Read more... The spring should be a time of hope for baseball. Every team has a shot at winning a World Series, even if they haven’t won it for a century. Instead, it has turned into a circus about Roger Clemens, Andy Pettitte, and steroid use.
Here is where perhaps my opinion differs from the rest of the world. I don’t care if Clemens did or did not take steroids. He would still be the best pitcher of our era, if not in the history of the game, regardless of what he has allegedly been shot up with. I am in no way condoning use of illegal drugs in sports. What I am condoning is giving a second chance. Let them play in the league steroid-free and see what they can do.
We are so quick to jump on a player even if we have no evidence of them using. I always hear the argument “look how much bigger he is now than before.” Give me a break; these guys work out every day, not to mention that when people get older, it is almost inevitable that they will gain weight. Most of us are not hot shot lawyers, or the judge and jury, so let’s leave it up to them to decide.
With that said, if Clemens actually did take performance-enhancing drugs, I will lose a great deal of respect for him. There seems to be a large lack of honesty in the sports world and now would be a great time to turn it around. Take Pettitte for example, he used illegal drugs and admitted it. He isn’t the person that is taking the heat; in fact, it seems that the media and the general public give him the benefit of the doubt.
Most of this chaos comes from the media. Watch Sportscenter on ESPN and see what they say about baseball. I would be willing to wager that the majority of the talk revolves around performance-enhancing drugs.
Perhaps it’s about time they focus on the good in baseball again.
Sports Editor
Enough is enough. I want to be able to turn on ESPN and hear baseball analysts talk about spring training, not who they speculate is or is not on the juice.
Read more... The spring should be a time of hope for baseball. Every team has a shot at winning a World Series, even if they haven’t won it for a century. Instead, it has turned into a circus about Roger Clemens, Andy Pettitte, and steroid use.
Here is where perhaps my opinion differs from the rest of the world. I don’t care if Clemens did or did not take steroids. He would still be the best pitcher of our era, if not in the history of the game, regardless of what he has allegedly been shot up with. I am in no way condoning use of illegal drugs in sports. What I am condoning is giving a second chance. Let them play in the league steroid-free and see what they can do.
We are so quick to jump on a player even if we have no evidence of them using. I always hear the argument “look how much bigger he is now than before.” Give me a break; these guys work out every day, not to mention that when people get older, it is almost inevitable that they will gain weight. Most of us are not hot shot lawyers, or the judge and jury, so let’s leave it up to them to decide.
With that said, if Clemens actually did take performance-enhancing drugs, I will lose a great deal of respect for him. There seems to be a large lack of honesty in the sports world and now would be a great time to turn it around. Take Pettitte for example, he used illegal drugs and admitted it. He isn’t the person that is taking the heat; in fact, it seems that the media and the general public give him the benefit of the doubt.
Most of this chaos comes from the media. Watch Sportscenter on ESPN and see what they say about baseball. I would be willing to wager that the majority of the talk revolves around performance-enhancing drugs.
Perhaps it’s about time they focus on the good in baseball again.
Students to perform in 42nd annual Gaslight
By Becky Newby
Arts & Entertainment Editor
Auditions for Saint Mary’s University’s 42nd annual Gaslight musical variety show were held Feb. 22 - 24 in the Toner Student Center basement.
Read more...
Gaslight performances will be held in the dining hall on Friday, March 7 at 8 p.m. and Saturday, March 8 at 7 and 10 p.m. The show will be hosted by the senior class of 2008 and will feature musical acts in genres such as country, acoustic, heavy metal, rock and pop, according to Lindsay Dickson, one of the senior class officers.
“There were 55 students and 26 acts chosen to perform this year,” said Dickson. “That is much more than usual.” Gaslight 2007 featured 22 acts.
A panel of five seniors and one staff member judged over 50 performances. Each audition was scored in various categories from stage presence to originality.
Since Gaslight is scheduled to be a two-hour show, Dickson said the panel was forced to cut a lot of quality acts.
Veteran Gaslight vocalist senior Moreen Bosch said she was amazed by the number of people who auditioned this year.
Bosch will be performing in five different acts, including an original song written by senior Bryan Atchison and an acoustic version of Britney Spears’ “Give Me More.”
“There were a lot of phenomenal girl singers who auditioned this year,” said Bosch.
“Typically, many of the acts are fronted by men,” said Dickson.
Junior Ali Fisch said she wanted to audition last year, but couldn’t get anything together in time. “There’s nothing like the high you get when you’re on stage in front of a live audience, doing what you love,” she said.
This year Fischer will be singing “I Can’t Stand the Rain,” by Ann Peebles.
Tickets are $6 in advance and $7 at the door. The proceeds will benefit the senior class to help with costs for senior week activities and the senior class gift.
For further questions, contact Lindsay Dickson at lrdick04@smumn.edu or Anna Skonieczny at atskon04@smumn.edu.
Arts & Entertainment Editor
Auditions for Saint Mary’s University’s 42nd annual Gaslight musical variety show were held Feb. 22 - 24 in the Toner Student Center basement.
Read more...
Gaslight performances will be held in the dining hall on Friday, March 7 at 8 p.m. and Saturday, March 8 at 7 and 10 p.m. The show will be hosted by the senior class of 2008 and will feature musical acts in genres such as country, acoustic, heavy metal, rock and pop, according to Lindsay Dickson, one of the senior class officers.
“There were 55 students and 26 acts chosen to perform this year,” said Dickson. “That is much more than usual.” Gaslight 2007 featured 22 acts.
A panel of five seniors and one staff member judged over 50 performances. Each audition was scored in various categories from stage presence to originality.
Since Gaslight is scheduled to be a two-hour show, Dickson said the panel was forced to cut a lot of quality acts.
Veteran Gaslight vocalist senior Moreen Bosch said she was amazed by the number of people who auditioned this year.
Bosch will be performing in five different acts, including an original song written by senior Bryan Atchison and an acoustic version of Britney Spears’ “Give Me More.”
“There were a lot of phenomenal girl singers who auditioned this year,” said Bosch.
“Typically, many of the acts are fronted by men,” said Dickson.
Junior Ali Fisch said she wanted to audition last year, but couldn’t get anything together in time. “There’s nothing like the high you get when you’re on stage in front of a live audience, doing what you love,” she said.
This year Fischer will be singing “I Can’t Stand the Rain,” by Ann Peebles.
Tickets are $6 in advance and $7 at the door. The proceeds will benefit the senior class to help with costs for senior week activities and the senior class gift.
For further questions, contact Lindsay Dickson at lrdick04@smumn.edu or Anna Skonieczny at atskon04@smumn.edu.
New talent joins Fireside line-up
By Maria Sullivan
Cardinal Staff
The sisters of Sigma Alpha Iota hosted the fourth annual Fireside, which for the first time ever, held campus-wide auditions.
Fireside is an event that gives students the opportunity to showcase their musical talents. It was organized this year by SAI seniors Brookly Heffernan and Nicole Schroeder.
Read more... These ladies, along with the help of the SAI sisters, the Phi Mu Alpha brothers, Women’s Programming and Chartwells, worked extremely hard to develop a relaxed, coffee-house environment. It was a nice experience, and it was nice to see students who took part in Fireside performing an excellent variety of songs from numerous genres.
Seniors Moreen Bosch and Lindsay Johnson were the emcees for the show. Bosch and Johnson were very energetic and entertaining to watch. They always had something new to talk about between each act.
The talent that was showcased in this year’s Fireside was very impressive. Senior Daniel Karnick played a song on the piano that he wrote himself. It was a beautiful performance that made me want to learn piano, so I could play just as well. Junior Megan Harrington sang and played a song on the piano that she wrote herself and it was dedicated to her boyfriend. The meaning behind the song was sweet and well done.
Seniors Ryan Anderson and Jon Pace sang a song called “Minnesota Pride,” which had them both playing guitars and Pace playing the harmonica. Everyone in the audience knew that this act was going to be good, even before they started singing, just by what they were wearing. Anderson and Pace walked out on stage wearing overalls and hats with toothpicks in their mouths. It was a funny act, and the audience seemed to enjoy it.
Bosch and senior Erin Hendricks sang a song called “Tell Him,” which was funny because they did impressions of the well-known divas Celine Dion and Barbara Streisand. They knew the diva mannerisms very well. This act closed up the show, and I personally felt it was an excellent choice of song.
Junior Michael Fye, who was a part of this year’s Fireside, said, “As a whole I thought it was a very strong show. I liked how SAI opened Fireside auditions up to the whole campus. I thought the acts were very impressive.” Fye said that he thought the act with seniors Nina Giunta, Kristina Perkins, Bosch, Rob Brewer, Rick McCoy, and Neil Olstad performing the song “The Way I Am” was one of the best in the show.
Senior SAI sister Mackenzie Sondalle said, “This year’s Fireside was a good start for being the first year of opening auditions to the whole campus. It was a good change to the atmosphere.” Sondalle felt that Fireside was a complete success.
Cardinal Staff
The sisters of Sigma Alpha Iota hosted the fourth annual Fireside, which for the first time ever, held campus-wide auditions.
Fireside is an event that gives students the opportunity to showcase their musical talents. It was organized this year by SAI seniors Brookly Heffernan and Nicole Schroeder.
Read more... These ladies, along with the help of the SAI sisters, the Phi Mu Alpha brothers, Women’s Programming and Chartwells, worked extremely hard to develop a relaxed, coffee-house environment. It was a nice experience, and it was nice to see students who took part in Fireside performing an excellent variety of songs from numerous genres.
Seniors Moreen Bosch and Lindsay Johnson were the emcees for the show. Bosch and Johnson were very energetic and entertaining to watch. They always had something new to talk about between each act.
The talent that was showcased in this year’s Fireside was very impressive. Senior Daniel Karnick played a song on the piano that he wrote himself. It was a beautiful performance that made me want to learn piano, so I could play just as well. Junior Megan Harrington sang and played a song on the piano that she wrote herself and it was dedicated to her boyfriend. The meaning behind the song was sweet and well done.
Seniors Ryan Anderson and Jon Pace sang a song called “Minnesota Pride,” which had them both playing guitars and Pace playing the harmonica. Everyone in the audience knew that this act was going to be good, even before they started singing, just by what they were wearing. Anderson and Pace walked out on stage wearing overalls and hats with toothpicks in their mouths. It was a funny act, and the audience seemed to enjoy it.
Bosch and senior Erin Hendricks sang a song called “Tell Him,” which was funny because they did impressions of the well-known divas Celine Dion and Barbara Streisand. They knew the diva mannerisms very well. This act closed up the show, and I personally felt it was an excellent choice of song.
Junior Michael Fye, who was a part of this year’s Fireside, said, “As a whole I thought it was a very strong show. I liked how SAI opened Fireside auditions up to the whole campus. I thought the acts were very impressive.” Fye said that he thought the act with seniors Nina Giunta, Kristina Perkins, Bosch, Rob Brewer, Rick McCoy, and Neil Olstad performing the song “The Way I Am” was one of the best in the show.
Senior SAI sister Mackenzie Sondalle said, “This year’s Fireside was a good start for being the first year of opening auditions to the whole campus. It was a good change to the atmosphere.” Sondalle felt that Fireside was a complete success.
'Follies' to take Winona community back in time
By Amy Kalina
Managing Editor
The Winona Health Auxiliary will present “Fabulous Fifties Follies,” a musical variety show featuring local singers, dancers and live music reminiscent of the 1950s decade, March 6 - 8 to raise money toward the purchase of a new dialysis machine for the Winona Health Dialysis Department.
Read more...
The benefit, which will be held at the Winona State Performing Arts Center, is a community-wide event and an important tradition within the Winona Health organization, said Sue Degallier, Auxiliary member and co-chair of Follies. Held in Page Theatre at Saint Mary’s University in the past, Follies is a tradition close to the Saint Mary’s community as well.
“Saint Mary’s students and faculty in particular appreciate both the value of the arts as well as the importance of service to one’s community and helping those in need,” said Chandu Valluri, a professor in the business department at Saint Mary’s as well as the publicity chair for the event.
A “Casting Call” event was held Feb. 18 as an opportunity for participants from the Winona community to meet the director as well as kick off performer auditions and rehearsals. Rehearsals began Feb. 19 at Watkins Manor and will continue through the performances in March. The Follies organizers believe the event gives the Winona community an opportunity to join together in supporting an important local cause.
“Any time a group joins together with the common goal of helping others, success is sure to follow,” said Degallier. “Winonans have a rich history of providing for those in their own community, as evidenced in the recent floods. Follies is another opportunity to support Winona.”
Follies director Sherry Clarke has worked with Christopher Alan Productions Follies, an organization dedicated to providing resources for Follies fundraisers, for four years on an interim basis, and has extensive performance experience in song and theatre. Christopher Alan Productions works with organizations to put together Follies fundraisers, providing a director, a script, costumes, and music to prepare local performers for the show in less than three weeks. Winona Health Auxiliary has worked with CAP Follies in the past to create fun and successful fundraisers benefiting local health care.
“The Follies is unique in that it comes along only every three years rather than annually,” said Degallier. “This year’s ’50s theme will give the show a fun twist — pun intended — and draw people of all ages.”
This year’s show will center on a modern-day teenager who ventures back in time to the 1950s. From Nat King Cole to Elvis, “Fabulous Fifties Follies” promises to take audience members on a nostalgic journey down memory lane, entertaining for the entire family. The event marks the Winona Health Auxiliary’s first Follies performance since “Take Me Out to the Follies” in 2005.
Tickets to the show are $12 and can be purchased at Midtown Foods, HyVee, and the Glady Miller Gift Shop at Winona Health. Performances will be held March 6 - 8 at 7:30 p.m. with an additional March 8 show at 2 p.m. Valluri encourages students to attend, as the show offers a unique entertainment option as well as provides an opportunity for local college students to help benefit the community at large.
“Winona Health serves the entire local community,” said Valluri, who said the benefit is an appropriate lead into World Kidney Day, which is observed March 13. “Follies unites students with the people of Winona, both supporting a common goal. Students can show that the Winona community means something to them.”
Managing Editor
The Winona Health Auxiliary will present “Fabulous Fifties Follies,” a musical variety show featuring local singers, dancers and live music reminiscent of the 1950s decade, March 6 - 8 to raise money toward the purchase of a new dialysis machine for the Winona Health Dialysis Department.
Read more...
The benefit, which will be held at the Winona State Performing Arts Center, is a community-wide event and an important tradition within the Winona Health organization, said Sue Degallier, Auxiliary member and co-chair of Follies. Held in Page Theatre at Saint Mary’s University in the past, Follies is a tradition close to the Saint Mary’s community as well.
“Saint Mary’s students and faculty in particular appreciate both the value of the arts as well as the importance of service to one’s community and helping those in need,” said Chandu Valluri, a professor in the business department at Saint Mary’s as well as the publicity chair for the event.
A “Casting Call” event was held Feb. 18 as an opportunity for participants from the Winona community to meet the director as well as kick off performer auditions and rehearsals. Rehearsals began Feb. 19 at Watkins Manor and will continue through the performances in March. The Follies organizers believe the event gives the Winona community an opportunity to join together in supporting an important local cause.
“Any time a group joins together with the common goal of helping others, success is sure to follow,” said Degallier. “Winonans have a rich history of providing for those in their own community, as evidenced in the recent floods. Follies is another opportunity to support Winona.”
Follies director Sherry Clarke has worked with Christopher Alan Productions Follies, an organization dedicated to providing resources for Follies fundraisers, for four years on an interim basis, and has extensive performance experience in song and theatre. Christopher Alan Productions works with organizations to put together Follies fundraisers, providing a director, a script, costumes, and music to prepare local performers for the show in less than three weeks. Winona Health Auxiliary has worked with CAP Follies in the past to create fun and successful fundraisers benefiting local health care.
“The Follies is unique in that it comes along only every three years rather than annually,” said Degallier. “This year’s ’50s theme will give the show a fun twist — pun intended — and draw people of all ages.”
This year’s show will center on a modern-day teenager who ventures back in time to the 1950s. From Nat King Cole to Elvis, “Fabulous Fifties Follies” promises to take audience members on a nostalgic journey down memory lane, entertaining for the entire family. The event marks the Winona Health Auxiliary’s first Follies performance since “Take Me Out to the Follies” in 2005.
Tickets to the show are $12 and can be purchased at Midtown Foods, HyVee, and the Glady Miller Gift Shop at Winona Health. Performances will be held March 6 - 8 at 7:30 p.m. with an additional March 8 show at 2 p.m. Valluri encourages students to attend, as the show offers a unique entertainment option as well as provides an opportunity for local college students to help benefit the community at large.
“Winona Health serves the entire local community,” said Valluri, who said the benefit is an appropriate lead into World Kidney Day, which is observed March 13. “Follies unites students with the people of Winona, both supporting a common goal. Students can show that the Winona community means something to them.”
'Red Ryder' hits the stage at Valencia
By Neil Leibundguth
Cardinal Staff
Mark Medoff’s “When You Comin’ Back, Red Ryder?” debuted Thursday at the Valencia Art Center’s Academy Theatre and will run through Monday, March 2.
Read more...
The play, set in New Mexico in the late 1960s, stars senior Matt Skjerven as Teddy, a Vietnam veteran who holds a diner hostage with the help of his hippy girlfriend Cheryl, played by sophomore Ali Fisch. Among the hostages are Stephen, a graveyard shift cook, played by Curtis Kempton; Angel, a waitress, played by Daniel Steub; Lyle, a gas station attendant, played by Andrew Winecke; and Clark, played by Bill Ronchak. Corey Ostroot and Caitlin Murphy are cast as a well-off couple named Richard and Clarisse.
Director Gary Diomandes said he chose to direct this play for a number of reasons. The 60s and 70s era was included in this year’s rotation of genres and periods, and “When You Comin’ Back, Red Ryder?” “jumped to the top of [his] list.”
“It is the first play that I teach in Theatre Appreciation, and every year the students in that class inquire as to why we do not do a production of it,” said Diomandes.
Diomandes likes how the play examines the themes of control and manipulation. He also likes how it reflects the 60s culture and how it compares to our culture today. Diomandes said he grew up in a diner and knew the same types of people as the characters represented in the play.
The stage manager for the show is Sara St. Laurent. Walt Claassen designed the set and lighting, Matt Clementz designed the sound, and Alice Flo designed the costumes.
The shows are Thursday through Saturday and Monday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 3:00 p.m.
Tickets for the show are $8 each or $6 for students with their student ID.
Cardinal Staff
Mark Medoff’s “When You Comin’ Back, Red Ryder?” debuted Thursday at the Valencia Art Center’s Academy Theatre and will run through Monday, March 2.
Read more...
The play, set in New Mexico in the late 1960s, stars senior Matt Skjerven as Teddy, a Vietnam veteran who holds a diner hostage with the help of his hippy girlfriend Cheryl, played by sophomore Ali Fisch. Among the hostages are Stephen, a graveyard shift cook, played by Curtis Kempton; Angel, a waitress, played by Daniel Steub; Lyle, a gas station attendant, played by Andrew Winecke; and Clark, played by Bill Ronchak. Corey Ostroot and Caitlin Murphy are cast as a well-off couple named Richard and Clarisse.
Director Gary Diomandes said he chose to direct this play for a number of reasons. The 60s and 70s era was included in this year’s rotation of genres and periods, and “When You Comin’ Back, Red Ryder?” “jumped to the top of [his] list.”
“It is the first play that I teach in Theatre Appreciation, and every year the students in that class inquire as to why we do not do a production of it,” said Diomandes.
Diomandes likes how the play examines the themes of control and manipulation. He also likes how it reflects the 60s culture and how it compares to our culture today. Diomandes said he grew up in a diner and knew the same types of people as the characters represented in the play.
The stage manager for the show is Sara St. Laurent. Walt Claassen designed the set and lighting, Matt Clementz designed the sound, and Alice Flo designed the costumes.
The shows are Thursday through Saturday and Monday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 3:00 p.m.
Tickets for the show are $8 each or $6 for students with their student ID.
Yah-hah! Second Page!
By Eric Lear
Sports Editor
Improv show grows in popularity
Second Page, a student-run improv comedy group, has grown in popularity in recent years.
There was a bit of concern last spring when, due to a scheduling conflict, the group had to move their performances to the Common Room, located on the third floor of Saint Mary’s Hall.
Read more...
“We were concerned that it [the location change] would turn off some people from coming to the show,” said Second Page President Katie Schares. “We hoped people thought we were funny enough to climb up three flights of stairs.”
It turned out not to be a problem, and the three shows set an attendance record. In fact, seating began to be a problem. “We loaded that place [the Common Room] with chairs, and people were standing,” Schares said.
A larger buzz than normal seemed to grow for the next set of performances. “More people began showing up to Wednesday night meetings,” said Schares, who also noted that all are welcome and encouraged to attend. The group meets every Wednesday at 10 p.m. in the Common Room to work on improv games and have a good time.
This fall Second Page was back in the Figliulio Recital Hall, which the group used as their show title, “Back to the Fig.” Schares spoke of the great turnout for those three shows as well. “Those were some of the best shows I have been a part of,” Schares said.
Second Page members are considering taking Second Page in a different direction before this school year is over. “We are entertaining the idea of working with some other on-campus groups ... SMU will have to wait and see,” Schares said.
“Basically we have been trying to one-up ourselves each show,” Schares said. “We have some great ideas for the upcoming spring show.” The Second Page cast for this spring said they are anxiously awaiting the performances to see if their popularity continues to grow.
“Regardless of attendance, we are going to put on a quality comedy show,” Schares said, “but we know we will have a great turnout.”
Schares encourages that audience members come to more than one show because “you never know what you [will] get with improv comedy.”
The spring shows are scheduled for Friday, March 28, at 7 and 10 p.m. and Saturday, March 29, at 10 p.m.
Sports Editor
Improv show grows in popularity
Second Page, a student-run improv comedy group, has grown in popularity in recent years.
There was a bit of concern last spring when, due to a scheduling conflict, the group had to move their performances to the Common Room, located on the third floor of Saint Mary’s Hall.
Read more...
“We were concerned that it [the location change] would turn off some people from coming to the show,” said Second Page President Katie Schares. “We hoped people thought we were funny enough to climb up three flights of stairs.”
It turned out not to be a problem, and the three shows set an attendance record. In fact, seating began to be a problem. “We loaded that place [the Common Room] with chairs, and people were standing,” Schares said.
A larger buzz than normal seemed to grow for the next set of performances. “More people began showing up to Wednesday night meetings,” said Schares, who also noted that all are welcome and encouraged to attend. The group meets every Wednesday at 10 p.m. in the Common Room to work on improv games and have a good time.
This fall Second Page was back in the Figliulio Recital Hall, which the group used as their show title, “Back to the Fig.” Schares spoke of the great turnout for those three shows as well. “Those were some of the best shows I have been a part of,” Schares said.
Second Page members are considering taking Second Page in a different direction before this school year is over. “We are entertaining the idea of working with some other on-campus groups ... SMU will have to wait and see,” Schares said.
“Basically we have been trying to one-up ourselves each show,” Schares said. “We have some great ideas for the upcoming spring show.” The Second Page cast for this spring said they are anxiously awaiting the performances to see if their popularity continues to grow.
“Regardless of attendance, we are going to put on a quality comedy show,” Schares said, “but we know we will have a great turnout.”
Schares encourages that audience members come to more than one show because “you never know what you [will] get with improv comedy.”
The spring shows are scheduled for Friday, March 28, at 7 and 10 p.m. and Saturday, March 29, at 10 p.m.
'The Vagina Monologues' evokes emotion
By Maria Sullivan
Staff Writer
Winona State University presented the “The Vagina Monologues,” written by Eve Ensler, on Feb. 22 and 23.
“The Vagina Monologues” is a play featuring a number of monologues of women telling their views about the vagina through the lens of sex, love, rape, menstruation, mutilation, masturbation, or orgasm.
Read more... Other monologues focused on the variety of names for the vagina and the vagina simply as a physical aspect of the female body. The main theme of this play is that the vagina is a tool of female empowerment and that women need to learn to love it, and themselves.
The play was performed and directed by students from WSU as part of a local “V-day” campaign. According to the program from the play, “V-day is a global movement to end violence against women and girls that raises funds and awareness through benefit productions of playwright/founder Eve Ensler’s award winning play.”
The producers and performers did an excellent job sending the message about how the vagina is supposed to be something that women are proud of, not ashamed of. One monologue in particular, called “Because He Liked to Look at It,” told the story of a woman who was ashamed of the way her vagina looked, but her opinion changed when she met a man who absolutely loved looking at her pubic area. She soon came to realize that it’s a beautiful thing and became proud of it.
The monologues in this play are very graphic and can be shocking. It is, however, a play that everybody should see. One can expect to experience a bundle of emotions upon seeing this play, from laughter to anger.
This year is the tenth anniversary of “The Vagina Monologues.”
Staff Writer
Winona State University presented the “The Vagina Monologues,” written by Eve Ensler, on Feb. 22 and 23.
“The Vagina Monologues” is a play featuring a number of monologues of women telling their views about the vagina through the lens of sex, love, rape, menstruation, mutilation, masturbation, or orgasm.
Read more... Other monologues focused on the variety of names for the vagina and the vagina simply as a physical aspect of the female body. The main theme of this play is that the vagina is a tool of female empowerment and that women need to learn to love it, and themselves.
The play was performed and directed by students from WSU as part of a local “V-day” campaign. According to the program from the play, “V-day is a global movement to end violence against women and girls that raises funds and awareness through benefit productions of playwright/founder Eve Ensler’s award winning play.”
The producers and performers did an excellent job sending the message about how the vagina is supposed to be something that women are proud of, not ashamed of. One monologue in particular, called “Because He Liked to Look at It,” told the story of a woman who was ashamed of the way her vagina looked, but her opinion changed when she met a man who absolutely loved looking at her pubic area. She soon came to realize that it’s a beautiful thing and became proud of it.
The monologues in this play are very graphic and can be shocking. It is, however, a play that everybody should see. One can expect to experience a bundle of emotions upon seeing this play, from laughter to anger.
This year is the tenth anniversary of “The Vagina Monologues.”
Cardinal Spotlight: Dr. Joseph Tadie
By Abby Zimmer
Copy Editor
As many students know, Dr. Joseph Tadie has a unique teaching style, but what most students don’t know is how he came to adopt this style. Tadie, assistant professor of philosophy, credits his style to Dr. Jeff Highland, provost and vice president; Dr. Jane Rodeheffer, professor of philosophy, and Brother Finbar McMullen, FSC, a retired Christian Brother. Each, in their own unique way, has instilled in him the preference for learning over teaching.
Read more...
“Initially, I worry less about the memorization of concepts than I do about engaging students, wherever they happen to be coming from,” said Tadie.
Tadie tries to avoid lecture and tries to focus on group discussion or shared inquiry.
“It can feel very frustrating at times in a seminar setting. Some feel that there’s apparently no point to any of it because there’s no explicit disciplinary point of view being defended, there’s no lecture to memorize and spit back, so it can seem to lack rigor,” said Tadie. “It’s not [like that] for those who come to trust it, but that trust takes time to build. By starting where students are, I preference relevance over rigor.”
While Dr. Highland pressed upon Tadie the importance of learning over teaching and Dr. Rodeheffer helped Tadie realize the usefulness of shared inquiry over lecturing, still Tadie’s biggest mentor at SMU has been Brother Finbar.
Brother Finbar was a close mentor to both Tadie and his good friend Chris Lunn ’91 during their undergraduate days. Tadie says that Finbar was a good example of the emphasis that the Brothers put on touching hearts (learning) as a means toward teaching minds. Tadie has a memory that involves a tipi that Lunn designed, built, and kept in the bluffs behind St. Yon’s Hall while they were students.
After seeing Lunn’s tipi, Tadie recalls Finbar telling Lunn, “If this is what you are going to do (make tipis), then you should do it with excellence.” Tadie elaborated, “I think Finbar touched Lunn’s heart. Now, 20 years later, Lunn is kind of an ‘advisor’ to the Crow, the Blackfeet, [and] the Dakota people, and not just on tipi-related matters, but also in many other areas of their material culture, including quilling, tanning of hides, beadwork, [and the] manufacturing of other culturally-specific items. I see Lunn as an exemplary life-long learner.”
“As I see it, Finbar could have cared less about tipis, but he cared a lot about Chris. Chris cared about tipis and felt supported by Finbar. In some way then, Finbar has been essential to Lunn’s success.”
Brother Finbar didn’t lecture Lunn’s mind or head on how to make tipis. Tadie believes that Finbar touched Lunn’s heart.
Tadie also claimed that there are two other major contributors to his unique approach to learning. Their names are Arthur Spring and Jean Vanier. “I first read Jean Vanier with Arthur and Rosamond Spring in the Lasallian Institute. I was impressed with both the Springs and Vanier. After graduation, I entered the L’Arche community in Clinton, Iowa.” According to their website, L’Arche aims to “bring together people, some with developmental disabilities and some without, who choose to share their lives by living together in faith-based communities.”
“At L’Arche, I learned to meet people where they are, even if where they are is quite revolting to me and my biases,” Tadie said. “I hope my approach to learning can somehow bring this same spirit to life for those who are in my courses here at Saint Mary’s.”
Tadie Timeline:
1968: Born on May 6, 1968.
1968: Adopted by Larry and Donna Tadie and moved to Chillicothe, IL. The Tadies were strong Catholics who lived out their faith through direct action.
1980’s: Tutored friends’ siblings from a young age.
1986: Went to University of Illinois on a full-ride scholarship from the U.S. Marines.
1987: Dropped out of U of I and “started looking for God”; directed by a bishop and deacon to the Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary here at SMU.
1991: Majored in philosophy out of a love for the subject and eventually discerned not to continue path toward priesthood.
1991-92: Lived at the L’Arche Community in Iowa, a program founded by Jean Vanier in France in 1964 that brings together people with and without developmental disabilities.
1993-96: Came back to SMU to teach in the De LaSalle Language Institute.
1996: Got a scholarship to Boston College and mastered in philosophy; started PhD.
2000: Stated teaching philosophy at SMU.
2006: Finished doctorate.
Tadie’s Sons:
Joseph Francis (10 years old)
Finbar Henry (8 years old)
Auguste Seraph (5 years old)
Copy Editor
As many students know, Dr. Joseph Tadie has a unique teaching style, but what most students don’t know is how he came to adopt this style. Tadie, assistant professor of philosophy, credits his style to Dr. Jeff Highland, provost and vice president; Dr. Jane Rodeheffer, professor of philosophy, and Brother Finbar McMullen, FSC, a retired Christian Brother. Each, in their own unique way, has instilled in him the preference for learning over teaching.
Read more...
“Initially, I worry less about the memorization of concepts than I do about engaging students, wherever they happen to be coming from,” said Tadie.
Tadie tries to avoid lecture and tries to focus on group discussion or shared inquiry.
“It can feel very frustrating at times in a seminar setting. Some feel that there’s apparently no point to any of it because there’s no explicit disciplinary point of view being defended, there’s no lecture to memorize and spit back, so it can seem to lack rigor,” said Tadie. “It’s not [like that] for those who come to trust it, but that trust takes time to build. By starting where students are, I preference relevance over rigor.”
While Dr. Highland pressed upon Tadie the importance of learning over teaching and Dr. Rodeheffer helped Tadie realize the usefulness of shared inquiry over lecturing, still Tadie’s biggest mentor at SMU has been Brother Finbar.
Brother Finbar was a close mentor to both Tadie and his good friend Chris Lunn ’91 during their undergraduate days. Tadie says that Finbar was a good example of the emphasis that the Brothers put on touching hearts (learning) as a means toward teaching minds. Tadie has a memory that involves a tipi that Lunn designed, built, and kept in the bluffs behind St. Yon’s Hall while they were students.
After seeing Lunn’s tipi, Tadie recalls Finbar telling Lunn, “If this is what you are going to do (make tipis), then you should do it with excellence.” Tadie elaborated, “I think Finbar touched Lunn’s heart. Now, 20 years later, Lunn is kind of an ‘advisor’ to the Crow, the Blackfeet, [and] the Dakota people, and not just on tipi-related matters, but also in many other areas of their material culture, including quilling, tanning of hides, beadwork, [and the] manufacturing of other culturally-specific items. I see Lunn as an exemplary life-long learner.”
“As I see it, Finbar could have cared less about tipis, but he cared a lot about Chris. Chris cared about tipis and felt supported by Finbar. In some way then, Finbar has been essential to Lunn’s success.”
Brother Finbar didn’t lecture Lunn’s mind or head on how to make tipis. Tadie believes that Finbar touched Lunn’s heart.
Tadie also claimed that there are two other major contributors to his unique approach to learning. Their names are Arthur Spring and Jean Vanier. “I first read Jean Vanier with Arthur and Rosamond Spring in the Lasallian Institute. I was impressed with both the Springs and Vanier. After graduation, I entered the L’Arche community in Clinton, Iowa.” According to their website, L’Arche aims to “bring together people, some with developmental disabilities and some without, who choose to share their lives by living together in faith-based communities.”
“At L’Arche, I learned to meet people where they are, even if where they are is quite revolting to me and my biases,” Tadie said. “I hope my approach to learning can somehow bring this same spirit to life for those who are in my courses here at Saint Mary’s.”
Tadie Timeline:
1968: Born on May 6, 1968.
1968: Adopted by Larry and Donna Tadie and moved to Chillicothe, IL. The Tadies were strong Catholics who lived out their faith through direct action.
1980’s: Tutored friends’ siblings from a young age.
1986: Went to University of Illinois on a full-ride scholarship from the U.S. Marines.
1987: Dropped out of U of I and “started looking for God”; directed by a bishop and deacon to the Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary here at SMU.
1991: Majored in philosophy out of a love for the subject and eventually discerned not to continue path toward priesthood.
1991-92: Lived at the L’Arche Community in Iowa, a program founded by Jean Vanier in France in 1964 that brings together people with and without developmental disabilities.
1993-96: Came back to SMU to teach in the De LaSalle Language Institute.
1996: Got a scholarship to Boston College and mastered in philosophy; started PhD.
2000: Stated teaching philosophy at SMU.
2006: Finished doctorate.
Tadie’s Sons:
Joseph Francis (10 years old)
Finbar Henry (8 years old)
Auguste Seraph (5 years old)
Gracin to grace SMU March 13
By Kaylin Martin
Cardinal Staff
Josh Gracin, a country music artist who got his start as a fourth-place finalist on the second season of “American Idol,” will perform at Saint Mary’s University on Thursday, March 13.
Read more...
Gracin’s 2004 self-titled album has sold over 750,000 copies and has produced four top-five singles on the U.S. Billboard Hot Country Singles Chart, including his number one hit, “Nothin’ to Lose.”
This concert is a change from past spring concerts hosted by the Student Activities Committee. Previous concerts have headlined bands such as Three Days Grace, Motion City Soundtrack and Cartel.
Gracin is bound to bring in a similar size, but different type of crowd, said Neil Olstad, one of three concert chairs on the Student Activities Committee.
“We wanted to change things up and please a different fan base,” said Olstad. “That’s why we looked into other genres of music.”
Olstad and the other concert chairs narrowed the field down to hip-hop and country, choosing between Atmosphere, a well-known hip-hop group from the Twin Cities, or Josh Gracin.
“The deciding factor, though, came down to who was available to perform on the date we wanted,” said Olstad.
In spite of the change, students at Saint Mary’s seem to be just as excited for a country artist.
“I don’t think people know how many country music fans we have on campus,” said senior Abby Rosenthal. “It will be nice to have a concert that appeals to a different group of students.”
Doors open for the concert at 7 p.m. in the Saint Mary’s gymnasium. Saint Mary’s students receive one free ticket for the concert and can purchase additional tickets for $10 each. Students must present their ID when picking up tickets at the SMU box office in Page Theater.
Tickets are $10 for SMU faculty and staff and $15 for the public.
More information about Josh Gracin is available at his website: www.joshgracin.com.
Cardinal Staff
Josh Gracin, a country music artist who got his start as a fourth-place finalist on the second season of “American Idol,” will perform at Saint Mary’s University on Thursday, March 13.
Read more...
Gracin’s 2004 self-titled album has sold over 750,000 copies and has produced four top-five singles on the U.S. Billboard Hot Country Singles Chart, including his number one hit, “Nothin’ to Lose.”
This concert is a change from past spring concerts hosted by the Student Activities Committee. Previous concerts have headlined bands such as Three Days Grace, Motion City Soundtrack and Cartel.
Gracin is bound to bring in a similar size, but different type of crowd, said Neil Olstad, one of three concert chairs on the Student Activities Committee.
“We wanted to change things up and please a different fan base,” said Olstad. “That’s why we looked into other genres of music.”
Olstad and the other concert chairs narrowed the field down to hip-hop and country, choosing between Atmosphere, a well-known hip-hop group from the Twin Cities, or Josh Gracin.
“The deciding factor, though, came down to who was available to perform on the date we wanted,” said Olstad.
In spite of the change, students at Saint Mary’s seem to be just as excited for a country artist.
“I don’t think people know how many country music fans we have on campus,” said senior Abby Rosenthal. “It will be nice to have a concert that appeals to a different group of students.”
Doors open for the concert at 7 p.m. in the Saint Mary’s gymnasium. Saint Mary’s students receive one free ticket for the concert and can purchase additional tickets for $10 each. Students must present their ID when picking up tickets at the SMU box office in Page Theater.
Tickets are $10 for SMU faculty and staff and $15 for the public.
More information about Josh Gracin is available at his website: www.joshgracin.com.
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