Gaslight draws large audiences

By Maria Sullivan
Arts and Entertainment Editor

On March 13-14, the 44th annual Gaslight variety show, presented by the senior class, was held in the Toner Student Center Cafeteria.

Each Gaslight show had a great turnout. According to senior class officer Mandy Haus, over 150 audience members showed up per show. The emcees for the show were seniors Jakub “Kuba” Szymanski and Julie Jergenson. They presented numerous skits, including the De LaSalle rap and their residence assistant tool belts, according to Haus.

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This year’s Gaslight, like every other Gaslight show, showcased a vast variety of song genres and styles. Performances included “Heartless” by Kanye West, a remake of Barenaked Ladies’ “One Week” and an original act by senior Mike Miller entitled “Here in the Dark.”

Many Saint Mary’s University campus groups helped make this event even more successful. The Public Relations/Business club put on their fundraiser “Best Seat in the House” and helped advertise the event. The sisters of Sigma Alpha Iota (SAI) sold pop and water during each show and the volunteer mentors worked the concession stand. Eco-Reps also promoted “going green” with their layer challenge, where audience members were supposed to wear as many layers as they could. The audience member with the most layers won a pair of SMU sweatpants.

The senior class officers also had a contract with the Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia fraternity, who took care of lighting and stage set-up and helped performers with their vocals.

“We were very pleased with the support we received as a senior class from the campus organizations and the excitement that the performers and audience brought to the show,” said senior class officer Kaitlin Depuydt. “Gaslight was awesome!”

Musical dances into Page

By Maria Sullivan
Arts and Entertainment Editor

Starting Friday, March 27, the Saint Mary’s University Department of Theatre and Dance will present the dance musical, A Chorus Line.

This is the first time Director Judy Myers has directed a dance musical. “We thought it would be fun to advertise that we’re doing a dance minor, that we’ve been doing dance classes for years and just sort of say, here we are, let’s do a dance musical,” said Myers.

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A Chorus Line is about a group of dancers in New York City that attends an audition in hopes members will achieve their dreams, but they quickly learn that is not what the director has in store for them. The director does not just want to hear them sing and see them dance; he wants to get to know them as people, to learn about their personalities.

“Everybody can relate to what the dancers are going through,” said Myers. “Anybody who has gone to a job interview or wanted a job badly or wanted to be the best they could be at anything understands the situation that every single one of theshttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gife people are in. Wanting to get the job, trying to say the right thing, do the right thing, and be the best to get the job.”

Even though working on a musical like this has its strengths and weaknesses, Myers still expressed her enjoyment of working on this project. “The fun part is really watching the dance come together,” said Myers. “Is it going to be a brilliant Broadway production? No, but it is going to stretch every single one of these people to be better than they thought they could be.”

A Chorus Line will be showing at the Page Theatre March 27-30. Show times are at 7:30 p.m. on Fri, Sat, and Mon and at 3 p.m. on Sunday. To buy tickets, go to the Page Theatre Box Office or visit http://www.pagetheatre.org/theatre.html.

Staff’s work displayed at art center

By Danielle Larson
Co-Editor in Chief

A piece of art that hangs on display at the Winona Arts Center, 228 West 5th street, belongs to Saint Mary’s University’s own Director of Web Communication, Monta May.

The piece by May is a mosaic glass tile design of five birds in a row, varying in color. It is entitled “Flock.”

May said she decided on the flock of birds for her mosaic because she has used the design for other mediums, such as paint and embroidery. May thought the design would look good as a glass tile piece as well.

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May is an interdisciplinary artist and engages in multiple types of art, such as mosaics, sculptures, photographs, digital art, weavings and paintings.

May finds inspiration from many different directions of her life.

“I take information, ideas, inspiration from all the different things in life I am trained in, or fascinated by or have experienced, and bring them in to make art,” said May during her “Knowledge Acknowledged” presentation on March 24 in the Fitzgerald Library.

“Sometimes I make art just because I want to try something new,” May said. “Sometimes I make art because I want to push a process and become an expert at the process. And, sometimes inspiration strikes me, and I have to make art.”

According to May, the core of her practice is “inspiration from the ancient brought into a contemporary interpretation.”

May’s “Knowledge Acknowledged” presentation helped students, faculty and staff understand her artwork. She explained where she finds inspiration for all of her work and why she likes art.

At the end of her presentation, audience members were encouraged to make an encaustic painting, a painting made of melted beeswax. Supplies were set up by May for anyone interested.

Baseball team

By Suzie Roth
Cardinal Staff

In order to prepare for its home opener, the Saint Mary’s University baseball team took its annual spring trip. In the past, the team has normally headed to Florida, but this year marked a change as the team headed to Phoenix, Ariz.

“The weather was great, and there wasn’t a cloud in the sky,” said head coach Nick Winecke. “Arizona has a dry heat, so the weather didn’t wear on the boys either.”

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Getting up at 7 a.m. each day to hit the field was not a problem for these boys, who were eager to play the game they love. The team got to get outside, which was refreshing after months of indoor practices. Winecke said that the players continue to grow and become closer.

The trip did reveal a few areas that still need work, but Winecke said that “overall the team performed well.” He also said that pitching was pretty good, and as the week went on hitting got better.

For Winecke, the best part of the trip was when the team watched Arizona State (who is ranked 5th in the nation) play the University of Kansas. He said that the game was exciting, and the team showed appreciation watching guys of the same age playing at such a high level. Some players simply watched and enjoyed that game, while others analyzed what was going on down on the field. “Some of the guys talked about what was going on and how they would have handled that specific play,” Winecke said.

Winecke mentioned that another great thing from the trip was seeing a lot of players “step up and come through.” This was seen in a game played March 14, when the Cardinals were down two runs after giving up their lead. SMU came from behind with three runs in the bottom of the seventh inning to win the game.

The baseball team left Arizona with a 3-4 record. Their home opener was March 26 against Viterbo University.

The SMU softball team recently returned from their spring trip to Arizona. At the Tucson Invitational they ended with a 4-4 record. Their next game is at home on March 29 at 1 p.m. against Carleton College.

Fox is first to compete at nationals

By Robby McGuire
Cardinal Staff


This year, Saint Mary’s University junior swimmer John Fox became the first swimmer in school history to qualify for the NCAA Championship.

At the MIAC Championships in St. Paul on Feb. 20, Fox swam a school record time of 55.61 seconds in the 100m breaststroke, placing him in second in the MIAC, and landing him a berth in the NCAA Championships in Minneapolis.

His performance placed him among the top swimmers in the nation. “There were a lot of swimmers and a lot of fans up there,” said Fox.

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Contrary to the high tensions one would expect at an elite swim meet, Fox found it to be quite fun. “There really wasn’t as much pressure as high school swimming,” he said, “though that may just be me.”

Fox finished the 100m breaststroke in 58.59 seconds, for 38th place out of the 100 swimmers who qualified. Though he was well into the top half of his field, Fox hopes to improve this performance, which was almost three seconds slower than his qualifying time.

Three athletes named All-MIAC

By Alex Conover
Sports Editor


A trio of Saint Mary’s University sophomores were recognized as First Team All-MIAC for the winter sports season. Two men’s basketball players, Will Wright and Lukas Holland, were honored along with Dy-Anna Stewart from the women’s hockey team.

Wright, a guard from Chicago, finished third in the conference in scoring with 18 points per game. He also led the conference in steals with 35 and finished first among Cardinals in rebounding. In 20 MIAC games, Wright reached double-digit scoring 19 times.

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Holland, a point guard from La Crosse, Wis., put up 15.7 points per game for the fourth-most in the MIAC (finishing right behind Wright). He led the conference in free throws attempted and finished second in free throws made, in addition to leading the Cardinals in all 3-point shooting categories.

“I’m extremely happy that both players made it,” said head coach Todd Landrum. “It’s a team thing, too. Guys don’t get named all-conference unless their team is good or improving, so this is great for the team.”

The pair also finished first and second in the MIAC for minutes played per game. Playing in games that lasted 40 minutes each, Wright averaged 35.8 and Holland averaged 35.55 minutes. “These guys are some of the hardest workers I’ve ever been around,” said senior guard Eustace Kesseh. “Will and Lukas put forth a huge effort for every game, and they are certainly deserving of their accolades.”

The lone representative for the women’s hockey team was Dy-Anna Stewart, a defenseman from Eden Prairie, Minn. Stewart anchored the Cardinal’s defensive efforts, as well as provided leadership on a team that had no senior players. “The thing that makes Dy-Anna special defensively is that she hates to be scored on,” said assistant coach Aaron Haupert. “Because of that attitude, she is always concerned about making her teammates better. She’s a special player because of her tenacity, consistency, and sensibility.”

Spring sports: A reason to get outside

By Alex Conover
Sports Editor


It seemed like it would take forever, didn’t it? The snow finally melted, and the icy roads have thawed. The weather is extraordinary this time of year, and the sports teams have definitely been itching to get out of the RAC. Here are a few reasons to follow SMU spring sports:

New long-ball fields. Both the baseball and softball teams were forced to play home events at WSU or Cotter last season, making every game an away game. They return this spring to a pair of newly-renovated fields, ones that were meticulously maintained all summer. The first baseball game was played Thursday, but the softball team will play on its new field for the first time on March 29 against Carleton College.

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The new track complex. The turf was broken in by the soccer teams this fall, but the surrounding track will be unveiled for the Phil Esten Challenge on April 17. The meet is actually UW-La Crosse’s annual home competition, but SMU is hosting it in light of renovations on their track.

Club sports. NCAA sports aren’t the only athletics on campus, as the frisbee, lacrosse and rugby teams will compete as clubs. The rugby squad will play three home games, including an April 4 home tournament at WSU. The frisbee team hosts the Hilltop Huck-a-thon on April 18-19 at SMU. Women’s lacrosse hosts UW-La Crosse on April 25.

Do I have the right to a college education?

by Ryan Briscoe
Cardinal Staff


I recently did a significant amount of research regarding the monies that are spent supporting students who are pursuing post-secondary education. It is amazing all of the scholarships and student-work programs that have been established. It seems to me that now, more than ever before, America’s young people have the chance to realize the American Dream.

When I say the ‘American Dream’ I am referring to the idea that in this nation there are no class barriers that limit a young person’s potential. Accordingly, by virtue of his or her work, a young person can become whoever he or she wants to be. A corporate executive, the discoverer of the cure for AIDS, a community organizer, the president - the sky’s the limit!

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However, what I perceive now in our culture at large is a dangerous sentiment of privilege. Have we lost sight of the value of a hard day’s work? A strong, capitalist society (e.g. America) will always require the efforts of its citizens. Our society must recognize the inherent value of all types of work, skilled and unskilled, that are contributed to it and dismiss this idea that says that all people are guaranteed success.

The reality is that when a student starts out on his own, he should expect to enjoy only 1/3 of the luxury he has been accustomed to during his childhood. For many students this is problematic; they overspend and accumulate debt because they expect a life of luxury. The average student owes $2,700 in discretionary spending. These costs are unrelated to education payments and are purely from spending. (Source: InCharge Institute of America) This reflects the current value of work in our society; it seems we’ve forgotten that the standard of living is merit-based.

Since its founding, America has become known as the “Land of Opportunity”; how much longer before it is know as the “Land of Entitlement?”

Live and learn

By Betsy Baertlein
Cardinal Staff


It’s hard to believe that it has been another month in Italy, and soon my time here will draw to an end. It will definitely be hard to leave, even though I really do love Minnesota. As I reflect on the time I’ve spent in Europe, I cannot help but come to the conclusion that everyone should study or travel abroad at some point. Not only have I had some of the best experiences of my life in Italy, I have also learned so much about being a citizen in today’s globalized world. My time in Italy has been a series of many “live and learn” moments, and each of these moments has given me confidence.

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Before traveling to Italy, I had never been outside of the United States. I will admit that I was pretty scared and lost when I first arrived at the Minneapolis airport. I now feel confident finding my way through airports and train stations, and I know I can go into a foreign city where I don’t speak the language and find my way around. If I had not had the opportunity to study abroad, I don’t know how I would have gained this confidence.

It has recently come to my attention that Saint Mary’s intends to significantly change the Florence study abroad program to allow students to study a greater variety of subjects with a more diverse group of students and to live more independently while studying abroad. I agree that these changes will improve the SMU Florence program as a whole.

However, along with these positive changes comes a negative side. Since SMU will no longer operate its own program in Florence, students will only be able to apply $2,000 of their SMU scholarships to studying abroad in Florence. Previously, students wishing to apply their scholarship of more than $2,000 to study abroad could choose between the SMU programs in Florence and London. Now it appears that the only choice for these students will be London.

Studying abroad would not have been possible for me if I had not been able to use my full scholarship from SMU. It saddens me that other SMU students may miss out on this valuable experience because of monetary issues. I sincerely hope that the university will continue to realize the value of studying abroad and make this opportunity available to as many qualified students as possible.

March Madness flies

By Marty Kocon
Cardinal Staff


Thursday marked the start of the third round of the NCAA Men’s Basketball tournament, and in a tournament famous for upsets, this year’s appears to be uncharacteristically tame.

All 1st, 2nd and 3rd seeds remain, and the 12th seeded Arizona Wildcats are the only double digit seed remaining, which leaves the casual fan to ask, ‘where is this year’s Cinderella team?’


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While this year may appear to be quite ordinary, on closer look you can see that the underdog is everywhere but in the win column. Fifteenth seeded California State Northridge gave second seeded Memphis all it could handle until Memphis pulled out a victory at the end. Also, 13th seeded Cleveland State pummeled favorite Wake Forest 83-69. Ninth seeded Sienna challenged the overall first seed Louisville in a hard fought matchup, which Louisville eventually won 79-72.

This year’s tournament has supplied a fair share of surprises but has yet to drop any of the tournament’s favorites. The lack of upsets has destroyed the hopes of the rags-to-riches Cinderella stories of George Mason and Dayton fame. It instead will showcase the finest college basketball teams the nation has to offer, a result that is worth excluding the bracket-ruining underdogs.

Let the Madness continue.

Ten ways to save energy

By Robby McGuire
Cardinal Staff


Although Energy Challenge Month is almost over, everyone should still think about ways they can continue to conserve energy. Here are a few small ways to “go green.”

1. Turn off the lights!

Lighting accounts for five to 10 percent of national energy use. Turn them off when you can use natural sunlight, if you are leaving the room or simply don’t need them on. Brighten the future, keep things dark.

2. Turn off your electronics when they aren’t in use.

Approximately 75 percent of electricity is consumed by a device while the device is not in direct use. Shut off your laptop at night or while you go to class. Don’t have the TV on unless it is being watched. Shut off your stereo if you leave the room, and unplug your fridge if it is empty.

3. Switch off the faucet.

Turn off the tap while you brush your teeth or shave. This simple technique can save up to five gallons of water a day. Ten, if you are Sasquatch.


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4. Use a re-usable water bottle.

An estimated 1.5 million barrels of oil are used each year to make plastic water bottles. Seventy-seven percent of these bottles end up in landfills. Many of these plastic bottles also leak harmful chemicals into their beverage. Drink up to save energy, just do it through a water bottle purchased in the school book store.

5. Make sure your thermostat is turned off.

With spring coming, the need for heating in your rooms is dwindling. Try opening the blinds and letting the sunlight warm your room a bit. Most Eskimos go their entire lives without touching a thermostat.

6. Take advantage of your laptop’s power modes.

Most recent laptops have battery modes, including a power-saving mode. If you are simply checking your email, or writing a paper, try the power-saving mode. Though your paper may require intense brain power, it does not require intense battery power.

7. Try walking.

Spring has sprung, and the weather is making a turn for the better. Take advantage of the rise in temperature and walk to your destination. Instead of driving to the bowling alley, Ground Round or Hy-Vee, get some exercise, use the opportunity to chat with friends and burn off that extra slice of cake.

8. Do things together.

Rather than having four separate TV’s on watching Scrubs or CSI, organize a group to watch together. Bonus if your crush enjoys the show.

9. Recycle.

It takes up to 95 percent less energy to re-create an aluminum can from recycled aluminum. Rather than tossing away your recyclables, trek to your residence hall’s recycling area. Grab your roommate’s recyclables as well.

10. Do not take more than you need for meals.

Yes, it can be a hassle to walk all the way from your seat back to the lunch or dinner line. Regardless, excess food is excess waste. The more food we take, the sooner Chartwells Dining Service needs to re-order. The more frequently they re-order, the more electricity is wasted in the process of getting new food to campus. While two burgers and four slices of pizza may have seemed like a good idea at the time, it may not all fit in your stomach.

Club Corner: Women’s lacrosse

By Ashley Acosta
Cardinal Staff


For the Saint Mary’s University women’s lacrosse team, success is not always measured in wins and losses.

“For those who don’t want to play a sport at the Division III level, lacrosse gives them a chance to compete and have fun,” junior Liz Kempisty said.

Started just two years ago, the lacrosse team is a member of the North Central Women’s Lacrosse League, and this is the first year with scheduled games. The roster is made up of 28 players comprised of freshmen, sophomores, juniors and one senior.

Varying in different athletic backgrounds and skill levels, the lacrosse team finds its roster filled with many SMU hockey and soccer players. “These sports are somewhat similar to lacrosse,“ said sophomore and captain Libby Perkins.

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Kempisty identifies progression and experience as two major components for this season.

“The main thing that we are hoping for is progression,” Kempisty said. “We have a lot of girls coming into this season who haven’t played and we are looking to develop as individuals as well as a team.”

In order to achieve that progression, the lacrosse team meets for practice three times a week for two hours in the RAC or on the outdoor facility. Practices focus on a variety of different areas such as conditioning, stick handling, shooting and working on offensive and defensive skills.

Those practice skills were put to the test against Hamline March 19 in the first game of the season. Despite strong contributions from many athletes, the end result was a 12-5 loss.

“We are not worried about how many wins or losses we get,” said Perkins. “This year is more of a learning experience. It is a test of the skills we have been learning in practice, which will enable us to grow and strive for an even better season next year.”

The inexperience of the team is not the only area lacrosse players are hoping to improve on this season. The lacrosse team hopes to improve on its little-known status amongst the students. “A lot of people don’t even know we are a club,” Perkins said.

In efforts to change that, the lacrosse team is planning to sell t-shirts in order to spread the word around campus and bring in extra funding.

The team members have taken it upon themselves to do their own fundraising by writing letters to family and friends for donations to help pay for new uniforms, equipment and fees.

Although the lacrosse team recognizes the necessary areas of improvements, they also recognize their strengths. Perkins feels the team’s strong work ethic, enthusiasm and the camaraderie are a few of the team’s positives.

There are two additional games in the works against Minnesota State University and Winona State University, both tentatively set for the latter part of April. The first and only home game is scheduled for April 25 against the University of Wisconsin -
La Crosse.

“We are really hoping for a good turnout from the students,” said Perkins. “It will give them a chance to experience a lacrosse game, and we would really appreciate the support.”

Look forward to next issue’s (April 24) Club Corner featuring the men’s lacrosse team.

Calendar Changes?

Proposed new schedule would change the academic calendar in 2010
By Travis Fick
News Editor

A proposed calendar change for the 2010-11 academic year would reconfigure the spring semester schedule in order to better fit with high schools and other colleges, said Dr. Thomas Mans, Saint Mary’s University’s vice president for academic affairs.

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According to Dr. Jeffrey Highland, university provost and vice president of the college, a task force is in charge of gathering information from students, faculty and staff on what they think about the change. It will meet in March to review the findings, which they will then report to the President’s Cabinet. The President will ultimately make the decision after the full reviewing process.

The proposed schedule would lengthen Christmas break by one week while moving February break. The second semester would begin Jan. 18 instead of the current Jan. 11.

For faculty and staff, the extended Christmas break means adding more time between the deadline to submit grades and the beginning of the new semester.

“The faculty expressed the desire to have more time (to) spend with their families as well as time to plan,” said Mans.
“We have a very short Christmas break that eliminates important personal time with families.”

Additionally, the spring recess would be pushed back to Feb. 26 through March 6. Easter recess would be from April 21-25. Mans said the last day of classes will not change and that the number of days on break will remain the same.

The schedule change was proposed by a resolution from the faculty that said, “Changes in the academic calendar would improve the environment for both teaching and learning in the undergraduate college.”

Changing to this type of schedule is not uncommon, said Mans, who encountered a similar change at the last university for which he worked. “The students, faculty and families desired a more normalized schedule that was closer to that of the majority of the schools,” said Mans.

Mans said students and their families
would be able to better plan for trips, as the break schedule would fit better with other schools.

The 2009-10 academic calendar will remain the same structure as this year, said Mans.

Julie Jergenson, student senate president, and Russell Mollo, student senate vice president for academic affairs, are the student representatives on the schedule change task force. Mollo said they were unable to comment on the schedule change due to the on-going process.

A separate proposed change is to eliminate classes on Labor Day.

Mollo said that any questions or comments should be addressed to himself or Jergenson.

Four-percent tuition increase approved

By Travis Fick
News Editor

The economic uncertainty has caused the Saint Mary’s University Board of Trustees to approve a four-percent tuition increase instead of the proposed six-percent increase for the 2009-10 academic year, said Cindy Marek, SMU’s vice president for financial affairs.

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The Cardinal’s article, “Tuition to rise despite financial woes,” originally published in the Nov. 7, 2008, issue, said that a proposed six-percent tuition increase was likely to be implemented during the 2009-10 academic year. Marek said in an email interview, “The tuition increase was reduced by the board because of the concern for families with the volatility and uncertainty in the economy today.”

The expected fiscal impact of the board’s decision means students save $470 per year for tuition and fees. “The board did not want to put a heavier burden on families than they felt necessary to balance the budget,” said Marek. “We (the Saint Mary’s administration) know unemployment is increasing, and retirement funds, savings and home values have been reduced due to the recent economic impact.”

Student reaction has been mostly positive. “It is good that the board’s decision reflects the current economic status,” said Tim Jorgensen, junior. “A change from six-percent to four-percent may be enough to allow students to stay at SMU.”

The proposal that the board receives has input from many different groups on campus, said Marek. The president, cabinet and budget committee were involved in the budgeting process, as well as admission and financial aid consultant Hardwick-Day.

Marek said SMU has not received information from other schools, but the approved increase is in line with the rest of the Minnesota private colleges.

Economic woes could affect club budgets

By Pat Howard
Cardinal Staff

The Saint Mary’s University Student Senate is currently budgeting for the 2009-10 academic year and will continue its normal conservative budgeting process despite the economic uncertainty, said Travis Fick, student senate vice president for financial affairs.

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“We are trying to keep budgets fair while maintaining a level of strict fiscal discipline,” Fick said.

The Student Senate Finance Committee has been meeting almost every week to address club budgets and future plans. The majority of clubs receive money for budgets and special requests through the $170 activities fee that is incorporated into every undergraduate student’s tuition.

According to Fick, the Club Budget Policy organizes funding into four bracket levels. Level one represents clubs that feature a total yearly funding of $1-$500. The level four bracket is geared for clubs that spend $10,000 or more in a year. In the past, clubs were able to move up in the brackets to seek more funding.

Next year, however, the Student Senate Finance Committee will not be allowing clubs to move up in the bracket system and have limited the percent increases that clubs may request for. “The finance committee’s main goal is to ensure a solid financial base,” said Fick. “We have maintained fiscal discipline this year and will not stray when considering budgets.”

SMU will continue to have all the clubs it features this year. However, Fick said it may be more difficult to hold every event and invite every speaker clubs typically offer.

Students take annual trip to lobby at Capitol

By Ryan Briscoe
Cardinal Staff

Yesterday, a group of Saint Mary’s University students went to Saint Paul to lobby at the Minnesota State Capitol in what has become an annual event.

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What is the cause they defended? Higher education.

The state of Minnesota is staring an unprecedented budget crisis straight in the face. Governor Pawlenty has, as of the submission of this article, yet to announce the official numbers, but the state is expected to be millions short. Therefore, it has become necessary to lobby legislators to defend the allocation of funds for certain state programs.

In the past, the ‘Day at the Capitol’ has included a briefing session on the situation, attendance at meetings with local legislators, tours of the Capitol and meals.

The focal point of the trip is the one-on-one meetings, according to past attendee, sophomore Ali Kremer. Kremer referred to the day as ‘a great opportunity’ and remarked several times on taking advantage of the chance to participate in government at work.

Originally attracted to the event because of her own personal interests, Kremer quickly realized that the outing provided her with an incomparable first-hand experience.

Perhaps it is most important to recognize that the State Grant (the program on behalf of which students lobbied) is not an issue of public education, but an issue concerning all higher education in the state.

Sixteen percent of all SMU undergraduates received monies from the State Grant in 2006-07, and the average grant awarded to a SMU student was $3,368. The State Grant program is one of education’s most valued efforts because it makes the cost of higher education more affordable. Bearing in mind that 80,000 students received aid monies from the State of Minnesota last year, the State Grant program is certainly an endeavor worth consideration.

Students, staff honored on Founder’s Day

By Karina Rajtar
Co-Editor in Chief

Two seniors, two professors and the De La Salle Christian Brothers were recognized at this year’s Founder’s Day Convocation on Feb. 24.

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Jakub “Kuba” Szymanski and Emily Berg were announced as this year’s Outstanding Seniors. Szymanski, an accounting major from Opole, Poland, said in his acceptance speech that attending Saint Mary’s University helped his transformation from being a shy freshman to being an involved, outspoken senior. Berg noted that every member of the senior class has made a contribution to the SMU community. She is a K-8 education and Spanish double major from Owatonna, Minn.

Two faculty members were recognized for their contributions to the university as well. Dr. Jane Anderson, dean of the School of Education, received the Distinguished Lasallian Educator award, an award given by many Lasallian universities. Anderson has long supported the San Miguel schools in Chicago and Minneapolis and has promoted literacy education.

Dean Beckman, assistant professor in the Social Science Department, received the Brother H. Charles Severin Award for Excellence in Teaching. The Severin Award goes to teachers committed to student-centered learning, and Beckman acknowledged in his acceptance speech the importance of valuing students as individuals.

The Convocation ceremony included a presentation about the Christian Brothers in honor of the 75th anniversary of their affiliation with the university. Brothers who are currently involved with the SMU community were individually acknowledged as well.

Provincial Edmond Precourt, Superior of the Long Island-New England District (LINE) and a guest to the Founder’s Day celebration, received recognition and a gift from the university on behalf of the Brothers of the LINE district for their service to the university.

Others acknowledged at the Convocation were the ten Outstanding Senior finalists, members of the Delta Epsilon Sigma national honor society, first-year student recipients of leadership scholarships and award recipients from the Twin Cities campus.

Founder’s Day is the annual celebration of the founding of SMU in 1912 by Winona Bishop Patrick R. Heffron.

Panel considers first diversity office

By Amira Sadek
Cardinal Staff

The idea of creating a diversity office on campus was discussed on Feb. 11, at an Inter-cultural Awareness Association-hosted diversity panel event in the President’s Room.

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A panel of eight people consisted of staff members Tony Piscitiello, Lupita Garza and Chris Kendall; faculty members Dr. Scott Sorvaag and Dr. Dorthy Diehl; and students Edith Galvez, Tamika Robinson and Peter Tornquist. They received feedback and answered questions about the potential diversity office. The office would address the need to raise awareness of cultural diversity issues, primarily concerning international students and domestic students of color, according to the panelists.

Audience input varied, but primary concerns centered around the goal and focus of the office. The audience proposed creating an informal office that encouraged and helped develop the academic aspect for international and domestic students of colors’ careers at SMU. To do this, the audience suggested hiring mentors and providing workshops for staff on diversity in education. It was also suggested that the office would promote the celebration and embracing of diversity on campus.

Details such as when, where and how much the office would cost have yet to be determined, but plans are in motion.

Teacher of the Year addresses ASCD

By Kristina Scherber
Cardinal Staff

Minnesota’s Teacher of the Year gave a presentation to the Association of Supervision and Curriculum Development members about the “why” and “how” of teaching in the 21st century and gave his top ten tips for teaching.

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On Monday, Feb. 23, Derek Olson, a sixth grade teacher in Stillwater, Minn., drove to Winona after a day of teaching to present to those interested in the field of education.

Olson’s presentation for Saint Mary’s University’s education students was well-received by those present. “I loved the speaker because you could just tell the love and passion he had for teaching,” said Hillary Stenzel, a junior education major. “He was a true inspiration to listen to. His real life lessons would make learning an adventure that I am sure students would remember.”

Attendees were presented with many ideas to take with them into the classroom. Russell Mollo, a senior education major, said he will remember the starfish analogy, which is the belief in the importance of “saving” one child, even if they cannot all be saved.

Program promotes fountain use

By Becca Sandager
Cardinal Staff

Students may have noticed the recently decorated drinking fountains in Toner Student Center and Hoffman, LaSalle and Saint Mary’s Halls. These decorated drinking fountains are part of the “Our Drinking Fountains, Our Water” project.

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“Our Drinking Fountains, Our Water” is a $20,000 grant program funded by the state of Minnesota through the Minnesota Campus Compact. The project is a yearlong collaboration among Saint Mary’s University, Winona Sate University, Minnesota State College-Southeast Technical, Southeast Minnesota Water Resources Board and the City of Winona, along with the Minneapolis Heart of the Beast Puppet-Mask Theater (HOBT).

The goal of “Our Drinking Fountains, Our Water” is to work with students and community members to learn more about and celebrate the Winona-area water quality and stewardship through collaborative art making. The theme of water will be incorporated into classes and presentations throughout the rest of the year.

“We’re trying to raise awareness about water,” said Dr. Joseph Tadie, SMU assistant professor of philosophy and residency coordinator for HOBT. His junior Lasallian Honors class is participating in the project. “It is an issue that is going to be an emerging serious problem for the world. We are so unthinking about it. Water is a great gift.”

Students and the community were also invited to participate in the Adopt-a-Drinking Fountain project, where they will create and implement an artistic design around a drinking fountain. The project was designed to get the community involved in raising awareness about the benefits of the clean, drinkable water in our fountains.

“We really live with an incredible privilege,” said Tadie. “There is no need to buy plastic water bottles. I can’t see how we’ve come to that when all we have to do right now is turn on the tap and (water) is there.”

A map of the decorated fountains (along with designer credit) will appear on the project’s website, http://water.southeastmn.edu.

The fountains will be decorated until March 18 and will remain in place until Earth Day celebrations on April 27.

Students present benefits of water

By Karina Rajtar
Co-Editor in Chief

Dr. Joseph Tadie’s, SMU assistant professor of philosophy, junior Lasallian honors class teamed up with one of Gary Diomandes’s, chair of theatre arts, theater classes and the Minneapolis Heart of the Beast Puppet-Mask Theater (HOBT) to promote the use of the many drinking fountains on campus.

The classes decorated drinking fountains, presented statistics in the plaza and worked with HOBT to lead a procession around campus. The procession began in the Toner Student Center and went through the Adducci Science Center, LaSalle Hall and Saint Mary’s Hall, stopping at various drinking fountains to provide demonstrations explaining the importance of water.

Students, faculty and staff were welcome to join one of the processions and were sometimes given costumes to wear, props to carry or drums to beat. Costumes and drums were provided by HOBT, and a member of HOBT accompanied the procession on accordion.

2006 alum is remembered

By Danielle Larson
Co-Editor in Chief

Friday, Feb. 13, became a day of sadness for students, faculty and staff as they learned about a fatal plane crash in Buffalo, New York, that took one of Saint Mary’s University’s own, Madeline “Maddy” Loftus (’06 graduate).

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Press releases and news stories were quick to inform about the Continental Connection Flight 3407 plane that crashed due to bad weather, and about the 49 people who left behind families, friends and co-workers because of the crash.

As news stories went out about the victims, they reported on families, had quotes from friends and told of victims’ passions and accomplishments in life.

As a marketing major, Loftus took many classes with Dr. Thomas Marpe, dean of the SMU School of Business. Marpe recalled a project Loftus did with fellow classmates Jessica Ribbish and Patrick Good. The project was entitled “The Feasibility on an Entertainment Complex in Winona.” Marpe said the group thought the complex should contain “mini-golf, batting cages, laser tag, arcade games and more.” He believes the project represented Loftus’ interest in sports.

Loftus’ love for hockey was reported several times. At SMU, Loftus played a total of 52 games, scored 10 goals and had 11 assists. She scored a total of 21 points for SMU.

“Maddy was the first senior to graduate from my program,” said Terry Mannor, SMU women’s hockey coach in a SMU press release. “She will always hold a special place in my heart.” Loftus played at SMU for two years after playing for Buffalo State University.

Senior Jill Rhody played hockey with Loftus her first year here. She recalled that they both had the same playing style: rough. “We played just like each other,” she said. “She called me her ‘mini-me.’”

A commonality between reported stories was that Loftus had unconditional love for her friends.

Senior Doug Placko said, “I have never met someone who was as passionate about her friends and the game of hockey as Maddy. She was such an unselfish person who cared about the well-being of others more than her own interests.”

A few days after the crash, a Facebook page dedicated to Loftus was created. Currently, approximately 950 people have joined the page. In the page description it states: “Maddy will always be remembered for her love of life, wonderful personality, New Jersey attitude and her amazing smile. She will be forever missed and will always remain in our hearts.”

A memorial service for Loftus will be held in the SMU Gym on March 14.

Event warns against alcohol abuse

By Carrie Russell
Guest Writer

When students enter the Toner Student Center during the lunch hour March 16, they will be greeted by a variety of activities as part of Saint Mary’s University’s annual Safe and Sober Day.

Safe and Sober Day is intended to bring awareness to and educate students on the effects of binge drinking and driving while impaired.

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Officer Kevin Kearney, community liaison officer with the Winona Police Department, will promote alcohol awareness by offering students simulation experiences of excessive alcohol use and the effects it has on a body.

A Mothers Against Drunk Driving crash vehicle will be in the plaza to alert the SMU community of the dangers of drinking and driving. Red ribbons will be handed out to raise awareness and demonstrate a pledge never to drink and drive.

SMU’s student population scored above the national average in a Core Alcohol and Drug Survey conducted by the SIUC/Core Institute.

When students were asked if they had participated in binge drinking in the previous two weeks, the results indicated 59 percent of students admitted to binging, compared to the national average of about 46 percent. The same survey revealed that 93 percent of male students and 83 percent of female students at SMU said they saw drinking as central to their social life.

Students were also questioned on the reasons why they use alcohol. Some of the main reasons given were that it gives people something to do, breaks the ice, enhances social activity, is something to talk about and facilitates a connection with peers.

The SMU community is working hard to lower these numbers through events such as Safe and Sober Day.

Club hosts poverty awareness event

By Robby McGuire
Cardinal Staff


“Engage: Poverty,” an event targeted at promoting awareness of poverty around the region, and around the world, will be held by the Peace and Justice Club Friday, March 20-22.

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“Poverty is an important issue because some people think it only happens in Africa or the developing countries of the world,” said freshman Marcy Mueller, a first-year member of the Peace and Justice Club. “But in reality, poverty is everywhere, even right here in Winona.”

The mission of the event is to “foster awareness of peace and justice in collaboration with the Saint Mary’s community by engaging the mind, heart, and body.”

The event will begin with a clothing sale from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. in Toner Student Center Room B. This will be followed by a Spoken word performance at 7 p.m. The clothing sale will resume Saturday during the same hours, and will be open Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Saturday’s schedule includes a Fair Trade Fair and the Habitat bake sale from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. A Hunger Banquet, which will demonstrate the distribution of wealth around the world, will take place in the cafeteria from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Julia Dinsmore will speak of her experiences of poverty at 3 p.m., and the day will end with a poverty documentary at 8 p.m.

Sunday will feature a 4:30 p.m. interfaith prayer service in collaboration with the Winona State Newman Center, SMU Coexist and Students for Life.

Mueller said, “We are having this “Engage: Poverty” weekend to spread the word about poverty and show others that we can help, we can make a difference.”

Any questions, comments, or ideas for “Engage: Poverty,” can be brought up at club meetings. Everyone is welcome.

Peace and Justice meets every Monday at 8 p.m. in Saint Mary’s Hall room 232.

School embraces changes

By Tamika Robinson
Feature Editor

Student-led protests against the Vietnam War, the addition of buildings such as the Gostomski Fieldhouse and Skemp Hall and playing hockey outdoors are some of the things that make up Saint Mary’s University’s past.

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The 1960s to the 1980s proved to be a time of transition for SMU. The once all-male college became co-ed in 1969, the physical appearance of SMU began to enhance with the addition of new buildings and modern facilities such as the Toner Center, also in 1969, and political speech began to have its voice on campus.

Some of today’s faculty and staff were around to witness those changes. Dr. William Crozier, history adjunct professor and university archivist, came to SMU in 1968. He began his career here as a history professor and recalled what SMU was like when he first came.

“(When the college was still all-male) the academics at that time were really terrific, not that they are bad now. (Students) didn’t have things like the Internet and iPod’s. They had to go out amongst themselves and to debate in class. It was a very lively and intellectual year,” said Crozier.

He also recalled when the Vietnam War began and the effect that had, particularly at SMU. “The Vietnam War was going on and that was kind of critical,” Crozier said. “There was a lot of strife about whether the war was just. There were a number of student movements, some pro-war and some anti-war.”

Students from the College of Saint Teresa and even faculty members participated in movements that wanted to destroy draft records, like the Anti-war Movement, which was strong at SMU. The Women’s Movement and the Civil Rights Movement also had strong influences on SMU at that time.

Throughout the history of SMU, some things have remained the same, like the student-teacher relationships and the expectation level of the teachers, said Dr. Marilyn Frost, associate dean of social/behavioral/computer sciences and psychology professor, who came to SMU in 1969 as a professor.

“There’s a spirit here that a lot of schools don’t have. There was at that time and there still is,” said Crozier.

Fun facts from the past

By Sarah McDonough
Cardinal Staff

While flipping through Saint Mary’s University yearbooks dating back to the 1980s, students can find how student life then differed from it now. Students might expect to see the Goldie Hawn hair and the ever-stylish huge, thick-framed glasses page after page, but there are a few things that could really catch someone by surprise.

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- There was a Greek Life. At one time, SMU had eight fraternities and sororities. Some of them were TKE, Alpha Delta Gamma and Alpha Kappa Psi. Alpha Kappa Psi was a business fraternity tha was known for great parties like the annual St. Patrick’s Day party and other socials they held.

- They lived where? Some student housing that underclassman and upperclassman alike enjoyed residing in were Aquinas (renamed Vlazny), Griffin Hall, 4th floor of Saint Mary’s Hall and “The White House”- a house on campus that at one time housed six people. Students who lived off campus were referred to as O.C.O.O.Ts (Off Campus Out Of Town).

- PROM! The annual Senior-Junior Prom was held off campus and was always a big hit. One year it was held in Rochester, Minn.

- The Cardinal Club was known as The Pub. Alcohol was served there to those of age (18 years old was the legal drinking age then). It was a safe way for students to have a place to drink without going off campus. Some events that were hosted there were Irish Pub Night and Alcohol Awareness Week.

-No Cardinals here! SMU’s mascot was once the Redman.

Saint Mary’s goes co-ed

By Ashley Acosta
Cardinal Staff

The 1960s brought many drastic social changes to the United States. The Vietnam War was in full swing, psychedelic music dominated the airwaves, Women’s Liberation was a household concept, hippie ideals overtook the youth and Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated.
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During this new age, Saint Mary’s College was searching for a new identity and looking for ways to grow and keep up with the times. In 1968, officials at Saint Mary’s acknowledged that its staff included female professors, but the student body was all-male. The college decided it was time for a transition to a co-ed institution.

The Saint Mary’s all-male campus was experiencing a decline in numbers. The challenge was to find ways to increase and expand the enrollment pool while still keeping up with a changing society. At that time, the college was affiliated with the College of Saint Teresa and Winona State University. Administrators concluded the best solution was to merge with the Saint Teresa all-female campus.

Saint Mary’s officials proposed integrating the campus to the Sisters of Saint Francis, who would ultimately make the decision on behalf of Saint Teresa.

After much discussion, the Sisters decided Saint Teresa was not ready to join forces with the all-male campus, and Saint Mary’s was back to square one.

A new proposal called for opening its admission to women, but this idea presented another concern. Officials worried that it would adversely impact the enrollment of its sister school. Saint Mary’s administration debated how to open enrollment to women without taking students from Saint Teresa.

Officials came up with a compromise. Saint Mary’s students would be able to take certain areas of study, such as nursing, elementary education and home economics, strictly at Saint Teresa while remaining official students of Saint Mary’s.

In December of 1968, the Saint Mary’s Board of Trustees
approved the new proposal that would allow admission of women as full-time students. Twenty-nine women attended Saint Mary’s that December with the full support of the faculty and staff.

Former history professor Dr. William Crozier supported integration of females. “The decision to admit (women) was a great one,” Crozier said. “Women changed the atmosphere, making it better. Women challenged the males academically in a sort of competitive way, making the education better for everyone.”

Women on campus not only resulted in a change of atmosphere, but also physical changes. There was need for additional housing, so the college renovated Skemp Residential Hall as well as Griffin Hall.

Since the first class in 1968, the enrollment of women has rapidly progressed. Throughout the 1970s, when most colleges experienced a severe decline in enrollment, Saint Mary’s saw a 20-percent increase.

By 1979, Saint Mary’s experienced record enrollment numbers with 1,200 students, half of those being female. From 1968 to 1979, women’s enrollment continued to increase, and today 53 percent of the Saint Mary’s student body is female. In the last four decades, Saint Mary’s has evolved from its initial 29 women to nearly 700.

Today, women play vital roles in academics, athletics, arts and student organizations and clubs.

Show captures audience’s feelings

By Tesla Rodriquez
Cardinal Staff

The Long Christmas Ride Home, directed by Saint Mary’s University student Sarah St. Laurent, tugged at the heartstrings of audiences on Feb. 26-28 and March 1-2.
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“There have been people who’ve cried,” said Nick Merkt, one of the pupeteers of the character named Stephen.

In the play, three of the characters were puppets. The three-foot tall puppets that were created for the play are called Bunraku puppets. Each puppet is controlled by two individuals, taking hours of practice and teamwork.

Normally, learning the art of the Bunraku puppets is something that is passed down through a Japanese family.

“People spend their whole lives learning what we crammed in a weekend,” said Jake Clapham, the other puppeteer who plays Stephen.

Although puppets would normally be left out of a play that is directed toward adults, these puppets brought the audience to a whole new level, introducing mature issues with comic figures.

The Long Christmas Ride Home deals with real-life adult issues that almost anyone can empathize with, from a husband who cheats on his wife and a mother who is jealous of her husband’s mistress to a boy with feminine desires.

“The audience is definitely taken on a rollercoaster ride,” said Merkt.

Annual benefit dance to be held March 28

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.
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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.

Art gallery features exhibit blending old, new media

By Maria Sullivan
Arts 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.
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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.

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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.

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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.

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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 Roth
Guest 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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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).

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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.
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*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.

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.