By Jessica LaCanne
Cardinal Staff
Saint Mary’s University’s English club, Mary’s University Students of English (MUSE), allows students to share their love of literature.
“MUSE is a great way for students to pursue interests in literature and writing,” said MUSE advisor Brooke Lenz, assistant professor of English. Meetings are open to all majors, and MUSE sponsors events such as poetry readings, student-led book discussions and a trip to the Guthrie Theatre in Minneapolis to see a Shakespeare play.
Part of MUSE is the Creative Writing Club, which meets Wednesdays at 8 p.m. in St. Mary’s Hall Room 232. Students are encouraged to bring what they have written to read out loud or listen to what others have written.
“Come one time, come every time, even if it’s just to listen,” said Theresa Breault, president of MUSE.
MUSE also publishes Mosaic, SMU’s annual literary magazine. Mosaic consists of pictures, poetry and other forms of student-produced art. All students are urged to submit their work to Mosaic as a way to get their voices heard. “We’re always on the lookout for more good ideas,” said Lenz.
The next meeting will take place 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 6, in St. Mary’s Hall Room 232. The first poetry reading of the year will be 8 p.m. Monday, Sept. 28, in the President’s Room.
Friday, September 25, 2009
Student Senate Election results
Gilmore Creek:
Robert Rousseau
Hillside:
Jake Rivet, Becca Sandager
Heffron:
Pam Stanton, Suzie Roth
Ek Family Village/ Watters:
Michelle Neitzke, Catherine McDonald
New Village:
Vanessa Grams, Danny Ward
LaSalle:
Phil Thomas
Off-Campus:
Shannon Guscetti, Joe O’Neil
Saint Benilde:
Brian Thomas, Robert Doyle
Saint Edward’s:
Shannon Nelson, Tina Wahl
Saint Joseph’s:
Yiyun Wang
Skemp:
Alex Hobart, Megan Campbell
Saint Yon’s:
Andy Bauer
Kelly Hall:
Mitchell Bechtold
Robert Rousseau
Hillside:
Jake Rivet, Becca Sandager
Heffron:
Pam Stanton, Suzie Roth
Ek Family Village/ Watters:
Michelle Neitzke, Catherine McDonald
New Village:
Vanessa Grams, Danny Ward
LaSalle:
Phil Thomas
Off-Campus:
Shannon Guscetti, Joe O’Neil
Saint Benilde:
Brian Thomas, Robert Doyle
Saint Edward’s:
Shannon Nelson, Tina Wahl
Saint Joseph’s:
Yiyun Wang
Skemp:
Alex Hobart, Megan Campbell
Saint Yon’s:
Andy Bauer
Kelly Hall:
Mitchell Bechtold
MinnPost founder talks about future of newspaper industry
By Lauren Rothering
Arts & Entertainment Editor
Joel Kramer, founder of MinnPost.com and former editor and publisher of the Star Tribune of Minneapolis, spoke about the declining newspaper industry and the coping mechanisms of journalists and readers on Sept. 15.
“The demand for news has not gone down,” said Kramer. “There are just so many different ways to get it.”
The variety of news sources is causing newspapers to lose profits, declare bankruptcy and, in some cases, fold completely. This situation is so severe, said Kramer, that in the past three years one in three newspapers have “gone under” because of financial trouble.
These circumstances are mostly the result of the loss of revenue from advertising, said Kramer. A newspaper typically only makes 15 to 20 percent of its profits from readers; the rest comes from advertising. During the past few years, said Kramer, companies who used to depend on newspapers as a main source of advertising have taken their business elsewhere, namely to Internet sites such as Google. Classified ads, once the main source of profit for newspapers, have been replaced by sites such as Craigslist. Department stores that used to take out full-page colored ads in newspapers now simply e-mail customers with new information and special offers.
“What pays the bills in journalism is advertising,” said Kramer. “This (lack of advertising) is basically the problem with all journalism today.”
Even worse than the failing newspaper industry, said Kramer, is public reaction, mostly the fact that “the public doesn’t seem to care all that much,” Kramer said. Public opinion of journalists and the news they produce has been steadily declining for years, said Kramer. According to Kramer, this has caused many newspapers to report on what they know will garner reader attention: celebrities. Even Kramer’s own MinnPost.com, an online newssource he claims is “a little bit elitist…and (geared toward) people who think,” experiences triple the normal “hits” for stories that mention political celebrity Congresswoman Michelle Bachman or Minnesota native Bob Dylan.
“There is a reason you get so much celebrity coverage in newspapers,” said Kramer. The practically guaranteed readership makes advertisers more willing to place ads.
Although traditional, professional journalism may be dying, Kramer argues that the outcome is not completely negative. Rising from the ruins of failed newspapers is a new league of citizen journalists, common people who use the Internet to comment on political, economic and societal issues said Kramer. Some critics believe that this “crowd wisdom” is getting people excited about the news again.
“It’s energizing, exciting,” said Kramer. “You don’t get that at the New York Times.”
Arts & Entertainment Editor
Joel Kramer, founder of MinnPost.com and former editor and publisher of the Star Tribune of Minneapolis, spoke about the declining newspaper industry and the coping mechanisms of journalists and readers on Sept. 15.
“The demand for news has not gone down,” said Kramer. “There are just so many different ways to get it.”
The variety of news sources is causing newspapers to lose profits, declare bankruptcy and, in some cases, fold completely. This situation is so severe, said Kramer, that in the past three years one in three newspapers have “gone under” because of financial trouble.
These circumstances are mostly the result of the loss of revenue from advertising, said Kramer. A newspaper typically only makes 15 to 20 percent of its profits from readers; the rest comes from advertising. During the past few years, said Kramer, companies who used to depend on newspapers as a main source of advertising have taken their business elsewhere, namely to Internet sites such as Google. Classified ads, once the main source of profit for newspapers, have been replaced by sites such as Craigslist. Department stores that used to take out full-page colored ads in newspapers now simply e-mail customers with new information and special offers.
“What pays the bills in journalism is advertising,” said Kramer. “This (lack of advertising) is basically the problem with all journalism today.”
Even worse than the failing newspaper industry, said Kramer, is public reaction, mostly the fact that “the public doesn’t seem to care all that much,” Kramer said. Public opinion of journalists and the news they produce has been steadily declining for years, said Kramer. According to Kramer, this has caused many newspapers to report on what they know will garner reader attention: celebrities. Even Kramer’s own MinnPost.com, an online newssource he claims is “a little bit elitist…and (geared toward) people who think,” experiences triple the normal “hits” for stories that mention political celebrity Congresswoman Michelle Bachman or Minnesota native Bob Dylan.
“There is a reason you get so much celebrity coverage in newspapers,” said Kramer. The practically guaranteed readership makes advertisers more willing to place ads.
Although traditional, professional journalism may be dying, Kramer argues that the outcome is not completely negative. Rising from the ruins of failed newspapers is a new league of citizen journalists, common people who use the Internet to comment on political, economic and societal issues said Kramer. Some critics believe that this “crowd wisdom” is getting people excited about the news again.
“It’s energizing, exciting,” said Kramer. “You don’t get that at the New York Times.”
Charron named chair of Minnesota State Arts Board
By Travis Fick
Managing Editor
Creating new programs to ensure that all Minnesotans have equal access to arts programs is a top priority for Michael Charron, Saint Mary’s University’s dean of the School of Arts, who was elected as the new chairman of the Minnesota State Arts Board.
“It was both exciting and sobering,” said Charron after he was elected chairman. “In Minnesota, people know that natural resources and the arts are a way of life.”
With the passage of the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment in 2008, the board will be given additional funds generated from an increase in the statewide sales tax. Charron said that before voters approved the amendment in 2008, the arts board had a budget of about $11 million. For 2009, the board’s budget is estimated to be around $30 million.
“It is a historically significant year for the arts and the arts board,” said Charron. “Last fall, the voters approved a constitutional amendment that would give a portion of the sale tax to support the arts in Minnesota.”
With additional funds, Charron said the board seeks to expand access programs to reach all ages, locations and ethnicities.
But with increased funding during an economic recession, Charron said he feels an extra sense of responsibility. “We need to use tax dollars responsibly, efficiently and effectively,” he said.
Charron said that everyone in Minnesota pays sales taxes, and that knowledge will be a constant reminder that the board has a responsibility to meet the needs of a diverse group of constituents. “My dream is for an 80-year-old and an 8-year-old learning side-by-side in arts programs,” said Charron.
“The arts industry is an integral part of the economy,” said Charron. “For every dollar the government invests, they will get $11 back.”
The Minnesota State Arts Board is responsible for providing grants and services to individual artists and programs that support the arts. Charron said the board’s goal is to enrich the quality of life by making arts accessible, nurturing creative activities, encouraging the development of artistic expression and preserving the state’s diverse artistic heritage.
Charron was appointed by Gov. Tim Pawlenty, in 2008 to serve a four-year term representing Minnesota’s first congressional district on the board.
Managing Editor
Creating new programs to ensure that all Minnesotans have equal access to arts programs is a top priority for Michael Charron, Saint Mary’s University’s dean of the School of Arts, who was elected as the new chairman of the Minnesota State Arts Board.
“It was both exciting and sobering,” said Charron after he was elected chairman. “In Minnesota, people know that natural resources and the arts are a way of life.”
With the passage of the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment in 2008, the board will be given additional funds generated from an increase in the statewide sales tax. Charron said that before voters approved the amendment in 2008, the arts board had a budget of about $11 million. For 2009, the board’s budget is estimated to be around $30 million.
“It is a historically significant year for the arts and the arts board,” said Charron. “Last fall, the voters approved a constitutional amendment that would give a portion of the sale tax to support the arts in Minnesota.”
With additional funds, Charron said the board seeks to expand access programs to reach all ages, locations and ethnicities.
But with increased funding during an economic recession, Charron said he feels an extra sense of responsibility. “We need to use tax dollars responsibly, efficiently and effectively,” he said.
Charron said that everyone in Minnesota pays sales taxes, and that knowledge will be a constant reminder that the board has a responsibility to meet the needs of a diverse group of constituents. “My dream is for an 80-year-old and an 8-year-old learning side-by-side in arts programs,” said Charron.
“The arts industry is an integral part of the economy,” said Charron. “For every dollar the government invests, they will get $11 back.”
The Minnesota State Arts Board is responsible for providing grants and services to individual artists and programs that support the arts. Charron said the board’s goal is to enrich the quality of life by making arts accessible, nurturing creative activities, encouraging the development of artistic expression and preserving the state’s diverse artistic heritage.
Charron was appointed by Gov. Tim Pawlenty, in 2008 to serve a four-year term representing Minnesota’s first congressional district on the board.
New program provides WAYS to celebrate music
By Ryan Elliott
Cardinal Staff
A new program is giving children in Winona a chance to make new friends while enjoying the popular hobby of singing.
Winona Area Youth Singers (WAYS) is a program that Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts (MCA) is offering to help enhance the music experience for students in fourth to eighth grades. Students get a chance to learn more about singing than what is offered in their elementary or middle schools. This also gives students who take band in school the opportunity to sing as well.
The program was started last year by MCA at the Valencia Center. Last year, MCA charged a fee to join the WAYS program, but this year it is free. Last year there were 10 students who participated. This year about 20 to 25 singers showed up for “auditions.” Director Lindsy O’ Shea wanted to hear what their voices are like to see which voice sections to put them in: soprano, alto, tenor or bass.
This year, WAYS has a different theme of music each semester. During first semester, they are going to be working with folk music from around the world, ranging from folk music from the United States to Indian and African music. This allows students to learn about different styles of music besides what they hear over the radio. The first concert will be Dec. 6, at the Valencia Center. During the spring, WAYS will partner up with the chamber choir at Saint Mary’s University.
The WAYS program hopes to grow each year it stays in session. The program wants to be able to gather more elementary and middle school students every year. MCA hopes to eventually expand and offer individual lessons for piano, voice, saxophone and other instruments.
O’ Shea has one assistant, a sophomore at SMU, that will help her student teach. She said her assistant is open to even more volunteers and can never have too many.
For more information, contact O’Shea at loshea@smumn.edu.
Cardinal Staff
A new program is giving children in Winona a chance to make new friends while enjoying the popular hobby of singing.
Winona Area Youth Singers (WAYS) is a program that Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts (MCA) is offering to help enhance the music experience for students in fourth to eighth grades. Students get a chance to learn more about singing than what is offered in their elementary or middle schools. This also gives students who take band in school the opportunity to sing as well.
The program was started last year by MCA at the Valencia Center. Last year, MCA charged a fee to join the WAYS program, but this year it is free. Last year there were 10 students who participated. This year about 20 to 25 singers showed up for “auditions.” Director Lindsy O’ Shea wanted to hear what their voices are like to see which voice sections to put them in: soprano, alto, tenor or bass.
This year, WAYS has a different theme of music each semester. During first semester, they are going to be working with folk music from around the world, ranging from folk music from the United States to Indian and African music. This allows students to learn about different styles of music besides what they hear over the radio. The first concert will be Dec. 6, at the Valencia Center. During the spring, WAYS will partner up with the chamber choir at Saint Mary’s University.
The WAYS program hopes to grow each year it stays in session. The program wants to be able to gather more elementary and middle school students every year. MCA hopes to eventually expand and offer individual lessons for piano, voice, saxophone and other instruments.
O’ Shea has one assistant, a sophomore at SMU, that will help her student teach. She said her assistant is open to even more volunteers and can never have too many.
For more information, contact O’Shea at loshea@smumn.edu.
Guest performer fiddles around with poetry
By Tesla Rodriquez
Cardinal Staff
Using the same fiddle that he first began with, Ken Waldman sang various poems while playing his foot-tapping beat on the fiddle, on Sept 8.
Jesse Downs, a friend of Waldman’s, helped out with his fiddle and banjo. Waldman’s poems ranged from being funny and amusing to sad and thoughtful. One poem began, “Well I don’t drink, and I don’t smoke and I don’t pet no billy goat!” With his sayings, Waldman soon had the crowd chuckling at his jokes.
To go along with his amusing poems, there was a fair amount of serious poems to make the audience think. Some of Waldman’s poems dealt with issues he had faced in his home state of Alaska, such as fighting the cold and dealing with limited resources.
Waldman moved to Alaska in 1985, only four years after he began to play the fiddle at the age of 25. He actually came across his first fiddle when a stranger at a party was giving one away for free. He grabbed it and has enjoyed playing the fiddle ever since.
Waldman got the idea to combine poems and fiddling when he was asked to read one of his poems about playing the fiddle. Instead of reading about fiddling, he decided to do them both at once. Since then, Waldman has written six books of poetry and one children’s book, and he has recorded nine CDs.
Cardinal Staff
Using the same fiddle that he first began with, Ken Waldman sang various poems while playing his foot-tapping beat on the fiddle, on Sept 8.
Jesse Downs, a friend of Waldman’s, helped out with his fiddle and banjo. Waldman’s poems ranged from being funny and amusing to sad and thoughtful. One poem began, “Well I don’t drink, and I don’t smoke and I don’t pet no billy goat!” With his sayings, Waldman soon had the crowd chuckling at his jokes.
To go along with his amusing poems, there was a fair amount of serious poems to make the audience think. Some of Waldman’s poems dealt with issues he had faced in his home state of Alaska, such as fighting the cold and dealing with limited resources.
Waldman moved to Alaska in 1985, only four years after he began to play the fiddle at the age of 25. He actually came across his first fiddle when a stranger at a party was giving one away for free. He grabbed it and has enjoyed playing the fiddle ever since.
Waldman got the idea to combine poems and fiddling when he was asked to read one of his poems about playing the fiddle. Instead of reading about fiddling, he decided to do them both at once. Since then, Waldman has written six books of poetry and one children’s book, and he has recorded nine CDs.
Fallen Angels opens Family Weekend
By Meg Beerling
Cardinal Staff
Fallen Angels is “a delightfully naughty” story of infidelity brought out by humor. It’s the story of two best friends and their husbands, but mayhem occurs when best friends Jane and Julia find out that they both had an affair with a Frenchman, Maurice, before their marriages, and he is now coming to London to see them both.
Watch the chaos of this three-act play unfold Sept. 24-27 in the Joseph Page Theatre. With only four weeks to prepare, director Judy Myers said, “I have to treat our actors like professionals, and they’re doing wonderful.”
Having such a short period of time to prepare, “there is not a lot of time to play around and discover things; you have to go with what you know,” said Myers.
With a small cast and a huge crew, a lot of work has gone into putting on this play. Having to adjust to other events going on during Family Weekend and make set design, along with other aspects, unique to this play. “The plays aren’t usually sold out because of our large venue, but it’s a good idea to get tickets in advance,” said Myers.
Seniors Ali Fisch and Caitlin Murphy star opposite each other as the female leads in Fallen Angels. “They have such a great chemistry, and they trust each other so much that they make the play loveable and fun to watch,” said Myers. “They make it funny.”
“I’ve done roles in musicals before that tend to be on the lighter side, but it is such a joy being in a strict comedy,” said Fisch, who plays the role of Jane. Fallen Angels takes place in London, and Murphy said that the London exchange students helped her pick up the British accent, as well as her experiences studying abroad in London last semester.
The costumes for the show were designed by Murphy. “I designed the costumes over the summer before I was cast, so I had no idea I was going to be in the show I was designing for,” Murphy said. “It’s been a lot of fun and a lot of work, but it’s definitely very rewarding to see my drawing suddenly come to life on stage!”
For more about Fallen Angels, visit www.pagetheater.org.
Cardinal Staff
Fallen Angels is “a delightfully naughty” story of infidelity brought out by humor. It’s the story of two best friends and their husbands, but mayhem occurs when best friends Jane and Julia find out that they both had an affair with a Frenchman, Maurice, before their marriages, and he is now coming to London to see them both.
Watch the chaos of this three-act play unfold Sept. 24-27 in the Joseph Page Theatre. With only four weeks to prepare, director Judy Myers said, “I have to treat our actors like professionals, and they’re doing wonderful.”
Having such a short period of time to prepare, “there is not a lot of time to play around and discover things; you have to go with what you know,” said Myers.
With a small cast and a huge crew, a lot of work has gone into putting on this play. Having to adjust to other events going on during Family Weekend and make set design, along with other aspects, unique to this play. “The plays aren’t usually sold out because of our large venue, but it’s a good idea to get tickets in advance,” said Myers.
Seniors Ali Fisch and Caitlin Murphy star opposite each other as the female leads in Fallen Angels. “They have such a great chemistry, and they trust each other so much that they make the play loveable and fun to watch,” said Myers. “They make it funny.”
“I’ve done roles in musicals before that tend to be on the lighter side, but it is such a joy being in a strict comedy,” said Fisch, who plays the role of Jane. Fallen Angels takes place in London, and Murphy said that the London exchange students helped her pick up the British accent, as well as her experiences studying abroad in London last semester.
The costumes for the show were designed by Murphy. “I designed the costumes over the summer before I was cast, so I had no idea I was going to be in the show I was designing for,” Murphy said. “It’s been a lot of fun and a lot of work, but it’s definitely very rewarding to see my drawing suddenly come to life on stage!”
For more about Fallen Angels, visit www.pagetheater.org.
A & E around Winona
Compiled by Lauren Rothering
Arts & Entertainment Editor
Saturday, Oct. 3
Warrior Waddle 5k (run or walk)
8:00 am, Lake Winona
A $16.00 pre-registration includes t-shirt; registration is $13.00 with group of five or more. Pick up registration packets and information at the Edward Jones Office in Winona Mall Annex.
Oct.6-Mar.31
“Famous Names and Famous Places”
Minnesota Marine Art Museum
The display features the art of John Stobart, Roy Cross, Dusan Kadlec, and Marten Platje from the Burrichter/Kierlin Marine Art Collection. Admission $3 with student ID.
Sunday,Oct.11
Southern Pacific Steam Locomotive 4449 Fall Color Excursion
Amtrak Station
Take a day trip from Winona to La Crescent. Experience the High speed “Super Power” 4449 which travels 60-70 mph. A great way to enjoy the fall colors along the Mississippi River.
Sunday, Oct. 11
“Smaczne Jablka”
Noon-4pm, Polish Cultural Institute of Winona
Translated as “tasty apple,” Smaczne Jablka it is polish festival celebrating the apple. Apples, apple pie, bratwurst and other food items will be sold, Polish dancers will perform, and various vendors will offer their wares. There will also be a raffle for a week-long stay in a condo in Arizona.
Sunday, Oct. 11
“A Celebration of Words, Music, and Image”
7:30 pm, MN Marine Art Museum
“The river is a sinuous mirror, reflecting our stories from the deep folds of the land.” The concert will feature new music from Tim Britton, Janet and Eric Heukeshoven, Ariane Lydon, William Neil and Patrick O’Shea. Tickets are $20, $10 with student ID and are available at the door. A reception prepared by MyChef creation will follow the concert.
Oct. 15-18
“How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying”
Oct. 15-17 at 7:30 pm; Oct. 18 at 3:00 pm, WSU Performing Arts Center
“How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying” by Frank Loesser, Abe Burrows, Jack Weinstock, and Willie Gilbert will be presented by the Winona State University Theatre Department.
Arts & Entertainment Editor
Saturday, Oct. 3
Warrior Waddle 5k (run or walk)
8:00 am, Lake Winona
A $16.00 pre-registration includes t-shirt; registration is $13.00 with group of five or more. Pick up registration packets and information at the Edward Jones Office in Winona Mall Annex.
Oct.6-Mar.31
“Famous Names and Famous Places”
Minnesota Marine Art Museum
The display features the art of John Stobart, Roy Cross, Dusan Kadlec, and Marten Platje from the Burrichter/Kierlin Marine Art Collection. Admission $3 with student ID.
Sunday,Oct.11
Southern Pacific Steam Locomotive 4449 Fall Color Excursion
Amtrak Station
Take a day trip from Winona to La Crescent. Experience the High speed “Super Power” 4449 which travels 60-70 mph. A great way to enjoy the fall colors along the Mississippi River.
Sunday, Oct. 11
“Smaczne Jablka”
Noon-4pm, Polish Cultural Institute of Winona
Translated as “tasty apple,” Smaczne Jablka it is polish festival celebrating the apple. Apples, apple pie, bratwurst and other food items will be sold, Polish dancers will perform, and various vendors will offer their wares. There will also be a raffle for a week-long stay in a condo in Arizona.
Sunday, Oct. 11
“A Celebration of Words, Music, and Image”
7:30 pm, MN Marine Art Museum
“The river is a sinuous mirror, reflecting our stories from the deep folds of the land.” The concert will feature new music from Tim Britton, Janet and Eric Heukeshoven, Ariane Lydon, William Neil and Patrick O’Shea. Tickets are $20, $10 with student ID and are available at the door. A reception prepared by MyChef creation will follow the concert.
Oct. 15-18
“How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying”
Oct. 15-17 at 7:30 pm; Oct. 18 at 3:00 pm, WSU Performing Arts Center
“How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying” by Frank Loesser, Abe Burrows, Jack Weinstock, and Willie Gilbert will be presented by the Winona State University Theatre Department.
Visit Winona hits the net
By Echo Christian
Cardinal Staff
Small town tourism has gone online.
Visit Winona is a local organization whose goal is to promote year-long tourism in the Winona area. By promoting tourism, Visit Winona hopes to bring a positive economic impact to the area. In order to further its goal to reach the networking population, Visit Winona has now created accounts on Facebook and Twitter, open to anyone with an interest in the area.
News about events around Winona is updated daily on both sites and is available to fans and followers. These events range from bluff walks sponsored by the State Parks Naturalist Programs to gospel concerts put on by the residents of Winona.
In addition to event notifications, Visit Winona’s Facebook has many other links, including a photo album, links to other sites concerning the Winona area, and information for contacting Visit Winona staff. Through Facebook and Twitter, anyone can chat with other students, residents and tourists interested in the area around Saint Mary’s University.
Cardinal Staff
Small town tourism has gone online.
Visit Winona is a local organization whose goal is to promote year-long tourism in the Winona area. By promoting tourism, Visit Winona hopes to bring a positive economic impact to the area. In order to further its goal to reach the networking population, Visit Winona has now created accounts on Facebook and Twitter, open to anyone with an interest in the area.
News about events around Winona is updated daily on both sites and is available to fans and followers. These events range from bluff walks sponsored by the State Parks Naturalist Programs to gospel concerts put on by the residents of Winona.
In addition to event notifications, Visit Winona’s Facebook has many other links, including a photo album, links to other sites concerning the Winona area, and information for contacting Visit Winona staff. Through Facebook and Twitter, anyone can chat with other students, residents and tourists interested in the area around Saint Mary’s University.
Music Review: Bob Dylan and Can
By Benjamin Scott
Cardinal Staff
“Bob, what happened?” is the question that millions of people are asking themselves at this very moment while listening to Bob Dylan’s loud and atrocious album, “Highway 61 Revisited.” It seems Dylan has finally gone the way of so many of his contemporaries and sold out to the media. After crashing through possibly the most lyrically decrepit song ever created, “Like a Rolling Stone,” Dylan continues his electric epic for another eight songs. He finally ends on the aptly named song, “Desolation Row,” which could be a metaphor for his album. Do yourself a favor and avoid this record at all costs. You’d be better off spending your money on the latest Donavon record, seeing as how he has a much better musical future in store.
“You’re losing your vitamin C,” sings lead singer Damo Suzuki on Can’s breakthrough album, “Ege Bamyasi.” Often considered a leader in the progressive rock movement, this German band has broken all the standards of modern music. Can’s experimentation with dissonant guitars, repetitive rifts, and paranoid, psychedelic sounds accentuates the often improvised lyrics of Suzuki. When the needle reaches the record, you feel as if someone has taken chaos and infused it into a vinyl. If you haven’t picked up this record yet, you’re missing out on some of the most influential music of today.
Cardinal Staff
“Bob, what happened?” is the question that millions of people are asking themselves at this very moment while listening to Bob Dylan’s loud and atrocious album, “Highway 61 Revisited.” It seems Dylan has finally gone the way of so many of his contemporaries and sold out to the media. After crashing through possibly the most lyrically decrepit song ever created, “Like a Rolling Stone,” Dylan continues his electric epic for another eight songs. He finally ends on the aptly named song, “Desolation Row,” which could be a metaphor for his album. Do yourself a favor and avoid this record at all costs. You’d be better off spending your money on the latest Donavon record, seeing as how he has a much better musical future in store.
“You’re losing your vitamin C,” sings lead singer Damo Suzuki on Can’s breakthrough album, “Ege Bamyasi.” Often considered a leader in the progressive rock movement, this German band has broken all the standards of modern music. Can’s experimentation with dissonant guitars, repetitive rifts, and paranoid, psychedelic sounds accentuates the often improvised lyrics of Suzuki. When the needle reaches the record, you feel as if someone has taken chaos and infused it into a vinyl. If you haven’t picked up this record yet, you’re missing out on some of the most influential music of today.
The coaches’ take on fall sports previews
Compiled by Alex Conover
Sports Editor
Women’s Volleyball
2008 record: 19-13 (6th in the MIAC)
Key returners: Jessica Mate, Amy Kujak, Brittany Cherwinka, Sarah Gardner, Jessica Larson, Courtney Runge
Coach’s outlook: “There’s no question in my mind we have the talent and the ability to be considered among the top teams in the conference this season but we are going to have to be at our very best day-in and day-out in order to achieve that level of success.” – Head Coach Mike Lester
Men’s Soccer
2008 record: 4-13-1 (10th in the MIAC)
Key returners: Jon Szafranski, Jermaine Walker, Steve Boussie
Coach’s outlook: “Once we get into the conference schedule, we play three of the four top teams in the MIAC. If we’re in the hunt for a playoff spot, that will be great considering where we came from last year.”
– Assistant Coach Matt Perrigo
Women’s Soccer
2008 record: 5-12-1 (12th in the MIAC)
Key returners: Mariana Sanchez, Keirra Metcalfe, Stephanie Marnocha, Dana Winkler, Lauren Mazzuca, Amy Sibik
Coach’s outlook: “We’re taking it one game at a time. We’re pleased with the start, and we’re definitely ahead of where we were last year. It’s been a great team effort this year; I think we’ve got a lot more cohesion as a team.” – Assistant Coach Jeff Halberg
Men’s Cross Country
2008 MIAC finish: 10th
Key returners: David Feather, Robby McGuire, Quentin Moore, John Vallez, Michael Mockler
Coach’s outlook: “This team has a lot of talent on it and has strong leadership in its captains (John Vallez and Quentin Moore), which makes this the strongest men’s CC team in recent history. The incoming freshman class has added a great deal of depth and talent.” – Head Coach Ward Berndt
Women’s Cross Country
2008 MIAC finish: 10th
Key returners: Emily Dee, Rachel Folan, Ashley Acosta, Brittany Kuehn, Danielle Miller
Coach’s outlook: “The women’s team has a great nucleus of talent with college-level experience, and they have all really worked well together. They have a strong ability to move up in the conference and run for All-MIAC positions.” – Head Coach Ward Berndt
Men’s and Women’s Golf
2008 MIAC finish: 9th (men) and 8th (Women)
Key returners: Tony Hynes, Rob Klein, Gia Puch, Katelyn Rizzi, Brittney Nielsen
Coach’s outlook: “Both teams have strong returning players with experience and talented underclassmen who we expect to help out.” – Head Coach Jeff Stangl
Sports Editor
Women’s Volleyball
2008 record: 19-13 (6th in the MIAC)
Key returners: Jessica Mate, Amy Kujak, Brittany Cherwinka, Sarah Gardner, Jessica Larson, Courtney Runge
Coach’s outlook: “There’s no question in my mind we have the talent and the ability to be considered among the top teams in the conference this season but we are going to have to be at our very best day-in and day-out in order to achieve that level of success.” – Head Coach Mike Lester
Men’s Soccer
2008 record: 4-13-1 (10th in the MIAC)
Key returners: Jon Szafranski, Jermaine Walker, Steve Boussie
Coach’s outlook: “Once we get into the conference schedule, we play three of the four top teams in the MIAC. If we’re in the hunt for a playoff spot, that will be great considering where we came from last year.”
– Assistant Coach Matt Perrigo
Women’s Soccer
2008 record: 5-12-1 (12th in the MIAC)
Key returners: Mariana Sanchez, Keirra Metcalfe, Stephanie Marnocha, Dana Winkler, Lauren Mazzuca, Amy Sibik
Coach’s outlook: “We’re taking it one game at a time. We’re pleased with the start, and we’re definitely ahead of where we were last year. It’s been a great team effort this year; I think we’ve got a lot more cohesion as a team.” – Assistant Coach Jeff Halberg
Men’s Cross Country
2008 MIAC finish: 10th
Key returners: David Feather, Robby McGuire, Quentin Moore, John Vallez, Michael Mockler
Coach’s outlook: “This team has a lot of talent on it and has strong leadership in its captains (John Vallez and Quentin Moore), which makes this the strongest men’s CC team in recent history. The incoming freshman class has added a great deal of depth and talent.” – Head Coach Ward Berndt
Women’s Cross Country
2008 MIAC finish: 10th
Key returners: Emily Dee, Rachel Folan, Ashley Acosta, Brittany Kuehn, Danielle Miller
Coach’s outlook: “The women’s team has a great nucleus of talent with college-level experience, and they have all really worked well together. They have a strong ability to move up in the conference and run for All-MIAC positions.” – Head Coach Ward Berndt
Men’s and Women’s Golf
2008 MIAC finish: 9th (men) and 8th (Women)
Key returners: Tony Hynes, Rob Klein, Gia Puch, Katelyn Rizzi, Brittney Nielsen
Coach’s outlook: “Both teams have strong returning players with experience and talented underclassmen who we expect to help out.” – Head Coach Jeff Stangl
Cardinal Profiles: Quentin Moore and Gia Puch
By Andrea Allis
Cardinal Staff
What made you decide on SMU as your college choice?
Quentin Moore (cross country): I chose SMU because of the closeness of the small community and the solid education program. I also knew I wanted to continue running after high school, and SMU provided me with that chance. And I thought the bluffs were awesome too.
Gia Puch (golf): I decided on SMU because I am a very outdoorsy person, so the bluffs attracted me right away. I also like the small class sizes and the atmosphere that the community brings, not to mention a chance to play sports!
What is your favorite part about SMU athletics?
Quentin: My favorite part about SMU athletics is how close we all are as a team. I have made some great friends running track and cross country here. I think that Saint Mary’s is an awesome place to develop as an athlete.
Gia: My favorite thing about SMU athletics is the relationships I have with all my teammates and coaches, the intensity of the competitions and the free food.
What is your favorite athletics moment?
Quentin: My favorite athletics moment was at the 2009 MIAC Indoor Track and Field Championships. I ran the mile leg of the Distance Medley Relay with Benton Kodet, John Vallez and Curt VanAsten. We ended up taking 5th (after hoping to take 8th) and it was one of the coolest, most fun races I have ever been a part of.
Gia: My favorite athletics moment was making a buzzer-beater shot to win a basketball championship game by one point while the whole school was watching.
Who is your favorite professional athlete?
Quentin: My favorite professional athlete is Lance Armstrong. That guy has more guts and determination than any other athlete I’ve seen. Not everybody can overcome cancer. He did, and has won the Tour de France seven times.
Gia: My favorite professional athlete is Adam Burish from the Chicago Blackhawks because of his work ethic.
Cardinal Staff
What made you decide on SMU as your college choice?
Quentin Moore (cross country): I chose SMU because of the closeness of the small community and the solid education program. I also knew I wanted to continue running after high school, and SMU provided me with that chance. And I thought the bluffs were awesome too.
Gia Puch (golf): I decided on SMU because I am a very outdoorsy person, so the bluffs attracted me right away. I also like the small class sizes and the atmosphere that the community brings, not to mention a chance to play sports!
What is your favorite part about SMU athletics?
Quentin: My favorite part about SMU athletics is how close we all are as a team. I have made some great friends running track and cross country here. I think that Saint Mary’s is an awesome place to develop as an athlete.
Gia: My favorite thing about SMU athletics is the relationships I have with all my teammates and coaches, the intensity of the competitions and the free food.
What is your favorite athletics moment?
Quentin: My favorite athletics moment was at the 2009 MIAC Indoor Track and Field Championships. I ran the mile leg of the Distance Medley Relay with Benton Kodet, John Vallez and Curt VanAsten. We ended up taking 5th (after hoping to take 8th) and it was one of the coolest, most fun races I have ever been a part of.
Gia: My favorite athletics moment was making a buzzer-beater shot to win a basketball championship game by one point while the whole school was watching.
Who is your favorite professional athlete?
Quentin: My favorite professional athlete is Lance Armstrong. That guy has more guts and determination than any other athlete I’ve seen. Not everybody can overcome cancer. He did, and has won the Tour de France seven times.
Gia: My favorite professional athlete is Adam Burish from the Chicago Blackhawks because of his work ethic.
Students offer Pro and Con re: Favre as a Viking
By Jared Jacobs
Cardinal Staff
After an entire offseason of conflicting news reports, the Minnesota Vikings made one of the most controversial free agent signings in NFL history when they signed Brett Favre, the future Hall of Fame quarterback of their hated rivals, the Green Bay Packers.
This move has left many Viking fans wondering, “Does adding a soon-to-be 40-year-old quarterback really make us a better team?” After all, most of us have spent the last 15 years hating his successes, cheering every time he threw an interception and using any excuse to convince ourselves he really isn’t that good. However, Brett Favre, while not the three-time MVP-quality player he once was, brings more skill and knowledge of the quarterback position than any other signal-caller on the Vikings roster.
Last year the Vikings featured a dynamic running game headed up by the league’s most feared running back. However, the complete lack of production generated by the passing game allowed opposing defenses to consistently stack extra defenders near the line of scrimmage, limiting the effectiveness and consistency of the Vikings’ rushing attack. The extra defenders committed to stopping Adrian “All Day” Peterson opened up holes in the secondary that Tavaris Jackson and Gus Frerotte were incapable of taking advantage of. Although Favre’s physical abilities may not be what they used to, he still has a strong arm and intangible skills (experience, vision and a complete understanding of the west coast offense). \Instead of having to make plays and score points against defenses expecting him to throw 30 to 40 times per game, Favre has the luxury of relying on the best running game he’s played with in his entire career. All of this allows Favre to use his superior field vision and mastery of the west coast offense to find open targets while minimizing the risky throws that he has had to attempt while playing for pass-heavy offenses.
Favre has already shown the benefits of his experience in his first game as a Viking, where he managed the game efficiently 14/21 passes completed 66.7%, one touchdown and zero interceptions, while allowing Adrian Peterson to punish the Cleveland defense.
If Favre continues to see eight-man defensive fronts, he will be able to easily pick apart opposing defenses for first down yardage and march the Vikings offense up and down the field all day. However, if opposing defenses are foolish enough to consistently drop the safety back into coverage, Peterson will have a great chance at breaking his own NFL single game record of 296 rushing yards as he gashes through defenses unable to deal with his lethal combination of speed and power.
Favre’s presence in purple makes this offense more multi-dimensional, and it makes our entire team better. This should make even the most devoted Favre haters welcome him to Minnesota with open arms.
_____________________________________________________________________
By Alex Conover
Sports Editor
Once upon a time, there was a little boy growing up in the mid-1990s. His hero was Brett Favre, the conqueror of any villain - especially the Minnesota Vikings. It seemed like whenever the boy’s team was about to lose, Favre could put the squad on his back and carry them to a comeback victory. Like the rest of “Packer Nation,” the little boy rejoiced when Favre brought them their first Super Bowl title in 29 years. The boy’s mind was put at ease in 2001 when Favre signed a 10-year extension, “ensuring” that he would be a Packer for life.
I’ve grown up a lot since then, and I’ve removed the wool that was over my eyes. As much as Brett meant to me as a child, I have realized that he isn’t much different from the other overpaid superstars. Much like Terrell Owens or Brandon Marshall, Favre is greedy, selfish and a spotlight fiend. How many times will he thrust his name into the national conversation with his constant retirement/comeback musings? Is there nothing holy in the game of football when Brett cries and whines his way onto the Minnesota Vikings, his sworn enemies for 16 years? I want to lose my lunch every time I see him in purple.
For those that believe Green Bay never should have “ditched” Favre, think again. Sure, he was a great quarterback for the packers for a decade and a half, but you can never let a player become bigger than the team itself. Favre was trying to pressure the front office to make trades for all sorts of players, namely Randy Moss and Tony Gonzalez. He also put the team in upheaval every offseason since 2004 with his retirement threats that usually wouldn’t be resolved until it was almost too late. With a great quarterback Aaron Rodgers waiting in the wings, why not get rid of the diva? The general manager of the Packers, Ted Thompson made a difficult decision in rejecting Favre’s bid to reclaim his starting spot in the summer of 2008. Thompson offered a chance to compete for the starting role with Rodgers, but that wasn’t good enough for “Lord Favre.” Green Bay is a professional organization that cannot afford to wait around for a declining legend, so they made the tough and correct decision.
Meanwhile, I really like Aaron Rodgers. He had a Pro Bowl-caliber year in 2008, throwing for 28 touchdowns and a 93.8 passer rating, third-best in the NFC. He’s a good leader, an efficient and smart quarterback and he doesn’t whine for attention. What’s not to like? With a receiving corps that is better than any that Favre had, I really don’t miss the diva. In fact, I am relishing the chance to put him in his place on Nov. 1, when he has to face his former Lambeau faithful. I’m anticipating a Green Bay win with plenty of booing on the side.
Cardinal Staff
After an entire offseason of conflicting news reports, the Minnesota Vikings made one of the most controversial free agent signings in NFL history when they signed Brett Favre, the future Hall of Fame quarterback of their hated rivals, the Green Bay Packers.
This move has left many Viking fans wondering, “Does adding a soon-to-be 40-year-old quarterback really make us a better team?” After all, most of us have spent the last 15 years hating his successes, cheering every time he threw an interception and using any excuse to convince ourselves he really isn’t that good. However, Brett Favre, while not the three-time MVP-quality player he once was, brings more skill and knowledge of the quarterback position than any other signal-caller on the Vikings roster.
Last year the Vikings featured a dynamic running game headed up by the league’s most feared running back. However, the complete lack of production generated by the passing game allowed opposing defenses to consistently stack extra defenders near the line of scrimmage, limiting the effectiveness and consistency of the Vikings’ rushing attack. The extra defenders committed to stopping Adrian “All Day” Peterson opened up holes in the secondary that Tavaris Jackson and Gus Frerotte were incapable of taking advantage of. Although Favre’s physical abilities may not be what they used to, he still has a strong arm and intangible skills (experience, vision and a complete understanding of the west coast offense). \Instead of having to make plays and score points against defenses expecting him to throw 30 to 40 times per game, Favre has the luxury of relying on the best running game he’s played with in his entire career. All of this allows Favre to use his superior field vision and mastery of the west coast offense to find open targets while minimizing the risky throws that he has had to attempt while playing for pass-heavy offenses.
Favre has already shown the benefits of his experience in his first game as a Viking, where he managed the game efficiently 14/21 passes completed 66.7%, one touchdown and zero interceptions, while allowing Adrian Peterson to punish the Cleveland defense.
If Favre continues to see eight-man defensive fronts, he will be able to easily pick apart opposing defenses for first down yardage and march the Vikings offense up and down the field all day. However, if opposing defenses are foolish enough to consistently drop the safety back into coverage, Peterson will have a great chance at breaking his own NFL single game record of 296 rushing yards as he gashes through defenses unable to deal with his lethal combination of speed and power.
Favre’s presence in purple makes this offense more multi-dimensional, and it makes our entire team better. This should make even the most devoted Favre haters welcome him to Minnesota with open arms.
_____________________________________________________________________
By Alex Conover
Sports Editor
Once upon a time, there was a little boy growing up in the mid-1990s. His hero was Brett Favre, the conqueror of any villain - especially the Minnesota Vikings. It seemed like whenever the boy’s team was about to lose, Favre could put the squad on his back and carry them to a comeback victory. Like the rest of “Packer Nation,” the little boy rejoiced when Favre brought them their first Super Bowl title in 29 years. The boy’s mind was put at ease in 2001 when Favre signed a 10-year extension, “ensuring” that he would be a Packer for life.
I’ve grown up a lot since then, and I’ve removed the wool that was over my eyes. As much as Brett meant to me as a child, I have realized that he isn’t much different from the other overpaid superstars. Much like Terrell Owens or Brandon Marshall, Favre is greedy, selfish and a spotlight fiend. How many times will he thrust his name into the national conversation with his constant retirement/comeback musings? Is there nothing holy in the game of football when Brett cries and whines his way onto the Minnesota Vikings, his sworn enemies for 16 years? I want to lose my lunch every time I see him in purple.
For those that believe Green Bay never should have “ditched” Favre, think again. Sure, he was a great quarterback for the packers for a decade and a half, but you can never let a player become bigger than the team itself. Favre was trying to pressure the front office to make trades for all sorts of players, namely Randy Moss and Tony Gonzalez. He also put the team in upheaval every offseason since 2004 with his retirement threats that usually wouldn’t be resolved until it was almost too late. With a great quarterback Aaron Rodgers waiting in the wings, why not get rid of the diva? The general manager of the Packers, Ted Thompson made a difficult decision in rejecting Favre’s bid to reclaim his starting spot in the summer of 2008. Thompson offered a chance to compete for the starting role with Rodgers, but that wasn’t good enough for “Lord Favre.” Green Bay is a professional organization that cannot afford to wait around for a declining legend, so they made the tough and correct decision.
Meanwhile, I really like Aaron Rodgers. He had a Pro Bowl-caliber year in 2008, throwing for 28 touchdowns and a 93.8 passer rating, third-best in the NFC. He’s a good leader, an efficient and smart quarterback and he doesn’t whine for attention. What’s not to like? With a receiving corps that is better than any that Favre had, I really don’t miss the diva. In fact, I am relishing the chance to put him in his place on Nov. 1, when he has to face his former Lambeau faithful. I’m anticipating a Green Bay win with plenty of booing on the side.
Conover’s Column: A new year for athletics
By Alex Conover
Sports Editor
A new academic year brings a new round of Cardinal athletics to campus. Although Saint Mary’s University sports were admittedly sub-par last year, there are plenty of reasons to be optimistic in 2009-2010 if you’re a Cardinal fan:
- After starting up to nine freshmen two years ago, the men’s soccer team finally has some seniority; this year’s roster has ten juniors and seniors, and there are no freshmen in the starting lineup. The women’s soccer team returns plenty of upperclassmen as well, most notably potent goal-scorer junior Amy Sibik and goalkeeper senior Mariana Sanchez.
- The most successful athletics team from last year, women’s volleyball, is returning nearly their entire starting lineup. The squad earned a MIAC playoff berth with its sixth-place finish in 2008.
- The men’s and women’s track and field programs will benefit from their first full year of track usage as both a recruiting tool and a facility upgrade.
- The men’s basketball team will continue to rise with the help of juniors Will Wright and Lukas Holland. As sophomores, the duo finished third and fourth overall in MIAC scoring, respectively. Second-year coach Todd Landrum will also benefit from his first full recruiting effort.
- Swimmer John Fox returns for his senior year as SMU’s first national championship qualifier. He also set five school records in last season’s MIAC championships.
The MIAC is a conference dictated by upperclassmen. Besides the teams named above, plenty of other Cardinal athletic squads return a good number of juniors and seniors. Here’s to finally starting the winning trend on campus!
Sports Editor
A new academic year brings a new round of Cardinal athletics to campus. Although Saint Mary’s University sports were admittedly sub-par last year, there are plenty of reasons to be optimistic in 2009-2010 if you’re a Cardinal fan:
- After starting up to nine freshmen two years ago, the men’s soccer team finally has some seniority; this year’s roster has ten juniors and seniors, and there are no freshmen in the starting lineup. The women’s soccer team returns plenty of upperclassmen as well, most notably potent goal-scorer junior Amy Sibik and goalkeeper senior Mariana Sanchez.
- The most successful athletics team from last year, women’s volleyball, is returning nearly their entire starting lineup. The squad earned a MIAC playoff berth with its sixth-place finish in 2008.
- The men’s and women’s track and field programs will benefit from their first full year of track usage as both a recruiting tool and a facility upgrade.
- The men’s basketball team will continue to rise with the help of juniors Will Wright and Lukas Holland. As sophomores, the duo finished third and fourth overall in MIAC scoring, respectively. Second-year coach Todd Landrum will also benefit from his first full recruiting effort.
- Swimmer John Fox returns for his senior year as SMU’s first national championship qualifier. He also set five school records in last season’s MIAC championships.
The MIAC is a conference dictated by upperclassmen. Besides the teams named above, plenty of other Cardinal athletic squads return a good number of juniors and seniors. Here’s to finally starting the winning trend on campus!
New stadium is home for sports teams
By Amy Wulff
Cardinal Staff
The new soccer/track complex on the western side of campus that was erected last year is now in its first full season of use as the “Cardinal” home turf. This recent addition to the Saint Mary’s University landscape has added vitality the university had previously been missing. This state-of-the-art complex will be used as the home field for soccer, track and field, intramural soccer and pick-up soccer and club lacrosse.
“It is a spectacular scene if you are coming to campus from the west on either Hwy. 14 or Gilmore Valley Road,” said track Head Coach Shawn McMahon. “It is a very substantial visual draw that sends a great message to anyone coming into Saint Mary’s — whether or not they’re even interested in athletics.”
Soccer and track coaches said that the new complex has made a positive difference in recruiting. “We always encourage recruits to envision themselves playing on our field,” said women’s soccer Head Coach Eric Zimmerman.
Things look even more promising for track and field uses. “Events we host on the track — collegiate and scholastic — give lots of positive visibility to the university, and since track and field meets are such large events, it is one of the best ways to get hundreds of high school athletes from the region on our campus,” said McMahon.
Prior to last year, soccer teams were playing their home games at WSU.
“It was terrible, there was purple everywhere,” said men’s soccer Head Coach Chris Dembiec.
“The new complex gives our soccer teams a new type of home-field advantage, and when we play night games, the picturesque placement of the school and the red and white field all lit up gives you an almost magical feeling,” said Zimmerman.
The new complex will host the MIAC Outdoor Track and Field Championships for the first time this spring.
Cardinal Staff
The new soccer/track complex on the western side of campus that was erected last year is now in its first full season of use as the “Cardinal” home turf. This recent addition to the Saint Mary’s University landscape has added vitality the university had previously been missing. This state-of-the-art complex will be used as the home field for soccer, track and field, intramural soccer and pick-up soccer and club lacrosse.
“It is a spectacular scene if you are coming to campus from the west on either Hwy. 14 or Gilmore Valley Road,” said track Head Coach Shawn McMahon. “It is a very substantial visual draw that sends a great message to anyone coming into Saint Mary’s — whether or not they’re even interested in athletics.”
Soccer and track coaches said that the new complex has made a positive difference in recruiting. “We always encourage recruits to envision themselves playing on our field,” said women’s soccer Head Coach Eric Zimmerman.
Things look even more promising for track and field uses. “Events we host on the track — collegiate and scholastic — give lots of positive visibility to the university, and since track and field meets are such large events, it is one of the best ways to get hundreds of high school athletes from the region on our campus,” said McMahon.
Prior to last year, soccer teams were playing their home games at WSU.
“It was terrible, there was purple everywhere,” said men’s soccer Head Coach Chris Dembiec.
“The new complex gives our soccer teams a new type of home-field advantage, and when we play night games, the picturesque placement of the school and the red and white field all lit up gives you an almost magical feeling,” said Zimmerman.
The new complex will host the MIAC Outdoor Track and Field Championships for the first time this spring.
From the world to you: Student summarizes current events
By Amy Wulff
Cardinal Staff
When school is in session, it can be hard to keep up on current events while studying, working and hanging out all the time. That is why I’ve sifted through news source after news source to come up with current events that have had a great impact on the world both in the past and present and probably the future too. Knowing about these things is important as a citizen of this ever- globalizing ‘community.’
Recently, a wave of unrest has swept the Latin American country of Venezuela due to a number of restrictions imposed by Hugo Chavez’s increasingly dictatorial government. Included in these restrictions were plans to shut down television stations that broadcast opinions that conflicted with Chavez’s. Now, Venezuela has popped back onto the radar with two very striking and somewhat worrying events. First, Venezuela has “signed an agreement to export 20,000 barrels per day of gasoline to Iran… boosting Tehran’s defiance of looming Western threats of fuel sanctions if it doesn’t suspend its key uranium enrichment program,” according to an article on Fox News’ website on Sept. 7, 2009. This agreement was recently signed when Chavez was in Iran, “deepening ties with Iran and to stand together against the imperialist powers of the world.” Then, on Sept. 14, 2009, CNN published an article highlighting a recent arms deal between Russia and Venezuela to the tune of 2.2 billion dollars. Apparently, according to the article, Chavez is procuring close to 100 Soviet-era tanks, some short-range missiles and “an anti-aircraft weapons system with a range of 185 miles,” to “improve morale among Venezuela’s troops.”
At this point, fellow Americans, I think we should be a little worried.
In news that might hit closer to home (for the time being, that is): France’s lower house of parliament has recently passed a bill in an effort to curb Internet piracy. According to My Way News on Sept. 15, 2009, the bill includes measures such that repeat offenders could face charges including the loss of internet and pricey fines. “The Culture Ministry has estimated that 1,000 French Internet users a day could see their Internet connections cut for up to a year,” and face fines up to $435,000, the article says. However, in order for this law to take effect (and be enforceable), “Internet subscribers would be asked to install special software to enable authorities to track down and identify those suspected of illegal downloads.” How does France expect its population, nevermind the certain demographic downloading illegally, to play along? Maybe the next generation of computers could come with software installed, but until then, I think the French government is out of luck. We’ll see if this legislation makes its way across the pond and how it could possibly be enforced in the future. Until then, there is a world outside of Winona; be part of it!
Cardinal Staff
When school is in session, it can be hard to keep up on current events while studying, working and hanging out all the time. That is why I’ve sifted through news source after news source to come up with current events that have had a great impact on the world both in the past and present and probably the future too. Knowing about these things is important as a citizen of this ever- globalizing ‘community.’
Recently, a wave of unrest has swept the Latin American country of Venezuela due to a number of restrictions imposed by Hugo Chavez’s increasingly dictatorial government. Included in these restrictions were plans to shut down television stations that broadcast opinions that conflicted with Chavez’s. Now, Venezuela has popped back onto the radar with two very striking and somewhat worrying events. First, Venezuela has “signed an agreement to export 20,000 barrels per day of gasoline to Iran… boosting Tehran’s defiance of looming Western threats of fuel sanctions if it doesn’t suspend its key uranium enrichment program,” according to an article on Fox News’ website on Sept. 7, 2009. This agreement was recently signed when Chavez was in Iran, “deepening ties with Iran and to stand together against the imperialist powers of the world.” Then, on Sept. 14, 2009, CNN published an article highlighting a recent arms deal between Russia and Venezuela to the tune of 2.2 billion dollars. Apparently, according to the article, Chavez is procuring close to 100 Soviet-era tanks, some short-range missiles and “an anti-aircraft weapons system with a range of 185 miles,” to “improve morale among Venezuela’s troops.”
At this point, fellow Americans, I think we should be a little worried.
In news that might hit closer to home (for the time being, that is): France’s lower house of parliament has recently passed a bill in an effort to curb Internet piracy. According to My Way News on Sept. 15, 2009, the bill includes measures such that repeat offenders could face charges including the loss of internet and pricey fines. “The Culture Ministry has estimated that 1,000 French Internet users a day could see their Internet connections cut for up to a year,” and face fines up to $435,000, the article says. However, in order for this law to take effect (and be enforceable), “Internet subscribers would be asked to install special software to enable authorities to track down and identify those suspected of illegal downloads.” How does France expect its population, nevermind the certain demographic downloading illegally, to play along? Maybe the next generation of computers could come with software installed, but until then, I think the French government is out of luck. We’ll see if this legislation makes its way across the pond and how it could possibly be enforced in the future. Until then, there is a world outside of Winona; be part of it!
Dear Angel
Dear Angel (I think my roomie has the flu!),
I think my roommate has H1N1, but she won’t go in to get tested for it. I’ve heard that you can get really sick and that there is a shot that can protect me. Where can I get it? Don’t you think my roommate should go home until she is better?
Signed,
Worried Roommate
Dear Worried,
There is a lot of hype going around about the H1N1 virus, and while some individuals can become very ill, the majority of people who have contracted this virus recover without incident.
This particular virus has a few specific symptoms:
•H1N1 MUST include a fever > 100 degrees Fahrenheit AND a cough and/or sore throat.
•Individuals with another diagnosis (i.e. strep throat, bronchitis, mono) would NOT be considered to be infected with the H1N1 virus.
•Individuals with a fever but with no sore throat or cough (even if they have other symptoms) would NOT be considered to have the H1N1 virus.
•Some people will also have upset stomach, diarrhea and body aches.
•Usually, the onset of this infection is very sudden.
If your roommate has these symptoms, please suggest she call Student Health (Ext. 1492), and ask to speak directly to one of the nurses (Angel or Julie). We will discuss her symptoms and treatment options. If we determine that she needs to be seen in our office, we will arrange a time for her to come in.
Testing for H1N1 is not done unless the person is ill enough to be hospitalized or has a serious chronic health disorder, such as severe asthma or other lung problems, diabetes, Crohns’ disease, immune disorders etc.
Students we identify as potentially having this virus will be expected to follow the Center for Disease Control guidelines for self-isolation (no work or school and limited contact with others until fever-free for 24 hours without the use of medication such as Tylenol). We will work with her faculty to ensure that they are aware of the need for your roommate to remain out of class. We will also coordinate food and other needs as they arise.
We are not requiring students to leave campus with this infection, but students who live close enough to go home without the use of public transportation would be encouraged to do so.
A vaccine for the H1N1 virus is expected to be available in the coming weeks. It will be provided first to individuals who are considered high risk — pregnant women, individuals with chronic health conditions and persons under the age of 24. Determination for administering this will be decided by the Department of Health. Student Health is working to see if this can be made available here on campus to our students. I will keep you posted should this occur.
It is also recommended that people consider obtaining a seasonal flu vaccine. This is NOT the same as the H1N1 vaccine but may help in preventing you from contracting the illness associated with the seasonal virus.
The most important thing you can do to protect yourself and others is to do the following:
•WASH YOUR HANDS frequently with soap and water. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are also effective if you are not near a source of water.
•Cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze. Ideally, coughing into your elbow or sleeve is advised. You may also use a tissue over your mouth and nose. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
•Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
You should also pay attention healthy lifestyle practices:
•Get plenty of SLEEP.
•Engage in REGULAR PHYSICAL ACTIVITY.
•MANAGE your STRESS.
•Drink plenty of FLUIDS.
•Eat NUTRITIOUS food.
I hope this is of help to you. Please feel free to contact me if you have additional questions.
Sincerely,
Angel
I think my roommate has H1N1, but she won’t go in to get tested for it. I’ve heard that you can get really sick and that there is a shot that can protect me. Where can I get it? Don’t you think my roommate should go home until she is better?
Signed,
Worried Roommate
Dear Worried,
There is a lot of hype going around about the H1N1 virus, and while some individuals can become very ill, the majority of people who have contracted this virus recover without incident.
This particular virus has a few specific symptoms:
•H1N1 MUST include a fever > 100 degrees Fahrenheit AND a cough and/or sore throat.
•Individuals with another diagnosis (i.e. strep throat, bronchitis, mono) would NOT be considered to be infected with the H1N1 virus.
•Individuals with a fever but with no sore throat or cough (even if they have other symptoms) would NOT be considered to have the H1N1 virus.
•Some people will also have upset stomach, diarrhea and body aches.
•Usually, the onset of this infection is very sudden.
If your roommate has these symptoms, please suggest she call Student Health (Ext. 1492), and ask to speak directly to one of the nurses (Angel or Julie). We will discuss her symptoms and treatment options. If we determine that she needs to be seen in our office, we will arrange a time for her to come in.
Testing for H1N1 is not done unless the person is ill enough to be hospitalized or has a serious chronic health disorder, such as severe asthma or other lung problems, diabetes, Crohns’ disease, immune disorders etc.
Students we identify as potentially having this virus will be expected to follow the Center for Disease Control guidelines for self-isolation (no work or school and limited contact with others until fever-free for 24 hours without the use of medication such as Tylenol). We will work with her faculty to ensure that they are aware of the need for your roommate to remain out of class. We will also coordinate food and other needs as they arise.
We are not requiring students to leave campus with this infection, but students who live close enough to go home without the use of public transportation would be encouraged to do so.
A vaccine for the H1N1 virus is expected to be available in the coming weeks. It will be provided first to individuals who are considered high risk — pregnant women, individuals with chronic health conditions and persons under the age of 24. Determination for administering this will be decided by the Department of Health. Student Health is working to see if this can be made available here on campus to our students. I will keep you posted should this occur.
It is also recommended that people consider obtaining a seasonal flu vaccine. This is NOT the same as the H1N1 vaccine but may help in preventing you from contracting the illness associated with the seasonal virus.
The most important thing you can do to protect yourself and others is to do the following:
•WASH YOUR HANDS frequently with soap and water. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are also effective if you are not near a source of water.
•Cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze. Ideally, coughing into your elbow or sleeve is advised. You may also use a tissue over your mouth and nose. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
•Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
You should also pay attention healthy lifestyle practices:
•Get plenty of SLEEP.
•Engage in REGULAR PHYSICAL ACTIVITY.
•MANAGE your STRESS.
•Drink plenty of FLUIDS.
•Eat NUTRITIOUS food.
I hope this is of help to you. Please feel free to contact me if you have additional questions.
Sincerely,
Angel
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Where’s the initiative to be green?
BY BENJAMIN A. SCOTT
Cardinal Staff
Students, faculty, staff, alumni, and all those who are intimately connected with Saint Mary’s University, there is something that all of us need to accept: we have not done enough to preserve the natural environment we live in.
Eulogizing aside, it should be recognized that confession does nothing when recompense is ignored. Here at SMU, a green initiative is starting to take form. A relatively new group of dedicated individuals is taking on the task of keeping Saint Mary’s and all its members responsible for fostering a green mindset.
The SMU Green Team recently completed an environmental management audit as part of the ISO 14001 certification process along with a host of other local schools, which was directed by a faculty member from Purdue University, to set standards on energy consumption. In accordance to the program, Saint Mary’s
will undergo the attainment of three ambitious goals by 2011:
1) Reduce electric consumptionby 10%
2) Reduce fossil fuel by 5%
3) Reduce solid waste production by 25%
A variety of in-class and out-of-class educational activities on sustainability and the green initiative will occur over this school year. Some of these activities are already underway, like the newly-developed class on environmental studies currently taught by Dr. Joseph Tadie, chair of the Philosophy Department.
In the end, however, each one of us must account for our own responsibility on ecological awareness. This will mean a painful shift in lifestyle, but if the outcome of such a shift is making this planet healthier than the appalling state that it is in today, then the question becomes why you wouldn’t?
Here are three simple ways of involving yourself with the green initiative: 1) Recycle your trash 2) Do not litter 3) Join the Eco Reps, a campus club directed by Davey Warner, outdoor leadership coordinator, dedicated to the green initiative.
Cardinal Staff
Students, faculty, staff, alumni, and all those who are intimately connected with Saint Mary’s University, there is something that all of us need to accept: we have not done enough to preserve the natural environment we live in.
Eulogizing aside, it should be recognized that confession does nothing when recompense is ignored. Here at SMU, a green initiative is starting to take form. A relatively new group of dedicated individuals is taking on the task of keeping Saint Mary’s and all its members responsible for fostering a green mindset.
The SMU Green Team recently completed an environmental management audit as part of the ISO 14001 certification process along with a host of other local schools, which was directed by a faculty member from Purdue University, to set standards on energy consumption. In accordance to the program, Saint Mary’s
will undergo the attainment of three ambitious goals by 2011:
1) Reduce electric consumptionby 10%
2) Reduce fossil fuel by 5%
3) Reduce solid waste production by 25%
A variety of in-class and out-of-class educational activities on sustainability and the green initiative will occur over this school year. Some of these activities are already underway, like the newly-developed class on environmental studies currently taught by Dr. Joseph Tadie, chair of the Philosophy Department.
In the end, however, each one of us must account for our own responsibility on ecological awareness. This will mean a painful shift in lifestyle, but if the outcome of such a shift is making this planet healthier than the appalling state that it is in today, then the question becomes why you wouldn’t?
Here are three simple ways of involving yourself with the green initiative: 1) Recycle your trash 2) Do not litter 3) Join the Eco Reps, a campus club directed by Davey Warner, outdoor leadership coordinator, dedicated to the green initiative.
My summer in Winona
BY SARAH MCDONOUGH
Cardinal Staff
Two months before school ended, I had made the decision to live and work at Saint Mary’s University over the summer. I must admit, I was a little unsure how the summer was going to play out because let’s face it, this is Wi-no-where.
I was optimistic though and I landed a job with the Development and Alumni Relations Department. Working for this department was my first choice because I knew the job would give me a lot of opportunities to network with alumni and get to see an aspect of the inter workings of our university that many students do not get to see.
Throughout the summer, I helped organize numerous alumni events, the main one being Homecoming. I spent many weeks working on this event, doing anything from searching for photos in archives to working with Bob Conover, vice president for communications and maketing, interviewing alumni on their time spent at SMU. It was captivating to see so many alumni share their memories. SMU really was their home away from home, and the people they met here became their family. After graduation, many alumni continue to give back to their home by supporting our school with various donations.
That got me thinking, I have never met anyone who does not receive some sort of financial aid, whether it be in the form of scholarship or grants from Saint Mary’s. This is possible thanks to our alumni. I for one would not be able to attend SMU if it weren’t for the financial support I receive, and for that, I am forever grateful. I hope to return the favor by making donations as well when I become an alum.
Aside from having an amazing experience with my job, I also strengthened many friendships and made new ones with the other student workers. My friends and I had a ritual of going out on “Wednesday Wing Night,” spending the weekends creating havoc for campus security and going off the rope swing at Airport Beach.
Even though I am and will always be a city girl at heart, in all honesty, Winona can be a really fun place to live. This was one of the best summers I have ever had.
Cardinal Staff
Two months before school ended, I had made the decision to live and work at Saint Mary’s University over the summer. I must admit, I was a little unsure how the summer was going to play out because let’s face it, this is Wi-no-where.
I was optimistic though and I landed a job with the Development and Alumni Relations Department. Working for this department was my first choice because I knew the job would give me a lot of opportunities to network with alumni and get to see an aspect of the inter workings of our university that many students do not get to see.
Throughout the summer, I helped organize numerous alumni events, the main one being Homecoming. I spent many weeks working on this event, doing anything from searching for photos in archives to working with Bob Conover, vice president for communications and maketing, interviewing alumni on their time spent at SMU. It was captivating to see so many alumni share their memories. SMU really was their home away from home, and the people they met here became their family. After graduation, many alumni continue to give back to their home by supporting our school with various donations.
That got me thinking, I have never met anyone who does not receive some sort of financial aid, whether it be in the form of scholarship or grants from Saint Mary’s. This is possible thanks to our alumni. I for one would not be able to attend SMU if it weren’t for the financial support I receive, and for that, I am forever grateful. I hope to return the favor by making donations as well when I become an alum.
Aside from having an amazing experience with my job, I also strengthened many friendships and made new ones with the other student workers. My friends and I had a ritual of going out on “Wednesday Wing Night,” spending the weekends creating havoc for campus security and going off the rope swing at Airport Beach.
Even though I am and will always be a city girl at heart, in all honesty, Winona can be a really fun place to live. This was one of the best summers I have ever had.
Staff Spotlight: Sandy Moger
BY SARAH MCDONOUGH
Cardinal Staff
There is nothing scarier than looking down your bathroom sink drain, hoping your engagement ring has not been completely lost at Saint Mary’s University. Who do you call in this situation? The answer is Sandy Moger.
As the maintenance department’s secretary, Moger deals with calls from both students and staff regarding any maintenance issues. In the case of the student’s engagement ring, it ended up safely back on the owner’s finger.
A typical day for Moger involves answering phone calls and assigning placements for jobs. Then again, “there are no typical days here,” said Moger.
For the past 10 years, Moger has worked for SMU in various positions throughout campus. For the past five years, she has taken the role of “directing traffic” for maintenance. Before that, Moger worked in the business department and custodial crew.
Besides keeping things organized within the maintenance department, Moger creates the 8 x 8 black signs outside of classrooms, awards and name tags. When students call about an issue, Moger tries to get things out within the same day. During the school year, the Maintenance Department goes through busy seasons graduation, homecoming, and family weekend. Maintenance is available 24/7 on campus, said Moger. “We’re kind of like a city here.”
Cardinal Staff
There is nothing scarier than looking down your bathroom sink drain, hoping your engagement ring has not been completely lost at Saint Mary’s University. Who do you call in this situation? The answer is Sandy Moger.
As the maintenance department’s secretary, Moger deals with calls from both students and staff regarding any maintenance issues. In the case of the student’s engagement ring, it ended up safely back on the owner’s finger.
A typical day for Moger involves answering phone calls and assigning placements for jobs. Then again, “there are no typical days here,” said Moger.
For the past 10 years, Moger has worked for SMU in various positions throughout campus. For the past five years, she has taken the role of “directing traffic” for maintenance. Before that, Moger worked in the business department and custodial crew.
Besides keeping things organized within the maintenance department, Moger creates the 8 x 8 black signs outside of classrooms, awards and name tags. When students call about an issue, Moger tries to get things out within the same day. During the school year, the Maintenance Department goes through busy seasons graduation, homecoming, and family weekend. Maintenance is available 24/7 on campus, said Moger. “We’re kind of like a city here.”
Staff Spotlight: Brother Ed
BY SARAH MCDONOUGH
Cardinal Staff
Brother Ed Siderewicz joined the SMU community a few months ago in the new position as assistant to the president for first generation and Lasallian initiatives.
Brother Ed’s main responsibility is to provide access and support for first generation college students. First generation has been defined for this program as either the first child from a family to attend college or a first generation United States citizen. From the 23 Cristo Rey and 65 San Miguel Schools spread throughout the United States, Brother Ed is hoping to find 15 students annually to attend SMU beginning 2010. Both schools consist primarily of African American and Latino students coming from impoverished communities. Poverty, gangs and violence are issues these students face daily. He wishes to continue increasing enrollment from these schools to SMU for the next three years, totaling in 60 students with full scholarship support by 2013. Providing more opportunities for these Lasallian students goes along with SMU’s identity and mission as a Catholic Lasallian university. The program is “deep in the heart of the university mission,” said Brother Ed.
Brother Ed is looking for possible SMU candidates who have a drive to make a difference in the world and have the potential, desire and capacity to continue their education. The candidates must qualify for financial need, but they must also be motivated students. On a closing note, Brother Ed’s added that his favorite thing about SMU has been, “the spirit of the people; a lot of seekers searching to make a difference.”
Cardinal Staff
Brother Ed Siderewicz joined the SMU community a few months ago in the new position as assistant to the president for first generation and Lasallian initiatives.
Brother Ed’s main responsibility is to provide access and support for first generation college students. First generation has been defined for this program as either the first child from a family to attend college or a first generation United States citizen. From the 23 Cristo Rey and 65 San Miguel Schools spread throughout the United States, Brother Ed is hoping to find 15 students annually to attend SMU beginning 2010. Both schools consist primarily of African American and Latino students coming from impoverished communities. Poverty, gangs and violence are issues these students face daily. He wishes to continue increasing enrollment from these schools to SMU for the next three years, totaling in 60 students with full scholarship support by 2013. Providing more opportunities for these Lasallian students goes along with SMU’s identity and mission as a Catholic Lasallian university. The program is “deep in the heart of the university mission,” said Brother Ed.
Brother Ed is looking for possible SMU candidates who have a drive to make a difference in the world and have the potential, desire and capacity to continue their education. The candidates must qualify for financial need, but they must also be motivated students. On a closing note, Brother Ed’s added that his favorite thing about SMU has been, “the spirit of the people; a lot of seekers searching to make a difference.”
Friday, April 24, 2009
Highland heads home
By Ryan Briscoe
Cardinal Staff
After 32 years of service, Saint Mary’s University’s Provost Dr. Jeff Highland will retire this summer.
Highland, who has held a variety of positions at SMU including teaching, making music, interacting with students in co- and extra-curricular activities and administrating, will be moving to Seattle to fulfill commitments to his family.
Read more...
“It has been a privilege to have such a unique opportunity to develop personal relationships with so many of the members of the Saint Mary’s family,” said Highland. “I have worked daily with faculty and academic administrators at the College and the graduate schools, support staff, maintenance folks, alumni, students and with four presidents.”
After arriving at SMU in 1977 as a professor in the social sciences department, Highland said he found an environment that he came to love.
“The best part about my professional life here at Saint Mary’s is that I was allowed to do all the things I enjoyed,” Highland said. “I could teach political science and public administration, I was able to be involved with music and campus life and I was given wonderful opportunities to do administrative work.”
Highland said what he will miss most is “the people: Saint Mary’s is full of wonderful men and women truly committed to the institution.” He spoke especially highly of two groups: Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia and the Christian Brothers. He said the relationship he has formed with the men of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia “reflects the unique bond shared by those who make music together.”
Highland has also received recognition by the Christian Brothers. “Among the highest honors I’ve received is my formal affiliation with the Christian Brothers,” Highland said. “These men and the Lasallian charism they embody have been truly inspirational to me.”
As one of his last official acts as provost, Highland will oversee the spring commencements for both the undergraduate and graduates here at the Winona campus. This spring’s graduation will mark the passage of time for Highland in a radical way. Highland will emcee his last commencement ceremony, organize his files for the university archives and move back to his home near Seattle.
Highland said he is comfortable with the decision to retire. “It will be difficult to leave a campus and community that have been such an important part of my life, but I look forward to time with my mother and my family, and I know that SMU will continue to thrive in the years ahead,” said Highland. “I wish everyone the very best.”
Bookstore prepares for buy-backs
By Travis Fick
News Editor
The Saint Mary’s University Barnes and Noble bookstore has started to buy back textbooks from students in anticipation for the next semester, said Donna White, bookstore manager.
Each year, the Barnes and Noble bookstore buys back a certain percentage of textbooks from students in anticipation for the next semester. White said the bookstore purchases textbooks from students if the class is offered the next semester and if the professor has indicated that he or she would like to use the same textbook.
Read more...
After receiving professors’ book orders, the Barnes and Noble staff then enters the information into a sales database that tells them the quantity of each textbook that was sold to students. “We will buy back a certain percentage of textbooks because we know that a certain percentage of students will keep their textbooks,” said White. “The average buy-back percentage is between 70 to 80 percent.”
The price the students receive is based on the prices from wholesalers, said White. Students who choose to sell their textbooks back to the bookstore will generally receive about 50 percent of the purchase price. However, if professors will not be using the textbook and if the edition has not changed, then students will receive 25 percent. Students are also able to check to see if their textbooks will be bought back by going online to the bookstore’s website.
Major concerns that White hears about the bookstore include that textbooks are overpriced, that the editions change too often and that the high prices are a way for the bookstore to get extra money from students. White said textbook prices are set by the books’ publishers and are immediately marked up by the Barnes and Noble system. Other factors, such as the quality of paper, the printing process and ink used for photos and charts, can account for price markup on textbooks.
White said that edition changes are one of the most frustrating aspects of textbooks because students will often blame the bookstore and their professors for the new edition. “The common misconception is that publishers switch around chapters and call it a new edition,” said White. “Professors do not want the textbooks to change because they have formed their curriculum to the older edition. In certain areas, such as the sciences, new information and technology comes out that is added to the textbook.”
White has implemented the policy for employees to treat the customers the same way they would want to be treated, which is to show respect for the customer.
The bookstore would like to hear from students if they have any concerns.
News Editor
The Saint Mary’s University Barnes and Noble bookstore has started to buy back textbooks from students in anticipation for the next semester, said Donna White, bookstore manager.
Each year, the Barnes and Noble bookstore buys back a certain percentage of textbooks from students in anticipation for the next semester. White said the bookstore purchases textbooks from students if the class is offered the next semester and if the professor has indicated that he or she would like to use the same textbook.
Read more...
After receiving professors’ book orders, the Barnes and Noble staff then enters the information into a sales database that tells them the quantity of each textbook that was sold to students. “We will buy back a certain percentage of textbooks because we know that a certain percentage of students will keep their textbooks,” said White. “The average buy-back percentage is between 70 to 80 percent.”
The price the students receive is based on the prices from wholesalers, said White. Students who choose to sell their textbooks back to the bookstore will generally receive about 50 percent of the purchase price. However, if professors will not be using the textbook and if the edition has not changed, then students will receive 25 percent. Students are also able to check to see if their textbooks will be bought back by going online to the bookstore’s website.
Major concerns that White hears about the bookstore include that textbooks are overpriced, that the editions change too often and that the high prices are a way for the bookstore to get extra money from students. White said textbook prices are set by the books’ publishers and are immediately marked up by the Barnes and Noble system. Other factors, such as the quality of paper, the printing process and ink used for photos and charts, can account for price markup on textbooks.
White said that edition changes are one of the most frustrating aspects of textbooks because students will often blame the bookstore and their professors for the new edition. “The common misconception is that publishers switch around chapters and call it a new edition,” said White. “Professors do not want the textbooks to change because they have formed their curriculum to the older edition. In certain areas, such as the sciences, new information and technology comes out that is added to the textbook.”
White has implemented the policy for employees to treat the customers the same way they would want to be treated, which is to show respect for the customer.
The bookstore would like to hear from students if they have any concerns.
High-speed railway could come to Winona
By Lauren Rothering
Copy Editor
The Midwest Regional Rail Initiative (MWRRI) is proposing a high-speed train reaching from the Twin Cities to Chicago, and some want a stop to be made in Winona.
According to the MWRRI website, “the goal of the initiative is to develop a passenger rail system that offers business and leisure travelers shorter travel times, additional train frequencies, and connections between urban centers and smaller communities.” The railway would span over 400 miles between the Twin Cities and Chicago, with 150 of those miles located in southeastern Minnesota.
Read more...
The proposed plan includes stops in southeastern Minnesota, and many local Winona business partners, lawmakers, university administrators and citizens believe a stop should be made in Winona. A high-speed railway stop in Winona would mean easier and more frequent trips to the Chicago area for citizens of Winona and its surrounding areas.
Representative Tim Walz from the 1st District of Minnesota said in an April 19 press release that “the idea is to link what we’re doing to the interstate highway program and develop a sustainable, long term program going forward.” Minnesota, he said, is a central component to the expansion of railway transportation in this country.
If accepted, the MWRRI system could be open anywhere from seven to 10 years after funding is completed.
If anyone has comments on this topic, or wants to find out mor information go to Walz’s website at http://walz.house.gov.
Copy Editor
The Midwest Regional Rail Initiative (MWRRI) is proposing a high-speed train reaching from the Twin Cities to Chicago, and some want a stop to be made in Winona.
According to the MWRRI website, “the goal of the initiative is to develop a passenger rail system that offers business and leisure travelers shorter travel times, additional train frequencies, and connections between urban centers and smaller communities.” The railway would span over 400 miles between the Twin Cities and Chicago, with 150 of those miles located in southeastern Minnesota.
Read more...
The proposed plan includes stops in southeastern Minnesota, and many local Winona business partners, lawmakers, university administrators and citizens believe a stop should be made in Winona. A high-speed railway stop in Winona would mean easier and more frequent trips to the Chicago area for citizens of Winona and its surrounding areas.
Representative Tim Walz from the 1st District of Minnesota said in an April 19 press release that “the idea is to link what we’re doing to the interstate highway program and develop a sustainable, long term program going forward.” Minnesota, he said, is a central component to the expansion of railway transportation in this country.
If accepted, the MWRRI system could be open anywhere from seven to 10 years after funding is completed.
If anyone has comments on this topic, or wants to find out mor information go to Walz’s website at http://walz.house.gov.
Senate OKs funding for campus projects
By Karina Rajtar
Co-Editor in Chief
Each year, students, faculty, staff and administration can recommend capital improvements for Saint Mary’s University.
Capital improvements, changes made to the physical structure of the university, are done by both the university and the Student Senate. Anyone on campus can request a Student Senate capital improvement by filling out a form that is available to everyone or by contacting Jason Richter, assistant dean of students for activities, leadership and service.
Read more...
“They (capital improvements) definitely impact students in a positive way,” said Richter. He said that printers in the residence halls, weight room equipment and just the general look of campus (often through landscaping projects) have been improved through requests.
Capital improvements done by the Student Senate are generally funded by the money taken from the laundry machines. This means that the senate usually has approximately $20,000 to use each year. This year, $40,000 was allocated to capital improvements, according to Richter, because of money left over from an activity fee surplus a few years ago.
The senate does capital improvements in two rounds, one at the end of February and one at the end of April. Richter said this is done so that maintenance requests that need to be planned for the summer can be passed by the senate early.
In this year’s first round, the senate approved $1,900 for four kayaks and paddles for the outdoor leadership office, $4,430 for recycling bins for outside around campus, $2,000 for landscaping around the new track and field complex and $6,400 for tables and chairs for the new gazebo.
Co-Editor in Chief
Each year, students, faculty, staff and administration can recommend capital improvements for Saint Mary’s University.
Capital improvements, changes made to the physical structure of the university, are done by both the university and the Student Senate. Anyone on campus can request a Student Senate capital improvement by filling out a form that is available to everyone or by contacting Jason Richter, assistant dean of students for activities, leadership and service.
Read more...
“They (capital improvements) definitely impact students in a positive way,” said Richter. He said that printers in the residence halls, weight room equipment and just the general look of campus (often through landscaping projects) have been improved through requests.
Capital improvements done by the Student Senate are generally funded by the money taken from the laundry machines. This means that the senate usually has approximately $20,000 to use each year. This year, $40,000 was allocated to capital improvements, according to Richter, because of money left over from an activity fee surplus a few years ago.
The senate does capital improvements in two rounds, one at the end of February and one at the end of April. Richter said this is done so that maintenance requests that need to be planned for the summer can be passed by the senate early.
In this year’s first round, the senate approved $1,900 for four kayaks and paddles for the outdoor leadership office, $4,430 for recycling bins for outside around campus, $2,000 for landscaping around the new track and field complex and $6,400 for tables and chairs for the new gazebo.
Gleich elected senate president
By Amira Sadek
Cardinal Staff
When the 2009-10 school year comes around, the Saint Mary’s Universtiy Student Senate will have a new president after a close election on March 26.
Mary Gleich, junior political science and human services double major, was elected as the SMU Student Senate president for the upcoming school year.
For the past two years, Gleich has served in the senate as vice president of external affairs. During her freshman year, she was elected as a Skemp hall senator.
Read more...
Gleich said her campaign was based on three priorities that she would like to see implemented next year. These priorities are: increasing student financial aid, promoting green initiatives and including more students in discussions about the university.
“In terms of green initiatives, I would like to see continued campus-wide support,” said Gleich, “as well as increasing participation for the development of greener alternatives.”
To become more involved in university matters, Gleich encourages students to seek out their class and hall senators and contact them directly with any concerns or problems. Gleich also expressed a desire to improve communication between a representative and his or her constituents by defining the representative’s responsibilities more.
As Student Senate president, Gleich’s duties will include running senate meetings, heading the Student Senate executive board and representing students on various university committees.
All students are welcome to attend the Student Senate meetings held every Tuesday at 7 p.m. in Salvi Lecture Hall.
Cardinal Staff
When the 2009-10 school year comes around, the Saint Mary’s Universtiy Student Senate will have a new president after a close election on March 26.
Mary Gleich, junior political science and human services double major, was elected as the SMU Student Senate president for the upcoming school year.
For the past two years, Gleich has served in the senate as vice president of external affairs. During her freshman year, she was elected as a Skemp hall senator.
Read more...
Gleich said her campaign was based on three priorities that she would like to see implemented next year. These priorities are: increasing student financial aid, promoting green initiatives and including more students in discussions about the university.
“In terms of green initiatives, I would like to see continued campus-wide support,” said Gleich, “as well as increasing participation for the development of greener alternatives.”
To become more involved in university matters, Gleich encourages students to seek out their class and hall senators and contact them directly with any concerns or problems. Gleich also expressed a desire to improve communication between a representative and his or her constituents by defining the representative’s responsibilities more.
As Student Senate president, Gleich’s duties will include running senate meetings, heading the Student Senate executive board and representing students on various university committees.
All students are welcome to attend the Student Senate meetings held every Tuesday at 7 p.m. in Salvi Lecture Hall.
Group protests discrimination with silence
By Robby McGuire
Cardinal Staff
Students might have noticed that campus was a little quieter on Friday, April 17, as students from the campus LGBTA -SAFE (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Allies - Supportive And Friendly Environment) club participated in the 13th annual Day of Silence.
The event is a student-led peaceful protest aimed at bringing attention to anti-LGBT harassment. Those participating must follow one rule, they must remain silent. The silence is intended to illustrate the silencing effect that harassment has on students perceived or known to be LGBT.
Read more...
The Day of Silence had humble origins with a handful of participants at the University of Virginia. It is now a nation-wide undertaking encompassing well over 8,000 colleges and universities. This year, Saint Mary’s University joined that list.
Neil Heacox, the public relations officer in the newly formed LGBTA-SAFE, said that the club has been looking for ways to reach out to the LGBT community on campus.
“We decided that we needed to find the community and create a safe place for people who are LGBT or are questioning their orientation as well as educate the Saint Mary’s community,” Heacox said.
Heacox felt that it was time for the SMU campus to join the ranks of the many schools already involved. “Perceived gender expression is one of the top three reasons students report receiving harassment from peers,” he said. Over 90 percent of LGBT students report verbal and physical harassment, and almost one-third have missed school to avoid such harassment. “We can no longer accept these statistics; it’s time to take the initiative and change them,” said Heacox.
“One of the first problems we ran into was, ‘how do we explain the event to the people of Saint Mary’s while remaining silent?’,” Heacox said.
The solution was to carry a small printout and hand it to any students with questions. The club went above and beyond normal event protocol and created unique t-shirts. Most event organizers simply order the default t-shirt, available from the event website.
“We thought it would be a fun group activity and a creative way to promote the event,” said Heacox. “All in all, I thought people really liked it.”
Next year, the club plans to expand the event. There is some talk of scheduling an entire week to promote the issue, culminating in the Day of Silence. Heacox reiterated that the club events are open to everyone. He said that people are often afraid to support activities such as these for fear of being labeled.
“This fear is something that LGBT students live through for much of their lives,” he said. He added that if everyone could fight this harassment together, it would be much more effective. “So come out next year!” Heacox said.
Cardinal Staff
Students might have noticed that campus was a little quieter on Friday, April 17, as students from the campus LGBTA -SAFE (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Allies - Supportive And Friendly Environment) club participated in the 13th annual Day of Silence.
The event is a student-led peaceful protest aimed at bringing attention to anti-LGBT harassment. Those participating must follow one rule, they must remain silent. The silence is intended to illustrate the silencing effect that harassment has on students perceived or known to be LGBT.
Read more...
The Day of Silence had humble origins with a handful of participants at the University of Virginia. It is now a nation-wide undertaking encompassing well over 8,000 colleges and universities. This year, Saint Mary’s University joined that list.
Neil Heacox, the public relations officer in the newly formed LGBTA-SAFE, said that the club has been looking for ways to reach out to the LGBT community on campus.
“We decided that we needed to find the community and create a safe place for people who are LGBT or are questioning their orientation as well as educate the Saint Mary’s community,” Heacox said.
Heacox felt that it was time for the SMU campus to join the ranks of the many schools already involved. “Perceived gender expression is one of the top three reasons students report receiving harassment from peers,” he said. Over 90 percent of LGBT students report verbal and physical harassment, and almost one-third have missed school to avoid such harassment. “We can no longer accept these statistics; it’s time to take the initiative and change them,” said Heacox.
“One of the first problems we ran into was, ‘how do we explain the event to the people of Saint Mary’s while remaining silent?’,” Heacox said.
The solution was to carry a small printout and hand it to any students with questions. The club went above and beyond normal event protocol and created unique t-shirts. Most event organizers simply order the default t-shirt, available from the event website.
“We thought it would be a fun group activity and a creative way to promote the event,” said Heacox. “All in all, I thought people really liked it.”
Next year, the club plans to expand the event. There is some talk of scheduling an entire week to promote the issue, culminating in the Day of Silence. Heacox reiterated that the club events are open to everyone. He said that people are often afraid to support activities such as these for fear of being labeled.
“This fear is something that LGBT students live through for much of their lives,” he said. He added that if everyone could fight this harassment together, it would be much more effective. “So come out next year!” Heacox said.
Students win prizes for taking survey
By Karina Rajtar
Co-Editor in Chief
Saint Mary’s University saw a significant participation rate in students taking the Multi-Institutional Survey on Leadership, which will help the university develop programs and leadership initiatives for the upcoming year.
Read more...
Jason Richter, assistant dean of students for activities, leadership and service, said that almost 49 percent of the campus took the survey. The goal was for 50 percent participation. Richter would like to thank all those who took the survey and said the results will be available no later than Aug. 19.
Six students who completed the survey were randomly selected to receive prizes. Bryan Kujawa, Sarah Weir and Paula Angst won $100 gift cards to Barnes and Noble, Cierra Lopis won the highest housing priority for her class, Kelly Olson won the opportunity to take a service trip without paying the fee and Zhe (Scott) Song won a dinner with Brother William, SMU president.
Vlazny Hall had the highest percentage of participants and will receive a pizza party.
Richter said there will likely be a presentation of the data at a Student Senate meeting in the fall.
Co-Editor in Chief
Saint Mary’s University saw a significant participation rate in students taking the Multi-Institutional Survey on Leadership, which will help the university develop programs and leadership initiatives for the upcoming year.
Read more...
Jason Richter, assistant dean of students for activities, leadership and service, said that almost 49 percent of the campus took the survey. The goal was for 50 percent participation. Richter would like to thank all those who took the survey and said the results will be available no later than Aug. 19.
Six students who completed the survey were randomly selected to receive prizes. Bryan Kujawa, Sarah Weir and Paula Angst won $100 gift cards to Barnes and Noble, Cierra Lopis won the highest housing priority for her class, Kelly Olson won the opportunity to take a service trip without paying the fee and Zhe (Scott) Song won a dinner with Brother William, SMU president.
Vlazny Hall had the highest percentage of participants and will receive a pizza party.
Richter said there will likely be a presentation of the data at a Student Senate meeting in the fall.
Life after Saint Mary’s: Two seniors discuss their post-graduate plans
By Tamika Robinson
Feature Editor
With graduation near, the reality of completing college is setting in for many seniors who now have to plan for life after Saint Mary’s University.
Senior Renee Mompremier plans to graduate with a bachelor of science in biology in May. After graduation, she said her goal is to attend graduate school, get a master’s degree in nursing and become a widwife. For now, Mompremier plans to take a year off to work, gain experience, study for the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) and then apply to schools in Minnesota. She also plans to go to Liberia, where her family is originally from, in the winter and volunteer in orphanages for a month.
Read more...
The planning process leading up to this point has been far from easy. “Deciding what I wanted to do with my degree has been the question since freshmen year,” Mompremier said. “My area has changed a few times as well as my intensions for my degree.”
She said she finally decided to think of what made her the most happy and to seek a job that modeled it. From a young age, Mompremier said she was interested in helping infants and volunteered at daycares and the Children’s Hospital in Minneapolis. Her classes about the reproductive system and human development also interested her. All of Mompremier’s interests led her to her chosen path, she said.
While reflecting on SMU’s impact on her, Mompremier said she feels prepared for life after college. “The work load, expectations, as well as the challenges within both, I feel have prepared me for the world,” she said. “Coming here was a dramatic change as far as the level of diversity and the level of exposure many students have had pertaining to diversity. All of these lessons and more have prepared me as a scholar, employee and individual.”
She particularly notes her teachers in the Biology department with influencing her and feels that the best part about being a biology major is the appreciation for human life that students gain and the knowledge that they will make a difference in the lives of others. Mompremier also said that courses outside of her major, like English composition and extra-curricular experiences, have allowed her to explore other cultures and make connections with other students.
“All experiences are a means of learning and growing, so I would not change how things worked out,” Mompremier said about her college experience. “It gave me a chance to think intently about what I wanted to do and become, value my skills and want to help others.”
She said that she will take the values SMU has taught her - being determined to succeed, being unprejudiced to all kinds of knowledge and knowing when to ask for help - and integrate them with the knowledge she gains in the outside world. “I am ready to be a functioning member of society,” she said. “College is a period in our lives, not our life. There is more out there to see, do and become.
Senior Ruth Sobrevilla, who will graduate with a major in electronic publishing and minor in Spanish, plans to move back to her home in Chicago after graduation to get a job and gain experience in an environment where she can apply what she learned at Saint Mary’s University.
“I was kind of upset (with the idea of) going back home because it’s totally a new experience after being here in college for four years,” Sobrevilla said of her plans. “Everything is close. The gym is close, I have my friends here, and now I’m going back to Chicago (and) I’m going to be there in the real world.”
Sobrevilla said that she tried to plan for her future and also tried to think positively about getting a job and not stress out.
Sobrevilla said she feels that SMU has also prepared her for life after college. “I feel like everything has helped me here, whether it was planning for homework, planning my schedule for events or searching for free time,” she said. “Classes have helped me, everything helped me (including) my friends’ advice. I feel that being active here in school, like in activities, helped me a lot.”
Activities such as attending Mass and community service made Sobrevilla realize what is waiting for her and that she also has to serve other people. “(Saint Mary’s) helped me religiously,” she said. “That’s how I grew here, not just professionally but also in my religious beliefs.”
Classroom experiences such as giving presentations, she said, also taught her how to be organized and calm her nerves when speaking in front of people.
Before coming to college, Sobrevilla said that everyone told her how difficult college life would be. “(They said) it’s so stressful, you have a lot of homework, you don’t have time for everything, but I feel that you do have time for everything,” Sobrevilla said. “You have time to get to know people, you have time to go to activities, you have time to go to church, time to go to the gym (and) time to do homework if you know how to prepare ahead of time. I think that is the main key.”
“If you don’t know how to prepare, then comes the stress and then thinking ‘I hate school,’ and ‘I can not do it,’ and ‘It’s so overwhelming,’” Sobrevilla said. “But you are the one who makes (college) overwhelming, so it’s all about learning how to schedule your life here in college.”
With graduation approaching fast, Sobrevilla said that she’s nervous about leaving because she is still searching for a job, but she said she is prepared in terms of knowing what she wants to do. “I know my plan,” she said. “I know what is my dream and my main goal, but I’m not so sure if it’s going to happen because it hasn’t happened yet. I don’t know if that’s the way it’s going to be, but do I have something planned out? Yes, I have planned something. Am I scared? I am scared just a little bit to go out there because now I have to apply everything I have learned from here to the real world and I’m not sure if I will do it the right way.”
Feature Editor
With graduation near, the reality of completing college is setting in for many seniors who now have to plan for life after Saint Mary’s University.
Senior Renee Mompremier plans to graduate with a bachelor of science in biology in May. After graduation, she said her goal is to attend graduate school, get a master’s degree in nursing and become a widwife. For now, Mompremier plans to take a year off to work, gain experience, study for the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) and then apply to schools in Minnesota. She also plans to go to Liberia, where her family is originally from, in the winter and volunteer in orphanages for a month.
Read more...
The planning process leading up to this point has been far from easy. “Deciding what I wanted to do with my degree has been the question since freshmen year,” Mompremier said. “My area has changed a few times as well as my intensions for my degree.”
She said she finally decided to think of what made her the most happy and to seek a job that modeled it. From a young age, Mompremier said she was interested in helping infants and volunteered at daycares and the Children’s Hospital in Minneapolis. Her classes about the reproductive system and human development also interested her. All of Mompremier’s interests led her to her chosen path, she said.
While reflecting on SMU’s impact on her, Mompremier said she feels prepared for life after college. “The work load, expectations, as well as the challenges within both, I feel have prepared me for the world,” she said. “Coming here was a dramatic change as far as the level of diversity and the level of exposure many students have had pertaining to diversity. All of these lessons and more have prepared me as a scholar, employee and individual.”
She particularly notes her teachers in the Biology department with influencing her and feels that the best part about being a biology major is the appreciation for human life that students gain and the knowledge that they will make a difference in the lives of others. Mompremier also said that courses outside of her major, like English composition and extra-curricular experiences, have allowed her to explore other cultures and make connections with other students.
“All experiences are a means of learning and growing, so I would not change how things worked out,” Mompremier said about her college experience. “It gave me a chance to think intently about what I wanted to do and become, value my skills and want to help others.”
She said that she will take the values SMU has taught her - being determined to succeed, being unprejudiced to all kinds of knowledge and knowing when to ask for help - and integrate them with the knowledge she gains in the outside world. “I am ready to be a functioning member of society,” she said. “College is a period in our lives, not our life. There is more out there to see, do and become.
Senior Ruth Sobrevilla, who will graduate with a major in electronic publishing and minor in Spanish, plans to move back to her home in Chicago after graduation to get a job and gain experience in an environment where she can apply what she learned at Saint Mary’s University.
“I was kind of upset (with the idea of) going back home because it’s totally a new experience after being here in college for four years,” Sobrevilla said of her plans. “Everything is close. The gym is close, I have my friends here, and now I’m going back to Chicago (and) I’m going to be there in the real world.”
Sobrevilla said that she tried to plan for her future and also tried to think positively about getting a job and not stress out.
Sobrevilla said she feels that SMU has also prepared her for life after college. “I feel like everything has helped me here, whether it was planning for homework, planning my schedule for events or searching for free time,” she said. “Classes have helped me, everything helped me (including) my friends’ advice. I feel that being active here in school, like in activities, helped me a lot.”
Activities such as attending Mass and community service made Sobrevilla realize what is waiting for her and that she also has to serve other people. “(Saint Mary’s) helped me religiously,” she said. “That’s how I grew here, not just professionally but also in my religious beliefs.”
Classroom experiences such as giving presentations, she said, also taught her how to be organized and calm her nerves when speaking in front of people.
Before coming to college, Sobrevilla said that everyone told her how difficult college life would be. “(They said) it’s so stressful, you have a lot of homework, you don’t have time for everything, but I feel that you do have time for everything,” Sobrevilla said. “You have time to get to know people, you have time to go to activities, you have time to go to church, time to go to the gym (and) time to do homework if you know how to prepare ahead of time. I think that is the main key.”
“If you don’t know how to prepare, then comes the stress and then thinking ‘I hate school,’ and ‘I can not do it,’ and ‘It’s so overwhelming,’” Sobrevilla said. “But you are the one who makes (college) overwhelming, so it’s all about learning how to schedule your life here in college.”
With graduation approaching fast, Sobrevilla said that she’s nervous about leaving because she is still searching for a job, but she said she is prepared in terms of knowing what she wants to do. “I know my plan,” she said. “I know what is my dream and my main goal, but I’m not so sure if it’s going to happen because it hasn’t happened yet. I don’t know if that’s the way it’s going to be, but do I have something planned out? Yes, I have planned something. Am I scared? I am scared just a little bit to go out there because now I have to apply everything I have learned from here to the real world and I’m not sure if I will do it the right way.”
Seniors give tips about making the most of college
By Sarah McDonough
Cardinal Staff
The graduating seniors of the Class of 2009 have gone through many experiences in which they have learned more about themselves and the world around them in their years at Saint Mary’s University. Here they give a little insight and advice on the DOs and DON’Ts of college:
Internships
“Utilize the Internship Office! When meeting with them, be clear with what you want to get out of the internship, and don’t settle for less. It can be intimidating communicating to a company (inquiring about an internship), but just remember you’re providing a service for them.”
- Rob Brewer
Read more...
Extra-curricular activities
“When freshmen first get here, it’s ‘Oh my gosh, college!’ which can be stressful just focusing on class work, projects and tests, but it’s good finding other ways of relieving stress. Talk to friends and see what they are getting involved in. Go to the club fair at the beginning of the school year and see what’s out there. You don’t have to be involved with a lot. You can meet a lot of cool people with similar interests as you.”
- Emily Laurent
Friendships/Relationships
“Try to focus on yourself. Focus on what you want to be and what you want to do, and try not to waste your time on petty drama that comes with going to a small school. Don’t sweat the small stuff. Being in a relationship can be a distraction and sometimes become the person’s main focus instead of school work. But there are benefits to relationships, too. In a relationship you have someone you can lean on, depend on and be your best friend.”
- Margaret Walsh
Class work
“Make sure you go to class. I know it’s tempting (to skip) some classes, but usually you end up slipping. The fewer classes I went to, the harder it was to catch up, and that’s a rough game to play.”
- Gerry Lentino
Cardinal Staff
The graduating seniors of the Class of 2009 have gone through many experiences in which they have learned more about themselves and the world around them in their years at Saint Mary’s University. Here they give a little insight and advice on the DOs and DON’Ts of college:
Internships
“Utilize the Internship Office! When meeting with them, be clear with what you want to get out of the internship, and don’t settle for less. It can be intimidating communicating to a company (inquiring about an internship), but just remember you’re providing a service for them.”
- Rob Brewer
Read more...
Extra-curricular activities
“When freshmen first get here, it’s ‘Oh my gosh, college!’ which can be stressful just focusing on class work, projects and tests, but it’s good finding other ways of relieving stress. Talk to friends and see what they are getting involved in. Go to the club fair at the beginning of the school year and see what’s out there. You don’t have to be involved with a lot. You can meet a lot of cool people with similar interests as you.”
- Emily Laurent
Friendships/Relationships
“Try to focus on yourself. Focus on what you want to be and what you want to do, and try not to waste your time on petty drama that comes with going to a small school. Don’t sweat the small stuff. Being in a relationship can be a distraction and sometimes become the person’s main focus instead of school work. But there are benefits to relationships, too. In a relationship you have someone you can lean on, depend on and be your best friend.”
- Margaret Walsh
Class work
“Make sure you go to class. I know it’s tempting (to skip) some classes, but usually you end up slipping. The fewer classes I went to, the harder it was to catch up, and that’s a rough game to play.”
- Gerry Lentino
Seniors’ gift to help spruce up library
By Danielle Larson
Co-Editor in Chief
As their Senior Class Gift, the Class of 2009 will be making improvements to the Fitzgerald Library.
Improvements will include adding more desks, larger tables, sound barriers, couches, chairs and more space for study groups in order to make a more comfortable study area.
Giving donations for the gift is a way for seniors to “show commitment and support for the continuing legacy of their school,” according to the Senior Class Library Fund brochure.
Read more...
Each year, the senior class puts together a committee to come up with a Senior Class Gift idea. This year’s committee consists of 30 seniors.
Senior Class Gift committee representatives will be speaking with individual classmates about donations they would like to make and about the payment plan they want to use.
Committee members will be outside the cafeteria during lunches with donation cards. Seniors can choose their pledge amounts by filling out the card.
Seniors can also choose when they would like to start donating, whether they want to make payments over one, two or three years and whether they want to make annual, semi-annual or quarterly payments.
According to senior Mandy Haus, seniors can donate in honor of someone, a professor, department, club, etc. The honored party will be notified that someone donated in their honor.
Senior Class Library Fund brochures are available for anyone needing more information. Contact Bob Fisher, directot of annual giving, at rfisher@smumn.edu with questions.
Co-Editor in Chief
As their Senior Class Gift, the Class of 2009 will be making improvements to the Fitzgerald Library.
Improvements will include adding more desks, larger tables, sound barriers, couches, chairs and more space for study groups in order to make a more comfortable study area.
Giving donations for the gift is a way for seniors to “show commitment and support for the continuing legacy of their school,” according to the Senior Class Library Fund brochure.
Read more...
Each year, the senior class puts together a committee to come up with a Senior Class Gift idea. This year’s committee consists of 30 seniors.
Senior Class Gift committee representatives will be speaking with individual classmates about donations they would like to make and about the payment plan they want to use.
Committee members will be outside the cafeteria during lunches with donation cards. Seniors can choose their pledge amounts by filling out the card.
Seniors can also choose when they would like to start donating, whether they want to make payments over one, two or three years and whether they want to make annual, semi-annual or quarterly payments.
According to senior Mandy Haus, seniors can donate in honor of someone, a professor, department, club, etc. The honored party will be notified that someone donated in their honor.
Senior Class Library Fund brochures are available for anyone needing more information. Contact Bob Fisher, directot of annual giving, at rfisher@smumn.edu with questions.
Exhibit displays seniors’ work
Left: Senior art show artist Ann Therese Kolaczkowski’s painting of a mountain scene.
Right: A painting done by Mary Margaret Gill, entitled “Baptism.”
By Becca Sandager
Cardinal Staff
Seven students are currently displaying their work in the senior art show at the Lillian Davis Hogan Galleries.
The opening reception for the exhibit, titled “Squaring the Circle: Constructing the Impossible,” was held Saturday, April 18. The show will be on display through May 9.
Read more...
The exhibit features work from seniors Michael DeGidio, Mary Margaret Gill, Ann Therese Kolaczkowski, Natalie Nemetz, Samantha Oreskovich, Andrew Rath and Cassie Ward.
A mixture of paintings, drawings and film and digital photography, the students name many influences for their art. Rath’s series includes album art, posters and t-shirts for his band “Going Nowhere Fast,” while Gill’s collection is a combination of math, art and theology. Other pieces capture nature and the beauty of the outdoors, travels from the past year and displays of color.
“Squaring the Circle: Constructing the Impossible” is free and open to the public. The Lillian Davis Hogan Galleries is open daily from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. For more information, call the Gallery at Ext. 1652.
Famous Dave’s founder to speak on campus
By Danielle Larson
Co-Editor in Chief
The founder of the Famous Dave’s restaurant chain, Dave Anderson, will speak on campus on Monday, April 27. The Kabara Institute for Entrepreneurial Studies is hosting the event.
Anderson’s presentation, titled “Me, Inc. – The Spirit of Entrepreneurship,” will be about his life stories and the lessons he has learned along the way.
Read more...
Anderson has been through a lot in his life, according to Marketing and Public Relations Intern for the Kabara Institute, Catherine McDonald.
Anderson earned a master’s degree from Harvard, has advised two presidents, testified before Congress and the U.S. Senate and has experienced bankruptcy during his life.
His presentation will include Famous Dave’s appetizers, donated by Famous Dave’s of La Crosse, Wisc. After his presentation, the appetizers will be served outside the Performance Center on a first-come, first-served basis.
The presentation will be from 6 to 7 p.m. and will take place in the Page Theatre.
The event is free and open to the public.
Co-Editor in Chief
The founder of the Famous Dave’s restaurant chain, Dave Anderson, will speak on campus on Monday, April 27. The Kabara Institute for Entrepreneurial Studies is hosting the event.
Anderson’s presentation, titled “Me, Inc. – The Spirit of Entrepreneurship,” will be about his life stories and the lessons he has learned along the way.
Read more...
Anderson has been through a lot in his life, according to Marketing and Public Relations Intern for the Kabara Institute, Catherine McDonald.
Anderson earned a master’s degree from Harvard, has advised two presidents, testified before Congress and the U.S. Senate and has experienced bankruptcy during his life.
His presentation will include Famous Dave’s appetizers, donated by Famous Dave’s of La Crosse, Wisc. After his presentation, the appetizers will be served outside the Performance Center on a first-come, first-served basis.
The presentation will be from 6 to 7 p.m. and will take place in the Page Theatre.
The event is free and open to the public.
‘Iron Chef’ concludes B.U.G.G.S. month
By Lauren Rothering
Copy Editor
The Common Room was transformed into “Kitchen Stadium” at the first Saint Mary’s University “Iron Chef” competition, held April 19.
Nine student and faculty teams made dishes using the secret ingredient, black olives. According to Amira Sadek, an organizer for the event, black olives were chosen as the secret ingredient both as a nod to Palestinian farmers who harvest olives and because the olive branch is a worldwide symbol of peace.
Read more...
Three judges, Brother Stephen Rusyn, Dr. Gary Diomandes and Joe Piscitiello, rated each team’s dishes based on originality, taste, presentation and use of the secret ingredient.
The winner of the competition was Team One, consisting of JM Montecalvo, Nick Montecalvo, Kelsey Cowan and Sarah St. Laurent. They made homemade ravioli with goat cheese scallions and a four-olive cream sauce, with olive and basil ice cream for dessert.
The runner-up was Team Three, whose members included Gary Borash, Ryan Langr, Leah Hoglin and Sarah Mueller. Their menu consisted of Jimmy Dean wantons, stuffed chicken parmesan and chocolate olive cake, a favorite of the attendees of the competition.
There was also a competition among the teams to see who could sell the most tickets to the event. Team Six, composed of Ruth Sobrevilla, Aga Kadej, Radek Tomczak and Kuba Szymanski, won this portion of the competition, selling over 45 tickets.
Spectators were able to sample each of the teams’ dishes and also enjoy falafel sandwiches, hummus and tabouleh, a dish made from a variety of ingredients including parsley, mint, tomato, scallions and other herbs.
“Iron Chef” was a part of B.U.G.S.S. month, an effort to raise awareness and money for Bethlehem University Gaza Student Scholarships. Overall, Sadek estimates all B.U.G.G.S. month events, including the “Iron Chef” competition, raised around $1,500 for scholarships.
Copy Editor
The Common Room was transformed into “Kitchen Stadium” at the first Saint Mary’s University “Iron Chef” competition, held April 19.
Nine student and faculty teams made dishes using the secret ingredient, black olives. According to Amira Sadek, an organizer for the event, black olives were chosen as the secret ingredient both as a nod to Palestinian farmers who harvest olives and because the olive branch is a worldwide symbol of peace.
Read more...
Three judges, Brother Stephen Rusyn, Dr. Gary Diomandes and Joe Piscitiello, rated each team’s dishes based on originality, taste, presentation and use of the secret ingredient.
The winner of the competition was Team One, consisting of JM Montecalvo, Nick Montecalvo, Kelsey Cowan and Sarah St. Laurent. They made homemade ravioli with goat cheese scallions and a four-olive cream sauce, with olive and basil ice cream for dessert.
The runner-up was Team Three, whose members included Gary Borash, Ryan Langr, Leah Hoglin and Sarah Mueller. Their menu consisted of Jimmy Dean wantons, stuffed chicken parmesan and chocolate olive cake, a favorite of the attendees of the competition.
There was also a competition among the teams to see who could sell the most tickets to the event. Team Six, composed of Ruth Sobrevilla, Aga Kadej, Radek Tomczak and Kuba Szymanski, won this portion of the competition, selling over 45 tickets.
Spectators were able to sample each of the teams’ dishes and also enjoy falafel sandwiches, hummus and tabouleh, a dish made from a variety of ingredients including parsley, mint, tomato, scallions and other herbs.
“Iron Chef” was a part of B.U.G.S.S. month, an effort to raise awareness and money for Bethlehem University Gaza Student Scholarships. Overall, Sadek estimates all B.U.G.G.S. month events, including the “Iron Chef” competition, raised around $1,500 for scholarships.
Movie review: prison movies
By Alex Conover
Sports Editor
There are countless movies that I’ve overlooked simply because I wasn’t old enough (or alive) to appreciate them when they were in theaters. Lately I’ve been looking back on some older flicks that I have enjoyed tremendously, and I feel a real obligation to share them with the Cardinal’s faithful readers. For this issue, we’ll be looking at a few classic films that take a closer look at a sometimes difficult topic: prison.
Read more...
“A Clockwork Orange” (1971)
This futuristic epic, directed by the legendary Stanley Kubrick, is a terrifying look at government control. Alex DeLarge (played by Malcolm McDowell) is a punk who leads a street gang that he calls his “droogs.” Their idea of fun is getting tipsy off of chemically-enhanced milk and going for “a bit of the old ultra-violence.” His fun comes to a screeching halt when he gets caught in the act and is submitted to an experimental behavior-modification technique. I highly recommend this title, although I must warn you that it is highly graphic and a little disturbing.
“Shawshank Redemption” (1994)
I looked into this movie after looking at the Internet Movie Database’s (imdb.com) Top 250. I saw it at the top of the list, and I can’t say that I disagree. Starring Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman, it is a tale of a young banker who is wrongfully convicted of a life sentence. He thrives socially within prison life and finds something to live and hope for within the walls of his prison cell. “Shawshank Redemption” was nominated for seven Oscars and likely launched Morgan Freeman’s prolific narration career.
“One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” (1975)
Another top-10 pick from the IMDb’s list, this title likely launched the career of Jack Nicholson. As criminal Randle P. McMurphy, Nicholson does an extraordinary job of portraying an assumedly normal man who scams his way into a mental institution. Serving a short prison sentence, McMurphy figures that such a place would be more comfortable than a work farm. Once he spends a bit of time there, he soon develops close friendships with many of the patients. The head nurse of the institution, however, aims to make McMurphy’s stay as difficult as possible. This movie was also the first motion picture appearance for now-accomplished actors Christopher Lloyd and Danny DeVito.
Sports Editor
There are countless movies that I’ve overlooked simply because I wasn’t old enough (or alive) to appreciate them when they were in theaters. Lately I’ve been looking back on some older flicks that I have enjoyed tremendously, and I feel a real obligation to share them with the Cardinal’s faithful readers. For this issue, we’ll be looking at a few classic films that take a closer look at a sometimes difficult topic: prison.
Read more...
“A Clockwork Orange” (1971)
This futuristic epic, directed by the legendary Stanley Kubrick, is a terrifying look at government control. Alex DeLarge (played by Malcolm McDowell) is a punk who leads a street gang that he calls his “droogs.” Their idea of fun is getting tipsy off of chemically-enhanced milk and going for “a bit of the old ultra-violence.” His fun comes to a screeching halt when he gets caught in the act and is submitted to an experimental behavior-modification technique. I highly recommend this title, although I must warn you that it is highly graphic and a little disturbing.
“Shawshank Redemption” (1994)
I looked into this movie after looking at the Internet Movie Database’s (imdb.com) Top 250. I saw it at the top of the list, and I can’t say that I disagree. Starring Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman, it is a tale of a young banker who is wrongfully convicted of a life sentence. He thrives socially within prison life and finds something to live and hope for within the walls of his prison cell. “Shawshank Redemption” was nominated for seven Oscars and likely launched Morgan Freeman’s prolific narration career.
“One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” (1975)
Another top-10 pick from the IMDb’s list, this title likely launched the career of Jack Nicholson. As criminal Randle P. McMurphy, Nicholson does an extraordinary job of portraying an assumedly normal man who scams his way into a mental institution. Serving a short prison sentence, McMurphy figures that such a place would be more comfortable than a work farm. Once he spends a bit of time there, he soon develops close friendships with many of the patients. The head nurse of the institution, however, aims to make McMurphy’s stay as difficult as possible. This movie was also the first motion picture appearance for now-accomplished actors Christopher Lloyd and Danny DeVito.
First outdoor track meet held
By Pat Howard
Cardinal Staff
On Friday, April 17, Saint Mary’s University had its first-ever outdoor track and field meet. The Phil Esten Challenge was hosted by UW - La Crosse but held at SMU due to construction on their own new facility. Eight teams competed in the meet.
The SMU men’s track team finished fifth overall, and the women’s team finished out the day in seventh.
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The head official, or “starter,” arrived later than anticipated, pushing events back roughly an hour, but that did not seem to keep the spirits of the athletes down.
The atmosphere at the track complex was overwhelmingly positive. Spectators and athletes alike from various schools were making positive remarks throughout the event, which lasted roughly seven hours.
Standout athletes included sophomore Ryan Wockenfus, who finished third in the javelin event with a throw of 42.06 meters, junior Teri Heinzen, who placed fourth in the 100 meter dash with a time of 12.72 seconds and fifth in the long jump with a leap of 5.01 meters, and sophomore Brittany Kuehn, who finsihed the 400 meter with a time of 58.96 seconds.
The spirit of teamwork was best displayed in the men’s 800 meter run, as sophomore Benton Kodet and senior Marty Howard ran together against strong competitors such as UW - Stout’s Justin Verhulst. Kodet set a new personal record with a time of 2:02.73, and Howard finished with a time of 2:03.39.
Tarheels’ title run places priority on experience
By Alex Conover
Sports Editor
Even if you don’t like the North Carolina Tarheels, you can’t help but admire their cohesiveness.
After winning the NCAA men’s basketball title game on April 6, UNC completed what was an incredible March Madness tournament; they won every game by double digits, something that hasn’t happened since Duke did it in 2001. The Tarheels did it all with a well-rounded starting lineup that included three juniors and two seniors.
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Some NBA draft experts have said that UNC had up to six players on this year’s roster that have first-round talent. A few of those players, including 2008 National Player of the Year Tyler Hansbrough, tested the waters last year but opted to return to UNC to make a title run. In my opinion, this is the ideal college basketball championship team: a group of battle-tested veterans winning it all with experience and great teamwork.
Players returning to school is not only good for college basketball, it’s good for the NBA. After a rash of players skipping college basketball altogether, NBA commissioner David Stern instituted a rule in 2005 requiring prospects to be at least one year removed from high school. This was a great move, as it prevented foolish entries from prep stars that simply needed more time to develop. For every Lebron James there’s a Korleone Young or Leon Smith – high school players who were hyped but were drafted low and ended up in European leagues.
There are still plenty of college basketball players declaring early; however, it seems that you just can’t keep some players in college. Stars Carmelo Anthony, Kevin Durant and Chris Bosh all enjoyed success as “one-and-dones” (elite prospects who only played their freshman year in college). Out of the first seven picks in last year’s NBA draft, five were college freshmen.
The NBA is doing a great job of moving up their minimum playing age, and it could definitely continue to rise. College basketball will continue to benefit from these rule changes, as it keeps better players in college longer. Although underclassman declarations are still “en vogue,” I feel that UNC sent a clear message this year: it’s still cool to stay in school.
Sports Editor
Even if you don’t like the North Carolina Tarheels, you can’t help but admire their cohesiveness.
After winning the NCAA men’s basketball title game on April 6, UNC completed what was an incredible March Madness tournament; they won every game by double digits, something that hasn’t happened since Duke did it in 2001. The Tarheels did it all with a well-rounded starting lineup that included three juniors and two seniors.
Read more...
Some NBA draft experts have said that UNC had up to six players on this year’s roster that have first-round talent. A few of those players, including 2008 National Player of the Year Tyler Hansbrough, tested the waters last year but opted to return to UNC to make a title run. In my opinion, this is the ideal college basketball championship team: a group of battle-tested veterans winning it all with experience and great teamwork.
Players returning to school is not only good for college basketball, it’s good for the NBA. After a rash of players skipping college basketball altogether, NBA commissioner David Stern instituted a rule in 2005 requiring prospects to be at least one year removed from high school. This was a great move, as it prevented foolish entries from prep stars that simply needed more time to develop. For every Lebron James there’s a Korleone Young or Leon Smith – high school players who were hyped but were drafted low and ended up in European leagues.
There are still plenty of college basketball players declaring early; however, it seems that you just can’t keep some players in college. Stars Carmelo Anthony, Kevin Durant and Chris Bosh all enjoyed success as “one-and-dones” (elite prospects who only played their freshman year in college). Out of the first seven picks in last year’s NBA draft, five were college freshmen.
The NBA is doing a great job of moving up their minimum playing age, and it could definitely continue to rise. College basketball will continue to benefit from these rule changes, as it keeps better players in college longer. Although underclassman declarations are still “en vogue,” I feel that UNC sent a clear message this year: it’s still cool to stay in school.
Ropes course promises to challenge
Ropes course instructors finished their course training over spring break. Intructors used spring break to prepare for this summer’s opening to the public.
Above left: Sarah McDonough climbs a 50-foot pole to set up equipment.
Right: Greg Freeman poses while rock climbing during training.
By Sara Eisenhauer
Cardinal Staff
The Saint Mary’s University ropes course will open to the general public June 1. The course will facilitate team bonding, leadership training and self-confidence building through a variety of physical challenges.
According to Davey Warner, outdoor leadership coordinator and ropes course manager, the university built the course to stimulate excitement about leadership opportunities among the student body. Construction on the $85,000 project was completed in December, and instructor training was finished over spring break in order to prepare for this summer’s opening.
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“The ropes course is another way to educate people, both at Saint Mary’s and the larger community, through experiential education,” said Warner.
With help of the instructors, participants will learn to build team and personal skills on the high and low ropes courses. The low ropes course encourages teamwork and trust by walking on cables and swinging logs, while the high ropes work to boost individual self-confidence through the use of zip lines and 35-foot climbing poles.
Vanessa Grams, junior and ropes course instructor, sees the ropes course as an educational tool for groups and a way for people to test their limits. Grams said it was a challenge to actually complete the course while training. “I did things I didn’t know I could do,” said Grams.
Warner agrees and said the course challenges people to “do things they have never done before and realize that they can do it.”
Most of the ropes course was funded by donations and pledges, but the course still is not completely paid for. The low ropes course was also funded by the senior gift from the 2008 graduating class.
Reservations for the course begin May 1 and should be made through Davey Warner in the Office of Outdoor Leadership.
You know you can get that at Hy-Vee, right?
By David Hajoglou and Joe Tadie
Guest Writers
This year, a group of students, faculty and staff made maple syrup on campus in the traditional (and very slow) way. We started gathering wood for the boiling process in November. In March we tapped five maple trees and started collecting sap in one-gallon containers.
During this time we built the furnace, split the wood and collected 12 gallons of sap. In a dilapidated shack in the bluffs, it took 10 students 12 days to boil down the sap into one quart of syrup. This quart of syrup took a total of 61 man hours to produce.
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If we paid the laborers the Federal Minimum Wage ($6.55/hr), that quart of syrup would be worth $400. What this means is that Hall Director Brendan Dolan, who paid $35 for this quart of syrup at the Taylor Richmond Benefit Auction, will be receiving a bill for the remainder!
In the years I have been making my own maple syrup, curious onlookers, noticing the onerous character of this process, ask a variety of questions, ranging from “what are you doing with that hatchet?” to “how much sap does it take to make a gallon of syrup?” or “how long does it take?” These question are easy to answer: 1) trying not to cut myself; 2) it takes 40 gallons of sap for one gallon of syrup; 3) a long, long time. The question I find very difficult to answer is the inevitable question, “You know you can just get maple syrup at Hy-Vee right?”
When I hear such a question, I realize that I too have developed a lot of questions as a result of my involvement in this process. My questions are less rhetorical and more about food sources, especially in their agricultural, economic and ecologic implications. Here are a few I would ask in return:
Where does the maple syrup at Hy-Vee come from?
Does the purchase benefit Minnesota (or other US) producers or Canadian producers? What kind of energy inputs are required for their processes? How do these operations dispose of their waste products?
Because I practice maple syrup making in the way that I do, I can answer ALL of these questions. I can take you directly to the five maple trees that are the origin of my maple syrup. I am not contributing to an international trade deficit (one may even say that I am lessening the burden on the international trade deficit by consuming my own syrup). My energy inputs are both renewable and local. All of my waste products (excepting the smoke from the fire) are recyclable and are, in fact, recycled.
One goal of our maple syrup project was to educate ourselves about the nature of food production. We now understand a fraction of the complex process that is required to make food. My hope is to get people to think critically about where their food comes from. Making food yourself may have some real benefits over buying it at the store. Finally, to answer all of those perplexed spectators, I know I can get it at Hy-Vee, and do you know you can make it yourself at home?
Guest Writers
This year, a group of students, faculty and staff made maple syrup on campus in the traditional (and very slow) way. We started gathering wood for the boiling process in November. In March we tapped five maple trees and started collecting sap in one-gallon containers.
During this time we built the furnace, split the wood and collected 12 gallons of sap. In a dilapidated shack in the bluffs, it took 10 students 12 days to boil down the sap into one quart of syrup. This quart of syrup took a total of 61 man hours to produce.
Read more...
If we paid the laborers the Federal Minimum Wage ($6.55/hr), that quart of syrup would be worth $400. What this means is that Hall Director Brendan Dolan, who paid $35 for this quart of syrup at the Taylor Richmond Benefit Auction, will be receiving a bill for the remainder!
In the years I have been making my own maple syrup, curious onlookers, noticing the onerous character of this process, ask a variety of questions, ranging from “what are you doing with that hatchet?” to “how much sap does it take to make a gallon of syrup?” or “how long does it take?” These question are easy to answer: 1) trying not to cut myself; 2) it takes 40 gallons of sap for one gallon of syrup; 3) a long, long time. The question I find very difficult to answer is the inevitable question, “You know you can just get maple syrup at Hy-Vee right?”
When I hear such a question, I realize that I too have developed a lot of questions as a result of my involvement in this process. My questions are less rhetorical and more about food sources, especially in their agricultural, economic and ecologic implications. Here are a few I would ask in return:
Where does the maple syrup at Hy-Vee come from?
Does the purchase benefit Minnesota (or other US) producers or Canadian producers? What kind of energy inputs are required for their processes? How do these operations dispose of their waste products?
Because I practice maple syrup making in the way that I do, I can answer ALL of these questions. I can take you directly to the five maple trees that are the origin of my maple syrup. I am not contributing to an international trade deficit (one may even say that I am lessening the burden on the international trade deficit by consuming my own syrup). My energy inputs are both renewable and local. All of my waste products (excepting the smoke from the fire) are recyclable and are, in fact, recycled.
One goal of our maple syrup project was to educate ourselves about the nature of food production. We now understand a fraction of the complex process that is required to make food. My hope is to get people to think critically about where their food comes from. Making food yourself may have some real benefits over buying it at the store. Finally, to answer all of those perplexed spectators, I know I can get it at Hy-Vee, and do you know you can make it yourself at home?
Should we really be silent?
By Ryan Briscoe
Cardinal Staff
The LGBT Day of Silence has served to bring attention to anti-LGBT behavior in order to create safer learning environments since 1996. Participants in the event used April 17 as a day to draw attention, through personal silence, to the discrimination many students have suffered because of their sexual orientation.
Read more...
Keeping all of this in mind, I think this is a good moment to set aside one or two ideas - which are charged with a militant political agenda and often associated with the LGBT Day of Silence - in order to consider larger problem, one which the Day of Silence draws attention to. This larger crisis is the fight for basic respect among fellow human beings. Regardless of your personal views concerning homosexuality and the lifestyles associated with it, the dignity shared by all human persons is never to be over-looked! Concisely put, the harassment of gays is disgusting and has no place in a society that claims to be civilized and free.
Do not for an instant think that our beloved university is exempt from the cultural practices in which it is acceptable to show aggression toward homosexuals. In its simplest form, this violence can take the form of a joke or name-calling but often accelerates to property damage (which has happened at SMU) or even physical confrontations (heaven-forbid!). It is abhorrent to think that members of our community could be treated by their peers in such a way.
This day is not focused on a certain acceptance of a way of life, nor is its purpose to condone the acts of certain individuals. Rather, it is a day to recognize the reverence we owe to our fellow human beings. Disagreeing with an individual’s lifestyle or his or her choices - and even respectfully voicing that disagreement - is radically different from actively persecuting those who may think differently from you. You don’t have to remain silent about a lifestyle you disagree with, but you MUST initiate a dialogue based in charity and fed by compassion. Furthermore, be especially conscious to always separate the judgment of an action from the judgment of an individual.
Actions that are provocative, insolent and discourteous in their nature have to stop! Recognize the worth and personhood of those around you, and act in a manner that demonstrates your understanding of the value of all individuals.
Cardinal Staff
The LGBT Day of Silence has served to bring attention to anti-LGBT behavior in order to create safer learning environments since 1996. Participants in the event used April 17 as a day to draw attention, through personal silence, to the discrimination many students have suffered because of their sexual orientation.
Read more...
Keeping all of this in mind, I think this is a good moment to set aside one or two ideas - which are charged with a militant political agenda and often associated with the LGBT Day of Silence - in order to consider larger problem, one which the Day of Silence draws attention to. This larger crisis is the fight for basic respect among fellow human beings. Regardless of your personal views concerning homosexuality and the lifestyles associated with it, the dignity shared by all human persons is never to be over-looked! Concisely put, the harassment of gays is disgusting and has no place in a society that claims to be civilized and free.
Do not for an instant think that our beloved university is exempt from the cultural practices in which it is acceptable to show aggression toward homosexuals. In its simplest form, this violence can take the form of a joke or name-calling but often accelerates to property damage (which has happened at SMU) or even physical confrontations (heaven-forbid!). It is abhorrent to think that members of our community could be treated by their peers in such a way.
This day is not focused on a certain acceptance of a way of life, nor is its purpose to condone the acts of certain individuals. Rather, it is a day to recognize the reverence we owe to our fellow human beings. Disagreeing with an individual’s lifestyle or his or her choices - and even respectfully voicing that disagreement - is radically different from actively persecuting those who may think differently from you. You don’t have to remain silent about a lifestyle you disagree with, but you MUST initiate a dialogue based in charity and fed by compassion. Furthermore, be especially conscious to always separate the judgment of an action from the judgment of an individual.
Actions that are provocative, insolent and discourteous in their nature have to stop! Recognize the worth and personhood of those around you, and act in a manner that demonstrates your understanding of the value of all individuals.
Staff Spotlight: Ellen Bergler
By Amira Sadek
Cardinal Staff
Ellen Bergler, the administrative assistant in the Jay Johnson Wellness Center, enjoys working with students.
Bergler does all the scheduling for the center and tries to get to know all the students by name. “I want to be able to know their names and know who they are and to be able to stop in the hall and say ‘hey,’” Bergler said.
Read more...
Bergler said she really cares about the students who come into the center as individuals. She said that they will not be overlooked when they come in for help, and the wellness center staff will work hard to resolve students’ issues.
Bergler has had a lot of experience working with students; she began working for SMU in 1996. She has worked in the financial aid and residence life offices and has been in her current position for two years.
Cardinal Staff
Ellen Bergler, the administrative assistant in the Jay Johnson Wellness Center, enjoys working with students.
Bergler does all the scheduling for the center and tries to get to know all the students by name. “I want to be able to know their names and know who they are and to be able to stop in the hall and say ‘hey,’” Bergler said.
Read more...
Bergler said she really cares about the students who come into the center as individuals. She said that they will not be overlooked when they come in for help, and the wellness center staff will work hard to resolve students’ issues.
Bergler has had a lot of experience working with students; she began working for SMU in 1996. She has worked in the financial aid and residence life offices and has been in her current position for two years.
Club Corner: Men’s lacrosse
By Ashley Acosta
Cardinal Staff
If the past few weeks are any indication of what is to come, then Saint Mary’s University men’s lacrosse fans have something to look forward to.
Splitting from the Winona State team four years ago, the SMU men’s lacrosse team, the Hilltoppers, is in its third year of competition.
A member of the Great Lakes Lacrosse League, the team’s roster is comprised of 13 players, with six of those being upperclassmen.
Read more...
“The biggest thing we need to work on is team chemistry,” said freshman captain Ben Banse. “With so many new players, we haven’t played together much, and we need to talk to one another and help each other out.”
With many first-time players, the young team has been diligently practicing for two hours, two times a week for the past three months, focusing on game strategies and fundamental skills.
After a 0-5 start to the season, the Hilltoppers have won four of their last five games.
Junior Tim Jorgensen credits their success to their teamwork.
“We work well as a team,” Jorgensen said. “If someone messes up, we don’t get mad at each other. We help each other out.”
The team’s laid-back atmosphere is also seen as a positive.
“We take things seriously, but we don’t take things too seriously, and we have fun,” Banse said.
Their relaxed atmosphere goes hand-in-hand with how the team is put together. As it is one of the few clubs without tryouts or a participation fee, players of all skill levels are encouraged to go out for the team.
“Being on the team, you get to travel to other schools and experience what it is like to be part of a team,” Jorgensen said. “It is like a varsity college sport, but with a more laid-back atmosphere.”
Early in the season, a large portion of practice time was spent on filling out forms and other administrative paperwork. Jorgensen admits that the team has not practiced as much as they should because of high demand for the RAC and the lack of an alternative facility.
With all these obstacles behind them, the team is looking forward to the Great Lakes Championship Tournament in late April.
The two-day tournament, held this year at UW-Stout, hosts all 40 teams in the Great Lakes Conference. Each team is put into a bracket, and the Hilltoppers are hoping to make it to the second day of the tournament and end their season with a .500 record.
“We just want to show others that even though we are a small private school and we have a small team, we are out here to compete,” said Jorgensen.
Cardinal Staff
If the past few weeks are any indication of what is to come, then Saint Mary’s University men’s lacrosse fans have something to look forward to.
Splitting from the Winona State team four years ago, the SMU men’s lacrosse team, the Hilltoppers, is in its third year of competition.
A member of the Great Lakes Lacrosse League, the team’s roster is comprised of 13 players, with six of those being upperclassmen.
Read more...
“The biggest thing we need to work on is team chemistry,” said freshman captain Ben Banse. “With so many new players, we haven’t played together much, and we need to talk to one another and help each other out.”
With many first-time players, the young team has been diligently practicing for two hours, two times a week for the past three months, focusing on game strategies and fundamental skills.
After a 0-5 start to the season, the Hilltoppers have won four of their last five games.
Junior Tim Jorgensen credits their success to their teamwork.
“We work well as a team,” Jorgensen said. “If someone messes up, we don’t get mad at each other. We help each other out.”
The team’s laid-back atmosphere is also seen as a positive.
“We take things seriously, but we don’t take things too seriously, and we have fun,” Banse said.
Their relaxed atmosphere goes hand-in-hand with how the team is put together. As it is one of the few clubs without tryouts or a participation fee, players of all skill levels are encouraged to go out for the team.
“Being on the team, you get to travel to other schools and experience what it is like to be part of a team,” Jorgensen said. “It is like a varsity college sport, but with a more laid-back atmosphere.”
Early in the season, a large portion of practice time was spent on filling out forms and other administrative paperwork. Jorgensen admits that the team has not practiced as much as they should because of high demand for the RAC and the lack of an alternative facility.
With all these obstacles behind them, the team is looking forward to the Great Lakes Championship Tournament in late April.
The two-day tournament, held this year at UW-Stout, hosts all 40 teams in the Great Lakes Conference. Each team is put into a bracket, and the Hilltoppers are hoping to make it to the second day of the tournament and end their season with a .500 record.
“We just want to show others that even though we are a small private school and we have a small team, we are out here to compete,” said Jorgensen.
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