BY SARA EISENHAUER
News Editor
New high-efficiency lighting will replace old fixtures and save Saint Mary’s University $9,179 a year for lighting in the Gostomski Fieldhouse and $1,935 a year in the SMU Ice Arena, according to John Schollmeier, maintenance director of the physical plant.
“We hope to increase the quality of the lighting and cut our usage down,” Schollmeier said. The new lighting will not only save money each year on electricity by using lower-wattage bulbs, but it will also improve the light quality, which is the color given off, Schollmeier said. Light quality is measured in comparison to sunlight. On the light quality scale, sunlight is measured at 100. As the numbers decrease, the light color goes from a bright white to having blue or yellow tones. Both the light quality scores in the fieldhouse and ice arena will improve from around 60 to about 90 with the new bulbs, Schollmeier said.
An induction lighting system, which is a form of lighting that provides a longer bulb life and creates energy savings, will replace the 1000-watt bulbs in the fieldhouse with 400-watt bulbs, Schollmeier said. The new bulbs and fixtures are guaranteed for 10 years, and the lights will come on instantaneously as compared to the old system, which would take 15-20 minutes to reach full brightness.
The university chose to join in a partnership with American Induction Technologies, Inc. (AITI) for the project to get the best deal on the fieldhouse lighting. In exchange, the fieldhouse will serve as an example of the induction lighting system that AITI provides to show other potential buyers in the area how the system functions. SMU is the first group in the area to take on the replacement of an entire fieldhouse with induction lighting, Schollmeier said. The lighting system that replaced the bulbs in the ice arena are not an induction system, but the old 400-watt bulbs were replaced with high-efficiency 330-watt bulbs, Schollmeier said.
Schollmeier said the university has done “extensive metering on what (the new lighting) is going to save” and chose AITI because the project, which would have originally cost about $50,000, will only total around $20,000 because of the partnership. Anytime the maintenance department comes forward with any longterm savings projects, the administration has been very supportive, Schollmeier said. He added that the athletic department has been supportive as well.
Friday, December 11, 2009
Bidding for food service contract begins
BY TRAVIS FICK
Managing Editor
Saint Mary’s University has begun accepting bids for the food services contract for the 2010-11 academic year, with the balance between quality food and affordability at the heart of the debate, said Chris Kendall, vice president for student development. Kendall is leading a seven-person committee that will make a recommendation for a food services provider to the Board of Trustees during the February board meeting. Among factors being considered is the desire for high quality food while keeping the costs down.
“Our philosophy has been to make education, room and board as affordable as possible to the most number of people,” said Kendall in an email interview. “We are looking for a responsive partner who can provide quality food and service at a cost effective price.”
According to Kendall, there is a spectrum of things that the student body would like to see changed.
“Many students have surveyed the community on this topic for classes, and typically, they discover a majority who are satisfied and a louder minority who are not satisfied,” Kendall said. “I sense this year is the same.”
Two students, Mary Gleich, student senate president, and Brandon Wanless, student senate vice president for student life, represent students’ interests on the committee.
“As the vice president for student life, I have been extremely active in food service policies and activities throughout this semester,” said Wanless. “I hope to be a knowledgeable influence on behalf of the students regarding the priorities and decisions of the committee.”
Wanless said he would like to see improvements but reiterated the desire for quality food while maintaining low costs.
“Personally, as a student representative, I hope to see great improvements regarding the nature of the retail operation, namely the Cardinal Club,” said Wanless. “In addition, I would like to have improved food quality and environment in the Toner Cafeteria.”
The committee created a fact sheet that describes the university’s desires, which has been released to possible vendors. Five companies have indicated that they are interested in submitting bids for the contract. However, Kendall said the committee will not be sure until the companies visit campus and decide if they would like to bid.
Included in the companies indicating interest in bidding are food service companies that are familiar with the campus. Curt Coshenet, Chartwells’ foodservice director, said in an email interview, “Yes, we (Chartwells) will be presenting a proposal to the committee for the new contract.” Coshenet declined to comment on the specifics of what makes Chartwells stand out among its competitors due to the competitive nature of the bidding process.
Managing Editor
Saint Mary’s University has begun accepting bids for the food services contract for the 2010-11 academic year, with the balance between quality food and affordability at the heart of the debate, said Chris Kendall, vice president for student development. Kendall is leading a seven-person committee that will make a recommendation for a food services provider to the Board of Trustees during the February board meeting. Among factors being considered is the desire for high quality food while keeping the costs down.
“Our philosophy has been to make education, room and board as affordable as possible to the most number of people,” said Kendall in an email interview. “We are looking for a responsive partner who can provide quality food and service at a cost effective price.”
According to Kendall, there is a spectrum of things that the student body would like to see changed.
“Many students have surveyed the community on this topic for classes, and typically, they discover a majority who are satisfied and a louder minority who are not satisfied,” Kendall said. “I sense this year is the same.”
Two students, Mary Gleich, student senate president, and Brandon Wanless, student senate vice president for student life, represent students’ interests on the committee.
“As the vice president for student life, I have been extremely active in food service policies and activities throughout this semester,” said Wanless. “I hope to be a knowledgeable influence on behalf of the students regarding the priorities and decisions of the committee.”
Wanless said he would like to see improvements but reiterated the desire for quality food while maintaining low costs.
“Personally, as a student representative, I hope to see great improvements regarding the nature of the retail operation, namely the Cardinal Club,” said Wanless. “In addition, I would like to have improved food quality and environment in the Toner Cafeteria.”
The committee created a fact sheet that describes the university’s desires, which has been released to possible vendors. Five companies have indicated that they are interested in submitting bids for the contract. However, Kendall said the committee will not be sure until the companies visit campus and decide if they would like to bid.
Included in the companies indicating interest in bidding are food service companies that are familiar with the campus. Curt Coshenet, Chartwells’ foodservice director, said in an email interview, “Yes, we (Chartwells) will be presenting a proposal to the committee for the new contract.” Coshenet declined to comment on the specifics of what makes Chartwells stand out among its competitors due to the competitive nature of the bidding process.
New College Colleagues program provides students with peer support
BY KARINA RAJTAR
Editor in Chief
New students at Saint Mary’s University now have a new level of support available to them: student support.
College Colleagues, a program that pairs new students with student “mentors,” is already seeing student interest, according to Chris Kendall, vice president for student development. Kendall said 10 matches have already been made, and 45 students and 25 staff and faculty members attended an informational meeting about becoming a College Colleague.
“I would hope that it would just be a common thing,” Kendall said. Kendall said his vision for the group is for students to learn more about the program next semester, and he said he ambitiously hopes that next fall every first year student will have a College Colleague to help transition into life at SMU. “I think it’s Lasallian,” Kendall said. He said the program is a way to serve closer to home, and the program is all about students supporting students. Kendall said the peer-to-peer relationship is good, especially when there can be a gap in skipping a generation between advisors and staff and the students. Students will be matched by common denominators such as hometown, major or hobbies, using the same kind of information currently used to match roommates, Kendall said. If the matching does not work, students can be re-matched.
One thing Kendall was surprised by in the process of starting the program is that students seem to think of the word “mentor” as a bad thing.
“The first thing I thought of was Yoda and Luke Skywalker in Star Wars,” Kendall said. He hopes to include some education around the word “mentor” as part of the program because he believes a mentor is a good thing.
Besides this education and the individual activities pairs can come up with, College Colleagues will also host activities for those in the program. Kendall said there will be movies with mentor relationships as a theme, an identity workshop and a year-end celebration. Kendall said those in the program will also receive t-shirts, and College Colleagues will go on participants’ co-curricular transcripts. Students interested in mentoring or being paired with a mentor, or anyone with ideas for the program, should contact Kendall at ckendall@smumn.edu.
Editor in Chief
New students at Saint Mary’s University now have a new level of support available to them: student support.
College Colleagues, a program that pairs new students with student “mentors,” is already seeing student interest, according to Chris Kendall, vice president for student development. Kendall said 10 matches have already been made, and 45 students and 25 staff and faculty members attended an informational meeting about becoming a College Colleague.
“I would hope that it would just be a common thing,” Kendall said. Kendall said his vision for the group is for students to learn more about the program next semester, and he said he ambitiously hopes that next fall every first year student will have a College Colleague to help transition into life at SMU. “I think it’s Lasallian,” Kendall said. He said the program is a way to serve closer to home, and the program is all about students supporting students. Kendall said the peer-to-peer relationship is good, especially when there can be a gap in skipping a generation between advisors and staff and the students. Students will be matched by common denominators such as hometown, major or hobbies, using the same kind of information currently used to match roommates, Kendall said. If the matching does not work, students can be re-matched.
One thing Kendall was surprised by in the process of starting the program is that students seem to think of the word “mentor” as a bad thing.
“The first thing I thought of was Yoda and Luke Skywalker in Star Wars,” Kendall said. He hopes to include some education around the word “mentor” as part of the program because he believes a mentor is a good thing.
Besides this education and the individual activities pairs can come up with, College Colleagues will also host activities for those in the program. Kendall said there will be movies with mentor relationships as a theme, an identity workshop and a year-end celebration. Kendall said those in the program will also receive t-shirts, and College Colleagues will go on participants’ co-curricular transcripts. Students interested in mentoring or being paired with a mentor, or anyone with ideas for the program, should contact Kendall at ckendall@smumn.edu.
Young Alumni Association sponsors candy cane raffle
BY SARAH MCDONOUGH
Cardinal Staff
This school year Saint Mary’s University has gone through many changes, one of which is the implementation of a Student Engagement Plan sponsored by the Young Alumni Association.
The program was developed to help encourage students to become aware of and gain an understanding and appreciation for the university and the role that alumni play at SMU. In the spirit of the holidays, candy canes with notes of how an alum has given back to SMU were sent to every student’s mailbox last week. The bag of treats also included a slip for students to turn in for a raffle to win a SMU sweatshirt. The winner will be notified Friday, Dec. 11, by e-mail.
Beginning next semester, displays throughout campus will showcase fun facts, historical dates, then-andnow photos and much more, all highlighting significant aspects of SMU’s history. For example, the men’s basketball team once played and defeated the famed Harlem Globetrotters.
“Saint Mary’s has a rich history full of memorable people, mysterious happenings and long standing traditions that we want current students to be a part of,” said Young Alumni Coordinator Sabrina Kelly.
Cardinal Staff
This school year Saint Mary’s University has gone through many changes, one of which is the implementation of a Student Engagement Plan sponsored by the Young Alumni Association.
The program was developed to help encourage students to become aware of and gain an understanding and appreciation for the university and the role that alumni play at SMU. In the spirit of the holidays, candy canes with notes of how an alum has given back to SMU were sent to every student’s mailbox last week. The bag of treats also included a slip for students to turn in for a raffle to win a SMU sweatshirt. The winner will be notified Friday, Dec. 11, by e-mail.
Beginning next semester, displays throughout campus will showcase fun facts, historical dates, then-andnow photos and much more, all highlighting significant aspects of SMU’s history. For example, the men’s basketball team once played and defeated the famed Harlem Globetrotters.
“Saint Mary’s has a rich history full of memorable people, mysterious happenings and long standing traditions that we want current students to be a part of,” said Young Alumni Coordinator Sabrina Kelly.
New multidisciplinary minor offered
BY ASHLEY ACOSTA
Feature Editor
Next semester, Saint Mary’s University students will be able to experience a new way of learning. The Medieval and Renaissance Studies minor consists of 21 credits obtained through seven courses. Of these courses, students must take two upper-level philosophy, literature and history courses from a selected curriculum. A one-credit minor integration course is also required. SMU will introduce its new multidisciplinary minor that will combine the perspectives of history, literature, philosophy and Spanish.
“This minor gives students a choice to study something that (is) not traditional,” said Richard Tristano, professor of history. “Disciplines are different ways of thinking,” said Tristano. “Biology students think differently than literary students, and this helps relate those different ways.”
In the minor integration course, students are asked to research and write a paper that is based on a common feature that relates to the medieval Renaissance culture confronted during coursework. Students must also present the outcome of their paper to faculty and peers.
In order to obtain the minor, the attendance of three seminars is also needed. Over the course of the semester, multiple seminars led by faculty that focus on any of the four perspectives will be held in the evenings and are open to all students. Students will then complete a form afterward summarizing the presentation and must identify disciplinary aspects.
Tristano said the university added the new minor for a number of reasons. Last year, the set-up for a multidisciplinary minor was approved.
As a Catholic university, SMU has very strong connections with medieval studies, and much of the historical happenings occurred during this era. The collaboration of the humanities faculty, Tristano said, also was a contributing factor for introducing the new minor.
The curriculum complements students who are studying the humanities, which include the major areas of philosophy, literature, history and Spanish.
According to Tristano, students will develop unique skills. “Students notice different disciplines and different ways of thinking and how to identify those disciplines and understand how they relate, even integrate,” said Tristano.
Students will be allowed to include two courses toward both their major and the Medieval and Renaissance Studies minor.
Feature Editor
Next semester, Saint Mary’s University students will be able to experience a new way of learning. The Medieval and Renaissance Studies minor consists of 21 credits obtained through seven courses. Of these courses, students must take two upper-level philosophy, literature and history courses from a selected curriculum. A one-credit minor integration course is also required. SMU will introduce its new multidisciplinary minor that will combine the perspectives of history, literature, philosophy and Spanish.
“This minor gives students a choice to study something that (is) not traditional,” said Richard Tristano, professor of history. “Disciplines are different ways of thinking,” said Tristano. “Biology students think differently than literary students, and this helps relate those different ways.”
In the minor integration course, students are asked to research and write a paper that is based on a common feature that relates to the medieval Renaissance culture confronted during coursework. Students must also present the outcome of their paper to faculty and peers.
In order to obtain the minor, the attendance of three seminars is also needed. Over the course of the semester, multiple seminars led by faculty that focus on any of the four perspectives will be held in the evenings and are open to all students. Students will then complete a form afterward summarizing the presentation and must identify disciplinary aspects.
Tristano said the university added the new minor for a number of reasons. Last year, the set-up for a multidisciplinary minor was approved.
As a Catholic university, SMU has very strong connections with medieval studies, and much of the historical happenings occurred during this era. The collaboration of the humanities faculty, Tristano said, also was a contributing factor for introducing the new minor.
The curriculum complements students who are studying the humanities, which include the major areas of philosophy, literature, history and Spanish.
According to Tristano, students will develop unique skills. “Students notice different disciplines and different ways of thinking and how to identify those disciplines and understand how they relate, even integrate,” said Tristano.
Students will be allowed to include two courses toward both their major and the Medieval and Renaissance Studies minor.
Alumni, friends help students find jobs
BY PAT HOWARD
Cardinal Staff
The Cardinals Helping Cardinals job network is a free online service that connects Saint Mary’s University students and alumni to possible job and internship opportunities. These listings are posted by SMU alumni and friends of the university, according to Jackie Baker, director of Internships and Career Services.
Currently, there are approximately 30 available positions posted in the Cardinals Helping Cardinals program, according to Baker. “We are at the very beginning of this program, and I imagine that it will only grow with time,” said Baker.
Cardinals Helping Cardinals officially became a functioning program on Oct. 1 when Baker started populating the database with potential jobs and internships, according to Baker. On Nov.15, the job network opened for students and alumni to use the resources that the program provides. The Cardinals Helping Cardinals job network is available exclusively to SMU students and alumni, according to Baker. “This program provides an avenue for students to search jobs posted by supportive members in harsh economic times,” said Baker.
In June 2009, Brother William, president of SMU, spoke to the Alumni Board of Directors about connecting alumni with current students who are searching for a job.
This idea developed into the Cardinals Helping Cardinals program that is managed by Baker and Meg Richtman, director of Alumni Relations. Visit www.smumn.edu/chcjobs for more information.
Cardinal Staff
The Cardinals Helping Cardinals job network is a free online service that connects Saint Mary’s University students and alumni to possible job and internship opportunities. These listings are posted by SMU alumni and friends of the university, according to Jackie Baker, director of Internships and Career Services.
Currently, there are approximately 30 available positions posted in the Cardinals Helping Cardinals program, according to Baker. “We are at the very beginning of this program, and I imagine that it will only grow with time,” said Baker.
Cardinals Helping Cardinals officially became a functioning program on Oct. 1 when Baker started populating the database with potential jobs and internships, according to Baker. On Nov.15, the job network opened for students and alumni to use the resources that the program provides. The Cardinals Helping Cardinals job network is available exclusively to SMU students and alumni, according to Baker. “This program provides an avenue for students to search jobs posted by supportive members in harsh economic times,” said Baker.
In June 2009, Brother William, president of SMU, spoke to the Alumni Board of Directors about connecting alumni with current students who are searching for a job.
This idea developed into the Cardinals Helping Cardinals program that is managed by Baker and Meg Richtman, director of Alumni Relations. Visit www.smumn.edu/chcjobs for more information.
Professor a juror in local murder trial
BY AMY PEARSON
Guest Writer
This past summer, Melissa Luedtke, assistant professor of education at Saint Mary’s University, realized firsthand how much power a jury has when she was selected to serve on the jury that found Jack Nissalke guilty of four counts of first-degree murder in the 1985 stabbing death of Ada Senenfelder.
As a juror, “you have total power over this person’s life,” and it is not a good feeling knowing that you have to make a decision that will change someone’s life forever, said Luedtke.
It is a very complex position to be in, said Luedtke: on one hand, you have a simple duty to look at the facts that are presented and either find proof beyond a reasonable doubt, or not, but on the other hand, you are dealing with an actual person who has been living his life for many years, and now, as a group, you must make a decision to “give this person his life back or uproot it.” It is a huge responsibility, and the reality of everything that you learn in school about our country’s judicial system becomes a reality when you are in the jury box, said Luedtke.
While listening to testimonies from witnesses, many times questions would come to mind about what the witnesses were saying, said Luedtke. As a jury member, however, she was unable to ask any questions during the trial, and she said that was a frustrating thing. Many times, a witness would say something crucial, but either the plaintiff’s or defendant’s lawyer would make an objection, and that discussion would have to stop, said Luedtke. Luedtke said this withholding of information was frustrating because it prevented her from always being able to put the pieces together.
The jury selection process was a long one and began with a written form that was several pages long, said Luedtke. The form asked extensive questions about potential jurors’ past experiences and questions about what they had already heard about the case. After the written portion of the selection process, Luedtke said she received notification to report for an interview. The interview was an hour long and was conducted by both the prosecution and the defense teams.
“I was quite sure I would be (chosen for jury duty),” said Luedtke. The trial had a change of venue from Winona County to Fillmore County, and all chosen jury members lived in Fillmore County, including Luedtke. Being a member of the jury absolutely disrupted the routine of her daily life, said Luedtke. Court was in session from roughly 8:15 a.m. until 4 p.m., and it was a huge commitment, said Luedtke. Although she was not thrilled about serving jury duty because of personal issues that required her attention at that time in her life, a “piece of me was intrigued,” said Luedtke. Being a part of the democratic experience is both frightening and inspiring, said Luedtke.
Guest Writer
This past summer, Melissa Luedtke, assistant professor of education at Saint Mary’s University, realized firsthand how much power a jury has when she was selected to serve on the jury that found Jack Nissalke guilty of four counts of first-degree murder in the 1985 stabbing death of Ada Senenfelder.
As a juror, “you have total power over this person’s life,” and it is not a good feeling knowing that you have to make a decision that will change someone’s life forever, said Luedtke.
It is a very complex position to be in, said Luedtke: on one hand, you have a simple duty to look at the facts that are presented and either find proof beyond a reasonable doubt, or not, but on the other hand, you are dealing with an actual person who has been living his life for many years, and now, as a group, you must make a decision to “give this person his life back or uproot it.” It is a huge responsibility, and the reality of everything that you learn in school about our country’s judicial system becomes a reality when you are in the jury box, said Luedtke.
While listening to testimonies from witnesses, many times questions would come to mind about what the witnesses were saying, said Luedtke. As a jury member, however, she was unable to ask any questions during the trial, and she said that was a frustrating thing. Many times, a witness would say something crucial, but either the plaintiff’s or defendant’s lawyer would make an objection, and that discussion would have to stop, said Luedtke. Luedtke said this withholding of information was frustrating because it prevented her from always being able to put the pieces together.
The jury selection process was a long one and began with a written form that was several pages long, said Luedtke. The form asked extensive questions about potential jurors’ past experiences and questions about what they had already heard about the case. After the written portion of the selection process, Luedtke said she received notification to report for an interview. The interview was an hour long and was conducted by both the prosecution and the defense teams.
“I was quite sure I would be (chosen for jury duty),” said Luedtke. The trial had a change of venue from Winona County to Fillmore County, and all chosen jury members lived in Fillmore County, including Luedtke. Being a member of the jury absolutely disrupted the routine of her daily life, said Luedtke. Court was in session from roughly 8:15 a.m. until 4 p.m., and it was a huge commitment, said Luedtke. Although she was not thrilled about serving jury duty because of personal issues that required her attention at that time in her life, a “piece of me was intrigued,” said Luedtke. Being a part of the democratic experience is both frightening and inspiring, said Luedtke.
Students volunteer in Montana
BY EMMA STENZEL
Cardinal Staff
This past Thanksgiving break, eight students from Saint Mary’s University traveled to Browning, Mont. to work with the De La Salle Blackfeet School located on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation. The weeklong service trip, lasting from Nov. 20-28, was led by senior Bill Duffert and sophomore Cullen Gibbons, volunteer mentors, and faculty member Rob Gordan, assistant professor of computer science.
The group was involved in a variety of service projects throughout their trip, Gibbons said. They helped teachers in the classrooms by tutoring and spending time with the kids.
“The whole Blackfeet community was very welcoming,” Gibbons said. “The kids seemed to really enjoy us being there, and we had a lot of fun spending time with them as well.”
In addition to working in the classroom, students helped the Christian Brothers with assorted tasks like painting the school walls and digging trenches. They also celebrated Thanksgiving by serving a meal at the school and a nearby shelter, Gibbons said.
However, it was not all work for the volunteers. Gibbons said that they were able to enjoy the sights of Montana while hiking through Glacier National Park and visiting buffalo jumps.
Overall, the trip was successful, Gibbons said. The volunteer group helped the Brothers accomplish their goal of showing kids the importance of education and the possibilities that lie outside of the Blackfeet Reservation.
Cardinal Staff
This past Thanksgiving break, eight students from Saint Mary’s University traveled to Browning, Mont. to work with the De La Salle Blackfeet School located on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation. The weeklong service trip, lasting from Nov. 20-28, was led by senior Bill Duffert and sophomore Cullen Gibbons, volunteer mentors, and faculty member Rob Gordan, assistant professor of computer science.
The group was involved in a variety of service projects throughout their trip, Gibbons said. They helped teachers in the classrooms by tutoring and spending time with the kids.
“The whole Blackfeet community was very welcoming,” Gibbons said. “The kids seemed to really enjoy us being there, and we had a lot of fun spending time with them as well.”
In addition to working in the classroom, students helped the Christian Brothers with assorted tasks like painting the school walls and digging trenches. They also celebrated Thanksgiving by serving a meal at the school and a nearby shelter, Gibbons said.
However, it was not all work for the volunteers. Gibbons said that they were able to enjoy the sights of Montana while hiking through Glacier National Park and visiting buffalo jumps.
Overall, the trip was successful, Gibbons said. The volunteer group helped the Brothers accomplish their goal of showing kids the importance of education and the possibilities that lie outside of the Blackfeet Reservation.
Fundraiser fueled by love for children half a world away
BY SUZIE ROTH
Cardinal Staff
When Saint Mary’s University junior Ania McNamara returned from studying abroad last semester, she took back not only great memories of Italy, but the feeling of finally being home.
After her semester studying abroad, while still in Europe, McNamara took the opportunity to travel to Poland, where she spent the first four years of her life growing up in the Dom Dziecka Orphanage, which means House of Children in Polish. McNamara said the best part about visiting was that “every fear, tear, emotion was absolutely perfect.” The same nun that helped raised her was still there and even recognized McNamara as soon as she arrived. Upon returning home from her “unexplainable” experience, McNamara decided to start the Chotomow Children’s Fundraiser for the children she left behind at the orphanage in Poland. The fundraiser helps raise money for McNamara to send 30 individualized Christmas gifts, fleece blankets, Christmas cards and candy bags to the 30 children, ranging in ages from three to nineteen, who live at the orphanage.
With every penny donated going to this cause, McNamara said she has been overjoyed with the response she has gained thus far in her efforts. With so many people having some Polish connection or just giving from the generosity of their hearts and the season, McNamara said the response to her efforts has been mind-blowing. Even her hometown newspaper, the Minneapolis Star Tribune and Minnesota Public Radio have helped spread the world of McNamara’s efforts.
Along with McNamara, her friends have aided the cause of the fundraiser. McNamara calls seniors Nikki Kolupalio and Allyson Friestleben the backbone to this fundraiser for the countless hours they have spent with her shopping for the perfect gift for each child. The girls even picked out a gift for the five to seven nuns that run the orphanage.
With Poland being so far away and UPS being so expensive, McNamara is grateful for Pac N’Mail in Winona. Pack N’ Mail has helped her and senior Bailey England pack up each box in order to ship them to the orphanage. These efforts took two days alone.
Ania not only wants to visit her old orphanage again but make a difference. “I want to keep helping and giving to the orphanage,” said McNamara. “There are so many things I think I could help with, such as teaching the children English and helping around the place. I want to return and do something that is going to help them.”McNamara hopes to go back to Poland with her three sisters, also adopted from Dom Dziecka, and her mother Grace McNamara, a 1977 SMU alum.
Anyone interested in donating to The Chotomow Children’s Fundraiser can send donations to Chotomow Children at campus box # 1268.
Cardinal Staff
When Saint Mary’s University junior Ania McNamara returned from studying abroad last semester, she took back not only great memories of Italy, but the feeling of finally being home.
After her semester studying abroad, while still in Europe, McNamara took the opportunity to travel to Poland, where she spent the first four years of her life growing up in the Dom Dziecka Orphanage, which means House of Children in Polish. McNamara said the best part about visiting was that “every fear, tear, emotion was absolutely perfect.” The same nun that helped raised her was still there and even recognized McNamara as soon as she arrived. Upon returning home from her “unexplainable” experience, McNamara decided to start the Chotomow Children’s Fundraiser for the children she left behind at the orphanage in Poland. The fundraiser helps raise money for McNamara to send 30 individualized Christmas gifts, fleece blankets, Christmas cards and candy bags to the 30 children, ranging in ages from three to nineteen, who live at the orphanage.
With every penny donated going to this cause, McNamara said she has been overjoyed with the response she has gained thus far in her efforts. With so many people having some Polish connection or just giving from the generosity of their hearts and the season, McNamara said the response to her efforts has been mind-blowing. Even her hometown newspaper, the Minneapolis Star Tribune and Minnesota Public Radio have helped spread the world of McNamara’s efforts.
Along with McNamara, her friends have aided the cause of the fundraiser. McNamara calls seniors Nikki Kolupalio and Allyson Friestleben the backbone to this fundraiser for the countless hours they have spent with her shopping for the perfect gift for each child. The girls even picked out a gift for the five to seven nuns that run the orphanage.
With Poland being so far away and UPS being so expensive, McNamara is grateful for Pac N’Mail in Winona. Pack N’ Mail has helped her and senior Bailey England pack up each box in order to ship them to the orphanage. These efforts took two days alone.
Ania not only wants to visit her old orphanage again but make a difference. “I want to keep helping and giving to the orphanage,” said McNamara. “There are so many things I think I could help with, such as teaching the children English and helping around the place. I want to return and do something that is going to help them.”McNamara hopes to go back to Poland with her three sisters, also adopted from Dom Dziecka, and her mother Grace McNamara, a 1977 SMU alum.
Anyone interested in donating to The Chotomow Children’s Fundraiser can send donations to Chotomow Children at campus box # 1268.
SMU helps Winona community give gifts
BY RYAN BRISCOE
Copy Editor
The students, faculty and staff of Saint Mary’s University continue to demonstrate their concern for the less fortunate as they donate gifts and money to provide Christmas presents for low-income families in the greater Winona community through the SMU Gifts for Winona program. Gifts for Winona connects people who wish to be generous during the Christmas season with those families who need and want certain gifts. Donors choose a family or individual to sponsor and purchase the gifts the family has requested.
“Families who wished to receive gifts this year were asked to fill out a simple application at Winona Volunteer Services,” said Laurie Haase, program coordinator and business office coordinator. SMU students and other volunteers helped to facilitate the application process. Haase continued, “This process helps to ensure that only people in need receive gifts.”
Additionally, the application process helps individuals to narrow their requests, which prevents them from receiving presents they do not want. Originally begun by Winona Volunteer Services, Gifts for Winona is now coordinated by SMU. Many other local organizations contribute their resources, such as area churches, said Haase. Additionally,Winona Volunteer Services, Winona Radio and the Winona Post are the program’s major partners.
Two campus organizations donate gifts: the Knights of Columbus and the brothers of Phi Mu Alpha; ultimately, however, the program relies on individual donors to succeed. Last year, Gifts for Winona provided 1,846 individuals gifts. With the current economic situation, Haase said she was worried about what the program would be able to accomplish this year. She said the program was concerned not only because it was assumed that there would be a greater need for gifts, but also because people cannot respond as generously if their own means are limited. Therefore, this year Gifts for Winona decided to limit its recipients to children and teens under 18 and seniors 60 years or older. However, Haase said, “The response this year has been so great that it appears we will be able to give every family a grocery store gift-certificate as well.” “The recommended amount to spend on a gift is $30,” said Katie LaPlant, another SMU Gifts for Winona coordinator. “We’re not giving people ipods or anything.” The goal of Gifts for Winona is to provide a Christmas present for those people in our community who otherwise might not receive anything. This year’s typical gifts include the usual clothing items for senior citizens and kids, but there have also been a good deal of Twilight gifts and video games, said LaPlant.
This year families will receive their gifts from Winona Volunteer Services on Dec 16th and 17th.
Copy Editor
The students, faculty and staff of Saint Mary’s University continue to demonstrate their concern for the less fortunate as they donate gifts and money to provide Christmas presents for low-income families in the greater Winona community through the SMU Gifts for Winona program. Gifts for Winona connects people who wish to be generous during the Christmas season with those families who need and want certain gifts. Donors choose a family or individual to sponsor and purchase the gifts the family has requested.
“Families who wished to receive gifts this year were asked to fill out a simple application at Winona Volunteer Services,” said Laurie Haase, program coordinator and business office coordinator. SMU students and other volunteers helped to facilitate the application process. Haase continued, “This process helps to ensure that only people in need receive gifts.”
Additionally, the application process helps individuals to narrow their requests, which prevents them from receiving presents they do not want. Originally begun by Winona Volunteer Services, Gifts for Winona is now coordinated by SMU. Many other local organizations contribute their resources, such as area churches, said Haase. Additionally,Winona Volunteer Services, Winona Radio and the Winona Post are the program’s major partners.
Two campus organizations donate gifts: the Knights of Columbus and the brothers of Phi Mu Alpha; ultimately, however, the program relies on individual donors to succeed. Last year, Gifts for Winona provided 1,846 individuals gifts. With the current economic situation, Haase said she was worried about what the program would be able to accomplish this year. She said the program was concerned not only because it was assumed that there would be a greater need for gifts, but also because people cannot respond as generously if their own means are limited. Therefore, this year Gifts for Winona decided to limit its recipients to children and teens under 18 and seniors 60 years or older. However, Haase said, “The response this year has been so great that it appears we will be able to give every family a grocery store gift-certificate as well.” “The recommended amount to spend on a gift is $30,” said Katie LaPlant, another SMU Gifts for Winona coordinator. “We’re not giving people ipods or anything.” The goal of Gifts for Winona is to provide a Christmas present for those people in our community who otherwise might not receive anything. This year’s typical gifts include the usual clothing items for senior citizens and kids, but there have also been a good deal of Twilight gifts and video games, said LaPlant.
This year families will receive their gifts from Winona Volunteer Services on Dec 16th and 17th.
There are more than bars on 3rd Street: Christmas shopping in Winona
BY RYAN BRISCOE AND ANN CUMMINS
Copy Editor and Guest Writer
Finding the perfect Christmas gift does not have to involve horrible mall traffic or long lines—downtown Winona has a lot to offer the college shopper. We reviewed five shops in town that may help you find the gift you are looking for!
First Stop: The Book Shelf
Connected to the Blue Heron Coffeehouse on 2nd Street, we thought the Book Shelf was easy to find and get to. In fact, we discovered that parking downtown was a cinch — it was much easier than trying to navigate mall traffic in Rochester or the Twin Cities this time of year. The Book Shelf deals new and gently used books. They have an eccentric collection, so it’s probably not worth the trip if you are looking for something specific. However, they had a great deal of books by local Winona authors, and they even have Chris Kendall’s, vice president of student development, CDs: What We Leave Behind and Let’s Take a Walk ($12). The Book Shelf also carries nice reading accessories such as book covers or bookmarks: the perfect gift for a bookworm. The downside to this shop was it seemed a little pricey. Perhaps the most surprising thing about this store: It had some very unique children’s toys and gifts. If you need the perfect gift for a niece, nephew or godchild, then check this shop out!
Second Stop: Pieces of the Past
As we walked into this antique shop on 2nd Street across from the Acoustic Café, we immediately felt like we were at Grandma’s house. If your mother, aunt or grandmother enjoys antiques or rustic items, then this is the place. Stuffed full of collectibles, soaps, candles and decorations, this store has a great deal of merchandise for those who like country/home-style décor.We thought some of the best things this shop, (which was generally inexpensive by the way) included custom birdhouses ($19.95-29.95) and 5x18 decorative signs with slogans like “Dinner Choices: 1) take it 2) leave it” or “The best antiques are old friends” ($12.95-16.95). This shop’s fatal flaw for the small-town shopper: There is not a wide variety of merchandise.
Third Stop: Magnolia’s
Compared to the rustic feeling of Pieces of the Past, we foundMagnolia’s to be quite bright and cheery. A cozy little boutique on 4th Street next to Beano’s, Magnolia’s specializes in those exotic knick-knacks mothers and godmothers seem to love.Among a plethora of Christmas ornaments, local art and other giftshop merchandise, we found the famousWinona mittens ($10.99). These mittens, made by workers at the Occupational Rehabilitation Center (ORC), are apparently a big seller all over the U.S., according to storeowner Linda Dennis. “This is the first year that I have had the mittens in stock after Thanksgiving,” Dennis said. “Usually the ORC can’t keep up with demands.” Dennis believes the warm weather has affected mitten sales. They were among the nicest mittens we had ever seen and at bargain price, too.
Fourth Stop: Pretty Things on Third
Joined to Blooming Grounds Coffeehouse, Pretty Things on Third is the perfect place to shop for your sister. Full of necklaces, scarves, watches, sunglasses and earrings, it seems any girl would be happy to receive a gift from this shop. Prices were extremely reasonable here, and many things are on sale—necklaces and watches are 20 percent off! Pretty Things also has a funny little display full of ‘self hurt’ books ($9.95) on topics like getting fat and driving recklessly — which might be the perfect gift for that weird uncle. This shop has little, though, for men or women who are unconcerned with fashion.
Last Stop: The General Store
After seeing more than our fair share of scented candles and potpourri displays, we really needed a shop that would have that perfect gift for Dad. The General Store is packed full of shoes, hunting accessories and winter-weather necessities. This store is not full of pretty displays, nor does it have spectacular deals, but it is sure to contain the right thing for Dad. Consider a pair of phenomenally-comfortable – “Acorn” brand slippers ($29.95) or maybe even a classic fur-lined hat with ear flaps ($17.50). This shop does have one thing you cannot go wrong with: the SMU hoodie ($24.95).
Copy Editor and Guest Writer
Finding the perfect Christmas gift does not have to involve horrible mall traffic or long lines—downtown Winona has a lot to offer the college shopper. We reviewed five shops in town that may help you find the gift you are looking for!
First Stop: The Book Shelf
Connected to the Blue Heron Coffeehouse on 2nd Street, we thought the Book Shelf was easy to find and get to. In fact, we discovered that parking downtown was a cinch — it was much easier than trying to navigate mall traffic in Rochester or the Twin Cities this time of year. The Book Shelf deals new and gently used books. They have an eccentric collection, so it’s probably not worth the trip if you are looking for something specific. However, they had a great deal of books by local Winona authors, and they even have Chris Kendall’s, vice president of student development, CDs: What We Leave Behind and Let’s Take a Walk ($12). The Book Shelf also carries nice reading accessories such as book covers or bookmarks: the perfect gift for a bookworm. The downside to this shop was it seemed a little pricey. Perhaps the most surprising thing about this store: It had some very unique children’s toys and gifts. If you need the perfect gift for a niece, nephew or godchild, then check this shop out!
Second Stop: Pieces of the Past
As we walked into this antique shop on 2nd Street across from the Acoustic Café, we immediately felt like we were at Grandma’s house. If your mother, aunt or grandmother enjoys antiques or rustic items, then this is the place. Stuffed full of collectibles, soaps, candles and decorations, this store has a great deal of merchandise for those who like country/home-style décor.We thought some of the best things this shop, (which was generally inexpensive by the way) included custom birdhouses ($19.95-29.95) and 5x18 decorative signs with slogans like “Dinner Choices: 1) take it 2) leave it” or “The best antiques are old friends” ($12.95-16.95). This shop’s fatal flaw for the small-town shopper: There is not a wide variety of merchandise.
Third Stop: Magnolia’s
Compared to the rustic feeling of Pieces of the Past, we foundMagnolia’s to be quite bright and cheery. A cozy little boutique on 4th Street next to Beano’s, Magnolia’s specializes in those exotic knick-knacks mothers and godmothers seem to love.Among a plethora of Christmas ornaments, local art and other giftshop merchandise, we found the famousWinona mittens ($10.99). These mittens, made by workers at the Occupational Rehabilitation Center (ORC), are apparently a big seller all over the U.S., according to storeowner Linda Dennis. “This is the first year that I have had the mittens in stock after Thanksgiving,” Dennis said. “Usually the ORC can’t keep up with demands.” Dennis believes the warm weather has affected mitten sales. They were among the nicest mittens we had ever seen and at bargain price, too.
Fourth Stop: Pretty Things on Third
Joined to Blooming Grounds Coffeehouse, Pretty Things on Third is the perfect place to shop for your sister. Full of necklaces, scarves, watches, sunglasses and earrings, it seems any girl would be happy to receive a gift from this shop. Prices were extremely reasonable here, and many things are on sale—necklaces and watches are 20 percent off! Pretty Things also has a funny little display full of ‘self hurt’ books ($9.95) on topics like getting fat and driving recklessly — which might be the perfect gift for that weird uncle. This shop has little, though, for men or women who are unconcerned with fashion.
Last Stop: The General Store
After seeing more than our fair share of scented candles and potpourri displays, we really needed a shop that would have that perfect gift for Dad. The General Store is packed full of shoes, hunting accessories and winter-weather necessities. This store is not full of pretty displays, nor does it have spectacular deals, but it is sure to contain the right thing for Dad. Consider a pair of phenomenally-comfortable – “Acorn” brand slippers ($29.95) or maybe even a classic fur-lined hat with ear flaps ($17.50). This shop does have one thing you cannot go wrong with: the SMU hoodie ($24.95).
Frozen River Film Festival offers organic buffet
BY JESSICA LACANNE
Cardinal Staff
For the second year in a row, the Frozen River Film Festival will be having an organic buffet as part of the festivities in the community.
Paul Seaman, a chef for the past 20 plus years, will be preparing all of the food for the buffet, which will take place on Jan. 30-31, 2010. There will be lunch served on both Saturday and Sunday, as well as a dinner served on Saturday. According to Seaman, the organic buffet is “trying to highlight the local products that are available because this area is a kind of a mecca of organic food.” The organic buffet will include various types of food, including: beef, chicken, veggies, fruits, baked goods and dairy — all from local producers. Seaman uses organic foods because “we live in a time when our water, air and food is polluted, and food is not as pure as it needs to be.” Eating organic means eating sustainable, local and humanely-raised food.
Eating organic is not just buying healthy foods. It is “feeding into a system that is healthy not just for the soil but for the people and animals living around the soil,” said Seaman. The food will contain no pesticides, insecticides or any other poisons put on food that is not organically grown. This lowers the risk of getting sick from the food. Not only is the food healthier because of a lack of pesticides, but it also has an entirely different taste because of its purity.
Although all of the food is local, Seaman does not live in the Winona area and travels from Sioux City, Iowa, to do various catering jobs. He finds it challenging to take on the responsibilities of planning an organic buffet for hundreds of people but said he is up to the challenge and is ready to travel in order to do so. “The planning itself takes a year by the time the menu is planned and the volunteers are organized and the money is donated,” said Seaman.
Seaman will also be providing food for the concessions during the showing of the films for the festival. Instead of Coke and popcorn, the concessions will have foods like apple cider and lemon bars or coffee and homemade energy bars. “There will be great movies and great food, so come hungry,” said Seaman.
Cardinal Staff
For the second year in a row, the Frozen River Film Festival will be having an organic buffet as part of the festivities in the community.
Paul Seaman, a chef for the past 20 plus years, will be preparing all of the food for the buffet, which will take place on Jan. 30-31, 2010. There will be lunch served on both Saturday and Sunday, as well as a dinner served on Saturday. According to Seaman, the organic buffet is “trying to highlight the local products that are available because this area is a kind of a mecca of organic food.” The organic buffet will include various types of food, including: beef, chicken, veggies, fruits, baked goods and dairy — all from local producers. Seaman uses organic foods because “we live in a time when our water, air and food is polluted, and food is not as pure as it needs to be.” Eating organic means eating sustainable, local and humanely-raised food.
Eating organic is not just buying healthy foods. It is “feeding into a system that is healthy not just for the soil but for the people and animals living around the soil,” said Seaman. The food will contain no pesticides, insecticides or any other poisons put on food that is not organically grown. This lowers the risk of getting sick from the food. Not only is the food healthier because of a lack of pesticides, but it also has an entirely different taste because of its purity.
Although all of the food is local, Seaman does not live in the Winona area and travels from Sioux City, Iowa, to do various catering jobs. He finds it challenging to take on the responsibilities of planning an organic buffet for hundreds of people but said he is up to the challenge and is ready to travel in order to do so. “The planning itself takes a year by the time the menu is planned and the volunteers are organized and the money is donated,” said Seaman.
Seaman will also be providing food for the concessions during the showing of the films for the festival. Instead of Coke and popcorn, the concessions will have foods like apple cider and lemon bars or coffee and homemade energy bars. “There will be great movies and great food, so come hungry,” said Seaman.
Oldies take third in Treasure Island Battle of the Bands
BY KARINA RAJTAR
Editor in Cheif
The Saint Mary’s University Oldie Moldie All-Stars, a band that specializes in popular songs from the 1950s and 60s, took third place at the Treasure Island Battle of the Bands on Nov. 28.
The band, comprised of students, faculty and alumni — mostly members of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia — received a $1000 prize.
The Oldie Moldie All-Stars won a chance to compete after online voting narrowed the 25 entries from across Minnesota down to six.
Editor in Cheif
The Saint Mary’s University Oldie Moldie All-Stars, a band that specializes in popular songs from the 1950s and 60s, took third place at the Treasure Island Battle of the Bands on Nov. 28.
The band, comprised of students, faculty and alumni — mostly members of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia — received a $1000 prize.
The Oldie Moldie All-Stars won a chance to compete after online voting narrowed the 25 entries from across Minnesota down to six.
Great River Shakespere Festival receives additional grant
BY LAUREN ROTHERING
Arts and Entertainment Editor
The Great River Shakespeare Festival (GRSF) recently received an additional grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board for the 2010-11 season. The additional grant for the festival is worth $22,856, in addition to $15,993 already granted by the Minnesota State Arts Board. The entire two-year grant is worth over $77,000.
The GRSF is held in Winona each summer. Since its inception in 2004, the festival has produced some of Shakespeare’s most well-known plays, including Romeo and Juliet, A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Macbeth. In addition, the festival has an Apprentice Acting and Intern Company production, which consists entirely of actors still in college or conservatory school.
Last season, the apprentice production was a modern interpretation of Hamlet, in which the lead role of Hamlet was split between four actors.
The 2010-11 season will feature Shakespeare’s Othello and Comedy of Errors and, for the first time, a non- Shakespearian play, The Daly News. Written by GRSF founding company member and veteran actor, Jonathan Gillard Daly, the show was performed in front of a sold-out crowd for one night last season. This season it will take the main stage.
The additional funding is a result of the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment, which was passed in Minnesota on Nov. 4, 2008. The amendment increased sales tax by three-eighths of a percent to further fund clean water, lands and arts initiative. Approximately 19.75 percent of the profits from this new amendment will go toward funding the arts. A predicted $48 million will be generated in 2010 alone.
The 2010 season, the seventh in GRSF’s production history, will begin on June 23, 2010.
Arts and Entertainment Editor
The Great River Shakespeare Festival (GRSF) recently received an additional grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board for the 2010-11 season. The additional grant for the festival is worth $22,856, in addition to $15,993 already granted by the Minnesota State Arts Board. The entire two-year grant is worth over $77,000.
The GRSF is held in Winona each summer. Since its inception in 2004, the festival has produced some of Shakespeare’s most well-known plays, including Romeo and Juliet, A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Macbeth. In addition, the festival has an Apprentice Acting and Intern Company production, which consists entirely of actors still in college or conservatory school.
Last season, the apprentice production was a modern interpretation of Hamlet, in which the lead role of Hamlet was split between four actors.
The 2010-11 season will feature Shakespeare’s Othello and Comedy of Errors and, for the first time, a non- Shakespearian play, The Daly News. Written by GRSF founding company member and veteran actor, Jonathan Gillard Daly, the show was performed in front of a sold-out crowd for one night last season. This season it will take the main stage.
The additional funding is a result of the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment, which was passed in Minnesota on Nov. 4, 2008. The amendment increased sales tax by three-eighths of a percent to further fund clean water, lands and arts initiative. Approximately 19.75 percent of the profits from this new amendment will go toward funding the arts. A predicted $48 million will be generated in 2010 alone.
The 2010 season, the seventh in GRSF’s production history, will begin on June 23, 2010.
Teachers dish it up at Study Day Breakfast
BY JENNA CAPELLE
Cardinal Staff
The night before finals begin, study day, teachers dish up late-night breakfast to students instead of papers and exams.
This event, known as the Study Day Breakfast, is an opportunity for students to interact with faculty and staff outside of the classroom. Students attend this breakfast for several different reasons: it serves as a savior from studying, it is a chance to catch a fourth meal, and it is a way to reenergize before to continuing preparing for finals. The breakfast is a distinctive Saint Mary’s University event that is not offered at every college.
“The breakfast is a delightful social experience for new faculty to get to know the students,” said Dr. Thomas Mans, vice president for academic affairs, who has been working with the Study Day Breakfast for the last three years. “The event expresses the unique quality of faculty at the university. It’s a Saint Mary’s tradition that shows who we are as a college, and we want everyone to be a part of it.”
The annual breakfast is popular among students, faculty and staff. The late-night occasion features Chartwells’ food service, a pack of spirited Christmas carolers and an appearance from Santa Claus. The festive carolers will be accompanied by Dr. Larry Price, assistant professor of business.
“Students are given the chance to celebrate and take a break from studying,” said Mans. “Afterwards, students are in a good frame of mind to jump into exams. I love the classic event because it’s a SMU way of doing things.”
On average, 700 students are served during the event every year. Records from the Academic Advising office state this annual event has been continued for over 20 years. The traditional Study Day Breakfast will be 10-11:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 10, in the Michael H. Toner Center Cafeteria.
Cardinal Staff
The night before finals begin, study day, teachers dish up late-night breakfast to students instead of papers and exams.
This event, known as the Study Day Breakfast, is an opportunity for students to interact with faculty and staff outside of the classroom. Students attend this breakfast for several different reasons: it serves as a savior from studying, it is a chance to catch a fourth meal, and it is a way to reenergize before to continuing preparing for finals. The breakfast is a distinctive Saint Mary’s University event that is not offered at every college.
“The breakfast is a delightful social experience for new faculty to get to know the students,” said Dr. Thomas Mans, vice president for academic affairs, who has been working with the Study Day Breakfast for the last three years. “The event expresses the unique quality of faculty at the university. It’s a Saint Mary’s tradition that shows who we are as a college, and we want everyone to be a part of it.”
The annual breakfast is popular among students, faculty and staff. The late-night occasion features Chartwells’ food service, a pack of spirited Christmas carolers and an appearance from Santa Claus. The festive carolers will be accompanied by Dr. Larry Price, assistant professor of business.
“Students are given the chance to celebrate and take a break from studying,” said Mans. “Afterwards, students are in a good frame of mind to jump into exams. I love the classic event because it’s a SMU way of doing things.”
On average, 700 students are served during the event every year. Records from the Academic Advising office state this annual event has been continued for over 20 years. The traditional Study Day Breakfast will be 10-11:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 10, in the Michael H. Toner Center Cafeteria.
Album Review: "Man On The Moon: The End Of Day"-Kid Cudi
BY BRIAN CONOVER
Guest Writer
After blowing up the underground music scene last year with his debut mixed tape, Scott “Kid Cudi”Mescudi didn’t disappoint with his rookie album Man on the Moon: The End of Day. Known for his unique style of reciting his lyrics in a mixture of rapping and singing, Cudi emphasizes depression and loneliness over spacey and mesmerizing beats.
Personally, I don’t think there is a bad song on the album. Kid Cudi really sticks out by talking about different things than the typical rapper. While artists like 50 Cent are always rapping about how good they are or how much money they have, Cudi comes at the listener with stories of his tough childhood or his battles with insomnia. Along with the deeper lyrics, Cudi also gets you hooked on his songs with his catchy choruses and smooth synthesizer sounds. One criticism about the album in hip-hop circles is that this is an album filled with more singing than rapping.Although his style is quite unique, I think it still lies under the rap category. This is an album that any rap fan would probably enjoy if he or she gave it a couple listens, though. It’s easy to get these songs stuck in your head, and I think there is no album right now quite like Man on the Moon: The End of Day.
Guest Writer
After blowing up the underground music scene last year with his debut mixed tape, Scott “Kid Cudi”Mescudi didn’t disappoint with his rookie album Man on the Moon: The End of Day. Known for his unique style of reciting his lyrics in a mixture of rapping and singing, Cudi emphasizes depression and loneliness over spacey and mesmerizing beats.
Personally, I don’t think there is a bad song on the album. Kid Cudi really sticks out by talking about different things than the typical rapper. While artists like 50 Cent are always rapping about how good they are or how much money they have, Cudi comes at the listener with stories of his tough childhood or his battles with insomnia. Along with the deeper lyrics, Cudi also gets you hooked on his songs with his catchy choruses and smooth synthesizer sounds. One criticism about the album in hip-hop circles is that this is an album filled with more singing than rapping.Although his style is quite unique, I think it still lies under the rap category. This is an album that any rap fan would probably enjoy if he or she gave it a couple listens, though. It’s easy to get these songs stuck in your head, and I think there is no album right now quite like Man on the Moon: The End of Day.
Students offer finals advice
BY SUZIE ROTH
Cardinal Staff
It has arrived. The week when students’ behaviors change, the Saint Mary’s University community’s stress level rises and the restlessness for Christmas break reaches its peak. This is the week most college students dread: finals week. How do students make it through this awful week? Some have crazy study habits, others have special study spots, but preparation aside, a SMU finals week is certainly something you just have to experience for yourself.
Most students said their best studying takes place in the library. However, some students prefer the Hendrickson Center. One student, who chose to remain anonymous, even confessed to studying in a dog kennel. When studying in the library, a common theme among students is to sit in the same spot. Senior Jeff Miller has been studying in the same spot in the library since his freshman year. Although some students think finals are easy, Miller warns that finals will “only get harder,” and advises freshman not to be too loud during quiet hours because it can get expensive.
Finals week also brings out students’ creative sides, which can be seen in their study habits as well as the rituals they perform before taking a final. Some students take breaks by coloring in coloring books, while others prefer to take a 10 minute break after every one hour of studying. Other students rely on energy drinks and coffee to get them through. Even after stepping into the classroom, students often rely on rituals to help them take their tests. Some students have lucky charms ranging from special pencils to lucky boxers; others just make sure they have a “solid” meal in their stomachs. Junior Steven Boussie, junior, eats some chocolate before taking a final because “chocolate is significantly proven to help your brain on tests.”
The worst parts about finals include the long hours of studying, having more than one final in a day, and the lack of sleep students face. Junior Jack Sullivan, cautions freshmen that “cumulative tests are brutal.” As a result, many students recommend that their peers start studying early and take full advantage of study day. Whether you pull an all-nighter, rely on caffeine or have a lucky superstition, congratulate yourself, because after Dec. 15, we will all have another semester to put in the history books.
Cardinal Staff
It has arrived. The week when students’ behaviors change, the Saint Mary’s University community’s stress level rises and the restlessness for Christmas break reaches its peak. This is the week most college students dread: finals week. How do students make it through this awful week? Some have crazy study habits, others have special study spots, but preparation aside, a SMU finals week is certainly something you just have to experience for yourself.
Most students said their best studying takes place in the library. However, some students prefer the Hendrickson Center. One student, who chose to remain anonymous, even confessed to studying in a dog kennel. When studying in the library, a common theme among students is to sit in the same spot. Senior Jeff Miller has been studying in the same spot in the library since his freshman year. Although some students think finals are easy, Miller warns that finals will “only get harder,” and advises freshman not to be too loud during quiet hours because it can get expensive.
Finals week also brings out students’ creative sides, which can be seen in their study habits as well as the rituals they perform before taking a final. Some students take breaks by coloring in coloring books, while others prefer to take a 10 minute break after every one hour of studying. Other students rely on energy drinks and coffee to get them through. Even after stepping into the classroom, students often rely on rituals to help them take their tests. Some students have lucky charms ranging from special pencils to lucky boxers; others just make sure they have a “solid” meal in their stomachs. Junior Steven Boussie, junior, eats some chocolate before taking a final because “chocolate is significantly proven to help your brain on tests.”
The worst parts about finals include the long hours of studying, having more than one final in a day, and the lack of sleep students face. Junior Jack Sullivan, cautions freshmen that “cumulative tests are brutal.” As a result, many students recommend that their peers start studying early and take full advantage of study day. Whether you pull an all-nighter, rely on caffeine or have a lucky superstition, congratulate yourself, because after Dec. 15, we will all have another semester to put in the history books.
Wright, Holland look to elevate SMU hoops
BY ALEX CONOVER
Sports Editor
At the time, it was just another open gym.Looking back on it now, it brought Saint Mary’s University two of their best men’s basketball players in the last 30 years.
Juniors Will Wright and Lukas Holland were invited to play a pick-up game on campus as high school seniors in the spring of 2007. The experience was good enough to convince the two to commit to SMU basketball.
“I had my choices narrowed down to three schools,” saidWright. “An assistant coach asked me to visit the school and play in an open gym with some of the players; Lukas was there too. I felt comfortable, and I liked the team.”
“I had all of my forms sent in to go to UW-Madison, just for academics,” said Holland. “I called Saint Mary’s the next day and told them that I was going to miss basketball too much.”
After starting nearly every game in their first two years as Cardinals, the pair is on pace to finish their careers somewhere in SMU’s top 10 scorers of alltime. In 2008-09, Wright had the highest scoring average for a Cardinal in 15 years. Holland’s free throw percentage last year ranks fourth best in school history.
Wright and Holland said they would throw out all of their records, however, if it meant bringing SMU basketball back to the spotlight. The program has not had double-digit wins since the 1999-00 season. “We’ve got a chance to turn around a program that has traditionally struggled,” said Holland. “And the fun part is doing it with people that we enjoy and that are willing to work hard.”
The duo had very different high school basketball experiences. Holland played on a La Crosse Central, Wisc., team that relied on him for scoring for much of his career, while Wright only saw the starting lineup as a senior at Marist High in Chicago. “I didn’t play varsity until junior year, and even then, I didn’t play much,” said Wright. “We had three division I-A athletes on the team that year. It wasn’t until my senior year that I started to see some real playing time.”
Neither player was certain about his future after their freshman season, a year when the team finished 2-23. They decided to give SMU another chance, however, with the subsequent hiring of new Head Coach Todd Landrum.
“The atmosphere is positive,” said Holland. “There’s been a total mentality change. We’re not going to accept losing anymore, and we don’t care that we’re in a tough conference. Our expectations are high.”
“Will and Lukas are doing a good job and showing great leadership,” said Landrum. “As they get better, our team will get better.”
SMU’s sights are set on a playoff berth in the 2010 conference playoffs. With the improvement of some incumbent players and the arrival of some impact freshmen, much of the pressure is taken off of Wright and Holland to score. A much deeper and capable bench will allow the two starting guards to rest and play more efficiently in shorter bursts.
There are no seniors on this year’s roster, so next year’s squad will look nearly identical. For Wright, Holland and the rest of the men’s basketball team, there’s a window of opportunity to go farther than any men’s basketball team has gone in a very long time.
Sports Editor
At the time, it was just another open gym.Looking back on it now, it brought Saint Mary’s University two of their best men’s basketball players in the last 30 years.
Juniors Will Wright and Lukas Holland were invited to play a pick-up game on campus as high school seniors in the spring of 2007. The experience was good enough to convince the two to commit to SMU basketball.
“I had my choices narrowed down to three schools,” saidWright. “An assistant coach asked me to visit the school and play in an open gym with some of the players; Lukas was there too. I felt comfortable, and I liked the team.”
“I had all of my forms sent in to go to UW-Madison, just for academics,” said Holland. “I called Saint Mary’s the next day and told them that I was going to miss basketball too much.”
After starting nearly every game in their first two years as Cardinals, the pair is on pace to finish their careers somewhere in SMU’s top 10 scorers of alltime. In 2008-09, Wright had the highest scoring average for a Cardinal in 15 years. Holland’s free throw percentage last year ranks fourth best in school history.
Wright and Holland said they would throw out all of their records, however, if it meant bringing SMU basketball back to the spotlight. The program has not had double-digit wins since the 1999-00 season. “We’ve got a chance to turn around a program that has traditionally struggled,” said Holland. “And the fun part is doing it with people that we enjoy and that are willing to work hard.”
The duo had very different high school basketball experiences. Holland played on a La Crosse Central, Wisc., team that relied on him for scoring for much of his career, while Wright only saw the starting lineup as a senior at Marist High in Chicago. “I didn’t play varsity until junior year, and even then, I didn’t play much,” said Wright. “We had three division I-A athletes on the team that year. It wasn’t until my senior year that I started to see some real playing time.”
Neither player was certain about his future after their freshman season, a year when the team finished 2-23. They decided to give SMU another chance, however, with the subsequent hiring of new Head Coach Todd Landrum.
“The atmosphere is positive,” said Holland. “There’s been a total mentality change. We’re not going to accept losing anymore, and we don’t care that we’re in a tough conference. Our expectations are high.”
“Will and Lukas are doing a good job and showing great leadership,” said Landrum. “As they get better, our team will get better.”
SMU’s sights are set on a playoff berth in the 2010 conference playoffs. With the improvement of some incumbent players and the arrival of some impact freshmen, much of the pressure is taken off of Wright and Holland to score. A much deeper and capable bench will allow the two starting guards to rest and play more efficiently in shorter bursts.
There are no seniors on this year’s roster, so next year’s squad will look nearly identical. For Wright, Holland and the rest of the men’s basketball team, there’s a window of opportunity to go farther than any men’s basketball team has gone in a very long time.
A day in the life of a rink manager
BY SUZIE ROTH
Cardinal Staff
The crowd roars as skaters glide toward the goal, handling the puck on the pristine ice, they shoot and score! But as Saint Mary’s University students have you ever thought about what preparation is required to prepare a game, where the players get their equipment fixed, and lastly who cleans their sweaty clothes? The one man that does it all is John Reszka. Reszka is the rink manager, as well as an assistant men’s hockey coach and with so many responsibilities, it is no surprise he leads a very busy day.
Welcome to a day in the life of J. Reszka. Reszka, a 1999 graduate, starts his day at 7 a.m. doing laundry, including jerseys of the men’s team, as well as the clothes worn underneath all their gear. Once the laundry is put, in Reszka sharpens and repairs skates for both the varsity and junior varsity teams. Then Reszka works on the ice by edging it, which keeps it level and resurfaces the ice.
Once 10:30 a.m. rolls around, it is time to meet with the coaching staff and go over practice plans for the day. After that, Reszka deals with player issues and heads home to let out his little rottweiler Clyde.
Upon returning to campus, Reszka gets the ice ready for the women’s hockey team practice and also directs the student workers of the tasks that are to be completed that day. Reszka states that he is very lucky because his student workers are so great. Any down time Reszka has throughout the day is often spent online recruiting possible players. According to Reszka, a nice part about his job is that the stress that he encounters is manageable. This is a nice change for Reszka, who after graduating from Saint Mary’s worked for two different sales companies. The self-propelling aspect of his job is also something Reszka enjoys.
Reszka’s job as rink manager also gives him a lot of variety, especially on a game night when he works 12 hour days in order to prepare the ice. Making the ice immaculate takes him three hours alone.
Not only is Reszka an alum, but at the age of 13 he worked for former men’s head hockey coach Don Olsen at hockey camps held at the university. Reszka also took time to remember the late Coach Ferran, with whom he worked closely both as a student of SMU and a rink manager.
Anyone can clearly see from his upbeat personality and dedication to his love of hockey, as well as SMU, that Reszka loves his job and enjoys knowing everyone on campus. So, it is no surprise when you hear him say he is “happy to come to work every day.”
Cardinal Staff
The crowd roars as skaters glide toward the goal, handling the puck on the pristine ice, they shoot and score! But as Saint Mary’s University students have you ever thought about what preparation is required to prepare a game, where the players get their equipment fixed, and lastly who cleans their sweaty clothes? The one man that does it all is John Reszka. Reszka is the rink manager, as well as an assistant men’s hockey coach and with so many responsibilities, it is no surprise he leads a very busy day.
Welcome to a day in the life of J. Reszka. Reszka, a 1999 graduate, starts his day at 7 a.m. doing laundry, including jerseys of the men’s team, as well as the clothes worn underneath all their gear. Once the laundry is put, in Reszka sharpens and repairs skates for both the varsity and junior varsity teams. Then Reszka works on the ice by edging it, which keeps it level and resurfaces the ice.
Once 10:30 a.m. rolls around, it is time to meet with the coaching staff and go over practice plans for the day. After that, Reszka deals with player issues and heads home to let out his little rottweiler Clyde.
Upon returning to campus, Reszka gets the ice ready for the women’s hockey team practice and also directs the student workers of the tasks that are to be completed that day. Reszka states that he is very lucky because his student workers are so great. Any down time Reszka has throughout the day is often spent online recruiting possible players. According to Reszka, a nice part about his job is that the stress that he encounters is manageable. This is a nice change for Reszka, who after graduating from Saint Mary’s worked for two different sales companies. The self-propelling aspect of his job is also something Reszka enjoys.
Reszka’s job as rink manager also gives him a lot of variety, especially on a game night when he works 12 hour days in order to prepare the ice. Making the ice immaculate takes him three hours alone.
Not only is Reszka an alum, but at the age of 13 he worked for former men’s head hockey coach Don Olsen at hockey camps held at the university. Reszka also took time to remember the late Coach Ferran, with whom he worked closely both as a student of SMU and a rink manager.
Anyone can clearly see from his upbeat personality and dedication to his love of hockey, as well as SMU, that Reszka loves his job and enjoys knowing everyone on campus. So, it is no surprise when you hear him say he is “happy to come to work every day.”
Sports Column: All-decade picks
BY ALEX CONOVER
Sports Editor
It’s hard to believe that we’re in the last month of the decade! To cap off the 2000s, I’ve compiled a few lists of the biggest and best players and moments of the last 10 years.
Biggest controversies
1. MLB steroid scandal
2. Pacers/Pistons brawl in Detroit (2004)
3. Danny Almonte cheats Little League age rule (2001)
4. NBA referee Tim Donaghy admits to betting on games (2007)
5. New England Patriots are caught videotaping opponents’ practices (2007)
Craziest underdog moments
1. George Mason’s Final Four run (2006)
2. Appalachian State football upsets Michigan (2007)
3. Puerto Rico beats U.S. men’s basketball team by 19 in Olympics (2004)
Most prolific NFL running backs
1. LaDainian Tomlinson, San Diego
2. Shaun Alexander, Seattle
3. Edgerrin James, Indianapolis/Arizona
Best NBA big men
1. Shaquille O’Neal, Los Angeles/Miami/Cleveland
2. Tim Duncan, San Antonio
3. Kevin Garnett, Minnesota/Boston
Top MLB hitters
1. Albert Pujols, St. Louis
2. Barry Bonds, San Francisco
3. Alex Rodriguez, New York
Most successful college basketball coaches
1. Geno Auriemma, UConn women
2. Pat Summitt, Tennessee women
3. Roy Williams, North Carolina men
Sports Editor
It’s hard to believe that we’re in the last month of the decade! To cap off the 2000s, I’ve compiled a few lists of the biggest and best players and moments of the last 10 years.
Biggest controversies
1. MLB steroid scandal
2. Pacers/Pistons brawl in Detroit (2004)
3. Danny Almonte cheats Little League age rule (2001)
4. NBA referee Tim Donaghy admits to betting on games (2007)
5. New England Patriots are caught videotaping opponents’ practices (2007)
Craziest underdog moments
1. George Mason’s Final Four run (2006)
2. Appalachian State football upsets Michigan (2007)
3. Puerto Rico beats U.S. men’s basketball team by 19 in Olympics (2004)
Most prolific NFL running backs
1. LaDainian Tomlinson, San Diego
2. Shaun Alexander, Seattle
3. Edgerrin James, Indianapolis/Arizona
Best NBA big men
1. Shaquille O’Neal, Los Angeles/Miami/Cleveland
2. Tim Duncan, San Antonio
3. Kevin Garnett, Minnesota/Boston
Top MLB hitters
1. Albert Pujols, St. Louis
2. Barry Bonds, San Francisco
3. Alex Rodriguez, New York
Most successful college basketball coaches
1. Geno Auriemma, UConn women
2. Pat Summitt, Tennessee women
3. Roy Williams, North Carolina men
CARDINAL PROFILES
BY CAROLINE STRINGER
Cardinal Staff
Name: Jen Salzman
Class: Senior
Sport: Swimming
Major: Criminal Justice/Law
Enforcement
Hometown: Hilo, Hawaii
High School: Hilo
Name: Trevor Tolibas
Class: Junior
Sport: Hockey
Major: Business
Management
Hometown: Colorado
Springs, Colo.
What made you decide on SMU as your
college choice?
Salzman: The reason I chose SMU was because I have family in Winona. My grandmother used to work at SMU, and my sister went to school at WSU, so it was nice to have family around. I also wanted to get off of the big island for a while!
Tolibas: Hockey and my friends. I like it here; it is a pretty fun place.
What is your favorite part about SMU
athletics?
Salzman: My teammates are my favorite part! We all have really great times with each other, and I wouldn’t have as much fun swimming. I love that athletics create an opportunity to bond with people who have the same interest.
Tolibas: My favorite part about SMU athletics is hanging out with my teammates. And I like the fan support we get.
What is your favorite athletics moment?
Salzman: I am not sure if there has ever just been a moment, rather many great ones. I love competing in relays; my splits from them have been some of the best swims of my life and the most memorable.
Tolibas: My favorite athletic moment at SMU is when I got the game-winning assist on Eric Tenvoorde’s amazing overtime goal. No one will ever top his celebration.
Who is your favorite professional athlete?
Salzman: Tony Azevedo! He is one of the best American water polo players and plays for the U.S. National team. Swimming
happens to fall second to water polo on my list of interests (sorry, Coach!).
Tolibas: Henrik Zetterberg. He went to Palmer High School in Colorado Springs, Colo. He is one of the top players in the NHL, and he plays on my favorite team (Detroit Red Wings).
Cardinal Staff
Name: Jen Salzman
Class: Senior
Sport: Swimming
Major: Criminal Justice/Law
Enforcement
Hometown: Hilo, Hawaii
High School: Hilo
Name: Trevor Tolibas
Class: Junior
Sport: Hockey
Major: Business
Management
Hometown: Colorado
Springs, Colo.
What made you decide on SMU as your
college choice?
Salzman: The reason I chose SMU was because I have family in Winona. My grandmother used to work at SMU, and my sister went to school at WSU, so it was nice to have family around. I also wanted to get off of the big island for a while!
Tolibas: Hockey and my friends. I like it here; it is a pretty fun place.
What is your favorite part about SMU
athletics?
Salzman: My teammates are my favorite part! We all have really great times with each other, and I wouldn’t have as much fun swimming. I love that athletics create an opportunity to bond with people who have the same interest.
Tolibas: My favorite part about SMU athletics is hanging out with my teammates. And I like the fan support we get.
What is your favorite athletics moment?
Salzman: I am not sure if there has ever just been a moment, rather many great ones. I love competing in relays; my splits from them have been some of the best swims of my life and the most memorable.
Tolibas: My favorite athletic moment at SMU is when I got the game-winning assist on Eric Tenvoorde’s amazing overtime goal. No one will ever top his celebration.
Who is your favorite professional athlete?
Salzman: Tony Azevedo! He is one of the best American water polo players and plays for the U.S. National team. Swimming
happens to fall second to water polo on my list of interests (sorry, Coach!).
Tolibas: Henrik Zetterberg. He went to Palmer High School in Colorado Springs, Colo. He is one of the top players in the NHL, and he plays on my favorite team (Detroit Red Wings).
Ask Angel: How to manage stress from finals
Dear Angel,
I get very stressed before and during a final. I know it’s last minute, but do you have any tips to help
keep me on track?
Signed,
Stressed About Finals
Dear Stressed,
It’s not unusual to feel overwhelmed this time of the year. Here my suggestions for easing this stress. Of course, you are always welcome to stop in the Wellness Center for support as well.
The night before a final:
Don’t stay up all night! Nothing good happens after midnight — your ability to concentrate, retain facts and clearly convey what you know is reduced if you are sleep deprived.
Avoid, or significantly reduce, your use of stimulants (i.e. pop, coffee, tea, No Doz etc.). In large amounts, they can act as a depressant and will also reduce your ability to rest well.
Take frequent stretch breaks (one every 15 to 30 minutes).
Here are a few ideas:
Break #1: Raise your arms above your head, linking your fingers together, and gently pull up. As you do so, take in a slow, deep breath. Release your arms and slowly breathe out. Repeat three or four times.
Break #2: Push your chair away from your desk, inhale and lean forward, touching your toes. Exhale. Repeat three or four times.
Break #3: Stand up. Place hands on hips. Inhale. Rotate at the waist to your left — exhaling as you do. Return to center. Inhale. Turn to right, exhaling and back to center. Repeat three or four times.
Break #4: Close your eyes. Place your palms over your eyes. Inhale to the count of five and then exhale to the count of five. Repeat three to four times. At least every two hours, take a longer break of 15 minutes. Walk around, get a snack, talk to friends.
Have high-energy snacks on hand. Cheese and crackers, peanuts, fruit, vegetable sticks and water are some good choices. High fat options will tend to make you more lethargic and less able to concentrate. Stay away from overly anxious or competitive people.
ANXIETY IS CONTAGIOUS.
Don’t waste energy “whipping” yourself about what you “could or should” have done this past semester. FOCUS on what you can do NOW.
The day of a final:
• Eat a good breakfast and lunch.
• Don’t swap questions at the door.
• Leave your books at home.
• Give yourself some positive self-talk (“I can do this”).
• Review the entire test carefully before beginning. Determine which sections will count more, which will require more time. PLAN YOUR STRATEGY for completing the test.
• If you are feeling anxious, employ a slow deep breathing technique. Try the palming technique described above.
• Answer the essay questions first.
• Work on only one question at a time. If you are “stumped” by a question, leave it until the end; FOCUS on what you do know.
• Make an outline of an essay question BEFORE writing your answer. This will help you organize your response and allow you to include more information.
• FOCUS on what you are doing. Avoid wasting time and energy paying attention to how others are doing (i.e. getting done first). When the test is over, leave your thoughts of it behind and focus on the next one; you can’t change what you have already done.
Good Luck with your finals, and may you all have a relaxing and joy-filled break.
-Angel
I get very stressed before and during a final. I know it’s last minute, but do you have any tips to help
keep me on track?
Signed,
Stressed About Finals
Dear Stressed,
It’s not unusual to feel overwhelmed this time of the year. Here my suggestions for easing this stress. Of course, you are always welcome to stop in the Wellness Center for support as well.
The night before a final:
Don’t stay up all night! Nothing good happens after midnight — your ability to concentrate, retain facts and clearly convey what you know is reduced if you are sleep deprived.
Avoid, or significantly reduce, your use of stimulants (i.e. pop, coffee, tea, No Doz etc.). In large amounts, they can act as a depressant and will also reduce your ability to rest well.
Take frequent stretch breaks (one every 15 to 30 minutes).
Here are a few ideas:
Break #1: Raise your arms above your head, linking your fingers together, and gently pull up. As you do so, take in a slow, deep breath. Release your arms and slowly breathe out. Repeat three or four times.
Break #2: Push your chair away from your desk, inhale and lean forward, touching your toes. Exhale. Repeat three or four times.
Break #3: Stand up. Place hands on hips. Inhale. Rotate at the waist to your left — exhaling as you do. Return to center. Inhale. Turn to right, exhaling and back to center. Repeat three or four times.
Break #4: Close your eyes. Place your palms over your eyes. Inhale to the count of five and then exhale to the count of five. Repeat three to four times. At least every two hours, take a longer break of 15 minutes. Walk around, get a snack, talk to friends.
Have high-energy snacks on hand. Cheese and crackers, peanuts, fruit, vegetable sticks and water are some good choices. High fat options will tend to make you more lethargic and less able to concentrate. Stay away from overly anxious or competitive people.
ANXIETY IS CONTAGIOUS.
Don’t waste energy “whipping” yourself about what you “could or should” have done this past semester. FOCUS on what you can do NOW.
The day of a final:
• Eat a good breakfast and lunch.
• Don’t swap questions at the door.
• Leave your books at home.
• Give yourself some positive self-talk (“I can do this”).
• Review the entire test carefully before beginning. Determine which sections will count more, which will require more time. PLAN YOUR STRATEGY for completing the test.
• If you are feeling anxious, employ a slow deep breathing technique. Try the palming technique described above.
• Answer the essay questions first.
• Work on only one question at a time. If you are “stumped” by a question, leave it until the end; FOCUS on what you do know.
• Make an outline of an essay question BEFORE writing your answer. This will help you organize your response and allow you to include more information.
• FOCUS on what you are doing. Avoid wasting time and energy paying attention to how others are doing (i.e. getting done first). When the test is over, leave your thoughts of it behind and focus on the next one; you can’t change what you have already done.
Good Luck with your finals, and may you all have a relaxing and joy-filled break.
-Angel
Student Concerns: Food service joke disturbing and offensive
BY BRANDON WANLESS
Cardinal Staff
I write this column immediately following the stress-filled Thursday of Dec. 3, 2009.
This, in the Saint Mary’s world of food service, has been a most important day thus far in our academic year. Five food service companies were on campus to tour the dining facilities and gain all information needed in order to compose and present a bid for the next food contract. Since I am blessed to be a part of this process, I am able to provide a student’s perspective both for these companies’ proposals and for the committee that will be assisting in the decision-making process.
Unfortunately, an incident about which I learned in this process was quite disturbing and even offensive, not only to Chartwells, but also to the university and to my position. Sometime before the morning of this important Thursday, several signs were placed all over campus referring to the food that Chartwells serves as “dog food.” Now, I understand that initially, this can be seen as humorous. The truth, however, is that this was actually an act of libel, and, like I said, is an injustice against me, the university and our food service. I am not trying to condemn or judge anyone, but I do not condone the act in any manner. It is sad that this method was used by adult college students to make their concerns known, which actually was ineffective, as it was not descriptive at all.
To the contrary of the previous example, many other instances of good progress have consistently been occurring. A prime example is a recent student’s request to liven up the social environment of the cafeteria by listening to music during lunch. This student simply came to me and told me what she would like to see, and I in turn spoke with Chartwells and KSMR. Now, starting next semester on Fridays during lunch, Chartwells will play a special KSMR radio show designed entirely for those eating lunch in the cafeteria. This is just one example of proper procedure gaining real and lasting results.
To make it clear once again, there are already several ways in which one can voice complaints, concerns, requests and questions. If it simply applies to Chartwells food service, Coshenet hopes that any student feels comfortable enough to be able to come right to his office and speak with him directly. This has always been his policy. In addition, I have been really trying to encourage students to talk to me. This can be done directly or by way of your residence hall student senate representative.
The easiest way to voice your concern is simply to e-mail me at ugstudentconcerns@smumn.edu.
Cardinal Staff
I write this column immediately following the stress-filled Thursday of Dec. 3, 2009.
This, in the Saint Mary’s world of food service, has been a most important day thus far in our academic year. Five food service companies were on campus to tour the dining facilities and gain all information needed in order to compose and present a bid for the next food contract. Since I am blessed to be a part of this process, I am able to provide a student’s perspective both for these companies’ proposals and for the committee that will be assisting in the decision-making process.
Unfortunately, an incident about which I learned in this process was quite disturbing and even offensive, not only to Chartwells, but also to the university and to my position. Sometime before the morning of this important Thursday, several signs were placed all over campus referring to the food that Chartwells serves as “dog food.” Now, I understand that initially, this can be seen as humorous. The truth, however, is that this was actually an act of libel, and, like I said, is an injustice against me, the university and our food service. I am not trying to condemn or judge anyone, but I do not condone the act in any manner. It is sad that this method was used by adult college students to make their concerns known, which actually was ineffective, as it was not descriptive at all.
To the contrary of the previous example, many other instances of good progress have consistently been occurring. A prime example is a recent student’s request to liven up the social environment of the cafeteria by listening to music during lunch. This student simply came to me and told me what she would like to see, and I in turn spoke with Chartwells and KSMR. Now, starting next semester on Fridays during lunch, Chartwells will play a special KSMR radio show designed entirely for those eating lunch in the cafeteria. This is just one example of proper procedure gaining real and lasting results.
To make it clear once again, there are already several ways in which one can voice complaints, concerns, requests and questions. If it simply applies to Chartwells food service, Coshenet hopes that any student feels comfortable enough to be able to come right to his office and speak with him directly. This has always been his policy. In addition, I have been really trying to encourage students to talk to me. This can be done directly or by way of your residence hall student senate representative.
The easiest way to voice your concern is simply to e-mail me at ugstudentconcerns@smumn.edu.
International Scoop: Our weird world
BY AMYWULFF
Cardinal Staff
As we’re gearing up for finals and the end of this semester, I wanted to write about something interesting, odd and maybe shocking instead of the usual serious news, which seems to always be filled with distrust, hate and power struggles. Instead of reminding you that we’re still in Iraq and planning on sending more troops to Afghanistan, that Iran is still increasing uranium enrichment, and that Chavez is still in power in Venezuela, I have for you a broad array of more random news. It might still be gross, sad and weird, but it’s different. Enjoy.
According to CNN.com, the Australian Senate has refused to pass laws attempting to reduce carbon emissions from industries for the third time. The opposition party leader, Tony Abbott, is on the record “saying the argument for climate change is ‘absolute crap,’” (CNN.com). John Connor, chief executive of the Climate Institute (an independent research group), is quoted saying,
“It’s a sad irony that while the U.S. and China are investing billions in renewable energy and battling over who will lead the clean energy economy, Australian politicians are squabbling in the ‘domestic playground’ of party politics” (CNN.com). A climate change summit will be held in Copenhagen, Denmark this year. In Lima, Peru, an officer was removed from assignment when he stated at a press conference that “a gang murdered dozens of people and sold their fat to foreign cosmetics traders” (Inquirer.net). Officer Felix Murga apparently told people in November that a Peruvian gang or “brotherhood” was accused of killing over 60 people over a span of 30 years. This gang was uncovered in early November, “when police arrested one person in possession of 17 liters of human fat, with an apparent value of $255,000” (Inquirer.net). However, experts doubt there is a large market for the sale of human fat, saying no extractions of this fat have cosmetic value. Fight Club, anyone?
In Munich, Germany, what is thought to be the last big Nazi trial is on hold because the accused, John Demjanjuk, is sick. Demjanjuk is said to have been at Sobibor during 1943 when “tens of thousands of Jews were exterminated” (Reuters.com). After the war, Demjanjuk emigrated to the U.S., where he worked for the auto industry and lived in a suburb outside Cleveland, Ohio. He has appeared to his court hearings in a hospital bed with “eyes closed or staring blankly” (Reuters.com).
Not-so-swift justice.
In Rome, Italy, recently retired Vatican official, Mexican Cardinal Javier Barragan, was quoted telling transsexuals and homosexuals that they “will not enter the Kingdom of Heaven” (Reuters.com). Cardinal Barragan also said that homosexuality was not natural, but due to choices or identity confusion. Aurelio Mancuso, the president of Italy’s gay rights group, Arcigay, said, “Barragans’s remarks were part of the Church’s ‘ridiculous theories about sexuality and the dignity of the person,’” (Reuters). The Church distanced itself from the comments, though Catholic teaching does state that homosexual acts are sinful, while homosexuality is not.
Cardinal Staff
As we’re gearing up for finals and the end of this semester, I wanted to write about something interesting, odd and maybe shocking instead of the usual serious news, which seems to always be filled with distrust, hate and power struggles. Instead of reminding you that we’re still in Iraq and planning on sending more troops to Afghanistan, that Iran is still increasing uranium enrichment, and that Chavez is still in power in Venezuela, I have for you a broad array of more random news. It might still be gross, sad and weird, but it’s different. Enjoy.
According to CNN.com, the Australian Senate has refused to pass laws attempting to reduce carbon emissions from industries for the third time. The opposition party leader, Tony Abbott, is on the record “saying the argument for climate change is ‘absolute crap,’” (CNN.com). John Connor, chief executive of the Climate Institute (an independent research group), is quoted saying,
“It’s a sad irony that while the U.S. and China are investing billions in renewable energy and battling over who will lead the clean energy economy, Australian politicians are squabbling in the ‘domestic playground’ of party politics” (CNN.com). A climate change summit will be held in Copenhagen, Denmark this year. In Lima, Peru, an officer was removed from assignment when he stated at a press conference that “a gang murdered dozens of people and sold their fat to foreign cosmetics traders” (Inquirer.net). Officer Felix Murga apparently told people in November that a Peruvian gang or “brotherhood” was accused of killing over 60 people over a span of 30 years. This gang was uncovered in early November, “when police arrested one person in possession of 17 liters of human fat, with an apparent value of $255,000” (Inquirer.net). However, experts doubt there is a large market for the sale of human fat, saying no extractions of this fat have cosmetic value. Fight Club, anyone?
In Munich, Germany, what is thought to be the last big Nazi trial is on hold because the accused, John Demjanjuk, is sick. Demjanjuk is said to have been at Sobibor during 1943 when “tens of thousands of Jews were exterminated” (Reuters.com). After the war, Demjanjuk emigrated to the U.S., where he worked for the auto industry and lived in a suburb outside Cleveland, Ohio. He has appeared to his court hearings in a hospital bed with “eyes closed or staring blankly” (Reuters.com).
Not-so-swift justice.
In Rome, Italy, recently retired Vatican official, Mexican Cardinal Javier Barragan, was quoted telling transsexuals and homosexuals that they “will not enter the Kingdom of Heaven” (Reuters.com). Cardinal Barragan also said that homosexuality was not natural, but due to choices or identity confusion. Aurelio Mancuso, the president of Italy’s gay rights group, Arcigay, said, “Barragans’s remarks were part of the Church’s ‘ridiculous theories about sexuality and the dignity of the person,’” (Reuters). The Church distanced itself from the comments, though Catholic teaching does state that homosexual acts are sinful, while homosexuality is not.
Student responds to Chartwells editorial
BY BRANDON WANLESS
Cardinal Staff
In response to the opinion article printed last issue, I have my own opinion to put forth. I understand some students’ frustrations with changing menus and policies, as it can disrupt that which is just fine for those individuals.
If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it, right? Well, unfortunately in the food service arena, it turns out that it is quite difficult to please every single person. In fact, it is impossible. Trust me. I have almost four years experience in the food industry (aside from my current work with Chartwells). With this in mind, I am sorry that not everyone gets what they want all the time, but sometimes
that’s just the way it is.
Further, I personally believe that the food quality and service has not deteriorated in the past few years. Admittedly, this is my third year here at Saint Mary’s University, not my fourth. I too am a senior, however. This means I transferred in from another institute for higher education with its own food service enterprise.
Not only do I feel that the food quality and service have improved with Chartwells, I feel that it is immensely better than the school I previously attended. I am not the only one who thinks this way either. Maybe all of my friends are weird, but nearly everyone I have talked to agrees with me on this. Food at Chartwells has improved and is the best it has been in three years.
Finally, I personally have seen that there is a common cultural attitude of entitlement among SMU students regarding many things like food service. Hey, I know that we are spending a lot of money to be here and we pay for quality food. Trust me, I get that. However, an overwhelming majority of students here have not had the same life experiences that I have been blessed with.
Now, I am not saying that I am better or smarter for my years outside of college, but I do have a different perspective — one that I hope is more realistic. Frankly, life outside of “Saint Mary’s Resort” can be tough, and for the price we really pay for food, the quality and service and health options are unbeatable. Basically, all I am saying is that we are not appreciative enough of the many ways that we have been blessed by Almighty God, and that we should take some time to reflect on what we do have rather than what we do not.
Cardinal Staff
In response to the opinion article printed last issue, I have my own opinion to put forth. I understand some students’ frustrations with changing menus and policies, as it can disrupt that which is just fine for those individuals.
If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it, right? Well, unfortunately in the food service arena, it turns out that it is quite difficult to please every single person. In fact, it is impossible. Trust me. I have almost four years experience in the food industry (aside from my current work with Chartwells). With this in mind, I am sorry that not everyone gets what they want all the time, but sometimes
that’s just the way it is.
Further, I personally believe that the food quality and service has not deteriorated in the past few years. Admittedly, this is my third year here at Saint Mary’s University, not my fourth. I too am a senior, however. This means I transferred in from another institute for higher education with its own food service enterprise.
Not only do I feel that the food quality and service have improved with Chartwells, I feel that it is immensely better than the school I previously attended. I am not the only one who thinks this way either. Maybe all of my friends are weird, but nearly everyone I have talked to agrees with me on this. Food at Chartwells has improved and is the best it has been in three years.
Finally, I personally have seen that there is a common cultural attitude of entitlement among SMU students regarding many things like food service. Hey, I know that we are spending a lot of money to be here and we pay for quality food. Trust me, I get that. However, an overwhelming majority of students here have not had the same life experiences that I have been blessed with.
Now, I am not saying that I am better or smarter for my years outside of college, but I do have a different perspective — one that I hope is more realistic. Frankly, life outside of “Saint Mary’s Resort” can be tough, and for the price we really pay for food, the quality and service and health options are unbeatable. Basically, all I am saying is that we are not appreciative enough of the many ways that we have been blessed by Almighty God, and that we should take some time to reflect on what we do have rather than what we do not.
The supposed evils of manger scenes and plum pudding
BY BRANDON MCCAFFERY
Guest Writer
In merry England in 1644, the happy season of Christmas was outlawed by Christians. Puritans rose to Parliament, and the jolly holiday was practically turned into a day of mourning. Plum puddings, as well as fruitcakes, were considered diabolical. All feasting became fasting.
The smallest wreath or decoration intimated — nay, it implied civil disobedience. As was then the custom, priests were on the run; markets were forced to remain open (owing to the date having been declared a “working day”); defiant housewives discovered baking mincepies in secret were pitilessly locked up— and all rebellious carollers and wassailers were either exiled or directly relegated to the prisons. The puritan reason was that Christmas had become, more or less, something like a modern-day Mardi Gras. It was considered heathen and therefore damnable, therefore punishable. Dickens’ pre-converted Mr. Scrooge himself could not have put a better damper on Christmas Day; in fact, at a far more astonishing rate did the Christian Puritans succeed at eliminating the holiday than would, much later, Communist Russia. And fie! we whine and gripe when atheists bewail the plastic nativity scene outside the courthouse on such-and-such street!
Christmas, so it seems, has a tendency to be treated as anything but a holy day. Ninety percent of those ridiculous “holiday movies” that are shown yearly in theatres have nothing to do with Christ, and everything to do with eating, drinking or lovemaking. I do not propose, of course, that we fill our jails with mall-lingering men in Santa outfits, or silence the sweet carol of jingling bells, or sack all gingerbread houses, in order that people realize the true cause for Christmas. I do not think it wise to reject one extreme — i.e. the protestation of manger scenes and candy canes, etc, etc.— only to adopt the other: namely, the boycotting of Christmas altogether. I suggest a middle course, or, in other words, a reasonable solution — one which would, consequently, require Christians to actually practice what they preach. That Christmases are celebrated without Christ is as silly an occurrence as it would be for one to walk dismembered into a hospital, only then to reproach the merest manner of hospitality. For Christmas is a contradiction without Christ. And hanging Him on a Christmas tree does not make Him more significant than those glamorous parcels stacked below it. It takes far more devotion and festivity to put the Christ Child exactly at the heart of His nativity.
Guest Writer
In merry England in 1644, the happy season of Christmas was outlawed by Christians. Puritans rose to Parliament, and the jolly holiday was practically turned into a day of mourning. Plum puddings, as well as fruitcakes, were considered diabolical. All feasting became fasting.
The smallest wreath or decoration intimated — nay, it implied civil disobedience. As was then the custom, priests were on the run; markets were forced to remain open (owing to the date having been declared a “working day”); defiant housewives discovered baking mincepies in secret were pitilessly locked up— and all rebellious carollers and wassailers were either exiled or directly relegated to the prisons. The puritan reason was that Christmas had become, more or less, something like a modern-day Mardi Gras. It was considered heathen and therefore damnable, therefore punishable. Dickens’ pre-converted Mr. Scrooge himself could not have put a better damper on Christmas Day; in fact, at a far more astonishing rate did the Christian Puritans succeed at eliminating the holiday than would, much later, Communist Russia. And fie! we whine and gripe when atheists bewail the plastic nativity scene outside the courthouse on such-and-such street!
Christmas, so it seems, has a tendency to be treated as anything but a holy day. Ninety percent of those ridiculous “holiday movies” that are shown yearly in theatres have nothing to do with Christ, and everything to do with eating, drinking or lovemaking. I do not propose, of course, that we fill our jails with mall-lingering men in Santa outfits, or silence the sweet carol of jingling bells, or sack all gingerbread houses, in order that people realize the true cause for Christmas. I do not think it wise to reject one extreme — i.e. the protestation of manger scenes and candy canes, etc, etc.— only to adopt the other: namely, the boycotting of Christmas altogether. I suggest a middle course, or, in other words, a reasonable solution — one which would, consequently, require Christians to actually practice what they preach. That Christmases are celebrated without Christ is as silly an occurrence as it would be for one to walk dismembered into a hospital, only then to reproach the merest manner of hospitality. For Christmas is a contradiction without Christ. And hanging Him on a Christmas tree does not make Him more significant than those glamorous parcels stacked below it. It takes far more devotion and festivity to put the Christ Child exactly at the heart of His nativity.
The Cardinal welcomes reader letters, feedback
BY KARINA RAJTAR
Editor in Chief
A student newspaper can serve many functions for a university campus.
Although primarily a source of information for current students, the Cardinal is also a way for alumni to keep up with their alma mater and for prospective students to get a feel for student life. It can also foster discussion of issues and ideas.
At the Cardinal, we work to cover stories as fairly and objectively as we can, but that does not mean readers cannot form opinions or respond. This entire page is devoted to reader opinion. Anyone can submit an editorial or letter to the editor, provided the Letters and Editorials Policy is followed, and we will try to run as many as space will allow.This is your chance to respond to information we provide (or do not provide) or to comment on something you find to be important.
It is my personal opinion that discussion and disagreement (within reason) allow us to think more critically about the world around us, and I encourage you to join that discussion. The next deadline is Jan. 20, 2010.
Editor in Chief
A student newspaper can serve many functions for a university campus.
Although primarily a source of information for current students, the Cardinal is also a way for alumni to keep up with their alma mater and for prospective students to get a feel for student life. It can also foster discussion of issues and ideas.
At the Cardinal, we work to cover stories as fairly and objectively as we can, but that does not mean readers cannot form opinions or respond. This entire page is devoted to reader opinion. Anyone can submit an editorial or letter to the editor, provided the Letters and Editorials Policy is followed, and we will try to run as many as space will allow.This is your chance to respond to information we provide (or do not provide) or to comment on something you find to be important.
It is my personal opinion that discussion and disagreement (within reason) allow us to think more critically about the world around us, and I encourage you to join that discussion. The next deadline is Jan. 20, 2010.
Staff Spotlight: Lance Thompson
Lance Thompson, residence life hall director and assistant activities director, begins his day at Saint Mary’s University by “wak(ing) up to a quiet hall that increasingly gets louder as the day rolls by.” He then walks to the basement of the Michael H. Toner center to “manufacture fun and excitement for one and all.”
Thompson, a 2005 alum, holds a degree in political science and minors in sociology and philosophy. He began working at a Barnes and Noble in Wauwatosa, Wis., upon graduation but then moved back to Winona to work for Watkins Inc. “Those jobs were great, but I always wanted to work at Saint Mary’s,” said Thompson. “Finally, I got a lucky break, and the rest is history.”
At SMU, Thompson is in charge of Benilde, Gilmore and Yons halls, the residents inside them and the resident assistants who reside over them. Thompson is also the advisor for many clubs on campus, including Student Activities Committee and KSMR Radio. He also helps out in other areas of student life. Currently enrolled and working towards his Masters in Human Development focusing on Student Leadership and Development at the Twin Cities campus, Thompson said the reason he chose to come back to SMU was that, “being at Saint Mary’s is the only thing I am good at.” Thompson said his favorite memories at SMU include seeing Kuba Szymanskiwin Outstanding Senior last year, putting together Blue Angel or Gaslight acts or emceeing for those shows and seeing Lincoln Scully graduate because it was something he did not see coming.
“It was always my goal after I graduated to get back on campus to serve the students and community of Saint Mary’s,” said Thompson. “I love it here, and I hope to be here for a long time.”
Thompson, a 2005 alum, holds a degree in political science and minors in sociology and philosophy. He began working at a Barnes and Noble in Wauwatosa, Wis., upon graduation but then moved back to Winona to work for Watkins Inc. “Those jobs were great, but I always wanted to work at Saint Mary’s,” said Thompson. “Finally, I got a lucky break, and the rest is history.”
At SMU, Thompson is in charge of Benilde, Gilmore and Yons halls, the residents inside them and the resident assistants who reside over them. Thompson is also the advisor for many clubs on campus, including Student Activities Committee and KSMR Radio. He also helps out in other areas of student life. Currently enrolled and working towards his Masters in Human Development focusing on Student Leadership and Development at the Twin Cities campus, Thompson said the reason he chose to come back to SMU was that, “being at Saint Mary’s is the only thing I am good at.” Thompson said his favorite memories at SMU include seeing Kuba Szymanskiwin Outstanding Senior last year, putting together Blue Angel or Gaslight acts or emceeing for those shows and seeing Lincoln Scully graduate because it was something he did not see coming.
“It was always my goal after I graduated to get back on campus to serve the students and community of Saint Mary’s,” said Thompson. “I love it here, and I hope to be here for a long time.”
Staff Spotlight: Davey Warner
For the past six years, Davey Warner, outdoor leadership coordinator, has been able to call Saint Mary’s University his home.
Once a residence assistant “back in the day,” Warner graduated in 2007 with a degree in Music Composition. Except for three summers spent working in the Boundary Waters as a canoe guide and portage trail crew foreman for the Boy Scouts, as well as three summers in administration for the Boy Scouts, Warner said he never left. “They offered me my job (in the Boundary Waters) before I graduated, and it was too good of an offer to turn down at the time,” said Warner.
Warner said he decided to come back to SMU because he loves the outdoors and experiential/adventure education. His current duties include managing the Challenge Ropes Course, the Disc Golf Course and all outdoor recreation equipment, including loaning camping gear, kayaks, mountain bikes, sleds and snowshoes to students, faculty, staff and groups. Warner also coordinates outdoor recreation programming for the campus, including advising the outdoor COUNSELORs (students who lead outdoor excursions) and teaches the canoe camping class.
“I love program management and development,” said Warner. “I think I have a knack for it.”
Besides spending a lot of time inspecting and working on the disc golf and ropes course and taking groups on various excursions, Warner also fills in part-time for Campus Safety and the Academic Skills Center. According to Warner, he cherishes his “whole senior year (the first one),” at SMU and now thinks the best thing about working at SMU is working with the students.
Once a residence assistant “back in the day,” Warner graduated in 2007 with a degree in Music Composition. Except for three summers spent working in the Boundary Waters as a canoe guide and portage trail crew foreman for the Boy Scouts, as well as three summers in administration for the Boy Scouts, Warner said he never left. “They offered me my job (in the Boundary Waters) before I graduated, and it was too good of an offer to turn down at the time,” said Warner.
Warner said he decided to come back to SMU because he loves the outdoors and experiential/adventure education. His current duties include managing the Challenge Ropes Course, the Disc Golf Course and all outdoor recreation equipment, including loaning camping gear, kayaks, mountain bikes, sleds and snowshoes to students, faculty, staff and groups. Warner also coordinates outdoor recreation programming for the campus, including advising the outdoor COUNSELORs (students who lead outdoor excursions) and teaches the canoe camping class.
“I love program management and development,” said Warner. “I think I have a knack for it.”
Besides spending a lot of time inspecting and working on the disc golf and ropes course and taking groups on various excursions, Warner also fills in part-time for Campus Safety and the Academic Skills Center. According to Warner, he cherishes his “whole senior year (the first one),” at SMU and now thinks the best thing about working at SMU is working with the students.
Club Corner: Competition Dance Team
BY TRAVIS FICK
Managing Editor
During a men’s basketball game in March, the Saint Mary’s University competition dance team will showcase their ability to teach others to dance.
Each year, the compeition dance team matches up with a few male students in the annual guy/girl dance.
“They (guys) try to act like they are just having fun with the dance and try to be funny while performing,” said Megan Mollison, a senior captain, in an e-mail interview. “But truly, they are trying to remember what comes next and make sure they perform to their best.” The competition dance team first began in 2000 and has grown in popularity since then. The 2009-10 dance team is composed of 14 women who follow the lead of captains Mollison, Sarah Mills, senior, and Allison Johnson, sophomore.
The team competes at various competitions around the state, but their most popular on-campus event is the guy/girl dance, said Mollison. “The guy /girl dance is popular because it is not everyday that you see a guy having the coordination to kick up to their nose and do the splits,” said Mollison. “The guys who have participated in the guy/girl dance realize what kind of skill a performance takes.”
The three captains create the group’s choreography and are responsible for teaching the rest of the team and the men who “volunteer” for the guy/girl dance. “It is a lot of work for them (guys) to learn all of the different elements, formations, choreography and coordination of a dancer,” said Mollison. “And when some guys try to perform a high kick, it can be a little rocky.”
Mollison said that the dance team puts in a lot of work and dedication to the success of the team. “We have great potential, and we can continue to go far,” said Mollison. “The dance team will never give up on hard work, and we will continue with strong dedication.” The guy/girl dance will take place at a men’s basketball game sometime in March 2010 and will be announced to the campus after the start of the spring semester.
Managing Editor
During a men’s basketball game in March, the Saint Mary’s University competition dance team will showcase their ability to teach others to dance.
Each year, the compeition dance team matches up with a few male students in the annual guy/girl dance.
“They (guys) try to act like they are just having fun with the dance and try to be funny while performing,” said Megan Mollison, a senior captain, in an e-mail interview. “But truly, they are trying to remember what comes next and make sure they perform to their best.” The competition dance team first began in 2000 and has grown in popularity since then. The 2009-10 dance team is composed of 14 women who follow the lead of captains Mollison, Sarah Mills, senior, and Allison Johnson, sophomore.
The team competes at various competitions around the state, but their most popular on-campus event is the guy/girl dance, said Mollison. “The guy /girl dance is popular because it is not everyday that you see a guy having the coordination to kick up to their nose and do the splits,” said Mollison. “The guys who have participated in the guy/girl dance realize what kind of skill a performance takes.”
The three captains create the group’s choreography and are responsible for teaching the rest of the team and the men who “volunteer” for the guy/girl dance. “It is a lot of work for them (guys) to learn all of the different elements, formations, choreography and coordination of a dancer,” said Mollison. “And when some guys try to perform a high kick, it can be a little rocky.”
Mollison said that the dance team puts in a lot of work and dedication to the success of the team. “We have great potential, and we can continue to go far,” said Mollison. “The dance team will never give up on hard work, and we will continue with strong dedication.” The guy/girl dance will take place at a men’s basketball game sometime in March 2010 and will be announced to the campus after the start of the spring semester.
Friday, November 20, 2009
Global Issues class displays place spotlight on the Palestinian-Israeli conflict
BY SARA EISENHAUER
News Editor
Photo displays about the Palestinian-Israeli conflict that were set up around Saint Mary’s University by students to create dialogue have raised concerns that led to the administration’s removal of two photos, said Dorothy Diehl, chair of the Modern and Classical Languages Department.
James Bedtke, vice president for the College, removed the photos after people complained that they were disrespectful to what happened during the Holocaust and were unpleasant to look at. One photo was of a Nazi soldier holding a gun to a Jewish prisoner, which was placed next to a similar photo with an Israeli person and a Palestinian prisoner, Diehl said.
These photos were taken down because they were seen as “more inflammatory than the others,” Diehl said. Bedtke explained his decision and confirmed Diehl’s account of the situation but declined to comment further, noting that he had already addressed Diehl’s Global Issues class that set up the displays.
Diehl said a group is currently being formed to discuss the logistics of how to handle similar situations involving student projects and whether or not to have a policy regulating these types of displays. The displays were part of an awareness campaign that Diehl assigns to her Global Issues classes to demonstrate what they feel is important about issues discussed in class. The students in the class about the Palestinian- Israeli conflict produced several projects including: the displays; and fund raising events Iron Chef and Pennies for Palestine.
“I hope (the students) will take away something that has really touched them,” said Diehl.
She also wants the displays to inform people about the side of the issue that she says is normally not talked about.
“The hope is that people would see these things and then there would be a discussion,” Diehl said. “Nothing will change if we don’t dialogue.”
The awareness campaign projects will remain on display around campus until Thanksgiving break. Diehl developed the course content after her sabbatical in the West Bank last year. She said the trip was a “transforming experience” because it exposed her to the effects of the “oppressive Israeli regime” that affects all people in the territory, not just Palestinians. “I realized that the refugees were just one part of the situation on the West Bank,” Diehl said. “It’s my duty as a citizen to speak out and say that there’s another side than what we see.”
The class discussed issues surrounding the West Bank situation while reading texts from a variety of groups including Israelis, Israeli peace groups, the United States and the Palestinians. Junior Emily Dee, who participated in the awareness campaign, hopes that the projects will influence people to become more aware of and active in what is going on.
“We can get so caught up in our daily lives that we forget there are people and events outside of our communities that are just as important to think and be concerned about,” said Dee, who helped organize SMU Iron Chef to raise money for Bethlehem University, a Christian Brothers university in the Palestinian territory.
News Editor
Photo displays about the Palestinian-Israeli conflict that were set up around Saint Mary’s University by students to create dialogue have raised concerns that led to the administration’s removal of two photos, said Dorothy Diehl, chair of the Modern and Classical Languages Department.
James Bedtke, vice president for the College, removed the photos after people complained that they were disrespectful to what happened during the Holocaust and were unpleasant to look at. One photo was of a Nazi soldier holding a gun to a Jewish prisoner, which was placed next to a similar photo with an Israeli person and a Palestinian prisoner, Diehl said.
These photos were taken down because they were seen as “more inflammatory than the others,” Diehl said. Bedtke explained his decision and confirmed Diehl’s account of the situation but declined to comment further, noting that he had already addressed Diehl’s Global Issues class that set up the displays.
Diehl said a group is currently being formed to discuss the logistics of how to handle similar situations involving student projects and whether or not to have a policy regulating these types of displays. The displays were part of an awareness campaign that Diehl assigns to her Global Issues classes to demonstrate what they feel is important about issues discussed in class. The students in the class about the Palestinian- Israeli conflict produced several projects including: the displays; and fund raising events Iron Chef and Pennies for Palestine.
“I hope (the students) will take away something that has really touched them,” said Diehl.
She also wants the displays to inform people about the side of the issue that she says is normally not talked about.
“The hope is that people would see these things and then there would be a discussion,” Diehl said. “Nothing will change if we don’t dialogue.”
The awareness campaign projects will remain on display around campus until Thanksgiving break. Diehl developed the course content after her sabbatical in the West Bank last year. She said the trip was a “transforming experience” because it exposed her to the effects of the “oppressive Israeli regime” that affects all people in the territory, not just Palestinians. “I realized that the refugees were just one part of the situation on the West Bank,” Diehl said. “It’s my duty as a citizen to speak out and say that there’s another side than what we see.”
The class discussed issues surrounding the West Bank situation while reading texts from a variety of groups including Israelis, Israeli peace groups, the United States and the Palestinians. Junior Emily Dee, who participated in the awareness campaign, hopes that the projects will influence people to become more aware of and active in what is going on.
“We can get so caught up in our daily lives that we forget there are people and events outside of our communities that are just as important to think and be concerned about,” said Dee, who helped organize SMU Iron Chef to raise money for Bethlehem University, a Christian Brothers university in the Palestinian territory.
Tuition, financial aid expected to increase
BY TRAVIS FICK
Managing Editor
A tuition increase of 3.9 percent for 2010-11 has been approved by the Board of Trustees and takes into account the economic concerns of Saint Mary’s University’s students, according to Cindy Marek, vice president for financial affairs.
The 3.9 percent increase also applies to students’ room and board and increases the total cost by around $1,200. “Although any increase in tuition is an unwelcomed burden for any university student, at Saint Mary’s we are lucky to have one of the lowest tuitions for a private college in Minnesota,” said Mary Gleich, student senate president. “I hope that our administrators will always keep in mind our Lasallian tradition of providing a quality education for all, especially the poor.”
In past years, SMU has increased tuition about 4 to 5 percent each year because of annual increases in medical costs, tuition discounts and expenses associated with operating the university. “We have had years where our medical costs alone increase by 10 percent,” said Marek. “Those increases make it harder to adjust.”
Last year, the Board of Trustees approved a six percent tuition increase in November. But after the economic downturn, the university lowered the increase to 4 percent. Marek said that all possible scenarios are being considered when planning for the 2009-10 academic year.
“We know that we have families that have lost jobs or have illnesses,” said Marek. “But we are hoping that it won’t affect each student drastically.”
An increase in tuition will also bring an increase in financial aid for qualifying students, Marek said. The amount of financial aid or tuition discounts given to students has exceeded the amount that was budgeted during the previous year. Three years ago, the average tuition discount was 33.9 percent and has increased to 39.3 percent for the current year.
“It is dependent on the students who are coming here and what their need is,” said Marek. “We could have a year where our students come from more upper-income families and that might not happen. But more of our students come from middle-class families.” The recent economic downturn has made Marek’s job more difficult. “In the 30 years I have been in higher education, this has been my most difficult year-and-a-half working through this and seeing the difficulties families are going through,” said Marek. “That makes it hard for us because we want to limit our tuition increase as much as possible but have to budget so we are fiscally responsible to the university.”
SMU’s budget is tuition-dependent, which means it is built based on the expected revenues from students’ tuition. While other schools may subsidize any loss in revenues through gifts or their endowment, SMU does not have that luxury. “You’re still going to have these same costs even if you have 150 less students,” said Marek.
SMU has tried many things to generate additional revenue, such as summer camps, renting out buildings, and expanding the Schools of Graduate and Professional Programs.
“If you go down to Winona State and see the new buildings going up, I think wow,” said Marek. “But we feel in many ways that we do the education side - which is the important piece - better.”
Managing Editor
A tuition increase of 3.9 percent for 2010-11 has been approved by the Board of Trustees and takes into account the economic concerns of Saint Mary’s University’s students, according to Cindy Marek, vice president for financial affairs.
The 3.9 percent increase also applies to students’ room and board and increases the total cost by around $1,200. “Although any increase in tuition is an unwelcomed burden for any university student, at Saint Mary’s we are lucky to have one of the lowest tuitions for a private college in Minnesota,” said Mary Gleich, student senate president. “I hope that our administrators will always keep in mind our Lasallian tradition of providing a quality education for all, especially the poor.”
In past years, SMU has increased tuition about 4 to 5 percent each year because of annual increases in medical costs, tuition discounts and expenses associated with operating the university. “We have had years where our medical costs alone increase by 10 percent,” said Marek. “Those increases make it harder to adjust.”
Last year, the Board of Trustees approved a six percent tuition increase in November. But after the economic downturn, the university lowered the increase to 4 percent. Marek said that all possible scenarios are being considered when planning for the 2009-10 academic year.
“We know that we have families that have lost jobs or have illnesses,” said Marek. “But we are hoping that it won’t affect each student drastically.”
An increase in tuition will also bring an increase in financial aid for qualifying students, Marek said. The amount of financial aid or tuition discounts given to students has exceeded the amount that was budgeted during the previous year. Three years ago, the average tuition discount was 33.9 percent and has increased to 39.3 percent for the current year.
“It is dependent on the students who are coming here and what their need is,” said Marek. “We could have a year where our students come from more upper-income families and that might not happen. But more of our students come from middle-class families.” The recent economic downturn has made Marek’s job more difficult. “In the 30 years I have been in higher education, this has been my most difficult year-and-a-half working through this and seeing the difficulties families are going through,” said Marek. “That makes it hard for us because we want to limit our tuition increase as much as possible but have to budget so we are fiscally responsible to the university.”
SMU’s budget is tuition-dependent, which means it is built based on the expected revenues from students’ tuition. While other schools may subsidize any loss in revenues through gifts or their endowment, SMU does not have that luxury. “You’re still going to have these same costs even if you have 150 less students,” said Marek.
SMU has tried many things to generate additional revenue, such as summer camps, renting out buildings, and expanding the Schools of Graduate and Professional Programs.
“If you go down to Winona State and see the new buildings going up, I think wow,” said Marek. “But we feel in many ways that we do the education side - which is the important piece - better.”
Excessive posters prompt talk about new policy
BY KARINA RAJTAR
Editor in Chief
“I was walking through Saint Mary’s Hall, and it threw up on me,” senior Brian Smith joked while emceeing “Blue Angel” earlier this month. Smith is not the only one to notice the recent surplus of posters and fliers around the Saint Mary’s University campus, especially in Saint Mary’s Hall.
“It really clutters things up,” said Jason Richter, assistant dean of students for leadership, service and activities. Richter said he generally does not approve any advertisement larger than the size of a poster board, but this year there has been a significant increase in the number of posters made out of the large rolls of paper found in the workroom in the basement of the Michael H. Toner Student Center. The size of posters is not the only problem, Richter said. Even small posters can lose their appeal when used in large quantities in one area, he said. Richter also said that groups advertising with posters often neglect to remove them, so he has a student worker walk around campus and remove outdated fliers every week.
Richter acknowledges that getting events noticed can be tough, but he said this should not force groups to cover every open surface with event promotions. “Saint Mary’s Hall is beautiful,” Richter said. “We do not need to be hanging things from the banisters.” There is a policy regarding posters on campus, but it is largely un-enforced. Page 60 of the undergraduate Student Handbook states: “No announcements may be taped to windows, room doors, interior or exterior walls, doors, trees, sidewalks, or any other place other than the area designated for announcements.” This designated area, according to both Richter and the handbook, is any of the numerous bulletin boards on campus. “It really needs to be self-enforced,” Richter said.
Richter suggests clubs and organizations take advantage of technology to promote events by using Facebook, YouTube and channel 10. He also said that word-of mouth is the best way to publicize events. The handbook does exclude one bulletin board from student use, saying, “All postings on the main bulletin board opposite the stairs on the first floor of Saint Mary’s Hall are for current academic and administrative uses only.”
Editor in Chief
“I was walking through Saint Mary’s Hall, and it threw up on me,” senior Brian Smith joked while emceeing “Blue Angel” earlier this month. Smith is not the only one to notice the recent surplus of posters and fliers around the Saint Mary’s University campus, especially in Saint Mary’s Hall.
“It really clutters things up,” said Jason Richter, assistant dean of students for leadership, service and activities. Richter said he generally does not approve any advertisement larger than the size of a poster board, but this year there has been a significant increase in the number of posters made out of the large rolls of paper found in the workroom in the basement of the Michael H. Toner Student Center. The size of posters is not the only problem, Richter said. Even small posters can lose their appeal when used in large quantities in one area, he said. Richter also said that groups advertising with posters often neglect to remove them, so he has a student worker walk around campus and remove outdated fliers every week.
Richter acknowledges that getting events noticed can be tough, but he said this should not force groups to cover every open surface with event promotions. “Saint Mary’s Hall is beautiful,” Richter said. “We do not need to be hanging things from the banisters.” There is a policy regarding posters on campus, but it is largely un-enforced. Page 60 of the undergraduate Student Handbook states: “No announcements may be taped to windows, room doors, interior or exterior walls, doors, trees, sidewalks, or any other place other than the area designated for announcements.” This designated area, according to both Richter and the handbook, is any of the numerous bulletin boards on campus. “It really needs to be self-enforced,” Richter said.
Richter suggests clubs and organizations take advantage of technology to promote events by using Facebook, YouTube and channel 10. He also said that word-of mouth is the best way to publicize events. The handbook does exclude one bulletin board from student use, saying, “All postings on the main bulletin board opposite the stairs on the first floor of Saint Mary’s Hall are for current academic and administrative uses only.”
Alum one step closer to Sainthood
BY SARAH MCDONOUGH
Cardinal Staff
Brother James Miller, a 1966 graduate of Saint Mary’s University has been declared a “Servant of God,” which is the first step of four in the process of canonization, or the process of becoming a saint.
While serving God by bringing education and faith to the indigenous people of Guatemala, Brother James was murdered on Feb. 13, 1982. He was murdered for teaching the indigenous people because their education posed a threat to some, said Jerome E. Hendrickson, classmate of Brother James.
“When Brother James was alone, having sent his student-helper inside, they approached, withdrew their pistols from under their shirts and opened fire, point blank,” said Brother Francis Carr ’66, Provincial the Christian Brothers Midwest District. The murderers Carr refers to were “three killers, all on foot, who were waiting behind the rear of the Cathedral 50 meters away.”
Two years earlier, similar murderswere taking place against priests in El Salvador, such as the death of Archbishop Oscar Romero.
“(Brother James) knew this was going on and stayed in the face of danger,” said Director of Campus Ministry Chris McClead. “He was in the middle of it.”
There are four steps that must be completed before one is declared a Saint: Servant of God, Venerable, Blessed and then, ultimately, Sainthood. In order to be declared a “Servant of God,” the Bishop of Huehuetenango, where Brother James was martyred, initiated the investigation of his life. Brother James exercised Christian virtues that are considered heroic, and because of this he was declared “Servant of God.” The whole process cannot start until five years after the person has died.
Hendrickson reflected back to when he and Brother James were both students.
“We met in 1963; he was a farmer from Wisconsin,” said Hendrickson in a phone interview. “He had a very outgoing personality and was idealistic. While I was a student, he voiced a goal for him was to work in the missions. He was friendly; I’m happy I knew him.”
Currently, there is a scholarship in Brother James’s name available to students in need of financial assistance. The scholarship is offered every year, totaling up to almost $50,000 over four years for a student.
Cardinal Staff
Brother James Miller, a 1966 graduate of Saint Mary’s University has been declared a “Servant of God,” which is the first step of four in the process of canonization, or the process of becoming a saint.
While serving God by bringing education and faith to the indigenous people of Guatemala, Brother James was murdered on Feb. 13, 1982. He was murdered for teaching the indigenous people because their education posed a threat to some, said Jerome E. Hendrickson, classmate of Brother James.
“When Brother James was alone, having sent his student-helper inside, they approached, withdrew their pistols from under their shirts and opened fire, point blank,” said Brother Francis Carr ’66, Provincial the Christian Brothers Midwest District. The murderers Carr refers to were “three killers, all on foot, who were waiting behind the rear of the Cathedral 50 meters away.”
Two years earlier, similar murderswere taking place against priests in El Salvador, such as the death of Archbishop Oscar Romero.
“(Brother James) knew this was going on and stayed in the face of danger,” said Director of Campus Ministry Chris McClead. “He was in the middle of it.”
There are four steps that must be completed before one is declared a Saint: Servant of God, Venerable, Blessed and then, ultimately, Sainthood. In order to be declared a “Servant of God,” the Bishop of Huehuetenango, where Brother James was martyred, initiated the investigation of his life. Brother James exercised Christian virtues that are considered heroic, and because of this he was declared “Servant of God.” The whole process cannot start until five years after the person has died.
Hendrickson reflected back to when he and Brother James were both students.
“We met in 1963; he was a farmer from Wisconsin,” said Hendrickson in a phone interview. “He had a very outgoing personality and was idealistic. While I was a student, he voiced a goal for him was to work in the missions. He was friendly; I’m happy I knew him.”
Currently, there is a scholarship in Brother James’s name available to students in need of financial assistance. The scholarship is offered every year, totaling up to almost $50,000 over four years for a student.
Renovations improve customer service
BY SAMI TRAXLER
Distribution Manager
When passing by the Saint Mary’s University Barnes and Noble Bookstore in recent weeks, students may have noticed a few changes.
The remodeling of the bookstore, which began Oct. 19, occurred as part of a renewed contract between Barnes and Noble and the university. According to Donna White, the Winona Campus Manager, Barnes and Noble is renovating the graduate school store in the Twin Cities as well.
“I think the remodeling provides a fresh and modern look for the bookstore,” said White. “The layout of the textbooks and the supplies is much different than before.”
One change is the manager’s desk now located in the middle of the store. “This way, we are always available for our customers,” said White. “No one has to come peeking in a window to see if we are around.”
“We have been asked a few times about the remodeling process,” said White. “Most of the time, students are wondering if we are adding a coffee shop, to which we respond, ‘no.’ Our store is not big enough to facilitate this service.”
Renovations were finished about a week-and-a-half after construction began.
Distribution Manager
When passing by the Saint Mary’s University Barnes and Noble Bookstore in recent weeks, students may have noticed a few changes.
The remodeling of the bookstore, which began Oct. 19, occurred as part of a renewed contract between Barnes and Noble and the university. According to Donna White, the Winona Campus Manager, Barnes and Noble is renovating the graduate school store in the Twin Cities as well.
“I think the remodeling provides a fresh and modern look for the bookstore,” said White. “The layout of the textbooks and the supplies is much different than before.”
One change is the manager’s desk now located in the middle of the store. “This way, we are always available for our customers,” said White. “No one has to come peeking in a window to see if we are around.”
“We have been asked a few times about the remodeling process,” said White. “Most of the time, students are wondering if we are adding a coffee shop, to which we respond, ‘no.’ Our store is not big enough to facilitate this service.”
Renovations were finished about a week-and-a-half after construction began.
Volunteer Fair draws students
BY EMMA STENZEL
Cardinal Staff
While some seniors at Saint Mary’s University look to further their education in graduate school or begin their search for jobs, others hope to volunteer after graduation.
On Nov. 3, SMU hosted the Volunteer Fair to expose students to many long-term and short-term volunteering opportunities. The fair has been coming to SMU for nearly 10 years, according to Chris McClead, director of campus ministry. The organizations in the fair travel together, visit numerous college campuses across the nation and offer a variety of service opportunities for students.
Twenty-one long-term organizations stationed themselves in the basement of Toner Center. In addition, 10 short-term groups made an appearance at the fair. This was the first year that SMU has ever had short-term organizations visit campus.
McClead said that long-term groups offer more stability to a volunteer by providing educational grants, insurance, and stipends. While long-term volunteers are fully dedicated to their services and have become part of a community, short-term volunteering does not require a high level of commitment and often involves work that can be done in a volunteer’s spare time.
Providence VolunteerMinistries (PVM), a longterm program that travels with the Volunteer Fair, typically sees great interest from students. “Beyond getting the word out,” said PVM volunteer, Rachel Andrepont, “volunteer fairs present a wonderful opportunity to expose college students to the idea of service and tell them about our own experiences volunteering.”
Some of the more popular long-term organizations at the fair included Lasallian Volunteers, Jesuit Volunteers and Dominican Volunteers, McClead said. These, along with other long-term groups, offered a wide range of volunteer work such as helping in schools, prisons, employment services, addiction recoveries and health facilities.
Some short-term opportunities included working with Winona area schools, the Red Cross, homeless shelters and affordable housing. The fair did not receive the desired response from SMU students, said McClead. The fair’s open hours of 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. were not ideal for most students’ schedules due to conflicts with classes and lunch. However, the fair was planning on visiting Winona State University later that day.
“Volunteering is all about contributing to a common good,” said McClead. “Young people have too much energy and talent to offer. By serving others, we realize how similar we all are. Those we serve are much closer to us than we may think.”
Those interested in volunteering can visit the Office of Campus Ministry for information about the groups that visited campus and other volunteer opportunities.
Cardinal Staff
While some seniors at Saint Mary’s University look to further their education in graduate school or begin their search for jobs, others hope to volunteer after graduation.
On Nov. 3, SMU hosted the Volunteer Fair to expose students to many long-term and short-term volunteering opportunities. The fair has been coming to SMU for nearly 10 years, according to Chris McClead, director of campus ministry. The organizations in the fair travel together, visit numerous college campuses across the nation and offer a variety of service opportunities for students.
Twenty-one long-term organizations stationed themselves in the basement of Toner Center. In addition, 10 short-term groups made an appearance at the fair. This was the first year that SMU has ever had short-term organizations visit campus.
McClead said that long-term groups offer more stability to a volunteer by providing educational grants, insurance, and stipends. While long-term volunteers are fully dedicated to their services and have become part of a community, short-term volunteering does not require a high level of commitment and often involves work that can be done in a volunteer’s spare time.
Providence VolunteerMinistries (PVM), a longterm program that travels with the Volunteer Fair, typically sees great interest from students. “Beyond getting the word out,” said PVM volunteer, Rachel Andrepont, “volunteer fairs present a wonderful opportunity to expose college students to the idea of service and tell them about our own experiences volunteering.”
Some of the more popular long-term organizations at the fair included Lasallian Volunteers, Jesuit Volunteers and Dominican Volunteers, McClead said. These, along with other long-term groups, offered a wide range of volunteer work such as helping in schools, prisons, employment services, addiction recoveries and health facilities.
Some short-term opportunities included working with Winona area schools, the Red Cross, homeless shelters and affordable housing. The fair did not receive the desired response from SMU students, said McClead. The fair’s open hours of 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. were not ideal for most students’ schedules due to conflicts with classes and lunch. However, the fair was planning on visiting Winona State University later that day.
“Volunteering is all about contributing to a common good,” said McClead. “Young people have too much energy and talent to offer. By serving others, we realize how similar we all are. Those we serve are much closer to us than we may think.”
Those interested in volunteering can visit the Office of Campus Ministry for information about the groups that visited campus and other volunteer opportunities.
Couple’s love endures wartime separation
BY ALEXIS BOHLINGER
Cardinal Staff
In honor of Veteran’s Day on Nov. 11, the United States recognizes all of the soldiers who have served and are serving our country today. One of SMU’s own, Michelle Richardson, a senior from Havre, Mont., knows all too well what it means to honor a soldier.
On May 17, 2008, Michelle married her hometown sweetheart, John Richardson of the United StatesArmy. Four months later, John was deployed to Iraq, where he served for one year. As a specialist in the Army Infantry, John spent most of his time in Mosul and Baqubah, Iraq. “Some days we’d have a specific objective, like raiding houses or collecting intelligence,” John said.
“Every now and then we would sweep an entire city, going through every house and building making sure there was no insurgent activity.”
John feels that his time served in the U.S. Army has made him into a stronger, more responsible adult. “I’ve noticed that I have thicker skin and more discipline when it comes to getting a job done, no matter what the cost,” he said. John joined the Army immediately after graduating high school. Following boot camp, John was home on leave, and coincidently, Michelle was also home for fall break. It only took them running into one another for a flame to ignite. They began dating and were married two years later. “I couldn’t bear the thought of leaving my wife for a year, but I knew I had to serve my country,” John said.
During the time that John was overseas, Michelle was in school, working to get her degree in criminal justice. “It was the hardest thing I’ve ever had to experience,” Michelle said. “Long distance relationships are tough, but this was even harder because John could only call every three to four days, and I never knew when to expect him.”
Michelle spent all of her junior year in a worried state. “I couldn’t turn on the news because I didn’t want to hear about something that happened and fear that he was hurt,” Michelle said. “The best thing for me to do was to keep myself busy with school and friends. That was the only way I could keep my mind from going to those dark places.”
As a way to keep John close by, Michelle wore his dog tags every single day that he was deployed. John returned to his home base, Fort Wainwright, Alaska, on Aug. 29, 2009. Michelle will be graduating this December and plans to join him in Alaska, where they will celebrate their first Christmas together.
John will be discharged on Oct. 2, 2010. Michelle and John then plan to move back to Montana, where they will start a new adventure as a civilian married couple.
Cardinal Staff
In honor of Veteran’s Day on Nov. 11, the United States recognizes all of the soldiers who have served and are serving our country today. One of SMU’s own, Michelle Richardson, a senior from Havre, Mont., knows all too well what it means to honor a soldier.
On May 17, 2008, Michelle married her hometown sweetheart, John Richardson of the United StatesArmy. Four months later, John was deployed to Iraq, where he served for one year. As a specialist in the Army Infantry, John spent most of his time in Mosul and Baqubah, Iraq. “Some days we’d have a specific objective, like raiding houses or collecting intelligence,” John said.
“Every now and then we would sweep an entire city, going through every house and building making sure there was no insurgent activity.”
John feels that his time served in the U.S. Army has made him into a stronger, more responsible adult. “I’ve noticed that I have thicker skin and more discipline when it comes to getting a job done, no matter what the cost,” he said. John joined the Army immediately after graduating high school. Following boot camp, John was home on leave, and coincidently, Michelle was also home for fall break. It only took them running into one another for a flame to ignite. They began dating and were married two years later. “I couldn’t bear the thought of leaving my wife for a year, but I knew I had to serve my country,” John said.
During the time that John was overseas, Michelle was in school, working to get her degree in criminal justice. “It was the hardest thing I’ve ever had to experience,” Michelle said. “Long distance relationships are tough, but this was even harder because John could only call every three to four days, and I never knew when to expect him.”
Michelle spent all of her junior year in a worried state. “I couldn’t turn on the news because I didn’t want to hear about something that happened and fear that he was hurt,” Michelle said. “The best thing for me to do was to keep myself busy with school and friends. That was the only way I could keep my mind from going to those dark places.”
As a way to keep John close by, Michelle wore his dog tags every single day that he was deployed. John returned to his home base, Fort Wainwright, Alaska, on Aug. 29, 2009. Michelle will be graduating this December and plans to join him in Alaska, where they will celebrate their first Christmas together.
John will be discharged on Oct. 2, 2010. Michelle and John then plan to move back to Montana, where they will start a new adventure as a civilian married couple.
Tadie views military as great life lesson
BY EMILY DEE
Cardinal Staff
Veteran’s Day, also known asArmistice Day, is celebrated annually on Nov. 11 to commemorate those who served or are currently serving in the armed forces. One of those honored is Saint Mary’s University philosophy professor, Joseph Tadie, a United States Marines veteran.
With a father who served in the military, one may think this was Tadie’s major motivating factor for joining the armed forces, but a desire to visit France was how everything started.
As a kid in high school, Tadie saved enough money from his job in order to afford the trip. His parents, however, had a different plan for him - college. In hopes of pleasing his parents and fulfilling his own desires, Tadie applied for a full military scholarship given only to top students. “The scholarship included free tuition and books, complete with a food and clothing stipend,” said Tadie. “You had to have the grades, the community service hours and superior physical abilities as well. On top of that, there had to be approval from a congressman and a senator plus letters of recommendation.”
Awarded the full scholarship in 1986, Tadie chose the University of Illinois at Urbana- Champaign, where he completed his basic training. This included everything from scaling walls and swimming through water during an oil fire, to scuba diving, flight training and target shooting. While Tadie never went on to continue his full training, he still found the experience exhilarating.
“I loved the competition, being able to be physically active outdoors, and pushing myself to the limit, but I couldn’t believe that it (the Marines) was God’s purpose for me,” said Tadie.
After many debates, Tadie was able to convince officers to give him an honorable discharge. “I just found another purpose in life,” said Tadie. “I believed my skills could be put to better use, so I refused commission on the grounds of conscience.”
Despite choosing a career out of the military, Tadie believes his experience was a good one and helped him figure out what he really wanted to do with his life.
“The thought of what my life would have been like if I had stayed in the military (retirement in 20 years, a nice place, a wife, etc.) still sticks with me,” said Tadie. “I still find my time in the military to be a great life lesson.”
Cardinal Staff
Veteran’s Day, also known asArmistice Day, is celebrated annually on Nov. 11 to commemorate those who served or are currently serving in the armed forces. One of those honored is Saint Mary’s University philosophy professor, Joseph Tadie, a United States Marines veteran.
With a father who served in the military, one may think this was Tadie’s major motivating factor for joining the armed forces, but a desire to visit France was how everything started.
As a kid in high school, Tadie saved enough money from his job in order to afford the trip. His parents, however, had a different plan for him - college. In hopes of pleasing his parents and fulfilling his own desires, Tadie applied for a full military scholarship given only to top students. “The scholarship included free tuition and books, complete with a food and clothing stipend,” said Tadie. “You had to have the grades, the community service hours and superior physical abilities as well. On top of that, there had to be approval from a congressman and a senator plus letters of recommendation.”
Awarded the full scholarship in 1986, Tadie chose the University of Illinois at Urbana- Champaign, where he completed his basic training. This included everything from scaling walls and swimming through water during an oil fire, to scuba diving, flight training and target shooting. While Tadie never went on to continue his full training, he still found the experience exhilarating.
“I loved the competition, being able to be physically active outdoors, and pushing myself to the limit, but I couldn’t believe that it (the Marines) was God’s purpose for me,” said Tadie.
After many debates, Tadie was able to convince officers to give him an honorable discharge. “I just found another purpose in life,” said Tadie. “I believed my skills could be put to better use, so I refused commission on the grounds of conscience.”
Despite choosing a career out of the military, Tadie believes his experience was a good one and helped him figure out what he really wanted to do with his life.
“The thought of what my life would have been like if I had stayed in the military (retirement in 20 years, a nice place, a wife, etc.) still sticks with me,” said Tadie. “I still find my time in the military to be a great life lesson.”
Peace and Ju stice teams up w ith veterans g roup
BY ASHLEY ACOSTA
Feature Editor
Every November, the Saint Mary’s University Peace and Justice Club makes the 19-hour drive to Georgia and participates in the School of the Americas (SOA) protest. But this year, the club is not making the trek alone when they leave Nov. 20.
For it’s tenth annual trip, Peace and Justice is teaming up with Veterans for Peace, a Twin Cities-based organization of veterans dedicated to world peace through nonviolence, to attend a peace vigil set for Nov. 22.
Because Peace and Justice was looking for new ways to decrease costs of the trip, club president Mary Gleich contacted Veterans for Peace, which takes a bus to Fort Benning, Ga., to participate in the vigil.
The national vigil is in protest of the United States military’s Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation (WHISC), formerly known as SOA. At the base, Latin American soldiers are trained with alleged tactics such as violence, torture and other types of guerilla warfare.
In addition, many of the soldiers and policemen who have gra dua t ed f rom the academy hav e be en linked to the promotion of dictatorship and violation of human rights in their home countries. “As Americans, we pay taxes, and we don’t want our tax dollars going to something that is contributing to the killing of people in other countries,” said Gleich.
According to the Veterans for Peace mission statement, the organization strives to increase public awareness of the costs of war, restrain the United States government from intervening in internal affairs with other nations and abolish war as a tool of national policy. “I think it is nice that the men and women who have served our country and respect the role of the military are
able to disagree with some of the military’s ways,” said Gleich. “They care about what happens here at home and in other countries. They add a new dimension to the meaning of our trip.”
Gleich also said SMU has a direct connection with the SOA/WHISC because former SMU alum Brother James Miller (66) who was killed by an SOA soldier while on a mission trip in Guatemala.
“This is an important Saint Mary’s tradition because we have such a personal connection with this situation,” Gleich said.
The purpose of the vigil is not only to protest in a peaceful civil action, but also to take a tour of the military base designed to help educate people on the academy.
Eleven SMU students are signed up to attend the protest, which is a smaller number than in previous years. However, the smaller group is not due to lack of interest. Gleich said the decline in the amount of students is a result of budget cuts and the sharing of travel space with another organization.
Feature Editor
Every November, the Saint Mary’s University Peace and Justice Club makes the 19-hour drive to Georgia and participates in the School of the Americas (SOA) protest. But this year, the club is not making the trek alone when they leave Nov. 20.
For it’s tenth annual trip, Peace and Justice is teaming up with Veterans for Peace, a Twin Cities-based organization of veterans dedicated to world peace through nonviolence, to attend a peace vigil set for Nov. 22.
Because Peace and Justice was looking for new ways to decrease costs of the trip, club president Mary Gleich contacted Veterans for Peace, which takes a bus to Fort Benning, Ga., to participate in the vigil.
The national vigil is in protest of the United States military’s Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation (WHISC), formerly known as SOA. At the base, Latin American soldiers are trained with alleged tactics such as violence, torture and other types of guerilla warfare.
In addition, many of the soldiers and policemen who have gra dua t ed f rom the academy hav e be en linked to the promotion of dictatorship and violation of human rights in their home countries. “As Americans, we pay taxes, and we don’t want our tax dollars going to something that is contributing to the killing of people in other countries,” said Gleich.
According to the Veterans for Peace mission statement, the organization strives to increase public awareness of the costs of war, restrain the United States government from intervening in internal affairs with other nations and abolish war as a tool of national policy. “I think it is nice that the men and women who have served our country and respect the role of the military are
able to disagree with some of the military’s ways,” said Gleich. “They care about what happens here at home and in other countries. They add a new dimension to the meaning of our trip.”
Gleich also said SMU has a direct connection with the SOA/WHISC because former SMU alum Brother James Miller (66) who was killed by an SOA soldier while on a mission trip in Guatemala.
“This is an important Saint Mary’s tradition because we have such a personal connection with this situation,” Gleich said.
The purpose of the vigil is not only to protest in a peaceful civil action, but also to take a tour of the military base designed to help educate people on the academy.
Eleven SMU students are signed up to attend the protest, which is a smaller number than in previous years. However, the smaller group is not due to lack of interest. Gleich said the decline in the amount of students is a result of budget cuts and the sharing of travel space with another organization.
BLUE ANGEL AWARDS 2009
BY KATIE LAPLANT
Guest Writer
BEST ACT: Journey - "Separate Ways"
BEST FEMALE VOICE: Libby Perkins
BEST MALE VOICE: Matt Polum
BEST FRESHIE: Trevor Woggon
BEST DANCE MOVE: Bill Duffert
BEST AUDIENCE MEMBER: Lynn Streefland
BEST BREAKOUT ARTIST: Matt Polum
BEST STAGE PRESENCE: Peter Snell
BEST MO-STASH: Greg Freeman
Guest Writer
BEST ACT: Journey - "Separate Ways"
BEST FEMALE VOICE: Libby Perkins
BEST MALE VOICE: Matt Polum
BEST FRESHIE: Trevor Woggon
BEST DANCE MOVE: Bill Duffert
BEST AUDIENCE MEMBER: Lynn Streefland
BEST BREAKOUT ARTIST: Matt Polum
BEST STAGE PRESENCE: Peter Snell
BEST MO-STASH: Greg Freeman
McCullough named poet laureate of Winona
BY LAUREN ROTHERING
Arts and Entertainment Editor
Recently, Ken McCullough, assistant director of Academic Advising and director of the Path to Academic Success (PASS) program, was chosen by the Winona Fine Arts Commission as the new poet laureate of Winona.
According to McCullough, the poet laureate is “more than anything, the person who is supposed to be an ambassador for poetry.” As poet laureate, McCullough will work to “demystify” poetry for residents of Winona through various presentations, visits to local schools and collaboration between Saint Mary’s University and Winona State University.
McCullough also wants work closely with Project FINE, a local non-profit organization that helps immigrants assimilate to the Winona community. When families move to Winona from other countries, said McCullough, their natural impulse is to move away from their native culture. McCullough believes that with the encouragement of a local oral history project, these families will feel a greater sense of pride in their heritage, which would in turn enrich the culture of the Winona community. Poetry has been an integral part of McCullough’s life for many years. While studying biological sciences, McCullough took some classes in creative writing, which eventually led him to earn a Masters in Fine Arts, from the Iowa Writers’Workshop at the University of Iowa. “It is a strange circumstance to have an advanced degree in something that gives (one) a great deal of pleasure,” said
McCullough.
McCullough believes that Winona is uniquely situated for “wacky” people such as himself because it embraces the arts so strongly. Over the last few years, said McCullough, events such as the Minnesota Beethoven Festival, Great River Shakespeare Festival and Frozen River Film Festival have made Winona their home, promoting its rising status as a city of the arts. As a river town, McCullough said that it is “part of (Winona’s) character” to have “a large percent of (artistic) people who are not frowned upon by the community.” Winona, McCullough said, is a “good environment to be such a person.”
Arts and Entertainment Editor
Recently, Ken McCullough, assistant director of Academic Advising and director of the Path to Academic Success (PASS) program, was chosen by the Winona Fine Arts Commission as the new poet laureate of Winona.
According to McCullough, the poet laureate is “more than anything, the person who is supposed to be an ambassador for poetry.” As poet laureate, McCullough will work to “demystify” poetry for residents of Winona through various presentations, visits to local schools and collaboration between Saint Mary’s University and Winona State University.
McCullough also wants work closely with Project FINE, a local non-profit organization that helps immigrants assimilate to the Winona community. When families move to Winona from other countries, said McCullough, their natural impulse is to move away from their native culture. McCullough believes that with the encouragement of a local oral history project, these families will feel a greater sense of pride in their heritage, which would in turn enrich the culture of the Winona community. Poetry has been an integral part of McCullough’s life for many years. While studying biological sciences, McCullough took some classes in creative writing, which eventually led him to earn a Masters in Fine Arts, from the Iowa Writers’Workshop at the University of Iowa. “It is a strange circumstance to have an advanced degree in something that gives (one) a great deal of pleasure,” said
McCullough.
McCullough believes that Winona is uniquely situated for “wacky” people such as himself because it embraces the arts so strongly. Over the last few years, said McCullough, events such as the Minnesota Beethoven Festival, Great River Shakespeare Festival and Frozen River Film Festival have made Winona their home, promoting its rising status as a city of the arts. As a river town, McCullough said that it is “part of (Winona’s) character” to have “a large percent of (artistic) people who are not frowned upon by the community.” Winona, McCullough said, is a “good environment to be such a person.”
MUSE calls for literary magazine submissions
BY BECCA SANDAGER
Copy Editor
Students who want to have their voices heard can do so through Saint Mary’s University’s annual literary and arts magazine, Mosaic.
Mosaic is run through the English club on campus, MUSE (Mary’s University Students of English), and is comprised of student poetry, short fiction, essays, photography and art work.
Co-editor in chief Ashley Acosta said this year they want to focus mainly on literature but will still include photos and other artwork. “Mosaic gives you a chance to show not just students, but faculty too, what’s on your mind,” Acosta said. “It’s your interests and ideas fellow students may not have known before.”
Also new this year is Acosta’s and co-editor in chief Chad Divine’s hope to put on a workshop where students can peer review each other’s work. They are also planning to create a Facebook page where peers can post stories and interact. Any student can submit their work for publication.
“Alot of students think that you have to be an English major,” said Acosta. “(Mosaic) is a cool way to show people, ‘Hey, I have the ability to write.’”
Mosaic is published in the spring, and copies are distributed to the English department and throughout campus. The deadline for entries this year is Dec. 9. Work can be submitted to campus box 1446 or emailed to David Sokolowski, associate professor of English and Mosaic advisor, at dsokolow@smumn.edu or mosaic@smumn.edu.
Copy Editor
Students who want to have their voices heard can do so through Saint Mary’s University’s annual literary and arts magazine, Mosaic.
Mosaic is run through the English club on campus, MUSE (Mary’s University Students of English), and is comprised of student poetry, short fiction, essays, photography and art work.
Co-editor in chief Ashley Acosta said this year they want to focus mainly on literature but will still include photos and other artwork. “Mosaic gives you a chance to show not just students, but faculty too, what’s on your mind,” Acosta said. “It’s your interests and ideas fellow students may not have known before.”
Also new this year is Acosta’s and co-editor in chief Chad Divine’s hope to put on a workshop where students can peer review each other’s work. They are also planning to create a Facebook page where peers can post stories and interact. Any student can submit their work for publication.
“Alot of students think that you have to be an English major,” said Acosta. “(Mosaic) is a cool way to show people, ‘Hey, I have the ability to write.’”
Mosaic is published in the spring, and copies are distributed to the English department and throughout campus. The deadline for entries this year is Dec. 9. Work can be submitted to campus box 1446 or emailed to David Sokolowski, associate professor of English and Mosaic advisor, at dsokolow@smumn.edu or mosaic@smumn.edu.
Open Mic Night a growing phenomenon
BY BENJAMIN SCOTT
Cardinal Staff
Open Mic Night (OMN) may not be known to all on the Saint Mary’s University campus, but through word-of-mouth, it is growing in popularity.
Last year, three graduate students, Tim Fredrickson, Bethany Jorgensen and Brendan Dolan, came up with the idea. The event would provide SMU students with the opportunity “to be individuals without the pressures and judgment of a large audience,” said Dolan. “We wanted students to embrace their love for poetry, dance, comedy, music and theater.”
Comparatively, since its inception last year, the rate of attendance has grown immensely.At the first OMN last year, there were less than 20 students in attendance, whereas the first OMN this year hosted well over 100 students. “It has changed from three
hall directors struggling to find performers and grown into a group of strong student leaders that encourage their peers to challenge and represent themselves,” Dolan said.
Dolan’s goal, however, is not just to see Open Mic Night grow, but also to see it become a self-sufficient, student-run club. He hopes if the goal is reached it would “allow (…) students to completely control what they need, want and envision OMN to be without any pressure on specific content.”
“Amazing things can happen when you give a student (a) microphone and complete freedom,” said Dolan.
Cardinal Staff
Open Mic Night (OMN) may not be known to all on the Saint Mary’s University campus, but through word-of-mouth, it is growing in popularity.
Last year, three graduate students, Tim Fredrickson, Bethany Jorgensen and Brendan Dolan, came up with the idea. The event would provide SMU students with the opportunity “to be individuals without the pressures and judgment of a large audience,” said Dolan. “We wanted students to embrace their love for poetry, dance, comedy, music and theater.”
Comparatively, since its inception last year, the rate of attendance has grown immensely.At the first OMN last year, there were less than 20 students in attendance, whereas the first OMN this year hosted well over 100 students. “It has changed from three
hall directors struggling to find performers and grown into a group of strong student leaders that encourage their peers to challenge and represent themselves,” Dolan said.
Dolan’s goal, however, is not just to see Open Mic Night grow, but also to see it become a self-sufficient, student-run club. He hopes if the goal is reached it would “allow (…) students to completely control what they need, want and envision OMN to be without any pressure on specific content.”
“Amazing things can happen when you give a student (a) microphone and complete freedom,” said Dolan.
MOVIE REVIEW:‘The Proposal’
BY JENNA CAPELLE
Cardinal Staff
“The Proposal,” featuring Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds, is an exceptional film that will surely be a favorite among romantic comedy fans.
This movie involves bribery between a sophisticated New York book editor, Margaret Tate (Bullock), and her assistant, Andrew Paxton (Reynolds), who, despite everything, loathe one another. Margaret, desperate to save her job, manipulates Andrew into
faking a proposal to avoid the conflict of Margaret being deported back to Canada, her home country. A weekend getaway with
Andrew’s relatives is not a typical vacation for either of them. Deceiving Andrew’s family of their engagement stirs up several surprises and the truth of their relationship unravels.
The filmmakers of this movie achieve an excellent balance between humor and romance, provoking the audience members to laugh out loud. “The Proposal” is not over-the-top predictable like a handful of romantic comedies are. The setting of the movie transitions between the fast-paced New York City to small-town Alaska, where life is experienced differently. Bullock and Reynolds’ roller coaster of a relationship is one that you’ll want to witness for yourself.
“The Proposal” is rated PG-13 for sexual content, brief nudity and language.
Cardinal Staff
“The Proposal,” featuring Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds, is an exceptional film that will surely be a favorite among romantic comedy fans.
This movie involves bribery between a sophisticated New York book editor, Margaret Tate (Bullock), and her assistant, Andrew Paxton (Reynolds), who, despite everything, loathe one another. Margaret, desperate to save her job, manipulates Andrew into
faking a proposal to avoid the conflict of Margaret being deported back to Canada, her home country. A weekend getaway with
Andrew’s relatives is not a typical vacation for either of them. Deceiving Andrew’s family of their engagement stirs up several surprises and the truth of their relationship unravels.
The filmmakers of this movie achieve an excellent balance between humor and romance, provoking the audience members to laugh out loud. “The Proposal” is not over-the-top predictable like a handful of romantic comedies are. The setting of the movie transitions between the fast-paced New York City to small-town Alaska, where life is experienced differently. Bullock and Reynolds’ roller coaster of a relationship is one that you’ll want to witness for yourself.
“The Proposal” is rated PG-13 for sexual content, brief nudity and language.
ALLBUM REVIIEW: ‘Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind Soundtrack’ [2004]
BY BENJAMIN SCOTT
Cardinal Staff
The soundtrack of the movie “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind” is as close to perfection as a movie soundtrack will ever get. Jon Brion, the mastermind behind the compilation of the soundtrack’s songs, brilliantly blends his own original tunes, such as the short but delicate “Row,” with other charts by the likes of Beck, The Willowz, ELO, The Polyphonic Spree, Don Nelson and Lata Mangeshkar. The most prolific song on the album, however, is the remastering of The Korgis’ tune “Everybody’s Gotta Learn Sometime,” which strips down the 80’s style synth with a darker synth sound which beautifully complements the addition of Beck’s naked voice. I recommend first watching the film, for if there is one fault of the soundtrack, it is that without the context of the movie, it can seem unfocused. Nevertheless, if you appreciate good soundtracks, Jon Brion’s masterpiece is worth a round.
Cardinal Staff
The soundtrack of the movie “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind” is as close to perfection as a movie soundtrack will ever get. Jon Brion, the mastermind behind the compilation of the soundtrack’s songs, brilliantly blends his own original tunes, such as the short but delicate “Row,” with other charts by the likes of Beck, The Willowz, ELO, The Polyphonic Spree, Don Nelson and Lata Mangeshkar. The most prolific song on the album, however, is the remastering of The Korgis’ tune “Everybody’s Gotta Learn Sometime,” which strips down the 80’s style synth with a darker synth sound which beautifully complements the addition of Beck’s naked voice. I recommend first watching the film, for if there is one fault of the soundtrack, it is that without the context of the movie, it can seem unfocused. Nevertheless, if you appreciate good soundtracks, Jon Brion’s masterpiece is worth a round.
SONG REVIIEW: “Marquee Moon” by Television
BY BENJAMIN SCOTT
Cardinal Staff
Television’s song “Marque Moon,” off the album of the same name, is pure energy. At first listen, the voice of lead singer and lead guitarist Tom Verlaine may seem like a dying cat, but after a few more listens, his unabashed and audacious style grows on the listener, although I will admit that his cryptic and mythical lyrics don’t hurt his cause. What truly unifies the song and creates the seamless sounds, however, is the constant interplay between the instruments (including Verlaine’s voice) which progress into passionate and vibrant guitar solos that last nearly six minutes. Whereas a music historian would be inclined to speak of this song’s influence on the revolution of post-punk rock, what seems more important is that this song reciprocates enormous musical pleasure to the listener who is willing to spend the time getting to know it.
Cardinal Staff
Television’s song “Marque Moon,” off the album of the same name, is pure energy. At first listen, the voice of lead singer and lead guitarist Tom Verlaine may seem like a dying cat, but after a few more listens, his unabashed and audacious style grows on the listener, although I will admit that his cryptic and mythical lyrics don’t hurt his cause. What truly unifies the song and creates the seamless sounds, however, is the constant interplay between the instruments (including Verlaine’s voice) which progress into passionate and vibrant guitar solos that last nearly six minutes. Whereas a music historian would be inclined to speak of this song’s influence on the revolution of post-punk rock, what seems more important is that this song reciprocates enormous musical pleasure to the listener who is willing to spend the time getting to know it.
Group effort leads volleyball to NCAA tournament
BY KARINA RAJTAR
Editor in Chief
After making the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (MIAC) tournament last season, the Saint Mary’s University volleyball team was determined to take it a step further this year, said Head Coach Mike Lester.
The team did just that, not only gaining another berth to the MIAC tournament, but also earning a chance to compete in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Central Region playoffs, held in St. Louis, Mo., for the first time since 2000.
“The conference playoffs last year gave the team a taste of what hard work can do,” Lester said. The NCAA tournament
bid was a great way for “all that hard work and all the hours in the gym” to pay off, Lester said.
“Going to the NCAA tournament was the best way to end this season,” said junior Jessica Mate. “We all worked so hard during the summer and during the season, and we were not ready for the season to end after losing to St. Olaf in the MIAC playoffs.”
Lester credits hard work in the off-season and following through on their goals. This effort to achieve team goals, Lester said, was key. “You can’t just set goals and expect them to happen,” Lester said.Lester recalls hearing about another athlete asking one of the volleyball team members why the team wakes up for 6 a.m. conditioning sessions in the off-season. “It’s what we do,” was the volleyball player’s response. Lester said this attitude, to do what is necessary to get ready for the next season, is what this team is all about.
Another key to the success of this year’s 22-10 season is the full team effort, Lester said. He watched the tape of the team’s final game, a close 3-1 loss to first-seed Washington University in the second round of the NCAA tournament on Friday, Nov. 13, and focused on the reactions of those not playing.
Lester said the members of the team were “so excited for each other” and that the “celebrations on the bench are what our team is about.” The team is already looking forward to the next season. Lester said the team asked to start practicing on the bus home. Lester said the NCAA tournament “fueled that desire to take it to the next step next year.”
“I am so proud of the team,” Mate said. “We left everything on the court against Washington University; we played probably the best match of our season. It was the best way to end an amazing season.”
Editor in Chief
After making the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (MIAC) tournament last season, the Saint Mary’s University volleyball team was determined to take it a step further this year, said Head Coach Mike Lester.
The team did just that, not only gaining another berth to the MIAC tournament, but also earning a chance to compete in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Central Region playoffs, held in St. Louis, Mo., for the first time since 2000.
“The conference playoffs last year gave the team a taste of what hard work can do,” Lester said. The NCAA tournament
bid was a great way for “all that hard work and all the hours in the gym” to pay off, Lester said.
“Going to the NCAA tournament was the best way to end this season,” said junior Jessica Mate. “We all worked so hard during the summer and during the season, and we were not ready for the season to end after losing to St. Olaf in the MIAC playoffs.”
Lester credits hard work in the off-season and following through on their goals. This effort to achieve team goals, Lester said, was key. “You can’t just set goals and expect them to happen,” Lester said.Lester recalls hearing about another athlete asking one of the volleyball team members why the team wakes up for 6 a.m. conditioning sessions in the off-season. “It’s what we do,” was the volleyball player’s response. Lester said this attitude, to do what is necessary to get ready for the next season, is what this team is all about.
Another key to the success of this year’s 22-10 season is the full team effort, Lester said. He watched the tape of the team’s final game, a close 3-1 loss to first-seed Washington University in the second round of the NCAA tournament on Friday, Nov. 13, and focused on the reactions of those not playing.
Lester said the members of the team were “so excited for each other” and that the “celebrations on the bench are what our team is about.” The team is already looking forward to the next season. Lester said the team asked to start practicing on the bus home. Lester said the NCAA tournament “fueled that desire to take it to the next step next year.”
“I am so proud of the team,” Mate said. “We left everything on the court against Washington University; we played probably the best match of our season. It was the best way to end an amazing season.”
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