By Lindsay Dickson
Editor-in-Chief
Approximately $10,000 was raised Sunday, Oct. 28, at the Recipe for Relief, a benefit for Saint Mary’s University employees impacted by the August 2007 floods. More than 160 students, staff, faculty and friends of the SMU community attended this event filled with food, music and a silent auction.
The event included items and services donated to the silent auction, hors d’oeuvres made by 22 SMU “celebrity chefs,” and music provided by SMU faculty, staff and students. “It was nice to see how much people put forth to make this happen,” said Katie LaPlant, director of student activities and volunteer services.
Read more...
The staff and faculty volunteer committee started planning Recipe for Relief early this fall. “We wanted one solid community response and we thought [Recipe for Relief] was the best way to do that,” said LaPlant. LaPlant has been a member of the committee since she began working at SMU in 2004.
Although about $10,000 was raised at the event, over $20,000 was raised in all, including monetary donations.
The majority of the money will be donated to SMU families affected by flooding, whose stories can be read at http://smumn-cn.blogspot.com/. The rest of the donations will be given to renters, parents of flood victims, and other victims who lost items in the flood, explained LaPlant.
Many members of the committee felt it was important to assist those in need. Vice President and General Counsel Ann Merchlewitz said “one of the hallmarks of SMU is that we have a close-knit community.”
Both Merchlewitz and LaPlant said they have received positive feedback on the event. The evening “had this great feel and great blend of SMU faculty and staff, music, and food,” said Merchlewitz. “It all lent itself to a very relaxing, fun evening.”
The volunteer committee also works with events including Gifts for Winona, Jeans for a Cause, and Let’s Do Lunch.
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Blood Drive sponsored by sisters of SAI
By Maria Sullivan
Cardinal Staff
The sisters of the Saint Mary’s University music fraternity Sigma Alpha Iota (SAI) sponsored the American Red Cross Blood Drive on Oct. 22 and 23 on the SMU campus.
The blood drive, organized by SAI Activities Chair Samantha Kirsch, was extremely successful and went smoothly, according to Kirsch. Around 120 people, including students, faculty and staff, donated blood. “Out of the five years that the Red Cross has held a blood drive on Saint Mary’s campus, this year has had the most donors,” said Kirsch. “Both days broke their goals of 55 donors a day.”
Read more...
This is the first year that SAI sponsored the well-known blood drive on campus, and they were more than happy to take on the responsibility, said Kirsch. “Even though we are a music fraternity, we enjoy volunteering to help within the community,” said Kirsch.
SAI President Erin Hendricks said, “It’s a lot of work and, yes, it takes enormous man power, but in the end it’s worth it when you look at the lives that are going to be potentially saved.”
Junior Jessica Paulsen, who donated blood at the drive, said, “I thought that the blood drive was well organized. The only thing that I think could have made the experience better was if there were more volunteers. Then there wouldn’t be so much waiting around to give blood.”
A blood drive will be held on campus again in March. “The sisters of SAI will be hosting it again,” said Kirsch. “We look forward to seeing everyone back again to help us with the cause.”
Chartwells donated food for the blood drive.
Cardinal Staff
The sisters of the Saint Mary’s University music fraternity Sigma Alpha Iota (SAI) sponsored the American Red Cross Blood Drive on Oct. 22 and 23 on the SMU campus.
The blood drive, organized by SAI Activities Chair Samantha Kirsch, was extremely successful and went smoothly, according to Kirsch. Around 120 people, including students, faculty and staff, donated blood. “Out of the five years that the Red Cross has held a blood drive on Saint Mary’s campus, this year has had the most donors,” said Kirsch. “Both days broke their goals of 55 donors a day.”
Read more...
This is the first year that SAI sponsored the well-known blood drive on campus, and they were more than happy to take on the responsibility, said Kirsch. “Even though we are a music fraternity, we enjoy volunteering to help within the community,” said Kirsch.
SAI President Erin Hendricks said, “It’s a lot of work and, yes, it takes enormous man power, but in the end it’s worth it when you look at the lives that are going to be potentially saved.”
Junior Jessica Paulsen, who donated blood at the drive, said, “I thought that the blood drive was well organized. The only thing that I think could have made the experience better was if there were more volunteers. Then there wouldn’t be so much waiting around to give blood.”
A blood drive will be held on campus again in March. “The sisters of SAI will be hosting it again,” said Kirsch. “We look forward to seeing everyone back again to help us with the cause.”
Chartwells donated food for the blood drive.
HalloWinona brings Ultimate Frisbee players from afar
By Jessica Paulsen
Cardinal Staff
The 13th annual HalloWinona tournament was held in Winona on Oct. 27 and 28.
HalloWinona is an Ultimate Frisbee tournament and party. Around 40 teams and clubs from Minnesota and neighboring states participated, including one high school team. Many of the teams dressed up because it was the Halloween tournament.
There were three brackets this year; the men’s open A, open B and the women’s bracket. In previous years there have been more teams, but due to the recent flooding, there was a shortage of fields available.
Read more...
According to Saint Mary’s University captain Eric Duffy, the Winona State University captain said the event lived up to his expectations.
SMU contributed by allowing the women’s games to be played on Joe’s Field, providing four extra fields. There were also eight in the park by Lake Winona, four at Winona High School and two at the technical college.
The Saint Mary’s Ultimate Frisbee Club (MUF) played four games and enjoyed their first tournament. “Overall, it was a learning experience for us,” said Duffy, “but it was insanely fun.”
Cardinal Staff
The 13th annual HalloWinona tournament was held in Winona on Oct. 27 and 28.
HalloWinona is an Ultimate Frisbee tournament and party. Around 40 teams and clubs from Minnesota and neighboring states participated, including one high school team. Many of the teams dressed up because it was the Halloween tournament.
There were three brackets this year; the men’s open A, open B and the women’s bracket. In previous years there have been more teams, but due to the recent flooding, there was a shortage of fields available.
Read more...
According to Saint Mary’s University captain Eric Duffy, the Winona State University captain said the event lived up to his expectations.
SMU contributed by allowing the women’s games to be played on Joe’s Field, providing four extra fields. There were also eight in the park by Lake Winona, four at Winona High School and two at the technical college.
The Saint Mary’s Ultimate Frisbee Club (MUF) played four games and enjoyed their first tournament. “Overall, it was a learning experience for us,” said Duffy, “but it was insanely fun.”
Second Page leaves audiences laughing
By Theresa Breault
Cardinal Staff
If you didn’t get a chance to go to Second Page on Oct. 26 or 27, you missed out on one incredible performance. From the hilarious beginning to the end, the night was filled with laughter.
Eight Saint Mary’s University students put on an improv-comedy show in the style of “Whose Line is it Anyways?” Members of the audience picked the games out of a hat and shouted out scene suggestions for the improvers to act out on stage. Added in sporadically were skits and the musical talents of sophomore Peter Snell, who accompanied on the piano.
Read more...
The theme for the show, “Back to the Fig,” referred to Second Page’s return to Figliulo Recital Hall after having performed in the Common Room last year.
In all, Second Page was an incredibly entertaining event. For those interested in joining in on the fun, Second Page meets on Wednesday nights from 10 p.m. to midnight in the Common Room in Saint Mary’s Hall.
Cardinal Staff
If you didn’t get a chance to go to Second Page on Oct. 26 or 27, you missed out on one incredible performance. From the hilarious beginning to the end, the night was filled with laughter.
Eight Saint Mary’s University students put on an improv-comedy show in the style of “Whose Line is it Anyways?” Members of the audience picked the games out of a hat and shouted out scene suggestions for the improvers to act out on stage. Added in sporadically were skits and the musical talents of sophomore Peter Snell, who accompanied on the piano.
Read more...
The theme for the show, “Back to the Fig,” referred to Second Page’s return to Figliulo Recital Hall after having performed in the Common Room last year.
In all, Second Page was an incredibly entertaining event. For those interested in joining in on the fun, Second Page meets on Wednesday nights from 10 p.m. to midnight in the Common Room in Saint Mary’s Hall.
Friday, October 12, 2007
SMU 'drills' new procedures
By Lindsay DicksonEditor-in-Chief
As the clocks struck 10:15 a.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 2, fire alarms rang through Saint Mary’s, Skemp, Heffron, Griffin, Hendrickson, and Hoffman halls. This was the first time in recent history that there was a planned fire drill in academic buildings. The drill was a test of the university’s response to a potential emergency, planned by the Emergency Preparedness Committee.
Read more...
Like many other colleges across the country, SMU reacted to the Virginia Tech shootings last April by immediately assessing safety and security on campus. The goal of the committee is to “assess where we are right now in terms of responding to a wide range of situations,” said committee member Chris Kendall, vice president of student development.
SMU already has emergency response and crisis communication plans in place. The events at Virginia Tech made SMU administration take a step back and study how current plans could be improved and more upgrades could be made.
SMU realizes that school shootings can be a threat, but other disasters could also happen on campus, such as flooding, fires, bomb threats, or other weather-related events.
“The flood showed us it doesn’t happen just down the river; it can happen anywhere,” said Kendall.
The committee has discussed strategies for mass communication. One is a fire alarm control head, with one processor in the Toner Student Center. This would be able to send and receive information from other buildings. Alarms in buildings around campus can be triggered by this control. Another strategy is voice communication from campus safety to other buildings. Recent upgrades include PA systems on the campus safety vans, radios for professional hall staff, and megaphones at the campus safety booth. “We’re trying not to rely on just one system,” said Kendall. “It all revolves around communication.” Email, voicemail and the SMU website would be used to convey details of an emergency.
The fire drill was staged to get people familiar with emergency response. “Generally we were pleased that everybody got out as fast as they did,” said Kendall.
“I think the fire drills are a good idea,” said senior Matt Clementz. “It should have been there before and should be done more often. Everybody thinks it’s a drill, but if something really happens, it’s going to be big.”
More drills will be planned in the future, with an addition of a lockdown drill. First, the committee will define a lockdown and then educate the SMU community. Kendall explained that SMU could have a lockdown drill when a better communication system is in place.
SMU has budgeted up to $100,000 for the processor and has committed to making these improvements in communication happen. SMU would like to “make an upgrade [to communication] that will last a long time and will be adaptable to future changes,” said Kendall.
Some other schools have upgraded to a system that would text-message all students during an emergency. The committee decided against this because SMU asks that students leave cell phones turned off during class, so not everyone would read the message at the appropriate time.
Kendall explained that more prospective students and parents are indicating that the safety of a school is an important deciding factor. The number one concern of the committee is the safety of the students, and Kendall is confident these new systems address this concern.
SMU also plans to have better awareness and training on what to do when disaster strikes. “We can’t let ourselves fall asleep,” said Kendall. “Safety is everyone’s responsibility.”
International students diversify SMU
By Tamika Robinson Cardinal Staff
Eager students traveled near and far for what would be their first, and for some their last, academic year at Saint Mary’s University. They were greeted with many changes and additions to the SMU campus this year, including an increase in international admissions.
Read more...
This year, SMU opened its campus to 42 new international students, representing 20 different cultures and countries including Haiti, China, Rwanda, and Colombia. Presently, there are 73 international students on campus.
For some, this is their first time away from home, and the transition has been challenging but rewarding.
Yue Yang, a new student from Beijing, China, described her feelings before arriving in America as “exciting at first.”
“I imagined America being like the Hollywood movies I watched,” Yang said, “but after my arrival I was a little upset because the American people were different.” For others, the feelings were different. “I am happy to be here,” said Andres Mantilla, an international student from Bogota, Colombia.
The Center for International Students has made numerous efforts to increase the diversity on campus. “We had a student diversity task meeting about the services we provide for the international students versus American students, and we also travel to recruit domestic students,” said Maria (Lupita) Garza-Cienfuegos, director of international admission. “Once the international students arrive in Winona, we plan activities and trips so that they will become familiar with their new surroundings,” said Jay Skranka, dean of international student initiatives. Part of the mission for The Center for International Students is to encourage diversity not only in ethnicity, but also in gender, religion, and culture.
The staff at the Center for International Students feels that SMU has a lot to offer international students. They also feel that SMU is a fantastic, supportive community, which leads to a welcoming environment, said Tessy Dias, international student activities coordinator. “We provide an exceptional level of service,” said Dias.
The increase in the international student body provides an opportunity for American and international students to experience new cultural ideas and traditions, and even make new friends. The staff at the Center for International Students asks students to embrace this opportunity to enrich their understanding of the world around them.
Facebook grants access through Google
By Ellen Jordan
Cardinal Staff
When Facebook opened its doors to Saint Mary’s University students two years ago, students did not imagine that using the networking site could result in their profiles going public.
In early September 2007, non-registered Facebook users were granted access to the site through Google, the popular search engine.
Read more... The public can access limited profiles, which include user names and current profile pictures. The public may also “poke” someone, send a message or request to be “friends” via Facebook.
Google is not the only site offering public contact with Facebook users. In the future, Facebook plans to extend rights to MSN and Yahoo.
The expansion of Facebook to other networks is expected with the growth of the site. Founded in 2004, by Mark Zuckerberg, the site started as a hobby that would allow him to network with classmates at Harvard University. Within several months, the site had moved to other universities, including Yale and Stanford. As the site’s popularity grew, more colleges and universities allowed use of it. At the time, the only requirement for students to register was to have an official college email address.
Today, any person with a valid email address can have a Facebook profile. With such a large number of people on Facebook, questions arise as to what should be seen and what should not.
“The fact that the site is going public does put a strain on what I want seen in my profile, and I changed my privacy settings because of it,” said junior Anna Keller. “I know that only people who I am friends with on the site can see my information, but it still worries me.”
Another result of Facebook’s growth is the opportunity for the public to create their own applications and add them to the site for other users to utilize. Many students feel that Facebook has lost the organizational feel that made it so popular from the beginning.
“I originally signed up for a Facebook account because I thought that it would be a good way for me to meet new classmates and keep in touch with my friends from high school,” said junior Michele Mquillan, “but now with all of the applications, I sometimes don’t even bother looking at others’ profiles because it’s such a strain on my eyes.”
The public access to Facebook is not impacting every student. “I knew that Facebook was going to be opening to the public because it was advertised on the site,” said senior Kevin Collins. “I did change my settings, but it’s really not affecting me. I still use the site as much as I did before the change.”
Cardinal Staff
When Facebook opened its doors to Saint Mary’s University students two years ago, students did not imagine that using the networking site could result in their profiles going public.
In early September 2007, non-registered Facebook users were granted access to the site through Google, the popular search engine.
Read more... The public can access limited profiles, which include user names and current profile pictures. The public may also “poke” someone, send a message or request to be “friends” via Facebook.
Google is not the only site offering public contact with Facebook users. In the future, Facebook plans to extend rights to MSN and Yahoo.
The expansion of Facebook to other networks is expected with the growth of the site. Founded in 2004, by Mark Zuckerberg, the site started as a hobby that would allow him to network with classmates at Harvard University. Within several months, the site had moved to other universities, including Yale and Stanford. As the site’s popularity grew, more colleges and universities allowed use of it. At the time, the only requirement for students to register was to have an official college email address.
Today, any person with a valid email address can have a Facebook profile. With such a large number of people on Facebook, questions arise as to what should be seen and what should not.
“The fact that the site is going public does put a strain on what I want seen in my profile, and I changed my privacy settings because of it,” said junior Anna Keller. “I know that only people who I am friends with on the site can see my information, but it still worries me.”
Another result of Facebook’s growth is the opportunity for the public to create their own applications and add them to the site for other users to utilize. Many students feel that Facebook has lost the organizational feel that made it so popular from the beginning.
“I originally signed up for a Facebook account because I thought that it would be a good way for me to meet new classmates and keep in touch with my friends from high school,” said junior Michele Mquillan, “but now with all of the applications, I sometimes don’t even bother looking at others’ profiles because it’s such a strain on my eyes.”
The public access to Facebook is not impacting every student. “I knew that Facebook was going to be opening to the public because it was advertised on the site,” said senior Kevin Collins. “I did change my settings, but it’s really not affecting me. I still use the site as much as I did before the change.”
Yearbook gets makeover; Now free for all students
By Abby Zimmer
Copy Editor
The Saint Mary’s University yearbook, the “Cardinal Legacy,” is undergoing an organizational transformation to allow every student to receive this year’s yearbook for free.
Read more...
For the past 15 years, $10 has been taken out of each student’s activity fee to help cover printing costs. This will continue to be the case, but now students will receive a copy of the yearbook, at no additional charge, when they move in at the beginning of the school year. Copies of the yearbook will be mailed to seniors.
In recent years, the yearbook was sold for $5 to $10, but due to communication, distribution, and publicity issues, students have not been purchasing many copies, said Jason Richter, assistant dean of students for leadership, service, and activities.
“My hope is that we’re going to bring it out, put it out in the open, let people know what it is about, and then get as many people involved and excited about it as possible,” said Richter.
Another change in the creation of the yearbook is that the pages will all be created online. This allows students to work on the yearbook at any computer on campus as long as they have access to the Internet.
To cut down costs, the 2007-2008 yearbook will be in black-and-white, but it will still be hardcover and approximately 88 pages. Last year’s yearbook will still cost an additional $5-10, but students will be able to receive copies of the 2004-2005 and 2005-2006 yearbooks for free.
Senior Sarah Ruether, editor of the yearbook, is looking for students who are interested in joining the staff.
Any interested students should attend the informational meeting on Oct. 23 at 8 p.m. in Salvi Lecture Hall, where they will also learn how to use the new online program. All students are welcome no matter their level of experience.
Copy Editor
The Saint Mary’s University yearbook, the “Cardinal Legacy,” is undergoing an organizational transformation to allow every student to receive this year’s yearbook for free.
Read more...
For the past 15 years, $10 has been taken out of each student’s activity fee to help cover printing costs. This will continue to be the case, but now students will receive a copy of the yearbook, at no additional charge, when they move in at the beginning of the school year. Copies of the yearbook will be mailed to seniors.
In recent years, the yearbook was sold for $5 to $10, but due to communication, distribution, and publicity issues, students have not been purchasing many copies, said Jason Richter, assistant dean of students for leadership, service, and activities.
“My hope is that we’re going to bring it out, put it out in the open, let people know what it is about, and then get as many people involved and excited about it as possible,” said Richter.
Another change in the creation of the yearbook is that the pages will all be created online. This allows students to work on the yearbook at any computer on campus as long as they have access to the Internet.
To cut down costs, the 2007-2008 yearbook will be in black-and-white, but it will still be hardcover and approximately 88 pages. Last year’s yearbook will still cost an additional $5-10, but students will be able to receive copies of the 2004-2005 and 2005-2006 yearbooks for free.
Senior Sarah Ruether, editor of the yearbook, is looking for students who are interested in joining the staff.
Any interested students should attend the informational meeting on Oct. 23 at 8 p.m. in Salvi Lecture Hall, where they will also learn how to use the new online program. All students are welcome no matter their level of experience.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month
By Candice Norell and Kim Riley
Sports Editor and Guest Writer
On Oct. 17-19, Colleges Against Cancer will be selling t-shirts in the Toner Student Center. Last year’s t-shirts will be sold for $5, and this year’s t-shirts will be sold for $8-10.
Cupcakes will also be sold at $1 each. All proceeds go to the American Cancer Society to help find a cure.
In support of breast cancer awareness, Oct. 18 is “Wear Your Pink Day” CAC urges SMU to wear pink.
Also, save the date for this years’ Relay For Life, which for the first time, will be held at Saint Mary’s University instead of Winona State University on April 19-20, 2008.
The theme for Relay For Life is “Celebrate. Remember. Fight Back!” Participants will be celebrating lives that have been touched by cancer, remembering those who lost their battle against cancer, and fighting back so the words “You have cancer” will never be heard again.
SMU’s chapter of CAC has a goal of raising $26,000 and is aiming for two-thirds of campus involvement.
Students would want to become involved in this great cause can contact Kim Riley at kkrile05@smumn.edu or Christie Brunette at clbrun04@smumn.edu.
Sports Editor and Guest Writer
On Oct. 17-19, Colleges Against Cancer will be selling t-shirts in the Toner Student Center. Last year’s t-shirts will be sold for $5, and this year’s t-shirts will be sold for $8-10.
Cupcakes will also be sold at $1 each. All proceeds go to the American Cancer Society to help find a cure.
In support of breast cancer awareness, Oct. 18 is “Wear Your Pink Day” CAC urges SMU to wear pink.
Also, save the date for this years’ Relay For Life, which for the first time, will be held at Saint Mary’s University instead of Winona State University on April 19-20, 2008.
The theme for Relay For Life is “Celebrate. Remember. Fight Back!” Participants will be celebrating lives that have been touched by cancer, remembering those who lost their battle against cancer, and fighting back so the words “You have cancer” will never be heard again.
SMU’s chapter of CAC has a goal of raising $26,000 and is aiming for two-thirds of campus involvement.
Students would want to become involved in this great cause can contact Kim Riley at kkrile05@smumn.edu or Christie Brunette at clbrun04@smumn.edu.
Gossen and Sahr promoted in Residence Life
By Alli Hill
Cardinal Staff
As students returned to school, they returned to the new titles of some familiar faces, Tim Gossen and Angie Sahr.
Read more...
Gossen, previously known as the Director of Residence Life, has taken on an additional position at Saint Mary’s University. In February of last year, he officially took over the title of Dean of Students. Gossen sees this as just an overlap of responsibilities between the two jobs.
Gossen currently works very closely with Campus Safety, Chartwells food service, and Campus Ministry. He meets with the director of each of these sections so they can update him on how things are going and let him know of any issues, concerns, or needed improvements.
Gossen also works closely with Student Senate. The most recent project that has come out of working with senate is the renovations happening around campus, particularly renovations in the dorms. “We want to make living on campus more desirable,” said Gossen.
With this new title comes different responsibilities within the university as well. “It’s not the most popular job, since I have to make the tough decisions,” Gossen said. “I really try to do what’s best for the university and the students.”
Angie Sahr also received a new job title in the Office of Residence Life. In May, Sahr signed a contract naming her the Assistant Director of Residence Life along with fellow Hall Director Andy McLees.
The biggest change that Sahr sees with her new job title is that she now has to supervise many more people than before. Along with her position as Hall Director of Hillside and Gilmore halls, she is now also the area coordinator for the upper classes. This means that she supervises those students in the villages as well.
As for more responsibilities, Sahr has taken over some of Gossen’s duties. “It really helped to balance everything out down here,” she said.
Not only has Residence Life experience changes in positions, but they have also moved locations in the Toner Student Center. Now located in the area formerly known as Room E, the move made space available for other offices to join them in the Toner basement. “It’s now a lot easier to work collaboratively with other departments like Campus Ministry and Student Development now that they are down here,” Sahr said.
The only downfall to her new job is the time commitment. “I’m in my office all the time,” she said.
Cardinal Staff
As students returned to school, they returned to the new titles of some familiar faces, Tim Gossen and Angie Sahr.
Read more...
Gossen, previously known as the Director of Residence Life, has taken on an additional position at Saint Mary’s University. In February of last year, he officially took over the title of Dean of Students. Gossen sees this as just an overlap of responsibilities between the two jobs.
Gossen currently works very closely with Campus Safety, Chartwells food service, and Campus Ministry. He meets with the director of each of these sections so they can update him on how things are going and let him know of any issues, concerns, or needed improvements.
Gossen also works closely with Student Senate. The most recent project that has come out of working with senate is the renovations happening around campus, particularly renovations in the dorms. “We want to make living on campus more desirable,” said Gossen.
With this new title comes different responsibilities within the university as well. “It’s not the most popular job, since I have to make the tough decisions,” Gossen said. “I really try to do what’s best for the university and the students.”
Angie Sahr also received a new job title in the Office of Residence Life. In May, Sahr signed a contract naming her the Assistant Director of Residence Life along with fellow Hall Director Andy McLees.
The biggest change that Sahr sees with her new job title is that she now has to supervise many more people than before. Along with her position as Hall Director of Hillside and Gilmore halls, she is now also the area coordinator for the upper classes. This means that she supervises those students in the villages as well.
As for more responsibilities, Sahr has taken over some of Gossen’s duties. “It really helped to balance everything out down here,” she said.
Not only has Residence Life experience changes in positions, but they have also moved locations in the Toner Student Center. Now located in the area formerly known as Room E, the move made space available for other offices to join them in the Toner basement. “It’s now a lot easier to work collaboratively with other departments like Campus Ministry and Student Development now that they are down here,” Sahr said.
The only downfall to her new job is the time commitment. “I’m in my office all the time,” she said.
SMU junior stands out
By Sean O’Brien
News Editor
Every year, the Winona Women in Business Committee recognizes an outstanding young woman of the year along with other women from various areas of business, education, and government. This year’s Outstanding Young Woman award recipient is Saint Mary’s University junior Anjy Buck.
Read more...
The award will be presented to Buck on Oct. 18 at the Visions Event Center. In order to be nominated, one must demonstrate academic achievement, leadership qualities, community involvement, and be nominated by coworkers or peers.
Buck, who transferred to Saint Mary’s last year, was nominated by her supervisors in the Business Office at SMU, where she worked this summer. Laurie Hale-Erdmann, assistant to the vice president for financial affairs, spearheaded the effort. When informing Buck of their intention to nominate her, Hale-Erdmann said, “Even if you don’t win, you’re still outstanding to us.”
Buck said that even though she was nominated she didn’t expect to win, and it was a surprise when she found out. “I was studying in my room one night and got a phone call congratulating me on winning the award,” said Buck. “I was shocked.”
Buck has since experienced a whirlwind of attention, including a photoshoot, an interview with the Winona Daily News, and having her parents try to collect every news clipping they can get their hands on.
“They are really proud of me,” said Buck. “I am the youngest in the family, and for me to do well means a lot.”
As to what the award means to Buck, she said, “It said the work I’ve done is appreciated. It means that I’m not viewed as the typical ‘college student stereotype,’ and it makes all those four-hours-of-sleep nights worth it.”
Buck said that she is still unsure of what she wants to do after graduation, but that this award will definitely be something to help her in her career down the road.
The Outstanding Young Woman also passed along words of wisdom to her peers. “See your bosses as someone to learn from, and not just your superior,” said Buck.
“They know what the real world is like.”
News Editor
Every year, the Winona Women in Business Committee recognizes an outstanding young woman of the year along with other women from various areas of business, education, and government. This year’s Outstanding Young Woman award recipient is Saint Mary’s University junior Anjy Buck.
Read more...
The award will be presented to Buck on Oct. 18 at the Visions Event Center. In order to be nominated, one must demonstrate academic achievement, leadership qualities, community involvement, and be nominated by coworkers or peers.
Buck, who transferred to Saint Mary’s last year, was nominated by her supervisors in the Business Office at SMU, where she worked this summer. Laurie Hale-Erdmann, assistant to the vice president for financial affairs, spearheaded the effort. When informing Buck of their intention to nominate her, Hale-Erdmann said, “Even if you don’t win, you’re still outstanding to us.”
Buck said that even though she was nominated she didn’t expect to win, and it was a surprise when she found out. “I was studying in my room one night and got a phone call congratulating me on winning the award,” said Buck. “I was shocked.”
Buck has since experienced a whirlwind of attention, including a photoshoot, an interview with the Winona Daily News, and having her parents try to collect every news clipping they can get their hands on.
“They are really proud of me,” said Buck. “I am the youngest in the family, and for me to do well means a lot.”
As to what the award means to Buck, she said, “It said the work I’ve done is appreciated. It means that I’m not viewed as the typical ‘college student stereotype,’ and it makes all those four-hours-of-sleep nights worth it.”
Buck said that she is still unsure of what she wants to do after graduation, but that this award will definitely be something to help her in her career down the road.
The Outstanding Young Woman also passed along words of wisdom to her peers. “See your bosses as someone to learn from, and not just your superior,” said Buck.
“They know what the real world is like.”
What's in a name?
Seminarian questions 'Catholic' nature of Saint Mary's
By Austin Quick
Guest Columnist
Saint Mary’s University is a university that is “Enriched by the Catholic, Lasallian heritage,” or so the Mission Statement states. When I looked into starting an entire page devoted to matters of the faith in this publication, I was told that there were two concerns:
1. As a publication, we want to be careful about not showing more preference to a certain group on campus.
2. Although SMU is a Catholic university, the Cardinal should remain a neutral publication.
(Source: Email from Cardinal Editor regarding a meeting she had with Bob Conover)
What group are we showing preference to? Do they mean Catholics? This is odd to me since we are a CATHOLIC UNIVERSITY.
Read more... The preference is obviously to anyone who is not of the Catholic faith here on campus. Just another example of how everyone is so concerned about offending someone and thus we deny our obligations as Catholics so that we may be politically correct. One would not dream of attending Brigham Young University and state that they are offended by the Mormon faith. You choose to attend this university, and true to the Catholic Church’s teaching, we embrace all people from all walks of life to share in our common goals and common good as men and women of God.
Currently our university is searching for a new president. When I looked into the search committee’s documents, I found the following information regarding the search. The challenges that the next president faces includes “[u]pholding, supporting and enhancing the University’s academic, Catholic, and Lasallian mission,” and one of the qualifications is that he or she must be a “Committed Catholic.” (Source: R. H. Perry & Associates)
On the university’s website, they have under the heritage section that “[a] Catholic university is grounded in the Judeo-Christian tradition and vision and is inspired by Gospel values; faithful to the Christian message as it is embodied in the Church’s history, wisdom and tradition.” (Source: Ex Corde Ecclesiae (#73))
I give you all this information not to bore you but to point out to you that although this all sounds nice and our parents might like to hear that the place they are sending us to is “Catholic” I assure you we can do a great deal more as an institution to truly live up to our obligations as Catholic educators and students.
How many people at this university acknowledge or even know that the Blessed Sacrament is present in the Chapel on the second floor of Mary’s? NOW YOU SEE MY POINT! In many ways we are Catholic in name and heritage, but not in our daily lives and actions. When a professor shows “Brokeback Mountain” to their literature class and endorses that lifestyle rather than expressing the Church’s teachings, they are wrong. When an administrator states that it is okay to watch porn such as “Debbie Does Dallas” as long as it is for educational purposes, they are wrong. When money is raised to add a new soccer field rather than devote funds to the poorly-tended-to Chapel on campus, they are wrong. When the university denies requests to place anti-abortion material around campus, they are wrong. When a Catholic university’s newspaper is scared of expressing the Catholic faith for fear of offending non-Catholics, they too are wrong.
The bishop of this diocese came to preside at the school’s Red Mass, and in his homily he adamantly stated that as a Catholic university we have a duty to uphold the Catholic Church’s teachings in all that we do and all that we are. He pointed out that at that Mass in particular, the true start of the school year, less than 10 percent of the student body and faculty were in attendance. This is a sad reality we live in where MTV’s “Real World” wins over the Source and Summit of our faith and our lives.
Our faith cannot be pushed to the back seat; however it needs to be the foundation of who we are as an institution and as a collective people. The non-Catholics and non-Christian members of our university will understand and respect that we are true to our beliefs and to the teachings of the Church. It’s time to end this fear of offending the non-Catholic members of this community and embrace them with our Catholic faith by showing them that we are not aiming to alienate them, rather we are looking to enrich their lives with our Catholic and Lasallian teachings.
I ask that the patroness of this university pray for us during these times of great challenges and give us the strength to persevere. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us.
Austin M. D. Quick is a sophomore and is a seminarian studying for the Diocese of Peoria, IL. He invites all questions or comments regarding his columns to be sent to amquic06@smumn.edu
By Austin Quick
Guest Columnist
Saint Mary’s University is a university that is “Enriched by the Catholic, Lasallian heritage,” or so the Mission Statement states. When I looked into starting an entire page devoted to matters of the faith in this publication, I was told that there were two concerns:
1. As a publication, we want to be careful about not showing more preference to a certain group on campus.
2. Although SMU is a Catholic university, the Cardinal should remain a neutral publication.
(Source: Email from Cardinal Editor regarding a meeting she had with Bob Conover)
What group are we showing preference to? Do they mean Catholics? This is odd to me since we are a CATHOLIC UNIVERSITY.
Read more... The preference is obviously to anyone who is not of the Catholic faith here on campus. Just another example of how everyone is so concerned about offending someone and thus we deny our obligations as Catholics so that we may be politically correct. One would not dream of attending Brigham Young University and state that they are offended by the Mormon faith. You choose to attend this university, and true to the Catholic Church’s teaching, we embrace all people from all walks of life to share in our common goals and common good as men and women of God.
Currently our university is searching for a new president. When I looked into the search committee’s documents, I found the following information regarding the search. The challenges that the next president faces includes “[u]pholding, supporting and enhancing the University’s academic, Catholic, and Lasallian mission,” and one of the qualifications is that he or she must be a “Committed Catholic.” (Source: R. H. Perry & Associates)
On the university’s website, they have under the heritage section that “[a] Catholic university is grounded in the Judeo-Christian tradition and vision and is inspired by Gospel values; faithful to the Christian message as it is embodied in the Church’s history, wisdom and tradition.” (Source: Ex Corde Ecclesiae (#73))
I give you all this information not to bore you but to point out to you that although this all sounds nice and our parents might like to hear that the place they are sending us to is “Catholic” I assure you we can do a great deal more as an institution to truly live up to our obligations as Catholic educators and students.
How many people at this university acknowledge or even know that the Blessed Sacrament is present in the Chapel on the second floor of Mary’s? NOW YOU SEE MY POINT! In many ways we are Catholic in name and heritage, but not in our daily lives and actions. When a professor shows “Brokeback Mountain” to their literature class and endorses that lifestyle rather than expressing the Church’s teachings, they are wrong. When an administrator states that it is okay to watch porn such as “Debbie Does Dallas” as long as it is for educational purposes, they are wrong. When money is raised to add a new soccer field rather than devote funds to the poorly-tended-to Chapel on campus, they are wrong. When the university denies requests to place anti-abortion material around campus, they are wrong. When a Catholic university’s newspaper is scared of expressing the Catholic faith for fear of offending non-Catholics, they too are wrong.
The bishop of this diocese came to preside at the school’s Red Mass, and in his homily he adamantly stated that as a Catholic university we have a duty to uphold the Catholic Church’s teachings in all that we do and all that we are. He pointed out that at that Mass in particular, the true start of the school year, less than 10 percent of the student body and faculty were in attendance. This is a sad reality we live in where MTV’s “Real World” wins over the Source and Summit of our faith and our lives.
Our faith cannot be pushed to the back seat; however it needs to be the foundation of who we are as an institution and as a collective people. The non-Catholics and non-Christian members of our university will understand and respect that we are true to our beliefs and to the teachings of the Church. It’s time to end this fear of offending the non-Catholic members of this community and embrace them with our Catholic faith by showing them that we are not aiming to alienate them, rather we are looking to enrich their lives with our Catholic and Lasallian teachings.
I ask that the patroness of this university pray for us during these times of great challenges and give us the strength to persevere. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us.
Austin M. D. Quick is a sophomore and is a seminarian studying for the Diocese of Peoria, IL. He invites all questions or comments regarding his columns to be sent to amquic06@smumn.edu
Editors respond to 'What's in a name?' column
By Lindsay Dickson, Amy Kalina
and Abby Zimmer
Editors
As editors of the Cardinal newspaper, we respect the opinion given in Austin Quick’s column above and the author’s right to express his views. However, we feel it is necessary to provide some background.
Read more...
Quick had asked Cardinal editors about devoting an entire page to “matters of faith.” After considering Quick’s request, we told him that, “Although SMU is a Catholic university, the Cardinal should remain a neutral publication.” We would like to clarify this statement: news articles in the Cardinal need to be neutral and objective. Opinions, however, are welcome in editorials, letters to the editor, and columns – including opinions on the Catholic nature of the university.
Along with our advisor, we offered Quick a half-page editorial column on any subject in the Cardinal’s print version, as well as the option to post more articles on our online version. The Cardinal aims to be relevant to as broad a readership base as possible, within a limited amount of space. We decided that a half-page, devoted to Quick’s column, was reasonable and generous.
As editors of the Cardinal, it is not our right or obligation to defend the Catholic nature of the university. However, as Saint Mary’s students, we take offense at Quick questioning the faith and Catholic nature of this university. No matter where students are on their faith journey, we hope that they are able to adopt the Lasallian charism. We believe many students have embraced the Lasallian spirit through actions in their everyday lives. Whether it is by spending time with children through Big and Little Pals or offering a helping hand with flood relief, many SMU students acknowledge Saint John Baptist de La Salle through service.
In the words of Saint Francis of Assisi, “Preach the Gospel at all times, and when necessary use words.”
We agree that actions speak louder than words.
and Abby Zimmer
Editors
As editors of the Cardinal newspaper, we respect the opinion given in Austin Quick’s column above and the author’s right to express his views. However, we feel it is necessary to provide some background.
Read more...
Quick had asked Cardinal editors about devoting an entire page to “matters of faith.” After considering Quick’s request, we told him that, “Although SMU is a Catholic university, the Cardinal should remain a neutral publication.” We would like to clarify this statement: news articles in the Cardinal need to be neutral and objective. Opinions, however, are welcome in editorials, letters to the editor, and columns – including opinions on the Catholic nature of the university.
Along with our advisor, we offered Quick a half-page editorial column on any subject in the Cardinal’s print version, as well as the option to post more articles on our online version. The Cardinal aims to be relevant to as broad a readership base as possible, within a limited amount of space. We decided that a half-page, devoted to Quick’s column, was reasonable and generous.
As editors of the Cardinal, it is not our right or obligation to defend the Catholic nature of the university. However, as Saint Mary’s students, we take offense at Quick questioning the faith and Catholic nature of this university. No matter where students are on their faith journey, we hope that they are able to adopt the Lasallian charism. We believe many students have embraced the Lasallian spirit through actions in their everyday lives. Whether it is by spending time with children through Big and Little Pals or offering a helping hand with flood relief, many SMU students acknowledge Saint John Baptist de La Salle through service.
In the words of Saint Francis of Assisi, “Preach the Gospel at all times, and when necessary use words.”
We agree that actions speak louder than words.
Student examines Seminarians reasons
By Theresa Breault
Cardinal Staff
Whether you have stepped on to the Saint Mary’s University campus for the first time this year or have been around for several semesters, you have undoubtedly noticed the nicely-dressed men who always open the doors for you: the seminarians.
Read more...
SMU is a unique school in that we are given the chance to see those training to become a part of the Church in a way many of us have never dreamed of. Students are also given the chance to wonder about these men they see daily, and how they got to be where they are today. After interviewing several seminarians about why they chose the path that they are on, I received some pretty interesting answers.
Joshua Gardner (silent “ua,” as he so animatedly pointed out), is a junior at Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary. Gardner said it was the love of God that brought him to Saint Mary’s, and that it wasn’t an easy decision for him to make. “There was a lot to consider and a lot of self-reflection that went into this decision,” said Gardner.
Ben Lynch, a sophomore in the seminary, gave a very interesting answer when asked `what he had to consider before going into the seminary. “I had to factor in the marriage issue, how I was going to pay for going to school for it, and giving up certain things in order to become a priest,” Lynch said. “But the priesthood is like a relationship in itself. It is a commitment.”
As I sat with the boys at their lunch table, I observed that they were not at all like I thought they would be. They were more casual, more down-to-earth than I expected. They laughed easily and joked around with one another. They told me their interests, including music, art, volleyball, football, ping-pong, reading, and hanging out with friends. They are not, as many have come to believe, the humorless and pious boys in the seminary. Rather, they are simply students studying in college to give back to life in a way that seems best for them.
Cardinal Staff
Whether you have stepped on to the Saint Mary’s University campus for the first time this year or have been around for several semesters, you have undoubtedly noticed the nicely-dressed men who always open the doors for you: the seminarians.
Read more...
SMU is a unique school in that we are given the chance to see those training to become a part of the Church in a way many of us have never dreamed of. Students are also given the chance to wonder about these men they see daily, and how they got to be where they are today. After interviewing several seminarians about why they chose the path that they are on, I received some pretty interesting answers.
Joshua Gardner (silent “ua,” as he so animatedly pointed out), is a junior at Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary. Gardner said it was the love of God that brought him to Saint Mary’s, and that it wasn’t an easy decision for him to make. “There was a lot to consider and a lot of self-reflection that went into this decision,” said Gardner.
Ben Lynch, a sophomore in the seminary, gave a very interesting answer when asked `what he had to consider before going into the seminary. “I had to factor in the marriage issue, how I was going to pay for going to school for it, and giving up certain things in order to become a priest,” Lynch said. “But the priesthood is like a relationship in itself. It is a commitment.”
As I sat with the boys at their lunch table, I observed that they were not at all like I thought they would be. They were more casual, more down-to-earth than I expected. They laughed easily and joked around with one another. They told me their interests, including music, art, volleyball, football, ping-pong, reading, and hanging out with friends. They are not, as many have come to believe, the humorless and pious boys in the seminary. Rather, they are simply students studying in college to give back to life in a way that seems best for them.
Adjusting to senior pressures
Welcome to your senior year; it’s going to be the best year of your life.
It still feels weird to say that word. Senior. I am a senior. This is the last year that I will have to make my mark on this school. This is the last time I will go to Blue Angel/Gaslight, the Taylor Richmond dance, and all the other crazy activities that SMU puts on.
But this year is also about manyhardships: “I must have an internship. I must find a job by the end of the year.” This seems to be the mantra on many seniors’ lips. This is on top of all the classes, homework, and a general social life, of course.
Read more...
This is going to be the best year of our lives? What universe did that saying come from? It was obviously said by a person who didn’t have to write three papers, to study for a test, and to read six chapters, all on top of working a part-time job and doing the massive amount of work for my internship.
Now this, of course, is an exaggeration. But sometimes, when you get down to it, a senior’s day is just as chaotic as that description.
The only advice I can give to my fellow struggling senior is: Breathe. Inhale through the nose, and out through the mouth.
Also, don’t be afraid to talk to someone. Whether it’s a roommate, a close friend, an advisor, a trusted professor, or a complete stranger, it helps to let out all of the emotions.
Ask for help. A good place to start, especially when it comes to the dreaded words of internships and jobs, is Career Services. They will answer any questions you have and try to point you in the right direction.
The last thing that I can prescribe to you is this: Senior year is supposed to be the best year of your life. So during those really stressful periods, take a chance to look around. Take mental photos of this campus, your friends, and the activities that you participate in. And remember, you are not alone. We are taking the journey together. And through this column, I hope to be with you every step of the way.
Welcome to your senior year. It’s going to be the best, and the worst, year of your life.
It still feels weird to say that word. Senior. I am a senior. This is the last year that I will have to make my mark on this school. This is the last time I will go to Blue Angel/Gaslight, the Taylor Richmond dance, and all the other crazy activities that SMU puts on.
But this year is also about manyhardships: “I must have an internship. I must find a job by the end of the year.” This seems to be the mantra on many seniors’ lips. This is on top of all the classes, homework, and a general social life, of course.
Read more...
This is going to be the best year of our lives? What universe did that saying come from? It was obviously said by a person who didn’t have to write three papers, to study for a test, and to read six chapters, all on top of working a part-time job and doing the massive amount of work for my internship.
Now this, of course, is an exaggeration. But sometimes, when you get down to it, a senior’s day is just as chaotic as that description.
The only advice I can give to my fellow struggling senior is: Breathe. Inhale through the nose, and out through the mouth.
Also, don’t be afraid to talk to someone. Whether it’s a roommate, a close friend, an advisor, a trusted professor, or a complete stranger, it helps to let out all of the emotions.
Ask for help. A good place to start, especially when it comes to the dreaded words of internships and jobs, is Career Services. They will answer any questions you have and try to point you in the right direction.
The last thing that I can prescribe to you is this: Senior year is supposed to be the best year of your life. So during those really stressful periods, take a chance to look around. Take mental photos of this campus, your friends, and the activities that you participate in. And remember, you are not alone. We are taking the journey together. And through this column, I hope to be with you every step of the way.
Welcome to your senior year. It’s going to be the best, and the worst, year of your life.
Red trucks help SMU go green
By Amy KalinaManaging Editor
A new student-led initiative to “go green” is bringing eco-friendly changes to the Saint Mary’s University campus.
The project, created by student senate last spring, aims at educating students, faculty, and staff on the importance of conserving natural resources and making environmental choices.
Read more...
“It is absolutely wonderful that the students took this initiative to champion, because it’s something that’s always been near and dear to me,” said John Schollmeier, director of building and grounds at SMU. “In maintenance, we try very hard to listen to students’ wants and needs, and when they want to push a cause like this, that’s even better.”
One environmentally-sound way to reduce fuel and energy costs was through the purchase of two electric trucks, said Schollmeier. These small red vehicles sport an enclosed cab and box, allowing for year-round use.
“We have been looking for an efficient electrical vehicle for about five years and never found the vehicle that we could afford that could be serviced locally,” said Schollmeier. “These met all of our criteria, and so far they’re very efficient. They can go on sidewalks, too, so they get us where we need to go much quicker.”
Although the electric trucks meet the needs of the maintenance department, they still came with a $12,000 price tag, a factor that causes some students to question their overall necessity. Still, the use of electric trucks helps SMU stay in line with the environmental efforts at other schools, said Schollmeier. Winona State, Luther College, and Macalester College are among the schools nearby turning to electric vehicles.
“Of all the Minnesota private [colleges], SMU is by far the most efficient when it comes to utilities,” said Schollmeier. “We’ve always taken a very aggressive role in trying to keep our utilities low while energy costs keep going up.”
Another change brought about by the “Go Green” initiative will be a machine that changes old cooking oil into bio-diesel fuel. The machine, which will likely be purchased later in the academic year, will be able to provide power for all of SMU’s diesel-fuel engines, said Schollmeier. According to Schollmeier, the machine is already being used at Luther College and is proving to be efficient.
Aside from maintenance’s efforts to reduce fuel and energy costs on campus, Schollmeier said that student participation is critical. Educating students on simple ways to cut back on energy and utility usage is important in making a difference on campus, said Schollmeier.
“If you’re not using lights, shut them off. If you have your air conditioner or heater on, close the windows. There are really easy ways that students can cut costs,” said Schollmeier. “It’s all about finding a balance between conserving energy and making students, faculty, and staff happy. That’s a balance that we all have to work [toward] together.”
Cans raise money for Habitat
By Jessica Paulsen
Cardinal Staff
The Student Activities Committee and Habitat for Humanity are working together on Cans for a Cause, a fundraising project involving the collection of aluminum cans.
Cans for a Cause ties in with a Habitat for Humanity program called “Aluminum Cans Build Habitat for Humanity Homes.” If the Saint Mary’s University and Winona State University chapters of Habitat can collect their combined goal of 5,000 pounds of cans (one pound is about 30 cans), they will receive a $5,000 grant for the Winona County affiliate.
Read more...
The goal must be met by the end of December to receive the grant. Even if the goal isn’t met, the affiliate will still receive money from the recycling company. Winona County Habitat for Humanity “could use the money to buy land [or] buy supplies,” said junior Angela Buck, co-president of Habitat for Humanity.
Senior Abby Zimmer, co-leader of Cans for a Cause, said they have collected about 2,000 pounds so far and have a bit of friendly competition planned to try to create more incentive for students to contribute.
One of those events will be in cooperation with Winona State. The schools will face-off in a basketball game on Nov. 17, and a “can war” is being set up for that day. “It’s always good to have a little competition with things to get people really involved,” said Zimmer.
SAC ordered special bins for the cans, which members from Habitat for Humanity collect. “They are ours,” said Buck. “We are responsible for everything about the cans.” The cans are collected every Sunday and Thursday and taken every other week to Matejka Recycling, who keeps track of the number of pounds collected.
Sophomore William Duffert, co-leader of the program, is “happy with the way things are going” and wants to see it continue. “For as long as I am on the [Habitat for Humanity] executive board, Cans for a Cause will be around,” said Duffert. “Hopefully it will be an annual thing long after I’m gone as well.”
Cans for a Cause will begin again in January, but different campus organizations can apply to SAC to get the cans for fundraising every other month. That organization would then be in charge of everything about the program for that month.
There are 45 Cans for a Cause bins around the SMU campus. The bins are located in the recycling rooms in dorms, on every floor of Saint Mary’s Hall, Toner Student Center, Hoffman Hall, and near the RAC.
Office of Outdoor Leadership develops on-campus
By Betsy Baertlein
Feature Editor
Many opportunities for outdoor recreation have been offered for students at Saint Mary’s University so far this year, including weekend hiking and canoe trips, in which over 120 students have participated. This programming has been made possible by the newly-implemented Office of Outdoor Leadership at SMU, directed by Davey Warner (’07).
Read more...
The idea for this office came last year from a group of staff members, including Chris Kendall, vice president for student development. The idea regarded the many outdoor opportunities that exist in the area. The premise was that many students choose to come to SMU because of its natural surroundings, but they find it difficult to actually get out into those surroundings. The Office of Outdoor Leadership serves to organize outdoor recreational activities for students to enjoy the environment firsthand.
The Office of Outdoor Leadership has been collaborating with the Environmental Awareness Center, managed by Brother John Grover, to provide students with the resources necessary for outdoor ventures. The Environmental Awareness Center offers outdoor equipment such as canoes, sleeping bags, tents and cross country skis for student use. Warner said that Brother John has been a great asset to the office. He has provided all of the equipment for events thus far, and he has even joined students in a couple canoe trips, Warner said.
As well as offering opportunities for outdoor recreation, the Office of Outdoor Leadership plans to encourage environmental leadership development. SMU is a partner with the Leave No Trace (LNT) organization, which means that the university is committed to spreading the message of outdoor ethics. Warner is a trained LNT Master, which allows him to train others. Eventually the Office for Outdoor Leadership would like to train students as volunteer trip leaders so that outdoor opportunities are available almost constantly.
Some of the activities that Warner hopes to implement during the remainder of the year include: indoor rock climbing, downhill skiing, backpacking, cycling, winter camping, snowboarding and kayaking. Also, Warner said that he is always open to students’ ideas for activities, especially during this time of development. If students would like to make suggestions, they should stop by his office at 8D Toner Student Center.
Ultimately, the Office of Outdoor Leadership hopes to develop in students an appreciation for the environment, which will lead to stewardship of the land. Often times outdoor experiences allow people to take a step back from the stressors in their daily life and reflect. Warner said that experience in the outdoors helps the development of virtues that grow the total person.
Feature Editor
Many opportunities for outdoor recreation have been offered for students at Saint Mary’s University so far this year, including weekend hiking and canoe trips, in which over 120 students have participated. This programming has been made possible by the newly-implemented Office of Outdoor Leadership at SMU, directed by Davey Warner (’07).
Read more...
The idea for this office came last year from a group of staff members, including Chris Kendall, vice president for student development. The idea regarded the many outdoor opportunities that exist in the area. The premise was that many students choose to come to SMU because of its natural surroundings, but they find it difficult to actually get out into those surroundings. The Office of Outdoor Leadership serves to organize outdoor recreational activities for students to enjoy the environment firsthand.
The Office of Outdoor Leadership has been collaborating with the Environmental Awareness Center, managed by Brother John Grover, to provide students with the resources necessary for outdoor ventures. The Environmental Awareness Center offers outdoor equipment such as canoes, sleeping bags, tents and cross country skis for student use. Warner said that Brother John has been a great asset to the office. He has provided all of the equipment for events thus far, and he has even joined students in a couple canoe trips, Warner said.
As well as offering opportunities for outdoor recreation, the Office of Outdoor Leadership plans to encourage environmental leadership development. SMU is a partner with the Leave No Trace (LNT) organization, which means that the university is committed to spreading the message of outdoor ethics. Warner is a trained LNT Master, which allows him to train others. Eventually the Office for Outdoor Leadership would like to train students as volunteer trip leaders so that outdoor opportunities are available almost constantly.
Some of the activities that Warner hopes to implement during the remainder of the year include: indoor rock climbing, downhill skiing, backpacking, cycling, winter camping, snowboarding and kayaking. Also, Warner said that he is always open to students’ ideas for activities, especially during this time of development. If students would like to make suggestions, they should stop by his office at 8D Toner Student Center.
Ultimately, the Office of Outdoor Leadership hopes to develop in students an appreciation for the environment, which will lead to stewardship of the land. Often times outdoor experiences allow people to take a step back from the stressors in their daily life and reflect. Warner said that experience in the outdoors helps the development of virtues that grow the total person.
Res. halls get 'green' representation
By Candice Norrell
Sports Editor
Saint Mary’s University’s student senate passed a resolution in the spring of 2007 supporting a “green” campus. Now, the Office of Residence Life is working hard to do their part with the introduction of hall recycling representatives.
Read more...
“We came up with the idea [of hall representatives] at the beginning of this academic year while brainstorming ways to improve our current recycling program,” said Pines, St. Joe’s and LaSalle Hall Director Kristin De Vito on behalf of the Office of Residence Life.
An email was sent out at the beginning of the semester introducing the idea of the hall representatives and about 17 students replied, according to De Vito.
“Having reps will hopefully help us reach our goal of going green,” De Vito said. “While the university is taking steps towards sustainability, it starts in the residence halls. The easiest way each and every student can contribute is to recycle.”
Having at least one representative in each hall is the first step, De Vito said.
Duties of the hall representatives include ensuring every hall has a recycling room and maintaining it, encouraging fellow residents to recycle, and doing passive/active programming. Representatives will also help with publicity along with preparing, helping and planning ideas for future campaigns, such as “Leave it Behind” during move-out weekend and hall recycling competitions.
“Whatever time students are able to give is appreciated, whether they help with everything or only some initiatives,” De Vito said.
“The group is still in the process of getting going,” De Vito continued. “Going ‘green’ is something we need everyone’s help with—students, faculty and staff.”
According to De Vito, Pines, Hillside, Vlazny, Old Village, Watters, Benilde and St. Yon’s halls still do not have any representatives. If anyone is interested in becoming the hall representative for these halls, if anyone is interested in helping the SMU community “go green,” or if someone has ideas about what they would like to see on our campus, please contact De Vito at kdevito@smumn.edu.
Sports Editor
Saint Mary’s University’s student senate passed a resolution in the spring of 2007 supporting a “green” campus. Now, the Office of Residence Life is working hard to do their part with the introduction of hall recycling representatives.
Read more...
“We came up with the idea [of hall representatives] at the beginning of this academic year while brainstorming ways to improve our current recycling program,” said Pines, St. Joe’s and LaSalle Hall Director Kristin De Vito on behalf of the Office of Residence Life.
An email was sent out at the beginning of the semester introducing the idea of the hall representatives and about 17 students replied, according to De Vito.
“Having reps will hopefully help us reach our goal of going green,” De Vito said. “While the university is taking steps towards sustainability, it starts in the residence halls. The easiest way each and every student can contribute is to recycle.”
Having at least one representative in each hall is the first step, De Vito said.
Duties of the hall representatives include ensuring every hall has a recycling room and maintaining it, encouraging fellow residents to recycle, and doing passive/active programming. Representatives will also help with publicity along with preparing, helping and planning ideas for future campaigns, such as “Leave it Behind” during move-out weekend and hall recycling competitions.
“Whatever time students are able to give is appreciated, whether they help with everything or only some initiatives,” De Vito said.
“The group is still in the process of getting going,” De Vito continued. “Going ‘green’ is something we need everyone’s help with—students, faculty and staff.”
According to De Vito, Pines, Hillside, Vlazny, Old Village, Watters, Benilde and St. Yon’s halls still do not have any representatives. If anyone is interested in becoming the hall representative for these halls, if anyone is interested in helping the SMU community “go green,” or if someone has ideas about what they would like to see on our campus, please contact De Vito at kdevito@smumn.edu.
Tips to be 'green'
By Betsy Baertlein
Features Editor
• Ride a bike or take the bus instead of driving into town.
• Utilize recycling facilities on campus to recycle everything from
paper to plastic to aluminum cans.
• Unplug mp3 and cell phone chargers when not in use.
• Turn out the lights in your room when you leave for 30 seconds
or more
• If you see trash on the ground, pick it up.
• Save water by reporting a leaky faucet or show to mainte-
nance immediately.
• Reuse containers and bags whenever possible.
• Shut down your laptop if you won’t be using it for an hour or
more.
• Enjoy your natural surroundings. Take a walk in the bluffs!
Features Editor
• Ride a bike or take the bus instead of driving into town.
• Utilize recycling facilities on campus to recycle everything from
paper to plastic to aluminum cans.
• Unplug mp3 and cell phone chargers when not in use.
• Turn out the lights in your room when you leave for 30 seconds
or more
• If you see trash on the ground, pick it up.
• Save water by reporting a leaky faucet or show to mainte-
nance immediately.
• Reuse containers and bags whenever possible.
• Shut down your laptop if you won’t be using it for an hour or
more.
• Enjoy your natural surroundings. Take a walk in the bluffs!
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