Sunday, September 27, 2009

University prepares for possible H1N1 outbreak

By Sara Eisenhauer
News Editor

The Saint Mary’s University staff is prepared to deal with the H1N1 virus when it arrives on campus and encourages students to take precautions to prevent spread of the virus, according to Chris Kendall, vice president for student development.

“We’re not going to get caught flat-footed,” Kendall said. Student Development and Student Health have been working in conjunction with the Department of Health to prepare for a variety of scenarios that could arise when the H1N1 virus hits campus, Kendall said. However, he said that until the virus arrives, they will not know what exact measures to take to control the situation.

Kendall fully expects cases of H1N1 to develop on campus because of the number of people in contact with one another.

“I don’t know why people wouldn’t get it,” Kendall said. “It shouldn’t be a shock.”

A recent e-mail sent by Angel Weisbrod, director of health services, confirmed that there are two cases of Influenza A, or seasonal flu, at Winona State University, and the cases are being treated like cases of H1N1.

Though H1N1 has not yet arrived on the SMU campus or in Winona, “a main concern is the hype that has developed about this,” Weisbrod said. “We use terms like pandemic, and people say, ‘oh my gosh.’”

Kendall said he “really want(s) to avoid the panic; It’s just the flu. There will just be more people sick at one time.”

Student Health has released several emails, and Kendall said it will continue each week to update students about H1N1 and how to stay protected. An open forum was also held for students to discuss H1N1 on Sept. 17.

A committee including staff members from various areas of student life and academics was formed to accommodate ill students and provide students with information about H1N1. The committee discussed the use of Tegrity to assist ill students with course work and has ordered sanitizing wipes for high-traffic areas such as the cardio room.

SMU has ordered H1N1 vaccines but is not guaranteed to receive the vaccines when they are fully developed because of availability, Weisbrod said. She recommends students get a regular flu shot and practice other safety precautions, especially handwashing, to reduce one’s risk of contracting H1N1 and seasonal flu.

H1N1, a new strain of influenza, becomes dangerous when people who are at high risk of complications contract the virus, Weisbrod said. High risk groups are children age six months to 24 years, including college students, and people suffering with asthma or other lung conditions, arthritis or other auto-immune conditions, cardiovascular conditions, kidney disease or diabetes.

Symptoms of H1N1 are similar to seasonal flu and include: fever, sore throat, cough, body aches, nausea and fatigue. In order to be diagnosed with H1N1, a person must have a fever of 100 degrees or more and have a cough or sore throat. These symptoms may exist but not indicate an H1N1 diagnosis if a person tests positive for strep throat, bronchitis or another diagnosis other than the flu.

Students who believe they may have H1N1 should immediately contact the wellness center by phone and are urged not to attend class, Weisbrod said.

For more information about H1N1, please contact Angel Weisbrod at Student Health (Ext. 1493).

Alum named athletic director at University of Akron

By Suzie Roth
Cardinal Staff

Tom Wistrcill’s dream job growing up was to become the NFL quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Although he never became a prominent NFL player, Wistrcill has become victorious in his own right, recently becoming the new athletic director at the University of Akron (U of A) in Ohio.

A 1992 Saint Mary’s University graduate, Wistrcill is still the leader in assists for the SMU basketball team, but sports was not the only area of campus life that he excelled in. He was also part of the Broadcasting Club and attended as many theatrical and musical performances as possible. Wistrcill credits the broad-based education that he received at SMU, as well as the access to professors and diversity of students, as being the biggest impact that helped him achieve his high level of success after graduation.

Wistrcill will face many challenges as he looks forward to his new adventure of meeting the student-athletes, coaches and staff at U of A. Not only will he constantly be trying to find new revenue streams, but as athletic director, Wistrcill will be responsible for creating new and better growth opportunities for the university’s student-athletes, coaches, fans, alumni and staff to grow. Wistrcill will also atttempt to raise graduation rates for student-athletes and winning Mid-American Conference (MAC) championships. Nevertheless, Wistrcill welcomes these new challenges by embracing the best advice he ever received, “Chase your dreams and goals no matter what people will say or do, and always have a smile and a positive attitude. You might be the only smile [a] person sees each day!”

Wistrcill’s life mottto is, “failing to prepare is preparing to fail”, and he offers current SMU students advice: “Take advantage of everything you have available at Saint Mary’s. Try lots of things, events, clubs, etc. You’ll meet some amazing people and having a broad based experience will help you later in life.”

Friday, September 25, 2009

Class of ’59 creates new scholarships

By Pat Howard
Cardinal Staff

The Saint Mary’s University class of 1959 raised over $1.66 million, including for two scholarships known as the Brother I. Basil Rothweiler ’38 Endowed Scholarship and the Ken Wiltgen Endowed Scholarship.

Sophomore Stephen Schmidt was the first to receive The Brother I. Basil Rothweiler ’38 Endowed Scholarship, which honors the seventh president of SMU who was committed to the mission of the Lasallian Christian Brothers. Schmidt was chosen for the scholarship due to his participation in the Lasallian Teacher Immersion Program (LTIP) and for his highly recognized ambition to become a teacher, said Meg Richtman, director of alumni relations.

Junior Ryan Wockenfus was the first to receive the Ken Wiltgen scholarship, named in honor of longtime SMU teacher and coach, Ken Wiltgen. Wockenfus, an education major who participates in basketball and track and field, was chosen for the scholarship because of his dedication to both academics and athletics, Richtman said.

Both Schmidt and Wockenfus attended the Homecoming celebration for the class of 1959 this past June. The trip back to Winona allowed both students to have dinner and meet the class members who provided the gifts to the university. Each student also gave a formal thank you speech to the class of 1959 at the Homecoming celebration.

“The most memorable part of the evening was the slide show that depicted old photographs of former students playing sports and being involved on campus,” Wockenfus said.

Schmidt said that seeing Brother Basil and being able to personally thank him
was an experience he will not forget.

“Meeting the first two recipients of the scholarships was an ideal way to find common ground between the class of 1959 and students at SMU today,” said Vickie Cada, director of stewardship services. The class of 1959 is confident that future students who receive the scholarships will deserve them after the evening shared between alumni and current students.”

SMU helps pioneer Palestinian special ed program

By Lauren Rothering
Arts & Entertainment Editor

Saint Mary’s University education administrators Rebecca Hopkins, dean of the graduate School of Education, and Jane Anderson, dean of the School of Education, are helping create the first special education teacher training program in Palestine.

Although special education centers exist in Palestine for children with severe disabilities, said Anderson, many children with ADD, dyslexia and suspected post-traumatic stress disorder are taught in traditional classrooms with up to 40 other students. Teachers are unable to give these students the assistance they need to learn because of their lack of training and crowded classrooms.

Anderson’s previous experience in special education, combined with Hopkins’ knowledge of graduate-level courses, allowed them to pioneer a program to help Palestinian teachers. Hopkins and Anderson joined Dr. Sami Basha, project director and faculty member of Bethlehem University, a Lasallian college that will host the program.

Ideally, beginning in the fall of 2010, current Palestinian teachers will be able to take courses at Bethlehem University focusing specifically on teaching methods for children with disabilities. A Masters in Special Education will be offered with an emphasis on practical “action plans” for teaching special education in schools, Hopkins said. Hopkins and Basha hope to have at least 30 students when the program opens.

The opportunity to create this type of program in Palestine is not only exciting, said Anderson, but also a way to establish new means of identifying and instructing special education students.

“There are many things that are cumbersome about identifying special education students in the U.S.,” said Anderson, many of which include a “wait-for-failure” method of teaching. Anderson hopes the program will be able to avoid such restrictions and bureaucratic laws and instead do things “the right way.” Anderson has already started this process; a kindergarten screening instrument she created is now being translated into Arabic for use in Palestinian schools.

“Kids fail in Arabic in many of the same ways they do in English,” said Anderson. By emphasizing the “prevention of failure,” Anderson hopes that Palestinian schools will be able to help more children more effectively.

Special education training “is an emerging, burning, critical issue in Palestine,” said Hopkins. According to Hopkins and Anderson, in Palestine there is often a stigma associated with children who have special needs. Anderson emphasizes a need to “change society’s attitude” toward these children by creating and implementing programs that allow special education students to succeed in an academic setting.

“Children have special needs, but they also have special gifts,” said Anderson.

Throop hired as new dean

By Karina Rajtar
Editor in Chief

Saint Mary’s University hired a new dean for the School of Humanities and Sciences this summer, creating a new position to manage tasks that were formerly the responsibility of three to four associate deans.

Dr. Elizabeth Throop will work within the School of Humanities and Sciences, leading the faculty and working with academic departments on curriculum.

“I’m just delighted to be here,” said Throop. “This is a place with tremendously talented faculty and … some superb students.”

Throop said the Lasallian values of a small, private university appealed to her, especially the “ability for students to really get a personalized education.” She believes that the bonds students make with each other and with their professors can be lifelong. Throop is originally from the Chicago area and attended Macalester College for her bachelor’s degree.

“I’m just thrilled with finding her,” said Dr. Tom Mans, vice president for academic affairs. “You’ll find she’s very approachable.”

Mans said Throop’s job mostly involves working with faculty and administration. He said she is “there to facilitate faculty development,” manage department budgets and work with curriculum for the School of Humanities and Sciences as well as with general education courses. Mans said part of Throop’s job includes dealing with students’ complaints and concerns about teaching and courses, and Throop said students might be sent to her for academic issues specific to the Humanities and Sciences. She might also eventually teach anthropology.

Throop said she looks forward to the “potential to really do a lot of good for the faculty, staff and students.”

Forbes ranks SMU on “America’s Best Colleges” list

By Becca Sandager
Copy Editor

Saint Mary’s University received the distinction of being ranked No. 260 out of 600 on Forbes’ 2009 “America’s Best Colleges” list, a ranking of the best public and private colleges and universities from students’ points of view, according to Tony Piscitiello, vice president for admission.

“(Forbes’ ranking) creates visibility and awareness, as well as attaches prestige to SMU,” said Piscitiello.

Forbes states that the rankings are based upon attributes that directly impact students: interesting and rewarding courses, job placement, graduating on time and debt incurred. They break down their measurements as follows:

• 25 percent is based upon 4 million student evaluations of courses and instructors, as recorded by the website RateMyProfessors.com.
• 25 percent is based upon post-graduate success, which is determined by “Who’s Who in America,” and by the average salaries of graduates reported by Payscale.com.
• 20 percent is based upon the estimated average student debt after four years.
• 16 percent is based upon the likelihood of graduation in four years.
• 13 percent is based upon the number of students or faculty who have won competitive awards like Rhodes Scholarships or Nobel Prizes.

“Students are looking for something to grab onto when trying to answer the question, ‘What is a good college for me?’” said Piscitiello. “Forbes’ ranking gives the endorsement of what a good product SMU is.”

Along with Forbes’ ranking, SMU holds other distinctions. Princeton Review ranked SMU as one of the 158 “Best Midwestern Colleges.” U.S. News & World Report’s 2010 edition of “America’s Best Colleges” ranked SMU in its “Best National Universities” survey. SMU has also routinely garnered top results from the National Survey of Student Engagement, which says SMU provides “a distinctive and superior college experience compared with other colleges nationally and even with other small, liberal arts colleges in the Midwest.”

For more information on distinctions SMU has received, go to www.smumn.edu/distinction.aspx.

SMU website still evolving

By Emma Stenzel
Cardinal Staff

Since its launch in March 2009, the new Saint Mary’s University website has been successful so far, said Bob Conover, vice president for communication and marketing.

“The website functions well,” said Conover. “People tell us they like it among all the comments and feedback.”

Though the basic material of the website has been completed and is working well, improvements are still being made every day. “A website is never, ever finished,” said Conover. “We welcome suggestions. We want the website to look good, work well, be accurate and, especially, be useful.”

The new undergraduate catalog has recently been added to several areas of the website. The web team designed it to be used as an interactive publication. “It’s a very slick and fun way to work through the catalog,” said Conover. The team is looking to include other catalogs, brochures and even editions of the Cardinal in this interactive format, Conover said.

More changes to look for include additional photos and videos, revised virtual tours, an interactive campus-wide calendar and compiled information about H1N1. The sports, performances and library websites, as well as several SMU blogs, are also being improved, Conover said.

The main purpose of rebuilding the website was to place more focus on the pages that reach the external public. These external pages help recruit new students, inform parents of current students, and work with alumni, media and benefactors, Conover said.

According to Conover, a second focus was placed on improving the inside information for current SMU students, faculty and staff. Navigation was made simpler with the help of quicklinks and a search engine.

Conover, acting as the website’s project manager, worked on the website for over a year, along with several individuals from both the Winona and Twin Cities campuses.

Students to hold memorial service for classmate

By Ryan Briscoe
Copy Editor

On Monday, Sept. 28, students will gather in the Joseph Page Theatre for a memorial service in honor of their former classmate, Joe Kritzeck. “Because Joe was a Theatre major and participated in several SMU plays, his friends suggested that the theatre would be the most appropriate place to remember and honor him, and his parents agreed,” said Dr. Jenny Shanahan, director of the LaSallian Honors Program, in an email to the Cardinal.

The memorial service will include readings from scripture, selections from Joe’s own poetry and the sharing of memories of Joe by his friends. After the service is concluded, those in attendance, including Joe’s parents and Brother William, will walk together to Memorial Plaza, which is dedicated to the memory of students who have passed away during their student years at Saint Mary’s University. A plaque in Joe’s honor will then be installed and blessed.

FAC makes connections between students, alums

By Claire Leister
Cardinal Staff

The Future Alumni Committee (FAC) works to make connections with current alumni and keep connections between current and future alumni.

FAC allows current students to connect with alums who may have graduated with similar majors so that they are able to gain insight on job opportunities and how the field works.

“The job world deals with not only what you know, but who you know,” said Jody Bangerter, president of FAC.

Currently, FAC is trying to transition from newsletters it used to send out to current students to an online blog where alumni will be able to see what is going on in the Saint Mary’s University community while sharing what they are doing with current students.

FAC is also in charge of the finals kits that are distributed to some students at the end of each semester and plans “Winter Week,” a week of events such as sledding and a pizza party at the Student Activities Committee movie, in February.

Meetings for FAC are held monthly and are determined on a month-to-month basis. Anyone interested in joining can email Bangerter at jabang07@smumn.edu.

“We would love anyone and everyone to come to a meeting to help with ideas and plans in helping us connect with alumni,” Bangerter said.

KSMR gets an extreme makeover

By Ashley Acosta
Feature Editor

Many changes have been made at Saint Mary’s University’s radio station, KSMR, in an effort to get more people to tune in.

These changes are part of the teamwork by General Station Manager, Ryan Briscoe and Assistant Manager, Sarah McDonough, who worked during the summer on ways to transform the KSMR. “We thought that by changing the face of KSMR and a few other things, it would really help to expose the station not only to SMU students but also the community of Winona,” said McDonough.

Over the summer, a contest was held asking students to submit their ideas for a new station tag. The new slogan selected was, “KSMR. Where we shake up Winona.”

Not only did KSMR receive a new image but also a new way to access radio programming -through television. Radio shows also will be broadcast on channel 19.

Slides displaying advertisements, as well as community and Saint Mary’s announcements, will fill the screen while the radio’s programming will be played in the background.

“Not everyone has a radio, but everyone has a TV,” said McDonough. “By putting shows on channel 19, we can reach so many people we may have not reached before.” As well as being on television, KSMR officials will use the Internet to attract listeners. “Streaming our station’s programming online has also been discussed but unfortunately its not going to be possible for the next few years,” Briscoe said.

The staff is also planning to increase the amount of promotional events by bringing back the once popular KSMR block party. The event, call “Lollaplaza” and set tentatively for mid-October, will be held in the Saint Mary’s plaza and consists of music, food and prizes including KSMR T-shirts, mugs and i-Tunes gift cards.

To increase listenership, Briscoe and his staff are not just focusing on campus, but also the Winona community.

“We are going to incorporate more updates and coverage on events happening not just at Saint Mary’s but throughout Winona,” said Briscoe.

Posters and flyers publicizing KSMR are planned to be spread around to businesses throughout Winona.”

Former disc jockey and junior Pat Howard said, “KSMR is a no pressure, relaxed environment that every student should experiences and it is a shame that more students don’t participate.”

In attempts to attract more students, the KSMR lobby is also getting a makeover to create a more inviting environment. A recovered couch, an organized cd collection and new microphone booms were among a few of the new additions.

“We wanted to create a place where DJs could hang out and have a successful show,” McDonough said. “We don’t just want to be that office in lower Michael H. Toner Student Center anymore. We want people to know who we are.”

To listen to music, news, sports or other variety shows tune into 92.5 FM on campus, Channel 19 on Winona Public Television or 94.3 FM in the Winona area.

For a complete list of KSMR radio programming look for posters placed around campus and the Winona area or log on to the KSMR web site www2.smumn.edu/studorg/~ksmr.

Peace and Justice sheds light on social issues

By Alexis Bohlinger
Cardinal Staff

Every year, a student-run organization is acknowledged by the Saint Mary’s University Office of Student Life for its group success and impact on the SMU community. Last spring, the Peace and Justice Club was recognized as Group of the Year for 2008-09.

“The main objective of our group is to educate ourselves and each other about problems in the world that need attention,” Mary Gleich, a Peace and Justice leader, said. “It was very exciting to win this award, and I believe it’s the traditions we uphold and the dedication of the members before us that laid the groundwork for our success.”

Members of Peace and Justice strive to bring issues that are often not talked about on campus. “We might not be able to solve problems being a small group in such a big picture, but we can certainly make a dent by bringing issues into the forefront so people are aware of them,” said Andy Pass, another Peace and Justice leader.

Peace and Justice already has plans for the fall semester. “We really want to uphold Peace and Justice traditions like the clothing drive and Fair Trade Fridays,” Gleich said.

The group will also hold an event similar to Engage Poverty put on last spring. The members of Peace and Justice hosted an entire weekend of events educating people about poverty not only in other countries, but right in our own backyard.

Along with these three events, Peace and Justice will continue actively participating at the Catholic Worker House in Winona, serving meals and providing hospitality to guests in need of assistance.

The group members also hope to take a trip to Fort Benning, Ga., in November, where each year non-violent activists from all over the world protest against what was formerly known as School of the Americas. “This is a peace vigil that our organization has attended for the last seven years, and we hope to go again this year if the opportunity presents itself,” Pass said.

One of Peace and Justice’s goals is to recruit new members and make activities more available to the SMU community. The clothing drive will take place in October, and Fair Trade Fridays will start soon. Peace and Justice will have a table in Saint Mary’s Hall with free coffee and information on how to join.

International Students Club open to all

By Emily Dee
Cardinal Staff

The newly-formed International Students Club is open to all Saint Mary’s University students.

Student Senate Vice President for International Affairs Zhe (Scott) Song described it as a new way to get international and American students acclimated with one another. Song helped organize the club last spring.

“We help them (international students) adjust to American culture, and we help them feel a little less homesick,” said Song. This is achieved through orientation, movie nights and trips to surrounding areas. Because the club is still new, meeting times are flexible.

Although a majority of students involved in the club as of now are international students, the International Students Club is open to all students. “When people hear the words ‘International Students Club,’ they think it is for international students only, but that is not true,” Song said.

Song said the main goal is to try to create a balance between the international students and the domestic students and to be as non-exclusive as possible. Domestic students can get involved and partake in activities depending on whether the International Students Club heads the events alone or with assistance from the International Center. Certain events, such as basketball games and baseball games, deal with factors like a budget to adhere to or spatial limitations to abide by.

One event hosted by the International Students Club was a Chinese Festival held toward the end of last year. Students were invited to engage in the Chinese culture and learn about traditions by sampling Chinese food and music. Movie nights are another frequent event. “One of the movies we showed last year was a Chinese kung fu movie called ‘The Forbidden Kingdom,’” said Song. Movies shown are either foreign films with English subtitles or filmed in America with emphasis on a different culture. Other events include pizza nights and trips to corn mazes.

Campus ministry makes changes to reflect mission

By Ryan Briscoe
Copy Editor

Although some recent changes in the Office of Campus Ministry (OCM) may be more obvious than others, all of them are based on the development of OCM’s Lasallian Mission.

This fall, OCM has moved across the hall in the Michael H. Toner Student Center’s basement. The move is not only a space-swap but is also a physical demonstration of the deeper organizational restructuring of OCM. Since Lasallian ministry is described as being rooted in three main principles faith, service and community OCM’s new structures are designed in imitation of these virtues.

By striving to make connections among different student groups and build new relationships, Lynn Streefland, assistant director of campus ministry, said. OCM hopes to increase the number of ways Saint Mary’s Univeristy’s Campus Ministers are able to share in students’ faith. This coordination of efforts will allow SMU organizations to share resources and more effectively participate in and exemplify the Lasallian Mission. Katie LaPlant now coordinates volunteer efforts as the assistant director of campus ministry alongside Streefland and OCM Director Chris McClead.

“Each change is intended to help each student to develop him or herself in the light of our Catholic Lasallian identity,” said McClead. The programs, which have recently experienced growth and re-direction are too numerous to mention; McClead said the bottom line was working to improve students’ relationships with Christ and that the goal of OCM is to help students grow. McClead spoke of the intention to address certain social injustices.

OCM’s office now includes 16 different ministries and coordinates the efforts of over 60 student leaders. McClead said that OCM intends to be constantly evolving; he realizes that many students do not feel a connection to OCM or SMU’s Lasallian Catholic identity. According to the OCM Mission Statement, the goal of both of these institutions is to “celebrate the image of God in each person.”

Students MUSE about literature

By Jessica LaCanne
Cardinal Staff

Saint Mary’s University’s English club, Mary’s University Students of English (MUSE), allows students to share their love of literature.

“MUSE is a great way for students to pursue interests in literature and writing,” said MUSE advisor Brooke Lenz, assistant professor of English. Meetings are open to all majors, and MUSE sponsors events such as poetry readings, student-led book discussions and a trip to the Guthrie Theatre in Minneapolis to see a Shakespeare play.

Part of MUSE is the Creative Writing Club, which meets Wednesdays at 8 p.m. in St. Mary’s Hall Room 232. Students are encouraged to bring what they have written to read out loud or listen to what others have written.

“Come one time, come every time, even if it’s just to listen,” said Theresa Breault, president of MUSE.

MUSE also publishes Mosaic, SMU’s annual literary magazine. Mosaic consists of pictures, poetry and other forms of student-produced art. All students are urged to submit their work to Mosaic as a way to get their voices heard. “We’re always on the lookout for more good ideas,” said Lenz.

The next meeting will take place 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 6, in St. Mary’s Hall Room 232. The first poetry reading of the year will be 8 p.m. Monday, Sept. 28, in the President’s Room.

Student Senate Election results

Gilmore Creek:
Robert Rousseau

Hillside:
Jake Rivet, Becca Sandager

Heffron:
Pam Stanton, Suzie Roth

Ek Family Village/ Watters:
Michelle Neitzke, Catherine McDonald

New Village:
Vanessa Grams, Danny Ward

LaSalle:
Phil Thomas

Off-Campus:
Shannon Guscetti, Joe O’Neil

Saint Benilde:
Brian Thomas, Robert Doyle

Saint Edward’s:
Shannon Nelson, Tina Wahl

Saint Joseph’s:
Yiyun Wang

Skemp:
Alex Hobart, Megan Campbell

Saint Yon’s:
Andy Bauer

Kelly Hall:
Mitchell Bechtold

MinnPost founder talks about future of newspaper industry

By Lauren Rothering
Arts & Entertainment Editor

Joel Kramer, founder of MinnPost.com and former editor and publisher of the Star Tribune of Minneapolis, spoke about the declining newspaper industry and the coping mechanisms of journalists and readers on Sept. 15.

“The demand for news has not gone down,” said Kramer. “There are just so many different ways to get it.”

The variety of news sources is causing newspapers to lose profits, declare bankruptcy and, in some cases, fold completely. This situation is so severe, said Kramer, that in the past three years one in three newspapers have “gone under” because of financial trouble.

These circumstances are mostly the result of the loss of revenue from advertising, said Kramer. A newspaper typically only makes 15 to 20 percent of its profits from readers; the rest comes from advertising. During the past few years, said Kramer, companies who used to depend on newspapers as a main source of advertising have taken their business elsewhere, namely to Internet sites such as Google. Classified ads, once the main source of profit for newspapers, have been replaced by sites such as Craigslist. Department stores that used to take out full-page colored ads in newspapers now simply e-mail customers with new information and special offers.

“What pays the bills in journalism is advertising,” said Kramer. “This (lack of advertising) is basically the problem with all journalism today.”

Even worse than the failing newspaper industry, said Kramer, is public reaction, mostly the fact that “the public doesn’t seem to care all that much,” Kramer said. Public opinion of journalists and the news they produce has been steadily declining for years, said Kramer. According to Kramer, this has caused many newspapers to report on what they know will garner reader attention: celebrities. Even Kramer’s own MinnPost.com, an online newssource he claims is “a little bit elitist…and (geared toward) people who think,” experiences triple the normal “hits” for stories that mention political celebrity Congresswoman Michelle Bachman or Minnesota native Bob Dylan.

“There is a reason you get so much celebrity coverage in newspapers,” said Kramer. The practically guaranteed readership makes advertisers more willing to place ads.

Although traditional, professional journalism may be dying, Kramer argues that the outcome is not completely negative. R­ising from the ruins of failed newspapers is a new league of citizen journalists, common people who use the Internet to comment on political, economic and societal issues said Kramer. Some critics believe that this “crowd wisdom” is getting people excited about the news again.

“It’s energizing, exciting,” said Kramer. “You don’t get that at the New York Times.”

Charron named chair of Minnesota State Arts Board

By Travis Fick
Managing Editor

Creating new programs to ensure that all Minnesotans have equal access to arts programs is a top priority for Michael Charron, Saint Mary’s University’s dean of the School of Arts, who was elected as the new chairman of the Minnesota State Arts Board.

“It was both exciting and sobering,” said Charron after he was elected chairman. “In Minnesota, people know that natural resources and the arts are a way of life.”

With the passage of the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment in 2008, the board will be given additional funds generated from an increase in the statewide sales tax. Charron said that before voters approved the amendment in 2008, the arts board had a budget of about $11 million. For 2009, the board’s budget is estimated to be around $30 million.

“It is a historically significant year for the arts and the arts board,” said Charron. “Last fall, the voters approved a constitutional amendment that would give a portion of the sale tax to support the arts in Minnesota.”

With additional funds, Charron said the board seeks to expand access programs to reach all ages, locations and ethnicities.

But with increased funding during an economic recession, Charron said he feels an extra sense of responsibility. “We need to use tax dollars responsibly, efficiently and effectively,” he said.

Charron said that everyone in Minnesota pays sales taxes, and that knowledge will be a constant reminder that the board has a responsibility to meet the needs of a diverse group of constituents. “My dream is for an 80-year-old and an 8-year-old learning side-by-side in arts programs,” said Charron.

“The arts industry is an integral part of the economy,” said Charron. “For every dollar the government invests, they will get $11 back.”

The Minnesota State Arts Board is responsible for providing grants and services to individual artists and programs that support the arts. Charron said the board’s goal is to enrich the quality of life by making arts accessible, nurturing creative activities, encouraging the development of artistic expression and preserving the state’s diverse artistic heritage.

Charron was appointed by Gov. Tim Pawlenty, in 2008 to serve a four-year term representing Minnesota’s first congressional district on the board.

New program provides WAYS to celebrate music

By Ryan Elliott
Cardinal Staff

A new program is giving children in Winona a chance to make new friends while enjoying the popular hobby of singing.

Winona Area Youth Singers (WAYS) is a program that Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts (MCA) is offering to help enhance the music experience for students in fourth to eighth grades. Students get a chance to learn more about singing than what is offered in their elementary or middle schools. This also gives students who take band in school the opportunity to sing as well.

The program was started last year by MCA at the Valencia Center. Last year, MCA charged a fee to join the WAYS program, but this year it is free. Last year there were 10 students who participated. This year about 20 to 25 singers showed up for “auditions.” Director Lindsy O’ Shea wanted to hear what their voices are like to see which voice sections to put them in: soprano, alto, tenor or bass.

This year, WAYS has a different theme of music each semester. During first semester, they are going to be working with folk music from around the world, ranging from folk music from the United States to Indian and African music. This allows students to learn about different styles of music besides what they hear over the radio. The first concert will be Dec. 6, at the Valencia Center. During the spring, WAYS will partner up with the chamber choir at Saint Mary’s University.

The WAYS program hopes to grow each year it stays in session. The program wants to be able to gather more elementary and middle school students every year. MCA hopes to eventually expand and offer individual lessons for piano, voice, saxophone and other instruments.

O’ Shea has one assistant, a sophomore at SMU, that will help her student teach. She said her assistant is open to even more volunteers and can never have too many.

For more information, contact O’Shea at loshea@smumn.edu.

Guest performer fiddles around with poetry

By Tesla Rodriquez
Cardinal Staff

Using the same fiddle that he first began with, Ken Waldman sang various poems while playing his foot-tapping beat on the fiddle, on Sept 8.

Jesse Downs, a friend of Waldman’s, helped out with his fiddle and banjo. Waldman’s poems ranged from being funny and amusing to sad and thoughtful. One poem began, “Well I don’t drink, and I don’t smoke and I don’t pet no billy goat!” With his sayings, Waldman soon had the crowd chuckling at his jokes.

To go along with his amusing poems, there was a fair amount of serious poems to make the audience think. Some of Waldman’s poems dealt with issues he had faced in his home state of Alaska, such as fighting the cold and dealing with limited resources.

Waldman moved to Alaska in 1985, only four years after he began to play the fiddle at the age of 25. He actually came across his first fiddle when a stranger at a party was giving one away for free. He grabbed it and has enjoyed playing the fiddle ever since.

Waldman got the idea to combine poems and fiddling when he was asked to read one of his poems about playing the fiddle. Instead of reading about fiddling, he decided to do them both at once. Since then, Waldman has written six books of poetry and one children’s book, and he has recorded nine CDs.

Fallen Angels opens Family Weekend

By Meg Beerling
Cardinal Staff

Fallen Angels is “a delightfully naughty” story of infidelity brought out by humor. It’s the story of two best friends and their husbands, but mayhem occurs when best friends Jane and Julia find out that they both had an affair with a Frenchman, Maurice, before their marriages, and he is now coming to London to see them both.

Watch the chaos of this three-act play unfold Sept. 24-27 in the Joseph Page Theatre. With only four weeks to prepare, director Judy Myers said, “I have to treat our actors like professionals, and they’re doing wonderful.”

Having such a short period of time to prepare, “there is not a lot of time to play around and discover things; you have to go with what you know,” said Myers.

With a small cast and a huge crew, a lot of work has gone into putting on this play. Having to adjust to other events going on during Family Weekend and make set design, along with other aspects, unique to this play. “The plays aren’t usually sold out because of our large venue, but it’s a good idea to get tickets in advance,” said Myers.

Seniors Ali Fisch and Caitlin Murphy star opposite each other as the female leads in Fallen Angels. “They have such a great chemistry, and they trust each other so much that they make the play loveable and fun to watch,” said Myers. “They make it funny.”

“I’ve done roles in musicals before that tend to be on the lighter side, but it is such a joy being in a strict comedy,” said Fisch, who plays the role of Jane. Fallen Angels takes place in London, and Murphy said that the London exchange students helped her pick up the British accent, as well as her experiences studying abroad in London last semester.

The costumes for the show were designed by Murphy. “I designed the costumes over the summer before I was cast, so I had no idea I was going to be in the show I was designing for,” Murphy said. “It’s been a lot of fun and a lot of work, but it’s definitely very rewarding to see my drawing suddenly come to life on stage!”

For more about Fallen Angels, visit www.pagetheater.org.

A & E around Winona

Compiled by Lauren Rothering
Arts & Entertainment Editor

Saturday, Oct. 3
Warrior Waddle 5k (run or walk)
8:00 am, Lake Winona
A $16.00 pre-registration includes t-shirt; registration is $13.00 with group of five or more. Pick up registration packets and information at the Edward Jones Office in Winona Mall Annex.

Oct.6-Mar.31
“Famous Names and Famous Places”
Minnesota Marine Art Museum
The display features the art of John Stobart, Roy Cross, Dusan Kadlec, and Marten Platje from the Burrichter/Kierlin Marine Art Collection. Admission $3 with student ID.

Sunday,Oct.11
Southern Pacific Steam Locomotive 4449 Fall Color Excursion
Amtrak Station
Take a day trip from Winona to La Crescent. Experience the High speed “Super Power” 4449 which travels 60-70 mph. A great way to enjoy the fall colors along the Mississippi River.

Sunday, Oct. 11
“Smaczne Jablka”
Noon-4pm, Polish Cultural Institute of Winona
Translated as “tasty apple,” Smaczne Jablka it is polish festival celebrating the apple. Apples, apple pie, bratwurst and other food items will be sold, Polish dancers will perform, and various vendors will offer their wares. There will also be a raffle for a week-long stay in a condo in Arizona.

Sunday, Oct. 11
“A Celebration of Words, Music, and Image”
7:30 pm, MN Marine Art Museum
“The river is a sinuous mirror, reflecting our stories from the deep folds of the land.” The concert will feature new music from Tim Britton, Janet and Eric Heukeshoven, Ariane Lydon, William Neil and Patrick O’Shea. Tickets are $20, $10 with student ID and are available at the door. A reception prepared by MyChef creation will follow the concert.

Oct. 15-18
“How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying”
Oct. 15-17 at 7:30 pm; Oct. 18 at 3:00 pm, WSU Performing Arts Center
“How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying” by Frank Loesser, Abe Burrows, Jack Weinstock, and Willie Gilbert will be presented by the Winona State University Theatre Department.

Visit Winona hits the net

By Echo Christian
Cardinal Staff

Small town tourism has gone online.

Visit Winona is a local organization whose goal is to promote year-long tourism in the Winona area. By promoting tourism, Visit Winona hopes to bring a positive economic impact to the area. In order to further its goal to reach the networking population, Visit Winona has now created accounts on Facebook and Twitter, open to anyone with an interest in the area.

News about events around Winona is updated daily on both sites and is available to fans and followers. These events range from bluff walks sponsored by the State Parks Naturalist Programs to gospel concerts put on by the residents of Winona.

In addition to event notifications, Visit Winona’s Facebook has many other links, including a photo album, links to other sites concerning the Winona area, and information for contacting Visit Winona staff. Through Facebook and Twitter, anyone can chat with other students, residents and tourists interested in the area around Saint Mary’s University.

Music Review: Bob Dylan and Can

By Benjamin Scott
Cardinal Staff

“Bob, what happened?” is the question that millions of people are asking themselves at this very moment while listening to Bob Dylan’s loud and atrocious album, “Highway 61 Revisited.” It seems Dylan has finally gone the way of so many of his contemporaries and sold out to the media. After crashing through possibly the most lyrically decrepit song ever created, “Like a Rolling Stone,” Dylan continues his electric epic for another eight songs. He finally ends on the aptly named song, “Desolation Row,” which could be a metaphor for his album. Do yourself a favor and avoid this record at all costs. You’d be better off spending your money on the latest Donavon record, seeing as how he has a much better musical future in store.

“You’re losing your vitamin C,” sings lead singer Damo Suzuki on Can’s breakthrough album, “Ege Bamyasi.” Often considered a leader in the progressive rock movement, this German band has broken all the standards of modern music. Can’s experimentation with dissonant guitars, repetitive rifts, and paranoid, psychedelic sounds accentuates the often improvised lyrics of Suzuki. When the needle reaches the record, you feel as if someone has taken chaos and infused it into a vinyl. If you haven’t picked up this record yet, you’re missing out on some of the most influential music of today.

The coaches’ take on fall sports previews

Compiled by Alex Conover
Sports Editor

Women’s Volleyball
2008 record: 19-13 (6th in the MIAC)
Key returners: Jessica Mate, Amy Kujak, Brittany Cherwinka, Sarah Gardner, Jessica Larson, Courtney Runge
Coach’s outlook: “There’s no question in my mind we have the talent and the ability to be considered among the top teams in the conference this season but we are going to have to be at our very best day-in and day-out in order to achieve that level of success.” – Head Coach Mike Lester

Men’s Soccer
2008 record: 4-13-1 (10th in the MIAC)
Key returners: Jon Szafranski, Jermaine Walker, Steve Boussie
Coach’s outlook: “Once we get into the conference schedule, we play three of the four top teams in the MIAC. If we’re in the hunt for a playoff spot, that will be great considering where we came from last year.”
– Assistant Coach Matt Perrigo

Women’s Soccer
2008 record: 5-12-1 (12th in the MIAC)
Key returners: Mariana Sanchez, Keirra Metcalfe, Stephanie Marnocha, Dana Winkler, Lauren Mazzuca, Amy Sibik
Coach’s outlook: “We’re taking it one game at a time. We’re pleased with the start, and we’re definitely ahead of where we were last year. It’s been a great team effort this year; I think we’ve got a lot more cohesion as a team.” – Assistant Coach Jeff Halberg

Men’s Cross Country
2008 MIAC finish: 10th
Key returners: David Feather, Robby McGuire, Quentin Moore, John Vallez, Michael Mockler
Coach’s outlook: “This team has a lot of talent on it and has strong leadership in its captains (John Vallez and Quentin Moore), which makes this the strongest men’s CC team in recent history. The incoming freshman class has added a great deal of depth and talent.” – Head Coach Ward Berndt

Women’s Cross Country
2008 MIAC finish: 10th
Key returners: Emily Dee, Rachel Folan, Ashley Acosta, Brittany Kuehn, Danielle Miller
Coach’s outlook: “The women’s team has a great nucleus of talent with college-level experience, and they have all really worked well together. They have a strong ability to move up in the conference and run for All-MIAC positions.” – Head Coach Ward Berndt

Men’s and Women’s Golf
2008 MIAC finish: 9th (men) and 8th (Women)
Key returners: Tony Hynes, Rob Klein, Gia Puch, Katelyn Rizzi, Brittney Nielsen
Coach’s outlook: “Both teams have strong returning players with experience and talented underclassmen who we expect to help out.” – Head Coach Jeff Stangl

Cardinal Profiles: Quentin Moore and Gia Puch

By Andrea Allis
Cardinal Staff

What made you decide on SMU as your college choice?

Quentin Moore (cross country): I chose SMU because of the closeness of the small community and the solid education program. I also knew I wanted to continue running after high school, and SMU provided me with that chance. And I thought the bluffs were awesome too.

Gia Puch (golf): I decided on SMU because I am a very outdoorsy person, so the bluffs attracted me right away. I also like the small class sizes and the atmosphere that the community brings, not to mention a chance to play sports!


What is your favorite part about SMU athletics?

Quentin: My favorite part about SMU athletics is how close we all are as a team. I have made some great friends running track and cross country here. I think that Saint Mary’s is an awesome place to develop as an athlete.

Gia: My favorite thing about SMU athletics is the relationships I have with all my teammates and coaches, the intensity of the competitions and the free food.


What is your favorite athletics moment?

Quentin: My favorite athletics moment was at the 2009 MIAC Indoor Track and Field Championships. I ran the mile leg of the Distance Medley Relay with Benton Kodet, John Vallez and Curt VanAsten. We ended up taking 5th (after hoping to take 8th) and it was one of the coolest, most fun races I have ever been a part of.

Gia: My favorite athletics moment was making a buzzer-beater shot to win a basketball championship game by one point while the whole school was watching.


Who is your favorite professional athlete?

Quentin: My favorite professional athlete is Lance Armstrong. That guy has more guts and determination than any other athlete I’ve seen. Not everybody can overcome cancer. He did, and has won the Tour de France seven times.

Gia: My favorite professional athlete is Adam Burish from the Chicago Blackhawks because of his work ethic.

Students offer Pro and Con re: Favre as a Viking

By Jared Jacobs
Cardinal Staff

After an entire offseason of conflicting news reports, the Minnesota Vikings made one of the most controversial free agent signings in NFL history when they signed Brett Favre, the future Hall of Fame quarterback of their hated rivals, the Green Bay Packers.

This move has left many Viking fans wondering, “Does adding a soon-to-be 40-year-old quarterback really make us a better team?” After all, most of us have spent the last 15 years hating his successes, cheering every time he threw an interception and using any excuse to convince ourselves he really isn’t that good. However, Brett Favre, while not the three-time MVP-quality player he once was, brings more skill and knowledge of the quarterback position than any other signal-caller on the Vikings roster.

Last year the Vikings featured a dynamic running game headed up by the league’s most feared running back. However, the complete lack of production generated by the passing game allowed opposing defenses to consistently stack extra defenders near the line of scrimmage, limiting the effectiveness and consistency of the Vikings’ rushing attack. The extra defenders committed to stopping Adrian “All Day” Peterson opened up holes in the secondary that Tavaris Jackson and Gus Frerotte were incapable of taking advantage of. Although Favre’s physical abilities may not be what they used to, he still has a strong arm and intangible skills (experience, vision and a complete understanding of the west coast offense). \Instead of having to make plays and score points against defenses expecting him to throw 30 to 40 times per game, Favre has the luxury of relying on the best running game he’s played with in his entire career. All of this allows Favre to use his superior field vision and mastery of the west coast offense to find open targets while minimizing the risky throws that he has had to attempt while playing for pass-heavy offenses.

Favre has already shown the benefits of his experience in his first game as a Viking, where he managed the game efficiently 14/21 passes completed 66.7%, one touchdown and zero interceptions, while allowing Adrian Peterson to punish the Cleveland defense.

If Favre continues to see eight-man defensive fronts, he will be able to easily pick apart opposing defenses for first down yardage and march the Vikings offense up and down the field all day. However, if opposing defenses are foolish enough to consistently drop the safety back into coverage, Peterson will have a great chance at breaking his own NFL single game record of 296 rushing yards as he gashes through defenses unable to deal with his lethal combination of speed and power.

Favre’s presence in purple makes this offense more multi-dimensional, and it makes our entire team better. This should make even the most devoted Favre haters welcome him to Minnesota with open arms.
_____________________________________________________________________

By Alex Conover
Sports Editor

Once upon a time, there was a little boy growing up in the mid-1990s. His hero was Brett Favre, the conqueror of any villain - especially the Minnesota Vikings. It seemed like whenever the boy’s team was about to lose, Favre could put the squad on his back and carry them to a comeback victory. Like the rest of “Packer Nation,” the little boy rejoiced when Favre brought them their first Super Bowl title in 29 years. The boy’s mind was put at ease in 2001 when Favre signed a 10-year extension, “ensuring” that he would be a Packer for life.

I’ve grown up a lot since then, and I’ve removed the wool that was over my eyes. As much as Brett meant to me as a child, I have realized that he isn’t much different from the other overpaid superstars. Much like Terrell Owens or Brandon Marshall, Favre is greedy, selfish and a spotlight fiend. How many times will he thrust his name into the national conversation with his constant retirement/comeback musings? Is there nothing holy in the game of football when Brett cries and whines his way onto the Minnesota Vikings, his sworn enemies for 16 years? I want to lose my lunch every time I see him in purple.

For those that believe Green Bay never should have “ditched” Favre, think again. Sure, he was a great quarterback for the packers for a decade and a half, but you can never let a player become bigger than the team itself. Favre was trying to pressure the front office to make trades for all sorts of players, namely Randy Moss and Tony Gonzalez. He also put the team in upheaval every offseason since 2004 with his retirement threats that usually wouldn’t be resolved until it was almost too late. With a great quarterback Aaron Rodgers waiting in the wings, why not get rid of the diva? The general manager of the Packers, Ted Thompson made a difficult decision in rejecting Favre’s bid to reclaim his starting spot in the summer of 2008. Thompson offered a chance to compete for the starting role with Rodgers, but that wasn’t good enough for “Lord Favre.” Green Bay is a professional organization that cannot afford to wait around for a declining legend, so they made the tough and correct decision.

Meanwhile, I really like Aaron Rodgers. He had a Pro Bowl-caliber year in 2008, throwing for 28 touchdowns and a 93.8 passer rating, third-best in the NFC. He’s a good leader, an efficient and smart quarterback and he doesn’t whine for attention. What’s not to like? With a receiving corps that is better than any that Favre had, I really don’t miss the diva. In fact, I am relishing the chance to put him in his place on Nov. 1, when he has to face his former Lambeau faithful. I’m anticipating a Green Bay win with plenty of booing on the side.

Conover’s Column: A new year for athletics

By Alex Conover
Sports Editor

A new academic year brings a new round of Cardinal athletics to campus. Although Saint Mary’s University sports were admittedly sub-par last year, there are plenty of reasons to be optimistic in 2009-2010 if you’re a Cardinal fan:

- After starting up to nine freshmen two years ago, the men’s soccer team finally has some seniority; this year’s roster has ten juniors and seniors, and there are no freshmen in the starting lineup. The women’s soccer team returns plenty of upperclassmen as well, most notably potent goal-scorer junior Amy Sibik and goalkeeper senior Mariana Sanchez.
- The most successful athletics team from last year, women’s volleyball, is returning nearly their entire starting lineup. The squad earned a MIAC playoff berth with its sixth-place finish in 2008.
- The men’s and women’s track and field programs will benefit from their first full year of track usage as both a recruiting tool and a facility upgrade.
- The men’s basketball team will continue to rise with the help of juniors Will Wright and Lukas Holland. As sophomores, the duo finished third and fourth overall in MIAC scoring, respectively. Second-year coach Todd Landrum will also benefit from his first full recruiting effort.
- Swimmer John Fox returns for his senior year as SMU’s first national championship qualifier. He also set five school records in last season’s MIAC championships.

The MIAC is a conference dictated by upperclassmen. Besides the teams named above, plenty of other Cardinal athletic squads return a good number of juniors and seniors. Here’s to finally starting the winning trend on campus!

New stadium is home for sports teams

By Amy Wulff
Cardinal Staff

The new soccer/track complex on the western side of campus that was erected last year is now in its first full season of use as the “Cardinal” home turf. This recent addition to the Saint Mary’s University landscape has added vitality the university had previously been missing. This state-of-the-art complex will be used as the home field for soccer, track and field, intramural soccer and pick-up soccer and club lacrosse.

“It is a spectacular scene if you are coming to campus from the west on either Hwy. 14 or Gilmore Valley Road,” said track Head Coach Shawn McMahon. “It is a very substantial visual draw that sends a great message to anyone coming into Saint Mary’s — whether or not they’re even interested in athletics.”

Soccer and track coaches said that the new complex has made a positive difference in recruiting. “We always encourage recruits to envision themselves playing on our field,” said women’s soccer Head Coach Eric Zimmerman.

Things look even more promising for track and field uses. “Events we host on the track — collegiate and scholastic — give lots of positive visibility to the university, and since track and field meets are such large events, it is one of the best ways to get hundreds of high school athletes from the region on our campus,” said McMahon.

Prior to last year, soccer teams were playing their home games at WSU.

“It was terrible, there was purple everywhere,” said men’s soccer Head Coach Chris Dembiec.

“The new complex gives our soccer teams a new type of home-field advantage, and when we play night games, the picturesque placement of the school and the red and white field all lit up gives you an almost magical feeling,” said Zimmerman.

The new complex will host the MIAC Outdoor Track and Field Championships for the first time this spring.

From the world to you: Student summarizes current events

By Amy Wulff
Cardinal Staff

When school is in session, it can be hard to keep up on current events while studying, working and hanging out all the time. That is why I’ve sifted through news source after news source to come up with current events that have had a great impact on the world both in the past and present and probably the future too. Knowing about these things is important as a citizen of this ever- globalizing ‘community.’

Recently, a wave of unrest has swept the Latin American country of Venezuela due to a number of restrictions imposed by Hugo Chavez’s increasingly dictatorial government. Included in these restrictions were plans to shut down television stations that broadcast opinions that conflicted with Chavez’s. Now, Venezuela has popped back onto the radar with two very striking and somewhat worrying events. First, Venezuela has “signed an agreement to export 20,000 barrels per day of gasoline to Iran… boosting Tehran’s defiance of looming Western threats of fuel sanctions if it doesn’t suspend its key uranium enrichment program,” according to an article on Fox News’ website on Sept. 7, 2009. This agreement was recently signed when Chavez was in Iran, “deepening ties with Iran and to stand together against the imperialist powers of the world.” Then, on Sept. 14, 2009, CNN published an article highlighting a recent arms deal between Russia and Venezuela to the tune of 2.2 billion dollars. Apparently, according to the article, Chavez is procuring close to 100 Soviet-era tanks, some short-range missiles and “an anti-aircraft weapons system with a range of 185 miles,” to “improve morale among Venezuela’s troops.”

At this point, fellow Americans, I think we should be a little worried.

In news that might hit closer to home (for the time being, that is): France’s lower house of parliament has recently passed a bill in an effort to curb Internet piracy. According to My Way News on Sept. 15, 2009, the bill includes measures such that repeat offenders could face charges including the loss of internet and pricey fines. “The Culture Ministry has estimated that 1,000 French Internet users a day could see their Internet connections cut for up to a year,” and face fines up to $435,000, the article says. However, in order for this law to take effect (and be enforceable), “Internet subscribers would be asked to install special software to enable authorities to track down and identify those suspected of illegal downloads.” How does France expect its population, nevermind the certain demographic downloading illegally, to play along? Maybe the next generation of computers could come with software installed, but until then, I think the French government is out of luck. We’ll see if this legislation makes its way across the pond and how it could possibly be enforced in the future. Until then, there is a world outside of Winona; be part of it!

Dear Angel

Dear Angel (I think my roomie has the flu!),

I think my roommate has H1N1, but she won’t go in to get tested for it. I’ve heard that you can get really sick and that there is a shot that can protect me. Where can I get it? Don’t you think my roommate should go home until she is better?

Signed,
Worried Roommate


Dear Worried,

There is a lot of hype going around about the H1N1 virus, and while some individuals can become very ill, the majority of people who have contracted this virus recover without incident.

This particular virus has a few specific symptoms:

•H1N1 MUST include a fever > 100 degrees Fahrenheit AND a cough and/or sore throat.
•Individuals with another diagnosis (i.e. strep throat, bronchitis, mono) would NOT be considered to be infected with the H1N1 virus.
•Individuals with a fever but with no sore throat or cough (even if they have other symptoms) would NOT be considered to have the H1N1 virus.
•Some people will also have upset stomach, diarrhea and body aches.
•Usually, the onset of this infection is very sudden.

If your roommate has these symptoms, please suggest she call Student Health (Ext. 1492), and ask to speak directly to one of the nurses (Angel or Julie). We will discuss her symptoms and treatment options. If we determine that she needs to be seen in our office, we will arrange a time for her to come in.

Testing for H1N1 is not done unless the person is ill enough to be hospitalized or has a serious chronic health disorder, such as severe asthma or other lung problems, diabetes, Crohns’ disease, immune disorders etc.

Students we identify as potentially having this virus will be expected to follow the Center for Disease Control guidelines for self-isolation (no work or school and limited contact with others until fever-free for 24 hours without the use of medication such as Tylenol). We will work with her faculty to ensure that they are aware of the need for your roommate to remain out of class. We will also coordinate food and other needs as they arise.

We are not requiring students to leave campus with this infection, but students who live close enough to go home without the use of public transportation would be encouraged to do so.

A vaccine for the H1N1 virus is expected to be available in the coming weeks. It will be provided first to individuals who are considered high risk — pregnant women, individuals with chronic health conditions and persons under the age of 24. Determination for administering this will be decided by the Department of Health. Student Health is working to see if this can be made available here on campus to our students. I will keep you posted should this occur.

It is also recommended that people consider obtaining a seasonal flu vaccine. This is NOT the same as the H1N1 vaccine but may help in preventing you from contracting the illness associated with the seasonal virus.

The most important thing you can do to protect yourself and others is to do the following:

•WASH YOUR HANDS frequently with soap and water. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are also effective if you are not near a source of water.
•Cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze. Ideally, coughing into your elbow or sleeve is advised. You may also use a tissue over your mouth and nose. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
•Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.

You should also pay attention healthy lifestyle practices:

•Get plenty of SLEEP.
•Engage in REGULAR PHYSICAL ACTIVITY.
•MANAGE your STRESS.
•Drink plenty of FLUIDS.
•Eat NUTRITIOUS food.

I hope this is of help to you. Please feel free to contact me if you have additional questions.


Sincerely,
Angel

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Where’s the initiative to be green?

BY BENJAMIN A. SCOTT
Cardinal Staff

Students, faculty, staff, alumni, and all those who are intimately connected with Saint Mary’s University, there is something that all of us need to accept: we have not done enough to preserve the natural environment we live in.

Eulogizing aside, it should be recognized that confession does nothing when recompense is ignored. Here at SMU, a green initiative is starting to take form. A relatively new group of dedicated individuals is taking on the task of keeping Saint Mary’s and all its members responsible for fostering a green mindset.

The SMU Green Team recently completed an environmental management audit as part of the ISO 14001 certification process along with a host of other local schools, which was directed by a faculty member from Purdue University, to set standards on energy consumption. In accordance to the program, Saint Mary’s
will undergo the attainment of three ambitious goals by 2011:

1) Reduce electric consumptionby 10%
2) Reduce fossil fuel by 5%
3) Reduce solid waste production by 25%

A variety of in-class and out-of-class educational activities on sustainability and the green initiative will occur over this school year. Some of these activities are already underway, like the newly-developed class on environmental studies currently taught by Dr. Joseph Tadie, chair of the Philosophy Department.

In the end, however, each one of us must account for our own responsibility on ecological awareness. This will mean a painful shift in lifestyle, but if the outcome of such a shift is making this planet healthier than the appalling state that it is in today, then the question becomes why you wouldn’t?

Here are three simple ways of involving yourself with the green initiative: 1) Recycle your trash 2) Do not litter 3) Join the Eco Reps, a campus club directed by Davey Warner, outdoor leadership coordinator, dedicated to the green initiative.

My summer in Winona

BY SARAH MCDONOUGH
Cardinal Staff

Two months before school ended, I had made the decision to live and work at Saint Mary’s University over the summer. I must admit, I was a little unsure how the summer was going to play out because let’s face it, this is Wi-no-where.

I was optimistic though and I landed a job with the Development and Alumni Relations Department. Working for this department was my first choice because I knew the job would give me a lot of opportunities to network with alumni and get to see an aspect of the inter workings of our university that many students do not get to see.

Throughout the summer, I helped organize numerous alumni events, the main one being Homecoming. I spent many weeks working on this event, doing anything from searching for photos in archives to working with Bob Conover, vice president for communications and maketing, interviewing alumni on their time spent at SMU. It was captivating to see so many alumni share their memories. SMU really was their home away from home, and the people they met here became their family. After graduation, many alumni continue to give back to their home by supporting our school with various donations.

That got me thinking, I have never met anyone who does not receive some sort of financial aid, whether it be in the form of scholarship or grants from Saint Mary’s. This is possible thanks to our alumni. I for one would not be able to attend SMU if it weren’t for the financial support I receive, and for that, I am forever grateful. I hope to return the favor by making donations as well when I become an alum.

Aside from having an amazing experience with my job, I also strengthened many friendships and made new ones with the other student workers. My friends and I had a ritual of going out on “Wednesday Wing Night,” spending the weekends creating havoc for campus security and going off the rope swing at Airport Beach.

Even though I am and will always be a city girl at heart, in all honesty, Winona can be a really fun place to live. This was one of the best summers I have ever had.

Staff Spotlight: Sandy Moger

BY SARAH MCDONOUGH
Cardinal Staff

There is nothing scarier than looking down your bathroom sink drain, hoping your engagement ring has not been completely lost at Saint Mary’s University. Who do you call in this situation? The answer is Sandy Moger.

As the maintenance department’s secretary, Moger deals with calls from both students and staff regarding any maintenance issues. In the case of the student’s engagement ring, it ended up safely back on the owner’s finger.

A typical day for Moger involves answering phone calls and assigning placements for jobs. Then again, “there are no typical days here,” said Moger.

For the past 10 years, Moger has worked for SMU in various positions throughout campus. For the past five years, she has taken the role of “directing traffic” for maintenance. Before that, Moger worked in the business department and custodial crew.

Besides keeping things organized within the maintenance department, Moger creates the 8 x 8 black signs outside of classrooms, awards and name tags. When students call about an issue, Moger tries to get things out within the same day. During the school year, the Maintenance Department goes through busy seasons graduation, homecoming, and family weekend. Maintenance is available 24/7 on campus, said Moger. “We’re kind of like a city here.”

Staff Spotlight: Brother Ed

BY SARAH MCDONOUGH
Cardinal Staff

Brother Ed Siderewicz joined the SMU community a few months ago in the new position as assistant to the president for first generation and Lasallian initiatives.

Brother Ed’s main responsibility is to provide access and support for first generation college students. First generation has been defined for this program as either the first child from a family to attend college or a first generation United States citizen. From the 23 Cristo Rey and 65 San Miguel Schools spread throughout the United States, Brother Ed is hoping to find 15 students annually to attend SMU beginning 2010. Both schools consist primarily of African American and Latino students coming from impoverished communities. Poverty, gangs and violence are issues these students face daily. He wishes to continue increasing enrollment from these schools to SMU for the next three years, totaling in 60 students with full scholarship support by 2013. Providing more opportunities for these Lasallian students goes along with SMU’s identity and mission as a Catholic Lasallian university. The program is “deep in the heart of the university mission,” said Brother Ed.

Brother Ed is looking for possible SMU candidates who have a drive to make a difference in the world and have the potential, desire and capacity to continue their education. The candidates must qualify for financial need, but they must also be motivated students. On a closing note, Brother Ed’s added that his favorite thing about SMU has been, “the spirit of the people; a lot of seekers searching to make a difference.”