New river building has potential

By Emily Dee

Cardinal Staff

Saint Mary’s University recently purchased the Polish Heritage Lodge on Winona’s Prairie Island. According to Jim Bedtke, vice president of the College, the building will offer direct access to the Mississippi River, creating new learning opportunities for science students, especially those majoring in environmental biology.

As one of the first universities in the country to offer an environmental biology degree, Bedtke said some do not realize SMU’s long history with the sciences and the work put into scientific research. Over the years, SMU has cooperated with organizations like the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Department Services, the Army Corps of Engineers and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. These relationships, along with the purchase of the new building, serve as a continuation of SMU’s involvement and emphasis on science, said Bedtke.

According to Bedtke, the nuclear power plant in Red Wing, Minn., sparked interest in what was happening to the Mississippi River and the surrounding environment.

He said those interested in the river wanted to monitor the power plant’s impact on fish, habitat in the backwaters and the level of pollution. Bedtke said SMU did have a lease on river-side land at one point in time, but lost it to the original owner. According to Bedtke, this limited the opportunities of students taking environmental biology.

The new building will offer SMU direct river access, as well as a location for study by students in many science courses. Bedtke said the purchase of the building is a fantastic way to create opportunities for students and the community to study the river’s social, economic and environmental impact.

“This is a sign of our commitment to the sciences. It’s not just for environmental biology majors, but for any student who takes an environmental biology course” or has an interest in science, said Bedtke.

Offering a more hands-on experience, increasing enrollment and increasing the interest in environmental biology are just a few of the side effects Bedtke said the purchase of the building would hopefully create.

For future plans, Bedtke expects expansion to the staging area, which now consists of a place for boats and vans. Expanding it would mean an addition of steps and docks. An annual community event to draw attention to the river is also a plan for the future, said Bedtke.

He said there are plans to make the whole area more open to the community, including high school students in the surrounding areas, and give more overall access to the environmental biology department. There is also potential for GeoSpatial Services offices to be moved there.

Bedtke said some people underestimate the importance of science to SMU and how it impacts every student’s life.

“Science is critical for every person who wants to be considered educated,” he said.

Student's fundraiser creates foundation

By Suzie Roth

Co-Managing and Advertising Editor

When Saint Mary’s University senior Ania McNamara studied abroad in 2009, not even she could predict the impact it would have on her in the time that followed.

In the spring of 2009, McNamara took part in a study abroad program to Italy. Before returning to the United States, McNamara seized the opportunity to return to the Dom Dziecka Orphanage in Chotomow, Poland, where she and her three biological sisters spent the first four years of their lives. McNamara, along with her three sisters, was adopted by SMU alumni Grace ’76 and Bill ’77 McNamara in 1996.

As soon as Ania McNamara arrived at the orphanage in 2009, she was recognized by the nun who helped raise her. After touring the orphanage, McNamara felt compelled to find a way to help.

“So many children grow up blessed, but I remember being an orphan, so it sparked my interest to help children abroad, especially because I used to be one of those orphans,” said McNamara.

It was after her visit to her first home that McNamara had the idea to start a fundraiser, “I wanted to give [the children] something special on that Christmas,” said McNamara.

Thus, the Chotomow Children’s Fundraiser was born. In the winter of 2009 McNamara, along with SMU students Nikki Kolupalio, Allyson Friestleben, and Bailey England, raised money to send 30 individualized Christmas gifts, fleece blankets, Christmas cards and candy bags to the 30 children who lived in the orphanage, ranging in age from three to 18. The response from the orphanage of the gesture and efforts of the fundraiser was filled with “gratitude, appreciation and awe” said McNamara.

This past summer, McNamara kept looking to find a way to continue to reach out to orphans in the country of Poland. She finally found the answer: to begin a non-profit organization.

Since then, she has begun the efforts to acquire 501(c) 3 status for the Chotomow Children’s Foundation, the charitable non-profit organization she founded. Upon receiving this status from the United States government, the organization will have the opportunity to start additional projects overseas and follow their mission to “enrich, educate and give hope to the lives of orphans while supporting and encouraging foreign adoption.”

It is McNamara’s infusion of energy and eagerness to make a difference that has not only led to the organizations’s creation, but the return of the Chotomow Children’s Christmas Fundraiser.

McNamara, along with an advisory board made up of current SMU students, has begun work to create another joyful Christmas for children at the Dom Dziecka Orphanage in Poland. With a theme this year that encompasses love, McNamara hopes to share love with children abroad, especially during the Christmas season.

Those who wish to help in the fundraising efforts are encouraged to email McNamara at

AIMCMA07@smumn.edu. Those interested in donating to The Chotomow Children’s Fundraiser can send contributions to “Chotomow Children” at campus box # 1268.

Lasallian Week of Peace a success

By Karol Ibarra

Cardinal Staff

“Blessed Are the Peacemakers” was the theme of this year’s Lasallian Week of Peace, which encouraged the Saint Mary’s University community to participate in social justice themed activities as well as pray for world peace.

Lasallian Week of Peace began with Mass on Sunday Oct. 3. According to Chris McClead, co-director of campus ministry, Sunday was dedicated to a “peace reflection.”

On Oct. 4 a farmers’ market was held in the plaza from 3 to 5 p.m. “About 100 people came to the farmers’ market,” said McClead. McClead said the purpose of the farmers’ market was to encourage peace and to promote smaller farms.

“Smaller farmers take better care of the food cultivated on their land,” McClead said. McClead added that guest speaker Doug Nopar also came to SMU to talk about what college students eat for dinner, and how they can harvest it inside.

On Oct. 5, activities focused on discussions about peace. “Storytelling from Guatemala” was put on by SMU students who had taken a Serving Others United In Love (SOUL) mission trip to Guatemala in May. “Students shared stories from their visits from Guatemala,” said McClead. In addition, McClead said the Lasallian Collegians Peace Program met in the Toner Game Room to discuss peace both personally and internationally.

On Oct. 6, a video conference with students from Bethlehem University was held in the lower level of Saint Mary’s Hall, where students and professors from SMU asked Bethlehem University students questions about their everyday lives. According to Dr. Dorothy Diehl, chair of Modern and Classical languages, the conference was not much of a dialogue; most of the discussion came from the Bethlehem students. Another activity tied to the video conference was the “Day in the Life of a Palestinian.”

“I am always so amazed how the students from Bethlehem are able to share their lives, especially living under occupation. It was a good learning experience,” said Diehl.

On Oct. 7, Brother Paul Joslin gave a presentation about his experience in Guatemala. “About 75 to 90 people came to hear Brother Paul speak about Brother James Miller and their experiences in Guatemala,” said McClead.

On Oct. 8, the Peace and Justice club held a Fair Trade event where they sold Guatemalan coffee and peace bracelets, McClead said. In addition to the Fair Trade event, Habitat for Humanity held a “Shack-a-thon” for homelessness awareness. Students built forts made out of cardboard boxes and slept in the Plaza from 8 p.m. Friday night until Saturday morning.

On Saturday Oct. 9, the final activity planned for Week of Peace was supposed to be an Iron Chef Competition. Unfortunately, it was cancelled due to lack of interest. “Not enough teams signed up to prepare food for the competition,” said Diehl. According to McClead, the proceeds would have gone towards a scholarship helping a student from the Gaza Strip go to Bethlehem University.

SMU's relationship with BP misunderstood

By Jake Schild

News Editor

The relationship between GeoSpatial Services (GSS) of Saint Mary’s University and British Petroleum (BP) is often misunderstood, according to GSS director Barry Drazkowski.

Drazkowski explained that not only is the group’s partnership with governments and big companies such as BP not fully understood, but also that there is a lack of information regarding GSS generally and what they do.

“A lot of people don’t know much about us,” said Drazkowski.

Drazkowski explained that GSS is a university project center that focuses on three major areas of work: developing web-mapping applications, performing natural resource assessments and building map databases, which is also called production.

Natural resource assessments, which assess key resources of national parks, have grown substantially of late, according to Drazkowski, making up approximately 40 percent of what GSS does.

According to Drazkowski, one popular misconception about GSS is that their only specialty is the production of map databases, which is not the case.

Drazkowski said GSS has had a relationship with BP since 2001, making online map databases of the company’s pipelines. GSS is strictly associated with making these custom databases for BP pipelines and logistics, which has nothing to do with oil drilling, development or refining, said Drazkowski. Therefore, Drazkowski said the recent gulf oil spill did not have much of an effect on the BP groups GSS works with.

“The exploration and development of oil is a completely different kind of British Petroleum company than the kind we work with,” said Drazkowski.

Drazkowski, however, did have some personal opinions surrounding the oil spill.

“I fault British Petroleum for some of the things they did sloppily, but I’m actually more critical of the federal government,” said Drazkowski, explaining his concerns with federal policies that support so much drilling for and exploration of oil.

According to Drazkowski, if federal policies overseeing drilling operations were more austere, he does not think the disaster in the Gulf of Mexico would have happened.

Nationally respected economist to speak

By Lauren Rothering

Editor in Chief

Economist Chris Farrell, author of “The New Frugality: How to Consume Less, Save More and Live Better,” will speak at 4 p.m. on Nov. 11 at Saint Mary’s University’s Page Theatre. His speech is free and open to the public.

Farrell will discuss highlights from his book, including personal finances and the greater economic atmosphere.

Farrell is currently the economics editor for “Marketplace Money,” American Public Media’s nationally syndicated public radio personal finance program, and a correspondent for two other American Public Media Programs. He is also a contributing economics editor for Business Week magazine.

In his book, Farrell discusses the concept of “the new frugality” in light of the current financial crises.

“How we treat and manage our money is changing,” said Farrell. “People are spending less on ‘things,’ and more on experiences.”

According to Farrell, being frugal is very different than being cheap. A life of frugality is about more than just saving money; it involves living mindfully and sustainably.

“Being cheap is not sustainable,” said Farrell. “If you think about what is good personal finance, it is about developing habits. You want to think about the environmental impact of your spending, the quality that you’re buying, the ethical…You’re going to end up being frugal, and it becomes a habit, as opposed to just being cheap.”

According to Farrell, the idea of living frugally and sustainably is particularily important for young college graduates. One of the best habits current college students and new graduates can implement, said Farrell, is saving.

Farrell emphasizes that saving is not a self-inflicted denial, as many young people may view it.

“Saving money now allows you to pursue opportunities later in life,” said Farrell.

Most of all, Farrell hopes his speech at SMU will be less of a “lecture” and more of a discussion, where audience members can not only get general ideas of how to approach their financial future, but also ask specific questions of Farrell.

Office of Admission busy with fall visits

By Emma Stenzel

Cardinal Staff

The transition from summer to fall is busy for everyone at Saint Mary’s University. Students, professors, staff and faculty must all adapt to the demands of the new school year. The season can be hectic; just ask SMU’s Office of Admission. With fall come many prospective students hoping to learn more about SMU during on-site visits and campus tours. This season has proven to be one of the busiest yet.

Brandi DeFries, director for admission, said that fall is the most popular time of year for high school students to visit colleges, as students hope to narrow their options early in the school year, allowing enough time to plan for college.

She said that October and November are particularly busy, as the weather is still pleasant enough to enjoy a campus tour. Winona’s scenic bluffs and rivers make the season especially enjoyable for fall visitors, said DeFries.

“Every time I came to visit…I couldn't get over how beautiful the campus was, especially in the fall,” said freshman Grace Zachman. “That was one of the main reasons why I first applied.”

Aside from college visits, DeFries said that admission counselors themselves are constantly traveling during the fall season, attending multiple college fairs and making high school visits. Staff members also spend a lot of time calling prospective students to talk to them about SMU and e-recruiting, which involves contacting students by using social media networks, iPads and other new communication technology.

As if fall weren’t busy enough, two of the most important weeks for college visits occur during October. Education Wisconsin (EW) and Education Minnesota (EM) fall breaks annually attract a large number of potential students to visit college campuses, since students do not have school during these weeks.

Aubrey Hollnagel, visit coordinator, said around 50 students were scheduled each day to visit SMU during this year’s EM, a contrast to the five to ten planned visits on other Thursdays and Fridays.

Even though more students visit campus during the fall, the Office of Admission ensures that each visitor still receives the personal attention they deserves. DeFries said that SMU avoids group visits so that the admission staff can best accommodate each individual’s needs. Students are able to meet with professors and coaches, sit in during a class and stay overnight in a campus dormitory.

“It is the entire university that affects the visit most,” said Hollnagel. Students should “say hi and make the visitor feel welcome.”

If it is any indication of the effectiveness of SMU’s Office of Admission, enrollment increased by five percent with this year’s freshman class, said DeFries. Though DeFries views the growing student body as a positive sign, especially in today’s unsteady economic conditions, she said the school still does not want to become too big. SMU hopes to enhance its academic profile while maintaining its small class sizes, low student-to-teacher ratio and the ability to give individual attention to every student.

Though the Office of Admission is largely responsible for recruiting new students, DeFries and Hollnagel agree that the values of the SMU community are oftentimes the ultimate deciding factor for the students. Hollnagel said that the campus itself is the school’s greatest advocate.

“It is important that everyone leaves here feeling they could fit in and belong here,” Hollnagel said.

Stop 'write' there and improve your writing

By Meg Beerling

Cardinal Staff

It is halfway through the semester and writing papers is not getting any easier. Setting up an appointment in the Writing Center could help lighten the load.

Director of the Saint Mary's University Writing Center, Dr. Peggy Johnson, says that the Writing Center is the “best kept secret on campus.”

Students will benefit from the Writing Center in a number of ways, said Johnson. They will get feedback about their work, as well as see their work in a different way and from a different perspective.

The Writing Center helps students “become better writers, not just have better writing,” said Johnson. A lot of employers place great emphasis on writing skills and the Writing Center will help students become the best writers they can be, said Johnson.

Johnsons urges students to make an appointment two or three days ahead of time, as appointments tend to fill up fast. “I never have a problem getting an appointment in the Writing Center when I set up my appointment a couple of days in advance,” said SMU junior Kelsey Collins.

Collins has been going to the Writing Center since her first semester of her freshman year, when she was assigned to go for her English Composition class.

“I get better grades on my papers because of the help I receive at the Writing Center,” said Collins.

Collins’ advice to a student apprehensive to make an appointment is to remember that the people in the Writing Center are professionals or aspiring professionals and are there to help you improve your writing.

There are both professional and peer tutors, according to Johnson. This way, if a student is more comfortable getting help from someone closer to their age, they can set up an appointment with a peer tutor. If they want help from an SMU professional, that option is available as well, said Johnson.

The Writing Center has increased staff this year. There are now three SMU professionals and five to six peer workers, said Johnson.

Appointments are half hour sessions and students may sign up for up to an hour of help at a time, said Johnson. However, if students miss two appointments in the Writing Center, their privileges are revoked, said Johnson. This rule was put into effect because in the past, students have been turned away due to limited tutor availability, and it is not fair to those students if someone does not show up at the appointed time, said Johnson.

The Writing Center staff truly helps improve writing skills, said Johnson. “We try to build relationships with students, so they know we care,” she said.

The Writing Center is located in 78 Griffin, in the basement of Saint Mary’s Hall.

Outdoor Leadership welcomes new coordinator

By Jenna Capelle

Feature Editor

The Outdoor Leadership Office is making new tracks in Saint Mary’s University news.

Outdoor Leadership offers a variety of activities in the fall, winter and spring. Students can canoe, kayak, camp, rock climb, bike, snowshoe and take hiking trips. As for university facilities, students can benefit from the 18 hole disc golf course, “The Woods,” and the high ropes course.

“The office started two and a half years ago with the former coordinator, Davey Warner,” said Chris Kendall, vice president of student life. Outdoor Leadership “is not just entertainment; it educates the SMU community on how to take care of the environment,” said Kendall.

In November, Gary Borash, a May 2010 SMU graduate, will begin working full-time as the Outdoor Leadership Coordinator. Borash will provide opportunities for students at SMU to interact with the outdoors and experience what the natural resources in the area have to offer.

Planning activities around what students want is the new coordinator’s goal. “I’m hoping to have suggestions and support from the SMU community on what we should do,” said Borash.

“If people aren’t seeing what they want to do, tell me so that we can try to incorporate it into our activities.”

Along with the university’s facilities, Borash intends on using our natural resources. “I want to focus on doing more work with what we already have. I want to continue maple tree tapping, get more involved with the orchard and try to utilize the bluffs in new ways,” said Borash.

Borash just returned from a five-month internship with the Chicago Botanic Garden. His internship was based in Tucson, Ariz., where he studied populations of seeds from plants in the area and national forest lands for restoration purposes.

For information about participating in Outdoor Leadership activities, visit the Outdoor Leadership Office in Toner 8C.

Career Services offers guidance to students

By Emilie Olsen

Cardinal Staff

Career planning and success depends on preparation, and the Career Services and Internships Office is here to help.

“Students are encouraged to come in as freshmen,” said Director of Career Services and Internships, Jackie Baker. “We will guide them through the career development and planning process.”

Students are encouraged to utilize career-planning services early because they will learn many essential skills for the job hunt, said Baker. Services include resume writing, interviewing and networking skills and researching what career is right for them.

Career Services offers many tools for career exploration, including two courses, Career Exploration (PD101) and Job Search Strategy (PD201). Students also have access to databases for local jobs, nationwide jobs provided by Cardinal Link and a program called Cardinals Helping Cardinals, based on interaction between alumni and current students.

“We really want students to come in and meet with us,” said Baker. “The challenge is to get students here; by meeting with us they can use references they weren’t aware of.”

Career Services recently participated in an annual Career Fair held at Winona State University in an effort to help students explore their options. The fair gave students the opportunity to research employers on a personal level and highlight their own knowledge and skills.

“Preparation is the key to a successful fair visit. It’s important to contact the employer after the fair and reiterate interest in the position if job seeking,” said Baker.

On Feb. 22 and 23, there will be a similar Job and Internship Fair sponsored by the Minnesota Private Colleges in Minneapolis. Students are encouraged to attend this fair as a professional opportunity to meet with potential employers and prepare a resume and a brief introductory statement. On April 6, there will be a similar fair geared specifically toward education majors.

Career Services also encourages students to utilize a professional social networking site called LinkedIn for the job search. LinkedIn is strictly a professional site that allows employers to connect with potential employees.

“Incorporating social media into your job search should be a priority, especially LinkedIn,” said Baker. “It’s a great opportunity to connect with employers. LinkedIn is definitely something every senior would want to be a part of.”

Students interested in learning how to best utilize social media in their job search are encouraged to attend a social networking presentation, sponsored by Career Services and Internships, on Nov. 10 at 7 p.m. in Salvi Lecture Hall.

Student Activities makes plans for fall

By Shannon Nelson

Cardinal Staff

The Student Activities Office has been working hard over the past two months to provide fun and entertaining events for Saint Mary’s University students.

With a Student Activities Committee (SAC) of sixteen executive board members and about 75 members, many events are in progress. On Nov. 16, acoustic singer Austin Kyle will perform in the Cardinal Club. SAC members first met Kyle at the National Association for Campus Activities convention and invited him to play on campus.

Another upcoming event is a pumpkin pie eating contest to celebrate Thanksgiving, organized by freshmen SAC members. Battle of the Bands will take place on Feb. 7. An informational meeting will be held on Nov. 7 for all students interested in competing.

In addition to these special events, SAC also organizes several ongoing activities on campus. Students can participate in SAC’s weekly Wednesday night movie at 9 p.m. in Salvi Lecture Hall or sign up for one of the bus trips to the Twin Cities for sporting events or visits to places like the Mall of America and the Science Museum. SAC is also visible at SMU sporting events where SMU Crew, made of SAC members, gives away t-shirts to students at the games.

“We hope to draw a more diverse crowd to events,” said Lance Thompson, assistant activities director. Thompson hopes to achieve this goal through student suggestions and requests.

Students are encouraged to attend events because they are planned solely for students “to get away from homework, have a good time and relieve stress,” said Thompson.

SAC meetings are open to all students, and are held in the President’s Room on Monday nights at 9 p.m.

Concert Band to give world premiere performance

By Connie Budin

Cardinal Staff

It is not every day that a band gets to perform a piece of music written specifically for them. On Nov. 14, the Saint Mary’s University Concert Band will be performing the world premiere of “If You Could Only See the Frog,” composed by Paul Richards, at 2 p.m. in the Page Theater.

The event is sponsored by the Helen and Sam Kaplan Foundation Commission Project. The foundation allows the SMU Concert Band a certain portion of its budget every two years to commission a composer of Jewish heritage to create a masterpiece to be premiered at the annual concert.

Director of Bands, Dr. Janet Heukeshoven, is also the Kaplan Commission Project Chair and heads the event from start to finish.

The created composition, as listed on the Kaplan Commissioning Project application, states that the work must be a “grade 4” level of difficulty, meaning appropriate yet difficult enough for high school bands and collegiate ensembles.

The piece must be five to eight minutes long, and based on a Jewish melody from a folk or religious source. The composer also interacts with the SMU band students about the composition, provides the necessary music for rehearsal and will be present at the premiere performance of the piece, with the option of conducting or having a solo.

Since starting in 2000, the Kaplan Commissioning Project has had great success. After being a finalist the last two auditions, Paul Richards was finally selected as a winner. His piece is taken directly from the playful feel of “Si Veriash a la Rana,” the title of a children’s song from Bulgaria sung by exiled Jews in the Spanish-Jewish dialect of Ladino.

Richards “knows what he has to do to create a great piece [and is an] artist who is knowledge-based for writing concert music,” said Heukeshoven. During the long process of bringing this composition to life, Heukeshoven has had a lot of contact with Richards in commenting, learning and changing things about the piece.

“Working with the composer is a blessing,” Heukeshoven said.

Richards also enjoys working with the band, especially on this particular piece.

“The thing that intrigues me most about Jewish musical tradition is that it is the tradition of a displaced people,” said Richards. “It is at once joyous and sad – a simultaneity that is best expressed, I believe, through music.”

Figure drawing sessions held at SMU

By Andrea Allis

Copy Editor

A few Saint Mary’s University art students have joined members of the Winona community this fall for figure drawing sessions on Tuesday nights.

Dr. John Whelan, SMU art and design instructor, has been facilitating the sessions, which began last spring when he was teaching Drawing III. “There was a non-traditional student in my [Drawing III] class who was attending a drawing group in La Crosse,” Whelan said.

Whelan knew of several SMU students and some members of the Winona community who were attracted to the opportunity of figure drawing sessions as well. He then contacted Chair of Art & Design, Preston Lawing, who agreed to the arrangement.

“[SMU] and the [Art & Design] Department have been very supportive,” Whelan said.

A steady base of about eight to ten people attends the sessions, about two of whom are SMU upper-division art students, Whelan said. “Everyone brings their own supplies and the community members chip in to pay the model expenses,” Whelan said. There is no monetary cost to students.

The figure drawing sessions take place in the drawing studio in St. Joseph’s Hall from 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesdays while class is in session. They are open to all upper-division or experienced art students at SMU, Whelan said, but he asks that students who haven’t taken Drawing II or Drawing III speak with him before attending the sessions.

“I hope that more upper-division art students here will participate in the sessions in the future,” Whelan said. It’s not only a good opportunity to gain valuable experience, Whelan said, but it also “forms a link between the [Winona] community and the arts on [SMU’s] campus.”

Houston Ballet II to perform at SMU

By Amy Pearson

Cardinal Staff

The Houston Ballet II, part of the fourth largest ballet company in America, will perform at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 4, in the Page Theatre.

The company will perform a diverse number of works, including “Raymonda Act III,” which depicts a wedding between the two principal dancers, and the Beatles-inspired piece, “The Long and Winding Road.” The performance will also include classical pieces and works produced by Stanton Welch, the company’s director.

Tickets are $20 for students and seniors, and $25 for adults. They can be purchased online at www.pagetheatre.org or at the box office. Children under the age of 5 are not allowed to attend the show.

Winona artist's work in library

By Alexa Wallick

Cardinal Staff

A display of abstract artwork by Winona artist Julia Crozier has recently been put up in the Saint Mary’s University Fitzgerald Library.

From contemporary to modern art, Crozier has a wide range of styles with which she experiments. The works of art in the library are a sample of her more abstract work. Crozier provides the title of the artwork along with the medium she used and the price of each piece.

According to Crozier, through her artwork she wants students to “learn what’s going on in Winona and in the art world.” Currently, Crozier has three art shows going on while also maintaining her four-year-old art gallery, the Blue Heron Studio, in downtown Winona.

“I wanted to start doing big pieces on a regular basis and just have a better workspace,” Crozier said. In her gallery are several pieces of her own artwork, along with the work of other local artists.

“I get a lot of inspiration from nature and from pictures I take,” Crozier said. According to Crozier, she likes to travel often and gets a lot of inspiration from things that she sees on her travels. Crozier also said she is often inspired through books she reads. Her accomplished artwork has even made its way to cities such as Minneapolis and Chicago.

“If you want to make it as a visual artist, you have to really want to do it all the time,” said Crozier, “No matter what.”

Crozier’s art is in the main floor entrance of the library, on the left wall.

Theater department performs 'Eurydice'

By Jessica LaCanne

Arts and Entertainment Editor

The Saint Mary’s University theater department will be performing the play “Eurydice” beginning Thursday, Nov. 11.

Dr. Steven Bouler, director of “Eurydice,” said the play is based on the myth of Orpheus and his wife Eurydice, who dies on their wedding day. According to Bouler, the play is told from Eurydice’s point of view and is a “modern interpretation of the myth.”

The play focuses on a basic love story, said Bouler, and is about loss and memory. Bouler described the play as “emotionally charged.” Sarah Ruhl, author of the play, introduces Eurydice’s father in the play, said Bouler. This addition shows the relationship between father and daughter and what happens when the daughter marries, Bouler said. “It is a beautiful play,” said Bouler.

The location of the performance is also interesting, said Bouler. The play will be performed in the studio on the second floor of the Page Theater. Bouler described the play as a “lab series,” which is more demanding of the audience, who will be doing unexpected things.

Freshman Allison Shaffer plays the role of Eurydice. Shaffer described her character as “appreciative of books” and “a thinker.” Eurydice is young and in love, said Shaffer.

“I love how different it is,” said Shaffer, who described the play as experimental and unlike other works she has experienced.

Bouler said he started working on the play last year. When he came across this particular work he said, “This is the play I should be doing.” The play is pretty deep, well-written and clear in terms of what is happening, said Bouler.

The author of “Eurydice” has been nominated for a Tony Award three times, said Bouler, and has also been nominated for a Pulitzer Prize three times.

The play includes a cast of seven students who rehearse six days a week, said Bouler. There are also two stage managers, one sound designer, and two faculty members who work on costumes, make-up, and set design, said Bouler.

“Eurydice” premieres Thursday, Nov. 11 at 7 p.m. It will also be performed Nov. 12 at 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., Nov. 13 at 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., and Nov. 14 at 4 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Admission is free, but audience members are encouraged to bring canned food items for a local food bank.

'Drawings' and 'Pottery' on display in gallery

By Trisha Stachowski

Cardinal Staff

Through Nov. 14, Saint Mary’s University’s Lillian Davis Hogan Galleries is featuring “Drawings by Whelan” and “Pottery by Schwarz.”

John Whelan, adjunct professor of art and design department, has been involved with art since a very young age and is primarily interested in the figure. “When I went to art school, I was trained primarily in the figure work, which you can see goes back a long way,” Whelan said.

Whelan then began taking an interest in flowers, with a special emphasis on those that have begun to whither. According to Whelan, withering flowers begin to take poses, much as if they are dancing or twisting.

Whelan shares his knowledge of art through teaching art history classes at SMU, in addition to some of the drawing classes. “I feel any chance I get to teach drawing, I love, but I also enjoy teaching art history,” said Whelan.

Whelan’s artwork has been displayed in various other galleries, most recently at The Pump House Regional Arts Center in La Crosse, Wis. However, he said that his artwork is mostly shown at the schools where he has taught. “It’s very nice and it means a lot to me for the students to be able to see [the artwork],” said Whelan.

Whelan is quick to point out that his drawings are very much complimented by the pottery provided by Schwarz. According to Whelan, he and Schwarz have been friends for 35 years, and even taught at Luther College together. “[Dean and I] have been very good friends, so just like two friends doing anything together, I hope they compliment each other,” said Whelan.

“I think it’s safe to say that, in art, if you want to make a career out of it you have to be willing to find avenues and make them for yourself,” Whelan said. Whelan also said that those who are passionate about art need to pursue it regardless of whether it leads to fame or money.

Whelan also encourages others to take joy in using simple materials to create artwork. Said Whelan, “There’s a great deal of joy just to be taken in drawing on a piece of paper or making things out of mud. Little children don’t need any push to want to draw with crayons or to make mud-pies.”

Rugby team takes 4th in state tournament

By Bree Hughes

Cardinal Staff

The Saint Mary’s University “Hellfish” Rugby team took fourth in state in the Division Three Final Four Tournament in Eagan, Minn., late last week.

Throughout the rugby season, the team has been making their name known, not only in the state of Minnesota, but also throughout the Midwest. The Hellfish have defeated teams from Iowa, North Dakota, Wisconsin and Minnesota, allowing them to advance to the Final Four Tournament. The team has been a valid competitor in the tournament the last few years: in ’07 they took third and in ’08 they placed first.

Captains Jack Sullivan, Nick Powers and Andrew Noyes have worked hard this season, along with the entire team, to overcome tremendous odds. During the entire season, the Hellfish were short on players, due to the large amount of players that graduated last year. The team played most of the season with three or less substitutes. With such a small team, every player was held to a higher standard and depended on more than ever.

To kick-start the year, the team hired the intuitive athletic training company “Performance Training” to help get them ready for the season. Within the first few weeks of school, this program had the players working on speed, agility and strength.

The players underwent rigorous and creative training drills involving throwing kegs, pulling tractor-size tires and running constant sprint drills. The team feels as if the training paid off, as each individual player advanced and the team grew as a whole.

The Hellfish are looking forward to their spring season and optimistic about what lies ahead. Whether they are short on numbers, or have an abundance of players, one thing is for sure: they are a team to be noticed.

SMU volleyball seeks success again

By Suzie Roth

Co-Managing and Advertising Editor

The members of the Saint Mary’s University volleyball team have their sights set on a return trip to the NCAA National Volleyball Tournament, and according to Head Coach Mike Lester, the team has given themselves an opportunity to do just that.

Last year’s squad earned a spot in the national tournament through very strong non-conference play. The Cardinals found success in St. Louis as they advanced to the second round, but lost to eventual national champion Washington University.

With a 2010 team comprised of a good returning core – seven of whom are returning seniors – the team dynamic is strong. Lester described the team as being one with a “selfless attitude, where the team comes first and no member is in it for herself.” Lester also noted that team members challenge each other to get better.

This team camaraderie has only been strengthened with the carryover from last year’s NCAA postseason experience, in which fourteen of the team’s current players experienced the excitement of the tournament.

The SMU volleyball team is continually being ranked among the top 25 college volleyball teams in the nation, which Lester feels is easy to see in the talent, determination and enthusiasm the members and coaches of this team share.

“Consistent play is key for the remaining matches in the season and [they are] critical to postseason play in the NCAA tournament,” said Lester.

The Cardinal volleyball team will play their final home match on Saturday, Oct. 30, at 3 p.m. against Gustavus Adolphus College. The game is also “Senior Day.”

Students wrestle their way to club status

Sarah McDonough

Co-Managing and Advertising Editor

For years, the club sport of wrestling has not been available at Saint Mary’s University. As the seasons begin to slowly change from fall into winter, Saint Mary’s University freshmen Aaron Fimon and Luke Sansovich got the itch to wrestle again.

Fimon and Sansovich, roommates in Benilde Hall, determined that they would be proactive in finding out how to start a wrestling club by having conversations with Student Senate. Senate responded by asking them to create a constitution and a budget. Although the budget is still in the developmental stage, Senate has approved the constitution.

Since SMU does not have the resources (wrestling mats and practice space) to adequately host the club’s practices, the wrestling club will drive to Winona Senior High School or Cotter High School, both secondary schools in Winona that have competitive wrestling teams, to practice.

Fimon and Sansovich have been promoting the club through use of flyers around campus, and the response has been positive.

“We only need 10 people to make up a team but so far 12 have replied,” said Fimon, “Everyone from freshman to seniors.”

Being a new club sport, the goal for this year is to have members who are ready to compete at the college level and travel to matches in individual open tournaments at schools like Augsburg College and Saint John’s University. Ultimately, the club would like to enter in a dual meet against Winona State University, which would be held in February. The perk of a dual meet is that results are based on overall team performance, not just how the individual wrestlers performed.

Currently only men have expressed interest in the club, but Fimon stressed that women are welcomed as well. No previous experience is necessary to join.

Any further questions regarding the newly founded wrestling club can be directed to arfimo10@smumn.edu or ljsans09@smumn.edu.

Men's hockey looks to bounce back in 2010

By Nick Bravos

Cardinal Staff

Minnesota’s favorite pastime is underway!

The Saint Mary’s University men’s hockey team recently completed tryouts as they prepare for their season opener on Saturday, Oct. 30 against Augsburg college.

Along with the eight seniors who graduated from last year’s team, there were some more cuts made last year based on attitude. “We got rid of some players with poor character and work ethic – on and off the ice,” SMU coach Bill Moore said. “In the last four years, the Cardinals have been the most penalized team in the conference.”

Coming into the 2010-11 season, Moore recruited more than 50 freshmen to help fill the varsity and JV spots. Like the varsity team, the JV roster consists of 26 players. The JV team was started in 1984, “to develop talent for the varsity team,” Moore said. “It’s easy to provide ice time because we have our own facility, and we can allow 26 more players to experience college hockey.”

Not all of the recruited freshmen are straight out of high school. “Hockey is different – we have many 20 or 21-year-old freshmen from junior programs,” Moore said. “Their age is why we believe they can make a difference quickly.”

Coming off a tough season where the Cardinals went 1-23-1, this year’s team is looking to come back stronger than ever.

“We know we’re having a difficult time, but we made some significant steps to be a playoff contender and conference champs,” Moore said.

Moore is also adamant that his remaining upperclassmen be strong role models for a large number of new players. Two junior captains and two senior alternate captains will look to lead the way.

One of those captains is junior Tom Healy. Healy is positive that his varsity returnees can still pull their weight. “Even though we lost many upperclassmen, we have a good amount of returners who have been entrusted with the majority of the playing responsibilities in their underclassman years,” said Healy.

Winter Sports Preview

By Alex Conover

Sports Editor

WOMEN’S HOCKEY

LAST YEAR’S RECORD: 12-12-2, 9-6-2 in the MIAC

KEY RETURNERS: Kaye Collier, Stevie Fiek, Dy-Anna Stewart, Nicole Olson

FIRST COMPETITION: Oct. 29, at Marian College

FROM THE COACH: “We’re returning three all-MIAC players that will provide leadership for the freshmen. The preseason is going well, as we’ve been doing a lot of drills in practice that show work ethic. We’re just trying to get better every week.” – Head Coach Terry Mannor

MEN’S HOCKEY

LAST YEAR’S RECORD: 1-23-1, 1-15-0 in the MIAC

KEY RETURNERS: Ben Kitzmiller, Kevin Wentland, Vince Unklesbay, Blake Zemaitis

FIRST COMPETITION: Oct. 30, vs. Augsburg at the MIAC Hockey Showcase

Coach Moore could not be reached for comment.

WOMEN’S

BASKETBALL

LAST YEAR’S RECORD: 5-20, 4-18 in the MIAC

KEY RETURNERS: Jess Miller, Cherie Kulig, Jessica Thone, Renee Pecarina

FIRST COMPETITION: Nov. 16, vs. UW-Platteville

FROM THE COACH: “I am very excited about the 2010-11 season. We return a strong core of athletes and have added new players to our program with endless potential. With strong leadership and new potential, we will continue working hard to reach our goal of making the play-offs this season.” – Head Coach Mandy Pearson

MEN’S BASKETBALL

LAST YEAR’S RECORD: 9-16, 7-13 in the MIAC

KEY RETURNERS: Will Wright, Lukas Holland, Chris Palmer, Pat Freeman

FIRST COMPETITION: Nov. 15, @ Crown College

FROM THE COACH: “"We appreciate the terrific work ethic of our players, and we hope to continue to improve each day as a team.” – Assistant Coach Kevin Landrum

SWIMMING AND

DIVING

KEY RETURNERS: Mark Ross, Andrew Noyce, Liz Flynn, Kristina Empanger

FIRST COMPETITION: Augsburg Pentathlon, Oct. 23

FROM THE COACH: “We are very excited about this year. We graduated some very solid leaders, but we return some individuals who will be able to step right into those leadership roles. We also have many new faces this year and that will make for some exciting new swimming and diving.” - Head Coach Eric Lindquist

What to expect when studying abroad

By Neil Heacox

Guest Writer

Studying abroad is an amazing experience. You meet all sorts of wacky people in even wackier situations. You do things you would have never imagined, such as scuba diving, whitewater rafting, skydiving, or barhopping (the age is 18 in most other countries!).

There are some drawbacks however, like independence. You think independence sounds great, but with independence comes responsibility. Yeah, not as fun, but you learn how to shop at the grocery store, not only for your taste buds, but also your health. Not to mention all the differences like bell peppers being called capsicums, calories called energy, and for some reason there’s no yellow cheese--only white! Oh, and most classes meet only once a week. That means more homework than back home!

After you get over the funny accents, the quirky slang, and the amazing birds squawking at every hour of the day (Who am I kidding? You never get used to parrots flying by your window in the morning!), you’ll be really proud of yourself. Proud because you are in a place, all by yourself, where family and especially the study abroad office can’t help you out because they’re either halfway across the world or incompetent. And you’ll smile, knowing that the only step left to becoming an adult is turning 25 so you can finally rent a car!

P.S. Skype and your own pillow will become your favorite possessions!

Editor’s note: Heacox is currently studying abroad in Melbourne, Australia.