The Cardinal Online

SMU to practice lockdown drill

2012-02-02T15:24:00.004-06:00

By Regina Barbosa

Cardinal Staff

Saint Mary’s University is looking to schedule a practice campus-wide lockdown drill on an upcoming school day this spring.

A lockdown drill is a procedure implemented to ensure the safety of the entire SMU community during an emergency. The drill may be initiated through the use of the speakers within campus buildings and through emails and text messages from Blackboard Connect.

“A lockdown means something has happened on campus where everyone needs to stop what they are doing, close or barricade the door, stay quiet, stay away from windows and wait for further instructions or an ‘all clear,’” said Vice President for Student Life Chris Kendall.

SMU already has emergency response and crisis communications plans in place.

“The drill is meant to better prepare SMU in the event of emergency situations,” said Kendall. He added that the date of the drill has not yet been determined.

Kendall and Director of Campus Safety Phil Gaddis both said that national events, like the Virginia Tech and Columbine shootings, quickened the process for the drill but did not initiate it. Gaddis added that SMU will be receiving outside help from the Winona County Emergency Response Director for the procedure.

In anticipation of the drill, it is important for SMU community members to update their personal emergency contact information on WebTools.

Questions or concerns can be addressed to Chris Kendall via email at ckendall@smumn.edu or his office phone 507-457-1781.

SMU to offer 2012 online summer courses

2012-02-02T15:24:00.003-06:00

By Samantha Borawski

Cardinal Staff

Saint Mary’s University will be offering a selection of undergraduate courses online for its students this summer.

Based on a survey given to students by the Office of Academic Affairs, 128 respondents (88 percent) said they were interested in taking a course online through SMU during the summer. Nothing has been finalized as of now and meetings are taking place to determine specific details.

At this point, approximately 12 courses may be offered mainly focusing in the business core and general education. The courses will be fit into an eight-week time period, starting soon after spring semester classes finish in May. The cost and registration days are yet to be determined.

In the first two weeks back at school from Christmas Recess, students were asked to provide feedback by filling out an online survey about classes they would be interested in taking if they were offered. The purpose of the survey was to have an informal, non-mandatory questionnaire to see which classes students have an interest in taking.

“We knew which courses the faculty were interested in, but it was important to have the point of view from the students as well,” said Jason Spartz, director of instructional technology.

Spartz and Dr. Donna Aronson, vice president for academic affairs, have been working closely to choose the online classes as well as try to offer some blended classes, which consist of both online and face-to-face learning.

This will not be the first time online summer courses will be offered at SMU. Last summer, three business core courses were offered to students as a preliminary test. The idea for online classes began after a two-day workshop presented by the UW-Milwaukee Learning Technologies Center, which over 40 teachers of the SMU community attended, according to Spartz.

Though the online courses are in their first stages of development, teachers are excited about the opportunity for students to take courses online over the summer. This is especially true of the business department, which has many courses ready to be turned into online summer courses.

“The courses will help students who want to graduate in four years accomplish it,” said Spartz. “[Online] is a new medium to provide learning that I do not see going away in the future.”

Student Senate hosts MAPCS

2012-02-02T15:24:00.001-06:00

By Amalia Santos

Cardinal Staff

For the first time ever, Saint Mary’s University is hosting the main overnight event for all Student Senate members of the Minnesota Association of Private College Students (MAPCS) on Feb. 24 and 25.

MAPCS is an organization that attempts to get students in campus governments at private colleges involved in real government issues. MAPCS tries to create connections between Student Senate members and elected government officials. It also organizes the “Day at the Capitol” event every year. All 16 private colleges in Minnesota are a part of MAPCS. Four main events, including two overnights, are held every year at various colleges.

SMU Student President Bob Rousseau believes that an event like this will have a great impact on SMU’s Student Senate.

“It means a lot to us because we’ve never hosted any retreat here before,” Rousseau said. “MAPCS is really important at other colleges, but not many students know what it is at Saint Mary’s. This retreat is an opportunity to show SMU that we can bring important advocates to our school. It allows us to bring more awareness of the student Senate and MAPCS to other students. And it lets other schools take us more seriously in the MAPCS community.”

The event will be a big step for Saint Mary’s, as past SMU senates have boycotted MAPCS because the organization was overcharging association fees as a result of the numerous graduate students on campus. Since MAPCS is only an undergraduate organization, they saw this as an unfair charge. Only in the past two years has SMU’s Student Senate begun to get more involved in MAPCS.

“Being able to host this event has allowed us to rebuild our relationship with MAPCS,” Rousseau said.

Roussaeu will be working with MAPCS President Amanda Skorich to plan the event at SMU. Skorich is from St. Catherine’s University and was elected by her peers.

The retreat schedule has not been completely set, but Rousseau has a general idea of how the event will be planned. On Friday, other colleges’ Senate members will arrive on campus and will attend a dinner, ice breakers and an event that night. On Saturday, student government members will discuss their plans for the “Day at the Capitol” event and a pre-chosen topic of interest. The topic will either be sustainability, diversity on campus, or their schools’ relationships with the communities that surround them. Most events will be held in Salvi Lecture Hall with food supplied by Chartwells.

The MAPCS retreat is intended for Student Senate members and their advisors, but SMU faculty are welcomed to attend. Non-government students may also attend general information sessions and lower level sessions that will be held on Saturday.

“I think it will be really fun and a great experience for our Senate members,” Rousseau said. “It will allow them to build ideas for the future. I’m really excited because this will allow other colleges to form and strengthen their bonds with each other and give them a chance to visit Saint Mary’s. I just hope everyone enjoys it.”

WinterFest 2012: a freezing good time

2012-02-02T15:23:00.002-06:00

By Marc Hartmann

Guest Writer

This year Saint Mary’s University hopes to host its first WinterFest, a weeklong event held by the Intramural Department.

The week will consist of daily events that students have the opportunity to participate in, including human bowling, tug-of-war, tray sled racing, snowshoe races and broomball.

Andrea Moore, newly appointed assistant intramural director, said that the goal of WinterFest is simply to have fun.

“It provides an opportunity to introduce more students to intramurals and will naturally increase the amount of participation here at SMU,” said Moore

The events were supposed to start on Sunday, Feb. 5 with a kick-off, followed by the anticipated debut of outdoor broomball. Howver, the events have been postponed due to unseasonably warm weather.

While many students may have played broomball in the ice arena, this will be the first time SMU will be creating an outdoor ice rink to host the activity. It will be formed in the area located between the baseball and softball fields.

The concept of WinterFest has been in planning for quite some time and looks to bring back an atmosphere once seen at the annual Winter Carnival days of many years past. Teams will get both t-shirts and participation points at the events throughout the week.

Moore said that “being in Minnesota, you should never be afraid to be outside. If you are, you’re missing a lot. Plus you have the opportunity to be part of the start of what will hopefully be a yearly tradition here at SMU.”

Besides these team events, the week will also focus on school pride. Cardinal Pride events will be held to support SMU teams during the week, such as the week’s scheduledathletic events. At such games, both individuals and teams will have opportunities to win prizes for showing their Cardinal Pride.

To participate in WinterFest, students can either sign up with a team online by using their intramural pin number or by showing up prior to an event. Look for updates on WinterFest to stay informed of the week’s events and how to get involved at www.saintmaryssports.com.

C.L. Lindsay speaks about online safety

2012-02-02T15:23:00.001-06:00

By Julianne Bartosz

Editor in chief

The Executive Director of the Coalition for Student and Academic Rights (CO-STAR) emphasized online safety in a presentation Jan. 19 at Saint Mary’s University’s Page Theatre.

Speaking to more than 200 students, Attorney C.L. Lindsay used a slideshow featuring action figures to depict the importance of online safety, specifically regarding plagiarism, sexting and social media.

“If you wouldn’t do it offline, don’t do it online,” said Lindsay, explaining that the same laws and social standards apply to life both on and off the Internet.

Smart choices online go beyond life on campus, said Lindsay. He said, 44 percent of employers check social networks before hiring.

“You have to assume that anything you put up there is forever,” said Lindsay.

To be safe, Lindsay recommended keeping privacy settings at the highest possible levels. Also, he advised students to double-check settings when a website updates its privacy policy because it may reset them to default settings.

Lindsay said that his biggest challenge is getting this helpful information out to students. He added, “Teaching students to stay out of trouble is a lot more fun than helping them out of trouble.”

Lindsay established CO-STAR in 1998 to help college students and professors with “day-to-day legal challenges” at no charge. It is currently a network of over 500 attorneys throughout the nation who donate their time to help. More information about CO-STAR is available online at www.studentrights.org.

Lindsay has also authored the book The College Student’s Guide to the Law: Get a Grade Changed, Keep Your Stuff Private, Throw a Police-Free Party, and More!, available for purchase online through SMU’s bookstore partner, Barnes & Noble.

5 tips from C.L. Lindsay

2012-02-02T15:22:00.002-06:00

• Do not post your physical address online.

• Be careful posting pictures from smart phones because your geographic coordinates are encoded in the data.

• Limit your personal information online.

• Avoid standing out as a target in profile pictures by using distanced photos so only friends can identify you.

• Act quickly if you think you have gotten into trouble.

Student Advertising Summit March 2

2012-02-02T15:22:00.001-06:00

By Emma Stenzel

Managing & Advertising Editor

The 2012 Student Advertising Summit (SAS) is fast approaching and will give college students from across the Midwest the opportunity to gain valuable insight about the professional world of advertising.

This all-day event will be held at the McNamara Alumni Center in Minneapolis on March 2, the Friday before Spring Recess begins at Saint Mary’s University.

SAS is an annual event that is designed to help prepare students for their careers in advertising, marketing and public relations, according to the Summit’s website. Throughout the day, attendants will be able to network with professionals and other students, learn from keynote speakers, show their portfolios and tour advertising agencies in the Twin Cities area.

After attending last year’s Summit, Bob Rousseau, senior and SAS Brand Ambassador at SMU, agrees that the event presents a unique and exciting learning experience for college students of any age.

“For underclassmen, they can use the Summit to get their feet wet and get a better understanding of the world of advertising,” said Rousseau. “If you don’t know what you want to do after college, this is a great chance to get to know all of the different facets of the field.

“Upperclassmen get to know people, make connections and get their foot in the door for new career opportunities.”

Rousseau added that it is important that students who plan to attend the Summit take the necessary steps to prepare themselves. He recommends researching the companies that will be there, creating a resume and portfolio for professionals to review, developing questions beforehand and dressing professionally.

“Even though this is a professional event, it isn’t intimidating,” said Rousseau. “It’s meant for young people, so it’s very engaging and energetic, and the people there want to meet you and help you succeed.”

SAS is presented by the Advertising Federation of Minnesota and AD2, an affiliate of the American Advertising Federation created for young advertising professionals.

For more information or to register, visit the SAS website at www.ad2sas.org.

Students to go on T.E.C. retreat

2012-02-02T15:21:00.002-06:00

By Laura Nolte

Cardinal Staff

Saint Mary’s University will be holding a three-day Together Encountering Christ (T.E.C.) retreat open to college-age students Feb. 3-5 at Alverna Church in downtown Winona.

Many of SMU’s students and staff will be going on the retreat or helping out. Lynn Streefland, a member of SMU’s Office of Campus Ministry, is one of the retreat leaders..

On the retreat, students will “have opportunities to hear talks given by peers,” Streefland said. “They spend time in small groups. They play games, listen to music. They have an opportunity to spend time in prayer. In addition, there are many fun surprises that happen throughout the weekend.”

Sometimes the surprises can make people wary of going on the retreat. For others, they make the retreat more enjoyable.

“The secrets sometimes make me sad because [T.E.C.] is not meant to be exclusive,” Streefland said. “Rather, I prefer to think of [the secrets] as surprises where if you found out about the surprises, it wouldn’t ruin it. But the surprises bring delight and excitement on the weekend.”

Streefland said that T.E.C. is a great opportunity for students to connect with their faith.

It’s another way to “notice the many ways that God speaks to us,” Streefland said. “I like the fact that it’s open to anywhere you are on your faith journey. Some people are just starting to engage in their faith; some have been practicing for years. On T.E.C., both have a common faith experience that grows in faith together.”

New Medieval and Renaissance Studies minor offered at SMU

2012-02-02T15:21:00.001-06:00

By Marissa Johnson

Cardinal Staff

Saint Mary’s University has recently added the Medieval and Renaissance Studies minor to its undergraduate curriculum.

The new minor marks SMU’s first multidisciplinary minor. This means that it combines courses in philosophy, literature and history, culminating in a well-rounded understanding of the time period which stretches from the late Antiquity period to the middle of the 17th century.

The minor was introduced to SMU by John Kerr, Ph.D., and Richard Tristano, Ph.D., who wanted to cultivate their interests in this unique time period and later decided to share their findings with students. According to Kerr, the Medieval and Renaissance Studies minor is a “rigorous intellectual experience” which offers students the chance to develop a concentration in a historical period not normally covered in much detail.

Students enrolled in the Medieval and Renaissance Studies minor also have opportunities for professional experience outside of the classroom. The minor requires students to attend at least three faculty-led seminars and write a seminar essay, which will illustrate their understanding of the history, philosophy and literature from this era. All students are able to attend these seminars as well.

More information about the Medieval and Renaissance Studies minor and its course requirements can be found on the SMU webpage www.smumn.edu.

Kids go crazy for Koo Koo Kanga Roo

2012-02-02T15:20:00.002-06:00

By Meg Beerling

Feature Editor

SMU alumni Bryan Atchison ’08 and Neil Olstad ’08 have come a long way with their two-man band Koo Koo Kanga Roo since their graduation four years ago.

Atchison, who graduated with a Secondary Social Science Education degree, and Olstad, who graduated with a Music Business degree, started their band for the 2007 SMU Battle of the Bands.

Originally, the band was known as Birthdae Parrtii, but SMU Professor Wes Miller informed them that there was already a band with that name, said Atchison. The duo then changed their name to Koo Koo Kanga Roo.

The idea for the band came from wanting something different, said Atchison. “The Koo Koo that preformed at the Battle of the Bands is a totally different band now,” said Atchison. It was born out of the idea that they wanted to break the fourth wall between performers and audience, he said. “We now focus on 100 percent interaction,” said Atchison.

Atchison said the pair walks a thin line between bar act and kids group. Their “goofy, fun and weird” songs make the band different than others that are out there, Atchison said. “We write the chorus in our brains and then pair it with some hot beats,” he said. They always test their songs live to see if they work or not, according to Atchison.

The duo has been growing in fame since its inception. They have played some pretty big shows and gone on several tours. “Because we are always looking to the future, we think we can accomplish so much more,” said Atchison. He said that they also take pride in the fact that they have gotten this far all on their own, he said.

As far as the future goes, Atchison said the duo often has long meetings about the direction the band wants to take. They each have strong opinions about what to do next, and it takes a while for them both to agree, he said. The ultimate goal would be to make it to a top 40 headlining arenas act, Atchison said. And, according to Atchison, that’s just where the group is headed.

So to the rest of the Saint Mary’s University population, Atchison gives some advice: “Be in a band, but have a back-up plan. It always comes in handy.”

SMU alum publishes Twins trivia book

2012-02-02T15:20:00.001-06:00

By Kelsey Hulbert

Cardinal Staff

SMU alumnus Jim Hoey ’74 has recently published two books, including Minnesota Twins Trivia, which highlights all of the memorable moments in the history of Twins baseball.

Hoey said as a kid he always wanted to write, was a big history and sports fan and had a good memory for detail. Plus, Hoey said, he was just about to retire from a 34-year teaching career in secondary social studies. He added that writing a trivia book seemed like a great opportunity to celebrate the 50th anniversary and the opening of the Target Field. “It was a great way to hopefully start a new career,” he said.

Hoey said he always had a knack for trivia and pulled the book together in about eight months of just “horsing around.”

Hoey has also published Puck Heaven: Puck Heaven: Minnesota State Boys' Hockey Tournament Trivia, which focuses on trivia of the Minnesota state hockey tournament in a personal perspective. Hoey said he was lucky enough to play in three state tournaments in high school, and his love of hockey continued through college and coaching for 15 years at Farmington and Shakopee. “I [always] wanted to write about my own experiences in the tournament,” Hokey said. “I like storytelling.”

He focuses on connecting facts with personal experiences in addition to adding variety and detail, said Hoey. For example, during his honeymoon in Boston, the Twin’s pulled off two triple plays in one game for the first time ever, he said.

The most challenging thing was making sure all of the facts and answers were correct, he said. However, Hoey said the most rewarding thing was writing for the fans. “I like talking to people, and I thought they would enjoy [the book],” he said.

His book has received a lot of positive feedback. The president of the Minnesota Twins Baseball Club Dave St. Peter said, “[The] book is a must-have for fans across Twins Territory. The depth of the questions, creative concepts and attention to detail span the team’s 50 seasons in Minnesota. This book will challenge even the most passionate Twins fan.”

For the future, Hoey said he hopes to write one book every year. He is currently working on a book on anecdotes for teaching.

'11 grad teaches English in Namibia, Africa

2012-02-02T15:19:00.004-06:00

By Jenna Capelle

Cardinal Staff

Recent English Education graduate Joanna Pace has been volunteering as an English teacher in Namibia, Africa.

Last spring, Pace said she discovered a few things about herself. She knew she wanted to learn about a different culture, to experience something new and to step out of her comfort zone. She decided she wanted to volunteer after graduation, and a Google search lead her to the WorldTeach program.

“WorldTeach is a non-profit, non-governmental organization based at Harvard University that provides opportunities for volunteers to make meaningful contributions to education in developing countries,” said Pace.

Pace started making a list of everything that she’s learned from her time in Namibia, and it’s already pages long. She said that this experience, without a doubt, has made an impact on her life. For one, she’s learned how to relate and connect with the children in the schools.

“I’ve learned that, no matter where you go, people are people and kids are kids,” said Pace. “The same things that make kids laugh in the states make kids laugh here. And the same things that make people cry at home bring tears in Africa.”

Pace has figured out how to conduct herself in a classroom that’s not structured like those in the United States. The classrooms are less formal and her patience is continuously tested by “African Time,” which can be a good or bad thing, said Pace. She’s learned that electricity is not a necessity, whereas water is. Nonetheless, she’s gained a new perspective on the relationship between happiness and money, and they’re loosely tied.

Once Pace returns home in April, she aspires to land an English teching position in a Minnesota or Wisconsin high school. However, she doesn’t regret her decision to volunteer in Namibia.

“If you’re considering it, I would definitely say just do it,” said Pace. “Volunteering in a developing country can change your life.”

For more information about the WorldTeach program, which offers volunteer opportunities in other countries such as Bangladesh, Chile, China, Panama, Tanzania and Thailand, visit www.worldteach.org.

Of 'Guys and Dolls'

2012-02-02T15:19:00.003-06:00

By Ashley Von Arx

Cardinal Staff

What do Frank Sinatra, Marlon Brando, rough New York underground gambling rings and Winona, Minn., all have in common? Saint Mary’s 2012 production of the musical “Guys and Dolls,” of course!

Students at SMU are preparing their performance of “Guys and Dolls” directed by Gary Diomandes, Ph.D., scheduled to perform Feb. 23-26 in the Page Theatre.

“Guys and Dolls,” first staged in 1950, has been acclaimed as the perfect musical comedy, spanning an impressive 1,200 productions at its debut. The play traces the stories of a couple of shady, two-bit gamblers “trying to reconcile their desire for money with a desire for human companionship,” said Alex Green, sophomore theatre major playing Nathan Detroit. Though extremely devoted to his fiancée of 14 years, Adelaide, played by sophomore Allie Kriz, Detroit is torn between his commitment to this burlesque beauty and his love for the game. Caught similarly in the tide of love for a woman and his passion for taking risks is Sky Masterson, played by senior Bryan Moore.

“A heavy influx of new theatre majors encouraged the department to go for an old-fashioned, classic, big show like ‘Guys and Dolls,’” explains Diomandes. “It just fit the department.” Though there is a lot of material to learn barley a month and a half, Diomandes is confident that the production is right on schedule. He said he is delighted to report that the music for the production was learned in only four rehearsals.

Adult tickets are $10 and student and senior tickets are $5. Tickets are available at the Page Theatre Box office.

Faculty art show in the Lillian Davis Hogan Gallery

2012-02-02T15:19:00.001-06:00

By Morgan Stock

Cardinal Staff

The Lillian Davis Hogan Gallery on the Saint Mary’s University campus is currently displaying the SMU faculty art show.

Various faculty members from the SMU Art Department are participating in the show. The artists include Tony Calabrese, Charlie Campbell, Preston Lawing, Rob McColl, Brother Roderick Robertson, Lisa Truax and John Whelan.

Chair of the Art Department Preston Lawing said, “The faculty art show has been in existence for 30-40 years and is a biennial show, which is a show ever other year.”

Any piece of art can be put in the show, such as ceramics, paintings, drawings, sculpture and photographs. This year the show mostly consists of pieces that each faculty member considers to be his or her best work.

“Getting to see what other members of the faculty have been working [on] is something really special. Since we are such a small group we are very close, but we don’t always get to see what each other are working on because of what we are doing for class,” said Lawing.

He said seeing different kinds of work inspires them and allows them to learn from each other.

Lawing said, “By trade I call myself a printmaker even though I like other art mediums. I love being able to go to work and have a creative outlet doing the things that I love to do.”

Lisa Truax, who has recently joined the Art Department as a new professor, said, “My favorite medium to work with is ceramics because I love being able to create anything with it.”

May to show mosaic art in Las Vegas

2012-02-02T15:18:00.004-06:00

Trisha Stachowski

Arts & Entertainment Editor

Monta May, part of Saint Mary’s University’s Marketing and Communication staff, will be showing her mosaic artwork in a Las Vegas art gallery from May 31 through June 29.

“My inspiration is basically the world around me, anything and everything that catches my eye,” said May. She said the emotions experienced each day can be a fantastic source of inspiration. “Imagery often triggers an emotional response. I try to find a way to communicate that emotion and the general idea,” said May.

In order to create her mosaic masterpieces, May uses the hammer and hardie technique to cut each piece of glass or stone. The hammer and hardie technique has been used for mosaic art for many years, according to May.

May said she has been a visual artist all of her life. When she was visiting Loyola University in Chicago, May viewed a mosaic piece about the physical sciences on a campus building. According to May, that was when she decided that she was going to try creating mosaic pieces of her own. In the beginning, May said she taught her self, but she eventually studied at the Chicago Mosaic School. May returned to study three more times at the school, and she will participate in another master-level class in April. In these classes, students are instructed by world-renowned artists that the school brings in.

Recently, May has been working on pieces revolving around water and the absence of water. Her pieces are influenced by the general idea of water and how all life depends on it in one way or another. Two of her pieces focus on a desert landscape and the results of the lack of water.

May will show 10 to 12 never-before-seen pieces on the SMU campus before they are displayed in Las Vegas. From there, May’s artwork will be shown in the LaChica Art & Music gallery in Las Vegas. May’s Las Vegas showing will likely include water-inspired pieces, in addition to a more broad influence of the natural world and sustainability. According to May, she tries to create the “interaction of our human activity and the world around us.”

May’s recent artwork will be on display in the Ben Miller Lobby in the Page Theatre from April 11 to May 11 with a reception on April 26 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Yuval Ron a dizzying experience

2012-02-02T15:18:00.003-06:00

By Paul Schmitt

Cardinal Staff

The Yuval Ron Ensemble presented a short lecture along with a few musical selections at the Winona County Historical Society on Monday, Jan. 25, as a prelude to their main performance at the Page Theatre at Saint Mary’s University on Jan. 31.

The Yuval Ron Ensemble is a Middle-Eastern music and dance group with a message of religious tolerance and cooperation. Their performance at SMU was mainly music-centered, and also featured one thing that Monday’s lecture lacked: Aziz, The Whirling Dervish.

Clad in white garb, Aziz danced to two selections in a traditional Sufi style, which involves rapid spinning in a small area. While this type of motion is typically dizzying to the average person, Aziz appeared to be unfazed by his movements and maintained his balance after the dances were finished.

The lecture at the Historical Society concentrated more on the history of the Middle Eastern instrument called the oud, which is a cousin to the lute. The oud moved from Baghdad to Cordoba, Spain, where it was involved in the “creation of the best arts and music [made] by Christians, Muslims and Jews in the ninth to 15th centuries,” according to Yuval Ron. Ron stressed the importance of such cooperation between religions and pointed out the relevance of the matter even in modern society.

Also prominent in Yuval Ron’s message is the idea of human expression and spirit. Ron said, “There is no way to suppress human expression.” Reflecting that concept, audience participation in the form of dancing, clapping and singing was greatly encouraged by the ensemble during many of the songs throughout the night.

CAC Student-Athlete Olympics

2012-02-02T15:18:00.001-06:00

By Nick Bravos

Sports Editor

For the second time, Saint Mary’s University held the Cardinal Student-Athlete Olympics on Sunday, Jan. 22, to create a better sense of community between SMU athletes.

Run by the Cardinal Athletic Council (CAC), a group comprised of student-athlete representatives from each varsity sport, the Olympics was an event where all Cardinal student-athletes went head-to-head against each other in a three-hour, nine-station competition.

Junior CAC members Paige Carter and Hayley Ohl selected student-athletes from each varsity sport and divided them up into 16 co-ed teams. “Most teams did not have doubles of the same sport,” said senior and CAC Vice President Bobby Gas. “So, technically, a men's soccer player could be with a women's basketball player, men's hockey player, and a women's tennis player.”

The nine stations making up the Olympics were communicative-based games that focus on utilizing teamwork, such as, speed bag-toss for eight minutes (most points wins), hockey puck find in the pool (teammates would help direct from the balcony above), handball, blind dodge ball and human battleship.

“No athlete there wanted to lose, especially to one another, so people definitely got into it,” said Gas. “But, I’d say team handball was probably one of the most intense games that people got into. After people left that station they were dripping sweat.”

The two teams that achieved the highest sum of points from victories would go to war, literally, in a culminating tug-of-war event.

“We won’t do [the Olympics] every year,” said Head Hockey Coach and CAC Co-Advisor Bill Moore. “We try to come up with other ways to establish the same sense of community and communication; we want things to stay fresh.” The last Olympics occurred four years ago.

In years to come, though, events may change based on a four year cycle, according to Moore. “Year one would have games that would be different from the others, and after the fourth year we’d start over.”

Cardinal women's basketball hits mid-season point

2012-02-02T15:17:00.000-06:00

By Mary Nordick

Cardinal Staff

The Saint Mary’s women’s basketball team came to the mid-season point with a conference record of 9-5 and an overall record of 9-8. The lady Cardinals have been working hard this first half of the season and plan to continue doing so throughout the rest of the year.

“The team has been doing great. We’re really young, but we have a lot of really solid leaders in our older players who help lead our younger players,” said Head Coach Mandy Pearson. “These girls are good people, and they get along well on and off the court.”

There is strong chemistry between teammates, according sophomore Courtney Euerle. “We all get along really well,” said Euerle. “We do a lot of stuff off the court which I think helps a lot to keep the team chemistry building.”

“We’ve always had good chemistry on our basketball team,” said Pearson. “There’s just something a little different about the leadership and how the team has been getting along this year.”

According to Euerle, one game that stood out was the comeback game against Bethel University on Jan. 11. “That was a great win for us,” she said.

Looking ahead to the rest of the season, Pearson said, “I don’t even think about playoffs. We are just taking it one game at a time. It’s pretty intense, pretty crazy and pretty competitive. It doesn’t matter whether you’re number one or number 12. Every game is a battle, and you have to take it one game at a time so you can have as much success as possible.”

Tennis season preview

2012-02-02T15:16:00.002-06:00

By Joey Petrich

Cardinal Staff

The 2012 Saint Mary’s University tennis teams have begun preparing for their first matches of the season.

The women serve up their dual-meet season opener competing in “Think Pink Day” on Feb. 3 against Winona State at 3 p.m. and Northwestern College at 6 p.m. The men will also start their season with a dual-meet on Feb. 4 against the Milwaukee School of Engineering at noon and Luther College at 6 p.m. Both events will be held in Winona at the indoor tennis center.

Cardinal tennis will not have an easy time in conference play this year, according to Head Coach Jeff Halberg. He said it is the deepest team he has ever seen in his tenure as a coach at Saint Mary’s.

“The MIAC is one of, if not the toughest, tennis conference in the nation,” said Halberg. “Most top players in the MIAC are players who could have played division one but chose to play division three.”

After last season, the women’s team lost a couple of players, but added five new freshmen to their squad, including the addition of McKennah Edwards from Fond Du Lac, Wis. Edwards was the runner-up at the United States Tennis Association’s Intercollegiate Tennis Association Midwest Regional Championships this fall.

She has joined her two older sisters, junior Killian and senior Bailey Edwards on the women’s team. Halberg said the Edwards sisters will play a pivotal role for the women’s team this year. SMU has never had three siblings playing on the same team.

The men’s team didn’t lose many players from last season. They don’t have any new freshmen recruits, but their players now are experienced and seasoned. Juniors Sam Puff and Mike Lunka are coming into their third season with the team. However, the team lost sophomore Tim Wolford because of a knee injury, but they are hopeful that he will return mid-season.

One of the things the tennis teams would love to change is student attendance at their matches. “We’re a little bit of a secret on campus,” Halberg said. The tennis team plays in downtown Winona at the Indoor tennis center located at 360 Vila Street and all matches are free for students to attend.

Bright spots for men's hockey

2012-02-02T15:16:00.001-06:00

By Keotta House

Cardinal Staff

Despite being eight games under .500, the Saint Mary’s University men’s hockey team has still had a rewarding season.

The team is already doing statistically better this season, and they have a couple of big wins to prove it.

The team opened up the season with a six-game losing streak. However, in four of the six games SMU found themselves losing by only one goal—a trend which happened two more times.

“The biggest thing is whether we get big goals at the right time, and we are looking for someone to step up and make the big goals,” said Head Coach Bill Moore.

The Cardinals have stepped up big time on occasion this season when playing big opponents. SMU thrilled fans when they defeated the defending national champions, Saint Norbert College, in a 3-2 victory. Another notable game includes the 2-1 overtime victory against the Milwaukee School of Engineering.

“Let’s keep doing what we are doing,” said Moore. “We have beaten four nationally ranked teams, and we’ve been competitive keeping up with these good teams.”

The SMU men’s hockey team may not be achieving all of their season’s goals, but they have kept up with some objectives that Moore also finds most important.

“So far our academic goals have been good; we didn’t have quite as many people on the academic Dean’s list but overall we were a 3.0 [GPA],” said Moore. “The team is going out and performing a lot of community service too.”

Archdiocese of Winona heading to March for Life

2011-12-09T12:11:00.000-06:00

By Matt Wagner

Cardinal Staff

The Archdiocese of Winona will be taking nearly 50 students from Winona schools on a trip to Washington D.C. for the 2012 March for Life on Jan. 19.

This will be the first time that the Archdiocese of Winona has participated in the March for Life, though some current SMU students have attended in past years. Freshman Keara Hannan attended the trip in January 2011.

“I was completely amazed and inspired by all the pro-life heroes I met and everyone around me,” Hannan said. “500,000 people had stopped their lives to take long car, bus and plane trips to D.C., to sleep in cramped high schools or wherever they could, all because they wanted to fight for life.

“It definitely renewed my hope that we will be the generation that finally ends abortion.

The pro-life trip lasts five days, beginning with an 8 p.m. Mass in Winona on Thursday, Jan. 19. From there, participants will travel nearly 18 hours to Washington D.C. where they will participate in activities such as Mass at the Basilica, a tour of the Holocaust Museum, a youth rally and the March for Life event, which is held in downtown Washington D.C.

“I went on the March for Life last year and had a ball,” freshman Janie Maki said. “It was a fantastic experience, and I cannot wait to go again this year. It is a great excuse to get out of school, and it is for a fantastic cause, too. I am looking forward to all that this year’s trip has to offer.”

This will be the 39th annual March for Life, and it’s expected to have a great outcome. The 2011 March was attended by nearly 400,000 people, and this year it is expecting even more.

The March for Life trip takes place Jan. 19-24. More information can be found on the Diocese of Winona’s website: http://www.dow.org/.

Open Mic Night provides unique, relaxing experience

2011-12-09T12:10:00.001-06:00

By Marc Hartmann

Guest Writer

For one night a month, the usually-quiet Toner Student Lounge is transformed into a packed room overflowing with talent and energy.

As Open Mic Night enters its fourth year at Saint Mary’s University, the event is seeing more success than ever and seems to be growing in popularity.

OMN is a monthly event held in the Toner Student Lounge in which any member of the SMU community, including students, faculty and staff, can perform any act they wish. The event provides a laid-back atmosphere in which attendees can enjoy hot beverages and snacks while watching members of the community perform. Though the event has a start time of 9 p.m., performers are usually still taking the stage at 11:30 p.m. and need to be stopped due to time constraints.

Ben Scott and Niki Ciulla, co-presidents of OMN, have both performed and helped out with the club from the very beginning.

“I can remember a time a few years ago when we would put on an event and be happy to have a couple dozen or so people there,” said Ciulla. “Now, averaging over 150 people per event, I can’t even imagine that.”

Unlike most performance venues, OMN provides an opportunity to simply show up and give a performance. Scott and Ciulla both emphasized that OMN is not necessarily about the performing but, instead, about the sharing.

“People now realize that there is little uncomfortability at the event with no pressure to perform,” Ciulla said. “But people who do come to sing, read, juggle, or do whatever feel supported.”

Scott pointed to the “informal and spontaneous interactions” between the performers and audience members and the “relaxed and fun environment” of the event, which makes the performers feel at ease.

Scott and Ciulla said that, ultimately, the diversity it encompasses makes the event special and unique rather than its success in numbers.

“OMN strives to bring the entire SMU community together for an all-inclusive celebration of expression,” said Scott.

Ciulla said that the goal for the OMN group is to be “appealing to all and not intimidating to anyone.”

The next OMN is scheduled for Wednesday, Dec. 14, at 9 p.m. in the Toner Student Lounge. Those interested in performing can simply come and sign up. All supporters of OMN are encouraged to join the OMN Facebook page to keep up with all the latest news and view recent OMN performances.

New emergency notification system test a success

2011-12-09T12:09:00.000-06:00

By Julianne Bartosz

Copy Editor

Saint Mary’s University’s new emergency notification system through Blackboard Connect was successfully tested on Nov. 17, according to Vice President for Student Development Chris Kendall.

The new emergency notification system uses Blackboard Connect to send out an emergency alert via email, phone call and text message. This technology supplements SMU’s emergency notification speakers in campus buildings and residence halls and cameras in key locations around campus, according to Kendall.

“The system works well, but we have also learned its flaws,” said Kendall. He said that 93 percent of the 2,680 total messages were delivered successfully during the test. Kendall said the test found that not everyone received messages, while some people received multiple messages.

Kendall said students, faculty and staff will be able to edit their contact information for the system through WebTools. He said he will send out an email when the primary contact form is ready to be edited on WebTools.

Senior Bob Rousseau, Student Senate president, said that the new system is a step in the right direction.

“I have always felt safe on campus, but it is essential to be ready if something does happen,” said Rousseau, adding that it is important to be able to reach people right where they are.

SMU’s Director of Campus Safety Phil Gaddis said the new system is “the link to the culture society is taking us to.” He said that the system will be used strictly for emergencies with the exception of a test each semester. “It will be used sparingly, but enough to keep us familiar with it and to make sure it works,” said Gaddis.

“We do not want people to dismiss it,” said Kendall. “I hope we never have to use it, but I do not want to have a situation where I wish we had the technology.”

Questions or concerns can be addressed to Chris Kendall via email at ckendall@smumn.edu or his office phone at 507-457-1781.

Professors offer study tips

2011-12-09T12:08:00.000-06:00

Samantha Kleese

Cardinal Staff

Finals week is fast approaching for the students of Saint Mary’s University, but two SMU professors have offered study tips to help students prepare.

Jeffrey Hefel, professor of business at SMU, suggests that studying in groups is best for complex studying, since it allows students to get other opinions. However, he said that less work might get done this way, as students might talk and become distracted.

Dr. Daniel Bucknam, professor of psychology at SMU agreed: “Working alone, students are able to understand the material better, but in a group, students have the ability to discus concepts and enhance the depth of the subject.”

Hefel said it is better to study for short periods of time, because this makes it easier to remember the material. For example, he said that it is better to study for an hour each night than to study for 10 hours the night before the exam. He also advised taking 10-minute breaks every hour.

Bucknam also said to start studying early and review often rather than cramming the night before an exam. He advised studying one topic for 30-40 minutes and then switching to the next. This method, he said, makes the material more distinctive and less confusing.

Hefel said students should have all of the class materials available, such as handouts, notes and worksheets, and should focus more on the material that they find more challenging.

Hefel also recommended that students create hypothetical exam questions and practice answering them instead of simply reading the material.

Similarly, Bucknam said students should develop examples of questions and practice writing as well as using charts and tables.

Bucknam said the library is, for most students, the best place to study. There are minimal distractions, which gives students maximum focus.

International student schooled in magical trade

2011-12-09T12:07:00.001-06:00

Meg Beerling

Feature Editor

With an English degree from Geely University in China and two on the way from Saint Mary’s University in public relations and electronic publishing, senior Yuepeng (Lee) Li has a different trick up his sleeve.

During his time in China, Li was a professional magician. “I started when I was 19,” he said. A friend of his was a professional and asked him if he wanted to see a few tricks, he said. He took interest and started to learn the trade for himself.

Li said there are two types of magic: close-up, and stage. Close-up magic includes slight-of-hand tricks. These are tricks with cards, coins and other everyday objects in an intimate setting. Stage magic, on the other hand, uses big props and involves tricks like sawing a person in half. Li specializes in close-up magic.

At the time he started to learn the trade, Li was studying English in China. He said that college is a lot different there in that “there is a lot of free time.” This gave him more time to practice and learn the secrets of magic, he said.

“Practice doesn’t make your magic perfect, it makes it permanent,” said Li. “What I mean by that is the more you practice a trick, the more confident you will become in it; the more confident you are, the more deceptive you are,” he said.

“One week without magic makes your magic weak,” said Li. “Magic is something you have to practice daily, and you have to do it in front of a mirror. Presentation is just as important as the magic itself.”

Audience management is hard, but he said it’s something magicians need to learn. They must know their audiences and adapt their shows to them.

“Magic is an art to entertain people,” said Li.

People’s facial expressions tell a lot about what kind of audience members they’ll be, Li said.

“People like it when [magicians] mess up,” but that’s something that Li is okay with. “I like the idea,” he said, adding that magicians can entertain their audiences by messing up or pretending to mess up.

Participation is a big part of Li’s performance. He said he wants the audience to be a part of it. He also doesn’t believe in leaving his audience curious. While it is a very controversial issue in the world of magic, Li doesn’t think that all tricks have to be kept secrets — just the big ones. He said that telling people a few tricks is good for magic; it’s what makes people want to do and see more of it.

“By letting people in on some of your magic, you give yourself some of the best promotion, and that’s word of mouth,” said Li.

But just because other people know your tricks doesn’t mean they know your magic, said Li. People can know a trick and still be entertained by it if the magician adds his or her own twist or creativity. With every person who knows the trick, there will be more people to adjust it and make it new, he said.

Li said that he enjoys doing magic in the United States more than in China since he thinks that people are more friendly and willing to stop and watch.

‘Double-decker’ bike designed by SMU junior

2011-12-09T12:05:00.001-06:00

By Jenna Capelle

Cardinal Staff

One Saint Mary’s University student sees campus from a higher perspective than most, as he sits atop his own double-decker bike.

Over the summer, junior Jamie Cooper created the double-decker bike with a friend in his hometown of La Crosse, Wisc.

Rock climbing one afternoon, Cooper and his friend got the idea for building a double-decker bike. Neither of them had ever taken on a project like this before, but they didn’t fear the challenge.

“We were bored and thought [making the bike] would be something new to try. So we did,” said Cooper.

Out in the garage with welding masks and thick gloves, the guys stripped the steel-frame bikes completely, then welded them together with a wire-feeding welder. The welder melted the steel, connecting the two bikes.

A chain is stretched between the top and bottom bike frames. As Cooper pedals on the top frame’s pedals, the chain propels the bottom frame’s wheels, moving it forward.

“The hardest part was getting the chain to work,” said Cooper.

So far, Cooper and his friend have made two bikes, and Cooper plans to make more. The two bikes used for Cooper’s double-decker were donated by a local bike shop and the other double-decker was made from old bikes from his friend’s house.

Cooper wants to make a double-decker with Outdoor Leadership Coordinator Gary Borash and submit it to the Taylor Richmond Benefit Dance Auction next semester.

Besides wheeling around campus this fall, Cooper rode his double-decker bike to work and friends’ houses during the summer months. At SMU, he’s made a name for himself as “the guy with the big bike” and gotten a handful of questions about how to ride it as well as how he made it.

“To get on the bike I just kick start like a skate board and then climb up,” said Cooper.

Cooper is a graphic design major with an emphasis in photography. With encouragement from his advisor, he decided to enter his bike in the SMU all-student art show and received honorable mention. The exhibit can be seen in the Lillian Davis Hogan Art Galleries.

Lincoln documents discovered by SMU senior

2011-12-09T12:04:00.000-06:00

By Meg Beerling

Feature Editor

Senior David Spriegel took one last look at the documents he filed under “miscellaneous” during his internship at the Lincoln Presidential Library in Springfield, Ill. and now, he’s glad he did.

Over the summer, Spriegel discovered two original documents written in 1844 by Abraham Lincoln during his legal career.

Spriegel said at first glance he hadn’t noticed Lincoln had been the lawyer to write these documents, and he filed them in a miscellaneous folder with similar documents. Most of them were land transfers, said Spriegel. For whatever reason, he went back to double-check that file, he said. He then read, “The above memorandum is in the handwriting of Abraham Lincoln. – M. Hay.”

“I thought, ‘No way is this true,’” said Spriegel. However, it was part of his job to pass it up to get the handwriting verified, he said. Sure enough, the handwriting was Lincoln’s.

Spriegel said the documents are now with 1,580 other manuscripts at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. He said he’s happy to have the documents safe and where they belong.

Spriegel said he was surprised at the amount of publicity he got after finding the documents. Stories about Spriegel’s discovery were run by the Associated Press, the Chicago Tribune and the Huffington Post, to name a few.

David is due to graduate from Saint Mary’s University in May 2012 with a degree in history.

Bauer fosters unique taste in musical instruments

2011-12-09T12:03:00.000-06:00

By Brian Thomas

Cardinal Staff

Senior Andy Bauer learned how to play the bass guitar at age 12, but his passion for musical instruments didn’t stop there.

His knowledge of the bass guitar led to a “solid foundation in music,” Bauer said. This has allowed him to play more complex and exotic instruments such as the electric guitar, mandolin, bodhran and djembe, just to name a few.

“I own a didgeridoo, an aboriginal instrument mostly [used in] Australia, [and] a charango, an instrument I got from Argentina,” Bauer said. In an attempt to fine-tune his skills, he brought several of the instruments to school with him to practice regularly.

“The charango is an instrument unlike anything else I have played,” said Bauer. “The tunings are challenging to work with.

“The mandolin is always challenging. It requires a lot of nimbleness in the fingers which is very different from bass [guitar],” he said.

Bauer said that his favorite instrument will always be the bass guitar, since it’s what he started with. He is usually a crowd favorite, playing bass guitar in several acts in SMU’s Blue Angel and Gaslight music shows.

Bauer has considered taking on a new instrument as well: “I have always been fascinated by the tabla,” he said. A tabla is a pitched drum, which is something different, and the rhythms are truly different. I think that the challenge would be fun.”

Choirs to present “Lessons and Carols”

2011-12-09T12:02:00.002-06:00

By Trisha Stachowski

Arts and Entertainment Editor

The Saint Mary’s University Concert Choir, Chamber Singers and Chamber Orchestra will be performing their annual Christmas concert, “Lessons and Carols,” directed by Dr. Patrick O’Shea on Saturday, Dec. 10 at 7:30 p.m. at the Chapel of Saint Mary of the Angels.

As in previous years, the concert will infuse the traditional story with “a celebration of and meditation on the Christmas story that features readings and various styles of music performed by members of the Saint Mary’s community,” said senior and Chamber Singer Nick Anderson.

The concert will involve the SMU choirs, as well as various other SMU students, staff and even audience members, said Anderson. “The music and readings alternate back and forth throughout the service. So it’s quite literally lessons and carols” said Anderson.

The Concert Choir, Chamber Singers and Chamber Orchestra have been busy preparing for the concert since the beginning of the semester. “We spend a good chunk of the semester learning the pieces first, before polishing all of the remaining rough edges before we present the music to an audience,” said Anderson.

The concert will feature a wide variety of music, including choral and orchestral music covering many musical periods and styles. There will also be a few a capella pieces along with more traditional Christmas songs.

“When a song really goes well, it’s a reward for both the audience and the performers,” said Anderson. “Those who enjoy the Christmas story and beautiful music will love this concert.”

The Chapel of Saint Mary of the Angels is located at the corner of Wabasha and Vila streets in Winona. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for both students and seniors. They can be purchased through the Page Theatre by phone, in person or at www.pagetheatre.org.

The Good Lovelies bring holiday tunes to campus

2011-12-09T12:02:00.001-06:00

By Raquel Romo

Cardinal Staff

The Good Lovelies, an award-winning trio from Toronto, rang in the holidays at Saint Mary’s University with their performance in the Page Theatre on Dec. 1.

During the show, the upbeat trio played their own renditions of holiday classics like “Santa Baby” and “Silent Night.”

“As presenters, the Good Lovelies delivered on the promise of beautiful harmonies, great fun and a twist to the holiday tunes we all know,” said Page Theatre General Manager Patrick Grace. “Personally, I had a great time. It is refreshing to have a group of singer/songwriters that are able to create new work that resonates.”

Grace said that there was a great turnout for the Good Lovelies performance. “We had a very diverse crowd present, young and old; many told me they loved the concert and the whole evening,” said Grace.

Along with the show, audience members had the opportunity to dress up in their most creative vintage attire to replicate the style of dress that the trio wears during their performances.

The Canadian natives started in 2006 and played their first show at Toronto’s Gladstone Hotel that same year. Since then, they have not only performed in the U.S., but also the U.K. and Australia. Their self-titled full-length album won the New Emerging Artist Award at the Canadian Folk Music Awards.

Jazz Combo, Ensemble to perform holiday concert

2011-12-09T12:01:00.000-06:00

By Trisha Stachowski

Arts and Entertainment Editor

The Jazz and World Drum Ensemble will be bringing a little holiday spirit to Saint Mary’s University with their holiday concert on Friday, Dec. 9 at 7:30 p.m. in the Page Theatre.

The concert, which has been an annual event for over 30 years, will feature swing, funk and latin music, said Dr. John Paulson, director of both the Jazz Combo and Jazz Ensemble. The concert will also feature “some jazzy Christmas arrangements featuring vocalist Jessica Ingvalson, and both Jazz Combo I and the Jazz Ensemble will combine with the World Drum Ensemble on several pieces,” said Paulson.

“We have some great songs that include some amazing solos,” said Jill Congdon, a senior member of the Jazz Ensemble trumpet section.

The Jazz Ensemble and Jazz Combo have been hard at work practicing since they concluded their concert over family weekend, the first weekend in October. “We have worked hard to get ready for this concert,” said Congdon.

The concert will feature more than 10 songs from the Jazz Ensemble, Jazz Combo I and the World Drum Ensemble.

“We elected to play some really challenging music for this concert,” Paulson said. Paulson will make an appearance as a performer in the concert as and Ensemble member but not as a soloist in the Jazz Combo. “This concert is going to be amazing; we’ve got a great group of musicians and a great director,” said Congdon.

Tickets for the event are $10 for adults and $5 for both students and seniors. They can be purchased through the Page Theatre by phone, in person or at www.pagetheatre.org.

Art department holds all-student, senior exhibits

2011-12-09T12:00:00.000-06:00

By Andrea Allis

Editor in Chief

The Saint Mary’s University art and design department opened its student art show “Ideas that Spark” at the Lillian Davis Hogan Galleries on Nov. 19.

About half of the gallery is devoted to the all-student portion of the show, which accepted entries from students of all years and majors. Prizes were awarded for first, second and third places, as well as three honorable mentions. The first place prize of $100 went to Jeff Truax, the second place prize of $75 went to Chelsea Pumper and the third place prize of $50 went to Chris Speltz. Jamie Cooper, Lisa Nihart and Jim Tandberg were awarded honorable mentions.

The other half of the gallery showcases the work of four senior art majors: Charlie Williams, Brianna Nelson, Danielle Cossetta and Sarah Kraft.

“This is the first time we have included a senior exhibit in the main gallery in November,” said Preston Lawing, art and design department chair, “but we have four December graduating seniors, and they are required to have an exhibition.”

Lawing said the student art shows “are vital to SMU to spotlight the artistic talent of all majors, not just the art and design majors.” He said this year’s exhibit showcases the talents of students majoring in biology, psychology, theatre, English, philosophy, mass communications, art, history and business, among others.

Said Lawing, “The student art show [celebrates] the creative spirit that all of our students have.”

The exhibit will be on display until Dec. 15.

Women’s hockey gets down to business

2011-12-09T11:59:00.000-06:00

By Morgan Stock

Cardinal Staff

The Saint Mary’s University women’s hockey team entered into the full swing of conference play when they faced off against Hamline University on Nov. 11, opening conference play with a 1-0 win at home against the Pipers.

On the road the next day for game two in St. Paul, the Cardinals couldn’t pull off another win, and the Pipers evened up the match with 1-1 tie.

After losing only 4 seniors from last year’s team, the Cardinals have many returning players, and the incoming freshmen have talent to add to the team.

“Our team is doing pretty well so far; we have a lot of potential and so much talent,” said junior captain Erin Stenseth. “We just have to score more goals and be able to close out games with our defense.”

As of now the Cardinals are 2-5-3 overall and 1-3-2 in the MIAC. The leading scorer for the Cardinals is senior captain Nicole Olson with 3 goals and 3 assists. Right behind her is freshman Breanna Peterson.

“This year, our top team goal is to make playoffs because of how much talent we have on this team,” said senior defenseman Dana Kreuser.

“Other goals that we have are being more aggressive with shooting the puck, having successful power-plays that we score on and working as a team with the system that Coach Terry Mannor has set for us,” Kreuser said.

Senior manager Madeline Lenz said, “The girls need to play every single shift and every minute of every period. By making mistakes in a game, they are learning from them, which is helping them become better players.”

The Cardinals will play three non-conference games over Christmas break. They are back in action for conference play on Saturday, Jan. 21, at home against the University of St. Thomas at 2 p.m.

Men’s basketball kicks off season

2011-12-09T11:58:00.000-06:00

By John Kaiser

Cardinal Staff

Despite the shortened NBA season, basketball has been very much alive at the collegiate level. For six weeks, Saint Mary’s University players have been going through rigorous daily practices.

Captain Pat Freeman said the biggest challenges this season are going to be “adjusting to new players and finding a new chemistry.” He also added that last year’s top three scorers left, leaving new roles to fill for returning players.

However, there are plenty of positives surrounding the new team, said Freeman, such as starting point guard Evan Pederson. Freeman described Pederson as a player who plays several minutes at a fast level. He said Pederson has exceptional vision and passing, which makes the whole team better.

Freeman also described post Mike Burfeind as one of the more established players in the conference.

Overall the team is young, but they’ve put in a lot of work, especially over the summer, said Freeman.

The team’s goals are to make the playoffs and to have a better conference record than last year, said Freeman.

The Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference is a conference known for competitive play, but Freeman believes the Cardinals will do well.

Softball team prepares in off-season

2011-12-09T11:57:00.000-06:00

By Nick Bravos

Sports Editor

The Saint Mary’s University softball team is busy with its off-season preparations for the Feb. 1 season opener.

The team lost four starting senior infielders last year to graduation. However, with the help of a large freshman class, they’re looking to improve on last year’s third-place finish in the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference and overall 23-16 record.

NCAA regulations state that a coach is allotted 12 scheduled practices in September. After that “we can’t tell them what to do in the off-season,” said Head Coach Jen Miller. “We put heavy influence on fundamental work [in September] so that continues throughout the off-season.”

“The only game plan is getting our team chemistry up and getting some sort of routine,” said junior captain Hailey Ohl. “It looks like another great season coming up if we can keep up on working hard as we are now.”

The body of their season takes place during a compact schedule of 28 games in April. “Softball is a game where improvement comes in the off-season because our season is so short,” said junior captain Paige Carter.

“Our goal is to make another MIAC tournament appearance,” said Carter. “We did it last year, and we could very well do it again.”

The first test for the SMU softball team will come during its spring trip to Florida in March “to see where we are as a team and what we need to sharpen up on before conference games start,” said Carter.

Last March, they travelled to Tuscon, Ariz. where they achieved a 7-3 overall record, clinching victories against nationally-ranked Iowa teams, Coe College and Central College.

How much do we really know through our media?

2011-12-09T11:48:00.001-06:00

By Jenny Daniels, Caroline Stringer and Katie Adelman

Guest Writers

As Americans today, we believe we have a finger on the pulse of international news through our interconnected world of newspapers, radios, televisions, Internet and smartphones. But just how unbiased are the sources from which media outlets gain exclusive cover stories? The United States media relies greatly on The Associated Press (AP) as a means of obtaining international news. However, if media sources look only to the AP for news, does it limit their ability to report the truth? Practically every media article about the Israeli/Palestinian conflict passes through the AP Israeli bureau.

But to what extent is the U.S. media biased?

There have been instances in which the Israel AP bureau has not pursued leads regarding Palestinian children being killed. In November 2004, an occupying Israeli military soldier killed a stone-throwing 12-year-old Palestinian from 985 feet away. There was an AP photo of the incident on the Internet, but no American news source printed it, perhaps due to the lack of an accompanying story.

That same AP bureau was again involved when an Israeli soldier shot and wounded a 14-year-old Palestinian. With no signs of hostility on the Palestinian side, the Israeli solider simply drew his weapon, took aim at the boy and pulled the trigger. An AP cameraman caught this on tape, but the footage never aired and was later erased.

Occasionally, news stories from the Israeli AP bureau contain the byline of a Palestinian. This is a misrepresentation: a Palestinian journalist phones in information to the bureau, but an Israeli journalist writes the story. Additionally, the Israeli point of view is more often portrayed. In one year’s time, 165 Israelis and 549 Palestinians were killed. In 2004, it was 107 Israelis and 821 Palestinians; the media portrayed this as a period of decreased violence.

Finally, on May 11, 2004, an AP news story reported repeated Israeli violence against Palestinians, some under the age of 14, in detention centers and prisons. This story of the Israeli human rights violations was read everywhere in the world except the U.S.

American citizens expect their media outlets, whether newspaper, television or radio, to provide them with the most accurate information possible. The U.S. is one of Israel’s biggest supporters, and much of America’s hard-earned money — over $10 million dollars a day — goes toward Israeli aid. Wouldn’t you like to get the two-sided, unadulterated version of this conflict’s story?

Written for LCT 375 Section E

Sources:

If Americans Knew. Why Don’t We Know What’s Going on in Israel

& Palestine? Retrieved from

http://www.ifamericansknew.org/media/clues.html

Weir, A. (2005, July- August). Americans for Middle East

Understanding: The Coverage—and Non-Coverage—of Israel-

Palestine. The Link, Volume 38, Issue 3.

Relay for Life to kick off in style

2011-11-17T18:38:00.001-06:00

By Marc Hartmann

Guest Writer

Saint Mary’s University’s Colleges Against Cancer is once again hard at work preparing for the school’s annual Relay for Life event.

Relay for Life is a day-long event that SMU and hundreds of other colleges and communities across the country hold to raise money and awareness for cancer. All of the money raised from the event goes to the American Cancer Society and is used for programs that support those facing cancer as well as for research in the field.

Kelsi Addabbo, co-president of Colleges Against Cancer, says that the SMU community should be excited to get involved with the event because “it is a time we can come together as a community and remember those who have been lost and support those who have faced cancer.”

Relay for Life, one of SMU’s largest annual events, will be hosting a kickoff on Tuesday, Dec. 6, at 6:30 p.m. in the Toner Student Center Game Room. The kickoff will include making Christmas cards and head scarves for those staying at American Cancer Society’s Hope Lodge in Rochester. Hope Lodge is a place where cancer patients and their caregivers can stay for free while undergoing treatment.

The kickoff event will also provide an opportunity to sign up for Relay for Life. Those interested in participating can either join an existing team or create a new team. Addabbo said that besides asking friends to be on a team, all clubs and organizations should think about forming their own teams.

Relay for Life strives not only to remember those who have lost their battles with cancer and honor those who have fought or are fighting cancer, but also to make sure that future generations don’t have to go through the same battle.

Said co-president Laura Larson, “In the future, someone close to you, or maybe even you, may have to deal with cancer. Participating in Relay could benefit you and those close to you in the future.”

While Addabbo and Larson recognize that we all support Relay for our own personal reasons, they agree on the one ultimate goal: to fight for an end to cancer.

Saint Mary’s Relay for Life will take place March 16-17, 2012. To sign up for a team or get more information on the event, visit SMU’s Relay website at relayforlife.org/smu.

SMU hosts food insecurity forum

2011-11-17T18:37:00.000-06:00

By Andrea Allis

Editor in Chief

A panel discussion on East Africa’s food crisis was held Thursday, Nov. 17, at Saint Mary’s University, featuring Fred de Sam Lazaro, director of the Under-Told Stories Project and a correspondent for PBS NewsHour with Jim Lehrer.

Other panelists included Dr. David Lynch, SMU social science department chair, and Sharon Schmickle, foreign affairs and science correspondent for MinnPost.com. The discussion was moderated by Jon Sawyer, executive director of the Pulitzer Center on Crisis Reporting.

The focus of the event was the horn of Africa, which is experiencing what Lynch called “a perfect storm of events.” Economics, politics, conflict, climate uncertainty and social indifference have all led to the current food crisis in the region, but the issue is one that Lynch said affects other parts of the world as well.

“People focus on the tragedy and social injustice of it, but it’s a matter of self-interest, too,” said Lynch, adding that “the problems of failed states spill over” into other countries.

“Not worrying about it here [in the United States] is like saying, ‘There’s a hole in your side of the boat, but that’s your problem,’” said Lynch. “Issues ignored elsewhere come back to haunt us.”

The Under-Told Stories Project, which Lynch said has been housed at SMU for about a year, encourages coverage of some of the world’s most remote locations, including many undeveloped countries.

The discussion was sponsored by SMU, the Hendrickson Institute for Ethical Leadership, the Under-Told Stories Project and the Pulitzer Center for Crisis Reporting.

SMU students take part in TEC retreat

2011-11-17T18:36:00.001-06:00

By Jenna Capelle

Cardinal Staff

The Hiawatha Valley Together Encountering Christ (TEC) Retreat is being held at the Alverna Center Nov. 18-20.

Throughout the weekend, students have an opportunity to strengthen their relationship with Christ by participating in small group discussions, music, games and talks given by peers, said Lynn Streefland, co-director of campus ministry at SMU.

However, not all of the retreat activities are revealed beforehand. There are memorable surprises and powerful moments planned for the three days of the retreat.

Streefland enjoys watching the participants grow in their faith during the TEC retreat.

“You can be who you are, whatever place you are in with your faith,” said Streefland.

Seniors Megan Linder and Danny Spiess are serving as co-leaders of a team of students from SMU who are assisting with the retreat.

In preparing for the retreat, Linder and Spiess picked team members and created agendas for meetings, among many other responsibilities.

“I love the atmosphere of TEC and getting to know new people,” said Linder.

Linder made TEC her freshman year at SMU and has worked the retreats every year since. “TEC has helped me find my place at SMU,” she said.

The next H.V. TEC retreat will take place Feb. 3-5, 2012. For more information about TEC retreats, visit the Office of Campus Ministry in the basement of the Toner Student Center.

Cardinal Corner offers new products

2011-11-17T18:35:00.001-06:00

By Julianne Bartosz

Copy Editor

The Cardinal Corner offers entrepreneurship students at Saint Mary’s University real-life experience with small business operation.

The Cardinal Corner is a non-profit retail store located next to the bookstore in the lower level of the Toner Student Center. It sells products for SMU clubs, organizations, teams and departments with proceeds returning to the respective groups.

The store is offering four new products this semester, including neon sunglasses, locally-made mittens, Cardinal Pride pocketed shorts, and T-shirts featuring SMU English professor Brother Stephen. This semester, the proceeds from these four items will be donated to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

SMU business professor Dr. Tom Marpe and the School of Business created the Cardinal Corner to give entrepreneurship students hands-on experience working in a small business. Operation of the store is the main responsibility for students in the MG315 Entrepreneurship class.

Jana Craft, an assistant professor of business at SMU, oversees the Cardinal Corner.

“The students do everything,” Craft said. “They staff the store, order products, do accounting, and take inventory. I am just there for guidance and to set boundaries.”

Craft said that she is now more focused on her role as an advisor for the Cardinal Corner than her role as a teacher for the project, giving the entrepreneurship students more responsibility.

“I look forward to their seeing the results,” Craft said. “In the end, they will be able to see how much was done, [as well as things that could have been changed].”

Junior entrepreneurship student Erin Stenseth teamed up with classmates to create and order the shirts that feature Brother Stephen. They were designed by junior graphic design major Caroline Stringer, who came up with the colorful image of Brother Stephen for the front of the shirt. The back features a quote from Brother Stephen: “The only text sent in this class would be to God telling Him you will be with Him soon.”

In addition to experience with business operations, Stenseth said she has learned to “plan for unexpected obstacles and to work through them.” She said that her goal for her group’s product in the Cardinal Corner is to “sell out of our product, because that would mean it was liked and that we created a profit for a good cause.”

With people already asking for the shirts, Stenseth said she looks forward to receiving them.

The store hours are Monday and Friday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The Cardinal Corner can be contacted via email at cardinalcorner@smumn.edu or Facebook at www.facebook.com/cardinalcorner.

Students raise money, awareness

2011-11-17T18:34:00.000-06:00

By Morgan Stock

Cardinal Staff

Up ‘til Dawn, an event that raised money for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, was held Nov. 11 in the Gostomski Fieldhouse at Saint Mary’s University.

This marks the second year SMU has hosted Up ‘til Dawn. Junior Shannon Nelson was in charge of the fundraising on campus.

“I started working with St. Jude at my internship with K102 radio over the summer,” Nelson said. “After I worked with them for a while, I liked their cause and thought it was something really important that people on campus should get involved in.”

Students on campus had the chance to sign up in teams of 5 with a goal of raising $500 per team.

Junior Connie Budin was also involved in the event and believes it has been a gratifying experience.

“Shannon and I went to Memphis where the main hospital is and got to meet patients and see the research that was being done,” Budin said. “It was so rewarding; words can’t describe how important this cause is to us.”

St. Jude’s mission is to advance cures and means of prevention of pediatric catastrophic diseases through research and treatment. It takes approximately $1.7 million to run St. Jude and all the money raised from Up ‘til Dawn goes directly to fund its research.

Though the on-campus event has passed, it’s not too late to donate. Anyone is welcome to donate to Up ‘til Dawn at any time by visiting www.myuptildawn.org.

Students participate in mock trial

2011-11-17T18:33:00.001-06:00

By Emma Stenzel

Managing & Advertising Editor

Pre-law students from Saint Mary’s University participated in the school’s first annual Mock Trial on Oct. 27, where they acted as the attorneys in a hotly contested case mirroring an authentic trial.

Larry Price, assistant business professor and the pre-law advisor at SMU, arranged the trial to provide the university’s pre-law students with an opportunity to gain experience in lawsuits and court proceedings. He said the trial would also generate interest and understanding in the SMU community about the legal system, as students of all majors were invited to participate as jurors, witnesses and audience members.

“We wanted to give the students an opportunity where they can succeed on their own,” said Price. “They were able to act through their own initiative and improve in their learning.”

Price said that in this particular case, “the plaintiff alleged that the defendant served alcohol at a party to a student who was drunk and was therefore responsible when the student crashed into the plaintiff’s car, injuring him.”

Pre-law students Anna Sonday, Loren Galloway and Morgan Carlson represented the plaintiff of the case, while Colin Norris, Marty Purintun and Andrew Seifert acted for the defendant.

Price said that, though the two panels of student jurors agreed the cases were skillfully presented on both sides, they found favor with the defense.

“I know both juries had to take some time deliberating, so both sides must have presented fairly compelling arguments,” said Carlson, who plans to attend law school next year.

Price said he received positive feedback from audience members and student participants, who reportedly gained valuable experience in legal proceedings.

“It was beneficial in that this gave me a chance to see law in action,” said Sonday. “This obviously wasn't a real case, but it's daunting to think of the effect one witness statement or one comment by a lawyer can have on the jury. All the work we put into the trial came down to one verdict – a verdict that would have had staggering implications in the real world.”

The Mock Trial was the result of the hard work and collaboration of many people in the SMU community, said Price. Once Price determined what case script the students would use, he said he allowed them about two weeks to work in groups to prepare for the trial. He also arranged for Nancy Wiltgen, an SMU staff member in alumni affairs, to act as the judge during the trial. Wiltgen previously worked as an attorney for over 20 years in the prominent Minneapolis law firm Leonard, Street and Deinard.

Students from SMU’s theatre department played the witnesses in the case, including Bryan Moore, Jacob Rivet, Tom Conry and Alex Green. In addition, students Alex Akers and Taylor Marshall-Miernicki helped design the set for the trial.

For more information about the Mock Trial, email Price at lprice@smumn.edu or view the trial online at https://tegr.it/y/6qu9.

Cell phone etiquette questions raised

2011-11-17T18:31:00.001-06:00

By Jake Schild

Cardinal Staff

New technologies have changed the way we live, from communication to accessing information, and people have adopted different ideas on proper etiquette when using these devices.

At Saint Mary’s University, faculty and students seem to have reached a general consensus on what is acceptable in the classroom regarding the use of technology and what is not.

Student Leah Mueller uses her cell phone in class but feels rude when doing so. She doesn’t like in-class cell phone use for things not pertaining to the course.

“I think technology in the classroom is good if it has anything to do with what’s going on in class, but I think personal use is disrespectful.”

Brian Thomas, another student, agrees. Although he admits to using his cell phone “once or twice” during each class period, he doesn’t condone it.

Like Mueller, Thomas feels that students using devices in class for things other than schoolwork isn’t acceptable. “I’ve tried to cut back,” he said. “If you’re teaching a class, you don’t want to feel disrespected.”

Professors at SMU acknowledge the ways new technology can help students but agree with Mueller and Thomas about the ways it can be a detriment.

“Students have to understand our policies, and we need to understand their communication habits,” said public relations professor Dean Beckman, “and that’s what they are: habits.”

“There are different rules for different places, and we all need to be aware of them,” said Beckman. “I think it largely depends on the class. For my Public Relations Writing class, I encourage the use of Twitter and blogs; in fact, I require it.

“But that’s different [than most classes] because [it’s] specifically designed for students to learn those communication tools in a more professional setting,” he said.

Many classes here aren’t set up in a way that are conducive to those technologies being used in the classroom, said Beckman. “I think they have their place, but I think there are also places where it’s more of a distraction or harm then anything else,” he said.

“I think it largely depends on the situation and how comfortable the faculty member is,” he said. “If there is a clear tie-in to the class, I think there’s a legitimate reason for it. But if it doesn’t fit within the scope of the class, I think the faculty member needs to know what works and what doesn’t.”

Sociology professor Matt Klosky agrees. “I’m all for technology as long as it’s not a distraction,” said Klosky. “The distinguishing characteristic is the distraction factor.”

Klosky also sees changes in college students’ social lives with the possibilities that emerge from cell phones and other devices, and not all of them are good.

“If you stand outside of any class and watch the students leave a classroom, easily half of them, if not 75 percent, are on devices checking a text message, a Facebook update, an email,” he said.

The distinction Klosky sees is that ten years ago when he taught, people would discuss the content of the course as they were walking out the door. Today, they’re not interacting with people that are right next to them, said Klosky.

This is detrimental to academic engagement, Klosky said. “I get the sense that they are more focused on what happened outside of the classroom in the last hour than what happened inside the classroom,” he said.

Similar to Beckman’s and Klosky’s thoughts on the issue, philosophy professor Mark Barber sees these new technological opportunities as both a gift or a curse on campus.

“If our lives are web-based, then the time I’m spending online is time I’m not spending, say, with other people, having interaction,” said Barber, which is one of the reasons he said he doesn’t like the internet much.

“However, I do think that in our educational setting, the technology can provide us appropriate learning tools,” Barber said. “It’s a way for faculty and students to communicate and to have access to a common set of documents at any time, and I think that has helped. I think that’s good for the class.”

Leaving early for break? Let professors know

2011-11-17T18:30:00.001-06:00

By Kassondra Burtis

News Editor

Many students have at least considered leaving early for a break and skipping a class or two.

But students often think more about what they would do with an extra day off and less about the consequences of skipping class.

“Just like students talk about teachers, teachers will grouse sometimes about it being the day before Thanksgiving or Christmas break and only having two-thirds of [a] class [present],” said Dr. Steve Schild, professor of mass communication.

For Schild, hard work and communication is important.

“If someone has generally done the work and showed up and stayed in touch with me, I normally won’t holler about [leaving early],” Schild said.

Schild and some other professors don’t take attendance daily, but he said he still notices when a student tends to skip class often.

“I do notice who comes and who doesn’t,” Schild said. “I might be a little put out if someone’s leaving early when they miss class a lot as it is.”

Student attention span decrease with technology

2011-11-17T18:29:00.004-06:00

By Brian L. Thomas

Cardinal Staff

In the past few years, there has seemed to be a major decrease in the attention spans of college students both inside and outside the classroom, according to Saint Mary’s University’s Academic Skills Center Director Joe Dulak.

With the ongoing invention of new technology including smart phones, iPads and the like, Dulak says not only college students, but also adults are affected.

Referencing recent articles that have appeared in the New York Times, Dulak said attention spans are decreasing in the classroom because students are not fully engaged.

“Because students are constantly checking their phones or texting, they use selective listening, catching only parts of a lecture,” he said. This often leaves room for mistakes or misinterpretation of what a professor is saying.

Students seem to agree with Dulak. Junior English major Michael Wolten says technology has affected students’ attention spans tremendously. “It’s hard to text and give a class your full attention at the same time,” he said.

However, students are not all to blame, Dulak said. “As a society, we are all in some way attached to technology,” said Dulak. “We just have to know when to turn our devices off.”

Dulak said that he has found tips to increase attention spans in the classroom, such as having his students research the effects of technology for themselves. He also recommends that students turn off their devices while studying and doing homework in order to develop stronger attention spans.

It’s becoming harder and harder for students to escape technology, said Dulak. He said that the choice may appear difficult, but the results are worth the sacrifice: pay attention today to earn better grades tomorrow.

Beckman: Practice courtesy when arriving late

2011-11-17T18:29:00.002-06:00

By Samantha Kleese

Cardinal Staff

It is not unusual for college students to arrive late to class, but actions need to be taken if the problem becomes a repeated pattern, according to mass communications professor Dean Beckman.

Beckman said that arriving late to class does not affect the learning environment as long as the student is not consistently tardy. It may also be disrespectful if the student fails to take others into account by being loud when entering late, Beckman said.

Beckman said if students do happen to be late, they should still show up to class but be respectful to the professor and students who came on time.

Students who are consistently late may be risking their grade in the class, said Beckman. In his classes, if a student comes in fairly late, he does not count that student present, as he takes attendance at the beginning of class.

If it becomes an ongoing problem, Beckman suggested that the professor have a conversation with the student about time management and organization. “The student needs to find a solution with the professor.”

Beckman’s policy doesn’t differentiate between class times. “Students know their class times and must plan accordingly. If a class starts at 7:45, get to bed early.”

Freshman Sandy Sahl, who agrees with Beckman, said, “It is your responsibility to be on time. And you are paying to take the class, so you should be there.”

Hats off to Mary Fox

2011-11-17T18:28:00.000-06:00

By Meg Beerling

Feature Editor

As dictated by her syllabus, Mary Catherine Fox, Ph.D., asks that ladies and gentlemen respectfully refrain from wearing hats and caps in class.

Fox allows scarves, headbands, and bandanas, but does not like any sort of hat with a brim where she cannot see a student’s face. Fox said she wants to be able to recognize her students when they are not wearing hats.

Fox said that there are several reasons for this request but that it is not a matter of discipline.

She said she first started her request of cap removal after a colleague of hers passed away suddenly. Arthur Flodstrom was a former chair of the English department at SMU and her good friend, and it was always his rule that students not wear hats. Fox described him as a very classy man who always had high standards, so she adopted his rule in honor of him.

Fox said her rule is also a nod to Arnold Palmer, who once said that ladies and gentleman never wear hats inside. It doesn’t seem appropriate, she said.

Fox said it’s a matter of civil decorum. She said it’s good practice for the real world, where it is in bad taste to wear hats indoors. “Preparing students for the outside world is what I’m is here to do as an educator,” she said. “I’m giving you what you’re paying for.”

Fox also said that a student’s attentiveness can be attributed to his or her clothing choices. If a student is wearing a cap that is tilted down over the eyes, then he or she is not active in what is going on in class, said Fox. “It’s hard to know if the student is paying attention.”

Machinal to provide social commentary

2011-11-17T18:27:00.001-06:00

By Paul Schmitt

Cardinal Staff

Machinal, the theatre department’s latest production, promises an interesting and slightly avant-garde look at the impact society can have on women.

Directed by Judy Myers, chair of the theatre and dance department at Saint Mary’s University, the play is based on actual events. It was written in 1928 in an expressionistic style consisting of short scenes, repetitive dialogue and one-dimensional characters.

Myers said that audience members should be prepared to “accept that the style of this piece is different than what they are used to.” Expressionism involves very carefully selected pieces, colors and features in each scene to evoke certain ideas and feelings.

Sophomore Lydia Munroe plays the female lead in the production, a role that Myers said “calls for maturity.” Despite the challenging role, Munroe is “pulling it off well,” according to Myers.

Machinal is also the senior project of Josh Lentner, a theatre arts major who is designing the lighting for the show.

Performances of Machinal are at the Valencia Arts Center on Nov. 16-19 at 7:30 p.m., with a matinee show on Nov. 20 at 3 p.m. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for both seniors and students.

Lillian Davis Hogan Galleries presents professional, student work

2011-11-17T18:26:00.000-06:00

By Ashley Von Arx

Cardinal Staff

Saint Mary’s University’s Lillian Davis Hogan Galleries showcased the work of Andrew Rieder, a Michigan artist who characterizes the centuries-old circumstance of class struggles in his series These Things Happen.

Rieder’s method features the mixing of “high art and street art,” said Preston Lawing, chair of the art and design department at SMU.

The content answers to an oppressed working class. His subjects often hold a hammer or engage in anxious activity like dog fighting, enduring a raging inferno or managing a traumatic car accident. The show portrays the human condition as a struggle for survival – a struggle to find strength in an obviously corrupt world.

The Lillian Davis Hogan Galleries, located in the Toner Student Center, “offers a variety of visual experiences,” said Lawing. Not only does it host the work of accomplished artists like Rieder, but it also features the work of SMU students each year, displaying a student show open to all majors; the senior capstone show, featuring the work of senior art and design majors; and a faculty show. The student art show will be displayed Saturday, Nov. 19.

Annual Blue Angel show impresses again

2011-11-17T18:25:00.001-06:00

By Alexa Wallick

Photo Editor

The Brothers of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Eta Nu Chapter hosted the annual fall musical variety show Blue Angel in the cafeteria of the Toner Student Center on Nov. 4 and 5.

Students put on live musical performances covering a variety of songs, from popular art-

ists’ hits to original performances. Three shows were given, one on Friday and two on Saturday.

This year’s proceeds went to the Kevin P. O’Connell/Phi Mu Alpha Scholarship Fund, the DAVE Project, Gifts for Winona, the Sinfonia Educational Foundation and the Chotomow Children’s Foundation.

The Masters of Ceremonies this year were seniors Jake Rivet and Sam Callisto. The two exchanged seemingly unscripted banter all night, even as Rivet portrayed characters like Don Corleone from The Godfather and David Bowie.

Noteworthy Performances:

• Tower of Giants performance of metal-core band The Devil Wears Prada’s remixed version of “Still Fly” blew away the audience. Not only was this unlike any other song played in the show, but it may be the first song like it SMU has heard.

•Charolette Deranek’s acoustic rendition of All Time Low’s “Jasey Rae” put a thoughtful, feminine twist on the normally upbeat punk song.

• Andy Bauer’s rapping Minnesota artist Atmosphere’s “Guarantees” was the biggest surprise of the show.

• Jessica Ingvalson provided the most original moment, singing her own song entitled “Now You’re Gone.”

• Katie Sapper and Matt Pollum, also know as The Straight Jackets, managed to top original artist Jessie J., singing her song “Big White Room.”

• Blue Neutral Saltine Crackers rocked the crowd with the sounds of Red Hot Chili Peppers, playing “Suck My Kiss.”

• The evening took a classy turn when Alex Green hit the stage, performing Michael Buble’s “Hold On” with his group PDS.

• The Oldie Moldie All-Stars stepped up to give the final performance of the night, wrapping up the nearly three-hour event with their catalog of oldies hits that entertained attendees of all ages. Many were up and out of their seats for the final act of the night.

Oldie Moldie All-Stars conclude Blue Angel show

2011-11-17T18:24:00.000-06:00

By Matt Wagner

Cardinal Staff

The Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia fraternity has a long-standing tradition of putting on musical shows Gaslight and Blue Angel. As the Oldie-Moldie All-Stars concluded all three Blue Angel performances, the group of Phi Mu Alpha brothers displayed how they can put on a performance.

“It is amazing to perform for so many people,” said sophomore Miles Dunna, a vocalist for the All-Stars. “I am absolutely terrified of being up on stage and performing, but the people I am doing it for really drives me to sing.”

The All-Stars have been around for over 30 years and have always been exclusively associated with the Phi Mu Alpha fraternity at Saint Mary’s University. Sporting white tuxedos, the group plays Blue Angel, Gaslight and different events and causes around Winona.

“I think the tuxedos have been around longer than we have been alive,” said Dunna. “It is a fun group to be a part of.”

Senior Matt Polum is the leader of the All-Stars with three years of experience in the group.

“I sing, I help with fine tuning things, and I basically lead practices in order to make sure we get stuff done,” said Polum. “We started rehearsing for some of the songs before our first show which was Family Weekend, so we had prepared for the Blue Angel show quite a bit. The show went [really well] and we are already looking forward to Gaslight.”

The group performed for all three Blue Angel shows, singing tunes such as Superstitions, Rock Around the Clock, Brown Eyed Girl and Devil with the Blue Dress. The All-Stars even received encore chants after each performance.

“It was pretty cool getting an encore,” said Polum. “It shows that the crowd really does want to hear us. To know that we have the ability to make people dance and have a good time is really exhilarating.”

The Oldie Moldie All-Stars will be performing at Gaslight in the spring, so watch out for the dedicated group of talented musicians known for putting on a great show.

FAC, SAC spook students with school’s haunted history

2011-11-17T18:23:00.001-06:00

By Trisha Stachowski

Arts & Entertainment Editor

The Future Alumni Committee and the Student Activities Committee worked together to present “SMU-OOKY” in Salvi Lecture Hall Oct. 26.

The night began with a slideshow and an oral account of the university’s “eerie” past by Patrick Marek ’79. Marek’s presentation was followed by SAC’s showing of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part Two. Students were invited to wear costumes to both events to celebrate Halloween.

Marek’s presentation included both personal testimonies and other alumni’s stories of the ghostly happenings in both Saint Mary’s and Heffron Halls. He also talked about SMU history, including the shooting of Bishop Patrick Heffron, the university’s founder.

Marek has been interested in the school’s supposed haunted nature since he attended SMU and lived in Heffron Hall. This interest motivated him to extensively research SMU’s history and the hauntings.

The SMU-OOKY event was created by last year’s FAC president Sarah McDonough, with the event taking place at the theater in Saint Yon’s Hall. This year, FAC teamed up with SAC in order to “capture a wider audience” said current FAC president Brigid McDonough.

At the beginning of Marek’s presentation, Salvi Lecture Hall was full, with even more costumed students showing up as the night went on. “By combining [Marek’s] presentation with SAC’s movie night, we were able to accomplish our goal,” said Brigid.

FAC meetings are held every other Sunday at 3 p.m. in the Game Room in the basement of the Toner Student Center. For more information on Marek’s presentation or about FAC, contact Brigid McDonough at bmmcdo08@smumn.edu.

SMU swimming, diving hopes to build this season

2011-11-17T18:20:00.001-06:00

By Keotta L. House

Cardinal Staff

The Saint Mary’s University swimming and diving team is looking to build off the success it saw at the MIAC Championships last season.

Senior Neil Heacox and juniors Mark Ross and Robert Doyle are looking to lead the way for the men’s team, while seniors Liz Flynn, Nikki Farmer and Linda Tierney hope to lead the lady Cardinals this season.

With over ten upper classmen returning to the team, the expectations for the team are high. “The upper classmen are people that have been successful and are looking at the twilight of their career, and we want to see them go out with a bang,” said head coach Eric Lindquist.

“I want to improve my personal times,” said junior Mark Ross, who has had two standout seasons with the Cardinals. He is also looking to improve his place within the conference and work toward the national cut times.

Disagreeing with the popular belief that swimming is an individual sport, Ross said that team dynamic is important.

“I think our group of new guys and returners are a hard-working team that will help each other to succeed,” said Ross.

Senior diver Liz Flynn is looking for a grand close to her tenure at SMU.

“I really want to do well my senior year, and I have high hopes to make it to nationals on the three-meter,” said Flynn. “I also want to break all three of my records from last year.”

Diving coach Jeremiah Jackson has big goals for Flynn as well.

“We definitely want to try to get her to nationals; I think if we work hard and change some things we can do it,” said Jackson.

This season won’t be all work and no play for the swimming and diving team. This January, the team will take a training trip to the Bahamas to facilitate team bonding and offer special training.

Cross country headed in right direction

2011-11-17T18:19:00.000-06:00

By Raquel Romo

Cardinal Staff

Saint Mary’s University’s men’s cross country team has concluded its season, reaching several milestones along the way.

“We took seventh place at the conference meet which is something SMU hasn't done in cross country for many years,” said senior David Feather. “I think the highest finish for an SMU [cross country] team was fifth.”

Feather is pleased with the team’s showing. “I am really proud of the work the guys have put in and wish them the best as I [graduate this spring]. There's a good group of freshmen that came in this year so some hard work in the off season should really pay off for those guys,” Feather said.

Feather has also had a great season individually, hitting the second-fastest 8K time in SMU history at 26:24 at the MIAC championships and finishing 22nd individually.

Cardinal soccer hungry for improvement

2011-11-17T18:17:00.001-06:00

By Nick Bravos

Sports Editor

In his first season as Saint Mary’s University’s men’s head soccer coach, Pete Watkins implemented the same coaching philosophies he used during his eight years at Aurora University, where he accumulated a 101-48-13 overall record.

In 2003, Watkins inherited a 1-19 Aurora Spartan program. Throughout his time with the Spartans, his focus was on recruiting quality players with winning mentalities.

“It’s a players’ game,” Watkins said. During the recruitment process, he said he looks into players’ backgrounds and what programs the players are affiliated with to see if the programs are competitive or not.

“It’s hard to turn on the switch of competitiveness if they don’t come from a club that’s known for that,” Watkins said. “The mold we’re looking for is an overall athlete who will put the time in, especially in the off-season, who will go above and beyond.”

Attacking soccer 12 months out of the year should be a staple for the team, not an exception for one or two players, Watkins said.

“It’s that culture shift; we want players who are hungry to get out and get better.”

The “hunger” described by Watkins sparked internal competition between players for spots this season. Watkins started players who showed potential in practices in terms of overall performance and hard work, said junior mid-fielder Jacob Bina.

“This gave other people the opportunities to prove themselves not only to Watkins but to the rest of the team,” Bina said. “This also made the team more competitive in a way that helped overall, because we knew that we had depth.”

Watkins also implemented many new aspects of team coordination to help jump-start the inherited 2-16 program.

Compared to former coach Dembiec’s 4-4-2 formation, Watkins’ 4-1-4-1 formation took into account different strategies of play that he thought would best fit the team’s abilities.

Watkins used the “poor man’s blanket” analogy to describe formations in soccer. While using a new formation to cover one problem, new problems are often uncovered.

Watkins also conducted position-specific practices featuring drills designed to accommodate the different roles of offensive, mid-field, defensive and goalie positions.

“Another nice addition to this year was that the goalies had their own practices,” Bina said. “These occurred before regular practices, so they would have practices that were twice as long as the rest of the team. The team could tell the goalies were learning much more than in previous years.”

Watkins also implemented regeneration practices for high-minute players. Players who could expect high minutes of game time would split off from those who saw no or low game time and do 25 minutes of cardio and core work.

“This helped a lot with building back our legs,” Bina said.

Players who could expect no to low minutes of game time would continue to fight for game spots in an 8 vs. 8 scrimmage.

Watkins’ ended his first season with an overall 2-13-2 record. He said that it was “disappointing to lose those five games in overtime,” but that the team did manage to steal a 3-2 conference win against Concordia College, whereas the team went winless in conference play last season.

“We were competitive in most games, which is something that is nice to see, because the future looks bright for the program,” Bina said. “It was an overall good first building year for Watkins and the team, even if the record doesn’t show it.”

“An immediate goal for next year is to be 500, then after that to compete in the MIAC tournament,” Watkins said. One of his overarching goals for the program is to earn respect in the soccer community, not just in Winona, but regionally in the MIAC as an on-the-rise program.

Bundle up in style

2011-11-17T18:14:00.000-06:00

By Gabby Limonciello

Cardinal Staff

As the holidays are drawing near, everyone’s calendars are most likely beginning to fill up with holiday events and gatherings.

The one time to go all out in shimmer and glitz is New Years Eve, unless you’re like me and prefer to wear a little something bedazzled with every outfit. Otherwise, there are two words to keep in mind when dressing for the holidays: simple and elegant.

A casual yet trendy look for this winter season is a pair of white skinny jeans paired with a loose gray tee under a black blazer. To top off this outfit, add a patterned scarf with a pair of round-toed heels.

Dresses seen on the runway this holiday season are mainly fitted or pleated in the colors of red or black, and some are worn with a wide belt.

An essential piece for everyone’s wardrobes this winter is a good winter jacket or coat. The North Face is advertising its jackets that hit just below the knee in length. This urban look is great because it keeps you even warmer than the fleece jackets that have become so popular.

Celebrities are also wearing knit ponchos this season, which are cozy and an easy cover-up.

A last suggestion to keep in mind this holiday season is to save up Christmas money to buy a nice designer bag in a color that will go with everything. This way, you can wear it with every outfit!

SMU plans for future

2011-10-27T20:15:00.000-05:00

By Emma Stenzel

Managing & Advertising Editor

The Saint Mary’s University Strategic Planning Committee began planning early October for the future of the university and its students, staff and faculty.

Brother William Mann, members of the President’s Cabinet, the committee’s co-chairs and 40 of SMU’s faculty and staff from both the Winona and Twin Cities campuses met with Patrick Sanaghan, consultant on strategic planning, to learn various methods of gathering data from university stakeholders.

Brother Patrick Conway, co-chair of the committee and assistant professor of education and interdisciplinary studies, said that the committee will divide in pairs and gather stakeholder data. This includes thoughts and opinions from current and prospective students and parents, current and retired faculty and staff members, SMU alumni, diocesan officials, civic leaders, post-secondary high school counselors and the Board of Trustees. The committee will use its findings to determine long-term university goals.

“This process is going to be very transparent, so once data is collected, it will be posted online all along the way,” said Brother Patrick.

The committee has established four specific data gathering “designs” which they will use to communicate with SMU stakeholders, focusing on past university accomplishments; current strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats; feedback retrieved through stakeholder interviews; and comments received regarding the university’s future timeline.

Brother Patrick said that the opinions of the university’s stakeholders are crucial in determining how SMU will grow, develop and thrive in the future.

“It’s a collaborative effort,” said Brother Patrick. “The stakeholders’ voices will be heard. I believe that people will be excited and willing to take ownership because they will be a part of this.”

Brother Patrick said that October’s assembly was the first of five meetings to be held during the 2011-2012 academic year. Once the committee gathers its data, it will meet again in December to evaluate the results and assess the issues and trends that SMU could be confronted with in the future. It will meet in February and March to determine its vision and goals before the committee presents to the Board of Trustees in May and June.

“SMU has a wonderful story and we hope to get that story out,” said Brother Patrick. “We need to ask ourselves, ‘How can we get that story out to the public?’ That’s one thing I’d like to know.”

Taylor Richmond Benefit Dance to aid alumnus, veteran

2011-10-27T20:13:00.001-05:00

By Kassondra Burtis

News Editor

The 12th annual Taylor Richmond Benefit Dance (TRBD) will honor Josh Misiewicz, a former Saint Mary’s University student and military veteran who was wounded while serving his country this past summer.

Misiewicz was injured on July 20 in Afghanistan when he stepped on a bomb and lost both of his legs and some of his hearing.

“Josh is a trooper,” said Nikki Richmond, whose son Taylor was the first beneficiary of the dance. “He is already on the climbing wall, and it just happened in July. He has a heart of gold and [his injury] is not going to stop him.

“He can push himself, he’s got courage, he’s got stamina. He has his hard times too, but it’s neat to see that he’s taking what happened to him to the next level and saying, ‘I can still do what I want to do.’”

The annual event honors someone in the SMU community who is in need. The recipient must first go through a nomination process and then be selected by the TRBD committee.

SMU men’s hockey coach Bill Moore originally sent the request through the alumni relations office for Misiewicz to be this year’s recipient. Richmond heard of this and then contacted a couple of Misiewicz’s former hockey coaches growing up. They then officially nominated Misiewicz, and his nomination was accepted by the TRBD committee.

The original idea behind the TRBD came from SMU students who wanted to hold a benefit for Taylor and brought the idea to Nikki. Taylor had been diagnosed with ataxia telangiectasia, and the students wanted to send him on a trip. After the first benefit, the students decided they wanted to make the benefit an annual event and keep it in Taylor’s name.

“It’s very humbling, and I don’t know how to thank people for that, because it was the students who did it, and it was [they] who wanted to keep it in his name,” Richmond said.

“And Taylor loves it. Our family loves it, and it’s very humbling that it’s in his name.”

The 2012 Taylor Richmond Benefit Dance is scheduled for Sat., March 24, with a performance by the Johnny Holm Band.

Advocates 4 Abilities new on campus

2011-10-27T20:12:00.001-05:00

By Jenna Capelle

Cardinal Staff

Advocates 4 Abilities (A4A), a new club at Saint Mary’s University founded by seniors Bethany Hastings, Rachel Elbert, and Diana Lundeen, offers a positive support system for those with disabilities and educates the SMU community about different disabilities.

The three seniors want to take away the negative connotations of “disabilities” and put a greater focus on people’s abilities.

“The purpose of A4A is to educate and advocate about different capabilities,” said Elbert. “We’re changing the language to make [disabilities] more positive.”

Meetings are typically held once per week with SMU Counselor and A4A Advisor Holly Courtenay present. Information shared by students in group discussions is kept confidential between those attending the meeting.

“We want to help people experience interacting with those with abilities and help people become more comfortable talking about different capabilities,” said Lundeen.

The club also intends to spread awareness about various types of mental and physical disorders.

“We want to cover any topics that people are struggling with such as Autism, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, depression, and Asperger’s Syndrome,” said Lundeen.

In the spring, A4A hopes to hold an “Awareness Day” for students to experience a sensory walk or utilize wheelchairs. The club also plans to organize a few events with the Special Olympics of Winona.

For more information about A4A, send inquiries to Hastings (brhast08), Elbert (raelbe07) or Lundeen (drlund08).

New group to focus on culture

2011-10-27T20:11:00.001-05:00

By Keotta House

Cardinal Staff

When Saint Mary’s University failed to celebrate Black History Month during the 2009-2010 school year, freshman Ciera Patrick was shocked and decided to take action.

She performed an unofficial survey of 80 SMU students and concluded that many minorities on campus felt they were not being represented by groups and activities on campus.

Patrick included Vice President for Student Development Chris Kendall in her research, and Kendall began to hold panels to discuss diversity issues on campus, which led to the creation of a new organization called Black Students and Allies (BSA).

BSA’s founding members are sophomores Ciera Patrick, Krista Barnes, Jamal Arnold and Miles Dunna.

“Black Students and Allies is an organization on campus that was not only created to give minorities an opportunity to openly express themselves, but also to give them a chance to present to SMU a realistic view of their cultures,” said BSA President Ciera Patrick.

BSA has already thrown a pajama party in September, raised money for Breast Cancer Awareness Month and celebrated inner beauty for a week in October. The organization has many more events planned for the future.

“We have a soul food dinner on Nov. 19 that [students] are excited for, and we have a month’s worth of events we have planned during Black History Month,” BSA Vice President Krista Barnes said.

PR and Communications Coordinator Jamal Arnold is especially excited about one particular event.

“Karaoke night is going to be a blast,” he said. “Everyone loves good karaoke, and what better way to bond members of the SMU student body than with the universal language of music?”

These events are important for Black Students and Allies to establish their efforts and help them reach their goal of enduring as a campus club.

“We want to be around to usher in a new attitude toward black culture not just at SMU, but throughout Winona,” said Arnold.

Campus Safety talks fire pit regulations

2011-10-27T20:09:00.001-05:00

By Meg Beerling

Feature Editor

Campus Safety Director Phil Gaddis and Associate Director Clint Estle discussed the responsibilities students have while utilizing the fire pits that Saint Mary's University offers for student recreation.

According to the 2011-2012 Resource Guide & Daily Planner, fire pits are to be reserved 48 hours in advance.

“Now that’s what we like it to be,” said Gaddis.

Students are allowed to come in within less than 48 hours have Campus Safety hear the request, said Estle.

“If someone came in today and said that they’ve got friends [visiting] and would like to have a bonfire tonight, I’d probably approve it,” said Estel.

“We are willing to work with students,” he said. “We take things on a case-by-case basis.”

For about a week before SMU’s Autumn Recess, the state issued Winona County as a “No Burn Zone,” said Gaddis. Even though SMU is on the outskirts of that zone, it was under orders to have no fires because of how dry it was, he said.

Wild fires were turning up and it was a strict safety precaution, said Gaddis.

“Then we got some rain, and it was back to approving requests,” said Estle.

“The fire pits are a wonderful resource,” said Estle. “We want to encourage students to go out and do those things, but there are responsibilities that come with that.”

Said Gaddis, it all comes down to responsibility, and the regulations regarding the SMU fire pits are similar to those of other locations with like facilities.

Students must make sure that the fire is extinguished completely once they are done, said Estle.

Should the rules be broken, the next step is a conversation with the permit holder, said Gaddis. He said Campus Safety want to have someone to talk to about the regulations and to make sure they know about their responsibilities as a fire permit holder.

There is not a set time frame for having bon fires but Gaddis advises students not to be out in the bluffs past 1 a.m. Camping is not allowed in the bluffs, so if students are out much later than that, it starts “getting into camping territory,” he said.

Also, in accordance with the campus-wide policy of not having alcohol outside of residence halls, alcohol is not permitted at these events, said Estle.

“The fire pits are there for students to use and enjoy,” said Estle. “[They] just have to know it comes with responsibilities just like anything else.”

Goal of alcohol policy explained

2011-10-27T20:07:00.001-05:00

By Meg Beerling

Feature Editor

Nikki Hodous (formerly Nikki Peters) spoke of the practical reasons for Saint Mary's University’s alcohol policy as well as her feelings about the restrictions placed on students.

“It’s been easier for the administration at other places I’ve worked,” said Hodous, director of residence life at SMU. Other schools would rather segregate their student populations based on age so the administration does not have to sort out underage drinking, she said. However, she said that SMU cares about its students and takes a practical approach to health, safety and good decision making.

“SMU really does listen to its students,” said Hodous. Last year, as part of his duties as a student senate representative, Bob Rousseau approached Residence Life with the student concerns that one case of beer or two bottles of wine or one bottle of liquor per Village apartment was not a practical amount. This year, the amount of alcohol allowed per Village apartment was doubled.

“It’s just proof that the senators listen, and the school does too,” said Hodous.

Hodous said that the administration doesn’t want to prohibit students from having fun. She said the goal of alcohol regulations is to help students learn responsibility for alcohol in social settings.

“Our fines and punishments are a lot different from the law and court systems,” said Hodous. SMU policy tries to provide a more educational punishment rather than huge fines or worse consequences, she said.

Underage drinking is punishable in different ways on campus. According to the policy, an underage student may be required to take one of three alcohol courses accompanied by $25, $50 or $100 fines, depending on the violation. These punishments are not linear. Each violation is reviewed on a case-by-case basis, said Hodous. SMU is also willing to work with students by giving them community service options, she said.

“We all make mistakes,” said Hodous. “The more willing a student is to be honest, the easier it is to help [him or her].”

The breath test is the biggest thing, said Hodous. If a student hasn’t been drinking, it is his or her responsibility to take the test, she said; it is not the responsibility of the staff to remind students.

“I try to tell students that at the beginning of the year because that’s important,” she said. “And if you have been drinking, don’t take it; it’s just going to get you in more trouble.”

Residence Life tries to be reasonable by allowing students to associate with peers of all age groups, said Hodous.

“It’s not like we go around looking for violations,” she said. “It usually goes along with a noise complaint or some other violation, so be smart about social gatherings.”

Tobacco use policy discussed

2011-10-27T20:06:00.001-05:00

By Gabby Limonciello

Cardinal Staff

Saint Mary’s University prohibits the use of chewing tobacco as well as the presence of hookah and all other drug paraphernalia on campus, according to the SMU handbook. The smoking of cigarettes, cigars and pipes is permitted when 20 feet away from any building entrance.

Any individual who violates any of these regulations will face disciplinary action, according to the handbook.

“Ten years ago these rules were not stated in the handbook and were not considered as much of a problem as they are today,” said Marc Hartmann, hall director and graduate assistant of student life.

This policy is important because it provides our campus with a safer and healthier environment for students, said Hartmann. Had this regulation not been set, the atmosphere students see now would be completely changed, he said.

Hartmann believes this rule is considered fair because it still allows students to smoke if they so choose, as long as they are the appropriate distance away from a building.

By not banning tobacco completely, students are able to engage in activities as they smoke, while also providing a safe environment to non-smokers, said Hartmann.

Students have questioned why hookah is not allowed on campus. The reasons for banning hookah are that hall directors and resident assistant are not certain if the student is smoking hookah or an illegal substance, said Hartmann. He also said it comes down to trust, and that is partially why it is not allowed.

Said Hartmann, “It could be worse – smoking could be banned on campus, which I am sure would cause some major issues.”

Johnson: Class attendance policy benefits students

2011-10-27T20:04:00.001-05:00

By Sam Kleese

Cardinal Staff

The class attendance policy at Saint Mary's University states that students are expected to attend all class meetings, according to the student handbook.

The policy gives the student responsibility to notify the instructor prior to missing class and to submit work that is due prior to the missed class meeting.

SMU professor Peggy Johnson agrees with the attendance policy. Johnson’s goal is to help students succeed, she said.

“Attending classes teaches responsibility and discipline and establishes a stronger relationship with the teacher and other students,” said Johnson. Students are held accountable in attending classes through a private school, said Johnson, so teachers taking attendance become more mindful of a pattern. This can help the student make sure they attend class, said Johnson.

The policy is reflected by student grades, Johnson said; they will be negatively affected if a reliable excuse is not given before the absence.

The handbook states that professors can lower grades if they aren’t notified prior to an absence. Instructors are under no obligation to provide make-up exams or quizzes or to accept late work if a student fails to speak with the instructor prior to the absence, according to the handbook.

Johnson believes that this policy is important to students because it can help them learn how to independently manage their work and start to take control of their academic lives. This policy also teaches students about respecting instructors and being courteous when informing instructors of absences.

New frights at annual Walk of Horror

2011-10-27T20:03:00.001-05:00

By Julianne Bartosz

Copy Editor

The Walk of Horror at Saint Mary’s University is in its 15th year and still scaring people of all ages from the Winona community. The screams will be heard throughout SMU’s bluffs on Oct. 21-22 and 29-31 from 7 to 10 p.m.

About 1,100 people walk through the haunted forest every year, according to SMU head fastpitch softball coach Jen Miller. The Walk of Horror is the fastpitch softball team’s main fundraiser, said Miller. This year the money raised will help the team pay for it’s spring trip for a tournament in Clermont, Fla.

The Walk of Horror is a fun and safe event for all ages, according to Miller. She said that the scare level is decreased for younger children and increased for only the bravest of groups.

“It’s a good team-building activity that [also] serves the Winona community,” said Miller.

The softball team gets to know each other while working together to design, plan, and carry out all the scenes in the haunted walk, said junior fastpitch player Paige Carter. “We get to know teammates as players during our fall ball season, but the haunted forest lets us get to know each other outside of softball. We bond as a team and get to see everyone’s goofy side,” said Carter.

The Walk of Horror covers the same path every year, but scenes and scares change every year. Miller said that the same advertising design has been used for several years now and “it’s become a trademark.”

Approaching her third year of work with the haunted forest, Carter said, “It’s amazing that people come back for the scare even after 15 years, but we change it up every year, and half of our team is new so I’m interested to see the new spin.”

It is freshman softball player Sam Borawski’s first year working the haunted forest and she “cannot wait to scare people when they least expect it.” She said, “I don’t know what was done in the past, but the [returning players] said that people want more things that will make them jump, so we planned them. It was important to them to plan new things while considering people’s comments from last year after walking the trail.”

This year, the softball team will be assisted by the women’s hockey team.

Said Carter, “We do the majority of the work and the scaring, but other people help, too. Our coaches are the biggest help we receive.”

After all of their hard work, Carter said, “The biggest reward is hearing that people like it and come back a second time [in the same year]. It is nice to know our time and effort was not wasted.”

Borawski also said that the upperclassmen believe the outcome reflects the effort put in. She said that returning players “take pride in it, but the enjoyment that visitors show make it worth it, especially when they return year after year.”

Brave community members who walk the trail meet on the path between the baseball and softball fields.

The cost is $5 for adults and $4 for students with ID and children 12 and younger. For more information, contact Miller at 507-457-6923.

SAC offers Valleyscare visit

2011-10-27T20:02:00.001-05:00

By Matt Wagner

Cardinal Staff

The Student Activities Committee (SAC) hosted a trip to the Halloween Haunt at Valleyscare on Oct. 22, at an attractive price of only $10 per person.

The event takes place at Valleyfair amusement park in Shakopee, Minn., located about three hours northwest of Winona, making it a fun day trip for those who attended.

“I have been to Valleyscare a few times over the past couple of years,” said freshman, Tore Anderson. “They have a lot to do other than just rides and shows. A lot of the attractions they have are different than other haunted houses in the Twin Cities.”

Valleyscare features nine separate haunted mazes and zones in addition to its rides that are also open to the public. These haunted zones include Mr. Cleaver’s Bloodshed and the Mangler Asylum. With live entertainment such as Blood Drums and Mick Mangler’s Madness and Mayhem Show, the park has a lot to offer haunted house enthusiasts during the fall season.

“It was a ton of fun. A lot of people ended up attending the event, and everything about it was great,” said freshman SAC member Joe Budin. “We rode rides and then went through the different haunted houses; they had a pirate ship themed haunted house, one with clowns and a vampire castle. It was better than I had thought it would be.”

The event sign-up sheet filled up quickly, with more than 40 students attending, making it quite a successful event for SAC.

“It filled up a lot faster than I thought it would,” said Lance Thompson, assistant activities director of SAC. “We originally had to have 40 people for the event, but we ended up with 55. I would say it is a good possibility that we could be going next year and in future years as well.”

Area artists compete in Art Battle

2011-10-27T20:01:00.001-05:00

By Kacie Kusinski

Cardinal Staff

Several area artists competed in the Art Battle, “art face-off of epic proportions,” on Oct. 8 at the Winona Arts Center.

The Battle was structured so that two artists “battled” at a time; they were given a set amount of time to come up with a piece of art on the spot.

The artists performed on a well-lit stage in the back of the room at the Winona Arts Center, and there were chairs set up in front of the stage where viewers could sit and watch the artists at work. Music for the event was provided by DJ Rhumpshaker, and Dr. Bob acted as the “referemcee,” serving as both judge and commentator.

According to the Winona Arts Center website, the contenders included Jamie Harper, Julia Crozier, Lyon Smith, Aaron Rykhus, Theresa Crozier, Jerod Schmocker and Brianna Klapperich.

Downstairs, the artists were able to show previous works they created without the time crunch required by the Battle. The work displayed downstairs was available for silent auction bids.

Men's hockey sets bar high

2011-10-27T19:58:00.002-05:00

By Keotta House

Cardinal Staff

The Saint Mary’s University men’s hockey team is drawing to a close its pre-season mindset and gearing up for its first game against the University of St. Thomas on Saturday, Oct. 29.

“It’s just that fine line between being a contender and being a rebuilding program and we were still rebuilding last year,” Head Coach Bill Moore said.

“This year we are very excited and we have a legitimate shot at making the playoffs with the guys we have back and the new freshmen this year.”

Last season was a learning process for the team, as there were over 15 freshmen starters throughout the season, said Moore. Now, the team is intact and ready.

Said senior captain Vince Unklesbay, “We only lost two players last year, so we are a much more experienced team this year and we will be better at both gaining leads in games and holding onto them.”

Unklesbay, who switched positions last year from forward to defense, said the transition is going well. “There are many aspects of [my defense] that need work, but overall I think it is going well, and I work to improve every day.”

There is one line in particular SMU fans and opponents should watch for, according to Captain Tom Healy.

“The Kevin Wentland, Austin Balko and Chase Marshall line really took off toward the end of last season, and I am looking forward to seeing them together again,” said Healy.

The Wentland, Balko and Marshall line put up a total of 22 goals, 32 assists, and 54 total points last season.

“Wentland is focused and ready to go this season,” said Healy. “I think we all are just ready to go.” The hockey team is centered around the chemistry between teammates this year. “For the most part our team chemistry is very good right now and it is part of the reason why we are excited about this season,” said Moore.

Moore believes this chemistry will translate into performance on the ice.

“Playing hard for each other and not just for yourself, that’s team chemistry and team unity, and I think we have that now,” said Moore.

The team has high hopes for itself both on and off the ice. They not only want to make the playoffs, but Coach Moore has additional goals for the team.

“My goal is to make sure [the team] is respectful to everyone on campus and respectful to their education,” said Moore. “I want to make sure they meet a cumulative 3.0 [GPA], get 20 or more players on the academic dean’s list and do more than 500 hours of community service.”

“Your education, your experience, and your integrity build character, and that’s what I preach. We’re crossing our fingers that that comes along with winning; then our program will be where we want it to be.”

Bitter-sweet end for some Cardinal golfers

2011-10-27T19:57:00.002-05:00

By Morgan Stock

Cardinal Staff

The Saint Mary’s University men’s and women’s golf teams competed in the MIAC Championships in early October to conclude their seasons, marking the last round for team seniors as Cardinals.

Both Cardinal teams finished 10th in the conference.

Despite the disappointing end, seniors feel that they put forth their best effort and had a good season, said senior Lauren Ulbrich.

“For me, I had my record best this year which was an awesome way to end."

Offering insight to up-and-coming freshman golfers, Ulbrich said, "Practice in the off season—it pays off. Then go out there and have fun."

The men's team had a group that hit well and got along with each other, said senior David Borgen. “We could have done better in the MIAC for our senior year, but we each improved our average team score over the course of the season.”

Defeating Carleton College last year during former coach Jeff Stangl’s final season was one of Borgen’s favorite golf memories. Taking third in the Wartburg tournament was an overall team high on the season.

‘Switching sticks’ not a problem for men’s lacrosse

2011-10-27T19:53:00.001-05:00

By Nick Bravos

Sports Editor

For the second time in the clubs’ histories, the men’s and women’s lacrosse clubs battled each other in the “switching sticks” fundraiser game, held Saturday, Oct. 8.

After two 15-minute halves, the men’s team came out with a 10-2 win over the women’s team.

Two years ago, the clubs came up with the idea for the men vs. women game, where players switch sticks and uniforms with the opposite team.

Women’s lacrosse gear differs from men’s. For example, women’s sticks come in only one size with shallow pockets, while men have two different sticks, both with deep pockets. Men’s offensive sticks are similar to what the women use, but their defensive sticks are much longer.

“I had done [a men vs. women game] in high school,” said senior captain Meg Beerling, “and it was a great way to get people to come watch and see what the sport was all about, since it's not a very well-known or recognized sport.”

For this year’s game, switching sticks wasn’t the only rule. This time, all equipment was traded, including sticks, helmets and jerseys -- including skirts.

“Many of our male players were wearing skirts and jerseys that were way too tight,” said Jared Haider, men’s senior captain.

“When the game started, it was pretty back and forth for a while,” Haider said. “Then we started to score some goals and get used to the equipment change.”

Wearing the guys equipment was challenging, said Beerling, but it was easier to use their sticks because they have deep pockets. She said it was difficult “to see out of that helmet, and it was far too big for my head so it kept slipping over my eyes.”

Because the helmets the men use aren’t washable, “it smelled like death,” Beerling said.

This year there was also a condition for the losing team. “We tried to make a funny stipulation that the loser had to abide by, but we did not have adequate time to think of one,” Haider said.

The teams decided that the women’s team will buy pizza at the next team party.

The game displays each club’s dedication and effort to raise funds, according to Haider.

“It also shows that our organizations have a sense of humor and know how to have fun and be competitive at the same time.”

SMU is "Going Google"

2011-09-29T19:06:00.003-05:00

By Emma Stenzel

Managing & Advertising Editor

Saint Mary’s University will be transitioning its email platform to Google Apps, effective this semester for all current students, faculty, staff and administration.

Google Apps is a collection of messaging and collaboration applications that mirrors Google’s popular email service, Gmail. It is replacing Office-Logic Interchange Webmail after surveyed respondents expressed dissatisfaction with the outdated email server in a 2009 study.

The Google Apps platform offers six services, including Google Mail, Calendar, Talk, Docs, Sites and Video. These tools will offer several advantages that Webmail does not provide, including nearly 300 times more email storage, enhanced message organization, easy calendar and schedule sharing, instant messaging and more advanced mobile configuration.

Sarah Bearbower, information technology manager of academic systems at SMU, said she is especially impressed with Google Apps’ easy-to-use collaboration features.

“You get so much more from email and calendars with Google,” said Bearbower. “It will really allow users to take advantage of the collaboration features, which will make it much easier to work together with peers and faculty members.”

Bearbower said that SMU faculty and staff have already begun the migration process and will be fully switched to the Google Apps system by Thanksgiving Break. SMU seniors will transition on Oct. 18, followed by juniors on Nov. 1, sophomores on Nov. 8 and freshmen on Nov. 15. The process will be complete once graduate and professional students migrate by the end of the semester.

No email addresses will change after the transition; addresses will still end with “@smumn.edu”.

Bearbower said Information Technology will not move old email messages to the new system for students, but the HelpDesk will provide instructions on how to do so on its website.

For more information about the email transition, visit the HelpDesk website at http://techfaq.smumn.edu or contact the Winona campus HelpDesk at 507-457-7800.

Winona campus to build new residence hall

2011-09-29T19:06:00.001-05:00

By Samantha Kleese

Cardinal Staff

In order to draw and retain students and improve its facilities, Saint Mary’s University has finalized plans for a new residence hall on the Winona campus.

The concept of the facility was approved by the SMU Board of Trustees last May. The site plan has already been filed with the City of Winona and SMU has sent out a request for construction bids.

SMU administration will reach its goal of beginning construction this fall with plans to have the building completed for the fall of 2012.

The new residence hall is to be built between the high ropes course and the New Village apartments. It will house sophomore, junior, and senior undergraduates during the academic year, as well as participants in conferences, camps and educational programs in the summer.

The new hall will include single-occupancy suites, double-occupancy suites and two-, three-, and four-bedroom apartments. There will also be lounges, study rooms and a kitchen to bring individual students together as a cohesive community and promote a learning environment.

The building is intended to have 141 beds in 45 units, with each room having a private bath. The residence hall will be air-conditioned and provide Wi-Fi Internet access.

SMU to celebrate centennial

2011-09-29T19:05:00.001-05:00

By Andrea Allis

Editor in Chief

Saint Mary’s University is quickly approaching its centennial: 2012 will mark the 100th anniversary of the founding of SMU, and much is being done in anticipation of the milestone.

There will be several events to take part in, starting with a Cornerstone Commemoration Event on June 23, 2012, “to honor the initial cornerstone being laid in 1912,” according to the SMU centennial website. Other centennial events in 2012 will include Young Alumni and Cardinal “M” Club Weekend Sept. 7-9, a Chicago Centennial Event Sept. 22, and Family Weekend and Arts Commission Debut Oct. 5-7.

The main event will be the Centennial Celebration Weekend in June 2013. “This event will invite all former alumni, faculty, staff, Christian Brothers, seminar graduates [and others] back to campus and, for some of the graduate students, to campus for the first time,” said Bridget McCoy, centennial and special events director at SMU. She added that the event will mark the end of the centennial year and “ring in the next century of SMU, which is very exciting!”

More events will be posted on the centennial website as the time draws nearer and dates are set, including a specific celebration that will be designed by the students for the students.

Centennial Celebration planning began about two years ago when a Visioning Committee was formed. The committee included faculty, staff, alumni and students from “the major constituency areas [of] Winona, the Twin Cities and Chicago” to “create a vision around the Centennial Celebration,” said McCoy.

After that, the 15-person Centennial Celebration Committee was formed, also comprised of faculty, staff and both undergraduate and graduate students. The Centennial Celebration Committee has been meeting for the past year “to formulate the concrete plans” for the celebration’s events, McCoy said.

Currently, McCoy said, there are 12 working groups that will complete the planning and execution of the Centennial events.

For more information on SMU’s Centennial Celebration, visit the centennial website, www.saintmary’s100.com.

9/11 anniversary brings memories for SMU community

2011-09-29T19:03:00.003-05:00

By Jake Schild

Cardinal Staff

A group of Saint Mary’s University faculty and staff gathered in the Toner Student Center Sept. 8 to discuss how the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks affected them personally and how they felt the U.S. military handled the situation after the attacks.

Dr. Rose Beal, a professor of theology at SMU, was working in Washington on the day of the fatal attacks. She explained how shocked everyone was after the attacks.

“For many it was the first time people actually felt they had a human enemy,” Beal said. “We’ve never had to suffer that kind of territorial attack. It was unfathomable.”

She also conveyed how difficult it was for Americans not to immediately turn their fear into anger.

“People really had to wrestle with the tension of, ‘How do I forgive this enemy? How do I pray not only for the people in the World Trade Center, but also for those involved in the mission?’” said Beal.

Dr. Wes Miller, a professor of sociology at SMU, had a brother-in-law living in New York at the time, and Dean of Campus Ministry Dennis Gallagher was teaching at a Catholic high school in New York.

Miller, who was teaching a global issues class at the time, said he felt a need to change the class curriculum after the incident and bring up more multicultural ideals.

“It was a seriousness in that class amongst students and myself,” he said.

Miller also felt as though he saw little “heroics” all throughout the day, explaining that there was a sense of community on campus that came out of the attacks. Beal also mentioned this, noting that “we were there to support each other, to pray for those who suffered losses.”

In terms of U.S. military action after the attacks, almost all of the forum participants were doubtful that exactly the right methods were used.

“One of the issues we continue to deal with is strategic planning,” said Beal. “We perceive war as a solution, yet we are still intentionally naïve about the costs of war.

“You think it’s going to be like a Bruce Willis movie, and it’s not. It never has been. Until we come to terms with that, we will continue to contribute to the problem.”

Both Gallagher and Dr. Jim Rodgers, a professor of history at SMU, said that the U.S. might have been too confident in their subsequent attacks on Iraq and Afghanistan.

“Before 9/11 there was a patriotic feeling that we were the most powerful nation in the world and peacekeepers,” Gallagher said. “We were used to quick actions. We thought we could just solve things because of our power, our money, and our might."

“We’re used to ‘American exceptionalism,’” said Rodgers. “We’re finding out the hard way that maybe we’re not as exceptional as we thought. Maybe all the military hardware is not a solution to these problems. We have to take a much longer-termed view. We’re not used to that. We’re used to short fixes: getting it over with and withdrawing. That’s not really the way the world works.”

Rodgers also said that capturing one terrorist leader is much different than bringing total democracy to both Iraq and Afghanistan.

“We can accomplish killing [Saddam] Hussein, but it’s much harder to make a free and democratic Iraq. We need to quit running these objectives together. We need long-term nation building. We’re not very good at that.”

Jim Bedtke, vice president for the College, and Dr. Jeff Walter, an SMU counselor, thought also that our invasions on both Iraq and Afghanistan could’ve been executed differently.

“We’re becoming a breeding ground for some of that same behavior we so despised, suffered on 9/11. How do we deal with that?” asked Bedtke.

Said Walter, “Punishment doesn’t work well to shape behaviors.”

Guatemala SOUL trip inspirational for all involved

2011-09-29T19:03:00.002-05:00

By Kassondra Burtis

News Editor

Guatemala had ten new visitors last May as nine Saint Mary’s University students and one faculty advisor took part in a 12-day trip sponsored by the Campus Ministry program Serving Others United in Love (SOUL).

“It was an amazing experience,” faculty advisor Dorothy Diehl said. “Being able to meet the people and hear their stories was something I couldn’t have learned from a book.”

The group took a couple tours and traveled to a few different cities throughout different parts of the country and got to spend time with children at an orphanage.

Jamie Cooper, student leader of the group, noted some key differences in the international trip to Guatemala as compared to other domestic SOUL trips taken throughout the school year.

“Well the obvious difference is that you go to a different country,” Cooper said. “Another big one is that the Guatemala SOUL trip is not meant to be a service trip. It is meant to be more of an educational trip about social injustices in other countries.

“It is supposed to open people’s eyes and hopefully inspire them to preach what they witnessed and spread the awareness.”

And that’s just what it did for Diehl.

“Standing on the hill and watching the people working in the dump and hearing a woman talk about how she helped save some orphans during the civil war is something that will stay with me forever,” she said.

It was an eye-opening experience for all involved, and both Diehl and Cooper encouraged others to sign up for the trip in the future, even if they don’t speak any Spanish.

“Even if you haven’t had any Spanish, you will benefit from the experience,” Diehl said. “The happiness on the faces of the children as we played games with them at the orphanage showed that you don’t need words to communicate with someone.”

“It’s a life-changing experience in some way or another,” Cooper said. “You will not have any regrets.”

Students show school pride during Cardinal Days

2011-09-29T19:02:00.000-05:00

By Morgan Stock

Cardinal Staff

The Saint Mary’s University Student Activities Committee (SAC) always does its best to present students with fun activities on campus.

This year, SAC presented Cardinal Days, a sort of “homecoming week” that provided events and activities for students and invited them to show off their Cardinal pride.

“Since we don't have a football team, we try to do other things throughout the week to generate school spirit,” said Connie Budin, president of SAC.

This year’s Cardinal Days incorporated different dress-up days and gave students chances to win prizes like SMU water bottles, pens and notepads for their attire. Monday was “Wear Red Day,” followed by “Professional Dress Day” on Tuesday. SAC also sponsored a Tug of War contest Tuesday evening, which took place by the Gazebo. The winning team was awarded a $100 gift card to Godfather’s Pizza.

The Big Red Cardinal made an appearance on Wednesday in the cafeteria during lunch hours, and the movie Bridesmaids was shown in Salvi Lecture Hall in the evening.

Thursday was “Thrift Store Treasure Dress Day” and an afternoon presentation of “Can I Kiss You?” was held in the Page Theatre for freshmen.

Friday concluded Cardinal Days with the band The Morning Foreign in the Toner Student Center Game Room.

Each event was free to students and gave them an opportunity to have some fun and show their Cardinal pride.

Look out for more free and exciting activities presented by SAC throughout the year.

English welcomes new professor

2011-09-29T19:01:00.000-05:00

By: Ellie Duening

Cardinal Staff

The Saint Mary's University English department is excited about the addition of new faculty member Dr. Erin Clark.

Clark takes the place of Dr. Jenny Olin Shanahan, who left SMU’s English department two years ago, and teaches English Composition, Introduction to Literature, and Dimensions of Literature.

Clark said she most looks forward to the capability and the enthusiasm of the wide variety of students here. And according to English Department Chair Dr. Carolyn Ayers, the students' reaction to Clark's teaching has been "overwhelmingly positive."

Clark said she is also excited to carry out her passion for African American and Holocaust literature.

“The most important task the humanities can accomplish is preparing young writers to communicate with the world around them,” said Clark.

Usually, the hiring process would take place over the course of an entire school year, but in this case it took place over the summer. Before hiring Clark, the English department requested approval to search for a new professor and once it was granted, a short-term search was begun, said Ayers.

Clark was among around 100 interested applicants, according to Ayers, and under a normal timeline, this opening would have generated around 300 applicants. Once the available position was defined, a search committee was formed of English department faculty and professors from different fields, Ayers said.

The committee screened the 100 applications and selected 12 to interview via telephone, said Ayers, and of these, three applicants were chosen to come to campus for a day and to visit and interview. The applicants were then interviewed in a more formal setting, allowing the search committee, the dean and the director of administration to gain a more elaborate understanding of the candidates, Ayers said.

Wellness Center welcomes new counselors

2011-09-29T18:59:00.001-05:00

By Jenna Capelle

Cardinal Staff

Two new counselors joined Saint Mary’s University’s Jay Johnson Wellness Center staff last August.

As new faces on campus, Drs. Holly Courtenay and Jeff Walter are anticipating meeting as many students as possible as the school year moves forward.

Walter hopes that students do not hesitate to use the counseling services provided at SMU.

“Students should know that you don’t have to be in an extreme crisis to meet with a counselor,” said Walter.

On a typical day, Walter meets with individuals and couples for counseling, attends meetings, teaches a College Success Strategies class for the Path to Academic Success (PASS) program and gives presentations about different mental health topics, in addition to many other responsibilities. Last week he gave a presentation about overcoming the fear of public speaking.

“I like that my job at [SMU] keeps me on my toes,” said Walter. “I’m not doing the same thing every day.”

Courtenay says she is inspired by how many students utilize the Jay Johnson Wellness Center on campus. She enjoys meeting with students one-on-one and helping them with their problems, consulting with faculty and staff, giving presentations and starting ADHD testing, among other responsibilities.

Throughout the school year, Courtenay hopes to implement new kinds of programs like stress reduction activities and art therapy.

“I’m a huge advocate of art therapy,” said Courtenay. “I think the students would greatly benefit from it.”

According to Courtneay, students’ lives can become hectic when juggling classes, athletics, club activities and social events, and sometimes they can forget to take care of themselves. Courtenay hopes to help students stay healthy.

“Students sometimes forget that mental health is as important as physical health,” said Courtenay.

Outside of their cozy offices, the counselors are advisors of two clubs on campus. Courtenay is the advisor of the new club “Advocates 4 Abilities,” which strives to bring awareness about different mental and physical disabilities. Walter is a co-advisor of the Yoga Club, which meets on Mondays and Wednesdays in the dance studio at 7:30 p.m.

Students who are interested in using the Jay Johnson Wellness Center’s facilities can visit the office located in the basement of the Toner Student Center across from the Residence Life office. Appointments can be made at the front desk or by emailing the counselors at jwalter@smumn.edu or hcourtenay@smumn.edu.

New Student Senate president to lead SMU

2011-09-29T13:03:00.002-05:00

By Connie Budin

Cardinal Staff

Student Senate President Bob Rousseau has new and bright ideas for the students of Saint Mary’s University.

Rousseau has compiled an impressive list of credentials leading to his role as Senate president. His experience with leadership began in high school at Cretin Derham Hall High School in Saint Paul, Minn., where he served on its Student Senate’s activities committee his junior year and student life committee his senior year. He was also band president.

As a sophomore at SMU, Rousseau acted as the Senate representative for Gilmore Creek Hall. His junior year, he was a member of Senate’s executive board as vice president of student life, a roll in which he worked with Chartwells Campus Dining and SMU’s Vice President for Student Development Chris Kendall on student issues.

This year, Rousseau was elected as the first male Senate president SMU has seen in four years.

“I’ve never wanted anything more in my life,” said Rousseau.

Duties as president include running Senate meetings and serving as a liaison between the students and administration. Rousseau said he is excited to make an impact on campus and help students.

One way Rousseau plans to impact the university is to create more connections with Senate. He said people often feel that Senate is intimidating, but he plans to change this perception.

Through the involvement of senators and executive board members attending the meetings of clubs and organizations around campus, Rousseau hopes to create a connection that will generate a positive atmosphere between the two parties.

“I want to let them know we care and are present and available for them to contact,” said Rousseau.

Other changes Rousseau plans to implement include volunteer work throughout the Winona community and a food committee with Chartwells.

“We’re going to try to go back towards being a more eco-friendly campus,” said Rousseau. He said this idea has great potential to draw more student involvement on campus and come up with constructive solutions for problems.

Rousseau emphasized that students are more than welcome to attend Senate meetings Tuesday nights at 7 p.m. in Salvi Lecture Hall, located in Saint Mary’s Hall.

He also encouraged students to become involved as additional hall representatives or class officers.

“As long as we are working towards something and having a conversation, I’m for it,” said Rousseau.

Though the role as Senate president is challenging and a great responsibility,

Rousseau said he is enthusiastic and excited about this year at SMU.

“I care about this place and connect with people around campus,” he said. “I want to make it the best it can be, and that comes down to caring and having the ambition to follow the dreams you have for it.”

New faces in business department

2011-09-29T13:02:00.002-05:00

By Meg Beerling

Feature Editor

This year Saint Mary's University welcomes two new professors to the business department, Drs. Malcom Gold and Derek Jackson.

Gold currently teaches two sections of Business Statistics, two sections of Microeconomics and one section of an international business class. Jackson teaches several accounting courses, which is his specialty field.

Gold taught at the University of Wisconsin, Marshfield, for two years before coming to SMU, and Jackson was an adjunct professor at Virterbo University in La Crosse, Wisc., for the last three years.

Both Jackson and Gold said that they love the small class sizes here at SMU. Gold said that the small-school atmosphere is something he values for both teacher and student. Similarly, Jackson, a Viterbo alumnus, said he appreciates small class sizes and that it is a “more personal, more impactful way to teach and to learn.”

Gold said the best part of the job is a simple answer for him: the learning. “Education is a positive externality,” said Gold, meaning that the individual or firm making a decision does not receive the full benefit of the decision; the benefit to the individual or firm is less than the benefit to society. Gold enjoys being able to influence the student population, even if it is just a few students, because those students can then go on to influence others.

Jackson said the hardest part of the job is the time commitment. “I want to do a good job,” he said, adding that teaching full time at SMU is a lot different than adjunct teaching one day per week.

Both Gold and Jackson said that they are excited to be here, and they look forward to getting to know people and facing new challenges.

New improvisation class offered

2011-09-29T13:02:00.001-05:00

By Raquel Romo

Cardinal Staff

The start of this academic year also meant the start of a new class offered at Saint Mary’s University, as an improvisation class became part of the SMU theatre department’s curriculum.

This class allows theatre majors who have taken Introduction to Acting to also learn the art of acting on a whim. SMU senior Maggie Allexsaht, a current student in this class, said, “It is a really good class and the great part is we only meet four times in one semester in the month of September.” The class met for the last time on Saturday, Sept. 24.

The class is not exclusively for theatre majors; all students are welcome, pro

vided that they have passed Introduction to Acting.

Guest professor Patrick Sutton was described by Allexsaht as “a really great instructor [who] really knows how to make [students] think and get into [their] roles.”

SMU freshman Ashley Curry, who is considering adding the class to her schedule, said, “Improv. is my favorite type of theatre because it releases my inner thoughts and lets me connect to people more.

“Improv. feels different from regular theatre because you are able to step outside of lines and blocking and everything with structure.”

Contact the Registrar’s Office for more information on when this class is offered.

Prints in art gallery support Japan

2011-09-29T13:00:00.001-05:00

By Julianne Bartosz

Copy Editor

Saint Mary’s University’s Lillian Davis Hogan Galleries are displaying printmaking pieces that aid tsunami and earthquake relief in Japan.

Printmakers from around the world have contributed to the exhibit, titled “Inspired by Japan: Aid Through the Art of Printmaking.” The exhibit is being shown internationally by a group of artists who together formed the Baren Forum. They gathered with the goal of helping the Japanese victims of the tsunami and earthquake of 2011. The Baren Forum will aid victims by selling its prints and donating proceeds to MercyCorps in collaboration with Peace Winds in Japan.

The pieces in the gallery have been made by woodblock printmaking, many in the traditional printmaking Japanese style. Woodblock printmaking is a relief matrix, meaning areas showing white when printed are cut away from the block used. The design of the print is the original surface level of the block. The block is then inked and pressed firmly on desired material to make a print, a challenging task because the design of the print is cut in reverse to create a mirror image when printed.

SMU’s Art and Design Department Chair Preston Lawing created one piece on display in the gallery. His piece is called “Kamakura Omikuji” and displays a tradition practiced when visiting a Shinto temple. The description of his piece in the gallery explains the tradition and notes that his print’s message is, “We do not accept this disaster as our fate, and we will continue to be strong.”

The exhibit will be open through Sunday, Oct. 2. More information about the

exhibit and the purchase of pieces can be found online at http://barenforum.org/japan/index.html.

Student music groups to perform Family Weekend

2011-09-29T12:59:00.001-05:00

By Krista Barnes

Cardinal Staff

The Saint Mary’s University choirs and Concert Band will be performing for Family Weekend, Saturday, Oct. 1 at 2 p.m. in the Page Theatre.

Dr. Patrick O’Shea, director of both the SMU Chamber Singers and Concert Choir, said there are “250 students on campus involved in some sort of music. This concert is almost like a sample concert for our Lessons and Carrols Concert on Dec. 10.”

The Concert Choir will be performing songs in French, as well as pieces from Gilbert and Sullivan. The Chamber Singers will be performing Swedish pieces, in addition to a song called “Sing to the Lord”. The Women’s Choir, directed by Lindsy O’Shea, and the Concert Band, directed by Dr. Janet Heukeshoven will also be performing.

Tickets for the concert will be $10 for adults and $5 for seniors and students. For more information, visit www.pagetheatre.org.

Jazz Ensemble, Combo to play Family Weekend

2011-09-29T12:57:00.004-05:00

By Trisha Stachowski

Arts & Entertainment Editor

The Jazz Ensemble and Jazz Combo I will be performing a concert in the Figliulo Recital Hall on Friday, Sep. 30.

According to Dr. John Paulson, director of both the Jazz Ensemble and Combo I, the groups have been preparing for this concert since the start of the school year. “We’ve got our selections pretty well picked out,” said Paulson. “Jazz Combo I is going to start things off with three selections and then the [Jazz Ensemble] has five or six that it will play.”

The jazz groups have been involved with Family Weekend since Paulson started teaching at SMU 30 years ago, and “it was going on before then, so probably since the beginning of the music department,” said Paulson.

“We had a good crowd during Family Weekend [last year],” said SMU sophomore Katy Kosiek. “Usually we perform in the Page so it was a very confined space for Family Weekend, but it was good.” Kosiek, a member of both the Jazz Ensemble and Jazz Combo I, will be playing solos during both performances. Kosiek said the audience of last year’s concert was a good mix of students, siblings and parents of the students performing.

Tickets for the concert are $5 for seniors and students and $10 for adults. Tickets can be purchased at the Page Theatre.

In addition to the Family Weekend concert, The Jazz Ensemble and Jazz Combo I will be teaming up with the jazz groups from Winona State University for a concert to benefit Somalia. It will be held at Signatures Event Center in Winona on Thursday, Oct. 13 at 7 p.m.

Said Paulson, “Its an idea I got to do for a fundraiser for Somalia. There’s so much starvation and suffering and I just couldn’t stand it. I usually try to get the groups off campus at least once before our concert in December.” For more information, on the benefit concert, visit the Signatures website at www.signatureswinona.com.

SMU volleyball rises to new challenges

2011-09-29T12:57:00.002-05:00

By Keotta House

Cardinal Staff

Despite having a 21-10 record last season, the Saint Mary’s University volleyball team was left out of the NCAA Division III national tournament.

Head Coach Mike Lester said this year’s squad is starting with a clean slate.

“The team went into this season with a completely different attitude,” said Lester. “We have a lot of talented players, a lot of great incoming players.”

Despite graduating seven players at the end of last year, the remaining returners, two seniors and five juniors, keep the team a close-knit group, Lester said.

“As much as I hate to say it, we as coaches don’t have to work as hard anymore,” Lester said. “The upper classmen have taken the reigns and have made the new girls feel part of the team.”

The team has already started the season with a pair of triple victories in the Ground Round Sugarloaf Classic at home and in the Endicott Tournament in Boston, Mass.

Tournament victories aren’t enough for the Cardinal volleyball team, according to senior captain Amy Kujak: “We want to finally win a national championship, that’s our goal.”

Winning is not the only key to a successful season for the team, and they intend not to become one-goal oriented.

“If the team can look back and say they had fun, they made life-long memories and they played their hardest each and every time they stepped on the court, then they have had a successful season,” Lester said.

Round one of intramurals running smoothly

2011-09-29T12:55:00.000-05:00

By Matt Wagner

Cardinal Staff

Intramural athletics have begun at Saint Mary’s University, and with heavy enrollment between all four of the sports, the level of competition has risen.

With the first session consisting of sand volleyball, flag football, basketball, and ultimate Frisbee, there is plenty to keep intramural participants occupied, with games occurring one to two times per week.

“Our team participated in a sand volleyball tournament during Welcome Week and did pretty well, so I figured we would sign up for the first session of intramural volleyball and see how it goes,” said freshman Jake Holzer, captain of French Toast Mafia. “The competition is a little bit more intense than I had thought it would be, but we are still a strong contender.”

Returning upperclassmen seem confident in their playing abilities, not only due to their familiarity with the sport, but also with knowledge of their fellow upperclassmen opponents. Many are convinced that a championship t-shirt is in their future during this intramural season, especially SMU sophomore Matt Traxler, who is leading the team Kick Some Ace.

“Of course we are going to go undefeated. We have yet to lose a game,” said Traxler.

His teammate, SMU sophomore Ryan Menden, added to Traxler’s comment: “There is some fierce competition this session, but I think we will come out on top.”

While the players involved may reveal their competitive side every once in a while, the coordinators and referees have noticed a sense of sportsmanship and character displayed by the intramural athletes.

“It never seems to get too competitive,” said SMU sophomore Denard Covington. “Everyone seems to be having fun and playing nicely; I haven’t seen anything too crazy so far.”

The first session of intramural sports will soon come to a close, with winning teams of each sport being crowned champions. And although many teams will fall to what may be heartbreaking losses, the competitiveness of intramural sports at SMU will continue through the upcoming sessions.

What’s college without some Frisbee, right?

2011-09-29T12:50:00.002-05:00

By Nick Bravos

Sports Editor

As a spectator, ultimate Frisbee has an electrifying effect on me, and hopefully I’m not the only one whose eyes are glued.

Two weeks ago, you probably noticed something odd about campus. Those who passed by the practice soccer field might have asked, “Why are people wearing goofy-looking jerseys, sprinting back and forth chasing a Frisbee?” Perhaps the more pertinent question is “Who would willingly do that from 9 in the morning until 4 in the afternoon?”

The answer is simple: the MUTS, Saint Mary’s University’s ultimate Frisbee club. The MUTS hosted the First Blood Tournament Sept. 17 and 18 to kick off their fall season. Winona State University’s team, Experience, came out on top, turning in a solid 6-0 record on the tournament.

This year’s First Blood Tournament, the second annual, attracted seven teams regionally, with teams from Wisconsin, Illinois and Minnesota in attendance. It is the largest tournament the MUTS have brought to our home fields. The MUTS have hosted other multi-team tournaments in the past, such as HalloWinona, in which SMU and WSU pool together fields to accommodate the massive tournament of nearly 80 teams.

First Blood was a tiring weekend for the MUTS this year, to say the least, ending Saturday and Sunday with 2-2 and 1-1 records, respectively. “Concluding with a 500 record against other experienced opponents [like Saint Cloud State University, Michigan Technological University, and Wartburg College] is a great achievement,” said junior captain, Adam Billings.

There’s a common theme about SMU sports with the coming of each year, whether it’s a varsity or club sport. Pressure is put on the returners to step up and prove they can pull their weight in a newfound leadership role. That is definitely the case with the MUTS this season, especially after losing nine seniors last spring, who were part of the original 14 that founded the team.

There will always be gaps that need filling at the beginning of a season when team roles haven’t yet been established. Said Billings, “This had led to incorporating many freshmen into our main lines. It's impressive that this year's freshman have stepped up and already made an early impact on the team.”

Ever since the club’s birth in 2007, the MUTS have become more eager each year to compete in tournaments. This season, they’ll lace up for 10 tournaments, six in the fall alone, compared to last year’s seven-tournament season. The MUTS will also be scrimmaging WSU’s team every Friday.

If there’s one thing I know, it’s that competition – in any sport – is the fastest way to progress in overall ability and situational know-how. And if it’s competition the MUTS want, they’re going to get just about all they can handle.

Leinenkugel speaks on legacy

2011-05-09T15:54:00.000-05:00

By Lauren Rothering
Editor in Chief

Thomas Jacob “Jake” Leinenkugel spoke at Saint Mary’s University about entrepreneurship and the business of brewing on April 28.

Jake is the fifth generation of Leinenkugels to act as president of Jacob Leinenkugel Brewing Company. Located in Chippewa Falls, Wis., Leinenkugel’s was founded in 1867 by Jake’s great-great grandfather, Jacob Leinenkugel. After starting with just one beer—now called “Leinenkugel’s Original”—the brewer now offers 11 different styles of lager, including the ever-popular seasonal selections, such as Oktoberfest and Summer Shandy.

“Beer is one of life’s simple pleasures, and most of you have done your market research,” said Jake with a laugh.

In his speech, Jake explained that the craft beer industry is different from “big beer” in many ways. Beer giants, like Anheuser-Bush and MillerCoors, control about 80 percent of the market. Imports, like Corona and Heineken, control another 10 percent, leaving just 10 percent for domestic craft beers.

Despite this, the craft beer industry is growing rapidly. According to Jake, 97 percent of all new breweries opened in the U.S. in 2010 were craft breweries. While U.S. beer sales were down in both 2009 and 2010, craft brewing sales increased dramatically.

According to Jake, a driving force behind the “renaissance of craft brewing” has been college-aged students. Because the millennial generation is always looking for variety, said Jake, they are always looking for the newest beer selection, which many times are new craft brews.

Aside from the business success of Leinenkugel’s, Jake also emphasized the company’s dedication to the environment, specifically water conservation.

Leinenkugel’s made a pledge to reduce their water usage by 50 percent over five years. Just two years into the project, they have already reduced their usage by 54 percent.

Ultimately, Jake said, Leinenkugel’s is not just a brewery—it is a family company strongly rooted in the Midwest that will never lose its hometown base.

“The story of who we are is Chippewa Falls,” said Jake. “I want Leinenkugel’s to be famous for family, friends and fun.”

SMU history will not be a mystery

2011-05-09T15:52:00.000-05:00

By Becca Sandager
News Editor

Saint Mary’s University Class of 2011 has announced the creation of the “Heritage Project” as its senior class gift to the university. The “Heritage Project” includes a chronological mural design of SMU’s 100 years of history that will include pictures and inserts from significant SMU historical events, including a picture of the 2011 senior class.

“Currently, our campus displays almost no history about Saint Mary’s, but thanks to the class of 2011, the rich history of SMU will be proudly displayed for all students, faculty, and alumni to see and learn,” said Senior Gift Committee member, Ben Eirikson.

The “Heritage Project” will be designed by graphic design professor Brother Rod Robertson, and will measure approximately 25 x 10 feet. The mural is proposed to be located along an inside wall of the Toner Center and be in place by May 2012, just in time for the SMU Centennial celebration.

“The timing for the Heritage Project is ideal with the Centennial right around the corner,” said Eirikson. “It is a project the Class of 2011 can be proud of for years to come.”

Senior Gift Committee members have been asking for pledge commitments from the senior class to help fund the “Heritage Project.” Pledge payments do not need to be made immediately and can be done over a span of three years. Payments may also be deferred for seniors who are attending graduate school or long-term volunteering.

“I hope all seniors will pledge money to this project, which ensures SMU’s history will no longer be a mystery to the current, past and future SMU community,” said Eirikson. “The ‘Heritage Project’ is something the entire SMU community can be proud of.”

Student Life Awards given

2011-05-09T15:51:00.001-05:00

By Emily Dee
Cardinal Staff

Saint Mary’s campus recognized seniors Hilary Ethan and Sean Ohl as the 2011 Outstanding Seniors, as well as other individuals in the SMU community for Student Life awards, according to Chris Kendall, vice president of student life.

The women finalists for Outstanding Senior were: Hilary Ethen, Jennifer Koezly, Ali Kremer, Libby Perkins and Sami Traxler. The male finalists were: Santiago Escobar, Lukas Holland, Benton Kodet, Sean Ohl, Dan Streefland and Ryan Wockenfus. Kendall said six finalists were selected for the men’s side due to a tie for the fifth spot.

According to Kendall, members of a committee selected finalists from the first round of votes from students, faculty and staff who submitted candidates’ names.

Kendall said finalists wrote an essay based on the following questions: What has an SMU education done for you? What have you done for SMU? How have you supported the mission of the university?

Students, faculty and staff voted a second time, and the committee determined the winners according to their essays, GPAs, the amount of votes and co-curricular involvement, according to Kendall.

Ethan and Ohl were chosen as Outstanding Seniors during the Founder’s Day ceremony on April 5 and will speak at graduation on May 14.

For Student Life Awards, Kendall said recipients were chosen on non-academic based criteria, unlike those recognized at the Senior Honors Banquet. Recipients of the Student Life Awards are recognized for making a significant impact on student life at SMU through co-curricular honors and accomplishments.

Kendall said Dr. Marilyn Frost, Ph.D., vice president for academic affairs, received the Brother Finbar McMullen Award. This award is given to the individual who unselfishly meets the needs of the students.

Dan Streefland, senior, was awarded the Winona Community Service Award and Santiago Escobar, junior, received the Brother James Miller Award, according to Kendall.

Other awards included were: Charlene “Char” Tjaden Outstanding Resident Assistant Award, Club and Organization Advisor of the Year, Organization of the Year, Intramural Official of the Year, Volunteer of the Year Award, Outstanding Student Senator of the Year Award, and Student Service Award.

Three's company for Traxlers

2011-05-09T15:49:00.001-05:00

By Andrea Allis
Copy Editor

For this year only, siblings Sami, Jake and Matt Traxler all call Saint Mary’s University “home.”

Sami, a senior, said she really likes having the support of family present on campus.

“It’s fun to actually see the things they’re involved in!” she said. “I can go watch Jake run cross country or track whenever he has a home meet and I got to watch Matt play intramural volleyball.”

Jake agrees that it’s fun to support his siblings: “I've gone to more band concerts for Matt this year in college than I did in high school, which makes me feel better about how many I missed last year.”

Jake, a sophomore, and Matt, a freshman, have their own reasons for choosing SMU, but having a sibling—or two—to show them the ropes certainly didn’t hurt.

Sami said she may have had some influence on her brothers’ college decisions but did not want to pressure them into attending SMU.

“I know I had a strong opinion and said lots of positive things about Saint Mary's,” Sami said, “but I wanted it to be their own decision. I stopped talking to both of them about it once they were ready to get serious about choosing a college.”

Jake agreed, saying he would “avoid talking to [Matt] about the subject so he didn't affect [Matt’s] decision.”

But Matt admits that Sami and Jake played a large role in his college choice.

“Even if I pretended I made the decision by myself, it would be a total lie,” Matt said. “Sami and Jake always talked about all the fun they had here, and they made me really interested in the university. Whenever I came here, I felt really welcomed and I really liked the atmosphere.”

Although the Traxlers say they don’t see each other too often, they do share a few things in common at SMU. Sami and Matt are both involved in Student Activities Committee (SAC) and see each other at weekly meetings. Matt and Jake are both science majors and have a few mutual friends.

All three agree that it’s important to make a point of catching up from time to time, even if it’s only for a few minutes over lunch.

Streeflands reflect on time together

2011-05-09T15:47:00.000-05:00

By Kassondra Burtis
Cardinal Staff

Saint Mary’s University has been called “home” by many siblings in its almost 100 years, and one of those sibling duos is a familiar name to many in the Saint Mary’s University community today – the Streeflands.

Lynn is a current co-director of Campus Ministry and Dan is a senior theology major. Both Lynn and Dan believe that having a sibling that is also a part of the Saint Mary’s community has been a great experience.

“My sister and I have been able to grow closer as siblings and have been able to enjoy many of the same experiences,” Dan said.

“For us, we are sharing some of the same experiences rather than just sharing the stories about the experiences,” Lynn added.

One of those experiences Dan mentioned was the T.E.C. – Together Encountering Christ – Retreats.

“Working closely together on T.E.C. 63 will forever be one of my fondest memories with her,” Dan said. “It has also been nice to have a family member that is always there to help out.”

Lynn and Dan have two more siblings who are between them in age, both of whom also attended SMU. Dan sees this as a positive experience that many students aren’t fortunate to be a part of.

“Not only having a sibling present during the majority of my college experience, but also having other siblings that have attended the university before me has allowed my experiences to be relatable,” Dan said. “We are able to share stories of college experiences.”

“I’ve been at SMU with both Bryan and Dan,” Lynn said. “During these times, we make an effort to have brother-sister dinners…the purpose was to spend time with each other and be there for one another.”

Lynn and Dan’s overall experiences at Saint Mary’s have been great ones that have been made even better by having someone as close as a sibling to share it with.

Ethens strengthen bond at SMU

2011-05-09T15:46:00.000-05:00

By Andrea Allis
Copy Editor

While many Saint Mary’s University students are close with their siblings, very few can say that going away to college has made them even closer; Hilary and Dylan Ethen, however, have seen SMU bring them together.

For Hilary, a senior, this is the first year she’s spent at SMU with Dylan, a freshman, and she had nothing but good things to say about the experience.

“My favorite part about having my brother here at SMU is being able to share the college experience with him. It’s a lot of fun to play on the same sports team, go to the same events and have a lot of the same friends,” said Hilary.

Dylan said it was comforting to know that Hilary would be at school with him. Dylan said, “I knew I already had some friends here before my first day on campus.”

Their time here has only strengthened their relationship. “I feel like we’ve grown a lot closer and developed a pretty special bond,” Dylan said. “It’s nice to know that we’re always here for each other.”

Hilary and Dylan said they run into each other fairly often around campus: on the way to class, in the cafeteria, in the plaza. But they also try to set aside time to hang out. “We plan a lunch or dinner every so often, and occasionally we’ll go to a game or event on campus together,” said Hilary.

It’s clear that they both enjoy having each other around. But Dylan’s least favorite part of sharing campus with his big sister? “That everyone knows how much cooler she is than me.”

Mocklers build a stronger friendship

2011-05-09T15:45:00.000-05:00

By Jenna Capelle
Feature Editor

The great friendship between the Mockler siblings can be seen throughout campus of Saint Mary’s University.

Michael “Mocha” Mockler, a junior, and Katherine Mockler, a freshman, were born in Worchester, Mass. and raised in Dubuque, Iowa. They both run for the Saint Mary’s University Cross Country team and Track team.

The siblings share Spanish minors but are majoring in different types of biology. Michael is an environmental biology major and Katherine is a biology pre-physical therapy major.

Michael and Katherine share some of the same friends and frequently see each other around campus because of their similar interests and activities. “I see her a lot at practice and at church,” said Michael. “Every once in a while we see each other on our own time.”

The Mocklers agree that attending SMU has made their friendship stronger. “We’re closer (now), even though we got along well in high school,” said Katherine.

Joking around as kids, the Mocklers accidently sustained some physical injuries. “When we were little, I pulled a chair out from under him and he had to get stitches in his chin,” said Katherine. Michael remembers spinning around, holding hands with his sister when she slipped from his grip, bit her lip and had to get stitches.

Michael decided on SMU because he wanted a small, Catholic school. Katherine visited her brother a few times before she chose SMU. “I wanted to go far from home, but once he had the brain tumor, it kind of put things into perspective,” said Katherine. “I wanted to be closer to him and I could run here.”

This summer, Michael will stay on campus and work for the SMU Office of Admission. In his free time, he’ll be doing field research with his favorite professor, Dr. Cochran. “I’ll be driving down to Iowa and shocking fish to study the distribution of lamprey in a river,” said Michael.

After finals are over, Katherine is going on the Serving Others United in Love (S.O.U.L.) mission trip to Montana with other SMU students. She’s hoping to volunteer at a summer camp for low-income families called the Christian Appalachian Project located in Kentucky. If she does not go to camp, she will work at Culver’s in her hometown.

Spitzmueller sisters run side by side

2011-05-09T15:43:00.000-05:00

By Jenna Capelle
Feature Editor

The Spitzmueller sisters, Jill and Amy, are great friends who have grown closer since attending Saint Mary’s University together.

Both Jill, a junior, and Amy, a freshman, run distance for the SMU Cross Country team and Track team.

“A majority of the time we spend together is related to cross country and track practice… or with our friends on the teams,” said Jill.

The sisters, being runners, science majors, and even similar looking, caused doubt in Amy’s mind about choosing the same school as Jill. “Part of me worried that coming here would make us the same person, but I think that it’s worked out a lot better than both of us had ever imagined,” said Amy.

Jill has seen her sister grow and gain independence during her first year at SMU.

“It’s nice having someone here who understands my home life, too,” said Amy.

Besides athletics, Amy is involved with Campus Ministry’s Together Encountering Christ (T.E.C.) retreats and the Buddies program. Buddies allow students to spend an hour with disabled adults and includes activities like playing basketball or coloring, said Amy.

In her spare time, Jill is a member of the Serving Other United in Love (S.O.U.L.) Council, which plans volunteer-based mission trips for students at SMU. She also helps raise scholarship money for CTIE in Nairobi, Kenya. The money raised aids students in achieving an education degree so they can teach in their smaller tribes and villages, said Jill.

For the last few summers, Jill and Amy have gone strawberry picking in a field by their house. They’ve made it a tradition to make strawberry jam at their house by cutting and mashing the strawberries and adding sugar.

“It gets really intense” said Amy. “We’ve entered our jam into the Minnesota State Fair and have won a blue ribbon and two pink ribbons.”

However, this summer will be different than ones past for the Spitzmueller sisters. Jill has accepted a 10 week pharmaceutical internship with the University of Kentucky.

“I’ll be working on a research project of developing a better way to administer drugs,” said Jill.

Amy will be working at Metropolitan Mosquito Control near her hometown, New Brighton, Minn. “I’ll be treating water sources to reduce the number of mosquitoes,” said Amy. “I’ll also spread awareness of the possible diseases that people can get from mosquitoes.”

Although their paths will be different this summer, they are looking forward to coming back to SMU in September.

Senior Art Show on display

2011-05-09T15:42:00.001-05:00

By Trisha Stachowski
Cardinal Staff

Part two of the Senior Art Show is currently on display in the Lillian Davis Hogan Gallery.

Senior art majors Rachel Sievers and Cody Harvey are two students who have work on display.

For Sievers, a graphic design major with an emphasis on photography, her interest in art began in high school.

She explained, “Discovering the dark room and being able to develop my own photos was an amazing experience and technique that helped me to find my love for photography.”

Sievers said finishing her artwork was a long process, but there was a reward in seeing her art hanging in the gallery.

According to Sievers, she started to prepare for the art show the first week of the fall semester and worked up to the show itself.

Sievers stated, “I think the student art show is a great way to end four amazing and crazy years of learning, experimenting, designing and finding your inner creativity.”

Harvey, also a graphic design major, was always interested in media art, animation and film. Harvey explained that preparing for the final show was his most memorable art experience at SMU.

According to Harvey, “not only do you get to show off what you are good at, you get your name put out there for potential jobs.”

Harvey said that he was both nervous and excited to have his artwork displayed in the gallery. To Harvey, the Senior Art Show gives SMU seniors who are not necessarily art majors the chance to showcase their talents and express themselves creatively.

Part two of the Senior Art Show, “Through the Lashes,” is currently on display in the Lillian Davis Hogan gallery in Toner Center. The artwork will be up until May 8.

Gaslight 2011 in review

2011-05-09T15:38:00.000-05:00

By Alex Conover
Sports Editor

Another Gaslight has come and gone. For this writer, it was bittersweet — the show was good, but it was a little sad to watch my last Gaslight from the audience instead of the stage.

Every year, there are concerns raised about how the graduating seniors will be replaced in these sorts of shows. The great thing about Gaslight 2011 was that plenty of young talent stepped up and proved that the campus variety shows will be strong for years to come.

Best vocals — Tied between Matt Kirk (“Highway to Hell”) and Dan Streefland (“Love Shack”)
Kirk’s British swag was a great way to kick off the show. Streefland wowed me in his Gaslight debut with an impressive robotic singing/talking combination that was highly appropriate for “Love Shack” (complete with Hawaiian shirt and safari hat).

Best keyboards — Kalin Bangasser (many songs)
Bangasser held down the keyboards in the corner for several tracks, most notably in the cover of Cee-Lo Green’s “Forget You.” She proved her versatility by immediately playing a hip-hop cover afterwards.

Best drums — Rachel Lamberty (“No Scrubs”)
While her friends rocked TLC’s vocals up front, Lamberty kept the groove going with a NASTY hi-hat pattern that could only be described as mid-90’s. Ever since transferring to SMU this year, Lamberty has repeatedly impressed me with her rock-solid play on the drumset.

Best guitar — Andy Bauer (“Around the World”)
While the lead guitar was… inconsistent, Bauer tackled the incredibly tough bass groove made famous by the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Look this song up on YouTube and then imagine a mere college student playing the bass part. Yeah.

Best stage presence — Ben Scott (“Wake Up”)
I admit it — I’m a sucker for songs with over 20 people on stage. I’m even more of a sucker for songs where the lead vocalist is arbitrarily beating a large drum with an angry passion. With shades of Gaslight 2008’s Flaming Lips cluster-jam, Scott looked like he could have led a revolution.

Best energy — Cook ‘Em Up (“All the Things I’ve Done”)
Following up a powerful performance at Relay for Life, SMU’s latest cover band came with a solid sequel. Rookie Tom Conry impressed on lead vocals while supplemented by the electric duo of Matt Polum and Katie Sapper on backup.

Best marriage proposal — Lance Thompson
After performing a song by a certain teenage Canadian sensation, Thompson climbed down from the stage and whipped out a ring for his girlfriend, who said yes. Massive amounts of “awww” and “oh my gosh” comments emerged from the female portion of the crowd. I have to say that this is the best wedding proposal I have ever seen at a SMU Gaslight show.

Jazz performance is a success

2011-05-09T15:37:00.000-05:00

By Jessica LaCanne
Arts and Entertainment Editor

The Jazz Ensemble and Jazz Combo I performance in the Page Theatre on April 15 featured a guest soloist and was a success, according to one of the directors.

Eric Heukeshoven, music instructor at Saint Mary’s University, said he co-directed with Dr. John Paulson, who normally directs the performance.

“Jazz is a very collaborative endeavor,” said Heukeshoven. The students were very flexible and willing to make it work.

With the collaborative work of Heukeshoven, Paulson, Dean Sorensen (the trombone soloist) and the students, everything came together and worked out. According to Heukeshoven, Sorensen is the head of jazz studies at the University of Minnesota. Having Sorensen there really made the students rise to the occasion, said Heukeshoven.

“Students go away with a sense of pride and accomplishment” after performing so well, said Heukeshoven, which makes the professors happy. Heukeshoven said “it was a really nice crowd,” especially for a Friday night and with it competing with all other events.

Each semester there is a jazz performance, including a performance by the Jazz Ensemble during family weekend. There will still be another performance this semester on May 8, from 2-4 p.m. at Acoustic Café. Heukeshoven said this performance is “a lot of fun because it is a very relaxed Sunday afternoon.”

Can’t make it to a performance? The SMU Jazz Ensemble released a CD last year, called “Staycation,” that is still available for purchase. Contact either Dr. John Paulson or Eric Heukeshoven for more information.

2nd Annual Woody's Sports Awards

2011-05-09T15:33:00.002-05:00

Male athlete of the year: Andrew Brueggen, Track and Field

Even with the Track and Field season still in progress, this pick was a no-brainer.

Brueggen, winning this award for his second straight year, earned MIAC Field Athlete of the Week for the third time this season after automatically qualifying for the NCAA Outdoor Championships in the hammer throw. Brueggen also set the school record in the process.

During the indoor season, Brueggen traveled to Columbus, Ohio to compete in the Division III Indoor National Championships in the weight throw. He finished 10th in his event, which was a disappointing mark, according to him. He won a MIAC conference championship during the indoor season with a school and conference-record throw of 19.68 meters; if he would have thrown that distance during the National Championships, he would have taken home the national title.

Female athlete of the year: Sarah Gardner, Volleyball

Winning the same award for the second consecutive year, Gardner was an easy pick.

Her accolades are numerous; she was named First-Team All-MIAC, AVCA All-Central Region and Honorable-Mention All-American. She led her team in kills (429) and service aces (47). Cardinal volleyball achieved a 21-10 record, finishing just shy of the national tournament. Their season ended with a loss to Saint Benedict in the MIAC tournament.

Gardner finishes her career near the top of several school records, including third in all-time kills (1419) and fourth in kills per set (3.20).

Newcomer of the year: Austin Balko, Hockey

Balko, a freshman from Midland, Mich., did very well for the men’s hockey team in a conference that is often dominated by upperclassmen.

Balko was named to the MIAC All-Rookie Team along with being selected honorable-mention All-MIAC. He was the only first-year player in the MIAC to average more than a point per game, as he accumulated six goals and a team-high 12 assists during conference play. Balko was part of a large freshman recruiting class that will contribute to Cardinal hockey for years to come.

A few MUTS leave the pound

2011-05-09T15:32:00.001-05:00

By Nick Bravos
Cardinal Staff

Now that spring has finally woken up from its hibernation, birds aren’t the only things flying around.

The SMU Ultimate Frisbee Club, the MUTS, hosted its third annual Hilltop Huck-A-Thon outdoor tournament recently.

While the MUTS ended up on top of the Hilltop Huck-A-Thon, it will be the last time the founders lace-up and go long. In 2007, when the MUTS became an official club, nine of the 14 original members were freshman, and since then they have been braving the rain, snow or shine together for the past four years. Over the years, the number of players steadily increased and now has a dedicated group of 25.

In the beginning, there were a handful of freshman that were invited to play in some scrimmages and pick-up games by a few other upperclassmen.

“After that, we all just loved it and ended up starting a club,” said senior captain John Delmundo. “I just love how far we've all come.”

Just last year, the MUTS traveled to Illinois for their first on-the-road tournament, and since then the growth of the team has showed more than ever.

“Now we are a legit Frisbee program that hosts tournaments and we have coordinated, strategic practices,” said senior Captain Nick Sweeney. “We have jerseys, casual apparel and travel to tournaments; on top of that, we compete at a high level.”

This year’s season is the best the MUTS have ever had in tournament play, with a final record of 34-26. The team also upset large schools to come in third in the HalloWinona tournament with a 6-1 record, and winning the Hilltop Huck-A-Thon with a 3-1 record were high points for all of the seniors this year, said Sweeney.

Although the SMU campus played host to the D-III College Conference Championships April 16 and 17, due to “some very disappointing misunderstandings and miscommunications,” the MUTS were not among the competitors to go head-to-head on the field.

“This was a huge blow to all of us; this tournament was very important to us all, not just the seniors,” senior Tim Sheedy said.

A team-wide vote was taken to decide whether to remain or withdraw as hosts for the tournament after hearing they would not be competing, and the team unanimously concluded they are to remain as the original host to better the future image of the club.

“It stings that we’re not competing in our own Conference Championships,” said Sheedy. “But still hosting the tournament will progress the image of the club and may create future opportunities.”

Next fall, however, after the seniors have left, the MUTS will be lacking the same caliber of leadership it’s been used to.

“New people are going to have to step up and become leaders of the team,” said Sweeney. “I think Santiago Escobar, Adam Billings and Tim Sheedy will be great captains who can recruit new players, and I know they will do a great job.”

After graduation this spring, the founders will part ways, leaving behind the foundation of the team, deepened friendships and unforgettable memories.

“Over the past four years we have played together, lost together, won together, traveled together, grown together, matured together and even studied together,” said senior Captain Ben Eirickson. “We’ve become arguably one of the most successful athletic teams on campus.”