By Ryan Briscoe
Cardinal Staff
Money is usually a concern for anyone considering higher education. Lately, it seems that the number of full-time students working while in school is on the rise.
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, college students are significantly more likely to work or look for work than high school students; the national average of full-time college students working in 2007 was 48.6 percent, compared to only 29.4 percent of high school students. Given that as many as 20 percent of young people ages 16-19 are currently unemployed, according to the Kaulkin Ginsberg Report, many students have been looking to government programs, such as Federal and State Work Study, to help them through college.
Read more...
Applying for work study funds is not a simple process. The first step requires a student to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form. The completed forms are then considered, along with all other financial aid opportunities available (scholarships, etc.), in the order in which they are received.
“The process gets extremely complicated, as it depends on the other financial aid monies a student has been awarded previously and whether or not those monies are renewable,” said Jayne Wobig, financial aid director. Ultimately, this affects the amount of work study a student is awarded.
Is the collegiate workforce actually growing? During the 2006-07 school year, SMU employed 502 students (28 percent) in both its Federal and Minnesota State Work Study. This amounted to $607,574 having been earned by students. However, in 1998, according to the Minnesota Office of Higher Education, 538 SMU students received work study but earned only $477,821. It appears here at SMU fewer students are working, but more money is being earned by those who do.
Although these statistics are helpful, “it is very difficult to accurately judge the number of students who are employed,” said Wobig. “On campus alone there are many jobs available which do not require work study awards.” These include working for the Alumni Phone-a-thon (through the SMU Office of Development), Chartwells employees and students employed by Barnes and Noble.
Friday, March 27, 2009
Brother Louis speaks on economy
By Lauren Rothering
Copy Editor
Former President and current Saint Mary’s University Chancellor Brother Louis DeThomasis spoke about the cause and possible long-term effects of the current global economic crisis to students, faculty and staff on March 12.
Brother Louis classified current global economic conditions simply as “not good.” The constant flux of information about the economy has left many people confused, said Brother Louis.
Read more...
“The more I’ve been reading, the more I didn’t understand,” said Brother Louis. “What is going on is unprecedented - even God doesn’t know what’s going on.”
Brother Louis said that the current crisis originated in London, not the United States as many people choose to believe. According to Brother Louis, the root of the crisis began when AIG in London guaranteed half a trillion dollars in faulty loans through several years of deregulation.
Banks would bundle these faulty mortgages, said Brother Louis, and sell them to investment firms. Investment firms would then bundle these derivatives into structure investment vehicles (SIVs) and start selling those.
The current crisis, said Brother Louis, occurred when investment firms attempted to gauge the value of the triple-bundled SIVs, as they were far removed from the original, already faulty loans.
“Money was being created, money that wasn’t there,” said Brother Louis. “We forgot basic, common sense Economics 101, everyone did. For every winner there must be a loser, (but) for the past three to four years, there was no loser.” Now, “we all lost, it’s as simple as that.”
Although the current economic status is grim, Brother Louis emphasized an eventual revitalization of the economy.
“It’s going to take a couple of years, with tremendous amounts of suffering,” said Brother Louis, but “this is the best thing that could have happened - our economy had to be cleaned up. This is healthy. If this had happened in five to 10 years, we may not have been able to recover.”
In order to prevent a crisis of this magnitude from occurring again, said Brother Louis, there must be a return to ethical business practices in all areas of the world. “We can’t afford an unethical system,” said Brother Louis. “(A return to ethics) is what will solve our current economic problems more than any stimulus package.”
Brother Louis is a founder of Christian Brothers Investment Services, which manages over $5 billion in assets. He was also a director of Galaxy Funds, which manages mutual funds totaling $26 billion.
Copy Editor
Former President and current Saint Mary’s University Chancellor Brother Louis DeThomasis spoke about the cause and possible long-term effects of the current global economic crisis to students, faculty and staff on March 12.
Brother Louis classified current global economic conditions simply as “not good.” The constant flux of information about the economy has left many people confused, said Brother Louis.
Read more...
“The more I’ve been reading, the more I didn’t understand,” said Brother Louis. “What is going on is unprecedented - even God doesn’t know what’s going on.”
Brother Louis said that the current crisis originated in London, not the United States as many people choose to believe. According to Brother Louis, the root of the crisis began when AIG in London guaranteed half a trillion dollars in faulty loans through several years of deregulation.
Banks would bundle these faulty mortgages, said Brother Louis, and sell them to investment firms. Investment firms would then bundle these derivatives into structure investment vehicles (SIVs) and start selling those.
The current crisis, said Brother Louis, occurred when investment firms attempted to gauge the value of the triple-bundled SIVs, as they were far removed from the original, already faulty loans.
“Money was being created, money that wasn’t there,” said Brother Louis. “We forgot basic, common sense Economics 101, everyone did. For every winner there must be a loser, (but) for the past three to four years, there was no loser.” Now, “we all lost, it’s as simple as that.”
Although the current economic status is grim, Brother Louis emphasized an eventual revitalization of the economy.
“It’s going to take a couple of years, with tremendous amounts of suffering,” said Brother Louis, but “this is the best thing that could have happened - our economy had to be cleaned up. This is healthy. If this had happened in five to 10 years, we may not have been able to recover.”
In order to prevent a crisis of this magnitude from occurring again, said Brother Louis, there must be a return to ethical business practices in all areas of the world. “We can’t afford an unethical system,” said Brother Louis. “(A return to ethics) is what will solve our current economic problems more than any stimulus package.”
Brother Louis is a founder of Christian Brothers Investment Services, which manages over $5 billion in assets. He was also a director of Galaxy Funds, which manages mutual funds totaling $26 billion.
Housing registration begins April 14
By Meg Beerling
Guest Writer
On-campus housing registration for the 2009-10 academic year begins April 14. Students can begin to prepare by ensuring they take care of any obligations that could prevent them from registering, said Jessica Bare, Saint Mary’s University’s associate director of residence life.
As students begin to plan where they will be living next year, the office of residence life asks that students take care of any outstanding obligations they may have on their account. These obligations could include: a $500 deposit for all returning students that was due March 5, registration for a minimum of 12 credits for the fall semester and any health forms missing from the Wellness Center.
Read more...
Bare said failure to meet the obligations of these and other matters will result in a hold being placed on students’ accounts and prevent them from registering for classes and housing.
Each student is assigned a registration time that corresponds to his or her class. Registration will take place on April 14-16 and 21, and will begin with students who have a minimum of 87 credits.
If students plan on living with another student, they may register using the higher of the registration numbers. Bare said students should be prepared to submit pin numbers (available on Webtools) for each of the students planning to live in a housing unit.
All students are required to live on campus for the their freshman and sophomore years. Students who live in the Winona area, are married, are over the age of 21 or will be 21 by midterm of their first semester are exempt from this policy.
“The housing rule has not changed for next year, despite rumors,” said Bare.
Students are reminded that the Ek Family Village (Old Village) and the New Village are for students who will be juniors, seniors or 21 years old at the start of the year.
Guest Writer
On-campus housing registration for the 2009-10 academic year begins April 14. Students can begin to prepare by ensuring they take care of any obligations that could prevent them from registering, said Jessica Bare, Saint Mary’s University’s associate director of residence life.
As students begin to plan where they will be living next year, the office of residence life asks that students take care of any outstanding obligations they may have on their account. These obligations could include: a $500 deposit for all returning students that was due March 5, registration for a minimum of 12 credits for the fall semester and any health forms missing from the Wellness Center.
Read more...
Bare said failure to meet the obligations of these and other matters will result in a hold being placed on students’ accounts and prevent them from registering for classes and housing.
Each student is assigned a registration time that corresponds to his or her class. Registration will take place on April 14-16 and 21, and will begin with students who have a minimum of 87 credits.
If students plan on living with another student, they may register using the higher of the registration numbers. Bare said students should be prepared to submit pin numbers (available on Webtools) for each of the students planning to live in a housing unit.
All students are required to live on campus for the their freshman and sophomore years. Students who live in the Winona area, are married, are over the age of 21 or will be 21 by midterm of their first semester are exempt from this policy.
“The housing rule has not changed for next year, despite rumors,” said Bare.
Students are reminded that the Ek Family Village (Old Village) and the New Village are for students who will be juniors, seniors or 21 years old at the start of the year.
‘Engage: Poverty’ puts economic issues in perspective
By Kristina Scherber
Cardinal Staff
On Saturday, March 21, Peace and Justice Club hosted a hunger banquet in the cafeteria. The event served as a visual representation of how food is distributed throughout the world.
As students entered the cafeteria, they were invited to take part in the hunger banquet. Those who accepted the invitation were given a slip of paper that said what economic class they were assigned to and the story of a person to go along with it.
Read more...
Many students were surprised by the food and portions that they received. Students in the upper class were given a small bowl of pasta and sauce, a bun and a glass of juice. They were seated at a linen-covered table with china. The middle class group received beans with rice and were seated in chairs, whereas the low class only received rice and water and sat on the floor.
“I felt bad being the only one at a table with nice food,” said freshman Michelle Boris, who was seated at the upper class table. “I wanted to share it or go sit with the others.”
“Through ‘Engage: Poverty’ we wanted to build community and give students a place to come together to learn and to share ideas about how we can help change things by collaborating here on campus,” said senior Becca Collins, co-leader of Peace and Justice Club.
Along with the hunger banquet, Peace and Justice’s “Engage: Poverty” initiative included a Common Threads clothing drive and sale, a reading by Spoken Word Youth Poet champion Tottiana Adams, a Fair Trade fair and keynote speaker Julia Dinsmore.
ICAA celebrates Black History Month
By Tamika Robinson and Amira Sadek
Feature Editor and Cardinal Staff
The Inter-Cultural Awareness Association hosted its first Black History Month celebration program in the Common Room on Feb. 28.
The program included three guest performances: African dancer Christian Yao Adeti, poet Yolanda McIntosh and speaker Xavier Wilson. Other performances, done by members of ICAA, included modeling West African clothing, reading poetry, dancing and a hip-hop presentation.
Read more...
Approximately 100 people attended the program, including faculty and students. “It was a good turnout,” said ICAA member Adjovi Amouzou. “We all came together and worked together to make it happen, and I was very excited that the school helped us show this to the students and teachers on the campus.”
Guests were served traditional African dishes such as jollof rice and check rice and gravy, and beverages such as ginger beer and punch, for the dinner portion of the program. Aga Kadej, junior, said that she loved the food. The food was prepared by the family members of ICAA’s vice president, Georgette McCauley.
“I feel like it was a good turnout because what we were willing to accomplish was accomplished at the end of the night,” said McCauley. “We wanted to create awareness for ICAA and have other people who do not know about ICAA see the club and know the kind of activities that we do.”
Black History Month, founded by Carter G. Woodson in 1926, takes place in February and recognizes important events and accomplishments of past and present Africans and African-Americans.
Feature Editor and Cardinal Staff
The Inter-Cultural Awareness Association hosted its first Black History Month celebration program in the Common Room on Feb. 28.
The program included three guest performances: African dancer Christian Yao Adeti, poet Yolanda McIntosh and speaker Xavier Wilson. Other performances, done by members of ICAA, included modeling West African clothing, reading poetry, dancing and a hip-hop presentation.
Read more...
Approximately 100 people attended the program, including faculty and students. “It was a good turnout,” said ICAA member Adjovi Amouzou. “We all came together and worked together to make it happen, and I was very excited that the school helped us show this to the students and teachers on the campus.”
Guests were served traditional African dishes such as jollof rice and check rice and gravy, and beverages such as ginger beer and punch, for the dinner portion of the program. Aga Kadej, junior, said that she loved the food. The food was prepared by the family members of ICAA’s vice president, Georgette McCauley.
“I feel like it was a good turnout because what we were willing to accomplish was accomplished at the end of the night,” said McCauley. “We wanted to create awareness for ICAA and have other people who do not know about ICAA see the club and know the kind of activities that we do.”
Black History Month, founded by Carter G. Woodson in 1926, takes place in February and recognizes important events and accomplishments of past and present Africans and African-Americans.
Event raises cancer awareness
By Sara EisenhauerCardinal Staff
This year the Saint Mary’s University community raised over $16,000 for the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life event to fight against cancer.
On Friday, March 20, 184 participants on 20 teams gathered in the Recreation and Athletic Complex (RAC) to walk around the track for 11 hours to celebrate those who have survived, remember those who have been lost and fight back against cancer.
Read more...
Sophomore Alison Hill, Relay for Life committee member and co-organizer of the event, was happy with the increase from 16 participating teams last year to 20 teams this year.
“We were happy to see that more students on campus wanted to get involved in such a great cause,” said Hill.
Junior Marissa Kadlec, Relay for Life committee member and co-organizer of the event, believes the event ran smoothly in only its second year at SMU.
“We didn’t really encounter too many challenges due to a great committee working on the event,” said Kadlec. “Our planning committee just about tripled this year, and it really made the event a much bigger success.”
Kadlec believes one of the biggest successes of the event was the amount of money raised this year. Participants were asked to raise $100 each in donations from family, friends and community members. Teams also sold various items throughout the night to raise additional money and participated in events such as lemonade-pong, karaoke and Mr. Relay for Life.
Heidi Loeffler, freshman, and her mother, Melanie Loeffler, kicked off the event by sharing Melanie’s battle with uterine and ovarian cancer in 2004 with participants during the opening ceremony. Though reliving her mother’s battle was difficult for her, Heidi said she admires her mother’s strength and the support that Relay participants showed for her mother and other survivors.
“To see and feel support from others is one thing that keeps cancer patients going strong and positive,” said Heidi. “I think this is a way for everyone to give their time to represent all the ‘down-times’ for cancer patients.”
Throughout the night, participants walked around the track illuminated with luminary bags, each one telling the story of someone affected by cancer. Teams were encouraged to keep at least one member walking at all times. This encourages participants not to fall asleep, representing the idea that cancer is considered the disease that never sleeps.
Ingrid Klockars, sophomore, sees the lighting of the luminaries as a way to honor those who have lost their lives and to make a statement against cancer.
“It is so cool to see all the bags lit and the whole place dark and everyone walking silently to remember everyone who has a name on a bag,” Klockars said.
Though this year was a success, Kadlec and Hill hope the Colleges Against Cancer committee will continue to grow and see an increase in participation and money earned next year.
Hill hopes the event will continue to grow within the SMU community.
“Many people know someone who has in some way been affected by cancer, and it’s a great way to come together as a community to fight the disease,” said Hill.
Class registration has begun
By Travis Fick
News Editor
Class registration for the 2009-10 fall semester began on March 23 and will continue until the start of classes next fall, said Susan Edel, Saint Mary’s University registrar.
A common misconception among students is that the registration time a student is assigned is the only time students will be able to register for classes, said Edel. For returning students, class registration is open throughout the summer by accessing Webtools, which allows students to make changes to their schedules without having to go through the registrar’s office.
Read more...
“It (Webtools) empowers students to take control of their schedule,” said Edel. “Students are now able to see what holds they have before registration, view and change their schedule online and see if (there are) any openings in previously full classes.”
Before SMU went to online registration, students registered by filling out registration papers. Edel said that each student received a paper copy of the entire course catalog, his or her academic audit and registration forms. “I cannot imagine how many trees were destroyed,” said Edel. “We definitely were not going green.”
Edel said after submitting their registration forms, students would forget about doing anything with their schedules. “It caused a lot of problems,” said Edel. “Students would often submit their forms and then think ‘I do not have to do anything else,’ but now students have more power over their schedules.”
Webtools also allows students to see if they have any holds on their accounts. SMU utilizes three holds. The first is from the business office specifically about any unmet financial obligations. Second, the Wellness Center can place a hold on students’ accounts if any health information is not submitted or up-to-date. Third, second-semester sophomores and older who have not declared a major will also have a hold from Edel’s office.
Edel’s office sends letters to the students and their advisors for those who have yet to declare a major. Students also receive emails explaining the registration process and the holds students may encounter. Edel said she feels that students often ignore these emails from her office. “I think a lot of students, when they see an email from the registrar’s office, they delete it without opening it,” said Edel. “We would like for students to be empowered to do what they can do first before coming to get help.”
Students are able to check if they have any holds on their account by logging in to Webtools and clicking on the Course Registration link, where any holds will be listed.
News Editor
Class registration for the 2009-10 fall semester began on March 23 and will continue until the start of classes next fall, said Susan Edel, Saint Mary’s University registrar.
A common misconception among students is that the registration time a student is assigned is the only time students will be able to register for classes, said Edel. For returning students, class registration is open throughout the summer by accessing Webtools, which allows students to make changes to their schedules without having to go through the registrar’s office.
Read more...
“It (Webtools) empowers students to take control of their schedule,” said Edel. “Students are now able to see what holds they have before registration, view and change their schedule online and see if (there are) any openings in previously full classes.”
Before SMU went to online registration, students registered by filling out registration papers. Edel said that each student received a paper copy of the entire course catalog, his or her academic audit and registration forms. “I cannot imagine how many trees were destroyed,” said Edel. “We definitely were not going green.”
Edel said after submitting their registration forms, students would forget about doing anything with their schedules. “It caused a lot of problems,” said Edel. “Students would often submit their forms and then think ‘I do not have to do anything else,’ but now students have more power over their schedules.”
Webtools also allows students to see if they have any holds on their accounts. SMU utilizes three holds. The first is from the business office specifically about any unmet financial obligations. Second, the Wellness Center can place a hold on students’ accounts if any health information is not submitted or up-to-date. Third, second-semester sophomores and older who have not declared a major will also have a hold from Edel’s office.
Edel’s office sends letters to the students and their advisors for those who have yet to declare a major. Students also receive emails explaining the registration process and the holds students may encounter. Edel said she feels that students often ignore these emails from her office. “I think a lot of students, when they see an email from the registrar’s office, they delete it without opening it,” said Edel. “We would like for students to be empowered to do what they can do first before coming to get help.”
Students are able to check if they have any holds on their account by logging in to Webtools and clicking on the Course Registration link, where any holds will be listed.
Preparing for summer employment
By Tamika Robinson
Feature Editor
When looking for a job this summer, students should be aware that the process includes more than filling out applications, but also creating a resume and cover letter and preparing for an interview.
To prepare for this, students should begin by constructing a resume and cover letter to give to employers.
Read more...
According to the Director of Career Services and Internships, Jackie Baker, getting a resume is a priority and should be ready to hand to employers when making contact. She also said to structure a resume for the type of job, and even ask parents, other family members and friends about summer job opportunities. Along with a resume, Baker said that it is also important for students to include a cover letter that highlights the skills and abilities employers are looking for.
Associate Professor of English, Dr. David Sokolowski, added that students should make sure to reference the job advertisement in their cover letters. “Job hunters are seeking someone who’s specifically interested in what they are asking a person to do,” Sokolowski said. “They aren’t interested in you per se. They are interested in how well you can perform the job.” Sokolowski, who teaches a professional communication course this semester, also said that the cover letter is more about telling the employer the following: “you are looking for this, and I can provide it.”
Once the resume and cover letter have been submitted, students should follow-up with a phone call or email to inquire about the status of their application. Baker recommends waiting at least a week and a half before following up. “It’s good to be proactive, “ Baker said. “And by doing that you may get your resume and application moved to the top of the pile.” To this, Sokolowski also added that students shouldn’t rely solely on their cover letter and resume to get the job; they should also attempt to make contact with people who work in that particular place.
In preparation for an interview, students should remember to be enthusiastic about the position, dress appropriately and make sure responses are not too short or too long. “A resume can get you the interview, but the interview can get you the job,” Baker said. “It’s really important to polish you interviewing skills before you go into the interview.”
If students need help preparing for an interview, preparation software is available in Career Services. Also, a book recommended by Sokolowski, What Color is My Parachute by Dick Bolles, is available in the library.
Baker also said that students should not wait until they leave campus in May to apply for jobs, but to make the contacts early.
Feature Editor
When looking for a job this summer, students should be aware that the process includes more than filling out applications, but also creating a resume and cover letter and preparing for an interview.
To prepare for this, students should begin by constructing a resume and cover letter to give to employers.
Read more...
According to the Director of Career Services and Internships, Jackie Baker, getting a resume is a priority and should be ready to hand to employers when making contact. She also said to structure a resume for the type of job, and even ask parents, other family members and friends about summer job opportunities. Along with a resume, Baker said that it is also important for students to include a cover letter that highlights the skills and abilities employers are looking for.
Associate Professor of English, Dr. David Sokolowski, added that students should make sure to reference the job advertisement in their cover letters. “Job hunters are seeking someone who’s specifically interested in what they are asking a person to do,” Sokolowski said. “They aren’t interested in you per se. They are interested in how well you can perform the job.” Sokolowski, who teaches a professional communication course this semester, also said that the cover letter is more about telling the employer the following: “you are looking for this, and I can provide it.”
Once the resume and cover letter have been submitted, students should follow-up with a phone call or email to inquire about the status of their application. Baker recommends waiting at least a week and a half before following up. “It’s good to be proactive, “ Baker said. “And by doing that you may get your resume and application moved to the top of the pile.” To this, Sokolowski also added that students shouldn’t rely solely on their cover letter and resume to get the job; they should also attempt to make contact with people who work in that particular place.
In preparation for an interview, students should remember to be enthusiastic about the position, dress appropriately and make sure responses are not too short or too long. “A resume can get you the interview, but the interview can get you the job,” Baker said. “It’s really important to polish you interviewing skills before you go into the interview.”
If students need help preparing for an interview, preparation software is available in Career Services. Also, a book recommended by Sokolowski, What Color is My Parachute by Dick Bolles, is available in the library.
Baker also said that students should not wait until they leave campus in May to apply for jobs, but to make the contacts early.
Bad summer jobs teach lessons
By Amy Pearson
Cardinal Staff
Dr. Tycho de Boer, associate professor of history, did not always have the luxury of his third-floor office in Saint Mary’s Hall. He attended college at the University of Groningen, in Holland, and is quick to recall the summers that he spent working numerous industrial jobs in order to help pay his way through school.
“It was not glamorous work,” said de Boer. “It was the film and grime of industrial work.”
Read more...
Despite the less-than-desirable working conditions and the monotony of assembly line labor, de Boer is grateful for the knowledge that he gained from his summer employment during his college years. “What I liked in the end was the range of experiences,” de Boer said. “It was those jobs that gave me the motivation to stay in college.”
The first of several jobs that de Boer had during college was at a factory that produced the rubber lining that is placed around the edges of car windows. While at work, he was responsible for overseeing the spooling of long rubber pieces as they wound their way around large spools. He then had to cut the pieces of rubber after the spool was full and place them into boxes.
Describing his worst day of working at this factory, de Boer said, “I found myself underneath a machine scooping up leaked oil with two pieces of cardboard, crammed under the machine in filth.” It was then that de Boer realized exactly why he wanted to stay in school. Assembly line work was not a career he wanted to continue for the rest of his life.
Not an easy experience to forget, de Boer uses it to help educate his students during several of his classes. “When you talk about labor history, a lot of students don’t really know what it’s like to work in a factory, and of course my experience wasn’t anywhere near how it was in the 19th century, but to stand by a machine for eight hours, with only a few breaks, at least I have some idea of what that means,” said de Boer. “It’s important as a teacher to have that experience.”
Another memorable summer for de Boer was one spent among the company of many bumblebees. “I worked at a palace in my hometown,” de Boer said. “I remember the bees very well.”
De Boer’s job at the palace involved working in a restaurant and concession stand in the garden. He served customers and cleared dishes at the end of the day, “which of course all had little bits of pop left over in them,” de Boer said. “The backstage of that job was just piles of dirty dishes that I then had to load up at the end of the day and take to the kitchen and wash.”
It was from that job that de Boer learned an eight-hour-work day in a service job does not necessarily mean only eight hours. “Industrial work after eight hours means you’re done, but in a job like that, it means eight hours and then the clean up,” de Boer said.
De Boer also worked for a cleaning company one summer. During his time with the company, he was assigned to work at a bicycle factory and had to help update the company’s safety regulations. This meant going around the entire factory and painting yellow safety lines on the floor. “Those things stick in your mind. I look back and think, yeah, I spent two weeks spray-painting yellow lines on the floor,” said de Boer with a laugh.
Admitting that his summer jobs were not the most thrilling, de Boer does recommend them, or similar ones, to current college students in search of summer employment.
“It was the range of experiences that I really liked,” de Boer said. “They were different kinds of experiences.”
Cardinal Staff
Dr. Tycho de Boer, associate professor of history, did not always have the luxury of his third-floor office in Saint Mary’s Hall. He attended college at the University of Groningen, in Holland, and is quick to recall the summers that he spent working numerous industrial jobs in order to help pay his way through school.
“It was not glamorous work,” said de Boer. “It was the film and grime of industrial work.”
Read more...
Despite the less-than-desirable working conditions and the monotony of assembly line labor, de Boer is grateful for the knowledge that he gained from his summer employment during his college years. “What I liked in the end was the range of experiences,” de Boer said. “It was those jobs that gave me the motivation to stay in college.”
The first of several jobs that de Boer had during college was at a factory that produced the rubber lining that is placed around the edges of car windows. While at work, he was responsible for overseeing the spooling of long rubber pieces as they wound their way around large spools. He then had to cut the pieces of rubber after the spool was full and place them into boxes.
Describing his worst day of working at this factory, de Boer said, “I found myself underneath a machine scooping up leaked oil with two pieces of cardboard, crammed under the machine in filth.” It was then that de Boer realized exactly why he wanted to stay in school. Assembly line work was not a career he wanted to continue for the rest of his life.
Not an easy experience to forget, de Boer uses it to help educate his students during several of his classes. “When you talk about labor history, a lot of students don’t really know what it’s like to work in a factory, and of course my experience wasn’t anywhere near how it was in the 19th century, but to stand by a machine for eight hours, with only a few breaks, at least I have some idea of what that means,” said de Boer. “It’s important as a teacher to have that experience.”
Another memorable summer for de Boer was one spent among the company of many bumblebees. “I worked at a palace in my hometown,” de Boer said. “I remember the bees very well.”
De Boer’s job at the palace involved working in a restaurant and concession stand in the garden. He served customers and cleared dishes at the end of the day, “which of course all had little bits of pop left over in them,” de Boer said. “The backstage of that job was just piles of dirty dishes that I then had to load up at the end of the day and take to the kitchen and wash.”
It was from that job that de Boer learned an eight-hour-work day in a service job does not necessarily mean only eight hours. “Industrial work after eight hours means you’re done, but in a job like that, it means eight hours and then the clean up,” de Boer said.
De Boer also worked for a cleaning company one summer. During his time with the company, he was assigned to work at a bicycle factory and had to help update the company’s safety regulations. This meant going around the entire factory and painting yellow safety lines on the floor. “Those things stick in your mind. I look back and think, yeah, I spent two weeks spray-painting yellow lines on the floor,” said de Boer with a laugh.
Admitting that his summer jobs were not the most thrilling, de Boer does recommend them, or similar ones, to current college students in search of summer employment.
“It was the range of experiences that I really liked,” de Boer said. “They were different kinds of experiences.”
Fun seasonal student jobs
By Becca Sandager
Cardinal Staff
Job: Lifeguard
Upside: Tan
Skills you will develop: CPR, rescue response, first aid
Wages: $6.50-$9/hr
Minimum age: 15
How to get this job: Contact the local Red Cross to find out about lifeguard training programs in the area, and take a certification course during the winter. Call pools, country clubs, apartment complexes and summer camps for possible job opportunities.
Job: Camp Counselor
Upside: When you are not looking after your kids, you can spend time with other peers
Skills you will develop: Working with kids, leading a group with confidence, teaching, time management and responsibility
Read more...
Wages: Anywhere from $600 to $3,000 for 8 weeks of work
Minimum age: 16-17
How to get this job: In March, begin to check with local private schools, community organizations and religious groups about when their camps start and how to apply.
Job: Amusement Park Worker
Upside: Free rides, all-you-can-eat cotton candy and park discounts
Wages: $7-$8/hr
Minimum age: 15
How to get this job: Check local parks’ websites. U.S. theme parks will hire close to 500,000 employees for the summer, according to David Mandt, spokesman for the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions.
Job: Original Dells Experience Jet Boat Tour Guide
Upside: Great scenery and a chance to work on that tan
Skills you will develop: Communication skills and extensive training for piloting boats
Wages: $28/trip plus tips
Minimum Age: 15
How to get this job: Contact Original Dells Experience Jet Boat Tours at hello@dellsjetboats.com.
Job: Movie Theater Attendant
Upside: Free movies, popcorn and air conditioning
Wages: $7-$10/hr
Minimum Age: 15
How to get this job: Check with your local movie theater or drive-in theater.
Cardinal Staff
Job: Lifeguard
Upside: Tan
Skills you will develop: CPR, rescue response, first aid
Wages: $6.50-$9/hr
Minimum age: 15
How to get this job: Contact the local Red Cross to find out about lifeguard training programs in the area, and take a certification course during the winter. Call pools, country clubs, apartment complexes and summer camps for possible job opportunities.
Job: Camp Counselor
Upside: When you are not looking after your kids, you can spend time with other peers
Skills you will develop: Working with kids, leading a group with confidence, teaching, time management and responsibility
Read more...
Wages: Anywhere from $600 to $3,000 for 8 weeks of work
Minimum age: 16-17
How to get this job: In March, begin to check with local private schools, community organizations and religious groups about when their camps start and how to apply.
Job: Amusement Park Worker
Upside: Free rides, all-you-can-eat cotton candy and park discounts
Wages: $7-$8/hr
Minimum age: 15
How to get this job: Check local parks’ websites. U.S. theme parks will hire close to 500,000 employees for the summer, according to David Mandt, spokesman for the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions.
Job: Original Dells Experience Jet Boat Tour Guide
Upside: Great scenery and a chance to work on that tan
Skills you will develop: Communication skills and extensive training for piloting boats
Wages: $28/trip plus tips
Minimum Age: 15
How to get this job: Contact Original Dells Experience Jet Boat Tours at hello@dellsjetboats.com.
Job: Movie Theater Attendant
Upside: Free movies, popcorn and air conditioning
Wages: $7-$10/hr
Minimum Age: 15
How to get this job: Check with your local movie theater or drive-in theater.
No summer job? Volunteer!
Sarah McDonough
Cardinal Staff
Throughout this school year there have been numerous opportunities for students to volunteer, both on and off campus. Now that summer is approaching, who says that has to end?
The possibilities are endless, including volunteering at soup kitchens or partaking in planning events for an organization. One helpful resource in finding custom volunteer opportunities is a booklet titled Response. The book gives a breakdown of different opportunities by state or country, as well as time commitment. You can also go to your home parish or local school to find ways to get involved and help the community. Short-term volunteering can vary from as little as one day to just a few months.
Read more...
Some seniors at Saint Mary’s University decide to volunteer long-term after graduation, whether it be for a year or longer. This was the case for one alum and current staff member, Katie LaPlant, director of student activities and volunteer services. LaPlant spent one year volunteering at St. Gabriel’s Retreat House in Shelter Island, NY.
“Volunteering is a great opportunity for people unsure what to do with life; they can test out something of interest,” said LaPlant. “I would (volunteer long-term again).”
You can locate the Response volunteering booklet online at https://www.cnvs.org/volunteers/search.php. Stop by Katie LaPlant’s office located in Toner or Campus Ministry to see the hard copy.
Cardinal Staff
Throughout this school year there have been numerous opportunities for students to volunteer, both on and off campus. Now that summer is approaching, who says that has to end?
The possibilities are endless, including volunteering at soup kitchens or partaking in planning events for an organization. One helpful resource in finding custom volunteer opportunities is a booklet titled Response. The book gives a breakdown of different opportunities by state or country, as well as time commitment. You can also go to your home parish or local school to find ways to get involved and help the community. Short-term volunteering can vary from as little as one day to just a few months.
Read more...
Some seniors at Saint Mary’s University decide to volunteer long-term after graduation, whether it be for a year or longer. This was the case for one alum and current staff member, Katie LaPlant, director of student activities and volunteer services. LaPlant spent one year volunteering at St. Gabriel’s Retreat House in Shelter Island, NY.
“Volunteering is a great opportunity for people unsure what to do with life; they can test out something of interest,” said LaPlant. “I would (volunteer long-term again).”
You can locate the Response volunteering booklet online at https://www.cnvs.org/volunteers/search.php. Stop by Katie LaPlant’s office located in Toner or Campus Ministry to see the hard copy.
New technology helps interview skills
By Erin Glorvigen
Guest Writer
Career Services at Saint Mary’s University is now offering online interviews using a technology called InterviewStream, a web-based software.
InterviewStream allows students to use any computer with a webcam to do a practice interview. Since it is Internet-based, it is available for use 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Read more...
Once students sign up for the service via SMU’s Career Services webpage, they can begin selecting their interview question set. Typical pre-selected question sets range from five to ten questions. However, students can also choose from a variety of different categories that are more focused toward their major.
When students begin their interview, they are asked the questions one by one, and their answers are recorded. Students are then able to go back and review their answers. InterviewStream allows students to re-record an answer as many times as they would like.
When students complete the interview process, the interviews are emailed to whomever they would like to meet with to be critiqued; typically, it is sent to a professor or Jackie Baker, director of career services.
“What’s neat about InterviewStream video is that students, and everybody, tend to do things that they don’t know,” Baker said. “Subconsciously they may say ‘umm’ a lot, or their hand movements are kind of weird. If you can watch yourself speak, you can learn from it.”
Kaitlin Depuydt, senior, did not realize a habit she had until she used InterviewStream. “I didn’t realize how much I would say ‘umm’ before I had all of my thoughts ready,” Depuydt said. “I’m more aware of taking time to just think for a minute without filling the silence.”
Many SMU students are required to use InterviewStream for class. Mary Bambenek, coordinator of graduate and professional programs who teaches Job Search Strategies, requires her students to use the InterviewStream technology. Prior to using web-based interviews, she would conduct the interviews in person.
“I think the students in my class have found it very helpful,” Bambenek said. “I think they have found it neither better nor worse than in-person interviews. I believe it is just another tool to practice with and get confident.”
Regardless of having to use InterviewStream for a class or not, Baker encourages all students to get more comfortable with their public speaking skills.
“Communication skills are in the top five skills that employers look for,” Baker said. “If you can prove to the employer that you can communicate effectively during an interview, you have a step up, and you are one step ahead of others.”
Students who are interested in learning more about InterviewStream can either visit the Career Services webpage on the SMU website, or stop in the Career Services office at Saint Mary’s Hall 136.
The InterviewStream technology is something that all students can use to improve their communication skills. “I think it’s an amazing technology,” Bambenek said. “I hope students take advantage of it.”
Guest Writer
Career Services at Saint Mary’s University is now offering online interviews using a technology called InterviewStream, a web-based software.
InterviewStream allows students to use any computer with a webcam to do a practice interview. Since it is Internet-based, it is available for use 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Read more...
Once students sign up for the service via SMU’s Career Services webpage, they can begin selecting their interview question set. Typical pre-selected question sets range from five to ten questions. However, students can also choose from a variety of different categories that are more focused toward their major.
When students begin their interview, they are asked the questions one by one, and their answers are recorded. Students are then able to go back and review their answers. InterviewStream allows students to re-record an answer as many times as they would like.
When students complete the interview process, the interviews are emailed to whomever they would like to meet with to be critiqued; typically, it is sent to a professor or Jackie Baker, director of career services.
“What’s neat about InterviewStream video is that students, and everybody, tend to do things that they don’t know,” Baker said. “Subconsciously they may say ‘umm’ a lot, or their hand movements are kind of weird. If you can watch yourself speak, you can learn from it.”
Kaitlin Depuydt, senior, did not realize a habit she had until she used InterviewStream. “I didn’t realize how much I would say ‘umm’ before I had all of my thoughts ready,” Depuydt said. “I’m more aware of taking time to just think for a minute without filling the silence.”
Many SMU students are required to use InterviewStream for class. Mary Bambenek, coordinator of graduate and professional programs who teaches Job Search Strategies, requires her students to use the InterviewStream technology. Prior to using web-based interviews, she would conduct the interviews in person.
“I think the students in my class have found it very helpful,” Bambenek said. “I think they have found it neither better nor worse than in-person interviews. I believe it is just another tool to practice with and get confident.”
Regardless of having to use InterviewStream for a class or not, Baker encourages all students to get more comfortable with their public speaking skills.
“Communication skills are in the top five skills that employers look for,” Baker said. “If you can prove to the employer that you can communicate effectively during an interview, you have a step up, and you are one step ahead of others.”
Students who are interested in learning more about InterviewStream can either visit the Career Services webpage on the SMU website, or stop in the Career Services office at Saint Mary’s Hall 136.
The InterviewStream technology is something that all students can use to improve their communication skills. “I think it’s an amazing technology,” Bambenek said. “I hope students take advantage of it.”
Gaslight draws large audiences
By Maria SullivanArts and Entertainment Editor
On March 13-14, the 44th annual Gaslight variety show, presented by the senior class, was held in the Toner Student Center Cafeteria.
Each Gaslight show had a great turnout. According to senior class officer Mandy Haus, over 150 audience members showed up per show. The emcees for the show were seniors Jakub “Kuba” Szymanski and Julie Jergenson. They presented numerous skits, including the De LaSalle rap and their residence assistant tool belts, according to Haus.
Read more...
This year’s Gaslight, like every other Gaslight show, showcased a vast variety of song genres and styles. Performances included “Heartless” by Kanye West, a remake of Barenaked Ladies’ “One Week” and an original act by senior Mike Miller entitled “Here in the Dark.”
Many Saint Mary’s University campus groups helped make this event even more successful. The Public Relations/Business club put on their fundraiser “Best Seat in the House” and helped advertise the event. The sisters of Sigma Alpha Iota (SAI) sold pop and water during each show and the volunteer mentors worked the concession stand. Eco-Reps also promoted “going green” with their layer challenge, where audience members were supposed to wear as many layers as they could. The audience member with the most layers won a pair of SMU sweatpants.
The senior class officers also had a contract with the Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia fraternity, who took care of lighting and stage set-up and helped performers with their vocals.
“We were very pleased with the support we received as a senior class from the campus organizations and the excitement that the performers and audience brought to the show,” said senior class officer Kaitlin Depuydt. “Gaslight was awesome!”
Musical dances into Page
By Maria Sullivan
Arts and Entertainment Editor
Starting Friday, March 27, the Saint Mary’s University Department of Theatre and Dance will present the dance musical, A Chorus Line.
This is the first time Director Judy Myers has directed a dance musical. “We thought it would be fun to advertise that we’re doing a dance minor, that we’ve been doing dance classes for years and just sort of say, here we are, let’s do a dance musical,” said Myers.
Read more...
A Chorus Line is about a group of dancers in New York City that attends an audition in hopes members will achieve their dreams, but they quickly learn that is not what the director has in store for them. The director does not just want to hear them sing and see them dance; he wants to get to know them as people, to learn about their personalities.
“Everybody can relate to what the dancers are going through,” said Myers. “Anybody who has gone to a job interview or wanted a job badly or wanted to be the best they could be at anything understands the situation that every single one of theshttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gife people are in. Wanting to get the job, trying to say the right thing, do the right thing, and be the best to get the job.”
Even though working on a musical like this has its strengths and weaknesses, Myers still expressed her enjoyment of working on this project. “The fun part is really watching the dance come together,” said Myers. “Is it going to be a brilliant Broadway production? No, but it is going to stretch every single one of these people to be better than they thought they could be.”
A Chorus Line will be showing at the Page Theatre March 27-30. Show times are at 7:30 p.m. on Fri, Sat, and Mon and at 3 p.m. on Sunday. To buy tickets, go to the Page Theatre Box Office or visit http://www.pagetheatre.org/theatre.html.
Arts and Entertainment Editor
Starting Friday, March 27, the Saint Mary’s University Department of Theatre and Dance will present the dance musical, A Chorus Line.
This is the first time Director Judy Myers has directed a dance musical. “We thought it would be fun to advertise that we’re doing a dance minor, that we’ve been doing dance classes for years and just sort of say, here we are, let’s do a dance musical,” said Myers.
Read more...
A Chorus Line is about a group of dancers in New York City that attends an audition in hopes members will achieve their dreams, but they quickly learn that is not what the director has in store for them. The director does not just want to hear them sing and see them dance; he wants to get to know them as people, to learn about their personalities.
“Everybody can relate to what the dancers are going through,” said Myers. “Anybody who has gone to a job interview or wanted a job badly or wanted to be the best they could be at anything understands the situation that every single one of theshttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gife people are in. Wanting to get the job, trying to say the right thing, do the right thing, and be the best to get the job.”
Even though working on a musical like this has its strengths and weaknesses, Myers still expressed her enjoyment of working on this project. “The fun part is really watching the dance come together,” said Myers. “Is it going to be a brilliant Broadway production? No, but it is going to stretch every single one of these people to be better than they thought they could be.”
A Chorus Line will be showing at the Page Theatre March 27-30. Show times are at 7:30 p.m. on Fri, Sat, and Mon and at 3 p.m. on Sunday. To buy tickets, go to the Page Theatre Box Office or visit http://www.pagetheatre.org/theatre.html.
Staff’s work displayed at art center
By Danielle Larson
Co-Editor in Chief
A piece of art that hangs on display at the Winona Arts Center, 228 West 5th street, belongs to Saint Mary’s University’s own Director of Web Communication, Monta May.
The piece by May is a mosaic glass tile design of five birds in a row, varying in color. It is entitled “Flock.”
May said she decided on the flock of birds for her mosaic because she has used the design for other mediums, such as paint and embroidery. May thought the design would look good as a glass tile piece as well.
Read more...
May is an interdisciplinary artist and engages in multiple types of art, such as mosaics, sculptures, photographs, digital art, weavings and paintings.
May finds inspiration from many different directions of her life.
“I take information, ideas, inspiration from all the different things in life I am trained in, or fascinated by or have experienced, and bring them in to make art,” said May during her “Knowledge Acknowledged” presentation on March 24 in the Fitzgerald Library.
“Sometimes I make art just because I want to try something new,” May said. “Sometimes I make art because I want to push a process and become an expert at the process. And, sometimes inspiration strikes me, and I have to make art.”
According to May, the core of her practice is “inspiration from the ancient brought into a contemporary interpretation.”
May’s “Knowledge Acknowledged” presentation helped students, faculty and staff understand her artwork. She explained where she finds inspiration for all of her work and why she likes art.
At the end of her presentation, audience members were encouraged to make an encaustic painting, a painting made of melted beeswax. Supplies were set up by May for anyone interested.
Baseball team
By Suzie Roth
Cardinal Staff
In order to prepare for its home opener, the Saint Mary’s University baseball team took its annual spring trip. In the past, the team has normally headed to Florida, but this year marked a change as the team headed to Phoenix, Ariz.
“The weather was great, and there wasn’t a cloud in the sky,” said head coach Nick Winecke. “Arizona has a dry heat, so the weather didn’t wear on the boys either.”
Read more...
Getting up at 7 a.m. each day to hit the field was not a problem for these boys, who were eager to play the game they love. The team got to get outside, which was refreshing after months of indoor practices. Winecke said that the players continue to grow and become closer.
The trip did reveal a few areas that still need work, but Winecke said that “overall the team performed well.” He also said that pitching was pretty good, and as the week went on hitting got better.
For Winecke, the best part of the trip was when the team watched Arizona State (who is ranked 5th in the nation) play the University of Kansas. He said that the game was exciting, and the team showed appreciation watching guys of the same age playing at such a high level. Some players simply watched and enjoyed that game, while others analyzed what was going on down on the field. “Some of the guys talked about what was going on and how they would have handled that specific play,” Winecke said.
Winecke mentioned that another great thing from the trip was seeing a lot of players “step up and come through.” This was seen in a game played March 14, when the Cardinals were down two runs after giving up their lead. SMU came from behind with three runs in the bottom of the seventh inning to win the game.
The baseball team left Arizona with a 3-4 record. Their home opener was March 26 against Viterbo University.
The SMU softball team recently returned from their spring trip to Arizona. At the Tucson Invitational they ended with a 4-4 record. Their next game is at home on March 29 at 1 p.m. against Carleton College.
Cardinal Staff
In order to prepare for its home opener, the Saint Mary’s University baseball team took its annual spring trip. In the past, the team has normally headed to Florida, but this year marked a change as the team headed to Phoenix, Ariz.
“The weather was great, and there wasn’t a cloud in the sky,” said head coach Nick Winecke. “Arizona has a dry heat, so the weather didn’t wear on the boys either.”
Read more...
Getting up at 7 a.m. each day to hit the field was not a problem for these boys, who were eager to play the game they love. The team got to get outside, which was refreshing after months of indoor practices. Winecke said that the players continue to grow and become closer.
The trip did reveal a few areas that still need work, but Winecke said that “overall the team performed well.” He also said that pitching was pretty good, and as the week went on hitting got better.
For Winecke, the best part of the trip was when the team watched Arizona State (who is ranked 5th in the nation) play the University of Kansas. He said that the game was exciting, and the team showed appreciation watching guys of the same age playing at such a high level. Some players simply watched and enjoyed that game, while others analyzed what was going on down on the field. “Some of the guys talked about what was going on and how they would have handled that specific play,” Winecke said.
Winecke mentioned that another great thing from the trip was seeing a lot of players “step up and come through.” This was seen in a game played March 14, when the Cardinals were down two runs after giving up their lead. SMU came from behind with three runs in the bottom of the seventh inning to win the game.
The baseball team left Arizona with a 3-4 record. Their home opener was March 26 against Viterbo University.
The SMU softball team recently returned from their spring trip to Arizona. At the Tucson Invitational they ended with a 4-4 record. Their next game is at home on March 29 at 1 p.m. against Carleton College.
Fox is first to compete at nationals
By Robby McGuire
Cardinal Staff
This year, Saint Mary’s University junior swimmer John Fox became the first swimmer in school history to qualify for the NCAA Championship.
At the MIAC Championships in St. Paul on Feb. 20, Fox swam a school record time of 55.61 seconds in the 100m breaststroke, placing him in second in the MIAC, and landing him a berth in the NCAA Championships in Minneapolis.
His performance placed him among the top swimmers in the nation. “There were a lot of swimmers and a lot of fans up there,” said Fox.
Read more...
Contrary to the high tensions one would expect at an elite swim meet, Fox found it to be quite fun. “There really wasn’t as much pressure as high school swimming,” he said, “though that may just be me.”
Fox finished the 100m breaststroke in 58.59 seconds, for 38th place out of the 100 swimmers who qualified. Though he was well into the top half of his field, Fox hopes to improve this performance, which was almost three seconds slower than his qualifying time.
Three athletes named All-MIAC
By Alex Conover
Sports Editor
A trio of Saint Mary’s University sophomores were recognized as First Team All-MIAC for the winter sports season. Two men’s basketball players, Will Wright and Lukas Holland, were honored along with Dy-Anna Stewart from the women’s hockey team.
Wright, a guard from Chicago, finished third in the conference in scoring with 18 points per game. He also led the conference in steals with 35 and finished first among Cardinals in rebounding. In 20 MIAC games, Wright reached double-digit scoring 19 times.
Read more...
Holland, a point guard from La Crosse, Wis., put up 15.7 points per game for the fourth-most in the MIAC (finishing right behind Wright). He led the conference in free throws attempted and finished second in free throws made, in addition to leading the Cardinals in all 3-point shooting categories.
“I’m extremely happy that both players made it,” said head coach Todd Landrum. “It’s a team thing, too. Guys don’t get named all-conference unless their team is good or improving, so this is great for the team.”
The pair also finished first and second in the MIAC for minutes played per game. Playing in games that lasted 40 minutes each, Wright averaged 35.8 and Holland averaged 35.55 minutes. “These guys are some of the hardest workers I’ve ever been around,” said senior guard Eustace Kesseh. “Will and Lukas put forth a huge effort for every game, and they are certainly deserving of their accolades.”
The lone representative for the women’s hockey team was Dy-Anna Stewart, a defenseman from Eden Prairie, Minn. Stewart anchored the Cardinal’s defensive efforts, as well as provided leadership on a team that had no senior players. “The thing that makes Dy-Anna special defensively is that she hates to be scored on,” said assistant coach Aaron Haupert. “Because of that attitude, she is always concerned about making her teammates better. She’s a special player because of her tenacity, consistency, and sensibility.”
Sports Editor
A trio of Saint Mary’s University sophomores were recognized as First Team All-MIAC for the winter sports season. Two men’s basketball players, Will Wright and Lukas Holland, were honored along with Dy-Anna Stewart from the women’s hockey team.
Wright, a guard from Chicago, finished third in the conference in scoring with 18 points per game. He also led the conference in steals with 35 and finished first among Cardinals in rebounding. In 20 MIAC games, Wright reached double-digit scoring 19 times.
Read more...
Holland, a point guard from La Crosse, Wis., put up 15.7 points per game for the fourth-most in the MIAC (finishing right behind Wright). He led the conference in free throws attempted and finished second in free throws made, in addition to leading the Cardinals in all 3-point shooting categories.
“I’m extremely happy that both players made it,” said head coach Todd Landrum. “It’s a team thing, too. Guys don’t get named all-conference unless their team is good or improving, so this is great for the team.”
The pair also finished first and second in the MIAC for minutes played per game. Playing in games that lasted 40 minutes each, Wright averaged 35.8 and Holland averaged 35.55 minutes. “These guys are some of the hardest workers I’ve ever been around,” said senior guard Eustace Kesseh. “Will and Lukas put forth a huge effort for every game, and they are certainly deserving of their accolades.”
The lone representative for the women’s hockey team was Dy-Anna Stewart, a defenseman from Eden Prairie, Minn. Stewart anchored the Cardinal’s defensive efforts, as well as provided leadership on a team that had no senior players. “The thing that makes Dy-Anna special defensively is that she hates to be scored on,” said assistant coach Aaron Haupert. “Because of that attitude, she is always concerned about making her teammates better. She’s a special player because of her tenacity, consistency, and sensibility.”
Spring sports: A reason to get outside
By Alex Conover
Sports Editor
It seemed like it would take forever, didn’t it? The snow finally melted, and the icy roads have thawed. The weather is extraordinary this time of year, and the sports teams have definitely been itching to get out of the RAC. Here are a few reasons to follow SMU spring sports:
New long-ball fields. Both the baseball and softball teams were forced to play home events at WSU or Cotter last season, making every game an away game. They return this spring to a pair of newly-renovated fields, ones that were meticulously maintained all summer. The first baseball game was played Thursday, but the softball team will play on its new field for the first time on March 29 against Carleton College.
Read more...
The new track complex. The turf was broken in by the soccer teams this fall, but the surrounding track will be unveiled for the Phil Esten Challenge on April 17. The meet is actually UW-La Crosse’s annual home competition, but SMU is hosting it in light of renovations on their track.
Club sports. NCAA sports aren’t the only athletics on campus, as the frisbee, lacrosse and rugby teams will compete as clubs. The rugby squad will play three home games, including an April 4 home tournament at WSU. The frisbee team hosts the Hilltop Huck-a-thon on April 18-19 at SMU. Women’s lacrosse hosts UW-La Crosse on April 25.
Sports Editor
It seemed like it would take forever, didn’t it? The snow finally melted, and the icy roads have thawed. The weather is extraordinary this time of year, and the sports teams have definitely been itching to get out of the RAC. Here are a few reasons to follow SMU spring sports:
New long-ball fields. Both the baseball and softball teams were forced to play home events at WSU or Cotter last season, making every game an away game. They return this spring to a pair of newly-renovated fields, ones that were meticulously maintained all summer. The first baseball game was played Thursday, but the softball team will play on its new field for the first time on March 29 against Carleton College.
Read more...
The new track complex. The turf was broken in by the soccer teams this fall, but the surrounding track will be unveiled for the Phil Esten Challenge on April 17. The meet is actually UW-La Crosse’s annual home competition, but SMU is hosting it in light of renovations on their track.
Club sports. NCAA sports aren’t the only athletics on campus, as the frisbee, lacrosse and rugby teams will compete as clubs. The rugby squad will play three home games, including an April 4 home tournament at WSU. The frisbee team hosts the Hilltop Huck-a-thon on April 18-19 at SMU. Women’s lacrosse hosts UW-La Crosse on April 25.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Do I have the right to a college education?
by Ryan Briscoe
Cardinal Staff
I recently did a significant amount of research regarding the monies that are spent supporting students who are pursuing post-secondary education. It is amazing all of the scholarships and student-work programs that have been established. It seems to me that now, more than ever before, America’s young people have the chance to realize the American Dream.
When I say the ‘American Dream’ I am referring to the idea that in this nation there are no class barriers that limit a young person’s potential. Accordingly, by virtue of his or her work, a young person can become whoever he or she wants to be. A corporate executive, the discoverer of the cure for AIDS, a community organizer, the president - the sky’s the limit!
Read more...
However, what I perceive now in our culture at large is a dangerous sentiment of privilege. Have we lost sight of the value of a hard day’s work? A strong, capitalist society (e.g. America) will always require the efforts of its citizens. Our society must recognize the inherent value of all types of work, skilled and unskilled, that are contributed to it and dismiss this idea that says that all people are guaranteed success.
The reality is that when a student starts out on his own, he should expect to enjoy only 1/3 of the luxury he has been accustomed to during his childhood. For many students this is problematic; they overspend and accumulate debt because they expect a life of luxury. The average student owes $2,700 in discretionary spending. These costs are unrelated to education payments and are purely from spending. (Source: InCharge Institute of America) This reflects the current value of work in our society; it seems we’ve forgotten that the standard of living is merit-based.
Since its founding, America has become known as the “Land of Opportunity”; how much longer before it is know as the “Land of Entitlement?”
Cardinal Staff
I recently did a significant amount of research regarding the monies that are spent supporting students who are pursuing post-secondary education. It is amazing all of the scholarships and student-work programs that have been established. It seems to me that now, more than ever before, America’s young people have the chance to realize the American Dream.
When I say the ‘American Dream’ I am referring to the idea that in this nation there are no class barriers that limit a young person’s potential. Accordingly, by virtue of his or her work, a young person can become whoever he or she wants to be. A corporate executive, the discoverer of the cure for AIDS, a community organizer, the president - the sky’s the limit!
Read more...
However, what I perceive now in our culture at large is a dangerous sentiment of privilege. Have we lost sight of the value of a hard day’s work? A strong, capitalist society (e.g. America) will always require the efforts of its citizens. Our society must recognize the inherent value of all types of work, skilled and unskilled, that are contributed to it and dismiss this idea that says that all people are guaranteed success.
The reality is that when a student starts out on his own, he should expect to enjoy only 1/3 of the luxury he has been accustomed to during his childhood. For many students this is problematic; they overspend and accumulate debt because they expect a life of luxury. The average student owes $2,700 in discretionary spending. These costs are unrelated to education payments and are purely from spending. (Source: InCharge Institute of America) This reflects the current value of work in our society; it seems we’ve forgotten that the standard of living is merit-based.
Since its founding, America has become known as the “Land of Opportunity”; how much longer before it is know as the “Land of Entitlement?”
Live and learn
By Betsy Baertlein
Cardinal Staff
It’s hard to believe that it has been another month in Italy, and soon my time here will draw to an end. It will definitely be hard to leave, even though I really do love Minnesota. As I reflect on the time I’ve spent in Europe, I cannot help but come to the conclusion that everyone should study or travel abroad at some point. Not only have I had some of the best experiences of my life in Italy, I have also learned so much about being a citizen in today’s globalized world. My time in Italy has been a series of many “live and learn” moments, and each of these moments has given me confidence.
Read more...
Before traveling to Italy, I had never been outside of the United States. I will admit that I was pretty scared and lost when I first arrived at the Minneapolis airport. I now feel confident finding my way through airports and train stations, and I know I can go into a foreign city where I don’t speak the language and find my way around. If I had not had the opportunity to study abroad, I don’t know how I would have gained this confidence.
It has recently come to my attention that Saint Mary’s intends to significantly change the Florence study abroad program to allow students to study a greater variety of subjects with a more diverse group of students and to live more independently while studying abroad. I agree that these changes will improve the SMU Florence program as a whole.
However, along with these positive changes comes a negative side. Since SMU will no longer operate its own program in Florence, students will only be able to apply $2,000 of their SMU scholarships to studying abroad in Florence. Previously, students wishing to apply their scholarship of more than $2,000 to study abroad could choose between the SMU programs in Florence and London. Now it appears that the only choice for these students will be London.
Studying abroad would not have been possible for me if I had not been able to use my full scholarship from SMU. It saddens me that other SMU students may miss out on this valuable experience because of monetary issues. I sincerely hope that the university will continue to realize the value of studying abroad and make this opportunity available to as many qualified students as possible.
Cardinal Staff
It’s hard to believe that it has been another month in Italy, and soon my time here will draw to an end. It will definitely be hard to leave, even though I really do love Minnesota. As I reflect on the time I’ve spent in Europe, I cannot help but come to the conclusion that everyone should study or travel abroad at some point. Not only have I had some of the best experiences of my life in Italy, I have also learned so much about being a citizen in today’s globalized world. My time in Italy has been a series of many “live and learn” moments, and each of these moments has given me confidence.
Read more...
Before traveling to Italy, I had never been outside of the United States. I will admit that I was pretty scared and lost when I first arrived at the Minneapolis airport. I now feel confident finding my way through airports and train stations, and I know I can go into a foreign city where I don’t speak the language and find my way around. If I had not had the opportunity to study abroad, I don’t know how I would have gained this confidence.
It has recently come to my attention that Saint Mary’s intends to significantly change the Florence study abroad program to allow students to study a greater variety of subjects with a more diverse group of students and to live more independently while studying abroad. I agree that these changes will improve the SMU Florence program as a whole.
However, along with these positive changes comes a negative side. Since SMU will no longer operate its own program in Florence, students will only be able to apply $2,000 of their SMU scholarships to studying abroad in Florence. Previously, students wishing to apply their scholarship of more than $2,000 to study abroad could choose between the SMU programs in Florence and London. Now it appears that the only choice for these students will be London.
Studying abroad would not have been possible for me if I had not been able to use my full scholarship from SMU. It saddens me that other SMU students may miss out on this valuable experience because of monetary issues. I sincerely hope that the university will continue to realize the value of studying abroad and make this opportunity available to as many qualified students as possible.
March Madness flies
By Marty Kocon
Cardinal Staff
Thursday marked the start of the third round of the NCAA Men’s Basketball tournament, and in a tournament famous for upsets, this year’s appears to be uncharacteristically tame.
All 1st, 2nd and 3rd seeds remain, and the 12th seeded Arizona Wildcats are the only double digit seed remaining, which leaves the casual fan to ask, ‘where is this year’s Cinderella team?’
Read more...
While this year may appear to be quite ordinary, on closer look you can see that the underdog is everywhere but in the win column. Fifteenth seeded California State Northridge gave second seeded Memphis all it could handle until Memphis pulled out a victory at the end. Also, 13th seeded Cleveland State pummeled favorite Wake Forest 83-69. Ninth seeded Sienna challenged the overall first seed Louisville in a hard fought matchup, which Louisville eventually won 79-72.
This year’s tournament has supplied a fair share of surprises but has yet to drop any of the tournament’s favorites. The lack of upsets has destroyed the hopes of the rags-to-riches Cinderella stories of George Mason and Dayton fame. It instead will showcase the finest college basketball teams the nation has to offer, a result that is worth excluding the bracket-ruining underdogs.
Let the Madness continue.
Cardinal Staff
Thursday marked the start of the third round of the NCAA Men’s Basketball tournament, and in a tournament famous for upsets, this year’s appears to be uncharacteristically tame.
All 1st, 2nd and 3rd seeds remain, and the 12th seeded Arizona Wildcats are the only double digit seed remaining, which leaves the casual fan to ask, ‘where is this year’s Cinderella team?’
Read more...
While this year may appear to be quite ordinary, on closer look you can see that the underdog is everywhere but in the win column. Fifteenth seeded California State Northridge gave second seeded Memphis all it could handle until Memphis pulled out a victory at the end. Also, 13th seeded Cleveland State pummeled favorite Wake Forest 83-69. Ninth seeded Sienna challenged the overall first seed Louisville in a hard fought matchup, which Louisville eventually won 79-72.
This year’s tournament has supplied a fair share of surprises but has yet to drop any of the tournament’s favorites. The lack of upsets has destroyed the hopes of the rags-to-riches Cinderella stories of George Mason and Dayton fame. It instead will showcase the finest college basketball teams the nation has to offer, a result that is worth excluding the bracket-ruining underdogs.
Let the Madness continue.
Ten ways to save energy
By Robby McGuire
Cardinal Staff
Although Energy Challenge Month is almost over, everyone should still think about ways they can continue to conserve energy. Here are a few small ways to “go green.”
1. Turn off the lights!
Lighting accounts for five to 10 percent of national energy use. Turn them off when you can use natural sunlight, if you are leaving the room or simply don’t need them on. Brighten the future, keep things dark.
2. Turn off your electronics when they aren’t in use.
Approximately 75 percent of electricity is consumed by a device while the device is not in direct use. Shut off your laptop at night or while you go to class. Don’t have the TV on unless it is being watched. Shut off your stereo if you leave the room, and unplug your fridge if it is empty.
3. Switch off the faucet.
Turn off the tap while you brush your teeth or shave. This simple technique can save up to five gallons of water a day. Ten, if you are Sasquatch.
Read more...
4. Use a re-usable water bottle.
An estimated 1.5 million barrels of oil are used each year to make plastic water bottles. Seventy-seven percent of these bottles end up in landfills. Many of these plastic bottles also leak harmful chemicals into their beverage. Drink up to save energy, just do it through a water bottle purchased in the school book store.
5. Make sure your thermostat is turned off.
With spring coming, the need for heating in your rooms is dwindling. Try opening the blinds and letting the sunlight warm your room a bit. Most Eskimos go their entire lives without touching a thermostat.
6. Take advantage of your laptop’s power modes.
Most recent laptops have battery modes, including a power-saving mode. If you are simply checking your email, or writing a paper, try the power-saving mode. Though your paper may require intense brain power, it does not require intense battery power.
7. Try walking.
Spring has sprung, and the weather is making a turn for the better. Take advantage of the rise in temperature and walk to your destination. Instead of driving to the bowling alley, Ground Round or Hy-Vee, get some exercise, use the opportunity to chat with friends and burn off that extra slice of cake.
8. Do things together.
Rather than having four separate TV’s on watching Scrubs or CSI, organize a group to watch together. Bonus if your crush enjoys the show.
9. Recycle.
It takes up to 95 percent less energy to re-create an aluminum can from recycled aluminum. Rather than tossing away your recyclables, trek to your residence hall’s recycling area. Grab your roommate’s recyclables as well.
10. Do not take more than you need for meals.
Yes, it can be a hassle to walk all the way from your seat back to the lunch or dinner line. Regardless, excess food is excess waste. The more food we take, the sooner Chartwells Dining Service needs to re-order. The more frequently they re-order, the more electricity is wasted in the process of getting new food to campus. While two burgers and four slices of pizza may have seemed like a good idea at the time, it may not all fit in your stomach.
Cardinal Staff
Although Energy Challenge Month is almost over, everyone should still think about ways they can continue to conserve energy. Here are a few small ways to “go green.”
1. Turn off the lights!
Lighting accounts for five to 10 percent of national energy use. Turn them off when you can use natural sunlight, if you are leaving the room or simply don’t need them on. Brighten the future, keep things dark.
2. Turn off your electronics when they aren’t in use.
Approximately 75 percent of electricity is consumed by a device while the device is not in direct use. Shut off your laptop at night or while you go to class. Don’t have the TV on unless it is being watched. Shut off your stereo if you leave the room, and unplug your fridge if it is empty.
3. Switch off the faucet.
Turn off the tap while you brush your teeth or shave. This simple technique can save up to five gallons of water a day. Ten, if you are Sasquatch.
Read more...
4. Use a re-usable water bottle.
An estimated 1.5 million barrels of oil are used each year to make plastic water bottles. Seventy-seven percent of these bottles end up in landfills. Many of these plastic bottles also leak harmful chemicals into their beverage. Drink up to save energy, just do it through a water bottle purchased in the school book store.
5. Make sure your thermostat is turned off.
With spring coming, the need for heating in your rooms is dwindling. Try opening the blinds and letting the sunlight warm your room a bit. Most Eskimos go their entire lives without touching a thermostat.
6. Take advantage of your laptop’s power modes.
Most recent laptops have battery modes, including a power-saving mode. If you are simply checking your email, or writing a paper, try the power-saving mode. Though your paper may require intense brain power, it does not require intense battery power.
7. Try walking.
Spring has sprung, and the weather is making a turn for the better. Take advantage of the rise in temperature and walk to your destination. Instead of driving to the bowling alley, Ground Round or Hy-Vee, get some exercise, use the opportunity to chat with friends and burn off that extra slice of cake.
8. Do things together.
Rather than having four separate TV’s on watching Scrubs or CSI, organize a group to watch together. Bonus if your crush enjoys the show.
9. Recycle.
It takes up to 95 percent less energy to re-create an aluminum can from recycled aluminum. Rather than tossing away your recyclables, trek to your residence hall’s recycling area. Grab your roommate’s recyclables as well.
10. Do not take more than you need for meals.
Yes, it can be a hassle to walk all the way from your seat back to the lunch or dinner line. Regardless, excess food is excess waste. The more food we take, the sooner Chartwells Dining Service needs to re-order. The more frequently they re-order, the more electricity is wasted in the process of getting new food to campus. While two burgers and four slices of pizza may have seemed like a good idea at the time, it may not all fit in your stomach.
Club Corner: Women’s lacrosse
By Ashley Acosta
Cardinal Staff
For the Saint Mary’s University women’s lacrosse team, success is not always measured in wins and losses.
“For those who don’t want to play a sport at the Division III level, lacrosse gives them a chance to compete and have fun,” junior Liz Kempisty said.
Started just two years ago, the lacrosse team is a member of the North Central Women’s Lacrosse League, and this is the first year with scheduled games. The roster is made up of 28 players comprised of freshmen, sophomores, juniors and one senior.
Varying in different athletic backgrounds and skill levels, the lacrosse team finds its roster filled with many SMU hockey and soccer players. “These sports are somewhat similar to lacrosse,“ said sophomore and captain Libby Perkins.
Read more...
Kempisty identifies progression and experience as two major components for this season.
“The main thing that we are hoping for is progression,” Kempisty said. “We have a lot of girls coming into this season who haven’t played and we are looking to develop as individuals as well as a team.”
In order to achieve that progression, the lacrosse team meets for practice three times a week for two hours in the RAC or on the outdoor facility. Practices focus on a variety of different areas such as conditioning, stick handling, shooting and working on offensive and defensive skills.
Those practice skills were put to the test against Hamline March 19 in the first game of the season. Despite strong contributions from many athletes, the end result was a 12-5 loss.
“We are not worried about how many wins or losses we get,” said Perkins. “This year is more of a learning experience. It is a test of the skills we have been learning in practice, which will enable us to grow and strive for an even better season next year.”
The inexperience of the team is not the only area lacrosse players are hoping to improve on this season. The lacrosse team hopes to improve on its little-known status amongst the students. “A lot of people don’t even know we are a club,” Perkins said.
In efforts to change that, the lacrosse team is planning to sell t-shirts in order to spread the word around campus and bring in extra funding.
The team members have taken it upon themselves to do their own fundraising by writing letters to family and friends for donations to help pay for new uniforms, equipment and fees.
Although the lacrosse team recognizes the necessary areas of improvements, they also recognize their strengths. Perkins feels the team’s strong work ethic, enthusiasm and the camaraderie are a few of the team’s positives.
There are two additional games in the works against Minnesota State University and Winona State University, both tentatively set for the latter part of April. The first and only home game is scheduled for April 25 against the University of Wisconsin -
La Crosse.
“We are really hoping for a good turnout from the students,” said Perkins. “It will give them a chance to experience a lacrosse game, and we would really appreciate the support.”
Look forward to next issue’s (April 24) Club Corner featuring the men’s lacrosse team.
Cardinal Staff
For the Saint Mary’s University women’s lacrosse team, success is not always measured in wins and losses.
“For those who don’t want to play a sport at the Division III level, lacrosse gives them a chance to compete and have fun,” junior Liz Kempisty said.
Started just two years ago, the lacrosse team is a member of the North Central Women’s Lacrosse League, and this is the first year with scheduled games. The roster is made up of 28 players comprised of freshmen, sophomores, juniors and one senior.
Varying in different athletic backgrounds and skill levels, the lacrosse team finds its roster filled with many SMU hockey and soccer players. “These sports are somewhat similar to lacrosse,“ said sophomore and captain Libby Perkins.
Read more...
Kempisty identifies progression and experience as two major components for this season.
“The main thing that we are hoping for is progression,” Kempisty said. “We have a lot of girls coming into this season who haven’t played and we are looking to develop as individuals as well as a team.”
In order to achieve that progression, the lacrosse team meets for practice three times a week for two hours in the RAC or on the outdoor facility. Practices focus on a variety of different areas such as conditioning, stick handling, shooting and working on offensive and defensive skills.
Those practice skills were put to the test against Hamline March 19 in the first game of the season. Despite strong contributions from many athletes, the end result was a 12-5 loss.
“We are not worried about how many wins or losses we get,” said Perkins. “This year is more of a learning experience. It is a test of the skills we have been learning in practice, which will enable us to grow and strive for an even better season next year.”
The inexperience of the team is not the only area lacrosse players are hoping to improve on this season. The lacrosse team hopes to improve on its little-known status amongst the students. “A lot of people don’t even know we are a club,” Perkins said.
In efforts to change that, the lacrosse team is planning to sell t-shirts in order to spread the word around campus and bring in extra funding.
The team members have taken it upon themselves to do their own fundraising by writing letters to family and friends for donations to help pay for new uniforms, equipment and fees.
Although the lacrosse team recognizes the necessary areas of improvements, they also recognize their strengths. Perkins feels the team’s strong work ethic, enthusiasm and the camaraderie are a few of the team’s positives.
There are two additional games in the works against Minnesota State University and Winona State University, both tentatively set for the latter part of April. The first and only home game is scheduled for April 25 against the University of Wisconsin -
La Crosse.
“We are really hoping for a good turnout from the students,” said Perkins. “It will give them a chance to experience a lacrosse game, and we would really appreciate the support.”
Look forward to next issue’s (April 24) Club Corner featuring the men’s lacrosse team.
Friday, March 6, 2009
Calendar Changes?
Proposed new schedule would change the academic calendar in 2010
By Travis Fick
News Editor
A proposed calendar change for the 2010-11 academic year would reconfigure the spring semester schedule in order to better fit with high schools and other colleges, said Dr. Thomas Mans, Saint Mary’s University’s vice president for academic affairs.
Read more...
According to Dr. Jeffrey Highland, university provost and vice president of the college, a task force is in charge of gathering information from students, faculty and staff on what they think about the change. It will meet in March to review the findings, which they will then report to the President’s Cabinet. The President will ultimately make the decision after the full reviewing process.
The proposed schedule would lengthen Christmas break by one week while moving February break. The second semester would begin Jan. 18 instead of the current Jan. 11.
For faculty and staff, the extended Christmas break means adding more time between the deadline to submit grades and the beginning of the new semester.
“The faculty expressed the desire to have more time (to) spend with their families as well as time to plan,” said Mans.
“We have a very short Christmas break that eliminates important personal time with families.”
Additionally, the spring recess would be pushed back to Feb. 26 through March 6. Easter recess would be from April 21-25. Mans said the last day of classes will not change and that the number of days on break will remain the same.
The schedule change was proposed by a resolution from the faculty that said, “Changes in the academic calendar would improve the environment for both teaching and learning in the undergraduate college.”
Changing to this type of schedule is not uncommon, said Mans, who encountered a similar change at the last university for which he worked. “The students, faculty and families desired a more normalized schedule that was closer to that of the majority of the schools,” said Mans.
Mans said students and their families
would be able to better plan for trips, as the break schedule would fit better with other schools.
The 2009-10 academic calendar will remain the same structure as this year, said Mans.
Julie Jergenson, student senate president, and Russell Mollo, student senate vice president for academic affairs, are the student representatives on the schedule change task force. Mollo said they were unable to comment on the schedule change due to the on-going process.
A separate proposed change is to eliminate classes on Labor Day.
Mollo said that any questions or comments should be addressed to himself or Jergenson.
By Travis Fick
News Editor
A proposed calendar change for the 2010-11 academic year would reconfigure the spring semester schedule in order to better fit with high schools and other colleges, said Dr. Thomas Mans, Saint Mary’s University’s vice president for academic affairs.
Read more...
According to Dr. Jeffrey Highland, university provost and vice president of the college, a task force is in charge of gathering information from students, faculty and staff on what they think about the change. It will meet in March to review the findings, which they will then report to the President’s Cabinet. The President will ultimately make the decision after the full reviewing process.
The proposed schedule would lengthen Christmas break by one week while moving February break. The second semester would begin Jan. 18 instead of the current Jan. 11.
For faculty and staff, the extended Christmas break means adding more time between the deadline to submit grades and the beginning of the new semester.
“The faculty expressed the desire to have more time (to) spend with their families as well as time to plan,” said Mans.
“We have a very short Christmas break that eliminates important personal time with families.”
Additionally, the spring recess would be pushed back to Feb. 26 through March 6. Easter recess would be from April 21-25. Mans said the last day of classes will not change and that the number of days on break will remain the same.
The schedule change was proposed by a resolution from the faculty that said, “Changes in the academic calendar would improve the environment for both teaching and learning in the undergraduate college.”
Changing to this type of schedule is not uncommon, said Mans, who encountered a similar change at the last university for which he worked. “The students, faculty and families desired a more normalized schedule that was closer to that of the majority of the schools,” said Mans.
Mans said students and their families
would be able to better plan for trips, as the break schedule would fit better with other schools.
The 2009-10 academic calendar will remain the same structure as this year, said Mans.
Julie Jergenson, student senate president, and Russell Mollo, student senate vice president for academic affairs, are the student representatives on the schedule change task force. Mollo said they were unable to comment on the schedule change due to the on-going process.
A separate proposed change is to eliminate classes on Labor Day.
Mollo said that any questions or comments should be addressed to himself or Jergenson.
Four-percent tuition increase approved
By Travis Fick
News Editor
The economic uncertainty has caused the Saint Mary’s University Board of Trustees to approve a four-percent tuition increase instead of the proposed six-percent increase for the 2009-10 academic year, said Cindy Marek, SMU’s vice president for financial affairs.
Read more...
The Cardinal’s article, “Tuition to rise despite financial woes,” originally published in the Nov. 7, 2008, issue, said that a proposed six-percent tuition increase was likely to be implemented during the 2009-10 academic year. Marek said in an email interview, “The tuition increase was reduced by the board because of the concern for families with the volatility and uncertainty in the economy today.”
The expected fiscal impact of the board’s decision means students save $470 per year for tuition and fees. “The board did not want to put a heavier burden on families than they felt necessary to balance the budget,” said Marek. “We (the Saint Mary’s administration) know unemployment is increasing, and retirement funds, savings and home values have been reduced due to the recent economic impact.”
Student reaction has been mostly positive. “It is good that the board’s decision reflects the current economic status,” said Tim Jorgensen, junior. “A change from six-percent to four-percent may be enough to allow students to stay at SMU.”
The proposal that the board receives has input from many different groups on campus, said Marek. The president, cabinet and budget committee were involved in the budgeting process, as well as admission and financial aid consultant Hardwick-Day.
Marek said SMU has not received information from other schools, but the approved increase is in line with the rest of the Minnesota private colleges.
News Editor
The economic uncertainty has caused the Saint Mary’s University Board of Trustees to approve a four-percent tuition increase instead of the proposed six-percent increase for the 2009-10 academic year, said Cindy Marek, SMU’s vice president for financial affairs.
Read more...
The Cardinal’s article, “Tuition to rise despite financial woes,” originally published in the Nov. 7, 2008, issue, said that a proposed six-percent tuition increase was likely to be implemented during the 2009-10 academic year. Marek said in an email interview, “The tuition increase was reduced by the board because of the concern for families with the volatility and uncertainty in the economy today.”
The expected fiscal impact of the board’s decision means students save $470 per year for tuition and fees. “The board did not want to put a heavier burden on families than they felt necessary to balance the budget,” said Marek. “We (the Saint Mary’s administration) know unemployment is increasing, and retirement funds, savings and home values have been reduced due to the recent economic impact.”
Student reaction has been mostly positive. “It is good that the board’s decision reflects the current economic status,” said Tim Jorgensen, junior. “A change from six-percent to four-percent may be enough to allow students to stay at SMU.”
The proposal that the board receives has input from many different groups on campus, said Marek. The president, cabinet and budget committee were involved in the budgeting process, as well as admission and financial aid consultant Hardwick-Day.
Marek said SMU has not received information from other schools, but the approved increase is in line with the rest of the Minnesota private colleges.
Economic woes could affect club budgets
By Pat Howard
Cardinal Staff
The Saint Mary’s University Student Senate is currently budgeting for the 2009-10 academic year and will continue its normal conservative budgeting process despite the economic uncertainty, said Travis Fick, student senate vice president for financial affairs.
Read more...
“We are trying to keep budgets fair while maintaining a level of strict fiscal discipline,” Fick said.
The Student Senate Finance Committee has been meeting almost every week to address club budgets and future plans. The majority of clubs receive money for budgets and special requests through the $170 activities fee that is incorporated into every undergraduate student’s tuition.
According to Fick, the Club Budget Policy organizes funding into four bracket levels. Level one represents clubs that feature a total yearly funding of $1-$500. The level four bracket is geared for clubs that spend $10,000 or more in a year. In the past, clubs were able to move up in the brackets to seek more funding.
Next year, however, the Student Senate Finance Committee will not be allowing clubs to move up in the bracket system and have limited the percent increases that clubs may request for. “The finance committee’s main goal is to ensure a solid financial base,” said Fick. “We have maintained fiscal discipline this year and will not stray when considering budgets.”
SMU will continue to have all the clubs it features this year. However, Fick said it may be more difficult to hold every event and invite every speaker clubs typically offer.
Cardinal Staff
The Saint Mary’s University Student Senate is currently budgeting for the 2009-10 academic year and will continue its normal conservative budgeting process despite the economic uncertainty, said Travis Fick, student senate vice president for financial affairs.
Read more...
“We are trying to keep budgets fair while maintaining a level of strict fiscal discipline,” Fick said.
The Student Senate Finance Committee has been meeting almost every week to address club budgets and future plans. The majority of clubs receive money for budgets and special requests through the $170 activities fee that is incorporated into every undergraduate student’s tuition.
According to Fick, the Club Budget Policy organizes funding into four bracket levels. Level one represents clubs that feature a total yearly funding of $1-$500. The level four bracket is geared for clubs that spend $10,000 or more in a year. In the past, clubs were able to move up in the brackets to seek more funding.
Next year, however, the Student Senate Finance Committee will not be allowing clubs to move up in the bracket system and have limited the percent increases that clubs may request for. “The finance committee’s main goal is to ensure a solid financial base,” said Fick. “We have maintained fiscal discipline this year and will not stray when considering budgets.”
SMU will continue to have all the clubs it features this year. However, Fick said it may be more difficult to hold every event and invite every speaker clubs typically offer.
Students take annual trip to lobby at Capitol
By Ryan Briscoe
Cardinal Staff
Yesterday, a group of Saint Mary’s University students went to Saint Paul to lobby at the Minnesota State Capitol in what has become an annual event.
Read more...
What is the cause they defended? Higher education.
The state of Minnesota is staring an unprecedented budget crisis straight in the face. Governor Pawlenty has, as of the submission of this article, yet to announce the official numbers, but the state is expected to be millions short. Therefore, it has become necessary to lobby legislators to defend the allocation of funds for certain state programs.
In the past, the ‘Day at the Capitol’ has included a briefing session on the situation, attendance at meetings with local legislators, tours of the Capitol and meals.
The focal point of the trip is the one-on-one meetings, according to past attendee, sophomore Ali Kremer. Kremer referred to the day as ‘a great opportunity’ and remarked several times on taking advantage of the chance to participate in government at work.
Originally attracted to the event because of her own personal interests, Kremer quickly realized that the outing provided her with an incomparable first-hand experience.
Perhaps it is most important to recognize that the State Grant (the program on behalf of which students lobbied) is not an issue of public education, but an issue concerning all higher education in the state.
Sixteen percent of all SMU undergraduates received monies from the State Grant in 2006-07, and the average grant awarded to a SMU student was $3,368. The State Grant program is one of education’s most valued efforts because it makes the cost of higher education more affordable. Bearing in mind that 80,000 students received aid monies from the State of Minnesota last year, the State Grant program is certainly an endeavor worth consideration.
Cardinal Staff
Yesterday, a group of Saint Mary’s University students went to Saint Paul to lobby at the Minnesota State Capitol in what has become an annual event.
Read more...
What is the cause they defended? Higher education.
The state of Minnesota is staring an unprecedented budget crisis straight in the face. Governor Pawlenty has, as of the submission of this article, yet to announce the official numbers, but the state is expected to be millions short. Therefore, it has become necessary to lobby legislators to defend the allocation of funds for certain state programs.
In the past, the ‘Day at the Capitol’ has included a briefing session on the situation, attendance at meetings with local legislators, tours of the Capitol and meals.
The focal point of the trip is the one-on-one meetings, according to past attendee, sophomore Ali Kremer. Kremer referred to the day as ‘a great opportunity’ and remarked several times on taking advantage of the chance to participate in government at work.
Originally attracted to the event because of her own personal interests, Kremer quickly realized that the outing provided her with an incomparable first-hand experience.
Perhaps it is most important to recognize that the State Grant (the program on behalf of which students lobbied) is not an issue of public education, but an issue concerning all higher education in the state.
Sixteen percent of all SMU undergraduates received monies from the State Grant in 2006-07, and the average grant awarded to a SMU student was $3,368. The State Grant program is one of education’s most valued efforts because it makes the cost of higher education more affordable. Bearing in mind that 80,000 students received aid monies from the State of Minnesota last year, the State Grant program is certainly an endeavor worth consideration.
Students, staff honored on Founder’s Day
By Karina Rajtar
Co-Editor in Chief
Two seniors, two professors and the De La Salle Christian Brothers were recognized at this year’s Founder’s Day Convocation on Feb. 24.
Read more...
Jakub “Kuba” Szymanski and Emily Berg were announced as this year’s Outstanding Seniors. Szymanski, an accounting major from Opole, Poland, said in his acceptance speech that attending Saint Mary’s University helped his transformation from being a shy freshman to being an involved, outspoken senior. Berg noted that every member of the senior class has made a contribution to the SMU community. She is a K-8 education and Spanish double major from Owatonna, Minn.
Two faculty members were recognized for their contributions to the university as well. Dr. Jane Anderson, dean of the School of Education, received the Distinguished Lasallian Educator award, an award given by many Lasallian universities. Anderson has long supported the San Miguel schools in Chicago and Minneapolis and has promoted literacy education.
Dean Beckman, assistant professor in the Social Science Department, received the Brother H. Charles Severin Award for Excellence in Teaching. The Severin Award goes to teachers committed to student-centered learning, and Beckman acknowledged in his acceptance speech the importance of valuing students as individuals.
The Convocation ceremony included a presentation about the Christian Brothers in honor of the 75th anniversary of their affiliation with the university. Brothers who are currently involved with the SMU community were individually acknowledged as well.
Provincial Edmond Precourt, Superior of the Long Island-New England District (LINE) and a guest to the Founder’s Day celebration, received recognition and a gift from the university on behalf of the Brothers of the LINE district for their service to the university.
Others acknowledged at the Convocation were the ten Outstanding Senior finalists, members of the Delta Epsilon Sigma national honor society, first-year student recipients of leadership scholarships and award recipients from the Twin Cities campus.
Founder’s Day is the annual celebration of the founding of SMU in 1912 by Winona Bishop Patrick R. Heffron.
Co-Editor in Chief
Two seniors, two professors and the De La Salle Christian Brothers were recognized at this year’s Founder’s Day Convocation on Feb. 24.
Read more...
Jakub “Kuba” Szymanski and Emily Berg were announced as this year’s Outstanding Seniors. Szymanski, an accounting major from Opole, Poland, said in his acceptance speech that attending Saint Mary’s University helped his transformation from being a shy freshman to being an involved, outspoken senior. Berg noted that every member of the senior class has made a contribution to the SMU community. She is a K-8 education and Spanish double major from Owatonna, Minn.
Two faculty members were recognized for their contributions to the university as well. Dr. Jane Anderson, dean of the School of Education, received the Distinguished Lasallian Educator award, an award given by many Lasallian universities. Anderson has long supported the San Miguel schools in Chicago and Minneapolis and has promoted literacy education.
Dean Beckman, assistant professor in the Social Science Department, received the Brother H. Charles Severin Award for Excellence in Teaching. The Severin Award goes to teachers committed to student-centered learning, and Beckman acknowledged in his acceptance speech the importance of valuing students as individuals.
The Convocation ceremony included a presentation about the Christian Brothers in honor of the 75th anniversary of their affiliation with the university. Brothers who are currently involved with the SMU community were individually acknowledged as well.
Provincial Edmond Precourt, Superior of the Long Island-New England District (LINE) and a guest to the Founder’s Day celebration, received recognition and a gift from the university on behalf of the Brothers of the LINE district for their service to the university.
Others acknowledged at the Convocation were the ten Outstanding Senior finalists, members of the Delta Epsilon Sigma national honor society, first-year student recipients of leadership scholarships and award recipients from the Twin Cities campus.
Founder’s Day is the annual celebration of the founding of SMU in 1912 by Winona Bishop Patrick R. Heffron.
Panel considers first diversity office
By Amira Sadek
Cardinal Staff
The idea of creating a diversity office on campus was discussed on Feb. 11, at an Inter-cultural Awareness Association-hosted diversity panel event in the President’s Room.
Read more...
A panel of eight people consisted of staff members Tony Piscitiello, Lupita Garza and Chris Kendall; faculty members Dr. Scott Sorvaag and Dr. Dorthy Diehl; and students Edith Galvez, Tamika Robinson and Peter Tornquist. They received feedback and answered questions about the potential diversity office. The office would address the need to raise awareness of cultural diversity issues, primarily concerning international students and domestic students of color, according to the panelists.
Audience input varied, but primary concerns centered around the goal and focus of the office. The audience proposed creating an informal office that encouraged and helped develop the academic aspect for international and domestic students of colors’ careers at SMU. To do this, the audience suggested hiring mentors and providing workshops for staff on diversity in education. It was also suggested that the office would promote the celebration and embracing of diversity on campus.
Details such as when, where and how much the office would cost have yet to be determined, but plans are in motion.
Cardinal Staff
The idea of creating a diversity office on campus was discussed on Feb. 11, at an Inter-cultural Awareness Association-hosted diversity panel event in the President’s Room.
Read more...
A panel of eight people consisted of staff members Tony Piscitiello, Lupita Garza and Chris Kendall; faculty members Dr. Scott Sorvaag and Dr. Dorthy Diehl; and students Edith Galvez, Tamika Robinson and Peter Tornquist. They received feedback and answered questions about the potential diversity office. The office would address the need to raise awareness of cultural diversity issues, primarily concerning international students and domestic students of color, according to the panelists.
Audience input varied, but primary concerns centered around the goal and focus of the office. The audience proposed creating an informal office that encouraged and helped develop the academic aspect for international and domestic students of colors’ careers at SMU. To do this, the audience suggested hiring mentors and providing workshops for staff on diversity in education. It was also suggested that the office would promote the celebration and embracing of diversity on campus.
Details such as when, where and how much the office would cost have yet to be determined, but plans are in motion.
Teacher of the Year addresses ASCD
By Kristina Scherber
Cardinal Staff
Minnesota’s Teacher of the Year gave a presentation to the Association of Supervision and Curriculum Development members about the “why” and “how” of teaching in the 21st century and gave his top ten tips for teaching.
Read more...
On Monday, Feb. 23, Derek Olson, a sixth grade teacher in Stillwater, Minn., drove to Winona after a day of teaching to present to those interested in the field of education.
Olson’s presentation for Saint Mary’s University’s education students was well-received by those present. “I loved the speaker because you could just tell the love and passion he had for teaching,” said Hillary Stenzel, a junior education major. “He was a true inspiration to listen to. His real life lessons would make learning an adventure that I am sure students would remember.”
Attendees were presented with many ideas to take with them into the classroom. Russell Mollo, a senior education major, said he will remember the starfish analogy, which is the belief in the importance of “saving” one child, even if they cannot all be saved.
Cardinal Staff
Minnesota’s Teacher of the Year gave a presentation to the Association of Supervision and Curriculum Development members about the “why” and “how” of teaching in the 21st century and gave his top ten tips for teaching.
Read more...
On Monday, Feb. 23, Derek Olson, a sixth grade teacher in Stillwater, Minn., drove to Winona after a day of teaching to present to those interested in the field of education.
Olson’s presentation for Saint Mary’s University’s education students was well-received by those present. “I loved the speaker because you could just tell the love and passion he had for teaching,” said Hillary Stenzel, a junior education major. “He was a true inspiration to listen to. His real life lessons would make learning an adventure that I am sure students would remember.”
Attendees were presented with many ideas to take with them into the classroom. Russell Mollo, a senior education major, said he will remember the starfish analogy, which is the belief in the importance of “saving” one child, even if they cannot all be saved.
Program promotes fountain use
By Becca Sandager
Cardinal Staff
Students may have noticed the recently decorated drinking fountains in Toner Student Center and Hoffman, LaSalle and Saint Mary’s Halls. These decorated drinking fountains are part of the “Our Drinking Fountains, Our Water” project.
Read more...
“Our Drinking Fountains, Our Water” is a $20,000 grant program funded by the state of Minnesota through the Minnesota Campus Compact. The project is a yearlong collaboration among Saint Mary’s University, Winona Sate University, Minnesota State College-Southeast Technical, Southeast Minnesota Water Resources Board and the City of Winona, along with the Minneapolis Heart of the Beast Puppet-Mask Theater (HOBT).
The goal of “Our Drinking Fountains, Our Water” is to work with students and community members to learn more about and celebrate the Winona-area water quality and stewardship through collaborative art making. The theme of water will be incorporated into classes and presentations throughout the rest of the year.
“We’re trying to raise awareness about water,” said Dr. Joseph Tadie, SMU assistant professor of philosophy and residency coordinator for HOBT. His junior Lasallian Honors class is participating in the project. “It is an issue that is going to be an emerging serious problem for the world. We are so unthinking about it. Water is a great gift.”
Students and the community were also invited to participate in the Adopt-a-Drinking Fountain project, where they will create and implement an artistic design around a drinking fountain. The project was designed to get the community involved in raising awareness about the benefits of the clean, drinkable water in our fountains.
“We really live with an incredible privilege,” said Tadie. “There is no need to buy plastic water bottles. I can’t see how we’ve come to that when all we have to do right now is turn on the tap and (water) is there.”
A map of the decorated fountains (along with designer credit) will appear on the project’s website, http://water.southeastmn.edu.
The fountains will be decorated until March 18 and will remain in place until Earth Day celebrations on April 27.
Cardinal Staff
Students may have noticed the recently decorated drinking fountains in Toner Student Center and Hoffman, LaSalle and Saint Mary’s Halls. These decorated drinking fountains are part of the “Our Drinking Fountains, Our Water” project.
Read more...
“Our Drinking Fountains, Our Water” is a $20,000 grant program funded by the state of Minnesota through the Minnesota Campus Compact. The project is a yearlong collaboration among Saint Mary’s University, Winona Sate University, Minnesota State College-Southeast Technical, Southeast Minnesota Water Resources Board and the City of Winona, along with the Minneapolis Heart of the Beast Puppet-Mask Theater (HOBT).
The goal of “Our Drinking Fountains, Our Water” is to work with students and community members to learn more about and celebrate the Winona-area water quality and stewardship through collaborative art making. The theme of water will be incorporated into classes and presentations throughout the rest of the year.
“We’re trying to raise awareness about water,” said Dr. Joseph Tadie, SMU assistant professor of philosophy and residency coordinator for HOBT. His junior Lasallian Honors class is participating in the project. “It is an issue that is going to be an emerging serious problem for the world. We are so unthinking about it. Water is a great gift.”
Students and the community were also invited to participate in the Adopt-a-Drinking Fountain project, where they will create and implement an artistic design around a drinking fountain. The project was designed to get the community involved in raising awareness about the benefits of the clean, drinkable water in our fountains.
“We really live with an incredible privilege,” said Tadie. “There is no need to buy plastic water bottles. I can’t see how we’ve come to that when all we have to do right now is turn on the tap and (water) is there.”
A map of the decorated fountains (along with designer credit) will appear on the project’s website, http://water.southeastmn.edu.
The fountains will be decorated until March 18 and will remain in place until Earth Day celebrations on April 27.
Students present benefits of water
By Karina RajtarCo-Editor in Chief
Dr. Joseph Tadie’s, SMU assistant professor of philosophy, junior Lasallian honors class teamed up with one of Gary Diomandes’s, chair of theatre arts, theater classes and the Minneapolis Heart of the Beast Puppet-Mask Theater (HOBT) to promote the use of the many drinking fountains on campus.
The classes decorated drinking fountains, presented statistics in the plaza and worked with HOBT to lead a procession around campus. The procession began in the Toner Student Center and went through the Adducci Science Center, LaSalle Hall and Saint Mary’s Hall, stopping at various drinking fountains to provide demonstrations explaining the importance of water.
Students, faculty and staff were welcome to join one of the processions and were sometimes given costumes to wear, props to carry or drums to beat. Costumes and drums were provided by HOBT, and a member of HOBT accompanied the procession on accordion.
2006 alum is remembered
By Danielle LarsonCo-Editor in Chief
Friday, Feb. 13, became a day of sadness for students, faculty and staff as they learned about a fatal plane crash in Buffalo, New York, that took one of Saint Mary’s University’s own, Madeline “Maddy” Loftus (’06 graduate).
Read more...
Press releases and news stories were quick to inform about the Continental Connection Flight 3407 plane that crashed due to bad weather, and about the 49 people who left behind families, friends and co-workers because of the crash.
As news stories went out about the victims, they reported on families, had quotes from friends and told of victims’ passions and accomplishments in life.
As a marketing major, Loftus took many classes with Dr. Thomas Marpe, dean of the SMU School of Business. Marpe recalled a project Loftus did with fellow classmates Jessica Ribbish and Patrick Good. The project was entitled “The Feasibility on an Entertainment Complex in Winona.” Marpe said the group thought the complex should contain “mini-golf, batting cages, laser tag, arcade games and more.” He believes the project represented Loftus’ interest in sports.
Loftus’ love for hockey was reported several times. At SMU, Loftus played a total of 52 games, scored 10 goals and had 11 assists. She scored a total of 21 points for SMU.
“Maddy was the first senior to graduate from my program,” said Terry Mannor, SMU women’s hockey coach in a SMU press release. “She will always hold a special place in my heart.” Loftus played at SMU for two years after playing for Buffalo State University.
Senior Jill Rhody played hockey with Loftus her first year here. She recalled that they both had the same playing style: rough. “We played just like each other,” she said. “She called me her ‘mini-me.’”
A commonality between reported stories was that Loftus had unconditional love for her friends.
Senior Doug Placko said, “I have never met someone who was as passionate about her friends and the game of hockey as Maddy. She was such an unselfish person who cared about the well-being of others more than her own interests.”
A few days after the crash, a Facebook page dedicated to Loftus was created. Currently, approximately 950 people have joined the page. In the page description it states: “Maddy will always be remembered for her love of life, wonderful personality, New Jersey attitude and her amazing smile. She will be forever missed and will always remain in our hearts.”
A memorial service for Loftus will be held in the SMU Gym on March 14.
Event warns against alcohol abuse
By Carrie Russell
Guest Writer
When students enter the Toner Student Center during the lunch hour March 16, they will be greeted by a variety of activities as part of Saint Mary’s University’s annual Safe and Sober Day.
Safe and Sober Day is intended to bring awareness to and educate students on the effects of binge drinking and driving while impaired.
Read more...
Officer Kevin Kearney, community liaison officer with the Winona Police Department, will promote alcohol awareness by offering students simulation experiences of excessive alcohol use and the effects it has on a body.
A Mothers Against Drunk Driving crash vehicle will be in the plaza to alert the SMU community of the dangers of drinking and driving. Red ribbons will be handed out to raise awareness and demonstrate a pledge never to drink and drive.
SMU’s student population scored above the national average in a Core Alcohol and Drug Survey conducted by the SIUC/Core Institute.
When students were asked if they had participated in binge drinking in the previous two weeks, the results indicated 59 percent of students admitted to binging, compared to the national average of about 46 percent. The same survey revealed that 93 percent of male students and 83 percent of female students at SMU said they saw drinking as central to their social life.
Students were also questioned on the reasons why they use alcohol. Some of the main reasons given were that it gives people something to do, breaks the ice, enhances social activity, is something to talk about and facilitates a connection with peers.
The SMU community is working hard to lower these numbers through events such as Safe and Sober Day.
Guest Writer
When students enter the Toner Student Center during the lunch hour March 16, they will be greeted by a variety of activities as part of Saint Mary’s University’s annual Safe and Sober Day.
Safe and Sober Day is intended to bring awareness to and educate students on the effects of binge drinking and driving while impaired.
Read more...
Officer Kevin Kearney, community liaison officer with the Winona Police Department, will promote alcohol awareness by offering students simulation experiences of excessive alcohol use and the effects it has on a body.
A Mothers Against Drunk Driving crash vehicle will be in the plaza to alert the SMU community of the dangers of drinking and driving. Red ribbons will be handed out to raise awareness and demonstrate a pledge never to drink and drive.
SMU’s student population scored above the national average in a Core Alcohol and Drug Survey conducted by the SIUC/Core Institute.
When students were asked if they had participated in binge drinking in the previous two weeks, the results indicated 59 percent of students admitted to binging, compared to the national average of about 46 percent. The same survey revealed that 93 percent of male students and 83 percent of female students at SMU said they saw drinking as central to their social life.
Students were also questioned on the reasons why they use alcohol. Some of the main reasons given were that it gives people something to do, breaks the ice, enhances social activity, is something to talk about and facilitates a connection with peers.
The SMU community is working hard to lower these numbers through events such as Safe and Sober Day.
Club hosts poverty awareness event
By Robby McGuire
Cardinal Staff
“Engage: Poverty,” an event targeted at promoting awareness of poverty around the region, and around the world, will be held by the Peace and Justice Club Friday, March 20-22.
Read more...
“Poverty is an important issue because some people think it only happens in Africa or the developing countries of the world,” said freshman Marcy Mueller, a first-year member of the Peace and Justice Club. “But in reality, poverty is everywhere, even right here in Winona.”
The mission of the event is to “foster awareness of peace and justice in collaboration with the Saint Mary’s community by engaging the mind, heart, and body.”
The event will begin with a clothing sale from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. in Toner Student Center Room B. This will be followed by a Spoken word performance at 7 p.m. The clothing sale will resume Saturday during the same hours, and will be open Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Saturday’s schedule includes a Fair Trade Fair and the Habitat bake sale from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. A Hunger Banquet, which will demonstrate the distribution of wealth around the world, will take place in the cafeteria from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Julia Dinsmore will speak of her experiences of poverty at 3 p.m., and the day will end with a poverty documentary at 8 p.m.
Sunday will feature a 4:30 p.m. interfaith prayer service in collaboration with the Winona State Newman Center, SMU Coexist and Students for Life.
Mueller said, “We are having this “Engage: Poverty” weekend to spread the word about poverty and show others that we can help, we can make a difference.”
Any questions, comments, or ideas for “Engage: Poverty,” can be brought up at club meetings. Everyone is welcome.
Peace and Justice meets every Monday at 8 p.m. in Saint Mary’s Hall room 232.
Cardinal Staff
“Engage: Poverty,” an event targeted at promoting awareness of poverty around the region, and around the world, will be held by the Peace and Justice Club Friday, March 20-22.
Read more...
“Poverty is an important issue because some people think it only happens in Africa or the developing countries of the world,” said freshman Marcy Mueller, a first-year member of the Peace and Justice Club. “But in reality, poverty is everywhere, even right here in Winona.”
The mission of the event is to “foster awareness of peace and justice in collaboration with the Saint Mary’s community by engaging the mind, heart, and body.”
The event will begin with a clothing sale from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. in Toner Student Center Room B. This will be followed by a Spoken word performance at 7 p.m. The clothing sale will resume Saturday during the same hours, and will be open Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Saturday’s schedule includes a Fair Trade Fair and the Habitat bake sale from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. A Hunger Banquet, which will demonstrate the distribution of wealth around the world, will take place in the cafeteria from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Julia Dinsmore will speak of her experiences of poverty at 3 p.m., and the day will end with a poverty documentary at 8 p.m.
Sunday will feature a 4:30 p.m. interfaith prayer service in collaboration with the Winona State Newman Center, SMU Coexist and Students for Life.
Mueller said, “We are having this “Engage: Poverty” weekend to spread the word about poverty and show others that we can help, we can make a difference.”
Any questions, comments, or ideas for “Engage: Poverty,” can be brought up at club meetings. Everyone is welcome.
Peace and Justice meets every Monday at 8 p.m. in Saint Mary’s Hall room 232.
School embraces changes
By Tamika Robinson
Feature Editor
Student-led protests against the Vietnam War, the addition of buildings such as the Gostomski Fieldhouse and Skemp Hall and playing hockey outdoors are some of the things that make up Saint Mary’s University’s past.
Read more...
The 1960s to the 1980s proved to be a time of transition for SMU. The once all-male college became co-ed in 1969, the physical appearance of SMU began to enhance with the addition of new buildings and modern facilities such as the Toner Center, also in 1969, and political speech began to have its voice on campus.
Some of today’s faculty and staff were around to witness those changes. Dr. William Crozier, history adjunct professor and university archivist, came to SMU in 1968. He began his career here as a history professor and recalled what SMU was like when he first came.
“(When the college was still all-male) the academics at that time were really terrific, not that they are bad now. (Students) didn’t have things like the Internet and iPod’s. They had to go out amongst themselves and to debate in class. It was a very lively and intellectual year,” said Crozier.
He also recalled when the Vietnam War began and the effect that had, particularly at SMU. “The Vietnam War was going on and that was kind of critical,” Crozier said. “There was a lot of strife about whether the war was just. There were a number of student movements, some pro-war and some anti-war.”
Students from the College of Saint Teresa and even faculty members participated in movements that wanted to destroy draft records, like the Anti-war Movement, which was strong at SMU. The Women’s Movement and the Civil Rights Movement also had strong influences on SMU at that time.
Throughout the history of SMU, some things have remained the same, like the student-teacher relationships and the expectation level of the teachers, said Dr. Marilyn Frost, associate dean of social/behavioral/computer sciences and psychology professor, who came to SMU in 1969 as a professor.
“There’s a spirit here that a lot of schools don’t have. There was at that time and there still is,” said Crozier.
Feature Editor
Student-led protests against the Vietnam War, the addition of buildings such as the Gostomski Fieldhouse and Skemp Hall and playing hockey outdoors are some of the things that make up Saint Mary’s University’s past.
Read more...
The 1960s to the 1980s proved to be a time of transition for SMU. The once all-male college became co-ed in 1969, the physical appearance of SMU began to enhance with the addition of new buildings and modern facilities such as the Toner Center, also in 1969, and political speech began to have its voice on campus.
Some of today’s faculty and staff were around to witness those changes. Dr. William Crozier, history adjunct professor and university archivist, came to SMU in 1968. He began his career here as a history professor and recalled what SMU was like when he first came.
“(When the college was still all-male) the academics at that time were really terrific, not that they are bad now. (Students) didn’t have things like the Internet and iPod’s. They had to go out amongst themselves and to debate in class. It was a very lively and intellectual year,” said Crozier.
He also recalled when the Vietnam War began and the effect that had, particularly at SMU. “The Vietnam War was going on and that was kind of critical,” Crozier said. “There was a lot of strife about whether the war was just. There were a number of student movements, some pro-war and some anti-war.”
Students from the College of Saint Teresa and even faculty members participated in movements that wanted to destroy draft records, like the Anti-war Movement, which was strong at SMU. The Women’s Movement and the Civil Rights Movement also had strong influences on SMU at that time.
Throughout the history of SMU, some things have remained the same, like the student-teacher relationships and the expectation level of the teachers, said Dr. Marilyn Frost, associate dean of social/behavioral/computer sciences and psychology professor, who came to SMU in 1969 as a professor.
“There’s a spirit here that a lot of schools don’t have. There was at that time and there still is,” said Crozier.
Fun facts from the past
By Sarah McDonough
Cardinal Staff
While flipping through Saint Mary’s University yearbooks dating back to the 1980s, students can find how student life then differed from it now. Students might expect to see the Goldie Hawn hair and the ever-stylish huge, thick-framed glasses page after page, but there are a few things that could really catch someone by surprise.
Read more...
- There was a Greek Life. At one time, SMU had eight fraternities and sororities. Some of them were TKE, Alpha Delta Gamma and Alpha Kappa Psi. Alpha Kappa Psi was a business fraternity tha was known for great parties like the annual St. Patrick’s Day party and other socials they held.
- They lived where? Some student housing that underclassman and upperclassman alike enjoyed residing in were Aquinas (renamed Vlazny), Griffin Hall, 4th floor of Saint Mary’s Hall and “The White House”- a house on campus that at one time housed six people. Students who lived off campus were referred to as O.C.O.O.Ts (Off Campus Out Of Town).
- PROM! The annual Senior-Junior Prom was held off campus and was always a big hit. One year it was held in Rochester, Minn.
- The Cardinal Club was known as The Pub. Alcohol was served there to those of age (18 years old was the legal drinking age then). It was a safe way for students to have a place to drink without going off campus. Some events that were hosted there were Irish Pub Night and Alcohol Awareness Week.
-No Cardinals here! SMU’s mascot was once the Redman.
Cardinal Staff
While flipping through Saint Mary’s University yearbooks dating back to the 1980s, students can find how student life then differed from it now. Students might expect to see the Goldie Hawn hair and the ever-stylish huge, thick-framed glasses page after page, but there are a few things that could really catch someone by surprise.
Read more...
- There was a Greek Life. At one time, SMU had eight fraternities and sororities. Some of them were TKE, Alpha Delta Gamma and Alpha Kappa Psi. Alpha Kappa Psi was a business fraternity tha was known for great parties like the annual St. Patrick’s Day party and other socials they held.
- They lived where? Some student housing that underclassman and upperclassman alike enjoyed residing in were Aquinas (renamed Vlazny), Griffin Hall, 4th floor of Saint Mary’s Hall and “The White House”- a house on campus that at one time housed six people. Students who lived off campus were referred to as O.C.O.O.Ts (Off Campus Out Of Town).
- PROM! The annual Senior-Junior Prom was held off campus and was always a big hit. One year it was held in Rochester, Minn.
- The Cardinal Club was known as The Pub. Alcohol was served there to those of age (18 years old was the legal drinking age then). It was a safe way for students to have a place to drink without going off campus. Some events that were hosted there were Irish Pub Night and Alcohol Awareness Week.
-No Cardinals here! SMU’s mascot was once the Redman.
Saint Mary’s goes co-ed
By Ashley Acosta
Cardinal Staff
The 1960s brought many drastic social changes to the United States. The Vietnam War was in full swing, psychedelic music dominated the airwaves, Women’s Liberation was a household concept, hippie ideals overtook the youth and Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated.
Read more...
During this new age, Saint Mary’s College was searching for a new identity and looking for ways to grow and keep up with the times. In 1968, officials at Saint Mary’s acknowledged that its staff included female professors, but the student body was all-male. The college decided it was time for a transition to a co-ed institution.
The Saint Mary’s all-male campus was experiencing a decline in numbers. The challenge was to find ways to increase and expand the enrollment pool while still keeping up with a changing society. At that time, the college was affiliated with the College of Saint Teresa and Winona State University. Administrators concluded the best solution was to merge with the Saint Teresa all-female campus.
Saint Mary’s officials proposed integrating the campus to the Sisters of Saint Francis, who would ultimately make the decision on behalf of Saint Teresa.
After much discussion, the Sisters decided Saint Teresa was not ready to join forces with the all-male campus, and Saint Mary’s was back to square one.
A new proposal called for opening its admission to women, but this idea presented another concern. Officials worried that it would adversely impact the enrollment of its sister school. Saint Mary’s administration debated how to open enrollment to women without taking students from Saint Teresa.
Officials came up with a compromise. Saint Mary’s students would be able to take certain areas of study, such as nursing, elementary education and home economics, strictly at Saint Teresa while remaining official students of Saint Mary’s.
In December of 1968, the Saint Mary’s Board of Trustees
approved the new proposal that would allow admission of women as full-time students. Twenty-nine women attended Saint Mary’s that December with the full support of the faculty and staff.
Former history professor Dr. William Crozier supported integration of females. “The decision to admit (women) was a great one,” Crozier said. “Women changed the atmosphere, making it better. Women challenged the males academically in a sort of competitive way, making the education better for everyone.”
Women on campus not only resulted in a change of atmosphere, but also physical changes. There was need for additional housing, so the college renovated Skemp Residential Hall as well as Griffin Hall.
Since the first class in 1968, the enrollment of women has rapidly progressed. Throughout the 1970s, when most colleges experienced a severe decline in enrollment, Saint Mary’s saw a 20-percent increase.
By 1979, Saint Mary’s experienced record enrollment numbers with 1,200 students, half of those being female. From 1968 to 1979, women’s enrollment continued to increase, and today 53 percent of the Saint Mary’s student body is female. In the last four decades, Saint Mary’s has evolved from its initial 29 women to nearly 700.
Today, women play vital roles in academics, athletics, arts and student organizations and clubs.
Cardinal Staff
The 1960s brought many drastic social changes to the United States. The Vietnam War was in full swing, psychedelic music dominated the airwaves, Women’s Liberation was a household concept, hippie ideals overtook the youth and Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated.
Read more...
During this new age, Saint Mary’s College was searching for a new identity and looking for ways to grow and keep up with the times. In 1968, officials at Saint Mary’s acknowledged that its staff included female professors, but the student body was all-male. The college decided it was time for a transition to a co-ed institution.
The Saint Mary’s all-male campus was experiencing a decline in numbers. The challenge was to find ways to increase and expand the enrollment pool while still keeping up with a changing society. At that time, the college was affiliated with the College of Saint Teresa and Winona State University. Administrators concluded the best solution was to merge with the Saint Teresa all-female campus.
Saint Mary’s officials proposed integrating the campus to the Sisters of Saint Francis, who would ultimately make the decision on behalf of Saint Teresa.
After much discussion, the Sisters decided Saint Teresa was not ready to join forces with the all-male campus, and Saint Mary’s was back to square one.
A new proposal called for opening its admission to women, but this idea presented another concern. Officials worried that it would adversely impact the enrollment of its sister school. Saint Mary’s administration debated how to open enrollment to women without taking students from Saint Teresa.
Officials came up with a compromise. Saint Mary’s students would be able to take certain areas of study, such as nursing, elementary education and home economics, strictly at Saint Teresa while remaining official students of Saint Mary’s.
In December of 1968, the Saint Mary’s Board of Trustees
approved the new proposal that would allow admission of women as full-time students. Twenty-nine women attended Saint Mary’s that December with the full support of the faculty and staff.
Former history professor Dr. William Crozier supported integration of females. “The decision to admit (women) was a great one,” Crozier said. “Women changed the atmosphere, making it better. Women challenged the males academically in a sort of competitive way, making the education better for everyone.”
Women on campus not only resulted in a change of atmosphere, but also physical changes. There was need for additional housing, so the college renovated Skemp Residential Hall as well as Griffin Hall.
Since the first class in 1968, the enrollment of women has rapidly progressed. Throughout the 1970s, when most colleges experienced a severe decline in enrollment, Saint Mary’s saw a 20-percent increase.
By 1979, Saint Mary’s experienced record enrollment numbers with 1,200 students, half of those being female. From 1968 to 1979, women’s enrollment continued to increase, and today 53 percent of the Saint Mary’s student body is female. In the last four decades, Saint Mary’s has evolved from its initial 29 women to nearly 700.
Today, women play vital roles in academics, athletics, arts and student organizations and clubs.
Show captures audience’s feelings
By Tesla Rodriquez
Cardinal Staff
The Long Christmas Ride Home, directed by Saint Mary’s University student Sarah St. Laurent, tugged at the heartstrings of audiences on Feb. 26-28 and March 1-2.
Read more...
“There have been people who’ve cried,” said Nick Merkt, one of the pupeteers of the character named Stephen.
In the play, three of the characters were puppets. The three-foot tall puppets that were created for the play are called Bunraku puppets. Each puppet is controlled by two individuals, taking hours of practice and teamwork.
Normally, learning the art of the Bunraku puppets is something that is passed down through a Japanese family.
“People spend their whole lives learning what we crammed in a weekend,” said Jake Clapham, the other puppeteer who plays Stephen.
Although puppets would normally be left out of a play that is directed toward adults, these puppets brought the audience to a whole new level, introducing mature issues with comic figures.
The Long Christmas Ride Home deals with real-life adult issues that almost anyone can empathize with, from a husband who cheats on his wife and a mother who is jealous of her husband’s mistress to a boy with feminine desires.
“The audience is definitely taken on a rollercoaster ride,” said Merkt.
Cardinal Staff
The Long Christmas Ride Home, directed by Saint Mary’s University student Sarah St. Laurent, tugged at the heartstrings of audiences on Feb. 26-28 and March 1-2.
Read more...
“There have been people who’ve cried,” said Nick Merkt, one of the pupeteers of the character named Stephen.
In the play, three of the characters were puppets. The three-foot tall puppets that were created for the play are called Bunraku puppets. Each puppet is controlled by two individuals, taking hours of practice and teamwork.
Normally, learning the art of the Bunraku puppets is something that is passed down through a Japanese family.
“People spend their whole lives learning what we crammed in a weekend,” said Jake Clapham, the other puppeteer who plays Stephen.
Although puppets would normally be left out of a play that is directed toward adults, these puppets brought the audience to a whole new level, introducing mature issues with comic figures.
The Long Christmas Ride Home deals with real-life adult issues that almost anyone can empathize with, from a husband who cheats on his wife and a mother who is jealous of her husband’s mistress to a boy with feminine desires.
“The audience is definitely taken on a rollercoaster ride,” said Merkt.
Annual benefit dance to be held March 28
By Sara Eisenhauer
Cardinal Staff
The family of two Saint Mary’s University alumni was the selected beneficiary for the funds raised at the ninth annual Taylor Richmond Benefit Dance, which will be held Saturday, March 28, in Toner Center Dining Hall.
Read more...
Mia and Bill Geheren’s (’90) son Charlie, who was adopted by the SMU alumni, suffers from brain damage, severe cerebral palsy, cortical blindness and other medical issues.
According to the Taylor Richmond Benefit Dance planning committee, the Geheren’s, who have four children, three of whom were adopted and were exposed to drugs at birth, have been struggling to fit their entire family into one car with all of Charlie’s medical equipment.
“It’s getting hard for the family to transport him,” said Molly Jewison, co-chair of the Taylor Richmond Benefit Dance planning committee. “The proceeds will go towards a vehicle so the family can travel together.”
Each year the planning committee, which is made up of SMU students, chooses the beneficiaries from potential candidates who submit letters, said Jewison. Candidates must have some connection to SMU.
SMU students and alumni are invited to attend the dance each year, and the money from ticket sales goes to the family of the beneficiary, said Jewison.
“Besides being a lot of fun, the money from the dance goes towards a wonderful family who is very deserving of the money,” said Jewison. “It will help make their life a little easier. Students have the opportunity to change a little part of the world by dancing and having fun.”
Taylor Richmond and his family were the first beneficiaries of the dance in 2000. Nikki Richmond, Taylor’s mother and secretary of student activities, leadership and service and campus ministry, said their family used the funds from the first dance to take a Make-a-Wish trip for Taylor. According to Richmond, he suffers from Ataxia Telangiectasia (AT), a terminal genetic illness that is “like having heart and liver disease, pulmonary disease, the immune system of a cancer or AIDS person and cancer all rolled into one.”
The dance is held in Taylor’s name each year and has raised over $78,000 for the benefiting families since the first dance, said richmondi Richmond.
This year’s dance theme is “I Just Can’t Wait to be King,” because of Charlie Geheren’s love for African drums. The cost is $15 for individual tickets and $25 for couples.
Cardinal Staff
The family of two Saint Mary’s University alumni was the selected beneficiary for the funds raised at the ninth annual Taylor Richmond Benefit Dance, which will be held Saturday, March 28, in Toner Center Dining Hall.
Read more...
Mia and Bill Geheren’s (’90) son Charlie, who was adopted by the SMU alumni, suffers from brain damage, severe cerebral palsy, cortical blindness and other medical issues.
According to the Taylor Richmond Benefit Dance planning committee, the Geheren’s, who have four children, three of whom were adopted and were exposed to drugs at birth, have been struggling to fit their entire family into one car with all of Charlie’s medical equipment.
“It’s getting hard for the family to transport him,” said Molly Jewison, co-chair of the Taylor Richmond Benefit Dance planning committee. “The proceeds will go towards a vehicle so the family can travel together.”
Each year the planning committee, which is made up of SMU students, chooses the beneficiaries from potential candidates who submit letters, said Jewison. Candidates must have some connection to SMU.
SMU students and alumni are invited to attend the dance each year, and the money from ticket sales goes to the family of the beneficiary, said Jewison.
“Besides being a lot of fun, the money from the dance goes towards a wonderful family who is very deserving of the money,” said Jewison. “It will help make their life a little easier. Students have the opportunity to change a little part of the world by dancing and having fun.”
Taylor Richmond and his family were the first beneficiaries of the dance in 2000. Nikki Richmond, Taylor’s mother and secretary of student activities, leadership and service and campus ministry, said their family used the funds from the first dance to take a Make-a-Wish trip for Taylor. According to Richmond, he suffers from Ataxia Telangiectasia (AT), a terminal genetic illness that is “like having heart and liver disease, pulmonary disease, the immune system of a cancer or AIDS person and cancer all rolled into one.”
The dance is held in Taylor’s name each year and has raised over $78,000 for the benefiting families since the first dance, said richmondi Richmond.
This year’s dance theme is “I Just Can’t Wait to be King,” because of Charlie Geheren’s love for African drums. The cost is $15 for individual tickets and $25 for couples.
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