Friday, April 25, 2008

SMUStock to cap off Earth Week

By Steve Adams
Guest Writer

As the school year and Earth Week are coming to a close, don’t forget to attend the first-ever SMUStock, which will be held in St. Yon’s Field tonight.
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The event is sponsored by the Saint Mary’s EcoRep program and will begin with an Ultimate Frisbee tournament at 3 p.m. Each member of the winning team of the tournament will receive a customized SMU EcoRep water bottle, in addition to a new disc for disc golf.

The tournament will be followed by a grill-out at 5 p.m and acoustic concerts from several members of the SMU community, highlighted by popular student bands the Wet Bandits and Bookreader. A campfire will begin at 9 p.m. to go along with Bookreader’s set.

“It sounds like a really great event,” said Adam Stasica, lead guitarist for the Wet Bandits. “I’m really excited to play at it. There should be a good turnout.”

Following the concerts, students will have the option to camp out overnight in St. Yon’s Field. All available camping equipment has been reserved, so students will need to provide their own if they wish to camp out.

“It’s a great idea,” said senior Sarah Zweber. “I’ve been here for four years, and there’s never been anything like this. I love camping. I’m really excited for it.”

SMUStock will cap off an event-filled Earth Week for the EcoReps. The week has already seen several events hosted by the EcoReps, including a waste audit in the plaza, car emissions testing and a canoe trip. Group members will be on-hand at SMUStock, running informational booths on recycling and sustainability.

Dinner will be offered to students who registered their barcodes earlier in the week during lunch and dinner hours. All students are encouraged to come out and watch the tournament and musical performances, however, even if they have not registered for food or camping equipment.

The event has generated buzz among students and faculty alike. If SMUStock is a success, the EcoReps hope to turn it into an annual event.

“I’ve heard people talking about it,” said junior Grant Bilski. “It’s always fun when there’s something new to do on campus.”

‘Hot Sauce’ to heat up the SMU court

By Alex Conover
Cardinal Staff

Saint Mary’s University will host the Hustle Up Streetball Tour on Sunday, April 27, at 7 p.m. in the gym. Tickets are $13 in advance and can be purchased at Midtown Foods or by calling Katie LaPlant at 612-382-3041 or visiting her office in Toner 8B. Tickets are $20 at the door.

The Cardinal talked with Phillip Champion, better known as “Hot Sauce.” Hot Sauce is one of the premier streetballers in the world, his trademark being his exceptional ball-handling.
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Streetball is a variation of basketball played in big cities, where emphasis is placed more on electrifying dunks and tricks rather than fundamentals.

Hot Sauce and other accomplished streetballers like Highrizer, A.O., and Spyda will face off against players from SMU and other local “personalities.”

Q: How did you get involved with streetball? Or rather, how did you make it to the mainstream?
A: Well, it wasn’t mainstream when I first got on. It was just some guys from Rucker [Park] and they had a small four-city tour … Then some people from the brand “AND1” contacted them on starting a bigger tour. They got some of the same guys from Rucker, and they had a five-city tour. I think it was Atlanta, Chicago, Philly, and some other places. They wanted to go out and show people how the game was played out there, in Rucker Park. After the tour, though, they wanted to go out to different cities because they knew there were tons of players in other cities. So they were looking around, and once they got to Atlanta, they started asking around if anyone had handles. That’s when my name came up: “Hot Sauce. Yeah, he can play.” So they brought me out to Cali, and I was supposed to play against the all-stars. At the last second, they decided to put me on the all-star team before that game, and I stayed ever since. This was just supposed to be a fling … I had no idea it would last.

Q: Where’d you get the nickname “Hot Sauce?”
A: I was touring around with my handles, showing off, and every time I made a shot I said “Sauce!” ... I said it so much, when people were picking teams they just started saying “Hey, I want Sauce,” or “What’s up, Sauce?” After a while it turned into “Hot Sauce” … the handles are hot, and the sauce is my jumper! (laughs)

Q: You took off a year from the “AND1” tour. Why was that?
A: That was when my son was born, and I wanted to spend time with him. Also, during that time I did a Mountain Dew commercial and was in the movie “Crossover,” so I’m pretty glad I took that break.

Q: Speaking of “Crossover,” does Wayne Brady have any game?
A: Well, Wayne was playing a promoter/coach character. I don’t think he picked up a basketball once during the filming … No, he’s not a player.

Q: Would you ever trade your ball-handling ability for someone else’s jumping ability?
A: Never. My handling is natural … You know, there’s guys out there watching me, trying to handle like me. Well, I don’t watch anybody … that’s my trademark. My trademark is my handle, so no, I wouldn’t trade it.

Q: What do you say to people that accuse you of traveling with the ball or carrying?
A: They really can’t call that on me. I’m doing it on purpose; they know I could not carry. If I do a carry or a slow-motion dribble to the other hand, come on, that’s on purpose.

Q: When you were growing up, was there any NBA player you especially admired?
A: Kevin Johnson, Isiah Thomas … Michael Jordan a little bit, but he did all his tricks in the air. I couldn’t do that stuff, so I related to the short guys. There are guys out there right now that I like to watch; I don’t really look up to them, but I like watching Stephon Marbury, Allen Iverson, Baron Davis.

Q: What are your plans once you’re done playing streetball?
A: Start my own brand of sneakers, headbands, a clothing line.

Q: Any closing words?
A: Just tell everyone to get ready … tie their shoes up tight.

Phonathon raises record funds

By Kaylin Martin
Cardinal Staff

The Saint Mary’s University Phonathon raised more than $205,000 in pledges this year, breaking their old record set during the 2000-2001 phonathon year by almost $10,000.
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Saint Mary’s Director of Annual Giving and Phonathon Advisor Bob Fisher contributes most of the campaign’s success to his talented student staff.

“I have been truly blessed with great student workers during this phonathon campaign,” said Fisher. “Their leadership and mentorship to the younger students has helped create a great team atmosphere.”

This year’s phonathon team raised more than $35,000 in pledges compared to last year, which Fisher notes as a huge increase.

“We changed a few things about the program from the previous year,” he said. “I think that is part of why we have had such a successful campaign this year.”

One of the changes made was the calling strategy, or how the callers ask for the gift. Fisher wanted to give the student callers a chance to personalize the script by writing their own.

There are certain things that still must be stated in the scripts, but “they can put their own style into the call,” said Fisher. “It adds a personal touch.”

The phonathon helps raise money for the Saint Mary’s Annual Fund, money that the university can allocate to wherever the greatest need is, usually towards financial aid and unrestricted scholarship support. However, the phonathon program also benefits the student callers.

“It gives students a great opportunity to connect and network with alumni,” said Fisher. “The students can develop great business, communication, networking and fundraising skills that will be very beneficial to them as they enter the professional world.”

Senior phonathon worker Chris Kellen feels the same way.

“I am more comfortable than ever speaking with people I have never met, and I know that will help me as a senior about to graduate,” said Kellen. “I’m going to be meeting new people everyday and put the skills I learned in phonathon to use.”

The student phonathon was started by the Office of Development and Alumni Relations in 1987 as a way to touch base with alumni and parents and to give them an opportunity to support the university. The phonathon currently employs about 30 student workers.

“It wasn’t always that big,” said Fisher. “About ten years ago, the phonathon had about 10 student employees, but as the alumni base has grown so has the phonathon staff.”

“Basically, the growth of the program has followed the growth of the development efforts of the entire university,” said Fisher.

The growing program also contacts alumni and parents of current students to update records like home addresses, email addresses and other business information and to inform the alumni and parents on news about Saint Mary’s.

“We work hard,” said senior phonathon worker Abby Rosenthal, “but we all get along great. That’s why I think it’s been such a successful year.”

Fisher enjoys seeing the students gain a great pride about their future alma mater by working the phonathon. “I am proud of what these students and future alumni are doing for Saint Mary’s,” he said.

Senate adds VP of International Affairs position

By Tamika Robinson
Cardinal Staff

The Saint Mary’s University Student Senate will be introducing a new position next fall to serve as a link between the senate and the Office of International Admission.

Scott (Zhe Song) was recently elected by SMU students as vice president of international affairs, a role created because of the increase in international students on campus.
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“[He] will be the voice for all of the international students,” said Student Senate President John Freeman. “[He] will be open to hearing the opinions and the thoughts of the international students and then bring those to the senate meetings and express those opinions and beliefs. They are going to have a stronger voice on campus as far as what they would like to see done.”

Currently, there are 100 international students on campus. Of those students, 23 came from Nepal to the SMU campus this semester.

Adding this role could bring some challenges, however. Freeman realizes that this is “a brand new position that [student senate] is starting, and we don’t know exactly how it’s going to work out.”

The student elected to the position each year will be in charge of building a relationship between the Office of International Admission and student senate that will be for the good of all SMU students.

“I think that this is a really positive step for the Saint Mary’s student body,” said Freeman. “It’s just going to be a positive thing for everyone involved.”

According to Freeman, the student senate is in charge of all student clubs and organizations on campus. Students must go to the student senate when starting a new club or organization, making changes to the current constitution of the club, or when making changes in the way the club or organization functions.

The student senate is also in charge of configuring the budgets for each club and organization on campus.

SMU history book to be released

By Amira Sadek
Guest Writer

The history of Saint Mary’s University will be published in time for SMU’s centennial celebration in 2012.

Dr. William Crozier, a retired SMU history professor, and Dr. Michael Flanagan, a retired SMU theater professor, are teaming up to write a book that Crozier says will be “creative nonfiction,” unlike any history book the two have come across. “It will be interesting . . . with lots of pictures,” said Crozier.
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Though both are experienced writers, neither has written anything this large-scale before. Crozier has written many documents, including papers on historical topics, and Flanagan has written plays and other pieces. Crozier and Flanagan agreed that they work well together.

The projected audience will be mostly alumni, who will enjoy reading about events and places they remember from the college.

“Saint Mary’s seems like a place to me that hasn’t changed much,” said Dr. David Sokolowski, an alumnus and SMU English professor, “so it would be interesting to see how much it has changed.”

Although the book is geared for an alumni audience, sophomore Emily Dee said, “It sounds interesting; I would want to read it.”

The book is still in its early stages, and only four different detailed outlines have been made. The actual writing should begin this summer; right now, they are working hard to collect and manage information. They have collected information from surveys, pictures on slides, and online sources like the local newspaper. Crozier and Flanagan have also interviewed many people, including an alumnus from the class of 1941, a 91-year-old former Saint Mary’s president, former Board of Trustee members, and older faculty. Other sources include pieces from former students, such as a scrapbook and letters written home.

It is not clear who the publisher will be and how the book will be formatted. When the book is published, it will be made available for students to purchase. Flanagan, with a smile, said, “Maybe they’ll make a movie of it someday.”

Because SMU is “relatively young,” the book should be only about 150 to 200 pages. “It’ll be honest with all [the] main ingredients, but we want to get across all the interesting stories of the people who went here and the faculty, presidents,” said Crozier. “I’m sure a lot of our stuff will be frivolous, but at least it will be human.”

‘Bee farm’: New buzz words for global issues classes

By Joe Holman
Guest Writer

The Saint Mary’s University campus may soon be buzzing about a new project that Associate Professor of Social Science Wesley Miller is proposing.

The proposed project is to bring a honey bee colony, or “apiary” as it is referred to in the bee-keeping community, to campus.
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The colony would be made up of two hives. The project is still in the early stages, since Miller is currently seeking a grant to fund it. Miller hopes that he can secure a grant by the spring of 2009.

Miller wants to use the apiary to engage students in learning about global issues. He sees a relationship between the lives of bees and the concrete problems that the global community faces. Students in Miller’s Global Issues classes will be able to interact with the bees on a daily basis and see the concepts that they learn about in his lectures illustrated by the colony. “If I can get you emotionally attached to these creatures, I can use that relationship to engage you to abstract lessons,” said Miller. “What affects bees also affect you and me.”

The biggest concern about Miller’s project is the health and safety of students and faculty. There is the risk that someone may be allergic to bees and would be nervous of their presence on campus. Miller acknowledges this concern and would first seek to educate both students and faculty about honey bees before his project moves forward.

Bees are often confused with their more aggressive relatives, yellow jackets and wasps. Honey bees by nature are not aggressive and will not sting unless they feel threatened at the hive. “I’m still concerned about the danger of bee stings to those sensitive to them so I’m still a little nervous about an on-campus apiary,” said Chris Kendall, vice president of student development at Saint Mary’s and beginning bee-keeper himself.

Miller is still looking into possible locations on campus for the hives at this time. One option would be to put it near the old apple orchard, behind St. Yon’s field, so the bees could pollinate the trees and restore the orchard.

Another option, Miller said, would be to put the hives on a rooftop. Saint Mary’s Hall would be a good location because it would create a respectful distance between the bees and the rest of the campus community. The rooftop location would also get the hives out of the way of scavengers such as raccoons, skunks and bears.

The bees that Miller hopes to bring in to fill the on-campus hives would come from a new breed of bee developed by Marla Spivak at the University of Minnesota. This breed, known as the “Minnesota Hygienic” bee, is bred to sense diseased larvae in the hive and routinely clean itself. The thinking behind the development of the cleaning trait is that it wards off infection of a parasite called Varroa Destructor. This parasite was responsible for eliminating half of the U.S bee population in 2004-2005.

Miller also has a unique plan in place for the types of hives that he will put on campus. The first hive would be the standard box hive. The second is a hive type that was developed in Kenya, called a top bar hive or “honey cow.” By incorporating an African inspired hive, Miller will add to the globalization aspect of his project. The top bar hive is also less intrusive than a box hive and results in a less aggressive bee.

SMU says ‘goodbye’ to retirees

By Amy Kalina and Ellen Jordan
Managing Editor and Cardinal Staff

Brother Jerome Rademacher, FSC, Ph.D.
Brother Jerome Rademacher is leaving Saint Mary’s University with a legacy that involves much more than the formulas he has taught his students.
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Brother Jerome joined the Christian Brothers in 1951 and has served at Saint Mary’s for 34 years. He taught physics at SMU and was one of the first professors to teach computer science. In addition, Brother Jerome currently serves as the chair of the physics department and is responsible for the creation of the bluff trails on campus. He started the trails by hand in 1976 along with Brother John Grover.

Brother Jerome’s post-retirement plans are to remain on the Winona campus and to continue to help in the labs and on the trails.


Drs. Pat and Mike Sommerville
As the school year ends, the SMU business department will not be losing one, but two professors. Drs. Patricia and Mike Sommerville will retire after a combined 67 years of service to Saint Mary’s and plan to move to Florida, where they will “never be cold again,” said Mike.
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Mike, who has taught at SMU for 38 years, has taught business law, criminal law and various political science classes. Pat has served SMU for 29 years, teaching accounting courses and corporate finance.

In addition to their move to Ocala, Fla., where they have purchased a home, the couple also plans to travel to the Panama Canal, China, Australia, New Zealand and Germany.


Dr. Joseph Shields

After 17 years of teaching in the math department, Dr. Joseph Shields will leave SMU and move to Texas.
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Dr. Shields joined the Saint Mary’s faculty in 1991, and over the years he has served as chair of the math department along with teaching every math class in the course catalog. Dr. Shields has also served as dean for science and math and as dean of the college and associate vice president for academic affairs from 2000 through 2005.

In addition to moving to Texas with his wife, Carol, an assistant professor in the math and science department at SMU, Dr. Shields’ post-retirement plans include golfing, scuba diving, kayaking, camping and skiing. He also hopes to travel, take educational courses and possibly even teach on an occasional basis.


Dr. Richard Kowles
After 36 years as a professor of biology at SMU, Dr. Richard Kowles will be retiring this spring, having only missed one class in his career.
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During his time at SMU, Dr. Kowles has earned $1.1 million in grants, and he was awarded the Brother Charles H. Severin Award in 1979. In 1984, Kowles was honored as the Minnesota Science Teacher of the Year, and in 1986, he was named a professor with distinction. In spite of all of his achievements, Dr. Kowles would rather be remembered for his humor. “I’m not too serious,” he said.

Dr. Kowles also recently published a memoir, “School,” which highlights his 68 consecutive years inside the classroom. After retirement, Dr. Kowles plans to devote more time to gardening, volunteering, photography, yard work, reading, attending SMU events, and publishing more books.

Dr. Dorothy Diehl, of the modern and classical languages department, and Dr. Kenneth Stenstrup, of the theology department, will be on sabbatical during the 2008 fall semester.

Alcohol, drugs, an Xbox 360, and a day at the spa

By Amy Kalina
Managing Editor

Saint Mary’s University students received information via email this week about the Core Survey, an online survey assessing students’ attitudes and behaviors surrounding alcohol, other drugs and overall health.
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Completing this anonymous survey will give Saint Mary’s students the chance to win one of several prizes, including an Xbox 360, a PlayStation 3 and an iPhone, according to Michael O’Friel, alcohol and drug education coordinator and counselor. Other prizes include a $500 gas card, $500 tuition credit, a $500 gift card to Barnes and Noble, and a certificate for a seven-hour spa.

The contest will run through midnight on April 30, and the winning students will be notified on Saint Mary’s study day, May 1.

“It’s perfect timing to get that day at the spa you always wanted or $500 of gas to help you get home!” said O’Friel.

Only one entry per student will be allowed. To complete the survey and enter the drawing, students can go to http://www.siu.edu/~coreinst/

I feel so nostalgic . . . I hope someone plays that Green Day song

By Tim Hepner
Staff Columnist

Goodbyes are never easy, but I’ll try to soften the blow real quickly: You can quit worrying about me and that beer. It’s been taken care of.
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Onto the important things: your soul, my soul and real life. I want everyone to know that the articles I have been writing for the Cardinal for the past semester were borne out of a sincere love for all of you, my friends and peers at Saint Mary’s University. I’ve seen a certain struggle in myself and in others between mediocrity and depth, between our best and our worst, between a desire to secure our own identities and a desire to give of ourselves. If that’s all too high-flown for you, try this: We all have deep desires, but sometimes, in what we think and do, we end up frustrating those desires and come out either bored or depressed. We’re too scared to risk taking our desires to God and let Him fulfill them. But, if there’s anything I want you all to know, it’s this: Do not be afraid. Do not let your fear – or even your boredom – get the best of you. Give in to God, tell Him what your deepest desires are, and let Him meet you there.

None of this seems practical, I know, but if it relates to you at all, then please listen. I know that there are other concerns in our lives. I have this friend (don’t tell her I’m writing about her) who says that she wants to get her life in order before she finds out more about God. She wants to figure out what she’s majoring in, work out the kinks in her relationships, and make sure all the practical stuff is in order. What she doesn’t know is that God is already there in her life, in the practical little details, and He’s waiting to show her how it all fits together – she just needs to trust in Him.

I know, too, that we’re often frustrated by the giant gap we see between our own actions and what the Church teaches. It seems that either we’re not good enough or the Church is too strict. But I want to emphasize something very strongly: the primary message of Jesus Christ and the Church – as well as anyone who represents the Church – is mercy. Real, effective mercy that takes the real things we have done (or can’t stop doing) and washes them away. And it’s available for repeated use.

If anyone in the Church – especially any of us seminarians – has given you a different impression, then I deeply apologize and ask your forgiveness. If you have ever been offended or insulted by any of us who claim to represent Christ and have been turned off to religion, I am sorry. I sincerely believe that no one reading this is in more need of this mercy than I, and I struggle with sin alongside of you. I also hope that, through the power of the Holy Spirit, something I have written has helped you in some way. I want to continue to struggle and pray with you even after I leave Saint Mary’s, and please always know that I am. Please also pray for me – I definitely need it. Because, as a friend of mine once said, “As Power Rangers as it sounds, we’re all in this together.”

Student gives insight on the ‘stress mess’

By Alexa Strouth
Cardinal Staff

There’s less than two weeks left of school, and finals will be here faster than you know it. From all the assignments and projects headed up your alley, you might be feeling stressed out.
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Stress can affect anyone at any age; stressful life experiences are sometimes unavoidable. Sometimes stress can even be helpful, as it can encourage you to meet a deadline or get things done. But long-term stress can increase the risk of diseases like depression, heart disease and a variety of other problems. The key to dealing with stress is how you process it. Here are some substance-free tips on avoiding stress:

*Eat right and exercise
*Set realistic goals
*Handle important tasks first and eliminate unessential tasks
*Take a break and meditate to slow down your mind
*Reduce the urge to be “perfect”
*Be flexible
*Avoid excess competition
*Reduce criticism
*Don’t stress when expectations are not met
*Manage your anger
*Push away negativity of any kind
*Give yourself “me” time
*Be cheerful; it deflates others’ stress and anxiety
*Silence your phone at night
*Dab scented oils, cologne or perfume on your wrist to sniff as an aromatherapy reminder to relax when you feel stressed
*Utilize relaxation techniques: yoga, meditation, breathing, or stretching
*Laugh more, and often
*Monitor your communication skills
*Remember you can only change yourself

I hope that the next time you feel stressed out you can remember some of these stress relievers and focus on more important things, like finishing the rest of the year. I highly recommend yoga as a good stress reliever. Yoga helps you focus on your breathing and puts mental frustration at ease. Hopefully, you can control your stress before it controls you, and you can lead a happy, stress-free life!

For more information about yoga, visit http://www.yogasite.com/postures.html

The gift of honesty

Encouraging students to seek help

By Jon Pace
Guest Columnist

My name is Jon Pace, and I have a problem with alcohol.

I am a college kid just like you. I eat in the caf and enjoy Chartwells’ version of food. I like to hang with people in the plaza on a warm spring day and talk, toss a ball around, or play Frisbee. I am looking forward to summer like every student and graduation like every senior.
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Yet this article is not just about me: it is about everyone. We all have our own issues to deal with, big or small. Maybe your problem is eating too much, or too little. Maybe you struggle with grades. Maybe you have drug or alcohol problems. Maybe you are depressed.

Take my problem of alcohol, though. Who knows someone who is the first person at a party and has to chug their first few beers before everyone else has one? Or someone who has to drink to even talk at parties? Or someone who has to drink to dance with someone, to feel attractive? Well I was every one of those rolled into one. What I needed was an intervention. I hope that this article can help you think about what direction your life is heading, learn about yourself, and make healthy changes.

There are two things that I have learned through my alcohol problem that I would like to share with you in hopes that you can learn from them as well.

First, I have learned that it is okay to have problems. Everyone has them. It is what you do about them that is the important thing. In the past, I used avoidance and drinking to deal with my issues. Drinking made me disconnect from my feelings, which worked for a while. But it stopped working. I deal with issues differently now: I exercise, talk, read, get better sleep, and treat myself better.

I also learned about honesty in all aspects of life, which led me to ask for help, to live healthier, and to have a better sense of well-being. Honesty has led me to speak more openly with people I care about, even though this can be one of the most difficult things in the world. I am not perfect at it, and I work at it constantly, just like I work at other aspects of my life. Instead of bottling things up, though, I talk with people when I have an issue with them.

My hope is that after reading this article, you will take an honest, open look at yourself and your life. Again, I’m not saying that your problem is with alcohol (although research has shown that 25 percent of college kids meet the criteria for alcohol dependence). Also, I feel the need to emphasize that I know this is very hard to do! It is hard to admit when things are going wrong and hard to see what you can do differently. But when you have a support network of friends and family, you can change your life for the better, little by little.

If you notice something that you want to change, do yourself a favor and do something about it. You have friends, family, RAs, the Wellness Center, and Campus Safety. You have your teachers and coaches. Start to write your thoughts down on paper in a journal if you don’t feel comfortable talking to people yet. But I urge you to do something. If you want, contact me and we will talk.

You may be asking yourself why I am telling you this. I want to let you know you are not alone. I want to show you that things are not as hopeless as they may seem. I want to show you that people care and that real people like you and me have changed before. So can you.

Transition to the ‘real world,’ saying goodbye

By Alli Hill
Cardinal Staff

Our year is coming to an end, and I don’t know about most of you, but that gives me a ton of mixed emotions. I’m feeling sadness to be leaving my friends, regret for the things I wish I accomplished here, and also satisfaction that I have made it to this point.
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Now comes another transition in our lives: the working world. I know many of us have been furiously searching for a job, and some have been lucky enough to figure out just what they are going to do. All I know is that this is a difficult process.

I think many of us secretly want to find a job that will be absolutely perfect for us, but that just may not happen. All we can really do is follow our hearts and hope for the best. But don’t act too quickly. A job that might not sound so fabulous right now could be just what you need down the road.

Enough about the job talk now. I want to talk a little more about the end. We’re graduating! And it’s that time of year when they have a ton of banquets and events to go to. Take a little time to enjoy what Saint Mary’s has left to offer you. These things are for us to enjoy.

I hope you all had an amazing year. I hope you take the chance to hug your friends one extra time, just for the heck of it. I hope you enjoy these last two weeks, because time will just fly by. One final thought: We made it! Congrats, seniors!

Unsung Senior: Glenna Krzyzanowski

By Amy Kalina
Managing Editor

[Editor’s note: The Cardinal staff chose one graduating senior to honor for his or her exceptional service to Saint Mary’s and the Winona community throughout the past four years. Our honoree was not notified prior to publication of this article.]

The Saint Mary’s University class of 2008 is one that values leadership and community. In a class devoted to service and involvement, one student in particular shines. Though her many contributions may go unnoticed by some, this student has touched the lives of many through her devotion to serving others and making the world a better place.

Senior Glenna Krzyzanowski, a human services major, is described by friends and faculty as passionate, with an enthusiastic drive to make a difference in the community.
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During her time at Saint Mary’s, she has been involved with Peace and Justice, Habitat for Humanity, SOUL and other activities. She has also volunteered at the Catholic Worker House and has interned at the Women’s Resource Center. In addition, Krzyzanowski works as a counselor at the Family Resource Home for special needs children and works as a counselor at a Home and Community Options house for five adult men. Through her activities and involvement in the Winona community, Krzyzanowski has been dedicated to serving through humility and justice.

“She’s different from others because she’s always willing to help, she’s extremely unselfish, she never complains, and she’s passionate about what she does,” said senior Erin McGuire, one of Krzyzanowski’s roommates.


Krzyzanowski’s passion is especially evident in her academic aspirations, according to Professor Valerie Robeson, who has served as instructor, academic advisor and mentor for Krzyzanowski during her time at Saint Mary’s.

“Glenna has chosen courses that have advanced her ability to think in a critical and integrative way about structures of oppression and her personal responses to fellow human beings in her everyday life,” said Robeson. “Due to her initiative in selecting courses and challenging extracurricular activities, she has tested and developed her deeply-held values in a very intentional way.”

Dr. Mary Catherine Fox also notes Krzyanowski’s dedication to active service. “Glenna asks the difficult questions,” said Fox, who first taught Krzyzanowski in Oral Communications as a freshman. “She has enriched our Lasallian community in so many ways and challenged us to be about the business of creating a society that reflects and ministers to the dignity of all people.”

Friends see Krzyzanowski’s humility and determination as evident in her everyday activities as well. According to McGuire, Krzyzanowski rides her bike from Saint Mary’s to downtown Winona to work, even in rain or sub-zero temperatures, without a single complaint. “She’s courageous and pushes herself beyond the comfort zone,” said McGuire.

Krzyzanowski’s good spirits are also honored by friends. “I can say she is remembered by our entire family for her good nature during a Thanksgiving dinner at our home,” said Robeson. “She was the lone ‘mindful eater’—not sure she would say ‘vegetarian’—among a clan of omnivores, and she did not even wince when we passed the turkey.”

After graduation, Krzyzanowski plans to commit to a year of service as a Lasallian Volunteer.

Though her actions and achievements have made her stand apart from her classmates, Krzyzanowski’s humility is seen as equally honorable. Robeson describes Krzyzanowski as “comfortably unsung.”

“She will be quick to dismiss the kind of recognition this article represents because she values each human being equitably,” said Robeson. “[She] sees how her success has been aided by opportunities to stand on the shoulders of many others.”

Fox believes that Krzyzanowki will continue to be an inspiration to others in her future endeavors and finds her “most deserving” of honor.

“One of the very great privileges of our work as Lasallian educators is to watch our students develop and grow, and in doing so, they help us see beyond the horizons of our individual lives,” said Fox. “While we aspire to teach minds and touch hearts, Glenna has both taught and touched us all with her gifts, her service and the wisdom her life reflects.”

SMU memories from seniors

Compiled by Betsy Baertlein
Feature Editor

One of my favorite college memories was made when a bunch of girls from my floor in Skemp went to see Keith Urban in La Crosse together. We had good seats, too!
-Amy Kalina

I’ll never forget learning the language of “Ya got fine,” “Easy,” and “So dialed.” I just hope that the language will continue when I’m gone.
-Michael Rohr
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During my sophomore year and again my senior year a large group of us played hide and seek in Saint Mary’s Hall late at night. Who knew a group of college students could have so much fun playing hide and seek?!
-Bridget Emmett

London study abroad. Especially Hookah! Thanks, Matt.
-Diana Connolly

I will remember starry nights in the bluffs with Zak, Abdiel, Jake, and Joey and waiting three hours for 12 cent wings every Wednesday night.
-Christina Giunta

My favorite memory is getting pulled over in the SMU short bus on our way to a weekend of soccer games up north near Superior. This happened not long after we were pulled over for whipping a U-turn in front of a cop.
-Lisa Tlougan

Two of the best experiences of my life were studying abroad in Florence, Italy, and playing for the best golf coach anyone could ever ask for. RIP Coach F.
-Bill Ryan

I remember when we got a huge snow storm at the end of the fall semester finals Freshman year, and some of us decided to go outside of Ed’s and have a snow fight. It was beyond fun ... until the hall director came out and told us it was still quiet hours and to go inside. It is still one of my fave memories, though.
-Candice Norrell

What I will remember and miss about SMU: Blue Angel and Gaslight Shows, education kickball games, hikes in the bluffs, Frisbee golf, Monday night bowling, February break 2008, and, of course, all of my friends!!
-Lisa Mahler

My favorite memory is getting to know each other freshman year:
Carolyn Privet: We have dairy cows at home.
Diana Connolly: Do you show them?
Christy Lyons: Show them what?
-Anonymous

Freshman year is defining for everyone. One of the fundamental experiences that changed me during freshman year was setting up a tent in the lower lounge of Benilde. Oh yeah.
-Brittany Staver

The most important memory I will have is meeting my friends and having such a great relationship with them, because, in a lot of ways, if it wasn’t for them I don’t know if I would still be here.
-Michael Rohr

Last year, Laura, Josie, and I danced to Frank Sinatra. We went crazy and spent time creating new dance moves and laughing until we couldn’t dance anymore. “It’s the French Foreign Legion for me!”
-Lisa Frank

The day Saint Mary’s was added to Facebook, the rumors spread quickly. By the time brunch was over, everyone was glued to their computers. Good thing it was a Saturday.
-Kasey Schultz

I will never forget all of the Phi Mu Alpha dances, hikes with Tadie’s class, my semester in London, and all the late nights talking with roommates.
-Lindsay Dickson

SMU recognizes excellence

Compiled by Lindsay Dickson
Editor-in-Chief

Many seniors were honored at two award ceremonies this month.
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The first, a Student Life Awards Ceremony on April 9, awarded students of all ages and staff members for their service and leadership at Saint Mary’s University and in the community.
This ceremony was the first of its kind at SMU. Chris Kendall, vice president for student development, plans to expand on the program in future years. The following individuals received awards:

Brother Finbar McMullen Award: Nikki Richmond
Charlene “Char” Tjaden Outstanding Resident Assistant: Gary Borash
Club and Organization Advisor of the Year: Nancy Edstrom, advisor of Buddies

Club and Organization of the Year: Habitat for Humanity
Intramural Most Valuable Players: John Geske and Lee Coleman
Volunteer of the Year Award: Jessica Evers and Abby Zimmer
Oustanding Student Senator of the Year Award: Neil Leibundguth
Winona Community Service Award: Brittany Staver
Brother James Miller Award: Laura Holupchinski and Tony Freeman
Student Service Award: Kasey Schultz

A second ceremony, the Academic Honors Banquet, honored seniors for their academic work at the university. Members of honors societies were recognized and individual awards were
distributed:
American Institute of Chemists Award: Nick Swanson
American Chemical Society Award: Michael Mulhollund
Business Awards: Ana Sontag, Kevin Black,
Rebecca Yerhot, Ashley Andrescik, Amanda Christman, Tina Koecheler
Saint Thomas Aquinas Award for Excellence: Tim Hepner
Gerald E. Sullivan Award: Walt Claassen
Michael G. Flanagan Award: Andrew Winecke
Brother Leo Northam Award: Sarah Ruether
Future Alumni Committee Scholarship: Jeff David
Lasallian Honors Program Outstanding Seniors:
Tim Hepner, Kasey Schultz

Editors bid farewell to Cardinal and SMU

By Lindsay Dickson
Editor-in-Chief

The last issue of the Cardinal is a real milestone for me. I began working with the newspaper my freshman year and, I have to say, it was a strange feeling to put together this last issue! I’d like to thank all Cardinal staff members for their hard work this year, and especially the editors. The Cardinal has gone through a lot of changes this year and I’m confident that it will stay strong next year.

For my final interviews, I decided to talk to the graduating editors to hear about their future plans and their reflections regarding the Cardinal.
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What are your plans for next year?
Amy Kalina, managing editor: Participating in the Lasallian Volunteer program, working at an inner-city school or placement site.
Abby Zimmer, copy editor: Long-term volunteering with St. Joseph Workers at In the Heart of the Best Puppet and Mask Theatre and Alive Magazine.
Eric Lear, sports editor: Do my best to get paid to talk about sports.
Sean O’Brien, news editor and distribution manager: Graduate, get a job, become famous . . . not necessarily in that order.
Becky Newby, arts and entertainment editor: Attend graduate school for journalism at DePaul University in Chicago.

What is your favorite Cardinal memory or article?
Amy: I will never forget the late night Sno-Ball eating contest with Abby and Lindsay. Abby won, mostly because Lindsay and I couldn’t stop laughing. Good think we didn’t choke on the coconut.
Abby: I really enjoyed covering the Scottish play sophomore year. It was the first article for which I had to interview multiple people, and it was a challenging task trying to make my article brief and concise because I found everything they said so interesting!
Eric: The editorial I wrote about the crap I received from the SMU community when I wore a WSU shirt to class.
Sean: My editorial about the attendance policy at SMU. I also enjoyed getting my first story in the Cardinal. I had never had anything published before so that was really cool.
Becky: “A sign unnoticed by some.” My favorite memory was when Amy yelled at me.

Why is the Cardinal important to have at SMU?
Amy: It’s important for the students to be informed about what is going on in our community and on campus, but it’s also important for students to have a voice. Having a campus newspaper allows that to happen.
Abby: The Cardinal has given me the ability to get real experience in journalism outside of the classroom without a professor always looking over my shoulder. It gave me the opportunity to see if I was really dedicated to writing because I had to for class or because I really wanted to do it. Turns out, I really wanted to do it!
Eric: The Cardinal is a great way for students to gain experience in the field of journalism.
Sean: Because having a news outlet lets students get experience, and it’s important to have a watchdog-type role in any institution. That’s what the news media does.
Becky: It gives students the opportunity to learn about campus issues that they might not have known about otherwise. It’s also a good way for students to get involved.

What is your favorite newspaper (besides the Cardinal?)
Amy: USA Today (and not just because of the word puzzles!)
Abby: I don’t really read – ha! Shh . . .
Eric: The Chicago Tribune – I have to stay up-to-date on my Cubbies.
Sean: The Chicago Tribune and The Onion are both good. Also, props to The Star Tribune for being arguably the most liberal newspaper in the country.
Becky: The New York Times.

New men's basketball coach

Saint Mary’s University announced the hiring of the new head men’s basketball coach on Wednesday morning. Todd Landrum hopes to lead the Cardinals up the conference
ladder. “In my mind, the slate is clean – the past is the past – and the future is bright,” said Landrum

Prior to his current job as the youth/scholastic basketball coordinator for the Timberwolves, Landrum spent 10 years as an assistant coach in the Big Ten at Wisconsin and then Ohio State.

Coming out of retirement

By Eric Lear
Sports Editor

In true Michael Jordan fashion, although undoubtedly less successful, I am coming out of retirement.

After four seasons of playing basketball here at Saint Mary’s University, I was ready to hang up my Nikes and let my basketball deflate.
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After all, I made my last shot as a collegiate basketball player, and that was as close to going out on top as I was going to get.

I have picked up a basketball twice since our last game on Feb. 23 and have only worked out once. I can’t tell you how great it felt to relax. But all that has changed. I have since been approached to play on the so-called Minnesota All-Stars, which consists of fellow former Cardinals Mike Rohr and Dan Cormier, both seniors, as well as a few other gentlemen from the area. We will be playing against the Hustle Up Streetball team at our own gym on Sunday, April 27.

I have played quite a few games at the SMU gym, but surely not one quite like this. I recommend checking this game out. Although I have a hard time calling this “basketball,” it will surely be entertaining to spectators. The high flying dunks and spectacular display of ball handling are reason enough. I’m sure you will also be able to get a chuckle at our expense.

I am going to consider this experience a success if I get dunked on less than 10 times, get one dunk of my own, don’t hurt myself or anyone else, and keep from getting a ball thrown at my head. Although it would likely be entertaining for many of you, so perhaps I will consider changing some of those before the 7 p.m. tip-off.

The Hustle Up team has players such as: Hot Sauce, Spyda, Highrizer, and A.O. Now the only thing left for me to do is to create my own streetball nickname. As of now, I have it down to “Skin N Bonezz” or “Daddy Long Legs” (I can only hope you guys are seeing my sarcasm). With those names, it’s likely I’ll be on the AND1 circuit in no time.

I’m not sure how we got into this game, but I would love to see Rohr trying to guard “Hot Sauce.” All kidding aside, which is usually hard for me to do, I am very much looking forward to playing this game. It will be a relaxed and fun atmosphere for us three former Cardinals to come back and play our last somewhat-organized game together.

SOUL to host 2nd triathlon

By Candice Norrell
Guest Writer

Tomorrow is the second annual Saint Mary’s University Heart and SOUL (Serving Others United in Love) Triathlon, a fundraiser for SOUL mission trips.
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The race begins with a check-in from 7:30-8:30 a.m. tomorrow and a 9 a.m. shotgun start at Lake Lodge, East Lake Park in Winona with the kayak/canoe course. The kayak/canoe course is 2.5-mile loop around Lake Winona. Then, the bike course begins with 14 miles on Highways 61 and 43 to Gilmore Valley Road and ends on Saint Mary’s campus. Finally, the triathlon ends with a 3.1 mile running course through the bluffs.

There are no on-site registrations, as participants registered before April 14 as individual teams or in groups of two, three, or four. The cost to register was $35 a person, or $60 a team, with all the funds going to the SOUL council for mission trips, helping keep the cost down for students who plan to attend the event, said Betsy Baertlein, a sophomore at Saint Mary’s competing in the triathlon with her two younger brothers under the team name of Band of Baertlein’s.

Ryan Langr of the SOUL council says that he hopes the athletes get “a sense that they bettered themselves and their community through their donation and participation in our SOUL event.”

Lacrosse grows in popularity at SMU

By Abby Zimmer
Copy Editor

Female and male students alike have been seen on the Saint Mary’s University campus carrying what look like sticks with nets on the end. What are these contraptions used for? Why, playing lacrosse, of course!
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This fall, sophomores Lauren Mazzuca and Lexi Guzik came together to form a women’s lacrosse team on campus. After struggling to find interest last year, the club sport has now grown to 20 members.

“What is great about lacrosse is that it is a mixture of sports put together, so it is easy to pick up and start playing at any point,” said Guzik, who coaches the team and acts as co-captain with Mazzuca and freshman Libby Perkins.

The captains have focused this season on teaching their team members the skills needed to play lacrosse. They have scrimmaged against teams like University of Wisconsin–Stout and University of St. Thomas rather than join an actual league.

“I am just extremely proud of the progress the girls have made,” said Guzik. “Each one of them has come so far and worked incredibly hard to get where we are as a team.”

The men’s lacrosse team, also a club sport, is currently a young team, with only one senior out of their 12 members. “We’re open to new members,” said sophomore captain Rob Klein, encouraging students to contact him at rkklei05@smumn.edu for more information about joining the team.

Students interested in joining the women’s lacrosse team should contact Guzik at agguzi06@smumn.edu.

The MIAC does not currently recognize lacrosse as a varsity sport. In the future, both teams would be interested in joining other MIAC schools to push lacrosse to become a varsity sport. UST and Saint John’s University have already invited SMU’s men’s lacrosse team to join the other MIAC schools in a lacrosse league, but they decided to stick with their current league, the Great Lakes Lacrosse League, until they have enough players. According to Klein, this would be a minimum of 20 players, since UST and SJU have around 30 players each.

Both teams are ending their season this weekend. The men’s team will be in Madison for the Great Lakes Lacrosse League Championships, while the women play at UW-Stout.

Benefit dance breaks records

By Karina Rajtar
Cardinal Staff

This year’s Taylor Richmond Benefit Dance raised almost $17,000 to benefit Saint Mary’s University graduate Steve Groby ’01.
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According to Katie LaPlant, advisor of the dance’s planning committee, 716 people attended the dance on Saturday, April 12. A total of $16,907.75 was raised, $4,911 of the proceeds were raised through a silent auction held the week before the dance.

Groby was diagnosed with Chronic Myelomonocytic Leukemia in 2006 and received a bone marrow transplant in May 2007.

Senior work displayed at ‘Zero Hour’

By Maria Sullivan
Cardinal Staff

Artwork created by senior art majors at Saint Mary’s University is being featured in the Senior Art and Design Exhibition 2008, which began Saturday, April 12, at the Lillian Davis Hogan Galleries and will continue through Saturday, May 10.
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The seniors that are featured in the art show are: Bridgette Baggio, Josh Barrett, Satoshi Hayashi, Emerald Hulsing, Kimberly Koecheler, Joseph Manley, Katie Mathews, Mary Moses, Hilary Oas, Sarah O’Brien, Jeffrey Paul, Madeline Pieper, Seth Weeks and Ashley Wendlandt.

The artwork on display includes digital photography, paintings, drawings, ceramics, sculptures, pottery, handmade dresses and even a video-edited trailer. “I think we have a very wide range of talent this year,” said Baggio. “Everyone has developed their own, distinct style.”

“I think the art program is put together very well and I think the instructors are very knowledgeable and motivating,” Baggio said, “but I also think that the art program here at SMU isn’t recognized as much as it should be. I think there is lots of potential for this department to grow and become more popular in terms of the number of students who choose to major in art.”

The exhibition will be on display for the remainder of the school year. The gallery, located in the Toner Student Center, is open daily from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

National talent drawn to Gilmore Creek

By Ellen Jordan
Cardinal Staff

The Winona community is invited to experience drama performed by the Gilmore Creek Summer Theatre program during the summer months.
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Gilmore Creek Summer Theatre is a professional theatre company in its second summer of performances at the Page Theatre. The cast consists of actors brought to Winona from all over the United States. This summer’s shows include “Little Shop of Horrors,” a musical directed by Judy Myers, “The Foreigner,” a comedy directed by Steven Snyder ’94, and “Mouse Expedition,” a children’s production directed by senior Sarah St. Laurent.

Senior Kris Perkins, company manager and administrative assistant, says the program will benefit the Winona community. “The program attracts local and regional audiences to our campus and provides an incredible repertoire of theatre to balance the other performing arts in Winona during the summer months,” said Perkins.

Perkins also values the chance to be involved with the Gilmore Creek Summer Theater program. She said, “It is a great opportunity to gain experience in a field that best demonstrates the skills I have developed during the last four years at Saint Mary’s with my arts administration major and theatre arts minor.”

“Little Shop of Horrors” will be performed July 10-13, 25, 27, 31 and August 2; “The Foreigner” will be performed July 17-20, 24, 26, and August 1 and 3. All shows will be at 7:30 p.m., excluding Sunday performances, which will take place at 3 p.m.

“Mouse Expedition” will be performed July 19 (3 p.m.), July 22 (6 p.m.), July 26 (1 p.m.), July 29 (6 p.m.), and August 2 (10 a.m.).

More information can be found at www.pagetheatre.org/gcst.html.

Greek tragedy provides a modern twist

By Becky Newby
Arts & Entertainment Editor

The Saint Mary’s University cast and crew added a modern twist to an ancient Greek tragedy during its production of “Iphigenia at Aulis” April 18-21.
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According to senior Lindsay Dickson, the play’s connection to modern politics was very apparent.

“There were good parallels between the ancient war and today’s war,” said Dickson. “It really made me think about the war in Iraq.”

Dr. Steven Bouler readapted and directed Saint Mary’s contemporary version of the tragedy. Bouler explored the negative side of patriotism and how far a politician would go to secure a victory.

Technical aspects of the performance also portrayed modern images, including the song "Sorrow," by Pink Floyd, played during the presence of a goddess.

Dickson said that, although the costume, lighting, set and music were modern, the script itself resembled the original text written by Euripides.

“Although the monologues were a little long, the show definitely picked up during the second act,” said Dickson. “I was very impressed with all the acting and design work.”

Brewer and Warner: Critics’ Corner

By Rob Brewer and Davey Warner
Cardinal Staff

The cafeteria, for all its grandeur and decadence, can be intimidating and monotonous upon repeated visits. Amongst the many alternatives to the caf, the Cotter Café offers a reasonable and sensible menu with a charming atmosphere. Davey Warner, outdoor leadership coordinator, soil aficionado and financial backer, joins resident junior snob Rob Brewer for an intimate and revealing look into this oft-overlooked, cozy hideaway on the third floor of Saint Mary’s Hall.

Clam Chowder: To start off, we treated ourselves to a steamy cup of clam chowder. Seeing as it was a dreary, rainy day, this was a perfect beginning to an unforgettable meal.
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Creamy, but never gelatinous, this uplifting treat contains, as Saint Mary’s Provost and frequent Cotter Café patron Dr. Jeffrey Highland described, “chewy clams and appropriate potatoes.” If there was to be a weakness to the chowder, it would be the sparseness of clams; nevertheless, the soup was taste personified, never seemed to get cold, and left Warner proclaiming, “I really like it.”

Tex-Mex Bacon Melt: For our next item, we headed south of the border for an aesthetically pleasing, panini-grilled, exalted BLT, but with a twist and a kick: the lettuce was replaced with a healthy serving of guacamole. The dichotomy of the crunchy ciabatta bread, perfectly grilled and a marvel to behold, and the creamy, melty (or “crealty”) cheese, guacamole and appropriate grease made this sandwich a fiesta that, given the ingredients, will probably continue long into digestion.

Grilled Mozzarella and Asparagus:
Highland, an amateur food critic himself, described this sandwich as “appropriately European, but without the pretentiousness.” Indeed, there is a sophistication you savor as you bite into this light, tangy expression of culinary mastery. As with the Tex-Mex Bacon Melt, the contrast between the dry toast and moist asparagus with green pepper is enough to make one’s jaw drop (but make sure to keep the sandwich inside). Spargarophobics (those who have a fear of asparagus) need not quiver, as the ingredients are in perfect harmony; alas, we all could take a lesson from this quaint and reverent concoction.

Chicken Caesar Wrap:
First impressions of this wrap are as follows: STUFFED. This isn’t the traditional wrap you might get at other food service establishments that has dashes of chicken, lettuce, tomatoes, and inappropriate amounts of Caesar dressing; instead, Julius himself would be proud to attach his namesake to this gastronomical delight. The moisture of the chicken, combined with the crispness of the lettuce and tanginess of the Caesar dressing, left both authors spellbound with thoughts of divine revelation. Eating this wrap is a deeply spiritual experience, but, due to the healthy ingredients, thou need not seek absolution.

Apple Turnover: The climax to our meal was a gargantuan apple turnover that made both of our sets of pupils dilate upon beholding it. Our fears were put to rest, however, after taking the first magical bite. The turnover was able to retain its essence, while still being joyfully and appropriately flakey and playful. The moist and sweet interior, with hints of brown sugar and cinnamon, provided dynamic contrast with the dry, flakey exterior. As Warner described, this turnover was a “sweet party in my mouth” and, as Brewer described, “a privilege to bite into.” A fitting conclusion to an appropriately Lasallian feast.

Cardinal Spotlight: 'Mountain Man' Nate Rylander

By Alexa Strouth
Cardinal Staff

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to live in a teepee? Have you ever been so inspired by nature that you revolve your life around it? Freshman Nate Rylander, known around the Saint Mary’s University campus as “Mountain Man,” has dedicated his life to serving the forests, going as far as to live in a traditional Lakota-style teepee.
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An inspiring student, Rylander never takes life for granted, and he doesn’t need material goods to be satisfied. Rylander’s passion for nature is even rarer in a technology-based society, as fewer and fewer people are inspired by nature and depend on cell phones, iPods and cameras to survive.
The following interview explores Rylander’s view and unique experiences in nature.

Q: What inspires you most about nature?
A: The book “Last Child in the Woods,” by Richard Louv, really inspires me. It’s about saving our children from nature deficit disorder. Louv speaks of our children as going to be the first generation to be raised without a meaningful connection to the natural world.

Q: How long did you live in a teepee? What was it like?
A: I lived there about a month, but I plan on spending more time living in different forms of sustainable living. You really learn a lot about nature after living outside; nature and humankind have a mutual agreement with each other.

Q: Do you think that nature is healing?

A: Therapy through outdoor recreation is a great alternative to prescribed medication.

Q: What can everyone acquire from nature?

A: I believe the greatest thing about nature is that it is a place where everyone can go to measure their self, a place to feel strong; it gives us a feeling as if we own nature and it owns us.

Q: What are your plans for the future?

A: Continue working at Lebanon Hills Regional Park and after graduation, I plan on backpacking from here to Upper Peninsula, Mich. I also want to continue rock climbing and fulfill requirements for a Class A skydiving license.

Q: What has been your most memorable experience so far?
A: My trip to Montana was incredible. I learned how to make teepees with the owner of Trapline Lodges, Chris Lunn, an SMU alumnus.

Rylander’s optimistic view about nature will hopefully inspire future generations. If you have any more questions about Rylander’s journey, you will probably find Rylander and his friends rappelling upside-down in the bluffs.

Friday, April 4, 2008

Toss the winter blues...
Spring is here!

Find out more about Earth Week events at SMU and also check out some cool spring activity ideas.

Students plan ahead for an Earth-friendly week

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By Betsy Baertlein
Feature Editor

The Saint Mary’s University Student Activities Committee, Eco-Representatives and Health Advocates have been busy planning ahead for Earth Week, which begins Saturday, April 19 (Earth Day) and runs through Friday, April 25. A tentative schedule for the week is as follows:

Saturday, April 19: SMU will host a booth at the Winona State Earth Day Festival.

Sunday, April 20: Eco-Reps will lead a canoe trip and picnic on the Mississippi River.

Monday, April 21: Eco-Reps will conduct car emissions testing at the main entrance to campus.

Tuesday, April 22: SAC will host free bike tune-ups.

Wednesday, April 23: Eco-Reps will conduct a waste audit.

Thursday, April 24: Health Advocates will host a health fair on the role that nature plays in having a healthy lifestyle and being in touch with one’s nutrition.

Friday, April 25: Eco-Reps will host SMUStock, an evening event to be held in St. Yon’s field with acoustic music, organic food, a campfire, and optional camping.

More information about all of these events, including sign-up information, will be available soon.


Fun spring activities

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By Alexa Strouth
Guest Writer

Have you taken a look outside and noticed the sunny weather? With the snow melting, spring is finally here! It’s about time we put away our huge winter coats. If you are looking for some fun ideas for spring, look no further. Here are the top 10 things to do on a spring day:

Biking: Yes, it’s cliché but, surprisingly, a lot of fun.
Gardening: We know you’re just dying to put on those old gloves and plant some seeds.
Baseball: Or just play catch if there are not enough people.
Kiteboarding: Attach a kite to your wakeboard, long board, or any board you think of and feel the difference. It’s a ton of fun!
Skateboarding: “He was a skater boy, she was a skater girl,” and maybe you can make it a skate date!
Swimming: Any outdoor water park you know of has to be a blast!
Fishing: What guy doesn’t like to fish?
Jogging: Stay healthy and look better. Running is so much easier outside, anyway.
Rollerblading: Everyone used to blade when they were little. What happened to your wild side?
Hiking: We live right next to the bluffs, so why not?

Now that you have some ideas for spring time, hopefully you will get off your couch and turn off “America’s Next Top Model” to go explore what’s outside. What have you got to lose?

Dancing for a cause

By Sean O’Brien
News Editor

Every spring Saint Mary’s University students and faculty come together to support a Saint Mary’s University alumnus at the Taylor Richmond Benefit Dance.

This year’s dance will be held Saturday, April 12, from 8 p.m. until midnight in the Toner Student Center cafeteria. All funds will benefit Steve Groby ’01.
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The Benefit Dance Committee selected Groby after Katie LaPlant, director of student activities and volunteer services, recommended him as a beneficiary.

Groby of Shakopee, Minn., formerly of Wabasha, Minn., suffers from Chronic Myelomonocyctic Leukemia, the same disease that claimed his father’s life in 1997. Groby’s approach to life is also the center theme for the dance: “Celebrating Life.”

“Steve came up with the idea because he takes yearly trips to Mexico with his family as a way to celebrate his life,” said junior Maria Borgerson and senior Nikki Olson, co-chairs of the Benefit Dance Committee.

The tradition of the dance began in 2001 with its beneficiary Taylor Richmond, the son of Saint Mary’s Campus Ministry and Student Activities staff member Nikki Richmond. The dance was created as a fundraiser to help Taylor reach his dream of traveling to Disney World. This year’s funds will help pay for the costly bone marrow transplant Groby underwent last year.

“We’re really excited to see the campus show up to have some fun and also to show their support for Steve,” said Borgerson.

Tickets, $15 per person or $25 per couple, will be sold April 7-11 at lunch and will also be available at the door. To read Groby’s story go to www.caringbridge.org/visit/stevegroby.

FAC offers scholarship

By Kaylin Martin
Cardinal Staff

The Future Alumni Committee will be awarding a $1,000 scholarship to one graduating senior from Saint Mary’s University intending to continue his or her studies.
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Selected by a panel of FAC members, the recipient of the scholarship will be chosen based upon his or her demonstration of the Lasallian spirit and other values instilled by Saint Mary’s.

“This scholarship has been a great way for the SMU community to give back to our future alumni,” said Bob Fisher, director of annual giving at SMU and a former club advisor.

“Normally when you hear about scholarships and SMU, it has to do with the current funding at Saint Mary’s,” said Fisher. “What I love about this scholarship is that it gives FAC a chance to invest in a current SMU senior and help make their future dreams come true.”

The presentation of this year’s scholarship will take place on Wednesday, April 16, at the Senior Academic Honors Banquet.

“We would like to see someone receive the scholarship who has been inspired by their Saint Mary’s experience, while showing a passion for their future career and making a difference in their future communities,” said Fisher. “Those are the seniors we like to invest in.” FAC, previously known as Student Alumni Relations, was founded in 1981. The group strives to keep students and alumni connected through various campus events, tri-yearly newsletters and monthly meetings.

Since 1985, FAC has awarded 34 scholarships ranging in value from $500 to $1,000. The scholarships are funded through proceeds from the club’s Finals Kit Program.

FAC is no longer receiving applicants for the scholarship; however, if interested in joining the club, students are encouraged to attend their next meeting on Tuesday, April 15, in Room B of the Toner Student Center.

Class of 2008 selects gift

Ropes course proposed for Winona campus

By Amy Kalina
Managing Editor

The Senior Class Gift Committee has announced its plan to raise money toward a “low ropes course” on the Saint Mary’s University campus as this year’s senior class gift.

The low ropes course would be incorporated into the university’s plans for a combined low and high ropes course, to be used by the Saint Mary’s community and others for teambuilding and personal development activities.
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The course is tentatively planned to be built between the baseball field and the New Village, and a timeline for the project and overall funding have yet to be determined by the President’s Cabinet.

The Senior Class Gift Committee, consisting of 22 Saint Mary’s seniors, will begin taking pledges from members of the class of 2008 in the upcoming weeks. Pledges toward the gift will be collected over the next three years, beginning February 2009.

According to Senior Class Gift Committee member Rick McCoy, the ropes course could be used by athletic teams, clubs and organizations, and within the academic curriculum. The course could also be utilized by summer camps and off-campus programs, said McCoy.

“The ropes course will benefit the Saint Mary’s community, but it will benefit the larger Winona community as well,” said McCoy. “It is a gift that is useful and active, and we’re excited to be a part of it.”

The committee has worked since January to brainstorm and decide on a gift that would be representative of the class’ overall values and interests. Input from fellow seniors at the Senior Salute in February helped the committee to narrow down its options, and the committee voted before Easter Break to proceed with fundraising for the low ropes course.

“The class of 2008 is a class of strong leaders in academics, extra-curricular [activities] and service,” said McCoy. “The low ropes initiative course reflects our values of leadership and teambuilding, but it also shows our fun and active side.”

While the committee has not received a final estimate on the cost of the low ropes course, members hope to raise around $15,000 toward the project.

The tradition of the senior class gift began in the 1920s, but only recently has the gift been a more structured process.

Bob Fisher, director of annual giving at Saint Mary’s, has led the gift committee since 2001. A 1997 graduate of Saint Mary’s, Fisher believes that the senior class gift is one last educational experience the students can take with them after they graduate.

“The senior gift project teaches the students the importance of giving back,” said Fisher. “They’re giving to their community, to the university, and working together as a class to leave something behind to not only honor their time in Winona, but also to help honor Saint Mary’s.”

Past senior class gifts have included a scholarship formed by the class of 2004, the beautification of Saint Mary’s Park by the class of 2006, and the conversion of the game room into a 24-hour lounge by the class of 2007. The concrete foundation was poured last summer for a pavilion next to the New Village path, a gift from the class of 2005, and a mural displayed in the Hillside Hall lounge is a gift from the class of 2002. Other gifts around campus include the stained-glass door leading to the President’s lounge in Toner Student Center, a gift from the class of 2003, and numerous structures and statues within Saint Mary’s Park.

Fisher believes that the senior class gift is one of the most important aspects of his job. “It’s the mark that the class is leaving on the university for future students to see and to recognize them by,” said Fisher. “When the class of 2008 will return to campus years from now, they will see their gift and remember their years at Saint Mary’s and know they have left something valuable behind.”

As the committee moves forward in their fundraising efforts, support from the entire class will be essential in making the gift a reality. Fisher feels that the senior class takes special pride in Saint Mary’s and that fundraising efforts will be especially successful.

“I have been truly impressed by the class of 2008,” said Fisher. “The members of this class really have a true affinity for Saint Mary’s, their future alma mater. I am very proud of the progress they have made on their gift, but more importantly, on how they are going to be tremendous future alumni of Saint Mary’s.”

SMU launches first annual SMUStock

By Steve Adams
Guest Writer

Saint Mary’s University will begin what it hopes to be a yearly tradition when it launches SMUStock, an outdoor acoustic concert and overnight campout in St. Yon’s field, on Friday, April 25.
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The event, sponsored by the SMU Eco-Rep program, will feature an Ultimate Frisbee tournament beginning at 3 p.m.; acoustic performances from SMU community members, including The Wet Bandits and Bookreader from 5-7 p.m. and 9-11 p.m.; as well a bonfire with s’mores and the option to camp out overnight in Yon’s field.

Grilling out will begin at 5 p.m. and will be available to students who submit their barcodes earlier in the week. Booths will be set up during the lunch hours of the week for this purpose.

SMUStock was created by Eco-Rep members to raise environmental awareness. The event coincides with Earth Week, will feature booths that have information on recycling and sustainability and will also recap the events and information that were offered earlier during Earth Week.

The Ultimate Frisbee tournament will be open to all SMU students. Rosters must include at least seven people, and the first eight teams to register will be entered into the competition. Prizes will be offered for the winners, and teams are encouraged to stay after the tournament for food and to participate in the rest of the day’s activities.

Camping equipment can be borrowed from the school, but the available equipment is limited and will be reserved on a first-come, first-serve basis.

“This event is a great way to raise awareness and have a good time as well,” said Davey Warner, outdoor leadership coordinator. “It’s a great way to close out Earth Week; I’m really excited.”

To register for the Ultimate Frisbee tournament, students should submit their rosters to Steve Adams at sjadam04@smumn.edu.

To reserve camping equipment for the evening or additional information on the Eco-Rep program, contact Warner at drwarn03@smumn.edu.

Upcoming Events at SMU

‘Invisible Children’ showing at SMU
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By Jenny Pater
Cardinal Staff

Saint Mary’s University is offering a free screening of the documentary “Invisible Children” at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, April 9, in Figliulo Recital Hall.

“Invisible Children” shows how children must commute from their homes at night to seek safety from abduction by the Lords Resistance Army, who use children as soldiers in Northern Uganda.

The documentary was filmed by three college students who traveled to Africa in search of a story. According to the “Invisible Children” website, they “discovered a tragedy that disgusted and inspired them, a tragedy where children are both the weapons and the victims.”


Safe and Sober Day encourages healthy behavior
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By Ashley Perich
Guest Writer

Every 31 minutes someone dies from an alcohol-related car crash.

Saint Mary’s University will be hosting the annual Safe and Sober Day on April 10 in the basement of the Toner Student Center during lunch hours. Safe and Sober Day informs students about the troubles of drinking and driving and hopes to encourage students to make better choices.

Almost everyone has been affected by drunk driving. Senior Mary Ann Botica lost a cousin last year from a crash involving a drunk driver. “I think it is very important to inform people about what happens when you choose to drink and drive,” said Botica.

During 2005, 16,885 people in the U.S. died of alcohol-related motor vehicle crashes.

Safe and Sober Day will host activities to help inform students about the effects alcohol has on their body.

Students can participate in experiencing the effects drinking has on the body by wearing “drunk goggles” and attempting to perform numerous tasks. Informational brochures will also be available, and students can take the opportunity to sign a pledge or take part in other activities that can raise their awareness of the seriousness of the issue.

Sources: Center for Disease Control and www.alcoholalert.com


STI to host 2nd annual Women’s Symposium
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By Tamika Robinson
Cardinal Staff

Being an influential woman does not have to be limited to those who have made history; it can extend to the women of Saint Mary’s University.

Under the leadership of Holly Richard, the Saint Teresa Leadership and Service Institute for Women will host their second annual Women in Leadership Symposium on Thursday, April 10, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the Common Room. All are welcome to attend this event, including men.

Last year marked the first women’s symposium hosted by the institute on the SMU campus. Although the turnout was low, the institute made the best of their event with those in attendance and they strive for an even better turnout this year. “It is important to support the work and scholarship of women in leadership and service,” said Richard, “and a symposium exposes our young women students to the talented, professional women in positions of leadership and service in our community and beyond.”

Those in attendance will have the opportunity to hear from women who have proven to be leaders in their chosen fields, to network with others from the Winona community, and to gain valuable insight into public policy.

“We are at a pivotal point in our U.S. history: though we have the first woman presidential candidate running a tight race, the U.S. lags behind dozens of nations in gender-equal political representation,” said Richard. “My role is to do my small part to ensure that the young women know of the struggles and success of women who came before us and are prepared to keep improving our society so that young women yet to come enter a more equal, peaceful and loving world.”

Building faith, making friends

By Laura Andrews
Cardinal Staff

Together Encountering Christ (TEC), a three-day religious retreat, will take place this weekend at the Alverna Center on Saint Theresa’s campus in Winona.
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TEC is offered twice each year, once in the fall and again in the spring. The retreat is based on the dying, rising and going forth of Jesus and may be attended by students from Saint Mary’s University, Winona State University and Saint Catherine’s University.

The weekend getaway is an opportunity for students to have fun and reconnect with God. Students of all religious backgrounds are welcome to attend, regardless of where they are in their faith journey. According to junior Ashley Kleist, anyone who is “open to what others have to say and is ready to learn and have fun” is welcome to participate.

Throughout the weekend, students may play games, listen to talks, contribute to small group discussions, and attend Mass, adoration and reconciliation. For those who choose to attend TEC, “there is no pressure to participate in all activities if you are not comfortable,” says Kleist.

Kleist attended her first TEC as a freshman and has continued to be involved with the TEC community through her participation in the planning and leading of other retreats.

“Retreats are my passion. I love just being there at the retreat with my peers, helping others grow in their faith as I continue to grow in my own,” said Kleist.

For students who wish to become a member of the TEC community, applying to be a “TECite,” (someone making the retreat) in the fall of 2008 is the first step. After attending TEC, one may then apply to help lead future retreats.

“Words can never fully describe a TEC experience,” says Kleist. “I really hope to see students give this opportunity a shot; it is simply amazing!”

Giving up beds for boxes

By Karina Rajtar
Cardinal Staff

Students spent the night camping in the plaza in cardboard boxes for this year’s Shak-a-thon on April 3.
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Shak-a-thon is part of Habitat for Humanity’s Act! Speak! Build! Week, a national week of advocacy committed to informing the public of the need for more adequate housing, as millions of people live in substandard housing world-wide.

Both members of Habitat for Humanity and non-member students gave up their warm beds for the cold, hard concrete and a cardboard box in order to raise awareness for those people who may not have the comforts of a warm and comfortable night’s sleep.

Other Act! Speak! Build! Week events included a prayer service after Sunday’s Mass, a poster party Monday night, a Walk to Rally with Winona State on Tuesday, and a slideshow featuring Saint Mary’s University Habitat for Humanity volunteers before the SAC movie on Wednesday night.

Response to ‘Toaster Revolution’

Addressing concerns with Chartwells

By Emilie Fisch
Cardinal Staff

[Editor’s Note: Misuse of the toasters led to a small fire in the cafeteria; Chartwells removed the toasters shortly after. A group of students decided to hold a ‘Toaster Revolution’ and the following is one student’s response to that event.]

Thursday, March 6, is a day that will go down in Saint Mary’s University cafeteria history. You may have noticed something different in the cafeteria lately. On March 6 the toasters were removed for a short period of time.
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In response to the missing appliances, a Toaster Revolution was organized by several SMU students who were unhappy with the fact that the toasters had been removed from the cafeteria. Several students came to the cafeteria sporting T-shirts they had made and many students brought their own toasters. This allowed students to have their toast and eat it too.

The toasters were back in the cafeteria permanently the day of the Toaster Revolution.

The Toaster Revolution showed Chartwells how little changes in the cafeteria can impact and disrupt a college student’s daily life. On the other hand, when students misuse kitchen equipment such as the omelet bar, microwave or toasters, they are permitting Chartwells to take away that equipment, whether to clean it or to fix with it.

Starting a revolution is one way to show you are unhappy with the changes that have been made, but there is an easier way. This year senior Alex Downes-Borowski, student senate vice president for student life, has been taking complaints and comments about Charwells services to Food Service Director Curt Coshenet. Next year there will be another person filling this spot, so students are encouraged to remember that if they have concerns, they can talk to a member of student senate.

Over the past few years, there have been many changes in food service, from extending dining hours to being able to transfer healthier options instead of fries. Downes-Borowski said he receives many complaints about improving the quality of food, satisfying different dietary needs or meeting restrictions students and faculty may have.

If students respect the equipment that is in the cafeteria currently, they will be able to keep it and maybe some day get better equipment. If students have any comments or concerns, they can feel free to talk to the next representative in senate, who will bring concerns to Coshenet.