Friday, April 25, 2008

SMU recognizes excellence

Compiled by Lindsay Dickson
Editor-in-Chief

Many seniors were honored at two award ceremonies this month.
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The first, a Student Life Awards Ceremony on April 9, awarded students of all ages and staff members for their service and leadership at Saint Mary’s University and in the community.
This ceremony was the first of its kind at SMU. Chris Kendall, vice president for student development, plans to expand on the program in future years. The following individuals received awards:

Brother Finbar McMullen Award: Nikki Richmond
Charlene “Char” Tjaden Outstanding Resident Assistant: Gary Borash
Club and Organization Advisor of the Year: Nancy Edstrom, advisor of Buddies

Club and Organization of the Year: Habitat for Humanity
Intramural Most Valuable Players: John Geske and Lee Coleman
Volunteer of the Year Award: Jessica Evers and Abby Zimmer
Oustanding Student Senator of the Year Award: Neil Leibundguth
Winona Community Service Award: Brittany Staver
Brother James Miller Award: Laura Holupchinski and Tony Freeman
Student Service Award: Kasey Schultz

A second ceremony, the Academic Honors Banquet, honored seniors for their academic work at the university. Members of honors societies were recognized and individual awards were
distributed:
American Institute of Chemists Award: Nick Swanson
American Chemical Society Award: Michael Mulhollund
Business Awards: Ana Sontag, Kevin Black,
Rebecca Yerhot, Ashley Andrescik, Amanda Christman, Tina Koecheler
Saint Thomas Aquinas Award for Excellence: Tim Hepner
Gerald E. Sullivan Award: Walt Claassen
Michael G. Flanagan Award: Andrew Winecke
Brother Leo Northam Award: Sarah Ruether
Future Alumni Committee Scholarship: Jeff David
Lasallian Honors Program Outstanding Seniors:
Tim Hepner, Kasey Schultz

Editors bid farewell to Cardinal and SMU

By Lindsay Dickson
Editor-in-Chief

The last issue of the Cardinal is a real milestone for me. I began working with the newspaper my freshman year and, I have to say, it was a strange feeling to put together this last issue! I’d like to thank all Cardinal staff members for their hard work this year, and especially the editors. The Cardinal has gone through a lot of changes this year and I’m confident that it will stay strong next year.

For my final interviews, I decided to talk to the graduating editors to hear about their future plans and their reflections regarding the Cardinal.
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What are your plans for next year?
Amy Kalina, managing editor: Participating in the Lasallian Volunteer program, working at an inner-city school or placement site.
Abby Zimmer, copy editor: Long-term volunteering with St. Joseph Workers at In the Heart of the Best Puppet and Mask Theatre and Alive Magazine.
Eric Lear, sports editor: Do my best to get paid to talk about sports.
Sean O’Brien, news editor and distribution manager: Graduate, get a job, become famous . . . not necessarily in that order.
Becky Newby, arts and entertainment editor: Attend graduate school for journalism at DePaul University in Chicago.

What is your favorite Cardinal memory or article?
Amy: I will never forget the late night Sno-Ball eating contest with Abby and Lindsay. Abby won, mostly because Lindsay and I couldn’t stop laughing. Good think we didn’t choke on the coconut.
Abby: I really enjoyed covering the Scottish play sophomore year. It was the first article for which I had to interview multiple people, and it was a challenging task trying to make my article brief and concise because I found everything they said so interesting!
Eric: The editorial I wrote about the crap I received from the SMU community when I wore a WSU shirt to class.
Sean: My editorial about the attendance policy at SMU. I also enjoyed getting my first story in the Cardinal. I had never had anything published before so that was really cool.
Becky: “A sign unnoticed by some.” My favorite memory was when Amy yelled at me.

Why is the Cardinal important to have at SMU?
Amy: It’s important for the students to be informed about what is going on in our community and on campus, but it’s also important for students to have a voice. Having a campus newspaper allows that to happen.
Abby: The Cardinal has given me the ability to get real experience in journalism outside of the classroom without a professor always looking over my shoulder. It gave me the opportunity to see if I was really dedicated to writing because I had to for class or because I really wanted to do it. Turns out, I really wanted to do it!
Eric: The Cardinal is a great way for students to gain experience in the field of journalism.
Sean: Because having a news outlet lets students get experience, and it’s important to have a watchdog-type role in any institution. That’s what the news media does.
Becky: It gives students the opportunity to learn about campus issues that they might not have known about otherwise. It’s also a good way for students to get involved.

What is your favorite newspaper (besides the Cardinal?)
Amy: USA Today (and not just because of the word puzzles!)
Abby: I don’t really read – ha! Shh . . .
Eric: The Chicago Tribune – I have to stay up-to-date on my Cubbies.
Sean: The Chicago Tribune and The Onion are both good. Also, props to The Star Tribune for being arguably the most liberal newspaper in the country.
Becky: The New York Times.

New men's basketball coach

Saint Mary’s University announced the hiring of the new head men’s basketball coach on Wednesday morning. Todd Landrum hopes to lead the Cardinals up the conference
ladder. “In my mind, the slate is clean – the past is the past – and the future is bright,” said Landrum

Prior to his current job as the youth/scholastic basketball coordinator for the Timberwolves, Landrum spent 10 years as an assistant coach in the Big Ten at Wisconsin and then Ohio State.

Coming out of retirement

By Eric Lear
Sports Editor

In true Michael Jordan fashion, although undoubtedly less successful, I am coming out of retirement.

After four seasons of playing basketball here at Saint Mary’s University, I was ready to hang up my Nikes and let my basketball deflate.
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After all, I made my last shot as a collegiate basketball player, and that was as close to going out on top as I was going to get.

I have picked up a basketball twice since our last game on Feb. 23 and have only worked out once. I can’t tell you how great it felt to relax. But all that has changed. I have since been approached to play on the so-called Minnesota All-Stars, which consists of fellow former Cardinals Mike Rohr and Dan Cormier, both seniors, as well as a few other gentlemen from the area. We will be playing against the Hustle Up Streetball team at our own gym on Sunday, April 27.

I have played quite a few games at the SMU gym, but surely not one quite like this. I recommend checking this game out. Although I have a hard time calling this “basketball,” it will surely be entertaining to spectators. The high flying dunks and spectacular display of ball handling are reason enough. I’m sure you will also be able to get a chuckle at our expense.

I am going to consider this experience a success if I get dunked on less than 10 times, get one dunk of my own, don’t hurt myself or anyone else, and keep from getting a ball thrown at my head. Although it would likely be entertaining for many of you, so perhaps I will consider changing some of those before the 7 p.m. tip-off.

The Hustle Up team has players such as: Hot Sauce, Spyda, Highrizer, and A.O. Now the only thing left for me to do is to create my own streetball nickname. As of now, I have it down to “Skin N Bonezz” or “Daddy Long Legs” (I can only hope you guys are seeing my sarcasm). With those names, it’s likely I’ll be on the AND1 circuit in no time.

I’m not sure how we got into this game, but I would love to see Rohr trying to guard “Hot Sauce.” All kidding aside, which is usually hard for me to do, I am very much looking forward to playing this game. It will be a relaxed and fun atmosphere for us three former Cardinals to come back and play our last somewhat-organized game together.

SOUL to host 2nd triathlon

By Candice Norrell
Guest Writer

Tomorrow is the second annual Saint Mary’s University Heart and SOUL (Serving Others United in Love) Triathlon, a fundraiser for SOUL mission trips.
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The race begins with a check-in from 7:30-8:30 a.m. tomorrow and a 9 a.m. shotgun start at Lake Lodge, East Lake Park in Winona with the kayak/canoe course. The kayak/canoe course is 2.5-mile loop around Lake Winona. Then, the bike course begins with 14 miles on Highways 61 and 43 to Gilmore Valley Road and ends on Saint Mary’s campus. Finally, the triathlon ends with a 3.1 mile running course through the bluffs.

There are no on-site registrations, as participants registered before April 14 as individual teams or in groups of two, three, or four. The cost to register was $35 a person, or $60 a team, with all the funds going to the SOUL council for mission trips, helping keep the cost down for students who plan to attend the event, said Betsy Baertlein, a sophomore at Saint Mary’s competing in the triathlon with her two younger brothers under the team name of Band of Baertlein’s.

Ryan Langr of the SOUL council says that he hopes the athletes get “a sense that they bettered themselves and their community through their donation and participation in our SOUL event.”

Lacrosse grows in popularity at SMU

By Abby Zimmer
Copy Editor

Female and male students alike have been seen on the Saint Mary’s University campus carrying what look like sticks with nets on the end. What are these contraptions used for? Why, playing lacrosse, of course!
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This fall, sophomores Lauren Mazzuca and Lexi Guzik came together to form a women’s lacrosse team on campus. After struggling to find interest last year, the club sport has now grown to 20 members.

“What is great about lacrosse is that it is a mixture of sports put together, so it is easy to pick up and start playing at any point,” said Guzik, who coaches the team and acts as co-captain with Mazzuca and freshman Libby Perkins.

The captains have focused this season on teaching their team members the skills needed to play lacrosse. They have scrimmaged against teams like University of Wisconsin–Stout and University of St. Thomas rather than join an actual league.

“I am just extremely proud of the progress the girls have made,” said Guzik. “Each one of them has come so far and worked incredibly hard to get where we are as a team.”

The men’s lacrosse team, also a club sport, is currently a young team, with only one senior out of their 12 members. “We’re open to new members,” said sophomore captain Rob Klein, encouraging students to contact him at rkklei05@smumn.edu for more information about joining the team.

Students interested in joining the women’s lacrosse team should contact Guzik at agguzi06@smumn.edu.

The MIAC does not currently recognize lacrosse as a varsity sport. In the future, both teams would be interested in joining other MIAC schools to push lacrosse to become a varsity sport. UST and Saint John’s University have already invited SMU’s men’s lacrosse team to join the other MIAC schools in a lacrosse league, but they decided to stick with their current league, the Great Lakes Lacrosse League, until they have enough players. According to Klein, this would be a minimum of 20 players, since UST and SJU have around 30 players each.

Both teams are ending their season this weekend. The men’s team will be in Madison for the Great Lakes Lacrosse League Championships, while the women play at UW-Stout.

Benefit dance breaks records

By Karina Rajtar
Cardinal Staff

This year’s Taylor Richmond Benefit Dance raised almost $17,000 to benefit Saint Mary’s University graduate Steve Groby ’01.
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According to Katie LaPlant, advisor of the dance’s planning committee, 716 people attended the dance on Saturday, April 12. A total of $16,907.75 was raised, $4,911 of the proceeds were raised through a silent auction held the week before the dance.

Groby was diagnosed with Chronic Myelomonocytic Leukemia in 2006 and received a bone marrow transplant in May 2007.

Senior work displayed at ‘Zero Hour’

By Maria Sullivan
Cardinal Staff

Artwork created by senior art majors at Saint Mary’s University is being featured in the Senior Art and Design Exhibition 2008, which began Saturday, April 12, at the Lillian Davis Hogan Galleries and will continue through Saturday, May 10.
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The seniors that are featured in the art show are: Bridgette Baggio, Josh Barrett, Satoshi Hayashi, Emerald Hulsing, Kimberly Koecheler, Joseph Manley, Katie Mathews, Mary Moses, Hilary Oas, Sarah O’Brien, Jeffrey Paul, Madeline Pieper, Seth Weeks and Ashley Wendlandt.

The artwork on display includes digital photography, paintings, drawings, ceramics, sculptures, pottery, handmade dresses and even a video-edited trailer. “I think we have a very wide range of talent this year,” said Baggio. “Everyone has developed their own, distinct style.”

“I think the art program is put together very well and I think the instructors are very knowledgeable and motivating,” Baggio said, “but I also think that the art program here at SMU isn’t recognized as much as it should be. I think there is lots of potential for this department to grow and become more popular in terms of the number of students who choose to major in art.”

The exhibition will be on display for the remainder of the school year. The gallery, located in the Toner Student Center, is open daily from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

National talent drawn to Gilmore Creek

By Ellen Jordan
Cardinal Staff

The Winona community is invited to experience drama performed by the Gilmore Creek Summer Theatre program during the summer months.
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Gilmore Creek Summer Theatre is a professional theatre company in its second summer of performances at the Page Theatre. The cast consists of actors brought to Winona from all over the United States. This summer’s shows include “Little Shop of Horrors,” a musical directed by Judy Myers, “The Foreigner,” a comedy directed by Steven Snyder ’94, and “Mouse Expedition,” a children’s production directed by senior Sarah St. Laurent.

Senior Kris Perkins, company manager and administrative assistant, says the program will benefit the Winona community. “The program attracts local and regional audiences to our campus and provides an incredible repertoire of theatre to balance the other performing arts in Winona during the summer months,” said Perkins.

Perkins also values the chance to be involved with the Gilmore Creek Summer Theater program. She said, “It is a great opportunity to gain experience in a field that best demonstrates the skills I have developed during the last four years at Saint Mary’s with my arts administration major and theatre arts minor.”

“Little Shop of Horrors” will be performed July 10-13, 25, 27, 31 and August 2; “The Foreigner” will be performed July 17-20, 24, 26, and August 1 and 3. All shows will be at 7:30 p.m., excluding Sunday performances, which will take place at 3 p.m.

“Mouse Expedition” will be performed July 19 (3 p.m.), July 22 (6 p.m.), July 26 (1 p.m.), July 29 (6 p.m.), and August 2 (10 a.m.).

More information can be found at www.pagetheatre.org/gcst.html.

Greek tragedy provides a modern twist

By Becky Newby
Arts & Entertainment Editor

The Saint Mary’s University cast and crew added a modern twist to an ancient Greek tragedy during its production of “Iphigenia at Aulis” April 18-21.
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According to senior Lindsay Dickson, the play’s connection to modern politics was very apparent.

“There were good parallels between the ancient war and today’s war,” said Dickson. “It really made me think about the war in Iraq.”

Dr. Steven Bouler readapted and directed Saint Mary’s contemporary version of the tragedy. Bouler explored the negative side of patriotism and how far a politician would go to secure a victory.

Technical aspects of the performance also portrayed modern images, including the song "Sorrow," by Pink Floyd, played during the presence of a goddess.

Dickson said that, although the costume, lighting, set and music were modern, the script itself resembled the original text written by Euripides.

“Although the monologues were a little long, the show definitely picked up during the second act,” said Dickson. “I was very impressed with all the acting and design work.”

Brewer and Warner: Critics’ Corner

By Rob Brewer and Davey Warner
Cardinal Staff

The cafeteria, for all its grandeur and decadence, can be intimidating and monotonous upon repeated visits. Amongst the many alternatives to the caf, the Cotter CafĂ© offers a reasonable and sensible menu with a charming atmosphere. Davey Warner, outdoor leadership coordinator, soil aficionado and financial backer, joins resident junior snob Rob Brewer for an intimate and revealing look into this oft-overlooked, cozy hideaway on the third floor of Saint Mary’s Hall.

Clam Chowder: To start off, we treated ourselves to a steamy cup of clam chowder. Seeing as it was a dreary, rainy day, this was a perfect beginning to an unforgettable meal.
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Creamy, but never gelatinous, this uplifting treat contains, as Saint Mary’s Provost and frequent Cotter CafĂ© patron Dr. Jeffrey Highland described, “chewy clams and appropriate potatoes.” If there was to be a weakness to the chowder, it would be the sparseness of clams; nevertheless, the soup was taste personified, never seemed to get cold, and left Warner proclaiming, “I really like it.”

Tex-Mex Bacon Melt: For our next item, we headed south of the border for an aesthetically pleasing, panini-grilled, exalted BLT, but with a twist and a kick: the lettuce was replaced with a healthy serving of guacamole. The dichotomy of the crunchy ciabatta bread, perfectly grilled and a marvel to behold, and the creamy, melty (or “crealty”) cheese, guacamole and appropriate grease made this sandwich a fiesta that, given the ingredients, will probably continue long into digestion.

Grilled Mozzarella and Asparagus:
Highland, an amateur food critic himself, described this sandwich as “appropriately European, but without the pretentiousness.” Indeed, there is a sophistication you savor as you bite into this light, tangy expression of culinary mastery. As with the Tex-Mex Bacon Melt, the contrast between the dry toast and moist asparagus with green pepper is enough to make one’s jaw drop (but make sure to keep the sandwich inside). Spargarophobics (those who have a fear of asparagus) need not quiver, as the ingredients are in perfect harmony; alas, we all could take a lesson from this quaint and reverent concoction.

Chicken Caesar Wrap:
First impressions of this wrap are as follows: STUFFED. This isn’t the traditional wrap you might get at other food service establishments that has dashes of chicken, lettuce, tomatoes, and inappropriate amounts of Caesar dressing; instead, Julius himself would be proud to attach his namesake to this gastronomical delight. The moisture of the chicken, combined with the crispness of the lettuce and tanginess of the Caesar dressing, left both authors spellbound with thoughts of divine revelation. Eating this wrap is a deeply spiritual experience, but, due to the healthy ingredients, thou need not seek absolution.

Apple Turnover: The climax to our meal was a gargantuan apple turnover that made both of our sets of pupils dilate upon beholding it. Our fears were put to rest, however, after taking the first magical bite. The turnover was able to retain its essence, while still being joyfully and appropriately flakey and playful. The moist and sweet interior, with hints of brown sugar and cinnamon, provided dynamic contrast with the dry, flakey exterior. As Warner described, this turnover was a “sweet party in my mouth” and, as Brewer described, “a privilege to bite into.” A fitting conclusion to an appropriately Lasallian feast.

Cardinal Spotlight: 'Mountain Man' Nate Rylander

By Alexa Strouth
Cardinal Staff

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to live in a teepee? Have you ever been so inspired by nature that you revolve your life around it? Freshman Nate Rylander, known around the Saint Mary’s University campus as “Mountain Man,” has dedicated his life to serving the forests, going as far as to live in a traditional Lakota-style teepee.
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An inspiring student, Rylander never takes life for granted, and he doesn’t need material goods to be satisfied. Rylander’s passion for nature is even rarer in a technology-based society, as fewer and fewer people are inspired by nature and depend on cell phones, iPods and cameras to survive.
The following interview explores Rylander’s view and unique experiences in nature.

Q: What inspires you most about nature?
A: The book “Last Child in the Woods,” by Richard Louv, really inspires me. It’s about saving our children from nature deficit disorder. Louv speaks of our children as going to be the first generation to be raised without a meaningful connection to the natural world.

Q: How long did you live in a teepee? What was it like?
A: I lived there about a month, but I plan on spending more time living in different forms of sustainable living. You really learn a lot about nature after living outside; nature and humankind have a mutual agreement with each other.

Q: Do you think that nature is healing?

A: Therapy through outdoor recreation is a great alternative to prescribed medication.

Q: What can everyone acquire from nature?

A: I believe the greatest thing about nature is that it is a place where everyone can go to measure their self, a place to feel strong; it gives us a feeling as if we own nature and it owns us.

Q: What are your plans for the future?

A: Continue working at Lebanon Hills Regional Park and after graduation, I plan on backpacking from here to Upper Peninsula, Mich. I also want to continue rock climbing and fulfill requirements for a Class A skydiving license.

Q: What has been your most memorable experience so far?
A: My trip to Montana was incredible. I learned how to make teepees with the owner of Trapline Lodges, Chris Lunn, an SMU alumnus.

Rylander’s optimistic view about nature will hopefully inspire future generations. If you have any more questions about Rylander’s journey, you will probably find Rylander and his friends rappelling upside-down in the bluffs.

Friday, April 4, 2008

Toss the winter blues...
Spring is here!

Find out more about Earth Week events at SMU and also check out some cool spring activity ideas.

Students plan ahead for an Earth-friendly week

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By Betsy Baertlein
Feature Editor

The Saint Mary’s University Student Activities Committee, Eco-Representatives and Health Advocates have been busy planning ahead for Earth Week, which begins Saturday, April 19 (Earth Day) and runs through Friday, April 25. A tentative schedule for the week is as follows:

Saturday, April 19: SMU will host a booth at the Winona State Earth Day Festival.

Sunday, April 20: Eco-Reps will lead a canoe trip and picnic on the Mississippi River.

Monday, April 21: Eco-Reps will conduct car emissions testing at the main entrance to campus.

Tuesday, April 22: SAC will host free bike tune-ups.

Wednesday, April 23: Eco-Reps will conduct a waste audit.

Thursday, April 24: Health Advocates will host a health fair on the role that nature plays in having a healthy lifestyle and being in touch with one’s nutrition.

Friday, April 25: Eco-Reps will host SMUStock, an evening event to be held in St. Yon’s field with acoustic music, organic food, a campfire, and optional camping.

More information about all of these events, including sign-up information, will be available soon.


Fun spring activities

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By Alexa Strouth
Guest Writer

Have you taken a look outside and noticed the sunny weather? With the snow melting, spring is finally here! It’s about time we put away our huge winter coats. If you are looking for some fun ideas for spring, look no further. Here are the top 10 things to do on a spring day:

Biking: Yes, it’s clichĂ© but, surprisingly, a lot of fun.
Gardening: We know you’re just dying to put on those old gloves and plant some seeds.
Baseball: Or just play catch if there are not enough people.
Kiteboarding: Attach a kite to your wakeboard, long board, or any board you think of and feel the difference. It’s a ton of fun!
Skateboarding: “He was a skater boy, she was a skater girl,” and maybe you can make it a skate date!
Swimming: Any outdoor water park you know of has to be a blast!
Fishing: What guy doesn’t like to fish?
Jogging: Stay healthy and look better. Running is so much easier outside, anyway.
Rollerblading: Everyone used to blade when they were little. What happened to your wild side?
Hiking: We live right next to the bluffs, so why not?

Now that you have some ideas for spring time, hopefully you will get off your couch and turn off “America’s Next Top Model” to go explore what’s outside. What have you got to lose?

Dancing for a cause

By Sean O’Brien
News Editor

Every spring Saint Mary’s University students and faculty come together to support a Saint Mary’s University alumnus at the Taylor Richmond Benefit Dance.

This year’s dance will be held Saturday, April 12, from 8 p.m. until midnight in the Toner Student Center cafeteria. All funds will benefit Steve Groby ’01.
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The Benefit Dance Committee selected Groby after Katie LaPlant, director of student activities and volunteer services, recommended him as a beneficiary.

Groby of Shakopee, Minn., formerly of Wabasha, Minn., suffers from Chronic Myelomonocyctic Leukemia, the same disease that claimed his father’s life in 1997. Groby’s approach to life is also the center theme for the dance: “Celebrating Life.”

“Steve came up with the idea because he takes yearly trips to Mexico with his family as a way to celebrate his life,” said junior Maria Borgerson and senior Nikki Olson, co-chairs of the Benefit Dance Committee.

The tradition of the dance began in 2001 with its beneficiary Taylor Richmond, the son of Saint Mary’s Campus Ministry and Student Activities staff member Nikki Richmond. The dance was created as a fundraiser to help Taylor reach his dream of traveling to Disney World. This year’s funds will help pay for the costly bone marrow transplant Groby underwent last year.

“We’re really excited to see the campus show up to have some fun and also to show their support for Steve,” said Borgerson.

Tickets, $15 per person or $25 per couple, will be sold April 7-11 at lunch and will also be available at the door. To read Groby’s story go to www.caringbridge.org/visit/stevegroby.

FAC offers scholarship

By Kaylin Martin
Cardinal Staff

The Future Alumni Committee will be awarding a $1,000 scholarship to one graduating senior from Saint Mary’s University intending to continue his or her studies.
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Selected by a panel of FAC members, the recipient of the scholarship will be chosen based upon his or her demonstration of the Lasallian spirit and other values instilled by Saint Mary’s.

“This scholarship has been a great way for the SMU community to give back to our future alumni,” said Bob Fisher, director of annual giving at SMU and a former club advisor.

“Normally when you hear about scholarships and SMU, it has to do with the current funding at Saint Mary’s,” said Fisher. “What I love about this scholarship is that it gives FAC a chance to invest in a current SMU senior and help make their future dreams come true.”

The presentation of this year’s scholarship will take place on Wednesday, April 16, at the Senior Academic Honors Banquet.

“We would like to see someone receive the scholarship who has been inspired by their Saint Mary’s experience, while showing a passion for their future career and making a difference in their future communities,” said Fisher. “Those are the seniors we like to invest in.” FAC, previously known as Student Alumni Relations, was founded in 1981. The group strives to keep students and alumni connected through various campus events, tri-yearly newsletters and monthly meetings.

Since 1985, FAC has awarded 34 scholarships ranging in value from $500 to $1,000. The scholarships are funded through proceeds from the club’s Finals Kit Program.

FAC is no longer receiving applicants for the scholarship; however, if interested in joining the club, students are encouraged to attend their next meeting on Tuesday, April 15, in Room B of the Toner Student Center.

Class of 2008 selects gift

Ropes course proposed for Winona campus

By Amy Kalina
Managing Editor

The Senior Class Gift Committee has announced its plan to raise money toward a “low ropes course” on the Saint Mary’s University campus as this year’s senior class gift.

The low ropes course would be incorporated into the university’s plans for a combined low and high ropes course, to be used by the Saint Mary’s community and others for teambuilding and personal development activities.
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The course is tentatively planned to be built between the baseball field and the New Village, and a timeline for the project and overall funding have yet to be determined by the President’s Cabinet.

The Senior Class Gift Committee, consisting of 22 Saint Mary’s seniors, will begin taking pledges from members of the class of 2008 in the upcoming weeks. Pledges toward the gift will be collected over the next three years, beginning February 2009.

According to Senior Class Gift Committee member Rick McCoy, the ropes course could be used by athletic teams, clubs and organizations, and within the academic curriculum. The course could also be utilized by summer camps and off-campus programs, said McCoy.

“The ropes course will benefit the Saint Mary’s community, but it will benefit the larger Winona community as well,” said McCoy. “It is a gift that is useful and active, and we’re excited to be a part of it.”

The committee has worked since January to brainstorm and decide on a gift that would be representative of the class’ overall values and interests. Input from fellow seniors at the Senior Salute in February helped the committee to narrow down its options, and the committee voted before Easter Break to proceed with fundraising for the low ropes course.

“The class of 2008 is a class of strong leaders in academics, extra-curricular [activities] and service,” said McCoy. “The low ropes initiative course reflects our values of leadership and teambuilding, but it also shows our fun and active side.”

While the committee has not received a final estimate on the cost of the low ropes course, members hope to raise around $15,000 toward the project.

The tradition of the senior class gift began in the 1920s, but only recently has the gift been a more structured process.

Bob Fisher, director of annual giving at Saint Mary’s, has led the gift committee since 2001. A 1997 graduate of Saint Mary’s, Fisher believes that the senior class gift is one last educational experience the students can take with them after they graduate.

“The senior gift project teaches the students the importance of giving back,” said Fisher. “They’re giving to their community, to the university, and working together as a class to leave something behind to not only honor their time in Winona, but also to help honor Saint Mary’s.”

Past senior class gifts have included a scholarship formed by the class of 2004, the beautification of Saint Mary’s Park by the class of 2006, and the conversion of the game room into a 24-hour lounge by the class of 2007. The concrete foundation was poured last summer for a pavilion next to the New Village path, a gift from the class of 2005, and a mural displayed in the Hillside Hall lounge is a gift from the class of 2002. Other gifts around campus include the stained-glass door leading to the President’s lounge in Toner Student Center, a gift from the class of 2003, and numerous structures and statues within Saint Mary’s Park.

Fisher believes that the senior class gift is one of the most important aspects of his job. “It’s the mark that the class is leaving on the university for future students to see and to recognize them by,” said Fisher. “When the class of 2008 will return to campus years from now, they will see their gift and remember their years at Saint Mary’s and know they have left something valuable behind.”

As the committee moves forward in their fundraising efforts, support from the entire class will be essential in making the gift a reality. Fisher feels that the senior class takes special pride in Saint Mary’s and that fundraising efforts will be especially successful.

“I have been truly impressed by the class of 2008,” said Fisher. “The members of this class really have a true affinity for Saint Mary’s, their future alma mater. I am very proud of the progress they have made on their gift, but more importantly, on how they are going to be tremendous future alumni of Saint Mary’s.”

SMU launches first annual SMUStock

By Steve Adams
Guest Writer

Saint Mary’s University will begin what it hopes to be a yearly tradition when it launches SMUStock, an outdoor acoustic concert and overnight campout in St. Yon’s field, on Friday, April 25.
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The event, sponsored by the SMU Eco-Rep program, will feature an Ultimate Frisbee tournament beginning at 3 p.m.; acoustic performances from SMU community members, including The Wet Bandits and Bookreader from 5-7 p.m. and 9-11 p.m.; as well a bonfire with s’mores and the option to camp out overnight in Yon’s field.

Grilling out will begin at 5 p.m. and will be available to students who submit their barcodes earlier in the week. Booths will be set up during the lunch hours of the week for this purpose.

SMUStock was created by Eco-Rep members to raise environmental awareness. The event coincides with Earth Week, will feature booths that have information on recycling and sustainability and will also recap the events and information that were offered earlier during Earth Week.

The Ultimate Frisbee tournament will be open to all SMU students. Rosters must include at least seven people, and the first eight teams to register will be entered into the competition. Prizes will be offered for the winners, and teams are encouraged to stay after the tournament for food and to participate in the rest of the day’s activities.

Camping equipment can be borrowed from the school, but the available equipment is limited and will be reserved on a first-come, first-serve basis.

“This event is a great way to raise awareness and have a good time as well,” said Davey Warner, outdoor leadership coordinator. “It’s a great way to close out Earth Week; I’m really excited.”

To register for the Ultimate Frisbee tournament, students should submit their rosters to Steve Adams at sjadam04@smumn.edu.

To reserve camping equipment for the evening or additional information on the Eco-Rep program, contact Warner at drwarn03@smumn.edu.

Upcoming Events at SMU

‘Invisible Children’ showing at SMU
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By Jenny Pater
Cardinal Staff

Saint Mary’s University is offering a free screening of the documentary “Invisible Children” at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, April 9, in Figliulo Recital Hall.

“Invisible Children” shows how children must commute from their homes at night to seek safety from abduction by the Lords Resistance Army, who use children as soldiers in Northern Uganda.

The documentary was filmed by three college students who traveled to Africa in search of a story. According to the “Invisible Children” website, they “discovered a tragedy that disgusted and inspired them, a tragedy where children are both the weapons and the victims.”


Safe and Sober Day encourages healthy behavior
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By Ashley Perich
Guest Writer

Every 31 minutes someone dies from an alcohol-related car crash.

Saint Mary’s University will be hosting the annual Safe and Sober Day on April 10 in the basement of the Toner Student Center during lunch hours. Safe and Sober Day informs students about the troubles of drinking and driving and hopes to encourage students to make better choices.

Almost everyone has been affected by drunk driving. Senior Mary Ann Botica lost a cousin last year from a crash involving a drunk driver. “I think it is very important to inform people about what happens when you choose to drink and drive,” said Botica.

During 2005, 16,885 people in the U.S. died of alcohol-related motor vehicle crashes.

Safe and Sober Day will host activities to help inform students about the effects alcohol has on their body.

Students can participate in experiencing the effects drinking has on the body by wearing “drunk goggles” and attempting to perform numerous tasks. Informational brochures will also be available, and students can take the opportunity to sign a pledge or take part in other activities that can raise their awareness of the seriousness of the issue.

Sources: Center for Disease Control and www.alcoholalert.com


STI to host 2nd annual Women’s Symposium
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By Tamika Robinson
Cardinal Staff

Being an influential woman does not have to be limited to those who have made history; it can extend to the women of Saint Mary’s University.

Under the leadership of Holly Richard, the Saint Teresa Leadership and Service Institute for Women will host their second annual Women in Leadership Symposium on Thursday, April 10, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the Common Room. All are welcome to attend this event, including men.

Last year marked the first women’s symposium hosted by the institute on the SMU campus. Although the turnout was low, the institute made the best of their event with those in attendance and they strive for an even better turnout this year. “It is important to support the work and scholarship of women in leadership and service,” said Richard, “and a symposium exposes our young women students to the talented, professional women in positions of leadership and service in our community and beyond.”

Those in attendance will have the opportunity to hear from women who have proven to be leaders in their chosen fields, to network with others from the Winona community, and to gain valuable insight into public policy.

“We are at a pivotal point in our U.S. history: though we have the first woman presidential candidate running a tight race, the U.S. lags behind dozens of nations in gender-equal political representation,” said Richard. “My role is to do my small part to ensure that the young women know of the struggles and success of women who came before us and are prepared to keep improving our society so that young women yet to come enter a more equal, peaceful and loving world.”

Building faith, making friends

By Laura Andrews
Cardinal Staff

Together Encountering Christ (TEC), a three-day religious retreat, will take place this weekend at the Alverna Center on Saint Theresa’s campus in Winona.
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TEC is offered twice each year, once in the fall and again in the spring. The retreat is based on the dying, rising and going forth of Jesus and may be attended by students from Saint Mary’s University, Winona State University and Saint Catherine’s University.

The weekend getaway is an opportunity for students to have fun and reconnect with God. Students of all religious backgrounds are welcome to attend, regardless of where they are in their faith journey. According to junior Ashley Kleist, anyone who is “open to what others have to say and is ready to learn and have fun” is welcome to participate.

Throughout the weekend, students may play games, listen to talks, contribute to small group discussions, and attend Mass, adoration and reconciliation. For those who choose to attend TEC, “there is no pressure to participate in all activities if you are not comfortable,” says Kleist.

Kleist attended her first TEC as a freshman and has continued to be involved with the TEC community through her participation in the planning and leading of other retreats.

“Retreats are my passion. I love just being there at the retreat with my peers, helping others grow in their faith as I continue to grow in my own,” said Kleist.

For students who wish to become a member of the TEC community, applying to be a “TECite,” (someone making the retreat) in the fall of 2008 is the first step. After attending TEC, one may then apply to help lead future retreats.

“Words can never fully describe a TEC experience,” says Kleist. “I really hope to see students give this opportunity a shot; it is simply amazing!”

Giving up beds for boxes

By Karina Rajtar
Cardinal Staff

Students spent the night camping in the plaza in cardboard boxes for this year’s Shak-a-thon on April 3.
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Shak-a-thon is part of Habitat for Humanity’s Act! Speak! Build! Week, a national week of advocacy committed to informing the public of the need for more adequate housing, as millions of people live in substandard housing world-wide.

Both members of Habitat for Humanity and non-member students gave up their warm beds for the cold, hard concrete and a cardboard box in order to raise awareness for those people who may not have the comforts of a warm and comfortable night’s sleep.

Other Act! Speak! Build! Week events included a prayer service after Sunday’s Mass, a poster party Monday night, a Walk to Rally with Winona State on Tuesday, and a slideshow featuring Saint Mary’s University Habitat for Humanity volunteers before the SAC movie on Wednesday night.

Response to ‘Toaster Revolution’

Addressing concerns with Chartwells

By Emilie Fisch
Cardinal Staff

[Editor’s Note: Misuse of the toasters led to a small fire in the cafeteria; Chartwells removed the toasters shortly after. A group of students decided to hold a ‘Toaster Revolution’ and the following is one student’s response to that event.]

Thursday, March 6, is a day that will go down in Saint Mary’s University cafeteria history. You may have noticed something different in the cafeteria lately. On March 6 the toasters were removed for a short period of time.
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In response to the missing appliances, a Toaster Revolution was organized by several SMU students who were unhappy with the fact that the toasters had been removed from the cafeteria. Several students came to the cafeteria sporting T-shirts they had made and many students brought their own toasters. This allowed students to have their toast and eat it too.

The toasters were back in the cafeteria permanently the day of the Toaster Revolution.

The Toaster Revolution showed Chartwells how little changes in the cafeteria can impact and disrupt a college student’s daily life. On the other hand, when students misuse kitchen equipment such as the omelet bar, microwave or toasters, they are permitting Chartwells to take away that equipment, whether to clean it or to fix with it.

Starting a revolution is one way to show you are unhappy with the changes that have been made, but there is an easier way. This year senior Alex Downes-Borowski, student senate vice president for student life, has been taking complaints and comments about Charwells services to Food Service Director Curt Coshenet. Next year there will be another person filling this spot, so students are encouraged to remember that if they have concerns, they can talk to a member of student senate.

Over the past few years, there have been many changes in food service, from extending dining hours to being able to transfer healthier options instead of fries. Downes-Borowski said he receives many complaints about improving the quality of food, satisfying different dietary needs or meeting restrictions students and faculty may have.

If students respect the equipment that is in the cafeteria currently, they will be able to keep it and maybe some day get better equipment. If students have any comments or concerns, they can feel free to talk to the next representative in senate, who will bring concerns to Coshenet.

Memories shared at Convention

By Alex Conover
Cardinal Staff

On Feb. 29, I hopped on a bus with about 100 other Saint Mary’s University students and faculty and rolled out of the Toner Center parking lot. We were on our way to the Saint Mary’s Chicago Convention, a two-part event involving an alumni gathering the first day, and a recruiting exhibit the second. Other great components of the weekend included hearing words from President of the Chicago Blackhawks John McDonough ’75 and being entertained by the Oldie Moldie All-Stars, which is always a treat. As much as I enjoyed all of this, however, my favorite part of the trip was by far socializing with the alumni that made an appearance.
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My job for the weekend was to document the convention on tape. I creeped around with a video camera for two days and was “that guy” – you know, the nerd who is always interrupting conversations, trying to get you to smile for the camera. Despite how annoying it must have been, plenty of alumni were willing to share stories from the past during the first night.

I heard plenty about things like the old Pub, pig roasts at the seminary, and cheering on the hockey team when they played outdoors. They made Saint Mary’s sound like a paradise during their enrollment. People named their favorite teachers, including Father Fabian (everyone asked if he was still at SMU – a living legend!), Larry Luttmers, Sister Claire Korte, and others. They also recited some pretty funny stories that I probably can’t say in print. Regardless, the memories shared that night really boosted my school spirit.

The one thing I will gather from this is that the experience you have at Saint Mary’s is totally up to you. Listening to all these old tales from decades past made it seem like it was a different college back then – but the truth is that it’s not. It’s the same school up on the hill, whether you were a Redman or a Cardinal. SMU is just as fun and rewarding as you make it, and according to the alumni I talked to, the rewards can turn out to be lifetime memories. So, go out, get involved, and have a good time. There might be some goofy kid with a camera asking you about it in 20 years.

Why can’t the Church stay out of my bedroom (and my liquor cabinet)?

By Tim Hepner
Staff Columnist

The word “crap” was edited out of my column last month, and I appreciate the Cardinal staff’s concern with scandalizing the Saint Mary’s University public. However, this month is going to be even racier: I want to talk about drugs and sex (we’ll leave rock and roll for later).
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And the drugs part will be narrowed down to alcohol in particular. “Fun,” you’re thinking, “another lecture.” I know the preconceptions that are brought to this type of discussion, but I’m in absolutely no position to condemn. Instead, I’d like to speak to you as people and to appeal to what makes us human.

Before the 10 p.m. show of Gaslight, I was told that there would be a lot of excitement because many of the people would come to the show drunk and be able to cut loose. This made me wonder: Is there such a great gap between who we are and who we want to be that we have to have some social lubrication to be okay with ourselves? Is there something we’re not admitting to ourselves – that sometimes we’re scared to be human, afraid of our own weakness, or frightened of being left on our own? It’s not just getting drunk, I know. There are other things that we put in to fill that gap, that basic need for intimacy.

The movie “Crash” starts off with one of the characters giving a monologue about “human touch,” saying, “I think that we miss that touch so much, that we crash into each other just so we can feel something.” This, I think, is precisely why it’s so hard to be chaste: because we (men and women both) are often so desperate and afraid that we won’t be able to give or receive intimacy that we end up objectifying ourselves or another person. We don’t trust what God says, so we end up with a cheap version of love. But the Catholic Church’s teachings on sex have everything to do with how we are made, and how two people can come together and hold each other up in dignity. It’s about how we can truly satisfy that profound desire for intimacy – spiritual and physical – inside each of us, and let it lead us closer to each other and God. To come into intimate contact with another and lose myself in them while still remaining myself – that’s what I was made for. That’s my nature and that’s how I’ll truly find peace.

This isn’t easy nor is it for the apathetic. So if you are content with a lukewarm imitation of love, then there’s nothing I can tell you. If you don’t sincerely want to live in freedom and be okay with your weaknesses, then I can’t do anything for you. But please know that, despite popular opinion, being Christian means being unafraid of being fully human. And also that seminarians still like to go out for a beer every once in awhile.

Hot of the Prez: RAC concerns

By John Freeman
Student Senate President

With only six more weeks left in this semester, the Saint Mary’s University community is entering into more than just class project deadlines and grilling-out season. The budgeting season has begun for both the university and the student senate. Keeping that in mind, I’d like to point out the concern brought forth to the senate about lack of funding for the cardiovascular and weight-lifting equipment in the RAC.
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The university currently has no annual budget set-up specifically for this area. As a result of this, countless students, faculty, and staff have requested capitol improvements from the senate to receive some sort of monies for the work-out equipment. I have to say that I really do not blame people for submitting these requests. The area is obviously under-funded by the university and yet it receives a high percentage of use by the entire SMU community.

The senate executive board recently composed a letter and sent it to the administration requesting funds specifically for this area. We have also met with members of the administration to discuss this matter. The senate is now waiting for the university’s response to this concern. In the mean time, I encourage everyone who reads this to push for more funding for the RAC work-out equipment. In doing this, hopefully we can make some changes and improvements to an area that we would benefit from as a community.

Holy painting should be relocated

By Alan M. Guanella
Guest Columnist

How many Saint Mary’s students, if asked, would know where the image of Our Lady of the Blue Nile is located on campus? It is an image that we may walk by every day and yet not take notice of it, or perhaps we have seen it so often that it has become too common for us to take notice of this image.
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The image of Our Lady of the Blue Nile is a painting of the Blessed Virgin Mary that was painted, according to the informational placard next to it, around the year 1500 by an itinerant monk. It was found during excavations in Ethiopia around 1934 and, after the image passed ownership a few times, it was given to a Mrs. Roberts in 1954 who gave the image to Msgr. Julius Haun who, in turn, donated the image to Saint Mary’s in 1955. It was then placed in its current location and has not been moved in 53 years, according to the placard, although the library was not built until 1961.

The current location of the image is on the main floor of the Fitzgerald Library, above the printer by the library catalog computers. The question that I pose is this: Is this really the best place to display such a priceless piece of artwork and beautiful devotional image? With the patroness of Saint Mary’s being the Blessed Virgin Mary herself, why do we keep a 508-year old original painting of her and her Son above a printer? Perhaps it’s time to look for a much more suitable place for this image: a place in which Mary can be honored as both the Mother of God and the patroness of this university. Would not the chapel be a better place than above a printer? Would not a new display case and new placard be fitting for this historic piece of religious artwork that we have on campus? I believe it is time that we move this image to a more proper place.

‘Students for Life’ question value of life

By Nakisa Khoshnevis
Member of Students for Life
Guest Columnist

The most common question surrounding the abortion issue is: when does life begin? People are perpetually looking for science to provide the definitive answer. We are always trying to define the moment, and various people give various answers. For whatever reason, we are determined to find the limits.
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But the fact is, life is life. Defining the moment does not change the fact. Life is. It exists. It cannot be parsed into pieces.

In abortion, the life of the infant and the convenience of the mother are set at odds. We are inclined to view the adult life as more valuable because adults have the loudest voice. The exploitation of children is unfortunately quite common. This is the same view that leads to the justification of child labor in other countries or to child abuse. The weak are easily dismissed.

Our duty is to provide the voice they lack. Hopefully, no one who saw a woman beating her child would say, “Well, it’s her offspring, so she has the right. We can’t tell her what to do.” The question of whether or not one is pro-life or pro-choice is really quite straightforward: everyone is pro-life when it comes to themselves or their own families. Feminists are angry when her husband, or any other man, determines a woman’s worth. We also should be angry when another determines the worth of an unborn baby.

The issue of abortion is not a question of whether or not life exists. Those in the medical field admit that they are killing a fetus. The question is how valuable that life is. This is something that science cannot define. Society must make the decision. Each person must make the decision. Abortion is an important issue, one that no one can afford to neglect. It is important because the value of life is the core moral value. Once we sacrifice that, we have nothing else to stand by.

Spring is here, SAD disappears

By Betsy Baertlein
Feature Editor

Finally, the days are getting longer and students are coming out from hibernation in their dorms to be seen around campus. It’s hard to believe that just a few weeks ago everything was covered in a couple feet of snow. It is apparent from the general morale of campus that spring has sprung. Some would call this spring fever; others would say that it’s the end of cabin fever. But for some, spring may mean more than sun and snowmelt. For those who struggle with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), the beginnings of spring may mean an end to a winter’s struggle with depression-like symptoms.
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SAD, a mood disorder, usually sets in late fall or early winter and includes symptoms such as fatigue, trouble getting out of bed, carbohydrate craving, weight gain, loss of interest, irritability, inability to complete tasks and trouble concentrating. As can be imagined, these symptoms can wreak havoc on all aspects of a student’s life. SAD symptoms are similar to those of other mood disorders such as clinical depression, dysthymia and bipolar disorder.

For this reason, SAD is usually identified after an individual has been struggling through the fall and winter for a period of years. Unlike other similar mood disorders, SAD is proven to be connected to the amount of light one receives. Women in their 20s to 40s are especially vulnerable to SAD, and the disease also shows a strong genetic correlation.

Ann Gibson, director of Saint Mary’s University counseling services, says she sees about five students each year who exhibit symptoms of SAD. An absolute diagnosis is difficult to make, as the symptoms are so similar to those of other mood disorders, which affect 40 to 50 students each year at SMU. Gibson said that she tries to eliminate other lifestyle factors that may be causing the symptoms before diagnosing. The counseling center usually recommends that students experiencing SAD symptoms try non-drug treatment methods before resorting to antidepressants. Some methods include exercise, going outdoors and scheduling time for social activities.

Those with SAD may also try sitting in front of a light box, available at counseling services, for 30 to 60 minutes each day. These boxes use florescent bulbs to imitate natural sunlight and can help people with SAD feel more upbeat. The counseling center always “respects peoples’ rights to make decisions about their treatment,” said Gibson.

Although the sun is here for now, students who suspect that they may have SAD and would like to speak with a counselor can make an appointment with counseling services. Gibson assures students that they “don’t have to be afraid; counseling is a wellness thing to do, and the agenda is yours.”

Spring 2008 fashion: on the runway

By Becky Newby
Arts & Entertainment Editor

Spring 2008 arrives with a blend of many decades of style. This season’s designers added modern twists to some classic and timeless trends ranging from vibrant hues to flirty floral.

Leading fashion magazine “Elle” features the top trends from New York Fashion Week in its online edition, showcasing some of the main designer creations we can expect for spring.
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Floral. Unlike the flower power trend of our parents’ generation, today’s floral prints are fresher and more feminine. Designers are displaying vibrant illustrations of blurred motifs in oversized and midsized patterns on items such as shorts, blouses and dresses. Women, try wearing petal-inspired trim or ruffles to achieve the same look in a more subtle way. Men, the tie of the season is taking on a romantic feel with botanical flower prints, offering a new alternative to solids and stripes.

Safari. From the 1970s era, the runways this spring are filled with safari adventure wardrobe pieces such as zebra and leopard prints, khaki, and chunky tribal jewelry. Aviator sunglasses are a must-have accessory item for both women and men this season.

White. Numerous all-white outfits are modeled on the runway. While some designer’s showcase all-white fitted pantsuits, jeans, and casual blazers, others opt for more feminine dresses and silk shirts. Although all-white seems like an easy trend to copy, wearing too many layers of white can appear too bulky – try adding small accents of black to avoid this and still look elegant.

Tailored. With new gender-bending rules, suits have made its way into both men’s and women’s daytime fashion this spring. Men, for a casual weekend look, consider purchasing a lightweight blazer to add style to casual pants or jeans. Women, latch onto the softer side of the trend by trying a bow tie blouse or tie-top dress.

Bright, Bold Color. Once again, color is a common theme for spring. This season color-happy fashionistatas will be dressing from head to toe in eye-popping colors like daffodil yellow, cobalt blue and verdant green. For men, pink hits the runways in almost every shade imaginable.

Spring meditation sessions

By Dr. Ann Gibson
Guest Writer

Counseling Services and Health Services will be starting a “Meditation in the Morning” series on Tuesday, April 1, in the President’s Room of the Toner Student Center.

A brief opportunity for meditation will be offered each Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday of April from 8:15-8:45 a.m.

As one of several activities that produce the relaxation response, meditating for 20 to 30 minutes a day, over time, can lead to a generalized feeling of relaxation in many areas of one’s life.

SMU Kidz paint Winona with WSU

By Abby Zimmer
Copy Editor

The Saint Mary’s University tournament paintball team was the first college team to hold a tournament on a college campus in the fall of 2005, and now they are off to the National Tournament for the fifth consecutive year with a nearly brand new team.
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The students who started the club sport five years ago have all graduated, leaving the SMU Kidz with four freshmen, only one with experience, two sophomores and one junior.

“Now it’s kind of a new program,” said junior Caleb Bethke, the club’s president. “The majority of our team is underclassmen.”

Right now, freshman Mike Bonk and sophomore Ryan Sondalle, both captains, are working with the team to teach them how to play together.

“In the sport of paintball,” said Bethke, “knowing your teammates and communication are key.”

The National Tournament this year is taking place in Lakeland, Fla., on April 18-20 at the Central Florida Paintball Park. There are two college divisions at the tournament: Class A and Class AA. The SMU Kidz are part of Class AA, in which any college team can play. Just because a school is ranked Division I in its varsity athletics, they are not automatically placed in Class A. Class A has a conference structure that decides which teams may play at the beginning of the year according to bids and the previous year’s events.

“It’s a very fun weekend,” said Bethke. “Not too many college sports get to say [they’ve] got [Division I] schools and smaller schools all playing together.”

Bethke also said that the paintball team is working with Chris Kendall and Jason Richter to get a permanent field set up. Setting up a field on campus has been the team’s goal, most likely on Lower Joe’s Field (near the bridge on Highway 14), but this past summer it was determined that the state regulates the use of this property.

Now the SMU Kidz are focusing on setting up a field with tournament-style inflatable bunkers at the local paintball field, Back 80 Paintball Sports, Inc.

“Not only are we pooling SMU’s resources, but we’re also doing a partnership with WSU, trying to get them involved as well,” said Bethke. “WSU is our partner in crime you could say. We practice with them all the time [and] scrimmage against them.”

Having the bunkers readily available would allow SMU Kidz and WSU to practice tournament strategy, to bring college tournaments back to the Winona area, and even to allow high school tournaments.

“That’s a big push for us to generate further interest in the club and the university,” said Bethke.

Back 80 is where the SMU Kidz have played ever since the team began five years ago, and the field actually sponsors them, allowing SMU Kidz to play there without paying for green fees in exchange for the SMU Kidz refereeing open play (when the field is open to the general public).

Because of Winona’s centralized location in the Midwest North Division, the director of the division has expressed interest in playing a tournament here if they can get a field set up.

“We have teams that come from Minnesota, … Michigan, Iowa and Illinois, so they really look for locations that are situated in the center to get everyone’s driving time about equal,” said Bethke.

The team’s goal is to have the field completed by next year.

Overall, the outlook of the team seems positive, said Bethke. “Not only do we have players who are experienced and getting better, but they are going to be around for the next few years. It will only get better year-to-year.”

The Office of Admission told Bethke that approximately 23 incoming freshman have also expressed interest in the club, with at least five students having previous experience. Furthermore, a couple of transfer students who are interested in playing have contacted Bethke.

Students interested in more information about the club can contact Bethke at cdbeth04@smumn.edu or see the SMU Kidz website at http://www2.smumn.edu/studorg/~paintball.

Volleyball to see new rules in the fall

By Karina Rajtar
Cardinal Staff

College volleyball fans may notice some changes in the game next year.

The National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA) has implemented three key rule changes, effective at the start of the 2008 season.
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Games will now be played to 25 points instead of 30, ball handling calls will be more lenient, and teams will only have 12 substitutions, as opposed to the current 15. These changes are intended to increase intensity and reduce stoppages due to imperfect ball contacts.

Saint Mary’s University head volleyball coach Mike Lester, along with most Division II and Division III coaches, disagrees with the changes, as they will limit playing opportunities for the student-athletes. “People want to play,” said Lester, who maintains that one of the basic premises of Division III athletics is to provide students with chances to play and improve. Removing five points from each game will cut the season by 16.7 percent.

Lester does not believe that removing points will change the intensity during a game. “There is just as much excitement at point 15 as point 30,” Lester said. He does believe that many coaches will need to change their timeout strategies, by taking timeouts earlier and not always allowing their teams to play through rough patches.

The change that will likely have the biggest impact during matches is the one concerning ball handling calls. This rule will prevent officials from stopping play for an imperfect set or contact. Only the most obvious lifts and double-touches will be called. As this is still a very subjective part of the game, Lester is “interested to see how [the officials will] interpret the rule.”

The decrease in substitutions will affect how many players will have a chance to play in any given game. Although the proportion of substitutions to game length will not change much, Lester said that it would have a psychological impact on the team’s players.

What concerns Lester the most is the process the NCAA took to pass the new rules. Although the majority of coaches and a third of the officials were against the changes, they were still passed. Lester also notes that the ones who will be most impacted, the student-athletes, were not surveyed on a national level. However, a group of coaches within the MIAC informally polled their current student athletes and found that approximately 80 percent opposed the new rules.

Despite his concerns, Lester remains optimistic. “Hopefully it makes the game better,” Lester said. “Whatever the rules are, we’re going to step on the floor and play.”

Teams use spring break to excel

By Lindsay Dickson
Editor-in-Chief

While many Saint Mary’s University students spent their spring breaks basking in the sun, some athletic teams used the time off to train and compete.

“It’s different from a regular spring break because it’s a lot more work than play,” said freshman fastpitch softball player Kellie Simons. The softball, baseball and men’s and women’s tennis teams visited California, Florida and Texas, respectively.
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“Our team takes trips over break so that we can play some of the best teams in the country to help us get better and more prepared for our conference games. A lot of the teams in the tournament we played in are ranked in the top 25 teams in the country,” said Simons. “[The trip] showed us what we need to work on in order to make it to the [Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference] tournament and hopefully beyond that.”

Since spring break falls in the middle of the women’s tennis season, sophomore Abby Cooper said that it is a good time to go on a trip. “It is nice to go somewhere warm and play outside after we have been hitting inside all season,” said Cooper. The mid-season trip also provides a chance to bond with other teammates. “We spend so much time together, on and off the court, that you really get to know the people you’re playing with,” Cooper said.

Simons explained that their trip consisted mainly of playing softball, eating and sleeping. She said Coach Jen Miller would tell the team, “We came to play softball!” Even though their week was filled with training, they were allowed one day off to spend at their leisure. Throughout the day, the team shopped in Los Angeles and was part of the live audience for the TV game show “The Price is Right.”

It is common for SMU athletic teams to take trips to train and to bond with the team. Last year, the women’s tennis team visited Hilton Head, S.C., and the team will be flying to England this May. The trips are funded by the school and the teams’ budgets, but players usually have to pay for some of the costs, said Cooper.

It doesn’t get much better than this

By Eric Lear
Sports Editor

In the fall I wrote an article with then co-sports editor, Candice Norrell under the headline “It’s the most wonderful time of the year.”

I lied. The fact that the Chicago Cubs actually made the playoffs impaired my judgment at that time. As a matter of fact, this is the most wonderful time of the year.
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March Madness is in full swing. Whether you fill out your bracket by which team has the better uniform or mascot, or if you think you are a Bracketologist on ESPN (guilty as charged), it generates a great deal of excitement. I’m sure most of you have filled out a bracket on Facebook, ESPN.com or Yahoo.

Davidson was my upset special of the year and I was sure right. Unfortunately, their storybook run has ended.

I can’t help but notice the weather is starting to improve, which means one important thing in my world: baseball season is here. I have high hope for my Cubbies this year looking to defend their crown as National League Central Champions. Unfortunately, for those who reside in Twins Territory, it could be a tough season playing in the stacked American League Central. Don’t get discouraged if your team starts off slow, Twinkie fans. Your young team should start to turn things around after the All-Star break.

My bold prediction for this season is the Cubs facing the Tigers in the World Series. At this point in time, I just want to be sitting at Wrigley Field and watching my team. Lucky for Twins fans there is not much more time left at the Metrodome.

The Masters Golf Tournament is right around the corner (Amen Corner, perhaps). It is the first major tournament of the PGA tour this year. I am going to go out on a limb and say that Tiger Woods, the best golfer in the history of planet Earth, will win it. With five tournament victories already in the young season, Woods will undoubtedly have a season that will go down in history.

So if you need me anytime soon, I will most likely be parked on the couch enjoying the most wonderful time of the year.

Faculty Revue showcases staff talent

By Lauren Rothering
Cardinal Staff

Poetry readings, guitar ballads, and an impromptu harmonica performance were featured at the second Faculty Revue held in the Common Room on March 27. The Revue, sponsored by the junior class, featured nine faculty and staff acts, which showcased their hidden, and sometimes not-so-hidden, talents.
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The show began with a lively guitar performance from Chris Kendall, vice president for student development, accompanied by friend Mark Gunderson on bass. The show moved to feature poetry readings from staff members Holly Richard, director of the Saint Theresa Leadership and Service Institute, and Lance Thompson, hall director of Benilde and Saint Yon’s. Professors Scott Sorvaag and Steven Schild also read original poems.

One of the most enjoyable acts of the evening came from Dave Hajoglou, Ek Family Village/Watters Hall apartment manager and systems administrator for the department of computer science. Hajoglou intended on playing piano, but due to technical difficulties with the keyboard, he quickly improvised. Pulling a harmonica out of his pocket, claiming to have it because he was “preparing for an upcoming show,” Hajoglou delighted the crowd with a few folk songs, such as “You Are My Sunshine” and “Oh Shannon Doe.”

The Revue was not limited to faculty and staff members, however. Freshman Joe Mazzuca and junior Neil Leibundguth played alongside English professor John Kerr, whose performance included a musical interpretation of a passage from William Shakespeare’s play “Twelfth Night.”

Also featured were guitar performances from Davey Warner, outdoor leadership coordinator, and history professor Tycho DeBoer.

The junior class will use the proceeds to help fund next year’s senior week activities.

Offering good food, close location

By Maria Sullivan
Cardinal Staff

If you and your friends are looking for a new place to eat out, try visiting the new restaurant that opened this March: Ground Round Grill and Sports.
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Ground Round is located on the corner of U.S. Highways 14 and 61, the former location of Beier’s Family Restaurant. For those of you who do not know, Ground Round is a well respected restaurant chain that has 60 locations in 19 states.

When one walks into Ground Round, the environment is extremely welcoming. The restaurant is laid out into two dining rooms; one room is a sports bar lounge with a number of flat screen televisions, and the other room is strictly used for dining purposes.

The new restaurant offers a wide variety of foods for people with different tastes. Some items on the menu include pasta, seafood, soup, sandwiches and a large selection of desserts. Some people would agree that Ground Round has a similar feeling to Applebee’s.

As a college student, it is typical to wonder how much a meal at Ground Round would cost, but it all depends on what you consider expensive. When I ate there with my friends, my bill was close to $20, including the tip. I had a bowl of fettuccini alfredo pasta with chicken, a glass of pop, and an appetizer that I split with two other people.

“I enjoyed the atmosphere. It wasn’t loud – just perfect for enjoying a meal with friends. The food portion was awesome! But prices are a little high for a college student,” said senior Candice Norrell.

Overall, I enjoyed my experience at Ground Round, despite the high prices. I would definitely go again, but next time it would be for a special occasion. Either way, I encourage you all to visit the new restaurant at least once just for the delicious food.

Cardinal Spotlight: Freshman Alphonse Bizimana

By Theresa Breault
Cardinal Staff

When one hears the word “genocide,” the few instances that come to mind may be the Holocaust, Darfur or Rwanda. For many Minnesotans, a tragedy as profound as genocide seems to feel far away in places that never reach the Midwest. For one Saint Mary’s University freshman, this is not the case.
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Alphonse Bizimana lived in Gisenyi, a small province in Rwanda, during the genocide in 1994. “I was seven years old when the genocide started,” Bizimana said. “I remember it started at night, and in the morning these men were asking for IDs which said whether you were Hutu or Tutsi. If you were a Tutsi, they would take you aside and kill you. I am a Tutsi.”

Even though he was young, he knew what was happening to the Tutsi’s around him, and he knew that his mother was a Tutsi. She was forced into hiding as Hutu militia started to slaughter their entire town.

“One of my friends was a teenage Tutsi boy that lived close to me,” said Bizimana. “The Hutus found him and forced him to kill other Tutsis, telling him that if he did not, they would kill him.” Bizimana said that it was only a matter of time before the entire town was wiped out.

Epiphany Bizimana, Alphonse’s mother, was hiding underneath her bed when Hutu men searched through her house. Alphonse and his four-year-old brother Gill Murayire waited outside of their house as they watched the men go in and search for their mother. As they searched through the house and speared underneath the beds, Epiphany lifted herself up off the ground onto the frame of the bed to keep from being killed.


The Hutu men did not find Epiphany, and the three of them ran to hide at another house. The next day, however, the Hutus found where they were hiding and killed the people who gave them shelter.

“It was after that when my mother knew she was probably not going to survive. She told my brother and me to try and cross the border into the Congo. We had to leave, so we just started wandering. We could not hide anywhere, and the only people around us were Hutu militia. When we finally almost reached the border, the Hutu men called out to us and tried to stop us from going into the Congo. We started running, and we ran towards these 10 ladies who told the Hutu men that we were their sons. We traveled with them past the border and into the Congo. They saved us from being killed,” Bizimana said.

Later, after Epiphany had been hiding for a month and a half, she found a way for herself to make it to the Congo by dressing as a Muslim woman and crossing the border. Although Bizimana got to see his mother after she crossed the border, she died later of sickness and starvation.

While Bizimana and his brother were in an orphanage in the Congo, they both were sponsored to be a part of the African Children’s Choir, which allowed both of them to tour the United States, Canada and the U.K. for two and a half years. It was during this tour that Alphonse found a family in Winona that sponsored him and his brother to attend Winona Cotter High School.

Now, Bizimana is able to attend Saint Mary’s University on the Laws of Life Scholarship. His brother is still attending Winona Cotter, with plans to join his older brother here at Saint Mary’s after he graduates.

For Bizimana, it is not difficult to discuss his past life. “Some kids back at the orphanage could not talk about it, but it is not a problem for me,” said Bizimana. “It’s actually easier to talk about it.”

After everything he has endured, Bizimana still maintains a positive outlook on life. He plans to earn degrees in public relations and marketing and is enjoying life at Saint Mary’s.

Rob and Neil review your meal: The Regulars

By Rob Brewer and Neil Olstad
Cardinal Staff

The Caf is an epicenter of student congregation. Friends exchange pleasantries, relationships blossom, and most importantly, food is served. Your expert connoisseurs, Rob and Neil are committed to guiding you through your Caf experience…..
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Fries: Two distinct varieties from two distinct schools of thought. The first, a thick, robust steak fry, has a fluffy potato taste that will give you your starch fix for the week. The other style, the oft-neglected thin shoestring potato fry, is an endangered species in the Chartwells food kingdom. Equality amongst the fries each week is essential to French fry success.

Pizza: A hit or miss proposition. As many times as there is a scrumptious slice of pepperoni waiting to be scooped up, there is an overcooked, blackened imposter of a pizza pie. In the absence of a desirable entrĂ©e selection, pizza is typically the average student’s choice for a “safe” dinner.

Salad: The extensive salad bar is a sight to see for first-time Chartwells customers. Stretching over the length of two grown men, diners seek haven in the friendly confines of this green paradise, with a variety of fixings, toppings and delights any herbivore would dream of. For those of us counting calories, Chartwells offers low-fat dressing alternatives that will trim the waistline without trimming the taste.

Ice Cream: In the Arctic tundra of the ice cream freezer, no variety of creamy dessert is safe. With seemingly hundreds, if not thousands, of delicious flavors of ice cream, Chartwell’s always manages to keep patrons on their toes. The absence of the soft-serve machine has been a controversial subject, shrouded in mystery this year. Chartwell’s representatives declined to comment on the whereabouts and/or well being of our beloved soft-serve machine.

Cereal: More controversy lies across the cafeteria at the cereal bar. The acute taste buds of certain cereal connoisseurs, who wish to remain anonymous, report that the cereal is “mislabeled” as name brand and that Chartwells is intentionally misleading the students at Saint Mary’s University. These reports cannot be confirmed nor denied; but unanswered questions linger as many students ponder the sincerity of their beloved Chartwells staff. Controversy aside, Chartwells does offer a plentiful plethora of pleasant provisions that’s not just for breakfast anymore.

[Editor’s Note: The accusations and opinions of the food critics are not representative of “The Cardinal” newspaper or the student body.]