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.”