By Julianne Bartosz
Cardinal Staff
Across Saint Mary’s University campus, over 320 student-athletes can be found striving for excellence every day of the week in their sport or in the classroom.
But when the time comes for them to take off their jerseys, they are often found stepping out of their own bounds and into the community. Instead of sticking to the sports that they know best, the Cardinals have started a winning tradition by completing different volunteer and service projects throughout the year.
Volunteering in the community has become a nationally recognized characteristic of the Cardinals twice in the past three years.
The National Association of Division III Athletics Administration (NADIIIAA), recently awarded SMU with honorable mention for community service projects for the previous academic year. The Cardinals earned this honor through activities like raising money for charitable organizations, volunteering in the Winona community and helping peers across campus.
Although this honor was for last year’s volunteering, the Cardinals continue to help the community through events like “Give Back Weekend,” which includes the volleyball team’s second “Dig Pink Night” for breast cancer awareness, the men’s soccer “Cardinals Kick Cancer” for the Children’s Hospital and the women’s soccer “Footin’ 4 Food” drive for Winona’s food pantry. Also, the men’s hockey team started a new tradition this year with its first “Toys for Tots’ Teddy Bear Toss.”
Aside from incorporating a good cause with their game days, the Cardinals have also spent some free time volunteering this year. Cardinal athletic teams volunteered during SMU’s annual “Make a Difference Day.”
During the third year of this event, the women’s hockey team assisted Habitat for Humanity, the men’s hockey team volunteered at a local elementary school and the softball team helped with the Big Brothers and Big Sisters organization.
Some Cardinals are already planning ahead for upcoming service opportunities. On March 18, SMU will be hosting a Relay for Life event. Enthusiastic to help fight cancer, the Cardinals’ volleyball team and women’s hockey team are already signed up to participate.
According to Athletic Director Nikki Fennern, the Cardinals put in all of this extra time and effort to simply make a difference, rather than for recognition.
“Yes, the student-athletes give their time; but I think they are getting a lot out of it as well. Our student-athletes are leaders in many ways on campus. And when you take a group of student-athletes who are a bunch of motivated people anyway, then they see a need or a cause that they are very interested in. They tend to be motivated to pick up their volunteer activities and do those things as well,” said Fennern.
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Alex's Column: Packer fanbase is unrivaled
By Alex Conover
Sports Editor
This column isn’t about the Super Bowl; by the time this paper is printed, the winner will already have been long decided.
The Packers may win or lose, but one thing will remain the same: the Packers fanbase will remain one of the best such groups among all of sports.
I get a few chances a year to visit family in northeastern Wisconsin, and it’s always crystal clear when I enter Packer territory. There’s green and gold on company signs, lawn gnomes, cars, garages, and pretty much anything else you can think of. Babies are wearing Packer jumpers, and a hard loss can set a whole town’s attitude back for a while (at least until the next Sunday).
You see, for this area of the country, the Packers are the only show in town. Green Bay is one of the only cities in all of sports to host only one professional franchise. If you’ve never been there, please consider adding it to your sports vacation wish list.
I attended a game this year in late December. While the Vikings struggled all year in their dome that eventually collapsed, we embraced the cool elements and enjoyed watching the Packers dominate the Giants in full winter garb. Instead of clapping, you hear a thunderous wave of “poofs” — from all of the snowmobile gloves slapping together.
And sure, the Packers have been a consistently good team over the last 20 years. But what I think marks a true fanbase is dedication even through tough times. In the 24 seasons from 1968 to 1991, the Packers only had five winning seasons. Each coach they hired was worse than the last, and they kept making bad draft picks. But the fans stuck through the hard times and were rewarded in the mid-1990s with two Super Bowl appearances and a championship. The Packers have sold out every game since 1960, and the waiting list for season tickets has over 78,000 names.
People love the Packers because the team is engrained in their state culture. They are the only team in all of professional sports to be owned by the fans; instead of letting a greedy billionaire call the shots, the stock is instead owned by community members.
There are plenty of other good fans for other teams across the country. But I truly feel that the Green Bay faithful are uniquely dedicated, and they will always cheer for the Packers through thick and thin.
Sports Editor
This column isn’t about the Super Bowl; by the time this paper is printed, the winner will already have been long decided.
The Packers may win or lose, but one thing will remain the same: the Packers fanbase will remain one of the best such groups among all of sports.
I get a few chances a year to visit family in northeastern Wisconsin, and it’s always crystal clear when I enter Packer territory. There’s green and gold on company signs, lawn gnomes, cars, garages, and pretty much anything else you can think of. Babies are wearing Packer jumpers, and a hard loss can set a whole town’s attitude back for a while (at least until the next Sunday).
You see, for this area of the country, the Packers are the only show in town. Green Bay is one of the only cities in all of sports to host only one professional franchise. If you’ve never been there, please consider adding it to your sports vacation wish list.
I attended a game this year in late December. While the Vikings struggled all year in their dome that eventually collapsed, we embraced the cool elements and enjoyed watching the Packers dominate the Giants in full winter garb. Instead of clapping, you hear a thunderous wave of “poofs” — from all of the snowmobile gloves slapping together.
And sure, the Packers have been a consistently good team over the last 20 years. But what I think marks a true fanbase is dedication even through tough times. In the 24 seasons from 1968 to 1991, the Packers only had five winning seasons. Each coach they hired was worse than the last, and they kept making bad draft picks. But the fans stuck through the hard times and were rewarded in the mid-1990s with two Super Bowl appearances and a championship. The Packers have sold out every game since 1960, and the waiting list for season tickets has over 78,000 names.
People love the Packers because the team is engrained in their state culture. They are the only team in all of professional sports to be owned by the fans; instead of letting a greedy billionaire call the shots, the stock is instead owned by community members.
There are plenty of other good fans for other teams across the country. But I truly feel that the Green Bay faithful are uniquely dedicated, and they will always cheer for the Packers through thick and thin.
Inside game day: Minnesota Timberwolves
By Santiago J. Escobar
Cardinal Staff
Most people would see a team like the Minnesota Timberwolves as just a professional basketball team — a team that happens to be significantly below .500, and seems to be constantly rebuilding. The truth is that there is much more than just an owner, a coach, and players; a lot occurs at the Target Center before the doors open to the public. Much goes into the planning of an event that seems simple in the eyes of the fans in attendance or watching at home, but there are plenty of behind-the-scenes activities.
Starting around noon, there are youth basketball games going on until around 4:30 p.m. This is part of the team’s community relations, allowing children to play in the same court they see their favorite players. Soon after, players start coming into the court to do quick drills and warm-ups. During this time, special acts as well as the cheer team practice routines for the game. While this is happening in the court, special guests start arriving around 5 p.m. These guests are usually officials from other teams and season ticket holders for both the Timberwolves, and the visiting team. They have the chance to walk around the arena at this time and also get a tour of the entire facility during halftime. The tour for special guests includes the team offices, the media room, the Timberwolves locker room, the medical room, and the press room. Some guests also enjoy entrance to “The Cave,” which is a bar. All these amenities and special treatments make any fan feel welcomed and wanted.
By 5:58 p.m., there is an announcement for everyone to take their places as the doors are about to open to the public. At 6 o’clock sharp the arena’s doors open for the fans, and an hour later the environment was completely changed from the sound of a few people talking and basketball sneakers on the floor to music, sound effects, and a roaring loyal fan base which all leads into an exciting game and great experience — no matter the final score. Even if a team has a losing record, the atmosphere created by the efforts of those behind the scenes working in media, services and management can make the event something memorable, and give fans the feeling that they are appreciated and that without them the team could not go on.
Cardinal Staff
Most people would see a team like the Minnesota Timberwolves as just a professional basketball team — a team that happens to be significantly below .500, and seems to be constantly rebuilding. The truth is that there is much more than just an owner, a coach, and players; a lot occurs at the Target Center before the doors open to the public. Much goes into the planning of an event that seems simple in the eyes of the fans in attendance or watching at home, but there are plenty of behind-the-scenes activities.
Starting around noon, there are youth basketball games going on until around 4:30 p.m. This is part of the team’s community relations, allowing children to play in the same court they see their favorite players. Soon after, players start coming into the court to do quick drills and warm-ups. During this time, special acts as well as the cheer team practice routines for the game. While this is happening in the court, special guests start arriving around 5 p.m. These guests are usually officials from other teams and season ticket holders for both the Timberwolves, and the visiting team. They have the chance to walk around the arena at this time and also get a tour of the entire facility during halftime. The tour for special guests includes the team offices, the media room, the Timberwolves locker room, the medical room, and the press room. Some guests also enjoy entrance to “The Cave,” which is a bar. All these amenities and special treatments make any fan feel welcomed and wanted.
By 5:58 p.m., there is an announcement for everyone to take their places as the doors are about to open to the public. At 6 o’clock sharp the arena’s doors open for the fans, and an hour later the environment was completely changed from the sound of a few people talking and basketball sneakers on the floor to music, sound effects, and a roaring loyal fan base which all leads into an exciting game and great experience — no matter the final score. Even if a team has a losing record, the atmosphere created by the efforts of those behind the scenes working in media, services and management can make the event something memorable, and give fans the feeling that they are appreciated and that without them the team could not go on.
A senior's state of mind
By Suzie Roth
Co-Managing and Advertising Editor
Being in college is more than parties, freedom from your parents, learning about new rules, and perhaps, the best ways to get around them. At some point, we all learn we have to answer to someone. Sometimes it is your parents or professors, other times it is your friends or the police, and for many perhaps a higher being. I have found however, that learning to answer to yourself can not only be the hardest, but can also be the most rewarding.
I hope I don’t burst any bubbles here, but no matter how hard you try, you will never be able to make enough time to be in every activity, go to every party, ace every test or be perfect at everything you try. Trying to do so, will not only lead to a life of sleep deprivation, but also a sense of defeat. All you can do is your best, choose your priorities, and let those be your guide.
Perhaps you won’t believe me, maybe you already know, but the professors that spend their days lecturing us about science, math, business and so much more, do so because they want to make sure we have the tools to be successful after we leave SMU, just as much as they want us to be successful in the classes that they teach.
Throughout my time at SMU, some of my professors have seen my best work, others perhaps my worst, but having to come to terms with the fact that even with all the privileges I have been blessed with, I cannot do better has to be the hardest.
This guilt doesn’t have to make you weak; rather it can serve as an opportunity for self-reflection. Admitting that relative to your life, you have challenges to overcome allows you to begin to accept yourself, and opens your eyes to your problems in perspective to others.
Being in college is more than an opportunity to earn a degree. Being an undergrad at Saint Mary’s has been a gift that has not only prepared me for life after graduation, but taught me how to succeed at being me, as I try to figure the rest of this crazy life out in the process. Everyone’s college experience is different. So own yours and make it what you want it to be, but don’t forget to thank those who helped you along the way.
I may just be a senior with the hope of graduation in her sights, but the sooner you learn to take a look in the mirror and truly examine the person who looks back at you, that is the point when your true priorities surface.
Co-Managing and Advertising Editor
Being in college is more than parties, freedom from your parents, learning about new rules, and perhaps, the best ways to get around them. At some point, we all learn we have to answer to someone. Sometimes it is your parents or professors, other times it is your friends or the police, and for many perhaps a higher being. I have found however, that learning to answer to yourself can not only be the hardest, but can also be the most rewarding.
I hope I don’t burst any bubbles here, but no matter how hard you try, you will never be able to make enough time to be in every activity, go to every party, ace every test or be perfect at everything you try. Trying to do so, will not only lead to a life of sleep deprivation, but also a sense of defeat. All you can do is your best, choose your priorities, and let those be your guide.
Perhaps you won’t believe me, maybe you already know, but the professors that spend their days lecturing us about science, math, business and so much more, do so because they want to make sure we have the tools to be successful after we leave SMU, just as much as they want us to be successful in the classes that they teach.
Throughout my time at SMU, some of my professors have seen my best work, others perhaps my worst, but having to come to terms with the fact that even with all the privileges I have been blessed with, I cannot do better has to be the hardest.
This guilt doesn’t have to make you weak; rather it can serve as an opportunity for self-reflection. Admitting that relative to your life, you have challenges to overcome allows you to begin to accept yourself, and opens your eyes to your problems in perspective to others.
Being in college is more than an opportunity to earn a degree. Being an undergrad at Saint Mary’s has been a gift that has not only prepared me for life after graduation, but taught me how to succeed at being me, as I try to figure the rest of this crazy life out in the process. Everyone’s college experience is different. So own yours and make it what you want it to be, but don’t forget to thank those who helped you along the way.
I may just be a senior with the hope of graduation in her sights, but the sooner you learn to take a look in the mirror and truly examine the person who looks back at you, that is the point when your true priorities surface.
Friday, December 10, 2010
News
Professor speaks on concussions at Mayo Clinic
By Jake Schild
News Editor
A Saint Mary’s University psychology professor impressed many neurological doctors and scientists with a speech at the Mayo Clinic proposing a new way to better diagnose and learn more about cognitive impairments caused by concussions.
Professor Jeff Amundson’s presentation on the “Eyeblink Conditioning Paradigm,” showcased a new way to figure out what kind of effects concussions can have on high-contact sports athletes. It works very much like Pavlov’s experiment with the dog and salivation.
Dr. Amundson resigns
By Lauren Rothering
Editor on Chief
Over Thanksgiving break, Dr. Jeff Amundson, assistant professor of psychology, resigned suddenly.
"Dr. Amundson resigned his position to pursue other opportunities and we wish him well," said Dr. Marilyn Frost, vice president for academic affairs.
According to Frost, Amundson's current classes have been taken over by other psychology department faculty, who have "worked to develop a completion plan that is clear and fair for students."
Bethlehem student shares story of detainment
By Karol Ibarra
Cardinal Staff
On Dec. 1, A student from Bethlehem University in Israel shared her story with the Saint Mary’s University community about the struggle she had to overcome in order to finish her degree, with aim to inspire and raise awareness about the current situation in Israel and Palestine.
The speaker, Berlanty Azza, is a young Palestinian woman from the Gaza strip, who had been attending Bethlehem University in the West Bank. In October 2009, just two months away from finishing her bachelor’s degree at Bethlehem, Azzam was forcibly transferred to Gaza by the Israeli military. According to Azzam, she was detained and forcibly transferred was because her identification card was from Gaza. This is because, as a Palestinian from the Gaza Strip, she is not allowed into Israel, which is where Bethlehem is located.
Counselor warns against alcohol abuse
By Alexa Wallick
Cardinal Staff
Students need to be aware of alcohol trends on the Saint Mary’s University campus in order to help prevent alcohol abuse, said Jason Flanders, chemical dependency counselor, in a speech to psychology classes on Nov. 10.
Feature: Giving and Giving Back
Habitat for Humanity to work in Manistique
By Emma Stenzel
Cardinal Staff
Students of Saint Mary’s University’s chapter of Habitat for Humanity will be working in Manistique, Mich., during the last week of Christmas recess from Jan. 9-15.
Maddie Kettner, Habitat for Humanity executive board member, said that 19 SMU students and their faculty advisor, Lance Thompson, will help remodel and build the HiawathaLand Habitat for Humanity Volunteer Center. Once completed, the center will house families who hope to volunteer in the Manistique area, said Kettner.
Santa, what's the perfect gift?
By Emilie Olsen
Cardinal Staff
Christmas is just around the corner and there is one thing on everyone’s mind: what is the perfect gift? Whether it’s for parents, roommates or yourself, almost everyone is searching for gift ideas this season.
So what’s on your list this year?
Relay for Life kick-off
By Meg Beerling
Cardinal Staff
This year, SMU’s Relay For Life started Tuesday Dec. 7 with a kick-off fundraising event, where participants made various holiday items for cancer patients at the Hope Lodge treatment center.
All proceeds from Relay For Life fundraising events are given to the Hope Lodge, said Kristina Empenger, co-president of SMU’s Relay For Life committee.
Gifts for Winona spreads holiday cheer
By Rebekah Hoeger
Cardinal Staff
With Christmas approaching quickly, students at Saint Mary’s University are studying diligently to finish the semester while parents are preparing for their kids to come home. Some families, though, are more worried about finding affordable presents for their loved ones to enjoy.
Arts and Entertainment
Eisenhower Dance Ensemble to perform
By Emily Dee
Cardinal Staff
The Eisenhower Dance Ensemble (EDE) will be performing at Saint Mary’s University next semester, according to Laurie Eisenhower, founder and artistic director of the company.
EDE, named after Eisenhower, was founded in 1991 in the metropolitan area of Detroit, Mich. Currently, Eisenhower said the company’s home base is in Rochester, Mich.
Student art exhibition opens
By Jessica LaCanne
Arts and Entertainment Editor
The opening reception for the Saint Mary’s University Undergraduate Art Exhibition revealed Ashley Blum’s first place assemblage piece, titled “Honey Is the Milk of Life.”
Blum, winning $100 for first place, was not the only person to be recognized at the show. Stephanie Binot won second place and $75 for her untitled watercolor piece. Rachel Sievers won third place and $50 for her photograph titled “Autumn 360.”
Blum, a junior at SMU majoring in graphic design and studio art, said she initially was trying to make a full body cast, but it didn’t work. Blum then decided her cast, made of paper towel and wheat paste, looked more like a beehive.
More than music at Open Mic Night
By Alexa Wallick
Cardinal Staff
Pat Howard kept the crowd bent over in laughter with his impressive stand-up performance at Saint Mary’s University “Open Mic Night” on Nov. 18.
“I love being up there,” Howard said, “I really love to make people laugh. It’s one of my favorite things to do.” Howard has performed his comedy routine four times since April 2010. Even though he started performing just recently, he plans on doing more comedy performances in the future.
Choir prepares for 'Lessons and Carols'
By Trisha StachowskiCardinal Staff
The Saint Mary’s University annual choir performance, “Lessons and Carols,” will be held on Saturday, Dec. 11 at 7:30 p.m. at the Chapel of Saint Mary of the Angels.
Sports
Live video added to athletics website
By Nick Bravos
Cardinal Staff
This semester, the Cardinal athletics website added The Fan Zone, an opportunity for fans to view their favorite SMU teams over a live video stream.
This new feature currently includes volleyball, basketball and hockey games. Outdoor sports are being considered for video capabilities, but still remain as radio play-by-play commentary.
Column: What happened to the crowds?
By Alex Conover
Sports Editor
I spoke to an alumnus recently who remarked that when she went to Saint Mary’s in the early seventies, you couldn’t find a seat at the sporting events because it was so crowded. The school pulled out both sides of the bleachers for basketball games, and still filled every spot. The hockey arena was filled with chanting fans sporting their “Blue Line Club” sweatshirts. What happened?
Letters and Editorials
Letter to the Editor
Associate Professor of Social Science
Sometimes it’s wrong to do even what you have a right to do.
That’s what happened with the last issue of the Cardinal. SMU administrators took a story written by Editor Lauren Rothering, changed it, and, despite her objection, left her little alternative but to run the revised story rather than the original.
It’s doubtless legal, based on precedent that lets administrators censor school newspapers. Administration routinely checks the Cardinal before it’s printed; in that sense, this episode is no different.
Editorial: Yes...it can happen here
By Lauren Rothering
Editor in Chief
Seem strange? It is. In fact, to my memory, there has never been a by-line not by a specifically-named editor, staff writer or guest writer in the history of the Cardinal.
So what happened? The article in question was completely re-written by members of the university administration at approximately 8 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 16 —a few hours before our Wednesday deadline.
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