By Sara Eisenhauer
Cardinal Staff
The family of two Saint Mary’s University alumni was the selected beneficiary for the funds raised at the ninth annual Taylor Richmond Benefit Dance, which will be held Saturday, March 28, in Toner Center Dining Hall.
Read more...
Mia and Bill Geheren’s (’90) son Charlie, who was adopted by the SMU alumni, suffers from brain damage, severe cerebral palsy, cortical blindness and other medical issues.
According to the Taylor Richmond Benefit Dance planning committee, the Geheren’s, who have four children, three of whom were adopted and were exposed to drugs at birth, have been struggling to fit their entire family into one car with all of Charlie’s medical equipment.
“It’s getting hard for the family to transport him,” said Molly Jewison, co-chair of the Taylor Richmond Benefit Dance planning committee. “The proceeds will go towards a vehicle so the family can travel together.”
Each year the planning committee, which is made up of SMU students, chooses the beneficiaries from potential candidates who submit letters, said Jewison. Candidates must have some connection to SMU.
SMU students and alumni are invited to attend the dance each year, and the money from ticket sales goes to the family of the beneficiary, said Jewison.
“Besides being a lot of fun, the money from the dance goes towards a wonderful family who is very deserving of the money,” said Jewison. “It will help make their life a little easier. Students have the opportunity to change a little part of the world by dancing and having fun.”
Taylor Richmond and his family were the first beneficiaries of the dance in 2000. Nikki Richmond, Taylor’s mother and secretary of student activities, leadership and service and campus ministry, said their family used the funds from the first dance to take a Make-a-Wish trip for Taylor. According to Richmond, he suffers from Ataxia Telangiectasia (AT), a terminal genetic illness that is “like having heart and liver disease, pulmonary disease, the immune system of a cancer or AIDS person and cancer all rolled into one.”
The dance is held in Taylor’s name each year and has raised over $78,000 for the benefiting families since the first dance, said richmondi Richmond.
This year’s dance theme is “I Just Can’t Wait to be King,” because of Charlie Geheren’s love for African drums. The cost is $15 for individual tickets and $25 for couples.
Friday, March 6, 2009
Art gallery features exhibit blending old, new media
By Maria SullivanArts and Entertainment Editor
The artwork of two Chinese-American artists will be featured in “Old Media, New Ways and New Media, Old Ways” at the Lillian Davis Hogan Gallery until March 20.
Read more...
Jing Zhou is a student at Monmouth University in West Long Branch, NJ. Jing’s work is solely digital photography. Curator Sister Margaret Mear said that Jing almost was not able to show her work because she had a big show somewhere else, but she was able to send what pieces she had left over.
Ming Zhou is a student at the University of Missouri. Ming’s work consists of colorful paintings of Chinese people who are very happy with their new prized possessions. “This would be the Chinese middle-to upper-class who are able to afford the western luxuries. They’re showing off what she (Ming) says they consider ‘good taste,’ because they can now go to Starbucks and buy American cars and go to America to get a degree,” Mear said.
The next show is the Senior Art Show, which will be featured at the end of March.
Bazaar offers Mardi Gras fun
By Jessica Paulsen
Managing Editor
A Mardi Gras celebration was held on Tuesday, Feb. 24, as part of the Saint Mary’s University’s Founder’s Week events.
Students and staff were invited to attend the Mardi Gras Bizarre Bazaar for a night of games, snacks, live music and prizes.
Read more...
Those who attended could decorate t-shirts, eat sandwiches and cupcakes, make masks, play games, listen to music and more.
Various campus clubs and groups provided information, activities and tickets for chances to win prizes later in the event.
“It was a great time,” said senior Maria Sullivan. “It was a fun study break, and everyone seemed to enjoy the food, games and music.”
Managing Editor
A Mardi Gras celebration was held on Tuesday, Feb. 24, as part of the Saint Mary’s University’s Founder’s Week events.
Students and staff were invited to attend the Mardi Gras Bizarre Bazaar for a night of games, snacks, live music and prizes.
Read more...
Those who attended could decorate t-shirts, eat sandwiches and cupcakes, make masks, play games, listen to music and more.
Various campus clubs and groups provided information, activities and tickets for chances to win prizes later in the event.
“It was a great time,” said senior Maria Sullivan. “It was a fun study break, and everyone seemed to enjoy the food, games and music.”
Senior class to present Gaslight
By Maria Sullivan
Arts and Entertainment Editor
The senior class will present the 44th annual Gaslight show March 13-14.
Along with the Silent Auction and the Senior Dance, Gaslight is the third fundraiser put on by the senior class in order to raise money for senior week, which is held at the end of the year.
Read more...
Gaslight is a variety show similar to Phi Mu Alpha’s Blue Angel show. The show is made up of about 25 musical acts put on by students and includes an intermission.
“It is a tradition for these shows to happen, and it’s fun to see people you have in classes onstage in a capacity that you wouldn’t otherwise,” senior class officer Kaitlin Depuydt said. “I hope people consider going to the show.”
Tickets will be sold for $7 in advance before lunch in the Toner Student Center and at the door before the show. The shows will be held on Friday at 8 p.m. and Saturday at 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. in the Toner Center cafeteria.
Arts and Entertainment Editor
The senior class will present the 44th annual Gaslight show March 13-14.
Along with the Silent Auction and the Senior Dance, Gaslight is the third fundraiser put on by the senior class in order to raise money for senior week, which is held at the end of the year.
Read more...
Gaslight is a variety show similar to Phi Mu Alpha’s Blue Angel show. The show is made up of about 25 musical acts put on by students and includes an intermission.
“It is a tradition for these shows to happen, and it’s fun to see people you have in classes onstage in a capacity that you wouldn’t otherwise,” senior class officer Kaitlin Depuydt said. “I hope people consider going to the show.”
Tickets will be sold for $7 in advance before lunch in the Toner Student Center and at the door before the show. The shows will be held on Friday at 8 p.m. and Saturday at 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. in the Toner Center cafeteria.
Winter sports in review
Compiled by Alex Conover
Sports Editor
Click here to read more about Saint Mary's winter sports review.
Read more...
Men’s Basketball
Final Record: 7-18, 6-14 in the MIAC
Conference Finish: 10th of 11
Impact Player: Will Wright. The sophomore from Chicago, Ill., averaged 18.8 points per game and finished third in the MIAC in scoring. He also led the conference in minutes played and was in the top ten for steals and defensive rebounds.
Women’s Basketball
Final Record: 4-21, 4-18 in the MIAC
Conference Finish: 10th of 12
Impact Player: Cherie Kulig. The sophomore from Independence, Wis., was second on the team in scoring (10.7 points per game) and led the team in three point percentage, free throw percentage and rebounding.
Men’s Hockey
Final Record: 4-20-1, 3-12-1 in the MIAC
Conference Finish: 8th of 9
Impact Player: Steve Murphy. In his first season as a Cardinal, the junior forward scored 11 goals and 18 points overall to lead the squad statistically.
Women’s Hockey
Final Record: 7-14-2, 6-10-2 in the MIAC
Conference Finish: 8th of 10
Impact Player: Dy-Anna Stewart. Although she scored just three points all season, the sophomore from Eden Prairie, Minn., made her mark on defense. She was the lone Cardinal nominated to this year’s All-MIAC First Team.
Men’s Swimming and Diving
Final Record: 3-0
Conference Finish: 7th of 8
Impact Player: John Fox. The junior from Winona finished second in the 100 breaststroke at the MIAC Championships, breaking his fourth school record in the process. His effort in the event earned him a spot in this year’s NCAA Division III National Championships.
Women’s Swimming and Diving
Final Record: 2-3
Conference Finish: 10th of 11
Impact Player: Jennifer Salzman. Holding the team’s best times in four events this year, the junior from Hilo, Hawaii, also placed first in the 100 freestyle at the SMU Quadrangular.
Sports Editor
Click here to read more about Saint Mary's winter sports review.
Read more...
Men’s Basketball
Final Record: 7-18, 6-14 in the MIAC
Conference Finish: 10th of 11
Impact Player: Will Wright. The sophomore from Chicago, Ill., averaged 18.8 points per game and finished third in the MIAC in scoring. He also led the conference in minutes played and was in the top ten for steals and defensive rebounds.
Women’s Basketball
Final Record: 4-21, 4-18 in the MIAC
Conference Finish: 10th of 12
Impact Player: Cherie Kulig. The sophomore from Independence, Wis., was second on the team in scoring (10.7 points per game) and led the team in three point percentage, free throw percentage and rebounding.
Men’s Hockey
Final Record: 4-20-1, 3-12-1 in the MIAC
Conference Finish: 8th of 9
Impact Player: Steve Murphy. In his first season as a Cardinal, the junior forward scored 11 goals and 18 points overall to lead the squad statistically.
Women’s Hockey
Final Record: 7-14-2, 6-10-2 in the MIAC
Conference Finish: 8th of 10
Impact Player: Dy-Anna Stewart. Although she scored just three points all season, the sophomore from Eden Prairie, Minn., made her mark on defense. She was the lone Cardinal nominated to this year’s All-MIAC First Team.
Men’s Swimming and Diving
Final Record: 3-0
Conference Finish: 7th of 8
Impact Player: John Fox. The junior from Winona finished second in the 100 breaststroke at the MIAC Championships, breaking his fourth school record in the process. His effort in the event earned him a spot in this year’s NCAA Division III National Championships.
Women’s Swimming and Diving
Final Record: 2-3
Conference Finish: 10th of 11
Impact Player: Jennifer Salzman. Holding the team’s best times in four events this year, the junior from Hilo, Hawaii, also placed first in the 100 freestyle at the SMU Quadrangular.
New coach brings changes to baseball program
By Suzie RothGuest Writer
This year marks a new beginning for Nick Winecke, head baseball coach for Saint Mary’s University, as he enters a new phase in his baseball legacy.
A SMU graduate of 2007, Winecke became the new head coach for the SMU baseball team this year. In the last two years, he has made the transition from player to assistant coach and now to head coach.
Read more...
Describing his coaching style as “intense, passionate and demanding,” Winecke’s drive for success is evident. Although he may demand a lot from his players, he is also the first to acknowledge them when they are doing a good job.
While some may consider baseball to be a slow-paced sport, it is a very “demanding mental game, and each baseball player must be able to keep himself under control,” Winecke said. He described how the team works at being “one percent better” every day at every drill.
For some, coaching athletes they once played with may pose some problems, but not for Winecke. He said that for any relationship to work there has to be trust and respect, which he has from the team and former teammates.
With a new coach came the chance for a fresh start for the program. Winecke began by trying to change the culture of the baseball team. The team got new hats and is also taking a spring trip to Arizona for the first time. The motto of the team has also evolved. “Dominate, Don’t Participate,” turned into “Expect Victory,” representing what they do every day.
Adopting the new motto can be seen not only in the players’ attitudes, but also on their wrists. Each player has three different colored wristbands with the motto imprinted on them. Each color represents a different performance level. Following each practice, a decision is made on what type of practice the team had. The corresponding colored wristband is then worn that night and during the next practice. The team members, however, took it upon themselves to wear the band throughout the entire next day as well.
This year Winecke is most excited for the journey that the team has already started. He expects his team to “compete and work (their) butts off.” There is just “something about them,” he said, that makes this year a special one.
Along with a new head coach, the baseball team is eager to begin playing on their new fields. No longer will they have to practice on a soccer field or downtown in Winona. The Cardinals finally have a place to call home. Winecke expressed this as being “long time overdue; being able to practice on a baseball field is going to be a sight for sore eyes.”
The home opener will be held March 26 against Viterbo University.
Spring sports preview
Compiled by Alex Conover
Sports Editor
This spring season is in full swing for the Cardinals. Click the link to learn more about the teams.
Read more...
Baseball
Last Year’s Conference Record/Finish: 4-16, 10th of 11
Key Returners: SS Brandon Haugh, C Alex Schmitt, P Andy Pass, 1B Robbie Johnson, 2B Kyle Ryan, P Will Shetka
Statement from Coach Winecke: “So far, the guys have been willing to buy into our new system and work hard. If this continues, we’ll see great success.”
Softball
Last Year’s Conference Record/Finish: 13-9, 5th of 12
Key Returners: OF Cassie Otte, OF Danielle Geske, IF Katy Gannon, SS Hanna Schmitt, P Mal Betzold
Statement from Coach Miller: “We return a solid core of athletes, and we remain very optimistic about the season.”
Track & Field
Last Year’s Conference Finish: 11th of 11 for the men, 10th of 12 for the women
Key Returners: Chris Fisette, Josiah Ryks, Derek Wherley, Teri Heinzen, Brittany Kuehn, Sara Harstad
Statement from Coach McMahon: “We hope to improve our performances at the MIAC meet. We’ve got quite a few contributors returning...the new track will definitely improve our team and give recruiting a boost as well.”
Tennis
Last Year’s Conference Finish: 7th of 10 for the men, 5th of 11 for the women
Key Returners: Pawel Szczepkowski, Andy Weigman, David Reckase, Sara Clements, Brianna Placek
Statement from Assistant Coach Sokolowski: For the most part, our players have exhibited a great attitude and strong work ethic. We’re looking forward to a fun season.”
Sports Editor
This spring season is in full swing for the Cardinals. Click the link to learn more about the teams.
Read more...
Baseball
Last Year’s Conference Record/Finish: 4-16, 10th of 11
Key Returners: SS Brandon Haugh, C Alex Schmitt, P Andy Pass, 1B Robbie Johnson, 2B Kyle Ryan, P Will Shetka
Statement from Coach Winecke: “So far, the guys have been willing to buy into our new system and work hard. If this continues, we’ll see great success.”
Softball
Last Year’s Conference Record/Finish: 13-9, 5th of 12
Key Returners: OF Cassie Otte, OF Danielle Geske, IF Katy Gannon, SS Hanna Schmitt, P Mal Betzold
Statement from Coach Miller: “We return a solid core of athletes, and we remain very optimistic about the season.”
Track & Field
Last Year’s Conference Finish: 11th of 11 for the men, 10th of 12 for the women
Key Returners: Chris Fisette, Josiah Ryks, Derek Wherley, Teri Heinzen, Brittany Kuehn, Sara Harstad
Statement from Coach McMahon: “We hope to improve our performances at the MIAC meet. We’ve got quite a few contributors returning...the new track will definitely improve our team and give recruiting a boost as well.”
Tennis
Last Year’s Conference Finish: 7th of 10 for the men, 5th of 11 for the women
Key Returners: Pawel Szczepkowski, Andy Weigman, David Reckase, Sara Clements, Brianna Placek
Statement from Assistant Coach Sokolowski: For the most part, our players have exhibited a great attitude and strong work ethic. We’re looking forward to a fun season.”
Caf offers new options
By Greg Freeman
Cardinal Staff
The Saint Mary’s University Toner Center Dining Hall will give students new menu choices, an option to get food to go and an option to fill personal bottles with drinks.
Read more...
With the money saved by going trayless, Chartwells was able to add many new items that improved the old menu, said Chartwells Foodservice Director Curt Coshenet. Changes include new additions to the salad bar, new meat options in the deli bar, soymilk, frozen yogurt and new hot items, such as Roman Chicken.
One item that will be added to the menu is baked cod. “This will be a great addition for Lent,” Coshenet said. “Typically, Catholics do not eat meat on Fridays of Lent, and the added cod will give a meatless entrée option.”
In addition to the added extras on the menu, Chartwells is allowing students to have a take-out option in the cafeteria. Students will be allowed to get an 8-10 ounce take-out box when scanning their ID cards to grab food to go.
“This allows students busy with athletics, (activities or work) to get their full hot meals on the run,” said Coshenet.
Students will also be allowed to use their own drink containers in the cafeteria and will be allowed to use 24-ounce bottles to take a beverage of their choice out of the cafeteria.
To supplement these new changes, Chartwells is conducting an online survey open for SMU community members to take. Students can find the survey on the Chartwells website. “We want to do our best to meet every (student’s) need,” said Coshenet.
Be sure to read the following issues of the Cardinal for the answers to popular questions asked by students. Anyone can email their concerns to UGStudentconcerns@smumn.edu.
Cardinal Staff
The Saint Mary’s University Toner Center Dining Hall will give students new menu choices, an option to get food to go and an option to fill personal bottles with drinks.
Read more...
With the money saved by going trayless, Chartwells was able to add many new items that improved the old menu, said Chartwells Foodservice Director Curt Coshenet. Changes include new additions to the salad bar, new meat options in the deli bar, soymilk, frozen yogurt and new hot items, such as Roman Chicken.
One item that will be added to the menu is baked cod. “This will be a great addition for Lent,” Coshenet said. “Typically, Catholics do not eat meat on Fridays of Lent, and the added cod will give a meatless entrée option.”
In addition to the added extras on the menu, Chartwells is allowing students to have a take-out option in the cafeteria. Students will be allowed to get an 8-10 ounce take-out box when scanning their ID cards to grab food to go.
“This allows students busy with athletics, (activities or work) to get their full hot meals on the run,” said Coshenet.
Students will also be allowed to use their own drink containers in the cafeteria and will be allowed to use 24-ounce bottles to take a beverage of their choice out of the cafeteria.
To supplement these new changes, Chartwells is conducting an online survey open for SMU community members to take. Students can find the survey on the Chartwells website. “We want to do our best to meet every (student’s) need,” said Coshenet.
Be sure to read the following issues of the Cardinal for the answers to popular questions asked by students. Anyone can email their concerns to UGStudentconcerns@smumn.edu.
A lesson in flirting
By Betsy Baertlein
Cardinal Staff
I have almost hit the two-month mark of my time in Italy, and each day I seem to discover new aspects of the Italian culture. One aspect that has proven to be especially intriguing is the culture of romance, which I never realized the full extent of before coming here.
Read more...
Being a young, blonde, athletic American female in Italy has put me at the receiving end of much flirting from Italian men of all ages and appearances. The most overt and persistent flirter I’ve encountered was a 39-year-old man on the ski slopes named Dario.
During our first conversation, Dario told me that I have beautiful eyes. This may seem like a cliché compliment, but he seemed very sincere. Shortly after, he told me that I make his heart beat like thunder and lightning, and he asked me if I would like him to get me a room in his town by the sea. I must admit that at this point I began to get a bit creeped out, but this is a prime example of the flirting that is considered normal in Italy. If a man perceives even the slightest chance that a woman may be interested in him, he proceeds at full throttle.
Another story of an Italian flirter comes from an anonymous female faculty member who is currently on sabbatical and traveling and studying in Italy. Said faculty member was in a restaurant with her travel companion, being served by their friendly waiter, when the owner of the restaurant came out, put his hand on her shoulder and said with a heavy Italian accent, “This iz my wiiifffeee.” The owner went on to insist that the faculty member have her picture taken with him, and, as she paid her bill, he reached across the bar and kissed her! What a way to do business!
Lastly, I would not do Italian flirting justice if I failed to mention the ways Italian men of all ages address young women on the street. A couple of common phrases are “Ciao bella!” which means “hello beautiful,” and “Mamma mia!”
However, some men opt for more original methods, such as one who neighed at my girlfriends and me as we walked past. Sometimes I cannot help but laugh at the ridiculousness of these methods, but they do make some great stories, and I think I will miss the romance culture when I return to the States.
Cardinal Staff
I have almost hit the two-month mark of my time in Italy, and each day I seem to discover new aspects of the Italian culture. One aspect that has proven to be especially intriguing is the culture of romance, which I never realized the full extent of before coming here.
Read more...
Being a young, blonde, athletic American female in Italy has put me at the receiving end of much flirting from Italian men of all ages and appearances. The most overt and persistent flirter I’ve encountered was a 39-year-old man on the ski slopes named Dario.
During our first conversation, Dario told me that I have beautiful eyes. This may seem like a cliché compliment, but he seemed very sincere. Shortly after, he told me that I make his heart beat like thunder and lightning, and he asked me if I would like him to get me a room in his town by the sea. I must admit that at this point I began to get a bit creeped out, but this is a prime example of the flirting that is considered normal in Italy. If a man perceives even the slightest chance that a woman may be interested in him, he proceeds at full throttle.
Another story of an Italian flirter comes from an anonymous female faculty member who is currently on sabbatical and traveling and studying in Italy. Said faculty member was in a restaurant with her travel companion, being served by their friendly waiter, when the owner of the restaurant came out, put his hand on her shoulder and said with a heavy Italian accent, “This iz my wiiifffeee.” The owner went on to insist that the faculty member have her picture taken with him, and, as she paid her bill, he reached across the bar and kissed her! What a way to do business!
Lastly, I would not do Italian flirting justice if I failed to mention the ways Italian men of all ages address young women on the street. A couple of common phrases are “Ciao bella!” which means “hello beautiful,” and “Mamma mia!”
However, some men opt for more original methods, such as one who neighed at my girlfriends and me as we walked past. Sometimes I cannot help but laugh at the ridiculousness of these methods, but they do make some great stories, and I think I will miss the romance culture when I return to the States.
Music Review
By Eric Hills
Guest Writer
In the writing of this article, I hope to inform people about bands that don’t get a whole lot of press. You won’t hear most of these bands on any radio station (with maybe the exception of the Current).
Read more...
I also would like to preface my musical taste with this statement: I’m often told that I am a music snob. While this is probably true, I think it is necessary. I currently possess about 10,000 songs on my computer, that are a mouse click away.
Music is very abundant these days, so it seems to me that we should be picky and not only be exposed to music that is propped up by major record labels seeking profit. Instead, we should seek music that is propped up by talent, creativity, innovation and love.
So to preemptively answer any questions: no, I will not be suggesting you listen to Fall Out Boy or Taylor Swift. I hope you enjoy my suggestions!
1.) …And You Will Know Us By The Trail Of Dead – “The Century of Self”
This is the sixth studio album by Trail of Dead, and they seemed to have departed with Interscope Records with a renewed vision. Recording this record live to create a more raw feel may seem a little disingenuous, but it makes the record sound real, and it actually works well, capturing the essence of Trail of Dead that seemed to be missing from their past two records. For fans of Trail of Dead circa 2001.
2.) Andrew Bird – “Noble Beast”
Andrew Bird is a soft-singing multi-instrumentalist, probably capable of playing more instruments than you have fingers. His songs are often hard to describe by genre, though he incorporates indie, folk, classical and jazz. “Noble Beast” is no exception to his brilliant career. For fans of Bon Iver, Final Fantasy and Beck (just because of his cross-genre appeal).
Albums to watch out for:
1.) Mirah – “(A)Spera”
Mirah (pronounced Me-rah) is a symphonic pop singer with a playful and sincere voice. She often seems a little sad, but her songs are hauntingly beautiful. For fans of Jenny Lewis and Stars.
2.) Kevin Devine – “Brother’s Blood”
I saw him tour alongside Brand New in March of 2007 and thought he had some great potential. Apparently, this young man has grown up quite a bit since that magical show two years ago. Now he’s ready to release a post-Capitol Records album, and I’m excited to see what this guy can do. For fans of Death Cab for Cutie, Brand New and Manchester Orchestra.
Guest Writer
In the writing of this article, I hope to inform people about bands that don’t get a whole lot of press. You won’t hear most of these bands on any radio station (with maybe the exception of the Current).
Read more...
I also would like to preface my musical taste with this statement: I’m often told that I am a music snob. While this is probably true, I think it is necessary. I currently possess about 10,000 songs on my computer, that are a mouse click away.
Music is very abundant these days, so it seems to me that we should be picky and not only be exposed to music that is propped up by major record labels seeking profit. Instead, we should seek music that is propped up by talent, creativity, innovation and love.
So to preemptively answer any questions: no, I will not be suggesting you listen to Fall Out Boy or Taylor Swift. I hope you enjoy my suggestions!
1.) …And You Will Know Us By The Trail Of Dead – “The Century of Self”
This is the sixth studio album by Trail of Dead, and they seemed to have departed with Interscope Records with a renewed vision. Recording this record live to create a more raw feel may seem a little disingenuous, but it makes the record sound real, and it actually works well, capturing the essence of Trail of Dead that seemed to be missing from their past two records. For fans of Trail of Dead circa 2001.
2.) Andrew Bird – “Noble Beast”
Andrew Bird is a soft-singing multi-instrumentalist, probably capable of playing more instruments than you have fingers. His songs are often hard to describe by genre, though he incorporates indie, folk, classical and jazz. “Noble Beast” is no exception to his brilliant career. For fans of Bon Iver, Final Fantasy and Beck (just because of his cross-genre appeal).
Albums to watch out for:
1.) Mirah – “(A)Spera”
Mirah (pronounced Me-rah) is a symphonic pop singer with a playful and sincere voice. She often seems a little sad, but her songs are hauntingly beautiful. For fans of Jenny Lewis and Stars.
2.) Kevin Devine – “Brother’s Blood”
I saw him tour alongside Brand New in March of 2007 and thought he had some great potential. Apparently, this young man has grown up quite a bit since that magical show two years ago. Now he’s ready to release a post-Capitol Records album, and I’m excited to see what this guy can do. For fans of Death Cab for Cutie, Brand New and Manchester Orchestra.
Outstanding Seniors
By Sarah McDonough
Cardinal Staff
Ten seniors were nominated from the class of 2009 to receive the Outstanding Senior award. Each nominee has some advice to offer for a successful college career.
Read more...
*Outstanding Senior award recipient
Jakub “Kuba” Szymanski*
Hometown: Opole, Poland
Major: Accounting, with a statistics minor
Plans after graduation: To earn a graduate degree in accounting and start a professional career as a Certified Public Accountant.
Advice for underclassmen: Get the most out of your four years here by getting involved. I have learned so much and have grown from the shy person I used to be to the person I am now.
Emily Berg*
Hometown: Owatonna, Minn.
Major: Spanish and K-8 education with a concentration in language arts
Plans after graduation: Teach through Teach for America, Alliance for Catholic Education or Lasallian Volunteers.
Advice for underclassmen: Try to get involved right away. It provides lots of challenges and opportunities.
John Nolte
Hometown: Owatonna, Minn.
Major: Chemistry
Plans after graduation: Applying for the Master of Arts in Instruction program at SMU, and eventually teaching junior and senior high school science.
Advice for underclassmen: Make sure you do what you love to do. The four years go by fast.
Maria Borgerson
Hometown: Bellingham, Minn.
Major: Biology
Plans after graduation: Attending the University of Minnesota-Duluth for medical school to become a family practice physician.
Advice for underclassmen: Get involved right away and don’t hold anything back even though it might be something you’ve never done before. Four years down the road, these will be the things you remember.
Neil Leibundguth
Hometown: Westchester, Ill.
Major: Political Science
Plans after graduation: To pursue a doctorate in Political Science and to teach at the college level.
Advice for underclassmen: Find a club on campus, work hard and possibly move your way up and get a head leadership role.
Kaitlin Depuydt
Hometown: Mankato, Minn.
Major: Pastoral and Youth Ministry
Plans after graduation: Hopes to work in campus or youth ministry and eventually do pastoral ministry within parishes.
Advice for underclassmen: Get involved. Find something you are passionate about and become a leader.
Julia Jergenson
Hometown: Houston, Minn.
Major: English Education
Plans after graduation: Find a teaching position in the Twin Cities.
Advice for underclassmen: Devote yourself to the passionate pursuit of your goals. There is no limit to what you can achieve if you are willing to risk everything.
Ryan Langr
Hometown: Mankato, Minn.
Major: Theology, and a psychology minor
Plans after graduation: Eventually earn a doctorate in theology, and possibly psychology and teach at the university level.
Advice for underclassmen: Get involved in a crowd that you can find your niche in.
Teresa Gill
Hometown: Fort Collins, Colo.
Major: English
Plans after graduation: Attend graduate school and eventually teach at the university level.
Advice for underclassmen: Form relationships with professors because they are good mentors.
Gary Borash
Hometown: North Pairie, Minn.
Major: Environmental Biology, with a music minor
Plans after graduation: To earn an advanced degree and live on a farm.
Advice for underclassmen: Get involved and enjoy it.
Cardinal Staff
Ten seniors were nominated from the class of 2009 to receive the Outstanding Senior award. Each nominee has some advice to offer for a successful college career.
Read more...
*Outstanding Senior award recipient
Jakub “Kuba” Szymanski*Hometown: Opole, Poland
Major: Accounting, with a statistics minor
Plans after graduation: To earn a graduate degree in accounting and start a professional career as a Certified Public Accountant.
Advice for underclassmen: Get the most out of your four years here by getting involved. I have learned so much and have grown from the shy person I used to be to the person I am now.
Emily Berg*
Hometown: Owatonna, Minn.
Major: Spanish and K-8 education with a concentration in language arts
Plans after graduation: Teach through Teach for America, Alliance for Catholic Education or Lasallian Volunteers.
Advice for underclassmen: Try to get involved right away. It provides lots of challenges and opportunities.
John NolteHometown: Owatonna, Minn.
Major: Chemistry
Plans after graduation: Applying for the Master of Arts in Instruction program at SMU, and eventually teaching junior and senior high school science.
Advice for underclassmen: Make sure you do what you love to do. The four years go by fast.
Maria BorgersonHometown: Bellingham, Minn.
Major: Biology
Plans after graduation: Attending the University of Minnesota-Duluth for medical school to become a family practice physician.
Advice for underclassmen: Get involved right away and don’t hold anything back even though it might be something you’ve never done before. Four years down the road, these will be the things you remember.
Neil LeibundguthHometown: Westchester, Ill.
Major: Political Science
Plans after graduation: To pursue a doctorate in Political Science and to teach at the college level.
Advice for underclassmen: Find a club on campus, work hard and possibly move your way up and get a head leadership role.
Kaitlin DepuydtHometown: Mankato, Minn.
Major: Pastoral and Youth Ministry
Plans after graduation: Hopes to work in campus or youth ministry and eventually do pastoral ministry within parishes.
Advice for underclassmen: Get involved. Find something you are passionate about and become a leader.
Julia JergensonHometown: Houston, Minn.
Major: English Education
Plans after graduation: Find a teaching position in the Twin Cities.
Advice for underclassmen: Devote yourself to the passionate pursuit of your goals. There is no limit to what you can achieve if you are willing to risk everything.
Ryan LangrHometown: Mankato, Minn.
Major: Theology, and a psychology minor
Plans after graduation: Eventually earn a doctorate in theology, and possibly psychology and teach at the university level.
Advice for underclassmen: Get involved in a crowd that you can find your niche in.
Teresa GillHometown: Fort Collins, Colo.
Major: English
Plans after graduation: Attend graduate school and eventually teach at the university level.
Advice for underclassmen: Form relationships with professors because they are good mentors.
Gary BorashHometown: North Pairie, Minn.
Major: Environmental Biology, with a music minor
Plans after graduation: To earn an advanced degree and live on a farm.
Advice for underclassmen: Get involved and enjoy it.
Friday, January 30, 2009
Ca$ino Night kicks off winter week
Above left: Students play Texas Hold’em at Casino Night.
Above right: Leslie Paquette won a Wii game system.
Approximately 100 students attended Casino Night, which was hosted by SAC. Prizes included a Wii, a digital camera, Shamwow, iLive, movies, giftcards, CDs, and toilet paper. Casino Night was originally scheduled for Feb. 1, but was moved to Jan. 25, to accomodate those students who want to watch the Super Bowl. Winter Week will be held Feb. 2-7.
New website to be launched soon
By Sara Eisenhauer
Cardinal Staff
Design challenges and content fine-tuning have delayed the release of the new Saint Mary’s University website for at least another week, according to SMU Vice President of Communication and Marketing Bob Conover.
“We assured faculty and staff that we would launch the new site when it works well technically and the content is accurate,” said Conover.
The redesigned website, which was originally estimated to be accessible Dec. 1, has presented challenges for the SMU Web team because of formatting changes.
Because the new site will focus on reaching external audiences, the SMU “Inside Pages,” or www2. pages, have been revamped to concentrate internal information for current students, faculty and staff into one common area. The new “Inside Pages,” which now feature new links and updated content, have been up and running since the beginning of the new year.
“This is very different from our old website,” said Conover. “It has been a challenge to design a site that works well for the entire university.”
Read more...
The new site will not only serve the Winona campus, but will be completely functional for all programs at all levels and locations, Conover said.
Planning for the new site began in early 2007 when the Communication and Marketing team decided the university needed a website that is more externally focused and easier to navigate.
Monta May, director of web communication, has been working with a team of designers and programmers to develop a site that will make it easier for external audiences such as prospective students to find the information for which they are looking.
“We don’t need to have prospective students’ parents having to wade through all of our internal business office forms when they are looking for financial aid information,” said May. “They just need to be able to go there and have the information right in front of them without all this other stuff mixed in- that just confuses things.”
To iron out some of the problems with the new format, faculty and staff were shown a draft of the site in mid-December. Making suggested changes to the navigation and content of the site is contributing to the delay in the site’s release, Conover said.
Cardinal Staff
Design challenges and content fine-tuning have delayed the release of the new Saint Mary’s University website for at least another week, according to SMU Vice President of Communication and Marketing Bob Conover.
“We assured faculty and staff that we would launch the new site when it works well technically and the content is accurate,” said Conover.
The redesigned website, which was originally estimated to be accessible Dec. 1, has presented challenges for the SMU Web team because of formatting changes.
Because the new site will focus on reaching external audiences, the SMU “Inside Pages,” or www2. pages, have been revamped to concentrate internal information for current students, faculty and staff into one common area. The new “Inside Pages,” which now feature new links and updated content, have been up and running since the beginning of the new year.
“This is very different from our old website,” said Conover. “It has been a challenge to design a site that works well for the entire university.”
Read more...
The new site will not only serve the Winona campus, but will be completely functional for all programs at all levels and locations, Conover said.
Planning for the new site began in early 2007 when the Communication and Marketing team decided the university needed a website that is more externally focused and easier to navigate.
Monta May, director of web communication, has been working with a team of designers and programmers to develop a site that will make it easier for external audiences such as prospective students to find the information for which they are looking.
“We don’t need to have prospective students’ parents having to wade through all of our internal business office forms when they are looking for financial aid information,” said May. “They just need to be able to go there and have the information right in front of them without all this other stuff mixed in- that just confuses things.”
To iron out some of the problems with the new format, faculty and staff were shown a draft of the site in mid-December. Making suggested changes to the navigation and content of the site is contributing to the delay in the site’s release, Conover said.
Students head west to present papers
By Lauren Rothering
Copy Editor
Saint Mary’s University students Teresa Gill, senior; Ryan Briscoe, junior; and Lauren Rothering, sophomore, will attend the ACTC (The Association for Core Texts and Courses) Student Conference at Saint Mary’s College of California in Moraga, Calif., to present papers originally written for courses at SMU.
Gill, Briscoe and Rothering all submitted one-page proposals of their respective papers and their relation to the conference theme, “Core: Tradition and Arts, Culture, Justice,” to members of the ACTC board in early November. All three were notified of their acceptance to the conference in December.
The conference will host around 40 students from colleges and universities across the United States. Students will meet in groups of five, present their papers and have the opportunity to discuss ideas with other students outside the realm of the classroom from their home institutions. Three of the best papers delivered at the conference will be selected for publication in the online literary journal Agora, which is published out of Lynchburg College in Lynchburg, Va.
Read more...
Gill’s paper is an adapted version of her senior thesis project, while Briscoe’s and Rothering’s papers were written for courses in the Lasallian Honors Program. The theme of the conference coincides with the Honors Program’s “Great Books” curriculum.
The proposals and papers themselves differ about as much as their authors. Briscoe will be speaking to “Dostoyevsky as reactionary to Western thought in his novel The Brothers Karamazov,” while Rothering will present a paper entitled “The ‘Wild Boys of Gilgamesh’: Truth in Humanity.”
Although their intellectual pursuits may differ, all three students seem to relish the thought of briefly escaping the Minnesota winter and hearing feedback from peers outside the sphere of SMU academia.
“I’m excited to travel,” said Briscoe, “but beyond that I’m looking forward to other criticisms of my ideas. I am also thoroughly excited to hear what our peers are thinking and writing about in their courses.”
While at the conference, Gill, Briscoe and Rothering will have the opportunity to participate in panels, listen to guest speakers and even explore Moraga and the surrounding San Francisco Bay area.
The conference will take place Feb. 6-8.
Copy Editor
Saint Mary’s University students Teresa Gill, senior; Ryan Briscoe, junior; and Lauren Rothering, sophomore, will attend the ACTC (The Association for Core Texts and Courses) Student Conference at Saint Mary’s College of California in Moraga, Calif., to present papers originally written for courses at SMU.
Gill, Briscoe and Rothering all submitted one-page proposals of their respective papers and their relation to the conference theme, “Core: Tradition and Arts, Culture, Justice,” to members of the ACTC board in early November. All three were notified of their acceptance to the conference in December.
The conference will host around 40 students from colleges and universities across the United States. Students will meet in groups of five, present their papers and have the opportunity to discuss ideas with other students outside the realm of the classroom from their home institutions. Three of the best papers delivered at the conference will be selected for publication in the online literary journal Agora, which is published out of Lynchburg College in Lynchburg, Va.
Read more...
Gill’s paper is an adapted version of her senior thesis project, while Briscoe’s and Rothering’s papers were written for courses in the Lasallian Honors Program. The theme of the conference coincides with the Honors Program’s “Great Books” curriculum.
The proposals and papers themselves differ about as much as their authors. Briscoe will be speaking to “Dostoyevsky as reactionary to Western thought in his novel The Brothers Karamazov,” while Rothering will present a paper entitled “The ‘Wild Boys of Gilgamesh’: Truth in Humanity.”
Although their intellectual pursuits may differ, all three students seem to relish the thought of briefly escaping the Minnesota winter and hearing feedback from peers outside the sphere of SMU academia.
“I’m excited to travel,” said Briscoe, “but beyond that I’m looking forward to other criticisms of my ideas. I am also thoroughly excited to hear what our peers are thinking and writing about in their courses.”
While at the conference, Gill, Briscoe and Rothering will have the opportunity to participate in panels, listen to guest speakers and even explore Moraga and the surrounding San Francisco Bay area.
The conference will take place Feb. 6-8.
Grad program expo on Feb. 26
By Danielle Larson
Co-Editor in Chief
The Saint Mary’s University Schools of Graduate and Professional Programs (SGPP) is hosting “Go Red to Get Ahead,” an event on Feb. 26 that showcases the variety of SMU continuing education.
Activities for the event will last throughout the day and light refreshments will be provided.
As part of SMU Founder’s Week, the SGPP event will include informational sessions, an open house for the general public and informational displays throughout campus.
Students are encouraged to stop by the displays to explore SMU’s graduate programs and learn more about the benefits of continuing their education, according to Graduate Programs Assistant Geri Sharpe.
During the 2007-08 academic year, the SGPP had a record enrollment with 7,539 students in 54 academic programs, according to the most recent SMU annual report.
Classes are offered on the Twin Cities and Winona campuses, at the Rochester, Minnetonka and Apple Valley Centers and at 110 instructional sites throughout Minnesota and Wisconsin, according to the annual report.
Co-Editor in Chief
The Saint Mary’s University Schools of Graduate and Professional Programs (SGPP) is hosting “Go Red to Get Ahead,” an event on Feb. 26 that showcases the variety of SMU continuing education.
Activities for the event will last throughout the day and light refreshments will be provided.
As part of SMU Founder’s Week, the SGPP event will include informational sessions, an open house for the general public and informational displays throughout campus.
Students are encouraged to stop by the displays to explore SMU’s graduate programs and learn more about the benefits of continuing their education, according to Graduate Programs Assistant Geri Sharpe.
During the 2007-08 academic year, the SGPP had a record enrollment with 7,539 students in 54 academic programs, according to the most recent SMU annual report.
Classes are offered on the Twin Cities and Winona campuses, at the Rochester, Minnetonka and Apple Valley Centers and at 110 instructional sites throughout Minnesota and Wisconsin, according to the annual report.
WSU adopts campus-wide smoking ban
By Robby McGuire
Cardinal Staff
In early January, Winona State University enacted a new policy to make their campus 100 percent tobacco-free.
The movement to go tobacco-free began last spring with “overwhelming” support from the student body, said Dr. Karen Johnson, the interim dean of students at WSU. She described the policy as “an extension of the previous 25-foot policy,” a policy similar to the policy at Saint Mary’s University that says people must smoke at least 20 feet away from building entrances.
The purpose of the policy is to demonstrate the core value of health and wellness at WSU, as well as provide a healthy learning and working environment for students, faculty and visitors. It is also an effort by the campus to conform to a Minnesota statute banning smoking in state buildings.
Under the policy, the use of all tobacco products, smoking and smokeless, is prohibited on campus property. The policy also provides tobacco cessation programs, which are intended to help students who wish to reduce or quit tobacco use.
Read more...
Johnson said the feedback has been “mostly positive, though some students have not been pleased, of course.” On the whole, she feels that the transition to the policy has gone very smoothly.
“We understand that smokers are smokers, and we realize the addictive nature of cigarettes,” Johnson said. “We wish to emphasize that smokers are not bad people, but that smoking is simply a bad habit. We respect our students that smoke and hope that they respect non-smokers as well.”
While many students at SMU would be in favor of a tobacco-free policy, quite a few would be opposed. Of 25 students questioned in St. Edward’s Hall, 21 would support a similar policy on campus. Freshman Annie Garrigan was one of the students in favor of a smoking ban policy.
“Secondhand smoke is a potentially deadly chemical, and I just don’t think the doorways are the best place for harmful tobacco,” Garrigan said. “If it’s a method of stress relief, I think our campus could adopt more anti-stress programs.”
Kyle LeBarre, SMU freshman, finds a policy such as this one to be unreasonable.
“I’m all for sanctions of where (a person can use tobacco), but I think it would be a little unfair to leave a smoker nowhere to go on campus,” LeBarre said. “The biggest factor I see is that no matter what you do to ban a common practice, people will still find some ways.” His solution would be to change the policy to allow tobacco users to smoke in a more acceptable way, such as the construction of designated “smoke houses” across campus.
Survey offers chance for a prize
By Karina Rajtar
Co-Editor in Chief
Students recently received emails with a link to the Multi-Institutional Survey of Leadership, a survey that tracks what students are involved in on campus and whether or not they feel they have learned anything in their experiences.
Jason Richter, assistant dean of students for activities, leadership and service, said Saint Mary’s University is one of 150 schools in the nation completing the survey and is also one of the smallest.
The survey will help to determine whether students gain benefits such as strong relationships and confidence through their involvement in the university community.
Read more...
“It’s going to help us develop programs that will help (students),” Richter said. He also said the survey will give the school a “benchmark to measure ourselves internally,” adding that the survey may be repeated in two to four years.
Richter encourages all students to complete the survey and warns that students who do not will receive emailed reminders from the Multi-Institutional Study of Leadership until they do, up until February break.
As an incentive, students will have a chance to win one of seven prizes for taking the survey. The prizes include receiving the highest housing priority number for the winner’s class, three $100 gift cards to Barnes & Noble, dinner with three friends and the president of the university, a Page Performance Series year pass for the 2009-10 season and payment of the registration fee for one service trip (through S.O.U.L. or Volunteer Services) within the United States. Students will have the opportunity to decide which prize they want according to the order in which their names are drawn.
In addition, the residence hall with the highest percent of participants will receive a pizza party.
The raw data results of the survey will be available to the university in March, and comparisons with other participating universities will be available in August. The prizes will be awarded in March before priority housing takes place.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Former international students make new plans
By Pat Howard
Cardinal Staff
After the fall semester of the 2008-09 academic year, more than 20 Saint Mary’s University international students withdrew from the university.
At the beginning of the spring semester of the 2007-08 academic year, SMU played host to a group of roughly 20 students from Nepal.
“This cluster was one of the largest the university has ever accepted at one time,” said Tony Piscitiello, vice president for admissions.
The Admissions Office was pleased to find so many international students who were interested in attending SMU, Piscitiello said. However, the trend for larger groups of students has typically been to make collaborative decisions rather than individual ones. After the conclusion of this first semester, one of those decisions was to pursue new opportunities.
Read more...
There are many possible reasons to explain why some of the former international students have left. The state of the economy may very well have played a factor. Scott Song Zhe, Saint Mary’s Student Senate vice president for International Affairs, said, “other indications included the want to live off campus, the pursuit of other scholarships and the want to stay together as a group.”
Students and faculty alike agree that accepting international students has many benefits. Together, domestic undergrads can learn about other cultures just as international students are able to participate first-hand in an American college experience.
Despite the Nepalese group decision to depart, SMU is still the home of students from all over the world.
“It is a vital attribute of the university,” said Piscitiello. “We are committed to having international students.”
Cardinal Staff
After the fall semester of the 2008-09 academic year, more than 20 Saint Mary’s University international students withdrew from the university.
At the beginning of the spring semester of the 2007-08 academic year, SMU played host to a group of roughly 20 students from Nepal.
“This cluster was one of the largest the university has ever accepted at one time,” said Tony Piscitiello, vice president for admissions.
The Admissions Office was pleased to find so many international students who were interested in attending SMU, Piscitiello said. However, the trend for larger groups of students has typically been to make collaborative decisions rather than individual ones. After the conclusion of this first semester, one of those decisions was to pursue new opportunities.
Read more...
There are many possible reasons to explain why some of the former international students have left. The state of the economy may very well have played a factor. Scott Song Zhe, Saint Mary’s Student Senate vice president for International Affairs, said, “other indications included the want to live off campus, the pursuit of other scholarships and the want to stay together as a group.”
Students and faculty alike agree that accepting international students has many benefits. Together, domestic undergrads can learn about other cultures just as international students are able to participate first-hand in an American college experience.
Despite the Nepalese group decision to depart, SMU is still the home of students from all over the world.
“It is a vital attribute of the university,” said Piscitiello. “We are committed to having international students.”
STI fights stereotypes
By Maria Sullivan and
Tamika Robinson
Arts and Entertainment and
Feature Editors
In its fifth year, the Saint Teresa Leadership and Service Institute for Women (STI) is still trying to find its feet.
Since its inception, some have stereotyped the women of STI as feminists practicing to become nuns, according to Robyn Perez, senior and fourth-year STI member. Peg Winters, director of STI, said she is aware of these different perceptions that exist about the institute.
“(STI) is trying to become more visible in the community,” said Winters. “The hope is to be able to change that perception so that it more accurately reflects what the Institute is all about.”
Serious exploration of leadership, experiential learning through development of an individual’s leadership skills and engaging in service are the main ideals held by STI, Winters said.
Maria Pechacek, sophomore and first-year STI member, said STI helps its members become stronger women and gain confidence through leadership activities.
Read more...
“There are some women that I know that really need that boost,” Pechacek said. “I think STI would be a great place for them.”
Perez said STI is about helping women who want to become leaders in the world.
“I think (STI) is more like service and leadership and just trying to make a difference and trying to make change,” Perez said.
STI is currently comprised of 17 members, but Winters welcomes all women of the SMU community.
To become a member of STI, contact Peg Winters at pwinters@smumn.edu or visit STI’s office in Saint Mary’s Hall room 103B.
Tamika Robinson
Arts and Entertainment and
Feature Editors
In its fifth year, the Saint Teresa Leadership and Service Institute for Women (STI) is still trying to find its feet.
Since its inception, some have stereotyped the women of STI as feminists practicing to become nuns, according to Robyn Perez, senior and fourth-year STI member. Peg Winters, director of STI, said she is aware of these different perceptions that exist about the institute.
“(STI) is trying to become more visible in the community,” said Winters. “The hope is to be able to change that perception so that it more accurately reflects what the Institute is all about.”
Serious exploration of leadership, experiential learning through development of an individual’s leadership skills and engaging in service are the main ideals held by STI, Winters said.
Maria Pechacek, sophomore and first-year STI member, said STI helps its members become stronger women and gain confidence through leadership activities.
Read more...
“There are some women that I know that really need that boost,” Pechacek said. “I think STI would be a great place for them.”
Perez said STI is about helping women who want to become leaders in the world.
“I think (STI) is more like service and leadership and just trying to make a difference and trying to make change,” Perez said.
STI is currently comprised of 17 members, but Winters welcomes all women of the SMU community.
To become a member of STI, contact Peg Winters at pwinters@smumn.edu or visit STI’s office in Saint Mary’s Hall room 103B.
Kick the cold, cheat the chill
By Tamika Robinson
Feature Editor
With the weather reports of more snow coming our way, it is easy to get depressed and want to stay inside, but what you may not know is that you could be exhibiting a sign of “winter blues.”
“Winter blues is kind of a generic term,” said Angel Weisbrod, director of health services at Saint Mary’s University. “People are cold, they don’t want to go outside as much, and so they are a little inactive and feeling down.” Weisbrod also said that winter blues can lead to Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD, which is a form of depression.
Symptoms of winter blues include feeling lethargic, having a hard time waking up in the morning as the days get shorter, difficulty concentrating and thinking creatively in comparison to the summer months, misplaced blame on yourself for things that go wrong, difficulty performing tasks that normally seem to be easy and enjoyable and an increase in craving carbohydrate-rich foods and drinks like chocolate and soda.
Read more...
To get the most out of winter, Weisbrod suggests that students stay on a regular schedule, eat right and get some exercise.
“It’s really important to do for a lot of people because it’s cold outside, and they don’t tend to go outside as much,” she said. “Using the RAC would be a really good idea...(and) finding some activities to do that are indoor ones that will keep you active and interactive with people. Get some fresh air though at the same time. Even if it is cold, bundle up warm and go outside and go for a walk.”
Liz Therneau, senior, said that during the winter she likes to go for walks in the bluffs with friends. “When we’re cooped up inside we’ll get blankets and watch movies and try to relax and do homework,” she said.
Students feeling any of the symptoms of winter blues can visit the staff in the Wellness Center for help or for more information on SAD.
Dear Angel,
My roommate is almost always grumpy or stressing out over the smallest things. She wasn’t like this when we started school last fall. We had a lot of fun hiking in the bluffs, going out, and hanging out with friends. Now she won’t do much of anything. She’s always complaining that she doesn’t feel well and is tired.
I told her she should go get checked out, that maybe she has a bad flu or something. I don’t want to catch it if she does. She got really mad at me and told me I should quit bugging her. She says she doesn’t have much resistance and this happens every winter. She says her mom has the same thing and once the weather warms up she’ll be fine.
Read more...
I have a lot of classes this semester and don’t want to get sick, what can I do to protect myself?
-Sick and Tired of Sick and Tired
Dear Sick and Tired,
While it is possible that your roommate is less resistant to the “bugs of winter,” the symptoms you mentioned may well be related to a chemical imbalance rather than a virus or bacteria. I suggest this because of the comment she made regarding feeling better as the weather warms up and the fact that her mom has the same problem. There are some people who experience a seasonal depression referred to as SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder). While the exact cause of this is not fully understood, it is suspected that a decrease in sunlight impacts certain chemicals (melatonin and serotonin) that impact sleep and wake cycles. Often, this condition can be found in members of the same family. Unlike an occasional “down day” that anyone can experience, the symptoms usually appear in the later fall and go away as spring and longer daylight returns.
In spite of the fact that the symptoms may well go away on their own, it is important to understand that this should not be ignored since these symptoms can be serious. Additionally, there are multiple approaches to treatment, including light therapy, medication and counseling which can ease the symptoms and allow your roommate to enjoy every day, not just the spring and summer.
My suggestion for you is to take care of yourself – get adequate rest, exercise, eat healthy and wash your hands frequently. You might also consider meeting with someone in counseling (you can make an appointment by calling ext. 1773) if you are feeling the pressure of your roommate’s mood or are concerned about her emotional state.
Sincerely,
Angel
Questions can be directed to Angel via email at aweisbro@smumn.edu
***This is not a substitution for medical evaluation and care
I told her she should go get checked out, that maybe she has a bad flu or something. I don’t want to catch it if she does. She got really mad at me and told me I should quit bugging her. She says she doesn’t have much resistance and this happens every winter. She says her mom has the same thing and once the weather warms up she’ll be fine.
Read more...
I have a lot of classes this semester and don’t want to get sick, what can I do to protect myself?
-Sick and Tired of Sick and Tired
Dear Sick and Tired,
While it is possible that your roommate is less resistant to the “bugs of winter,” the symptoms you mentioned may well be related to a chemical imbalance rather than a virus or bacteria. I suggest this because of the comment she made regarding feeling better as the weather warms up and the fact that her mom has the same problem. There are some people who experience a seasonal depression referred to as SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder). While the exact cause of this is not fully understood, it is suspected that a decrease in sunlight impacts certain chemicals (melatonin and serotonin) that impact sleep and wake cycles. Often, this condition can be found in members of the same family. Unlike an occasional “down day” that anyone can experience, the symptoms usually appear in the later fall and go away as spring and longer daylight returns.
In spite of the fact that the symptoms may well go away on their own, it is important to understand that this should not be ignored since these symptoms can be serious. Additionally, there are multiple approaches to treatment, including light therapy, medication and counseling which can ease the symptoms and allow your roommate to enjoy every day, not just the spring and summer.
My suggestion for you is to take care of yourself – get adequate rest, exercise, eat healthy and wash your hands frequently. You might also consider meeting with someone in counseling (you can make an appointment by calling ext. 1773) if you are feeling the pressure of your roommate’s mood or are concerned about her emotional state.
Sincerely,
Angel
Questions can be directed to Angel via email at aweisbro@smumn.edu
***This is not a substitution for medical evaluation and care
Winter survival tips
By Kristina Scherber
Cardinal Staff
Most people who have lived in cold states for any amount of time are knowledgeable about winter weather conditions. They know how to dress, drive, be active outdoors and generally make it through winter in one piece. Nevertheless, deaths and injuries occur every winter because people fail to take precautions. Here are some helpful tips for staying safe during this winter season.
Exposure to cold can cause life-threatening health conditions. Avoid serious conditions such as frostbite and hypothermia by keeping warm.
*Wear a hat, hood or scarf, as most heat is lost through the head.
*Wear layers, as they provide better insulation and warmth.
*Keep fingertips, earlobes and noses covered if you go outside.
Read more...
If you must drive:
*Avoid traveling alone, but if you do so, let someone know your destination and when you expect to arrive.
*Use major streets or highways for travel whenever possible; these roads will be cleared of snow first.
*Drive slowly. Posted speed limits are for ideal weather conditions. Vehicles take longer to stop on snow and ice than on dry pavement.
*If you skid, steer in the direction you want the car to go and then straighten the wheel when the car moves in the desired direction.
*Know your vehicle’s braking system. Vehicles with antilock brakes require a different braking technique than vehicles without antilock brakes in icy or snowy conditions.
*Try to keep your vehicle’s gas tank as full as possible.
While on campus:
*The campus speed limit is 15 mph. Drive slowly and watch for pedestrians at all times.
*Stop at all stop signs.
*When walking on campus, wear brightly colored jackets and clothing.
*If there is not a sidewalk, stay as close to the edge of the road as possible, especially when it is dark.
*Always look both ways and use caution when crossing roads.
For these and other tips on Minnesota winter hazards visit www.winterweather.state.mn.us.
Winter Week busts winter blues
By Karina Rajtar
Co-Editor in Chief
Students will have a week’s worth of activities to help curb the winter blues Feb. 2-7.
The Student Activities Committee (SAC) and Future Alumni Committee (FAC) are sponsoring the ninth annual Winter Week, a week consisting of free activities and events for students of Saint Mary’s University to help bridge the gap between the Christmas and February breaks.
“The winter is kind of ho-hum,” SAC President Maria Borgerson said, adding that the variety of activities “helps to take the monotony out of school.” Borgerson said the week will involve events that will appeal to “all the students,” from card games, movies, athletics and music to “relationship advice for the hopeless romantics.”
Read more...
The first official Winter Week event, Casino Night, was held on Jan. 25, rather than the originally planned Feb. 1, to try to accommodate football fans who will be watching the Super Bowl.
Most Winter Week events are free for SMU students.
Winter Week Schedule
Mon., Feb. 2- Euchre tournament, 6 p.m. in the Game Room
Tues., Feb. 3- Mystery event sponsored by SAC and Lasallian Collegians, 8:30 p.m. in the President’s Room
Wed., Feb. 4- Downhill skiing and snowboarding at Coffee Mill, leaving after 4 p.m., the first 40 people will have their lift tickets paid for by SAC; SAC Wednesday Night Movie, “Hitch,” 9 p.m. in Salvi Hall, with a pizza party sponsored by FAC
Thurs., Feb. 5- Date Doctor David Coleman, the “real-life Hitch,” will talk about relationships and reading signs and will give relationship advice, 7 p.m. at a location that will be announced prior to the event
Fri., Feb. 6- SMU Crew at the men’s hockey game, 7:05 p.m., ice arena; a “Fan of the Game” will win a free t-shirt, there will be a snowball eating contest between the first two periods and SAC will pay for the Chuck-a-Puck that takes place between the last two periods
Sat., Feb. 7- FAC-sponsored sledding at Yon’s Hill, 2-4 p.m., hot chocolate and sleds will be provided; Battle of the Bands, 7 p.m. in the Common Room
Co-Editor in Chief
Students will have a week’s worth of activities to help curb the winter blues Feb. 2-7.
The Student Activities Committee (SAC) and Future Alumni Committee (FAC) are sponsoring the ninth annual Winter Week, a week consisting of free activities and events for students of Saint Mary’s University to help bridge the gap between the Christmas and February breaks.
“The winter is kind of ho-hum,” SAC President Maria Borgerson said, adding that the variety of activities “helps to take the monotony out of school.” Borgerson said the week will involve events that will appeal to “all the students,” from card games, movies, athletics and music to “relationship advice for the hopeless romantics.”
Read more...
The first official Winter Week event, Casino Night, was held on Jan. 25, rather than the originally planned Feb. 1, to try to accommodate football fans who will be watching the Super Bowl.
Most Winter Week events are free for SMU students.
Winter Week Schedule
Mon., Feb. 2- Euchre tournament, 6 p.m. in the Game Room
Tues., Feb. 3- Mystery event sponsored by SAC and Lasallian Collegians, 8:30 p.m. in the President’s Room
Wed., Feb. 4- Downhill skiing and snowboarding at Coffee Mill, leaving after 4 p.m., the first 40 people will have their lift tickets paid for by SAC; SAC Wednesday Night Movie, “Hitch,” 9 p.m. in Salvi Hall, with a pizza party sponsored by FAC
Thurs., Feb. 5- Date Doctor David Coleman, the “real-life Hitch,” will talk about relationships and reading signs and will give relationship advice, 7 p.m. at a location that will be announced prior to the event
Fri., Feb. 6- SMU Crew at the men’s hockey game, 7:05 p.m., ice arena; a “Fan of the Game” will win a free t-shirt, there will be a snowball eating contest between the first two periods and SAC will pay for the Chuck-a-Puck that takes place between the last two periods
Sat., Feb. 7- FAC-sponsored sledding at Yon’s Hill, 2-4 p.m., hot chocolate and sleds will be provided; Battle of the Bands, 7 p.m. in the Common Room
Acrobats of China
By Maria Sullivan
Arts and Entertainment Editor
On Feb. 3, the Page Series will present the Acrobats of China at 7:30 p.m.
The Acrobats of China have performed in more than 30 countries and have been a part of national and international acrobatic competitions and festivals. The Winona community expressed interest in having physical theatre shown, which is why the Page Theatre decided on acrobats.
For those who cannot make it to the 7:30 show, there will be a free 20-minute presentation given at 6:30 p.m. the night of Feb. 3. The presentation will be about the history of the troupe and physical theatre. Two students from SMU will be translators for two of the troupe members.
As of Friday, Jan. 23, there were a few seats still available. To see if there are any seats left, visit the Page Theatre’s website or stop by the box office.
Children’s storybooks coming to life on stage
By Kristina Scherber
Cardinal Staff
“If you Give A Pig A Pancake and Other Story Books” will be performed at 6:30 p.m. on Feb. 6, at the Page Theater by America’s largest non-profit theatre, Theatreworks USA.
The theatre will be presenting the story of a loveable pig that is always coming up with new things she needs. What she will want next will keep the audience guessing. It is considered to be a cute book-turned-play for all ages.
Other favorite children’s storybooks featured in the show include: “Diary of a Worm,” “Fluffy the Classroom Guinea Pig,” “Horace & Morris but Mostly Dolores,” “How I Became a Pirate,” “Lilly’s Big Day,” “The Paper Bag Princess” and “Ruby Mae Has Something to Say.”
To feel like a kid again, stop by the Page Theatre and get a ticket. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for seniors and $5 for students.
Comedian receive positive reaction
By Maria Sullivan
Arts and Entertainment Editor
On Jan. 12, the Student Activities Committee (SAC) presented comedian Chad Daniels.
Daniels told jokes on various topics, which never resulted in dead silence.
“He was freaking hilarious,” senior Marty Kocon said.
According to Daniels’ website, www.chaddanielscomedy.com, he is a native of Minneapolis, Minn. After performing at the ACME Comedy Company in Minneapolis, Daniels worked in Grand Forks, N.D. performing six nights a week. From there, Daniels began touring the country, which eventually led him to perform on Comedy Central as well as making his own comedy album.
Read more...
“It was a lot funnier than I thought it was going to be,” senior Jon Sopcak said. “I had never heard of him before, but he had some hilarious jokes. It’s unfortunate more people didn’t go to see him.”
The next time SAC presents another comedian, Michael Palascak on April 16, take a chance and watch.
Arts and Entertainment Editor
On Jan. 12, the Student Activities Committee (SAC) presented comedian Chad Daniels.
Daniels told jokes on various topics, which never resulted in dead silence.
“He was freaking hilarious,” senior Marty Kocon said.
According to Daniels’ website, www.chaddanielscomedy.com, he is a native of Minneapolis, Minn. After performing at the ACME Comedy Company in Minneapolis, Daniels worked in Grand Forks, N.D. performing six nights a week. From there, Daniels began touring the country, which eventually led him to perform on Comedy Central as well as making his own comedy album.
Read more...
“It was a lot funnier than I thought it was going to be,” senior Jon Sopcak said. “I had never heard of him before, but he had some hilarious jokes. It’s unfortunate more people didn’t go to see him.”
The next time SAC presents another comedian, Michael Palascak on April 16, take a chance and watch.
SAI presents ‘Fireside’
By Becca Sandager
Cardinal Staff
The sisters of Sigma Alpha Iota (SAI) are putting on the fifth annual “Fireside” at 7 p.m. tonight and tomorrow, Jan. 30-31.
“Fireside” is a coffeehouse-style talent show that will feature 26 acts with a variety of performers, including several original performances from both students and staff.
“Fireside offers a wonderful opportunity to watch performers from around campus show off their talents,” SAI sister Jillian Reinboldt said. “The nice thing about Fireside is that it features people who might not typically be seen on stage.”
Read more...
Originally “Fireside” was a show that was put on only by the SAI sisters as a fundraiser. Today, it is still used as a fundraiser for the sisters, but auditions have been open to the whole campus for the past two years.
“Fireside” will take place in the Common Room. Tickets are limited and cost $7, including pie and coffee or cocoa. Tickets can be purchased at the door.
Cardinal Staff
The sisters of Sigma Alpha Iota (SAI) are putting on the fifth annual “Fireside” at 7 p.m. tonight and tomorrow, Jan. 30-31.
“Fireside” is a coffeehouse-style talent show that will feature 26 acts with a variety of performers, including several original performances from both students and staff.
“Fireside offers a wonderful opportunity to watch performers from around campus show off their talents,” SAI sister Jillian Reinboldt said. “The nice thing about Fireside is that it features people who might not typically be seen on stage.”
Read more...
Originally “Fireside” was a show that was put on only by the SAI sisters as a fundraiser. Today, it is still used as a fundraiser for the sisters, but auditions have been open to the whole campus for the past two years.
“Fireside” will take place in the Common Room. Tickets are limited and cost $7, including pie and coffee or cocoa. Tickets can be purchased at the door.
Battle of the Bands
By Sarah McDonough
Cardinal Staff
Wrapping up this year’s Winter Week at Saint Mary’s University will be the ninth annual Battle of the Bands on Feb. 7, at 7 p.m. in the Common Room.
Bands playing genres ranging from dance duo to rock will each have 20 minutes to impress judges in their chance to win monetary prizes ranging from $100 to $500. At least one member from the five bands that are performing must be a current student of SMU.
There are a few noticeable changes in this year’s show. To compensate for the lack of space the Common Room has compared to the Page Theatre, where Battle of the Bands was previously held, it was decided that a standing-room-only style would be best, said judge and coordinator Lance Thompson. This means that there will be no chairs or tables for people to sit on while enjoying the show.
This is also the first year that bands are allowed to have three of their four allotted songs be originals, but there must also be at least one cover song.
Read more...
“This gives more students the ability to express themselves,” coordinator Luke Gonnella said.
Through the years, there have been many memorable show antics.
One such memory for sophomore Brittany Kubik was of Koo Koo Kanga Roo climbing through audience members’ seats for a stuffed animal in the back of the Page Theatre.
“I’ll never forget them climbing over my head,” said Kubik.
Jared Jacobs and Brandon Scherer from Second Page (SMU Improv group) will be the MC’s for the night.
Check out the Cardinal blog for more updates and pictures of the bands.
Preview to the Performers
Open Mike Night
Members: Mike Miller, Mike McCoy, Mike Fye and Jeremy Johnston
Who they are: This four-man band has a sound that is unique, and don’t forget Miller’s vocals!
Fun Fact: At auditions it was only their second time playing together as a group.
Koo Koo Kanga Roo
Members: Byran Atchison and SMU Alum ’08 Neil Olstad
Who they are: This zany duo knows how to get the crowd engaged in their songs and are hilarious while doing so.
Bet you didn’t know: The meaning behind their band name is an interesting one to say the least. While watching the “Alphabet Jungle” episode of Sesame Street on VHS, the letter K was hanging on vines yelling “KOO KOO KANGA ROO!” Since viewing the episode, the name has stuck.
Rogue the Wolf
Members: Neil McColl, Malachi Nelson, Bradley Rysdal and Tim Boysen
Who they are: Political guys at heart. “We didn’t like Bush,” said McColl
Promises: From McColl singing into his guitar to guaranteeing they will not break anything on stage, it will be a good show.
Dow Jones and the Industrials
Members: Joe Mazzuca, Ryan Bjelland, Rob Sassetti and Richard Mazzetti
Who they are: This all-sophomore band will have the usual antics of jumping off amps provided by Mazzuca and the overall fun atmosphere singer and guitarist Bjelland brings on stage.
Fun Fact: All members reside in different states, one being as far away as New Jersey!
Lo-Fi High Five
Members: Luke Gonnella and Tommy Quinn
Who they are: These roommates are proud that they are a concept band. All of their energetic songs are about personal situations.
Best line in a song: “No means no, let go my eggo.”
Cardinal Staff
Wrapping up this year’s Winter Week at Saint Mary’s University will be the ninth annual Battle of the Bands on Feb. 7, at 7 p.m. in the Common Room.
Bands playing genres ranging from dance duo to rock will each have 20 minutes to impress judges in their chance to win monetary prizes ranging from $100 to $500. At least one member from the five bands that are performing must be a current student of SMU.
There are a few noticeable changes in this year’s show. To compensate for the lack of space the Common Room has compared to the Page Theatre, where Battle of the Bands was previously held, it was decided that a standing-room-only style would be best, said judge and coordinator Lance Thompson. This means that there will be no chairs or tables for people to sit on while enjoying the show.
This is also the first year that bands are allowed to have three of their four allotted songs be originals, but there must also be at least one cover song.
Read more...
“This gives more students the ability to express themselves,” coordinator Luke Gonnella said.
Through the years, there have been many memorable show antics.
One such memory for sophomore Brittany Kubik was of Koo Koo Kanga Roo climbing through audience members’ seats for a stuffed animal in the back of the Page Theatre.
“I’ll never forget them climbing over my head,” said Kubik.
Jared Jacobs and Brandon Scherer from Second Page (SMU Improv group) will be the MC’s for the night.
Check out the Cardinal blog for more updates and pictures of the bands.
Preview to the Performers
Open Mike Night
Members: Mike Miller, Mike McCoy, Mike Fye and Jeremy Johnston
Who they are: This four-man band has a sound that is unique, and don’t forget Miller’s vocals!
Fun Fact: At auditions it was only their second time playing together as a group.
Koo Koo Kanga RooMembers: Byran Atchison and SMU Alum ’08 Neil Olstad
Who they are: This zany duo knows how to get the crowd engaged in their songs and are hilarious while doing so.
Bet you didn’t know: The meaning behind their band name is an interesting one to say the least. While watching the “Alphabet Jungle” episode of Sesame Street on VHS, the letter K was hanging on vines yelling “KOO KOO KANGA ROO!” Since viewing the episode, the name has stuck.
Rogue the WolfMembers: Neil McColl, Malachi Nelson, Bradley Rysdal and Tim Boysen
Who they are: Political guys at heart. “We didn’t like Bush,” said McColl
Promises: From McColl singing into his guitar to guaranteeing they will not break anything on stage, it will be a good show.
Dow Jones and the IndustrialsMembers: Joe Mazzuca, Ryan Bjelland, Rob Sassetti and Richard Mazzetti
Who they are: This all-sophomore band will have the usual antics of jumping off amps provided by Mazzuca and the overall fun atmosphere singer and guitarist Bjelland brings on stage.
Fun Fact: All members reside in different states, one being as far away as New Jersey!
Lo-Fi High FiveMembers: Luke Gonnella and Tommy Quinn
Who they are: These roommates are proud that they are a concept band. All of their energetic songs are about personal situations.
Best line in a song: “No means no, let go my eggo.”
Swim teams return from training trip
By Jessica Paulsen
Managing Editor
The Saint Mary’s University men’s and women’s swim teams came back from break and training to tough competition at home.
SMU hosted Carleton and Luther, two of the top teams in the area, on Jan. 10, and finished in third place.
“We knew we would be swimming against really good teams,” said senior men’s captain Eric Hills. “We didn’t even dream for a minute that we could beat either team.”
“We had just returned from our training trip in Hawaii,” coach Eric Lindquist said. “We trained really hard over there and came back pretty tired, pretty beat up.”
College teams traditionally take a training trip over the Christmas holiday.
“Coming back into that and trying to compete against two of the best teams in the area was a lot to handle,” said Lindquist.
Read more...
On Jan. 17, the Cardinals hosted Hamline, Saint Thomas and Augsburg, with both Cardinal teams finishing second.
“There were a number of excellent swims that day, though many swimmers are feeling the pains of training,” said Hills.
“That’s the beauty of swimming,” said Lindquist. “Team scores don’t always reflect what the individuals did.”
The meets are a good indication of how SMU will fare in future meets, including the MIAC (Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference) meet, Hills said.
“While we may not be able to match the strength of bigger teams, we definitely expect to turn a few heads this year at the MIAC meet this February,” said Hills. “Overall, I would say things are looking pretty good for Saint Mary’s Swimming.”
All teams need benchwarmers
By Alex Conover
Sports Editor
My roommate recently passed along to me a blog written by Ohio State basketball backup Mark Titus. Titus is a former student manager who eventually earned a spot on the team (playing time not included). He journals about his quest to attain the “trillion” score sheet in a game: one minute played with nothing but zeros for all the other statistics.
Reading Titus’ blog made me think of my own long and illustrious career as a basketball reserve with no hope. I was okay in junior high, but I soon realized in high school that my destiny was to ride the pine. There are two types of benchwarmers in sports: the ones that get their hopes up only to have reality slap them in the face; and the ones that accept their role. I made sure I was the latter.
Read more...
High school football was mostly a disaster for me, as the coach’s son played over me at both of my positions (how cliché is that?). I did get mild enjoyment from trying to look cool in warm-ups, but near the end of the game I usually ended up looking at my friends in the stands and wishing I was up there. Every once in a while a girl would ask to wear my jersey to the game, but she quickly gave it back the next week once she realized I never played. My shining moment was an interception my junior year that got tipped in the air and could have been caught by just about anyone.
Something that everyone forgets, however, is the impact of benchwarmers on a team. The scrubs on our football team were always clapping hard, as they were under some delusion that a good attitude equaled playing time. If a starter broke a piece of equipment, my fellow reserves and I were forced into giving up our own gear as a replacement (this was rather demeaning, being the only one on the sideline without a helmet). We were cheerleaders, mechanics and most of all a pretty inadequate and unprepared option if anyone important ever got injured.
The latest National Football League season saw a few bench players rise up and represent: Matt Cassel led his Patriots to 11-5 in his first season as a starter since high school. Tampa Bay receiver Antonio Bryant caught over 1,200 yards and seven touchdowns after not being signed in 2007. Even professional sports have benchwarmers, something a lot of common fans forget. Every Peyton Manning has a Jim Sorgi, that trusty clipboard-carrier with the baseball cap on.
Every team needs benchwarmers like Mark Titus and me; without us, squads would fall apart at the seams. When you attend your next sporting event, remember the players at the end of the bench with their warm-ups still on. It is a role that some reject but others embrace.
Sports Editor
My roommate recently passed along to me a blog written by Ohio State basketball backup Mark Titus. Titus is a former student manager who eventually earned a spot on the team (playing time not included). He journals about his quest to attain the “trillion” score sheet in a game: one minute played with nothing but zeros for all the other statistics.
Reading Titus’ blog made me think of my own long and illustrious career as a basketball reserve with no hope. I was okay in junior high, but I soon realized in high school that my destiny was to ride the pine. There are two types of benchwarmers in sports: the ones that get their hopes up only to have reality slap them in the face; and the ones that accept their role. I made sure I was the latter.
Read more...
High school football was mostly a disaster for me, as the coach’s son played over me at both of my positions (how cliché is that?). I did get mild enjoyment from trying to look cool in warm-ups, but near the end of the game I usually ended up looking at my friends in the stands and wishing I was up there. Every once in a while a girl would ask to wear my jersey to the game, but she quickly gave it back the next week once she realized I never played. My shining moment was an interception my junior year that got tipped in the air and could have been caught by just about anyone.
Something that everyone forgets, however, is the impact of benchwarmers on a team. The scrubs on our football team were always clapping hard, as they were under some delusion that a good attitude equaled playing time. If a starter broke a piece of equipment, my fellow reserves and I were forced into giving up our own gear as a replacement (this was rather demeaning, being the only one on the sideline without a helmet). We were cheerleaders, mechanics and most of all a pretty inadequate and unprepared option if anyone important ever got injured.
The latest National Football League season saw a few bench players rise up and represent: Matt Cassel led his Patriots to 11-5 in his first season as a starter since high school. Tampa Bay receiver Antonio Bryant caught over 1,200 yards and seven touchdowns after not being signed in 2007. Even professional sports have benchwarmers, something a lot of common fans forget. Every Peyton Manning has a Jim Sorgi, that trusty clipboard-carrier with the baseball cap on.
Every team needs benchwarmers like Mark Titus and me; without us, squads would fall apart at the seams. When you attend your next sporting event, remember the players at the end of the bench with their warm-ups still on. It is a role that some reject but others embrace.
Athletes honored for flood relief efforts
By Ashley Acosta
Cardinal Staff
Each year, the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), Division III, recognizes organizations for their contributions in community service projects and activities.
This year, Saint Mary’s University will take home the prize.
SMU athletes are recipients of the NCAA/Jostens Community Service Project Award for their efforts in aiding flood victims around the Winona area.
On Aug. 18, 2007, heavy rainfall flooded area riverbanks, causing devastating flooding in southeastern Minnesota.
At that time, a student-athlete advisory committee was looking at ways to strengthen camaraderie among athletic teams, so SMU officials focused their attention on flood relief. Nearly 200 athletes and coaches representing 10 sports bonded together and volunteered to sort through clothing, food and water, as well as clear debris and repair homes.
Read more...
“Adversity brings out goodness in people,” Brother William, president of SMU, said. “In this case, our student athletes recognized the opportunity they had as individuals, and more powerfully as teams, to share their strong
hearts, minds and bodies to really make a difference in putting lives back together.
“Our students, faculty and staff travel to inner cities and even in third-world countries to serve others in need. Many members of our own Saint Mary’s family lost everything in the August 2007 flood, and this was a reminder that we have the opportunity to serve each other right here in this campus community,” said Brother William.
SMU, Stephen Institute of Technology and York College of Pennsylvania will each be rewarded $1,000 for general scholarship funds. Ten other institutions have been honored by the NCAA since 2002. This year’s winners were recognized at a convention in Washington, D.C., in January.
Cardinal Staff
Each year, the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), Division III, recognizes organizations for their contributions in community service projects and activities.
This year, Saint Mary’s University will take home the prize.
SMU athletes are recipients of the NCAA/Jostens Community Service Project Award for their efforts in aiding flood victims around the Winona area.
On Aug. 18, 2007, heavy rainfall flooded area riverbanks, causing devastating flooding in southeastern Minnesota.
At that time, a student-athlete advisory committee was looking at ways to strengthen camaraderie among athletic teams, so SMU officials focused their attention on flood relief. Nearly 200 athletes and coaches representing 10 sports bonded together and volunteered to sort through clothing, food and water, as well as clear debris and repair homes.
Read more...
“Adversity brings out goodness in people,” Brother William, president of SMU, said. “In this case, our student athletes recognized the opportunity they had as individuals, and more powerfully as teams, to share their strong
hearts, minds and bodies to really make a difference in putting lives back together.
“Our students, faculty and staff travel to inner cities and even in third-world countries to serve others in need. Many members of our own Saint Mary’s family lost everything in the August 2007 flood, and this was a reminder that we have the opportunity to serve each other right here in this campus community,” said Brother William.
SMU, Stephen Institute of Technology and York College of Pennsylvania will each be rewarded $1,000 for general scholarship funds. Ten other institutions have been honored by the NCAA since 2002. This year’s winners were recognized at a convention in Washington, D.C., in January.
Making the most of winter
By Ryan Briscoe
Cardinal Staff
“There’s no such thing as bad weather,” my Grandfather would say. “Just different kinds of good weather.” Our particular Saint Mary’s-good weather may often involve subzero temperatures, winds up to 20 mph, snow or even freezing rain, but let us review what we have learned so far: There’s snow (deplorable pun intended) such thing as bad weather. Having now accepted the fact that our climate is wonderful in its own right, I have discovered the ultimate way to enjoy the winter weather. It would seem that the best solution for having fun out-of-doors ultimately involves that delightful, refreshing, gentle, caressing, frozen mass of water droplets that currently surrounds us. Yes, we have in our pool of local resources an abundance of snow.
Now, dear reader, I have considered the traditional array of popular snow-themed activities. The frosty amusements of our youths such as starting a snowball fight, going snowshoeing, frolicking along with Grandpa to go ice fishing or even building a snowman are potentially resurrect-able, and those who partake in such pastimes shall always return home with smiles on their faces. Sledding (on the legal hill, not the slope in front of St. Joseph’s Hall) is also a winter favorite. Indeed lacking, dare I say unfulfilled, is the life of one who has not careened down the bluffs in a virtually uncontrollable plastic vessel at speeds of 25 mph.
Read more...
Ice skating is an option too. In case you haven’t noticed, Lake Winona is frozen. The possibilities of ice-born games and festivities are endless. Hockey, figure skating competitions, politically-themed demonstrations, checkers-on-ice; all are promising and immensely pleasurable. Furthermore, consider the accessibility of cross-country skiing. Brother John Grover has a huge stock of well-maintained equipment, which he is willing to allow even the clumsiest of amateurs to borrow (note any destruction of equipment is neither condoned nor encouraged by this paper). What a prospect!
Ultimately, I believe that I have finally compiled the supreme winter activity; but in order to not stunt your exploration of this legion of chances for you to enjoy yourself, I will do you the favor of keeping my favorite pastime a secret!
Cardinal Staff
“There’s no such thing as bad weather,” my Grandfather would say. “Just different kinds of good weather.” Our particular Saint Mary’s-good weather may often involve subzero temperatures, winds up to 20 mph, snow or even freezing rain, but let us review what we have learned so far: There’s snow (deplorable pun intended) such thing as bad weather. Having now accepted the fact that our climate is wonderful in its own right, I have discovered the ultimate way to enjoy the winter weather. It would seem that the best solution for having fun out-of-doors ultimately involves that delightful, refreshing, gentle, caressing, frozen mass of water droplets that currently surrounds us. Yes, we have in our pool of local resources an abundance of snow.
Now, dear reader, I have considered the traditional array of popular snow-themed activities. The frosty amusements of our youths such as starting a snowball fight, going snowshoeing, frolicking along with Grandpa to go ice fishing or even building a snowman are potentially resurrect-able, and those who partake in such pastimes shall always return home with smiles on their faces. Sledding (on the legal hill, not the slope in front of St. Joseph’s Hall) is also a winter favorite. Indeed lacking, dare I say unfulfilled, is the life of one who has not careened down the bluffs in a virtually uncontrollable plastic vessel at speeds of 25 mph.
Read more...
Ice skating is an option too. In case you haven’t noticed, Lake Winona is frozen. The possibilities of ice-born games and festivities are endless. Hockey, figure skating competitions, politically-themed demonstrations, checkers-on-ice; all are promising and immensely pleasurable. Furthermore, consider the accessibility of cross-country skiing. Brother John Grover has a huge stock of well-maintained equipment, which he is willing to allow even the clumsiest of amateurs to borrow (note any destruction of equipment is neither condoned nor encouraged by this paper). What a prospect!
Ultimately, I believe that I have finally compiled the supreme winter activity; but in order to not stunt your exploration of this legion of chances for you to enjoy yourself, I will do you the favor of keeping my favorite pastime a secret!
Your call to service
By Travis Fick
News Editor
One common theme that President Barack Obama reiterated throughout the entire 2008 presidential campaign was his call to service for all Americans.
In his inaugural address on Jan. 20, 2009, Obama said, “What is required of us now is a new era of responsibility- a recognition, on the part of every American, that we have duties to ourselves, our nation, and the world.”
This call to service will remain in history with calls from past presidents, such as John F. Kennedy’s infamous calling for Americans to “Ask not what your country can do for you- ask what you can do for your country.”
This is our generation’s call to serve the nation that has given us so many opportunities. We were not asked to sacrifice or to serve America during the past eight years, but in a time where we face financial uncertainty, two difficult wars and a society full of injustices, we must take heed to the call from our new president and fulfill the duties that we all have toward our country.
Read more...
There are many opportunities to serve our nation. Americans have the opportunity to serve in the military, Peace Corps, Teach for America and many more. But these are not the only opportunities that we as collegians have to fulfill the duty to our fellow man.
On the Saint Mary’s University Winona campus, there are endless opportunities in which students can be involved. We have humanitarian organizations such as Habitat for Humanity, S.O.U.L. and Volunteer Services that benefit those less fortunate. You can serve your fellow students by being their voice in the Student Senate. You can assist in planning and operating constructive and engaging activities as a member of Student Activities Committee. You can clean up and advocate for the environment by becoming a member of Eco-Reps.
Though opportunities are great, need is even greater. Will we be a generation that allows our nation to fall into the hands of intolerance and ignorance? Or will we be the modern-day “greatest generation”? The future of our nation is in our hands. I call on every student, administrator, faculty and staff member of the SMU community to act upon the call our new president has made.
News Editor
One common theme that President Barack Obama reiterated throughout the entire 2008 presidential campaign was his call to service for all Americans.
In his inaugural address on Jan. 20, 2009, Obama said, “What is required of us now is a new era of responsibility- a recognition, on the part of every American, that we have duties to ourselves, our nation, and the world.”
This call to service will remain in history with calls from past presidents, such as John F. Kennedy’s infamous calling for Americans to “Ask not what your country can do for you- ask what you can do for your country.”
This is our generation’s call to serve the nation that has given us so many opportunities. We were not asked to sacrifice or to serve America during the past eight years, but in a time where we face financial uncertainty, two difficult wars and a society full of injustices, we must take heed to the call from our new president and fulfill the duties that we all have toward our country.
Read more...
There are many opportunities to serve our nation. Americans have the opportunity to serve in the military, Peace Corps, Teach for America and many more. But these are not the only opportunities that we as collegians have to fulfill the duty to our fellow man.
On the Saint Mary’s University Winona campus, there are endless opportunities in which students can be involved. We have humanitarian organizations such as Habitat for Humanity, S.O.U.L. and Volunteer Services that benefit those less fortunate. You can serve your fellow students by being their voice in the Student Senate. You can assist in planning and operating constructive and engaging activities as a member of Student Activities Committee. You can clean up and advocate for the environment by becoming a member of Eco-Reps.
Though opportunities are great, need is even greater. Will we be a generation that allows our nation to fall into the hands of intolerance and ignorance? Or will we be the modern-day “greatest generation”? The future of our nation is in our hands. I call on every student, administrator, faculty and staff member of the SMU community to act upon the call our new president has made.
5 ways Italians outdo Americans
By Betsy Baertlein
Cardinal Staff
This semester I am studying abroad in Florence, Italy, and as I write this I have been out of the United States for about a week. I must say that I am still in the process of adjusting to being a foreigner. To give a brief synopsis of my experience so far, I have compiled a list of five things Italians do better than Americans:
1. Leisure time: Italians seem to have mastered this one to perfection. Each day from approximately noon until two all stores, with the exception of restaurants, close down, and workers go home to eat lunch and take a nap. Also, stores close for the entire day on Sundays, and many Italians simply take leisurely walks around the city.
2. Staying skinny: Don’t ask me how the Italians manage this one with all the decadent food that is available, but a fat Italian is definitely a rare sight. Perhaps all the walking pays off.
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3. Being green: Beside almost every garbage dumpster on the street is a recycling dumpster, so it is just as easy to recycle as to throw something way. Italians also drive much smaller vehicles than Americans, for example, Smart Cars and motor scooters are very common on the streets of Florence. These habits could be part of the reason that the carbon emissions per capita in Italy is 2.12 tons, whereas it is 5.61 tons in the U.S. (www.ucsusa.org).
4. Vino: A decent tasting bottle of Chianti made in the Tuscany region of Italy is sold in the local grocery store for two Euro (about three U.S. dollars), and there is technically no legal drinking age as long as you are not in a pub or restaurant, where the legal age is 16. Enough said.
5. Fashion: With the abundance of designer brands that have origins in Italy, it is easy to infer that Italians would revere fashion. Wearing a t-shirt or sweatpants on the street is completely unheard of. Everyone wears black wool coats, and most women wear calf or knee high leather boots. If you want to scream American tourist, try wearing a colored ski jacket.
Cardinal Staff
This semester I am studying abroad in Florence, Italy, and as I write this I have been out of the United States for about a week. I must say that I am still in the process of adjusting to being a foreigner. To give a brief synopsis of my experience so far, I have compiled a list of five things Italians do better than Americans:
1. Leisure time: Italians seem to have mastered this one to perfection. Each day from approximately noon until two all stores, with the exception of restaurants, close down, and workers go home to eat lunch and take a nap. Also, stores close for the entire day on Sundays, and many Italians simply take leisurely walks around the city.
2. Staying skinny: Don’t ask me how the Italians manage this one with all the decadent food that is available, but a fat Italian is definitely a rare sight. Perhaps all the walking pays off.
Read more...
3. Being green: Beside almost every garbage dumpster on the street is a recycling dumpster, so it is just as easy to recycle as to throw something way. Italians also drive much smaller vehicles than Americans, for example, Smart Cars and motor scooters are very common on the streets of Florence. These habits could be part of the reason that the carbon emissions per capita in Italy is 2.12 tons, whereas it is 5.61 tons in the U.S. (www.ucsusa.org).
4. Vino: A decent tasting bottle of Chianti made in the Tuscany region of Italy is sold in the local grocery store for two Euro (about three U.S. dollars), and there is technically no legal drinking age as long as you are not in a pub or restaurant, where the legal age is 16. Enough said.
5. Fashion: With the abundance of designer brands that have origins in Italy, it is easy to infer that Italians would revere fashion. Wearing a t-shirt or sweatpants on the street is completely unheard of. Everyone wears black wool coats, and most women wear calf or knee high leather boots. If you want to scream American tourist, try wearing a colored ski jacket.
Caf goes trayless
By Greg Freeman
Cardinal Staff
“Trayless?” Yes, we have officially become a “trayless” university. This was not an easy task at first, but with guidance and support from the entire Saint Mary’s University community, “trayless” has become a huge success. Currently, SMU is saving water and over 90 pounds of waste each day. With SMU currently striving toward “green” efforts, “trayless” is a great way to remind us how to be more environmentally friendly every day. Listed below are a few questions gathered from the student body and directly answered by the Director of Chartwells Foodservice, Curt Coshenet:
Where do unused meals go at the end of the week?
“If you don’t use your meals, you lose them.” When preparing the estimated food cost, it is necessary to know what percentage of meals given to students is actually used. As a business, Chartwells uses these percentages and counts on them holding true into the new semester. If all meals in a meal plan were actually eaten, the cost of food, along with individual meal plans, would increase due to more meals being eaten than expected.
How has going “trayless” impacted SMU?
Read more...
Wednesday, Feb. 11, is the beginning of many new and exciting things coming to Chartwells this upcoming spring. On that Wednesday, Chartwells is thanking the entire SMU community for embracing “trayless” with a “Thank You Dinner Party.” This is only the beginning of new things to come. Along with tweaks within the typical menu that provide new and exciting options, such as the “Roman Chicken” added recently, pay attention for upcoming surprises that Chartwells will be offering the community.
If you have any questions regarding foodservice, email them to senate@smumn.edu. Several questions will be answered in each issue of the Cardinal. Finally, a blog about foodservice at SMU will soon be posted under the Student Senate website. We look forward to your feedback and participation.
Cardinal Staff
“Trayless?” Yes, we have officially become a “trayless” university. This was not an easy task at first, but with guidance and support from the entire Saint Mary’s University community, “trayless” has become a huge success. Currently, SMU is saving water and over 90 pounds of waste each day. With SMU currently striving toward “green” efforts, “trayless” is a great way to remind us how to be more environmentally friendly every day. Listed below are a few questions gathered from the student body and directly answered by the Director of Chartwells Foodservice, Curt Coshenet:
Where do unused meals go at the end of the week?
“If you don’t use your meals, you lose them.” When preparing the estimated food cost, it is necessary to know what percentage of meals given to students is actually used. As a business, Chartwells uses these percentages and counts on them holding true into the new semester. If all meals in a meal plan were actually eaten, the cost of food, along with individual meal plans, would increase due to more meals being eaten than expected.
How has going “trayless” impacted SMU?
Read more...
Wednesday, Feb. 11, is the beginning of many new and exciting things coming to Chartwells this upcoming spring. On that Wednesday, Chartwells is thanking the entire SMU community for embracing “trayless” with a “Thank You Dinner Party.” This is only the beginning of new things to come. Along with tweaks within the typical menu that provide new and exciting options, such as the “Roman Chicken” added recently, pay attention for upcoming surprises that Chartwells will be offering the community.
If you have any questions regarding foodservice, email them to senate@smumn.edu. Several questions will be answered in each issue of the Cardinal. Finally, a blog about foodservice at SMU will soon be posted under the Student Senate website. We look forward to your feedback and participation.
Ballroom Dance Club showcase
The Ballroom Dance Club will be presenting a Showcase for the students of Saint Mary’s University to show what members of the club have learned throughout the year.
Club members will perform eight dances with explanations and demonstrations of each dance featured, according to Beth Leister, president of the Ballroom Dance Club.
The Showcase will take place on March 7, at 6 p.m. in Figliulo Recital Hall and should last approximately an hour.
The Showcase is a club fundraiser and will cost $3, said Leister. Students can purchase their tickets the week before the Showcase or at the door.
Club members will perform eight dances with explanations and demonstrations of each dance featured, according to Beth Leister, president of the Ballroom Dance Club.
The Showcase will take place on March 7, at 6 p.m. in Figliulo Recital Hall and should last approximately an hour.
The Showcase is a club fundraiser and will cost $3, said Leister. Students can purchase their tickets the week before the Showcase or at the door.
Club Corner: S.O.U.L. and CAC
Serving Others United in Love
By Karina Rajtar
Co-Editor in Chief
Many Saint Mary’s University students may be planning on participating in a service trip over February break with Serving Others United in Love (S.O.U.L.).
S.O.U.L. leads service trips throughout the United States every February break, as well as shorter trips over October break and occasional international trips in May.
“It’s just a really neat opportunity to meet people,” Treasurer Stephanie Marnocha said.
The four cornerstones of S.O.U.L. are service, transformation, community and faith, and these cornerstones are incorporated into the trips, Marnocha said.
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At the core of S.O.U.L. is the S.O.U.L. Council, a group of seven students that plans the trips and decides which students will go to each location. Students are allowed to rank their preferences on their applications, and the S.O.U.L. Council considers these, along with the balance of the group, Marnocha said. This means including different classes and experiences with service trips, Marnocha said.
Marnocha added that the group is currently looking for new S.O.U.L. Council members for next year.
Anyone is welcome to apply for a S.O.U.L. trip, and Marnocha encourages students to try one even if their friends are not.
The deadline has passed for this year’s February trips, but there may be an international trip this spring, Marnocha said.
Cardinal Athletic Council
By Danielle Larson
Co-Editor in Chief
The Saint Mary’s University Cardinal Athletic Council’s (CAC) main focus is to encourage SMU athletes to be a positive influence on campus and in the community, according to CAC President Theresa Perrini.
The club encourages SMU athletes and representatives from each National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) sport on campus to participate.
According to Perrini, CAC’s goal is to get sports teams more familiar with the other teams on campus.
CAC puts on the “Toys for Teens” drive and also puts on Kids Day, where kids come from the community to try out different sports throughout the day.
CAC is in its third year here.
Staff Spotlight: Ann Merchlewitz, Mary Becker
By Danielle Larson, Co-Editor in Chief
Ann Merchlewitz
Handling the legal matters at Saint Mary’s University is the job of Vice President and General Counsel, Ann Merchlewitz.
When Merchlewitz is not being an in-house legal counsel, she helps coordinate the searches for new faculty and staff.
According to Merchlewitz, students should go to her when they have discrimination complaints. Students in clubs or organizations, who have questions about releases they may need signed for trips or activities, should also see her.
Read more...
Merchlewitz sometimes takes part in classroom activities, discussions and class meetings and discusses legal issues with students.
Working at a higher-education facility is one aspect Merchlewitz likes about her job. According to Merchlewitz, she likes being at an education facility because she gets the chance to see and work with students.
Mary Becker
Planning President Brother William’s schedule, planning all the events the president’s office puts on and coordinating the Board of Trustees meetings are just a few things that Mary Becker, administrative assistant to the president, does.
Becker’s desk is located in front of Brother William’s office in the president’s suite, which is in the Heffron building. Students should go to her for issues they feel they cannot get resolved anywhere else on campus. Students are always welcome to stop by and chat, Becker said.
Working with the trustees is one of Becker’s favorite parts of her job. According to Becker, her job is a challenging and enlightening experience. “There is never a meeting where I don’t learn something new,” she said.
Ann MerchlewitzHandling the legal matters at Saint Mary’s University is the job of Vice President and General Counsel, Ann Merchlewitz.
When Merchlewitz is not being an in-house legal counsel, she helps coordinate the searches for new faculty and staff.
According to Merchlewitz, students should go to her when they have discrimination complaints. Students in clubs or organizations, who have questions about releases they may need signed for trips or activities, should also see her.
Read more...
Merchlewitz sometimes takes part in classroom activities, discussions and class meetings and discusses legal issues with students.
Working at a higher-education facility is one aspect Merchlewitz likes about her job. According to Merchlewitz, she likes being at an education facility because she gets the chance to see and work with students.
Mary BeckerPlanning President Brother William’s schedule, planning all the events the president’s office puts on and coordinating the Board of Trustees meetings are just a few things that Mary Becker, administrative assistant to the president, does.
Becker’s desk is located in front of Brother William’s office in the president’s suite, which is in the Heffron building. Students should go to her for issues they feel they cannot get resolved anywhere else on campus. Students are always welcome to stop by and chat, Becker said.
Working with the trustees is one of Becker’s favorite parts of her job. According to Becker, her job is a challenging and enlightening experience. “There is never a meeting where I don’t learn something new,” she said.
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