Spring/Summer 2023 Saint Mary's Magazine

Spring/Summer 2023

Flexing marketing muscles

INSIDE:

Taking Care of Business

Alumnus turns passion for fitness into successful business career

CONTENTS

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SPRING/SUMMER 2023 FROM THE EDITOR

VICE PRESIDENT OF ADVANCEMENT Gary Klein M’04 EDITOR Deb Nahrgang Phone: 507-457-6966 dnahrgan@smumn.edu

FEATURE: TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Deb Nahrgang, Ben Rodgers

RETIREES

PHOTOGRAPHERS Rick Bush, Bob Conover, Blake Darst, Geoffrey DeMarsh, Deb Nahrgang

ATHLETICS

NEWS AND VIEWS

ALUMNI

CLASS NOTES

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

ON THE COVER Ronnie Edwards B’05 turned his passion for fitness and knowledge of business and public relations into a successful business. Read more about alumni who are “taking care of business” inside.

PRODUCTION Sara Anderson, Megan Weilandt CREATIVE DIRECTOR Bill Neumiller ART DIRECTOR Maria Beyerstedt PRINTED BY La Crosse Graphics ADDRESS CHANGES Saint Mary’s Magazine Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota 700 Terrace Heights #21 Winona, MN 55987-1399 ON THE WEB smumn.edu/magazine ABOUT SAINT MARY’S UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA Grounded in Lasallian Catholic values, Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota awakens, nurtures, and empowers learners to ethical lives of service and leadership. Whether in person or online, adult or undergraduate, students are treated with respect, taught with humanity, and supported by faculty and staff committed to their success in programs designed to prepare graduates for today’s and tomorrow’s careers. Founded in 1912 and accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota enrolls nearly 4,100 students at its undergraduate and graduate programs on campuses in Minneapolis, Rochester, Winona, and online. Saint Mary’s offers a highly personal, real-world-ready educational experience that fully prepares students to work, lead, and serve with character and purpose.

Learn more at smumn.edu.

SAINT MARY’S MAGAZINE | SPRING/SUMMER 2023 | 1

FROM THE EDITOR

This isn’t goodbye; it’s talk to you later

I ALUMNI, SEND US YOUR NEWS We want your personal and professional news items – photos, news clippings, etc., as well as tips about fellow alums who might make good feature story subjects.

For submission guidelines and how to submit your news, go to connect. smumn.edu/ alumni/ classnotes.

n May, I resigned from my position at Saint Mary’s.

But you haven’t heard (or read) the last from me.

This place, and particularly the people at Saint Mary’s, are my family. I am an only child, and my parents are long since gone. In many ways, throughout these past nearly 20 years, the Saint Mary’s family has adopted me, enveloping me and my little family into the community in ways that are deep and long lasting.

The people of Saint Mary’s have walked beside me, sometimes hand in hand, through most of the extreme highs and lows of my life.

When I begin to think of the many names and faces of faculty, staff, students, and alumni I’ve been blessed to know through these years, it’s overwhelming. These sentimental memories have popped up more and more frequently as the trinkets in my office have been slowly packed into boxes.

I like to think I’ve also been there for Saint Mary’s during some of its highs and lows.

As much of a joy as my job has been, having the honor of sharing thousands of stories and articles, I have to confess that not every

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day has been easy. I’m sure it comes as no surprise that people don’t always agree. And sometimes I am put in a position between those who are passionately and vehemently arguing multiple sides of an issue. To my successor: listening and diplomacy is a must.

Without question, the next communication director also has to have a true love for our students — the same ones who make room for you at their lunch tables, stop to talk in the plaza, help you carry heavy boxes when they don’t even know you, and keep in touch with you long after they graduate. I have deeply enjoyed every student who has interned in our office. I have heard a couple of them say when they’re proofing for AP style, they can hear my voice on occasion.

As a communication director, flexibility is key. Throughout my tenure, I’ve shared sad details of the deaths of beloved students and professors, inaugurated three presidents, helped move our university online during the COVID-19 pandemic, and helped celebrate a centennial, record-breaking gifts and capital campaigns. I’ve even donned the Big Red costume and tossed parade candy. It’s been

a good run, and I’m almost envious of my successor.

As my daughter earned her diploma from Saint Mary’s in April, I decided to take a leap of faith — to see what other opportunities for writing might be out there and to focus more on family and my health and well-being.

Graciously, I’ve been told there’s a place here for me to continue telling Saint Mary’s stories as a freelancer. So, it’s not goodbye, it’s merely TTYL (talk to you later). I hope to be back again next issue with more amazing stories of alumni and student accomplishments and campus highlights.

In my tenure here, I’ve interviewed a Holocaust survivor; a counselor turned car mechanic; inventors, researchers, educators, doctors, lawyers, counselors, business professionals, and advocates for justice — people quite literally changing the world.

In this issue we’re covering those who are taking care of business: from management, to accounting, analytics, and beyond. Check out stories about undergraduate business students to those earning certificates, master’s degrees, doctorates, and multiple

degrees — all to stay current in the ever changing world of business.

We have alumni in all aspects of business — including the Pittsburgh Pirates (page 7); the music industry (page 12); natural foods (page 10); Medtronic, Inc. (page 16); Snap Fitness (page 4); and the U.S. Department of Justice (page 18).

In all aspects of business, Saint Mary’s alumni bring a special blend of knowledge, skills, ethics, kindness, and character. What a privilege to share their stories. Enjoy this issue; thank goodness, it won’t be my last!

Deb Nahrgang Saint Mary’s Magazine Editor

SAINT MARY’S MAGAZINE | SPRING/SUMMER 2023 | 3

FEATURE › TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS

Ronnie Edwards B’05 and his wife, Gosia, have run a Snap Fitness in Minneapolis since 2018.

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Taking on the heavy lifting Ronnie Edwards B’05 and his wife excel in the business of fitness

W

hat do you call a professor who tells corny jokes?

In the case of the persistently punny Dean Beckman, associate professor of business and communication at Saint Mary’s, the answer is role model, adviser, and a favorite professor.

For Ronnie Edwards B’05, Beckman was also the reason he changed his major. “He’s a big influence on where I am in my life,” he said. “He’s an amazing professor.”

Edwards was originally majoring in psychology, but after taking Beckman’s classes, he switched to public relations. “Psychology was something I was really interested in throughout high school, and it’s what my dad does for a living, so it was a natural progression, but midway through my freshman year, I had two classes with Dean and one with Steve Schild (now retired), and I just loved the way they presented their classes and made them fun and interesting. I still minored in psychology, but I thought public relations was a better fit.”

Edwards’ first big career after graduation was with C.H. Robinson as an intermodal specialist, making sure contracts with railroads lined up with the price negotiated by the sales team.

A crush, a passion for fitness, and a mind for business and public relations led him and his wife, Gosia, to take over a Snap Fitness in Minneapolis in 2018.

It started during that 9-to-6 intermodal specialist job, back when he was younger with no family commitments — when he was working out regularly after work.

After obtaining his personal training certification, one day he was approached by some men who told him, “You’re in really good shape, would you think about working here?” Edwards thought, why not, and SAINT MARY’S MAGAZINE | SPRING/SUMMER 2023 | 5

FEATURE › TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS

In public relations, if you’re not growing, you’re shrinking. You always have to be a step ahead. You can’t think, ‘Things are good right now; we can rest.’

Ronnie Edwards B’05

started training a few times a week on the side.

“People were liking my training style and it was going really well, but you’re working for someone else and not making much money,” he said. Then one day his clients, mid session, told him they were buying an Anytime Fitness and asked him to be their head trainer. “I couldn’t take the risk at that time, but I told them I’ll still train part-time; I’ll even give you a weekend day.”

Fast forward six months, and the Anytime Fitness became one of the top franchises in the organization with its prime location in a key target market. He was again asked to go full-time.

Again, Edwards said no. “But I knew my (now) wife was training, and told them I knew another trainer who would be really good. It would be a good excuse for me to spend time with her. It was a win-win,” he said. The plan worked, eventually leading to their marriage and their son, Easton, now 7, as well as a successful business.

As the couple became solidly booked with clients, they asked themselves, “Why don’t we start our own company — taking over it all, billing, scheduling, training?

“She talked me into it, and it took off super fast,” he said. “We hired four other trainers, and since then we’ve hired more trainers. It’s just snowballed.”

Edwards said his background in marketing has come in handy.

“We do a ton of different marketing,” he said. “We do some old-school style flyers in the mail; we create them, bring between 3,000 and 5,000 of them to the post office and hope to get a return of 10 to 15 percent.”

Because they ask recipients to bring in the mailing to get a discount, it’s easy to track the success of their campaign. He added, “We’re tracking not only the percentage of response but the areas they’re coming from, and we also talk to them about what part of the promotion made you want to come to the location? Did you know about us?

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“These are things that we’ve done in class; are we gathering information and not just putting out marketing and crossing our fingers and hoping for the best,” he said.

“We learned how to target promotions in a very strategic way so we’re not throwing our money out the window.”

Edwards said they also utilize the technology and software available to them as part of the franchise benefits. “We can see anytime anyone logs into the Snap Fitness portal and looks at our location; we can get their information so we can add them to a text message campaign every 3-4 months,” he said. “They’re people we already know are interested. They’ve looked but just haven’t come in yet.”

Edwards credits Saint Mary’s for teaching him how to target his messaging and how to be proactive. “Saint Mary’s has given me a good perspective on making sure I’m using the right verbiage to attract the right clientele,” he said. “And we’re tracking our numbers, being proactive. In public relations, if you’re not growing, you’re shrinking. You always have to be a step ahead. You can’t think, ‘Things are good right now; we can rest.’ ” The same, he jokes, can be said for fitness: “If you’re not staying in shape, you’re getting out of shape.”

Edwards has come back to talk to current public relations and business students on campus. He advises them, “If you want to do something on your own, weigh all the risks before you put all your hard-earned money and time into something. Don’t be pushed into a situation that’s not going to be the best for you.”

He also advises, “Be prepared, if you’re working for yourself, to be on 24/7. You’re HR, customer service, you’re everything.

With a franchise, you have some support.

But do something you are truly invested in. If you’re going to be on 24/7, do something you absolutely love.”

Working in the big leagues Jake Mencacci B’18 is a Major League staff assistant for Pittsburgh Pirates

J

ake Mencacci B’18 knows he’s somewhat of an anomaly.

Getting a foot in the door to your dream job before graduating college doesn’t happen every day. It often takes years of what Mencacci has already: patience, hard work, passion, building connections, and certainly some good luck.

Mencacci always had the passion for sports; he grew up with either a baseball glove or a hockey stick in his hand.

So when he came to Saint Mary’s, he served as catcher on the Cardinal baseball team while studying business management and marketing — all while dreaming of a career in sports, preferably baseball or hockey.

During his senior year, Mencacci never thought he had a chance to work in baseball, but as he was applying for jobs, he saw one with the Pittsburgh Pirates logo pop up and thought “Why not?” He said the application

Jake Mencacci B’18 has worked his way up with the Pittsburgh Pirates since he was hired while attending Saint Mary’s.

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FEATURE › TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS

Mencacci and Oneil Cruz, one of the most talented young players in Major League Baseball.

was arduously long, and it nearly deterred him right at the tip off, but he persevered. After interviewing, he was hired, and he has since steadily worked his way up the organization, currently serving as major league staff assistant, coordinating the team’s advanced scouting process, focusing primarily on opposing pitching and team defense.

“The main bulk of the work entails a lot of video, analysis, and informing my staff and players what the opposing team is doing,” he said, adding typical days begin mid-morning in the office, reviewing data, sending out reports, and looking ahead to that night and beyond. By mid-afternoon, he helps out on the field, spending time with the players, and sometimes, even helping catch a bullpen.

By 4:30 p.m., he receives the opposing team’s lineup for that evening. “That’s when we go in and prepare the night’s information based upon their specific lineup,” he said.

“We look at who they’re going to play that night, the game card, and bullpen reports, infield and outfield grids, you name it. Most of the time they make a last-minute lineup change. By 7 p.m., the game starts, and we watch the game in the clubhouse or down the line or in the cage where I do what I can.”

Mencacci’s day ends as the game ends, which was often 11:30 p.m. to midnight (before the new league rules that expedited game times).

“It varies from day to day which is what I love about it,” he said. “I knew I was never going to be the normal-job kind of person.

I love that it’s different every single day and you’re dealing with humans and human performance, and that’s my passion. I really like being on the field, being around the players. That’s kind of my escape. Being in all these stadiums I grew up watching on TV is like a dream.”

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Mencacci said the drive to continually improve is one both he and the organization share.

“At the major league level, I’d be lying if I said I didn’t feel added pressure, but the pressure that comes with it is a privilege, in a sense, for me. You’re at the highest level in the entire world and the standards and expectations that come with that I love. It’s great to wake up and say literally you have to be at your best for the team.”

This past fall, Mencacci returned to the Winona Campus to help judge the business strategies competition, and it was a unique experience to be on the other side. In this competition, business students work in teams on a real-world project and then present to faculty, as well as alumni business professionals.

“It was cool because I know the process and know all that they went through and the preparation,” he said. “But you can only prepare so much. Plan A turns to Plan B and Plan C. The best are those who are adaptable and can thrive under pressure and in unknown situations. It was fun to ask questions, both ones that they knew the answers to and those they probably didn’t know the answers to.”

Mencacci and his dad, Warren, at Petco Park in San Diego.

He tells students to get involved in college and try new things but also that it’s ok to fail sometimes.

“There can’t be the expectation you’ll get the job right out of school or be in the big leagues in three or four years,” he said. “There has to be an understanding that you have to start and learn somewhere and that just snowballs into whatever you want it to be — if you do what you can and learn where and when you can.”

He also says students need to challenge themselves in school, taking a variety of courses to make themselves more marketable. “You have to put yourself in the position of being really good at the soft skills and the hard skills, especially in today’s sporting world,” he said, adding, “I would strongly recommend a data-specific portion and a graduate degree. The world is changing and if you don’t change, you’ll be left behind.

I would dive right into the data analytics courses.”

Mencacci said he would recommend a Saint Mary’s business degree because it provides a well-rounded balance of skills. “Business management, corporate finance, excel data analytics, some strategic management, marketing, project management, having the ability to touch multiple areas on the academic side was great for me,” he said. “Also, I appreciated the small class sizes. I wasn’t the one who could walk into a massive lecture hall and learn.”

He also credits his time with the baseball team as aiding his character building. “I think about the off-season workouts and walking from Residencia Santiago Miller at 5:30 in the morning across the valley in mid-January and February, and that’s character building,” he said. “There’s discipline built into being a student-athlete. I had to rehab from injuries; there were things in my college career I had to figure out. I had to learn to solve problems. Saint Mary’s put me in a good spot to grow up, and I’m really grateful for that.”

You have to put yourself in the position of being really good at the soft skills and the hard skills, especially in today’s sporting world. The world is changing and if you don’t change, you’ll be left behind.

Jake Mencacci B’18

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FEATURE › TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS

Several degrees of connection

Renee Thompson B’03, M’07 is earning her third degree from Saint Mary’s University

R

After I graduated with my MBA, I moved onto another position two months later, which was great.

It gave me the skills and qualifications that I needed to move into a different kind of business.

Renee Thompson B’03, M’07

enee Thompson B’03, M’07 is hoping to add another degree from Saint Mary’s after her name this year as she earns a Doctorate of Business Administration.

Thompson will soon have seen the university from every angle: as a bachelor’s degree completion student, an adult learner (earning both a master’s and doctorate); an adjunct instructor; a member of the alumni board and the business advisory council; and soon as a parent.

Her daughter, Madeline, is enrolled in the nursing program at Saint Mary’s Winona Campus in the fall and plans to run track.

Though she says she never pushed her to be a Cardinal, she is pleased her daughter’s choice is keeping the Saint Mary’s legacy alive. She details, “We toured 10 colleges, and she told me she applied to Saint Mary’s nursing program and got in, and I said, ‘Let’s check it out!’ We met with one of the professors, and my daughter said, ‘This is where I want to go.’ They also reached out to her about being on the track team. The coach was a great influence. And the students who walked around with us, they were great!”

The only thing left to complete her Saint Mary’s connections? Thompson jokes that if she was asked to be a trustee, she probably wouldn’t turn it down. “I can never leave Saint Mary’s,” she said.

Thompson’s first introduction to the university was when she was looking at where to complete her bachelor’s degree.

“Some coworkers went there, and they loved it and said the teachers and professors were wonderful. I went down there and fell in

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love with it,” she said. “Once I graduated, I thought, ‘I’m so used to studying, I might as well keep going.’ ” Thompson said taking the next step and getting her MBA helped make her more marketable. “It helps you get noticed as a job candidate,” she said. “And it helped me understand the full circle of business as a whole. After I graduated with my MBA, I moved onto another position two months later, which was great. It gave me the skills and qualifications that I needed to move into a different kind of business.”

Thompson, who works in accounting, worked for Best Buy for seven years, and before that, the United Way, GMAC (Graduate Management Admission Council), Minntech, and Carquest. Since 2020, she’s served as a senior accountant with United Natural Foods (UNFI).

She joined the alumni board in 2010 — largely because a Saint Mary’s friend encouraged her to be another voice for graduate students. For the next six years, she learned more about the undergraduate side of Saint Mary’s and worked toward building a network between the two groups of alumni and students.

“I would say it’s a different bond graduate alumni have than at the undergraduate campus,” Thompson said, adding that she still talks with some of her MBA professors and others who went through the program with her. “That connection is there. You work in groups and you just kind of stay connected,” she said. “We all had lives, so you also knew about their kids. You get to know all their

families, where they work. You use them for networking.”

After finishing her MBA, Thompson took a break from school, but she always knew she wanted to get her doctorate. When she finished her term on the alumni board, she started school again, just two months later, after some encouragement from a former MBA professor. Thompson recalls, “He told me, ‘This is going to be way intense, but you can do it.’ I said, ‘You’re one of the toughest teachers I’ve ever had, so if you’re saying I can do it, I must be able to.’ ” Now a teacher in the MBA and the accounting program, Thompson hopes she can pay it forward and inspire her students, particularly when they aren’t

feeling confident. “Hopefully I can pass that encouragement onto others,” she said.

She also stays connected through the university’s business advisory board and enjoys getting to know current students through events. In her current position at UNFI, she’s always excited to see a Saint Mary’s graduate apply and get hired.

“I love accounting,” she said. “That’s why I teach. It’s about helping future generations.”

One thing’s for sure, Thompson will stay connected to her alma mater any way she can for the foreseeable future. “I just can’t leave Saint Mary’s. I just keep coming back,” she said.

Renee Thompson B’03, M’07 is ready to add a doctorate to her list of credentials — all from Saint Mary’s, where she also teaches, serves on an advisory board, and is a parent of a future undergraduate student.

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FEATURE › TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS

The woman behind the music

Ree Guyer B’81 makes a name for herself in the music industry

A

s a young woman, just starting out in the music industry in the mid ’80s, Ree Guyer B’81 walked into the office of Billy Sherrill, a big name record producer who ran Columbia Records. Sherrill was intimidating, not necessarily in stature, but certainly because of his surly nature, coupled with his intimidating history with music artists like George Jones, Tammy Wynette, and Charlie Rich — even writing the famous Wynette hit, “Stand by Your Man.”

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Taking one look at Guyer, he said, “You seem like a nice midwestern girl. This is a ‘good ole boy’ business, and you’re going to get eaten alive. You’ll never make it. Be a nurse and go back to Minneapolis.”

Guyer met his chauvinism with determination and chutzpah, telling him, “You know what, just because you said that, I’m going to prove to you I can do it.” And after she got her first Broadcast Music Inc. (BMI) most performed song award for “Little

Things,” by the Oak Ridge Boys, Sherrill told her, “You did it. I’m so proud of you.”

Since then, as a music publisher, she’s earned two Song of the Year awards and over 30 No. 1 hits in country and one in pop.

Guyer has loved music since she was a little girl singing commercials in Minneapolis.

Additionally, music runs deep in her blood; her dad, Reyn Guyer, is a songwriter who works with talented songwriters in Minneapolis. His goal was to help his clients get their music out into the world and recorded by major recording artists.

After Guyer graduated from Saint Mary’s (with a degree in studio arts and child psychology, which she both jokes and admits with some seriousness came in handy in the record business), she searched for a sales job.

“I sort of raised my hand and said, ‘I would love to try to be their agent.’ ” Ree and her dad started Wrensong Publishing with a lineup of 20 songs.

Guyer knew in her heart and soul that she could help turn a particular jingle writer named Billy Barber into something big.

Under her father’s encouragement, she traveled to Nashville to pitch the songs in the capital of country music, and she instantly loved the thrill of it all, saying, “What’s not fun about running around all day and playing songs?”

She began some aggressive networking, beginning with Michael Johnson, a Minneapolis artist who made all his records (including “Bluer than Blue”) in Nashville. “I called him and said, ‘You don’t know Billy Barber, but I want to know more about Nashville and wondered if you would have

Duane Allen of the Oak Ridge Boys and Ree Guyer B’81 pointing to her first No. 1.

lunch with me,’ ” Guyer recalls. “I left with six names of people who were music publishers, which is what I ended up becoming. I cold called them all. I started going back and forth between Nashville and Minneapolis, met with writers, and found more writers. I knew Billy Barber’s ‘Little Things’ was a hit.

Everybody I played it for loved it.”

Those original six contacts would go on to be Guyer’s best friends and advisers.

Her big break happened when a friend from Nashville, Bob Doyle, called her and said he loved the song and that the Oak Ridge Boys’ bus was outside his office. He told her she should bring the song to them, and they would listen to it on the road.

Two days later, the Oak Ridge Boys told her, “We love it. We’re going to record it.”

“That was my first cut,” Guyer said. “They took me to lunch and tried to own half the song, and I said no. It had taken me about SAINT MARY’S MAGAZINE | SPRING/SUMMER 2023 | 13

FEATURE › TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS a year and a half to go through this whole process. I said, ‘I’m not giving away half the publishing.’ It was their first radio hit off that record, a No. 1 record.”

Duane Allen of the band inquired if she had any more songs they might want to record. She gave him “Gonna Take a Lot of River,” which became their second No. 1 hit (both in 1985).

With these successes under their belts, the Guyers purchased and renovated a building on Music Row in 1985. They signed their first staff writer in 1986, Jon Vezner. Vezner had his first two singles including the award-winning song, “Where’ve You Been,” recorded by his wife, Kathy Mattea.

Today, Wrensong is one of the top independent publishing companies on Music Row. Ree credits her father for being her partner through it all. She took over

Ree Guyer B’81 with Trevor Rosen from Old Dominion (left) and Shane McAnally their producer; pictured below with Garth Brooks.

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the business from him about 10 years ago but says, “We did it together. He supported the whole thing and was wonderful.” Their catalog now contains over 3,000 copyrights with five staff songwriter/artists.

The list of country music artists she hasn’t worked with might just be shorter than those she has. Her additional two “Song of the Year” accolades include “Where’ve You Been” and “Whiskey Lullaby” (both Country Music Award, Academy of Country Music, and Grammy-winning Songs of the Year).

Wrensong received its third Song of the Year, One Man Band (by Old Dominion) at the 2020 American Country Music Awards.

Additionally, “How Can I Help You Say Goodbye” (Patty Loveless) was nominated for a Best Country Song Grammy.

Under Guyer’s direction, Wrensong has enjoyed over 30 No. 1 hits, including Guyer’s very first cut, “Little Things” (Oak Ridge Boys), and “Am I the Only One” (Dierks Bentley), “Ask Me How I Know” (Garth Brooks), “Better Dig Two” (The Band Perry), “Break Up With Him” (Old Dominion), “Drink On It” (Blake Shelton), “Gonna Take a Lot of River” (Oak Ridge Boys), “Heart Like Mine” (Miranda Lambert), “Hotel Key” (Old Dominion), “I Met a Girl” (William Michael Morgan), “Make it Sweet” (Old Dominion), “No Such Thing as a Broken Heart” (Old Dominion), “One Man Band” (Old Dominion), “One That Got Away” (Michael Ray), “Sangria” (Blake Shelton), “Say You Do” (Dierks Bentley), “Snapback” (Old Dominion), “Take it From Me” (Jordan Davis), “The Truth” (Jason Aldean), “Wild One” (Faith Hill), “Written in the Sand” (Old Dominion), and album cuts by major label acts like Ray Charles, Keith Urban, Carrie Underwood, Dixie Chicks (now The Chicks), Tim McGraw/ Faith Hill, Reba McEntire, Toby Keith, Miranda Lambert, Norah Jones, and Kenny Chesney that have sold in excess of 130 million albums.

She knew Garth Brooks, Tricia Yearwood, and Joe Diffie before they were famous as she hired them to record demos of songs so she could pitch them to producers. Brooks told

her, “I could feed my family because you were employing me.”

“It’s a small community and a supportive community. We compete but everybody knows everybody because we all interact in those ways,” Guyer said. “Tricia and Garth are normal, down-to-earth sweet people; they haven’t changed at all.”

What has changed, Guyer said, is radio; because of streaming, it is much more difficult to build connections. “I got to know Sherrill’s secretary, and she liked me,” she said. “That’s how it worked. Now everybody hides behind email. They don’t talk to each other. It was smaller and more intimate and so connected. Back in the day, I would read the trade magazines and look up what people looked like and would go to a party and go up to them and say, ‘I’m Ree Guyer and I have this new company, and you need to know about my writers.’ ” Guyer says Nashville is still a “good old boy network,” in many ways, but women

have made some big strides in publishing. “I think women listen to music differently,” she said. “They listen more to the lyrics. I think I had the confidence in the music. The songs opened the doors for me. Once I got in the door, I used being a woman to my advantage.”

She said in the music business, you have to learn to take rejection well and persevere.

“Reject me 100 times. I’m just looking for that one ‘Yes’, ” she said.

Guyer’s passion is evident, “I love what I do, taking a writer and molding them, setting them up with a manager and their record label and getting them their first cuts and their first No. 1s. They go on to work with somebody else, but I love working with them in the beginning,” she said. “I don’t know how I instinctively know incredible talent and songs. I just know and that’s a God-given gift,” she said. “But that’s everything.”

I don’t know how I instinctively know incredible talent and songs.

I just know and that’s a God-given gift. But that’s everything.

Ree Guyer B’81

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FEATURE › TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS

Staying on top of trends Evance Chiinze B’20 diversifies his skill set to stay current in his field

E

Everything now depends on what data is there and what is being collected, compiled, and analyzed.

Everything revolves around data. Data is what enables us to make decisions. Data is the future.

Evance Chiinze B’20

vance Chiinze B’20 knows that with a more diverse skill set, you become more valuable to employers and can both advance and be more successful in your career.

Which is why, as a finance analyst at Medtronic, Inc., it’s his goal to stay on top of the latest trends, and Saint Mary’s has helped him each step of the way — from bachelor’s to master’s and beyond.

“The world we live in is always evolving and changing,” he said. “The only way we can keep up as professionals is to have academic support. The only way you can do this is to keep learning. Learning is a continuous process.”

Chiinze earned double degrees in accounting and business administration through Saint Mary’s bachelor’s completion programs, graduating in 2020. He finished his accelerated Master’s of Business Administration program this spring, and he’s considering enrolling in certificate programs for both finance and business intelligence and data analytics. Each component is helping him advance and stay current in his career.

Originally from Zimbabwe, Chiinze came to the U.S. in 2005 and began working for Medtronic, a global producer of medical devices and therapies, such as insulin pumps, pacemakers, and diabetes therapies, and is best known for its revolutionary cardiac devices, such as battery-powered and miniature pacemakers.

“I didn’t start right away in finance, I was in production for four years before I moved to

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corporate,” he said. “Finance is the only thing that I knew before I came to the U.S. and in order for me to get into Medtronic, I had to find an open position that I could get myself into, which has paid off. I love working for Medtronic.”

Along the way, he was encouraged to turn his associate degree into a bachelor’s degree.

“For me to advance myself, careerwise, and academically as well, I was pushed to go ahead and get a bachelor’s degree,” he said.

“I had attended a few graduations for friends and family at Saint Mary’s and heard all the stories about the flexibility of the courses and how great the school is and all the wonderful faculty and staff. When I decided to pursue getting my degree, Saint Mary’s was the first place I applied.”

He appreciated the flexibility of his evening courses, which allowed him to work full-time and keep up with his young children, a 5-year-old son, and a daughter just under 2.

A night owl by nature, he said it works well to complete his homework after they have gone to bed and still be as present as possible for his children.

It was important to Chiinze that he be able to complete degrees in a quick time frame.

“The main part, when contemplating getting back into school and getting a graduate degree, was the timeframe it would take to accomplish it,” he said. “Professionally, things change rapidly. If my classes were going to take longer, it was going to affect where I wanted to be professionally. I have appreciated the accelerated MBA program,

which is condensed but achievable because there is so much flexibility. The acceleration, the flexibility of it being full-time online and the professors are great. The professors have been really open and have extensive availability. If I send them an email with a question to be clarified, within a short time, I get responses.”

Chiinze has been able to apply what he’s learning directly to his work, even creating a capstone project on an operating unit at Medtronic.

“Most of what I’ve been learning resonates with what I encounter on a daily basis — operating plans, budgeting, analyzing data, so it’s been a great experience using the information that I am learning to better understand and tell the picture of the financial aspects I’ll be covering,” he said, adding that he’s also applied aspects of what he’s learned about budgeting to his personal life as well.

As he’s close to completing his degree, Chiinze is already looking at the next learning opportunities through shorter, more specialized certificate programs. “I’m looking forward to the BIDA (Business Intelligence and Data Analytics) one because data is now more of the core aspect of any organization,” he said. “Everything now depends on what data is there and what is being collected, compiled, and analyzed. I figure it will be an added advantage. It will give me another area of focus. Everything revolves around data.

Data is what enables us to make decisions.

Data is the future.”

Chiinze will continue adding credentials through Saint Mary’s. “It’s been a great experience,” he said. “It’s a great place. It makes it possible for people like us with different challenges, like children and work, to be able to accomplish degrees.”

Evance Chiinze B’20 is a finance analyst at Medtronic, Inc.

SAINT MARY’S MAGAZINE | SPRING/SUMMER 2023 | 17

FEATURE › TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS

Setting the bar high

Kendall Archer B’21 is excelling at The George Washington University Law School

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Archer is getting to know Washington, D.C., well, working as a law clerk part time for the U.S. Department of Justice’s Civil Division, Federal Tort Claims Act Section. This summer, she’s working for Williams & Connolly, LLP, one of the world’s premier litigation firms.

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here’s no disputing Kendall Archer’s passion for law.

It started back when Archer B’21 asked Saint Mary’s alumni in the law profession to build a case for attending Saint Mary’s while she was choosing between 16 colleges.

A Google search of “notable alumni of Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota” led her to reach out to Patrick Salvi B’75, a successful Chicago lawyer, who just happened to have served on the school’s Board of Trustees.

After a briefing from Salvi, the verdict was in. Archer realized Saint Mary’s was the place where she could be successful.

Indeed, she says she found plenty of opportunities to grow as a leader on the Winona Campus. She was Outstanding Senior of the Year, captain of her Cardinal soccer team, and president of the Student Senate, to name a few.

Archer’s academic prowess and accomplishments also earned her a full-tuition Presidential Scholarship to The George Washington University Law School in Washington, D.C., where she was recently named editor-in-chief of the George Washington Law Review.

“I chose Saint Mary’s because it would allow me to do so much,” she said. “I learned to multitask and optimize my efficiency, and I could excel at doing multiple things at once.

Now I’m in a more intense atmosphere, but it’s still about navigating, multitasking, and meeting different deadlines simultaneously.”

Although Saint Mary’s isn’t a pre-law school, she said, she found plenty of opportunities to network, build connections, and garner advice from law professionals.

“I knew I wanted to go to law school, so I met with Ann (Merchlewitz, J.D., general counsel) as a freshman in October,” she said. “I told her, ‘I want to intern one day and I need your help.’ As a freshman, she connected me with a trustee, Roger Haydock B’67, J.D. (of the Business and Communication Department). I interned with him, and as a result my name is

an acknowledgement in his textbook. And I connected with another trustee and former trustee, Michael Laak B’77, J.D. of Medtronic, Inc. and Patrick Salvi B’75, J.D.” Archer counsels students to get involved and seek out leadership positions. “Serving as captain of the soccer team and student body president really pushed me to grow,” she said.

“I had to adapt and problem solve.” Archer uses the IPledge campaign (a video campaign in which students pledged to watch out for one another by mask-wearing and handwashing to keep learning in person during the COVID-19 pandemic) as an example of her leadership.

“I use that as an example of me being faced with a problem and how I can adjust, lean on my strengths, and pull others together,” she said.

At George Washington, Archer continued to serve her fellow students on the Student Bar Association (basically the law school student government). Her first year, she was selected to be a senator. As a second year, she was invited to be on the cabinet as a vice president. “We provide mentorship, do meet and greets, and are front-facing for the university to help orient first years into the law school experience,” she explained.

“We offered panels about where to live in Washington, D.C., and what neighborhoods are the best. And I sent emails to first-years. If they had questions, they could come to me.”

Most recently, she garnered her editorin-chief role for the George Washington Law Review, which is edited and published by students at the school. Articles examine legal issues of national significance. The review publishes six issues each year, and she’ll be on the masthead for Volume 92. Archer works with a team of editors who will help narrow submissions to the very best.

She already gathered experience with the publication by being one of 79 students out of her class of 520 invited to law review.

In this role, she has checked citations and substantiated and read articles. In addition

to the publication, she said, they also host a symposium annually, and scholars from around the country are invited.

As a first-generation attorney, Archer said she’s learning a lot, but she’s wanted to be a lawyer since she was 13. “I love law school,” she says, beaming from ear to ear. She’s also completed internships to help her determine which branch of the law she is most interested in; for now, she’s focusing on clerking.

In 2022, she worked as a law clerk parttime for the U.S. Department of Justice’s Civil Division, Federal Tort Claims Act Section. In this area, she said, the government waives sovereign immunity and allows individuals to sue the United States when a federal employee injures them. “I worked with the defense attorneys in these cases. I also met the U.S. Attorney General, and worked on pending cases that were really exciting,” she said.

One of the “coolest” internships Archer has been involved with included working for Robert J. Shelby, chief judge of the U.S. District Court for the District of Utah, this past summer.

She’ll be returning to clerk for him after she graduates in 2024, working in chambers and helping do legal research, verifying different parties’ claims, listening to oral arguments, among other duties.

This summer, she’ll be working for Williams & Connolly, LLP, in Washington, D.C., which is recognized as one of the world’s premier litigation firms.

Archer is following her own advice to “seek out people who know the area you’re interested in and not be afraid to ask questions or to think your questions are silly.”

These interactions, she counsels, help you determine what fits with your career goals and narrow down your area of interest or pivot academically.

(At Saint Mary’s,) I learned to multitask and optimize my efficiency, and I could excel at doing multiple things at once. Now I’m in a more intense atmosphere, but it’s still about navigating, multitasking, and meeting different deadlines simultaneously.

Kendall Archer B’21

SAINT MARY’S MAGAZINE | SPRING/SUMMER 2023 | 19

FEATURE › TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS

Examining the ethics Students debate current moral dilemmas through Lasallian lens

The Saint Mary’s team of Brady Lindauer B’23, Maya Wachter B’24, and Jackson Nauss B’23 took first place in this year’s Lasallian Societal Impact Case Competition.

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asallian students from across the U.S. are examining major ethical dilemmas facing today’s top largest technology companies in an annual Lasallian Societal Impact Case Competition — and this year Saint Mary’s team brought home the trophy for first place.

The real-world scenario is an opportunity to test students’ research and presentation skills, but also to get them thinking about the ethical component of various aspects of business today.

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This year marked the competition’s second year, in which each of the six Lasallian colleges and universities in the United States put forward a small team of three to five students who present virtually and answer the tough questions posed by a panel of judges.

Brady Lindauer, then a senior double majoring in finance and business intelligence and data analytics has participated twice, last year during

the event’s inaugural competition, and at this year’s event in mid April.

Last year the group focused on ethical situations within Facebook. The question was posed: Can ethics scale in the digital age?

“The ethical frameworks of the past are not as effective in something like Facebook, where you can jump online, do something unethical, and hide behind a screen,” he said.

Lindauer’s group outlined three different points of consideration: data privacy, antitrust, and content moderation.

In the end, when answering whether it is Facebook’s responsibility to monitor content or merely provide a platform, Lindauer and his team believed the mega business had a responsibility to monitor content, and argued that investors also want businesses to make positive contributions to society.

He delved into the three largest owners of Facebook stock and found quotes from their CEOs about the importance of ethics.

This year’s topic had to do with another big name in the digital world, Apple, and the overarching theme was about privacy vs. safety.

Apple, out of respect for its consumers who value their privacy, won’t provide the government access to consumer’s data. But should they in instances of terrorist attacks or murders? It’s an ethical dilemma without an easy answer and teams were left to determine which position they would defend.

Saint Mary’s team of Lindauer, Jackson Nauss, and Maya Wachter made a case for consumer data privacy and brought home the crystal apple trophy. In the end, Lindauer said, it comes down to who can speak, present, and defend their ideas with valid evidence — and think on their feet when asked the tough questions.

Last year, Lindauer said he didn’t know much about the bigger Lasallian picture.

Now he has a larger appreciation for how many schools are carrying the Lasallian mission into the world — but winning was still a priority. To take home the trophy

when competing with big schools like La Salle University in Philadelphia, Manhattan College in Riverdale, N.Y., and Saint Mary’s College of Moraga, Calif., known for being a player in March Madness, was a big deal.

“It was a true honor to represent Saint Mary’s in this competition and to win was even cooler,” he said. “The win against the other Lasallian schools is a testament to the real-world education we receive at Saint Mary’s. Classes such as Strategic Management helped us learn to think critically and respond to difficult questions which set us apart from other schools.”

Lindauer already has a position lined up as a financial representative with Fidelity Investment. He said he’ll carry the ethical component forward.

“I’ll have a fiduciary responsibility to clients to do what is in their best interest, not in mine and what would make me the most commission,” he said. “Although I’m not going into the corporate environment, I can transfer the ethical piece of doing things in an ethically sound manner.

That’s something Saint Mary’s stresses more so than other universities.”

Andrew Scott, associate professor of business and the team’s adviser, called the competition “a great opportunity to use what they’ve learned across the curriculum, and apply it to a real-life scenario that has implications for society and the world.”

“It’s something we’re skilled at in this department, providing students with practical experiences and project-based learning,” Scott added. “This gives students some talking points when working with recruiters and hiring managers. It’s not, ‘I scored well on that test,’ it’s ‘I can take those skills learned in the classroom and apply them to your organization.’ It does give our students a chance to practice what they’ve learned but moreover, an opportunity to display their mastery in a very meaningful way when they hit the job market.”

Although I’m not going into the corporate environment, I can transfer the ethical piece of doing things in an ethically sound manner.

That’s something Saint Mary’s stresses more so than other universities.

Brady Lindauer B’23

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FEATURE › TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS

From woodworking, to sewing, making stained glass, 3D printing, and even LED light work, there’s always something going on in the Anthony B’59 and Sandra Adducci Family Makerspace.

Making use of the makerspace

Collaborative workspace inspires students’ creativity

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rom crafting holiday gifts for family members to building 3D models of the COVID-19 virus and learning about how to market and mass produce products — there is no limit to the creativity and handson learning that takes place in the Anthony B’59 and Sandra Adducci Family Makerspace.

“Our goal with the purpose and the physical location of the makerspace is to bring business and science together,” said Michelle Wieser, dean of the School of

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Business and Technology. “Since it opened two years ago, the makerspace has proven to be a wonderful interdisciplinary space, supporting academic curriculum as well as co-curricular experiences.”

Housed in the newly refurbished Aquinas Hall, the makerspace serves as a collaborative workspace equipped with 3D printers, woodworking tools, sewing machines, and more for students to express their creativity and flesh out

innovative ideas and entrepreneurial interests. Although courses utilize the space, all students can use the makerspace.

Foot traffic in the space continues to increase as more and more students see the possibilities of what they can accomplish.

“We really focus on helping users of the space see what is possible when they apply their academic talents to a real world, physical object, whether that be for a product or as a life skill when it comes to fixing things around the house,” said Matthew Klosky, assistant professor of business and director of the Kabara Institute For Entrepreneurial Studies.

“One of our big goals in the makerspace is to build students’ confidence in the use of tools and processes that help them make their ideas into a real, tangible outcome.”

Saint Mary’s junior Morgan Brown first thought the tools were intimidating, but quickly found that learning these new skills and making products was addicting.

After attending a Santa’s Workshop event, she found herself wanting to use the space more and more. When she heard the school was offering an internship to work in the makerspace, she jumped at the opportunity.

Spending 10-plus hours a week in the space, she is now an expert with many of the various tools in the space and has even led workshops for her fellow students.

For Brown, watching her skills continually grow and being seen as a resource for her fellow students is a highlight.

“I made my first LED light back in December when I was just kind of a passerby, and it took me nine hours,” she said. “And now we’re kind of mass producing them in like, three, four hours. So, it’s been interesting to see the progress that has been made just from learning how to use all these tools.”

Brown has noticed the influx of students’ use of the makerspace and is pleased to see the growing interest.

The makerspace has been a springboard for a number of students to start micro businesses, getting them

exposure to the process of prototyping, production, and operations.

“The makerspace operates as one of several platforms amplifying the mission and messaging of the Kabara Institute for Entrepreneurial Studies. The institute is focused on inspiring, exciting, and educating students across campus about the entrepreneurial mindset,” Klosky said.

“Our students have accomplished some amazing things in the space, from starting microbusinesses, generating thousands of dollars in revenue, to building legacy furniture. Far more importantly, students are building the mindset of the entrepreneur — turning their dreams into something real that can impact others around them.”

It’s not just current students who are impressed by the space, according to Brown.

“Admissions has started to have their tour guides stop by the space,” she said. “The parents always seem really impressed because they realize this is a creative and valuable outlet for their kids. This is a real opportunity.”

To Brown, the makerspace is now an additional part of what makes the Saint Mary’s experience so unique to its students, and she encourages everyone to take advantage of the space.

“I think the biggest takeaway that myself and many others have had is that you are capable of using these tools,” Brown said.

“One of our core messages in the makerspace is ‘Let’s figure it out,’ and this operates on so many levels,” Klosky said.

“From ‘Let’s figure how that tool works’ to ‘Let’s figure out if there is a market for this product’ as they build prototypes.

The students who engage in this mindset are the ones who raise their hands later in life to take on new challenges or opportunities when they are presented.

The makerspace provides a platform for our current students to build the confidence to see their dreams become a reality.”

Our students have accomplished some amazing things in the space, from starting microbusinesses, generating thousands of dollars in revenue, to building legacy furniture.

Matthew Klosky

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FEATURE › TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS

Faculty, alumna of Saint Mary’s P&D program recognized by Association of Fundraising Professionals Kintzi named Distinguished Fellow Audrey Kintzi is the executive director of the M.A. in Philanthropy and Development program at Saint Mary’s.

Audrey Kintzi is recognized by the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) as one of this year’s Distinguished Fellows.

The Distinguished Fellows Program recognizes individuals who have made significant leadership contributions to the association and the fundraising profession.

The designation represents the pinnacle of service to the tenets of giving, volunteerism, and philanthropy.

Kintzi, an Advanced Certified Fundraising Executive (ACFRE), has been working in the development field for over 35 years. She is currently serving as the executive director of the M.A. in Philanthropy and Development program and previously as vice president of Development and Alumni Relations as well as Marketing and Communications at Saint Mary’s.

At Saint Mary’s, she has engaged benefactors in the mission of the university, successfully raising just over $74 million as part of the university’s “Discover, Inspire, Lead Campaign,” the largest completed campaign in the school’s history.

Previous positions include roles at the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, the Courage Center, the Girl Scout Council of St. Croix Valley, and the American Red Cross of the St. Paul Area.

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Outside of her professional accomplishments, Kintzi currently serves as a member of the AFP Research Council, the AFP Ethics Committee, and the ACFRE Credentialing Board. She is an AFP Certified Master Trainer and holds a Certificate of Philanthropic Psychology (with Distinction) from the Institute for Sustainable Philanthropy.

“I am so deeply humbled to have been named a Distinguished Fellow by the Association of Fundraising Professionals this year,” said Kintzi. I am honored to be joining my incredible colleagues who were also named Distinguished Fellows this year, as well as those selected previously. For me, this recognition is the culmination of a lifetime of service to the profession and a deep commitment to professional education and building the body of knowledge.”

Calhoun a Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Peggy Calhoun, a 1995 graduate of Saint Mary’s M.A. in Philanthropy and Development program, was honored by the Association of Fundraising Professionals with the 2022 Lifetime Achievement Award.

Calhoun, ACFRE, enjoys over 35 years of advancing philanthropy, marketing, and volunteerism.

Beginning her career as executive director of a crisis intervention agency serving three states, her extensive experience includes raising $3.7 million in nine months for an art museum, overseeing a $60 million national campaign for the Diabetes Research Institute Foundation at the University of Miami School of Medicine, and successfully concluding a capital campaign while increasing the endowment from $2.6 million to $55 million – for The Salvation Army.

As a staff professional, she has raised annual, capital and endowment funds for the Boy Scouts of America, YMCA, and United Way. While with United Way, she was credited with tripling the amount of money raised in four years.

With her experience, she has been called upon to serve as interim executive director or chief advancement officer for several institutions including Families of Flight 93, Habitat for Humanity, Chapman Partnership, and others.

Peggy Calhoun M’95, ACFRE, enjoys over 35 years of advancing philanthropy, marketing, and volunteerism.

Calhoun was among the first 35 professionals to receive the lifetime designation of the Advanced Certified Fundraising Executive (ACFRE); a distinction earned by only 122 colleagues of the 33,000 members of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP).

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RETIREES

Judy Myers Title: Professor of Theatre, Department of Fine and Performing Arts How many years have you worked at Saint Mary’s?

24 academic years (1999-2023) How do you hope you are remembered?

I hope I am remembered for being a fair teacher.

I hope my dedication to teaching theatre and my prideful joy of learner accomplishments in my voice studio, classrooms, and productions are what are remembered most.

What will you mostly be remembered for?

I have no idea! I’m sure my students have some interesting stories. Probably my idolization of Stephen Sondheim!

What have you enjoyed most about teaching?

My favorite part of teaching is observing students as they mature over four years. Their ability to grow exponentially always amazes me. Historically, the craft of theatre has been taught through

apprenticeship programs. Actors in the wings learning from other actors. This is how any good drama program becomes an excellent one over time.

And, I hope that is where we ended up.

What are you most proud of from your career?

I am most proud of our performances and productions. I wanted to introduce students to as many periods and styles as I could and I think I covered quite a few. I’m hoping that the list of productions below will spark some wonderful memories for alumni reading this. I did 18 musicals, 20 plays, and four Candlelight revues while at Saint Mary’s. And, some folks may remember the performances we did for the retirement of Brother Louis DeThomasis, FSC, and the welcome for Brother William Mann, FSC. Stage Direction: “Sondheim on Sondheim;” “Legally Blonde, the Musical;” “Songs for a New World;” “9 to 5: The Musical;” “She Loves Me;” “A Grand Night for Singing;” “Next to Normal;” “Two Rooms;” “Medea: A Virgin’s Voice;” “Pentecost;” “Necessary Targets;” “Our Town” (Winona); “The Swing Set” (SPLaSH); “Machinal;” “The Lightning Bug;” “All’s Well That Ends Well;” “Fallen Angels;” “A Chorus Line;” “Bus Stop;” “Company;” “Yerma;” “Candlelight Outta Sight!;” “remains;” “Our Town” (London); “Cabaret” (co-direction with Dr. Gary Diomandes); “The Misanthrope;” “Sea Gull;” “The House of Bernarda Alba;” “subUrbia (London);” “Two Gentlemen of Verona;” and “Uncle Harry.”

Music Direction: “Next to Normal;” “The Drowsy Chaperone;” “Working;” “Urinetown;” “Guys and Dolls;” “Candlelight Night & Day;” “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee;” “Candlelight by the Sea;” “Baby;” “Gypsy;” “Into the Woods;” and “Candlelight 2000.”

Most vivid memory: Being in London with students during 9/11.

What are your retirement plans?

I plan to get back to Michigan more often to see my 94-year-old mom! And, I want to travel to places I’ve not been to like New Orleans, Yellowstone National Park, Savannah, Ga., the Grand Canyon … nothing fancy. I love Alaska and hope I eventually get back there for another visit. I will continue my work with the Sandbar Storytelling Festival, as well as other performance-based opportunities in the area.

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RETIREES

Dr. Janet Heukeshoven Title: Professor of Music and Music Education How many years have you worked at Saint Mary’s?

Since fall of 1990, 32 years How do you hope you’re remembered/what will you most be remembered for? For the privilege of bringing not only active music making to our students through instrumental ensembles (and choir this past year), but also providing an outlet in their lives that nourishes the soul. Music helps us make connections to others in a way nothing else can, and helps us understand the world and express our innermost feelings. Music is not just beauty, not only a wonderful activity; it’s also therapeutic and life-affirming, something very much needed in our world.

What do you enjoy/have you enjoyed most about teaching? Making deep connections with students — being a part of their lives in a meaningful way, even if it was only for a short time.

What are you most proud of from your career?

The Kaplan Commission Project — providing students the opportunity to meet contemporary composers and perform music that was written specifically for them.

What are your retirement plans?

So many possibilities! I look forward to having time to practice my flute and piccolo, especially to build my jazz skills, but I’ll remain active in the Winona Symphony Orchestra, Municipal Band and Flutistry. In the past I taught many younger students and plan to reestablish my private flute studio over time. I also hope to assist at Bluffview Montessori School and give back to the music education profession as an occasional clinician, substitute/ guest teacher, or adjudicator during contest season. Of course I’ll spend more time with our grandson, Felix, and family, and will make time for other hobbies that have been neglected lately, such as gardening, cycling and exercising, reading, traveling, quilting and sewing, etc. as time and the seasons of the year evolve.

SAINT MARY’S MAGAZINE | SPRING/SUMMER 2023 | 27

ATHLETICS

Event celebrates Cardinal excellence

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Follow the Cardinal athletics action! saintmarys sports.com

aint Mary’s celebrated the successes of athletics through the decades during this year’s second annual spring Cardinal Excellence Fund Dinner.

The long legacy of teamwork, dedication, and perseverance of our athletes was evident in this year’s Hall of Fame inductees Bruna Bucciarelli B’76, George Drouches B’78, Mark Staub B’88, Jennifer (Gutterman) Becker B’06, and Jenny (Schipp) Stewart B’06.

During her acceptance speech Bucciarelli, one of Saint Mary’s first stand-out female athletes, shared a few lines from the song “Standing on the Shoulders” by Joyce Johnson Rouse, which summarized the theme of the evening: “I am standing on the shoulders of the ones who came before me.

I am stronger for their courage, I am wiser for their words.

They lift me higher than I could ever fly.

Carrying my burdens away.

Imagine our world if they had not tried.

We would not be celebrating today.”

A three-sport stand-out in basketball, cross country, and volleyball, Bucciarelli epitomizes greatness and boldly led the way for decades of talented women athletes — like Jordan Keeley B’22, a fifth-year member of Cardinal women’s hockey, who spoke at the event.

“Everyone spends their lives looking for a sense of belonging. We go about our lives trying to find our people and our place,” Keeley said. “Everyone spends their lives chasing a sense of home, but I found mine here with my teammates. As cliché as it sounds, the people I have met through athletics here at Saint Mary’s, my family, they make me whole. This school, this athletic department, this team, they are my people.

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This place is my home. There is no other way to put that feeling, that love into words. So thank you all for giving me, and all the other athletes at Saint Mary’s, the opportunity to find our homes. I am and will forever be proud to be a Cardinal.”

All of the Hall of Fame inductees set the bar for excellence — in and out of competition — for Saint Mary’s current student-athletes.

George Drouches B’78

To play two sports at the collegiate level is one thing — to excel at two sports at the collegiate level is another. And George Drouches B’78 did just that as a member of the Saint Mary’s men’s basketball and baseball teams.

“It’s truly very humbling to be going into the Hall of Fame — I was very tearful when I got the news,” he said. “I cried when I came to Saint Mary’s, and I cried when I left. Saint Mary’s has always been very near and dear to me, and I am very grateful for this wonderful honor.”

Jennifer (Gutterman) Becker B’06

Jennifer (Gutterman) Becker B’06 never paid any attention to her statistics during her playing days as a member of the Saint Mary’s fastpitch softball team.

Maybe she didn’t, but others certainly did, and those numbers were jaw-dropping — so much so that Becker solidified a spot among the greatest of the Cardinal greats.

“When I first found out I was being inducted into the Sports Hall of Fame, I had to pause — I was speechless,” said Becker, who played four years alongside fellow inductee Stewart. “It’s such a great honor to

ATHLETICS

be inducted, and it’s really hard to put into words how much it means.”

Jenny (Schipp) Stewart B’06

When Jenny (Schipp) Stewart B’06 graduated from North St. Paul High School, she wasn’t even sure if she wanted to play collegiate softball.

She grew into a hard-throwing righthander — who was as much a threat at the plate as she was in the pitcher’s circle.

“It’s an honor to have your name up there with all the great softball players who have been inducted before me,” said Stewart.

“To be inducted into the Hall of Fame is an amazing honor, and to get to go in with (Becker) makes it even more special.”

Mark Staub B’88

If you ask Mark Staub B’88 what his most treasured memory of his time at Saint Mary’s was, he would undoubtedly say back-stopping Saint Mary’s run to the MIAC regular-season championship during his senior season with the men’s hockey team.

That memory quite possibly dropped to No. 2 when he took his place among the all-time greats in Saint Mary’s Sports Hall of Fame.

“This is such a great honor to be a part of,” said Staub. “When I got the (HOF) call, I laughed, I cried, I got the chills … I knew it was going to mean something, but it means way more than I ever imagined.”

Pictured above, left to right: Bruna Bucciarelli B’76, Jennifer (Gutterman) Becker B’06, George Drouches B’78, Jenny (Schipp) Stewart B’06, and Mark Staub B’88.

Bruna Bucciarelli B’76

Recognized on the 50th anniversary of Title IX, Bucciarelli was a true pioneer for women’s athletics at Saint Mary’s, being among the first — and the best — to put on the Cardinal uniform in the inaugural stages of women’s sports.

“It is truly an honor to be inducted into the Hall of Fame,” Bucciarelli said. “And I am humbled that I was chosen to go in at this time, representing women’s athletics in such a big and important movement as the celebration of 50 years of Title IX.”

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NEWS AND VIEWS

Saint Mary’s receives $25 million gift commitment, the largest benefactor investment in school’s history

In these challenging times across higher education, this gift affirms that we are setting the course necessary to continue to serve students for decades to come.

Father James P. Burns, IVD, Ph.D.

This spring, Saint Mary’s announced a $25 million gift commitment — the largest gift in the university’s 111-year-history — from an alumnus and his family. This unprecedented donation, directed to the university’s endowment, will support current efforts underway to revitalize the university and cement the vision recently laid out by the president and university administration to position it for a strong and successful future.

“We are forever grateful for this truly transformational gift to Saint Mary’s. Such a generous and major investment inspires and motivates us to advance our inspirational Lasallian Catholic educational mission, benefiting students and, in turn, society, as they work, lead, and serve others,” said Father James P. Burns, IVD, Ph.D., Saint Mary’s president. “In these challenging times across higher education, this gift affirms that we are setting the course necessary to continue to serve students for decades to come.”

While the benefactors wish to remain anonymous, they shared they felt compelled to invest in Saint Mary’s, stating how much they appreciate the hard work of the president and administration to boldly address the future course of Saint Mary’s. They see the university as one of the few that have a clear plan to steer through the turbulent waters facing all in higher education today.

“Saint Mary’s has refocused its program offerings to directly meet workforce needs while maintaining a liberal arts core,” said Father Burns.

“We know that today’s students (both graduate and undergraduate) are looking for a solid return on their investment, which is why our university is partnering with health care and other major industry leaders to ensure that Saint Mary’s can continue to respond to the evolving marketplace.

We must ensure our graduates, who are tomorrow’s leaders, have the right skills for both work and life including problem solving, critical thinking, and communication. This is because our liberal arts foundation remains central to our undergraduate experience thus providing students with a well-rounded perspective that will benefit them throughout their lives. Our work is guided by our identity as a Lasallian Catholic community, which calls us to be studentcentered, welcoming, and forward thinking.”

As a stipulation of the gift agreement, in order to inspire others to step forward to provide support, the family has challenged the university

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to raise an additional $100 million between June 1, 2022 and May 31, 2024. The family also has set an expectation that the university will make significant progress toward increasing undergraduate enrollment from 800 to 900 during that same timeframe. Both stipulations are intended to further position the university for the future.

“In addition to the historic magnitude of the gift, it is special for other reasons as well,” said Gary Klein, vice president for advancement.

“The benefactors’ primary goal is to grow the university’s endowment from $70 million to close to $100 million and — with the match — close to $200 million, an increase of 180%. They believe strongly that with this solid foundation, and guidance by Father President James Burns and the Board of Trustees, many generations of students will benefit from a Saint Mary’s education — and, in turn, society will benefit from graduates who are both skilled and demonstrate strong moral and ethical character.”

Previous record gifts to the university included $8 million in April of 2014 to our First Generation Initiative and an unrestricted gift of $7 million in June 2000.

Board Chair Terrence Russell said, “We are grateful beyond words to this family for their gift.

It is now a challenge for all of us who want to see our beloved Saint Mary’s thrive and flourish in the future to step forward and make a philanthropic commitment to help us realize this gift. Our president has set a course that is innovative, visionary, and grounded in our faith-based mission. We could not be better poised for the future with his leadership and those of his team along with our faculty and staff to create the best learning environments for our students now and into the future. We are blessed.”

NEWS AND VIEWS

Hendrickson Forum focuses on being a moral leader As the formation of the entire student is a major objective of the work done at Saint Mary’s, it was fitting that the topics of character and what it means to be a moral leader were the themes of the 2023 Hendrickson Forum.

Started in 2008, the Hendrickson Forum is held once a year and brings notable speakers to the Minneapolis Campus to discuss thoughtprovoking topics that have included global migration, cyber security, and the ethics of capitalism. Also at the forum, a local leader receives the Hendrickson Institute Medal for Ethical Leadership and speaks briefly about their professional experiences.

This year, the keynote presentation, “Navigating the Road to Character,” by author and political analyst David Brooks drew a record crowd of approximately 400 guests. Brooks has a gift for bringing audiences face-to-face with the spirit of the current times with humor, insight, and quiet passion. He is a keen observer of

the American way of life and a savvy analyst of present-day politics and foreign affairs. He holds several prestigious positions as a commentator: bi-weekly op-ed columnist for the New York Times, regular analyst on the PBS NewsHour, and frequent guest on NPR’s All Things Considered.

Building upon themes of one of his recent books, “The Road to Character,” Brooks mapped out what it means and what it takes to be a moral leader in society.

“How do you really be a moral leader? The first thing, I think, is understanding that moral formation is part of the job, morally forming the people around us,” Brooks said. “And that’s a pretentious word, moral formation. But it’s really three simple things. It’s about helping people learn to restrain their selfishness. It’s about giving them a goal so they can orient their life to their true north. And third, it’s about teaching people through example, how to treat each other with

David Brooks, author and political analyst, served as this year’s keynote speaker.

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NEWS AND VIEWS

Brother Robert Smith, FSC, Ph.D. looks on as Father James P. Burns, IVD, Ph.D., Saint Mary’s president, congratulates this year’s recipient of the Medal for Ethical Leadership, Alan Page.

kindness and consideration in the complex situations of life.”

In addition to hearing from Brooks, as part of the forum, the university presented the Hendrickson Institute Medal for Ethical Leadership to former Minnesota Viking and retired State Supreme Court Justice Alan Page.

Recipients of the Hendrickson Medal for Ethical Leadership have made significant contributions to the Twin Cities community and exhibit ethical leadership that is globally oriented, innovative, and creative.

Along with a storied career on the gridiron and the judicial bench, Page has been dedicated to education and making sure it is attainable for all. In 1988, Page and his late wife, Diane Sims Page, founded the Page Education Foundation,

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which provides financial and mentoring assistance to students of color in exchange for those students’ commitment to further volunteer service in the community.

During his remarks, Page noted that the work he and his wife have accomplished was “built on the backs of others,” and imparted to attendees that they too are able to affect change as he has.

“When you look at the things I have done, the fact is, each and every one of us has the same power to do the things that I have done and for each in our own way. Each of us has the ability to win more for justice. Each and every one of us has the ability to improve our individual character and our national character. Not somebody else, but each and every one of us,” Page said.

NEWS AND VIEWS

Saint Mary’s receives $4.5 million gift, which completes funding for Aquinas Hall renovation Just weeks after announcing a record $25 million gift commitment, Saint Mary’s University received a new gift of $4.5 million.

“Two gifts of this importance in such a short amount of time is extraordinary,” said Father James P. Burns, IVD, Ph.D., Saint Mary’s president. “At a time when the value of a higher education is increasingly questioned and enrollment declines are impacting most schools across the nation, I can’t think of a clearer affirmation about the importance of our renewed vision for a Lasallian Catholic educational approach that is preparing students for career success and ethical leadership throughout their lives; an education grounded in a faith-based environment of service to God and humanity.

This latest gift validates the work we are doing to stabilize and grow the university while continuing to provide an excellent education and a strong

character building experience. We could not be more grateful to this benefactor.”

This new $4.5 million gift, which will be made in 2023 and 2024, will complete fundraising efforts for the renovation of Aquinas Hall, the Winona Campus’ newly transformed state-of-the art facility for business, science, psychology, and its new nursing program. The $16 million project was completed in 2021.

The most recent benefactors, who wish to remain anonymous, acknowledged the work that Saint Mary’s has undertaken in the last year to reduce spending, right size academic offerings, and set the path for long-term stability. They appreciate that their gift will allow the university to grow in areas most sought after by students and employers while retaining our commitment to a liberal education core for each student.

Aquinas Hall on the Winona Campus.

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NEWS AND VIEWS

Five honored during Saint Mary’s Founders’ Day celebration

Award winners Michael Ratajczyk B’03, M’05; Andy Robertson; and Sarah Haugen M’08 with Father Burns and Outstanding Seniors William Sepsis and Catherine Pierpont.

In celebration of its heritage, Saint Mary’s presented awards to one faculty member, two staff members, and two outstanding seniors at its annual Founders’ Day celebration Tuesday, March 14, on the Winona Campus.

Andy Robertson, executive director of GeoSpatial Services, received the Distinguished Lasallian Educator Award.

Presented each year, the award recognizes a member of the faculty, staff, or administration who exemplifies the ideals of Saint John Baptist de La Salle, expressed in the Twelve Virtues of a Good Teacher. The award is given by Lasallian institutions like Saint Mary’s in the Lasallian Region of North America of the De La Salle Christian Brothers to honor contributions and commitment to the Lasallian mission of education. Robertson, who has worked at Saint Mary’s since 2004, has led the expansion of GeoSpatial Services to uniquely engage students

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in serving the needs of federal agencies, tribal nations, and nonprofit organizations in the areas of land management and water conservation.

Similar to De La Salle and his first schools in 17th Century France, GSS engages education to respond to community needs at this particular time in history. Today GSS employs more than 65 students at the College and Schools of Graduate and Professional Programs (SGPP) in a cooperative education model, with plans for further expansion.

Sarah Haugen M’08, interim director of the Center for Excellence in Learning and Teaching (CELT), received the Brother Louis DeThomasis, FSC Award. Presented every two years, the award recognizes a full-time SGPP staff or faculty member who demonstrates excellence, innovation, and ethics in their work and builds community by serving as a model of the Lasallian Catholic spirit. After serving for

NEWS AND VIEWS

Arts update eight years as a facilitator and adjunct faculty members, Haugen joined Saint Mary’s full-time in 2016 as the associate director for the M.Ed. in Teaching and Learning program. In these roles, she trained teachers in developing curricula, managing student mental health challenges, and collaborating to improve student learning.

In 2022, Haugen became the associate director of CELT, and later the interim director, leveraging her experience to help Saint Mary’s faculty, especially adjunct faculty at SGPP, develop innovative methods to engage their students and foster a community of learners.

Michael Ratajczyk B’03, M’05, associate professor of business and program director for the Masters of Business Intelligence and Data Analytics, received the Brother Charles H. Severin, FSC Award. Presented every two years, the award recognizes tenured College faculty members who carry forward Brother Charles’ legacy of sustained excellence and creativity in teaching. Since joining Saint Mary’s in 2013, Ratajczyk has built the university’s business intelligence and data analytics programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels. He has leveraged industry collaborations and emerging technologies to build a community of engaged learners and practitioners, including the launch of the annual Business Intelligence Summit. Like Brother Charles did decades ago, Ratajczyk implements new learning tools into his courses, most recently creating gamification applications for course lessons.

The university also announced its Outstanding Male and Female Seniors during the Founders’ Day celebration. Outstanding Seniors have demonstrated the ideals of scholarship, character, leadership, service to colleagues and the university community, as well as genuine concern for the needs of others.

This year, the honor went to Catherine Pierpont, of Holt, Mich., and William Sepsis, of Lombard, Ill. The other students nominated for Outstanding Senior included Grace Howard, Christa Ingabire, Mackenzie Kelly, Sophia O’Neil, Guy Cardinal, Brady Lindauer, Brandon Merfeld, and Joseph Schauf.

The university continues to work on plans to provide students, beginning fall 2023, with strong extracurricular opportunities for participation and enjoyment in the arts. Lynette Johnson was named senior director of arts and event services and has been hard at work reviewing resource needs, building relationships, and considering future programming for the Winona Campus. The program focus areas were refined after internal and external arts discussions and focus groups to gauge priorities and interest.

MUSIC A director of music programming has been hired, and the university will continue offering band and choir opportunities. This role will serve as an adviser for pep band, offer lessons for students, and would help bring in external residency opportunities. Ideally, the university plans to offer two music performances annually, one each semester, including the traditional Lessons and Carols event. As the music fraternities are student groups, they will continue to offer music variety shows.

THEATRE A technical director has been hired for the performing arts. Under direction of Jimmy Bickerstaff, two student productions will be staged in 2023-24 as the major is taught out.

PAGE SERIES TRANSITION Partnerships to engage community and professional productions to host their productions at Page Theatre are underway, and Johnson is working toward bringing back the Page Series in phases, once grants are secured. These public performances will include a variety of offerings including children’s shows, music, theatre, and dance by world-class artisans.

VISUAL ARTS The 2023-2024 Lillian Davis Hogan Galleries schedule is being solidified, thanks to faculty member Lisa Truax. Other ways to expand visual arts opportunities, including hands-on workshops, are being explored.

Conversations continue with various arts organizations regarding partnerships for workshops, productions, and other plans. In addition, the future utilization of Studio S, and the on-going development of the arts program, are being discussed.

As more plans are solidified, they will be shared with the broader university community.

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ALUMNI

Welcome Heaser as new senior director of alumni and benefactor engagement

G UPCOMING ALUMNI EVENTS July 14 Hockey and Baseball Golf Tournament, Hudson, Wis. Oct. 12 Benefactor Recognition Dinner, Winona Campus Oct. 28 Lasallian Day of Service, nationwide To see what’s coming up next, visit connect. smumn.edu/ events

reetings Saint Mary’s alumni, and welcome new graduates!

This is my first letter to you as the new senior director of alumni and benefactor engagement at Saint Mary’s, and I am proud and honored to be at the helm of keeping the more than 58,800 of you connected and engaged with your alma mater.

In fact, we just wrapped up one of our biggest undergraduate engagement events: Reunion Weekend.

On the last weekend of June, we welcome back hundreds of alumni and their guests for a weekend of camaraderie, reminiscing, music, food, and fun. It is personally one of my favorite events because I learn so much about alumni experiences and get a richer and more vibrant picture of this 111-year-old institution.

The other significant part of Reunion Weekend is our Alumni Awards. I am truly grateful that members of the Alumni Board chose the winners, because I don’t know how I would be able to choose. An impressive number of Saint Mary’s alumni are not only successful in their careers

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and lives, but continue to live out the Lasallian charism so well. A special congratulations again to this year’s winners: David Dahlstrom B’10 (Outstanding Young Alumnus Award), Jim Izzo B’75 (Lasallian Service Award), Jerry Papenfuss B’62 (Alumni Appreciation Award), and Paul Magallanes B’63 (Distinguished Alumnus Award).

Remember, we can’t give an award without a nomination, so if you know someone deserving, please answer the call for nominations if you see one!

Visit connect.smumn.edu/ alumni/alumni-recognition to learn more about our awards and submit a nomination at any time.

Have you attended Reunion Weekend? What have been some of your favorite ways to stay connected and engage with Saint Mary’s as alumni? The Alumni Association is always working to find ways to give our alumni content and experiences that strengthen their relationship with their alma mater. If you have a thought or idea about improving our connections, let me know! The best way

Tracy Heaser Sr. Director of Alumni and Benefactor Engagement

to reach me is by email: theaser@smumn.edu.

In the meantime, there are many great ways to stay connected with Saint Mary’s and keep informed of the latest happenings and events. You can follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Make sure we have your most recent contact information at connect. smumn.edu/alumni to make sure you get our alumni e-newsletters and other communications. And finally, you can bookmark our events webpage at https:// connect.smumn.edu/events to see what we’re up to next.

Thank you for all that you do to support Saint Mary’s, and I look forward to meeting you on campus, online, or at an event soon!

ALUMNI

Cardinal Athletics and the Office of Advancement hosted various events to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Title IX, including an Alumni Working in Sports Panel on Feb. 20, 2023, which featured Sheila McGill B’97, Laura Sonday B’19, Taylor Pogreba B’17, and Tom Wistrcill B’92.

Kevin McKenna B’84 interviews sophomore Yuko Iida at the second annual Mock Interview Day on March 17, 2023.

This event provides undergraduate students a chance to practice their interviewing skills in a fail-safe environment, as well as the opportunity to network with community members and alumni interviewers. The event is co-hosted by the Office of Advancement and Career Services.

Following the Alumni Music Weekend concerts, alumni, staff, students, and family gathered to celebrate the retirement and legacy of Eric and Dr. Janet Heukeshoven.

Pictured are, from left: Noah French ’21, Eric Heukeshoven, Dr. Janet Heukeshoven, and David French B’21.

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ALUMNI

Curtain call Myers directs her final performance

A

The vocal talents of students were showcased in this spring’s performance of “Sondheim on Sondheim.”

lthough theatre shows will continue at Saint Mary’s next year, this spring’s production of “Sondheim on Sondheim” was the end of an era at Saint Mary’s. Long time faculty member and director Judy Myers retired this spring after 24 years of service, which equates to countless curtain calls and hours of rehearsal.

She left, as you might expect, on a high note.

Myers, a self professed Sondheim fan, chose a production that features the appearance of the ‘master teacher’ himself.

Video clips of Sondheim narrating the progression of his writing career provides insights into the mind of Broadway’s most revered musical theatre writer as well as the world of the Broadway business.

“Sondheim on Sondheim” was production number 42 for Myers at Saint Mary’s, including 18 musicals, 20 plays, and four Candlelight revues. Myers also chaired the theatre department for almost 10 years.

“Sondheim considered himself a teacher and was invested in students. He believed that working with the young and upcoming

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generation of performers was essential to the ongoing life of the theatrical arts,” Myers said in her director’s notes. “When he talks about teaching at the end of this production, I am reminded every time that his sentiments align with my own career goals.

“And, I hope that the past 24 years of teaching at Saint Mary’s has provided a similar foundation for my own students. I am very proud of this cast for stepping up to this challenging material. I think it is an appropriate finale for my academic career.”

ALUMNI

A grand finale

Alumni join in celebrating Heukeshovens’ final concerts

O

ver 150 alumni returned to Saint Mary’s Winona Campus in April to sing, perform, and applaud Janet and Eric Heukeshoven, longtime music faculty at Saint Mary’s.

The completion of the school year was also the conclusion of Janet’s 33-year teaching career. Eric concluded 36 years of teaching last year, although he continued instructing the jazz ensembles this year.

The couple wanted their final jazz, concert band, and choir concerts to be a celebration of music and invited alumni to join them.

The concert band also premiered an original piece by composer Benjamin Dean Taylor, “Towards the Stars,” thanks to the Kaplan Foundation. The Helen and Sam Kaplan Foundation gave Saint Mary’s a significant financial gift 20 years ago for the purpose of building a Jewish-Christian dialogue and providing means for students

to interact directly with Jewish religion and culture. Approximately every other year since 2000, Janet has commissioned a new work through a competitive application process.

The experience has been a highlight of her career.

The concert band also performed “The Elephant and the Flea,” a song featuring solos by piccolo and tuba — performed by Janet and Eric. The duo has been performing “The Elephant and the Flea” since 2010 and has been performing together for 48 years. It’s their wish that all alumni keep music in their lives.

To view the reunion performances, go to smumn.edu/celebrate.

Dr. Janet and Eric Heukeshoven performed “The Elephant and the Flea.”

(Inset) Over 150 alumni returned to Saint Mary’s to perform and applaud musicians during the final 2023 concerts.

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ALUMNI

Saint Mary’s honors four alumni during Reunion Weekend 2023

D HELP US HONOR ALUMNI Each year, the Alumni Association of Saint Mary’s University bestows awards upon deserving alumni.

We are now accepting nominees for Distinguished Alumnus/a, Alumni Appreciation, Sports Hall of Fame, and Religious Service Awards.

All nominations must come from alumni or employees of Saint Mary’s University.

Complete the online nomination form at connect.smumn. edu/alumni/ alumni-recognition.

uring Reunion Weekend each year, Saint Mary’s University honors outstanding alumni who have made outstanding achievements in their professional careers, who best exemplify the Lasallian charism Saint Mary’s was founded upon, and who have generously contributed time and talent to the goals and objectives of their alma mater. This year, four alumni were honored during a reception and ceremony Saturday, June 24, on the Winona Campus.

This year’s Distinguished Alumni Award recipient was Paul Magallanes B’63 of Thousand Oaks, Calif.; the Alumni Appreciation Award recipient was Jerry Papenfuss B’62 of Winona; the Lasallian Service Award recipient was Jim Izzo B’75 of Oakbrook Terrace, Ill.; and the Outstanding Young Alumnus was David Dahlstrom B’10 of Austin, Minn.

Distinguished Alumnus Award Paul Magallanes B’63

Paul P. Magallanes B’63 is an accomplished FBI special agent veteran and founder of Magallanes Associates International. With over 21 years of experience in the FBI, Magallanes has an extensive background in investigations, training, and security consultation. He began his FBI career in Tampa, Fla., where he was one of the first to work in an undercover capacity. Throughout his career, he played a key role in various high-profile cases: in the Watergate Burglary case, he developed critical information leading to the resignation of President Richard Nixon. In the Greylord Case, he exposed corrupt Cook County judges in Chicago while working undercover. He was later jailed and became a national fugitive under an alias. In the John De Lorean drug

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case, he secured half a million dollars in cash for the purchase of cocaine. Magallanes was a leading member in the landmark successful Class Action suit, Perez vs. FBI, against the FBI for discrimination in the workplace against FBI Hispanic agents. In addition to his investigative work, he coordinated security for the 1984 Olympic Command Headquarters in Los Angeles. And he received numerous awards for his outstanding investigative and undercover efforts and has been featured in various international media outlets for his expertise.

Alumni Appreciation Award Jerry Papenfuss B’62

Jerry Papenfuss B’62 is embedded in the community and works tirelessly to ensure its success. He has held leadership positions in community organizations at the local, state, and national level. As part of his work in radio broadcasting, he provided community organizations with live interviews, news stories, remote broadcasts, and public service announcements at no cost. Papenfuss also was a co-developer of the residential development of Knopp Valley and the AmericInn of Winona. In retirement he continues as a volunteer, philanthropist, and fundraiser. Recognition in the community includes: the President’s Award from the Association of Fundraisers Upper Midwest Chapter, Ben-Adith Miller Community Service Award, being listed in the Broadcasters Hall of Fame, lifetime membership in the Winona Area Chamber of Commerce, the Winona State University Distinguished Service Award, and the Benedictine Horizon Award. Jerry and his wife, Pat, have been married for 60 years and they have three married children and four outstanding grandchildren. For 57 years, Pat

ALUMNI

Paul Magallanes B’63

Jerry Papenfuss B’62

and Jerry and their staff, worked to develop 14 radio stations in five outstate Minnesota markets. They are active Republicans serving at the local, state, and national levels. This July, Jerry reaches his 91st birthday.

Lasallian Service Award Jim Izzo B’75

Jim Izzo B’75 graduated summa cum laude with a double major in history and political science at Saint Mary’s 50th commencement.

In college, he was a member of Phi Alpha Theta (history honor society) and Pi Gamma Mu (international social studies honor society). He also proudly co-captained the wrestling team and served as president of Tau Kappa Epsilon. After graduating, he began a 44-year teaching career at Montini High School in Lombard, Ill., where he served as teacher, student government moderator, class moderator, department chair, alumni moderator, coach, and athletic director before retiring in 2019. Throughout his career, Izzo lived the Lasallian mission, fostering character development in the many students he worked with along the way. He was awarded with Montini’s Lasallian Educator of the Year Award in 1994, was named Illinois Wrestling Coach of the Year in 1998, and was elected to both Montini’s and the Illinois Wrestling Coaches’ Hall of Fame. He has dedicated his life to serving and providing a Lasallian example to the thousands of young people with whom he has worked.

Jim Izzo B’75

David Dahlstrom B’10

Outstanding Young Alumnus David Dahlstrom B’10

Hailing from Rochester, Minn., Dahlstrom attended Saint Mary’s to study business and continue playing his lifelong passion, baseball. After an on-campus interview with Hormel Foods in 2008, he interned for the company the following summer and started full-time in the accounting department after graduation. In February 2022, Dahlstrom assumed the role of director of investor relations for Hormel Foods. In this role, he has numerous responsibilities including building and strengthening relationships with the investment community, leading the preparation and presentation of quarterly earnings materials, and communicating insight to executive management regarding company perception. Dahlstrom’s roots run deep at Saint Mary’s. His wife (Lindsey B’11), sister (Samantha B’12), and brother-in-law (Samuel B’12) all attended the university, and he cares deeply about keeping the strong talent pipeline between Saint Mary’s University and Hormel Foods alive and thriving. He returns to campus frequently to assist with career fairs, mock interviews, inclassroom presentations, fundraising events, and the business department’s strategies competition. He and Lindsey reside in Austin, Minn., with their three young children: Augie, Coralie, and Eddie.

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CLASS NOTES 1980s Dr. Ruth (Anfinson) Bures M’83, D’08, Winona, Minn., wrote and released a children’s book titled “I’m So Glad There’s Someone” in March 2023.

Daniel “Dan” Verdick B’87, Woodbury, Minn., began his position as business development executive at Infobase in January 2023.

1990s

to principal agile product owner at Surescripts in March 2023.

Jessica Vitale ’13, Chicago, Ill., was promoted to executive business partner at Northwestern Mutual in February 2023.

Nicole (Koob) Ginther B’14, Hastings, Minn., was promoted to sales manager, key accounts at Donaldson in February 2023.

What’s new with you?

Alumni, send us your news!

Saint Mary’s Magazine and our alumni class news website welcome contributions to the Alumni Class Notes sections.

We want your personal and professional news items. Photos, news clippings, etc. are also welcome, as well as tips about fellow alums who might make good feature story subjects.

KariLynn “Kari” (Shutte) Doffing B’91, Newport, Minn., began her position as project manager at Infinite Campus in April 2023.

Christopher Hanzeli M’14, Seattle, Wash., was promoted to head of strategic initiative at Dominican Friars Province of the Most Holy Name of Jesus in February 2023.

Michael “Mike” Morsberger, CFRE M’97, Jupiter, Fla., began his position as senior vice president and leader of academic medicine practice at GOBEL on April 20, 2023.

Allison Wachal B’14, Schiller Park, Ill., began her position as senior board certified behavior analyst at Action Behavior Centers - ABA Therapy for Autism in February 2023.

To submit your news, go to connect.smumn.edu/alumni/ class-notes.

Meghan Shields B’98, Crystal, Minn., began her position as director of talent acquisition at Dungarvin in February 2023.

Jeremy Ciconte B’15, Saint Paul, Minn., was promoted to customer experience manager at Dart Advantage Logistics in March 2023.

Westen Olson B’21, Wyoming, Minn., was promoted to business intelligence analyst at Vari in March 2023.

Joseph “Joe” Schmitt B’99, Ankeny, Iowa, began his position as associate underwriter in the Farm Owners Department of Nationwide Insurance in March 2023.

Manire Vaughn B’15 was honored by the National Association of Social Worker’s Minnesota Chapter with the Paul and Sheila Wellstone Award for Social Justice in 2023.

2000s

Rory (Petrisin) Cherry B’16, Hopkins, Minn., was promoted to assistant vice president, control room, at Piper Sandler in March 2023.

Margaret “Maggie” (Ortmann) Jambor B’03, Minburn, Iowa, began her position as a full-time professor of psychology at Des Moines Area Community College in April 2023.

Kirk Kiel B’03, Medford, Minn., began his position as manufacturing engineering manager at Climate by Design International in January 2023.

Anthony “Tony” Gruenke B’04, Inver Grove Heights, Minn., was promoted to vice president of sales at Metro Sales, Inc. in March 2023.

Sarah Frich M’16, Howard Lake, Minn., began her position as product illustrations systems analyst at Allianz in February 2023.

Marais Culp B’17, Winona, Minn., was promoted to senior manager of financial analytics at DailyPay, Inc. in March 2023.

Celeste Nygren B’18, Denver, Colo., received the 2022 Rookie of the Year Award for her work with Yorktel Telecom.

2010s

2020s

Hjalmaar Rose B’10, Cottage Grove, Minn., was promoted to business operations analyst at U.S. Bank in February 2023.

Marissa Allshouse M’21, Sauk Rapids, Minn., was promoted to process manager at Capital One in March 2023.

Taryn Wirkus B’11, White Bear Lake, Minn., was promoted to senior project manager, content management at Target in February 2023.

Benjamin “Ben” Sorenson M’13, Mahtomedi, Minn., was promoted

Stephany Beck B’21, Oshkosh, Wis., began her position as sales account executive at EAA in March 2023.

Eric Ohde B’21, Winona, Minn., began his position as data creation and enhancement manager at MSC Industrial Supply Co. in March 2023.

42 | SAINT MARY’S MAGAZINE | SPRING/SUMMER 2023

Sophia (Zebro) Utschinski B’21, Anoka, Minn., began her position as strategic sourcing analyst at Medtronic in March 2023.

McKenzie Kanipes M’22, Montreal, Wis., was named head volleyball coach at Gogebic Community College in February 2023.

John “John Paul” Keane B’22, Saint Paul, Minn., was promoted to business analyst II at UnitedHealth Group in February 2023.

MaKenna Vetsch B’22, Trempealeau, Wis., began her position as research technologist at Mayo Clinic in January 2023.

MARRIAGES 2010s Bailey Windsperger B’18 and Liam Bickerstaff B’18, Mound, Minn., were married Nov. 12, 2022.

2020s Adam Tapper B’20 and Celeste Russell B’20, Los Angeles, Calif, were married March 12, 2023.

Paige Gudmundson B’21 and Collin Ellinghuysen, Altura, Minn., were married June 11, 2022.

CLASS NOTES BIRTHS 2020s Andrew B’13 and Miranda (Cole) B’14 Ketterer, Chandler, Ariz., welcomed a daughter on Nov. 28, 2022.

Kyle B’13, M’21 and Bridget (Trio) B’13 Servais, La Crosse, Wis., welcomed a son on March 25, 2023.

John B’14, M’16 and Jenna (Trio) B’15 Soucheray, Rochester, Minn., welcomed a daughter on Jan. 1, 2023.

Kevin B’16 and Marissa (Bay) B’16 Draniczarek, Lake Barrington, Ill., welcomed a daughter on Nov. 3, 2021 and a son on Feb. 3, 2023.

DEATHS 1940s John Curran B’41, Minneapolis, Minn., on April 11, 2022.

1950s Thomas “Tom” Meagher, Sr. B’53, Burr Ridge, Ill., on Nov. 21, 2022.

Brother Jerome Vincent Cox, FSC B’60 If you don’t recognize Brother Jerome Vincent Cox, FSC B’60, 84, by face, alumni will likely recognize his work.

The lifelong artist and dedicated De La Salle Christian Brother designed both the Brother statue in the plaza and the Stairway to the Stars statue outside the Performance Center, as well as numerous other pieces around campus — including the Heritage Award statue. He passed away Jan. 26, 2023, leaving behind a long legacy of work. Brother Jerome has created more than 650 sculptures and over 2,000 designs for pendants, rings, chains, letter openers, and chalices.

He created art pieces for several churches in Italy, Ireland, and the U.S. and has a piece in the Vatican selected by Pope Paul VI. He taught art throughout his life in Chicago, Guatemala, and Italy and also enjoyed traveling, photography, and mechanics.

On the Winona Campus, he also taught European Studies from 1986 to 1989.

John O’Brien B’55, Naples, Fla., on Nov. 2, 2022.

James Sikorski B’58, South Lyon, Mich., on Feb. 19, 2022.

Dr. Thomas Keefe B’56, Bala Cynwyd, Pa., on Nov. 14, 2022.

James “Jim” Langowski B’57, Alameda, Calif., on Nov. 9, 2022.

Charles Marron B’57, Hinsdale, Ill., on Jan. 7, 2022.

Deacon John Meere ’59, Sainte Genevieve, Mo., on Dec. 17, 2022.

1960s Brother Jerome Cox, FSC B’60, Minneapolis, Minn., on Jan. 26, 2023.

William “Bill” McGowen, Jr. B’60, Streamwood, Ill., on Dec. 23, 2022.

Robert “Bob” Janka B’61, Arcadia, Wis., on Jan. 28, 2023.

The Brother statue in the plaza and the Stairway to the Stars statue outside the Performance Center on the Winona campus are works by Brother Jerome.

Richard Miller B’61, White Lake, Mich., on Nov. 19, 2022.

Emil “Bud” Paape B’62, Shoreview, Minn., on Feb. 22, 2023.

SAINT MARY’S MAGAZINE | SPRING/SUMMER 2023 | 43

CLASS NOTES Richard “Dick” Bukrey B’63, Evanston, Ill., on March 9, 2023.

The Rev. Robert “Bob” Schramm, OSFS ’63, Toledo, Ohio, on June 28, 2022.

Thomas Anzelde B’64, San Jose, Calif., on Feb. 23, 2022.

Dr. William “Bill” Walsh ’66, Mora, Minn., on Feb. 27, 2023.

Ronald “Ron” Klestinski M’68, Manitowoc, Wis., on March 1, 2023.

Thomas Cannon B’69, Mill Valley, Calif., on Sept. 30, 2022.

Timothy “Tim” Padden B’69, Duluth, Ga., on March 26, 2023.

1970s Thomas “Tom” Sundby B’70, Minneapolis, Minn., on Dec. 17, 2022.

Mary “Maryellen” (Tobin) Fender B’73, Naperville, Ill., on March 28, 2023.

Marilyn (Taylor) Graef B’74, Heron Lake, Minn., on Dec. 1, 2022.

James “Jim” Rolbiecki B’74, Minneota, Minn., on Sept. 11, 2022.

Jack “Sonny” Parker B’75, Indian Head Park, Ill., on Oct. 15, 2022.

1980s Mary Cyze B’81, Wilmette, Ill., on March 14, 2023.

Mark Bermes B’83, Northbrook, Ill., on Oct. 20, 2022.

1990s Lori Mack M’99, C’10, Rochester, Minn., on Dec. 29, 2022.

Heather McGuire B’99, Elmhurst, Ill., on Nov. 29, 2022.

2000s Marshall Gibbs, Jr. M’03, Jacksonville, Fla., on Nov. 6, 2022.

Karla Luther ’03, Holmen, Wis., on Feb. 16, 2022.

Mark Alt M’08, Copley, Ohio, on Feb. 17, 2023.

Cheryl Bastyr M’09, Owatonna, Minn., on June 21, 2022.

SYMPATHIES 1950s John Beaty B’54 on the passing of his wife, Jane (Ritter) Beaty CST’55, on April 15, 2022.

Ernest Dawson ’57 on the passing of his wife, Catherine “Kay” Dawson, on Nov. 22, 2022.

Dr. Gerald Langowski B’59 on the passing of his brother, James “Jim” Langowski B’57, on Nov. 9, 2022.

1960s Michael B’64 and Teresa (Lanphear) CST’65 Reisinger, Barbara “Barb” (Reisinger) Padden CST’69, Dr. Brian Padden B’94, and Dr. Karen (Padden) Kress B’97, on the passing of their brother-in-law, brother, husband, and father, Timothy “Tim” Padden B’69, on March 26, 2023.

Lawrence Fronczak B’69 on the passing of his wife, Frances Fronczak, on Feb. 7, 2023.

1970s Gregory “Greg” B’74 and Mary “Cat” (Trusk) B’76 Stevens and Dr. Thomas “Tom” B’75 and Dr. Janice “Jan” (Greathouse) B’75 Trusk on the passing of their mother and mother-in-law, Sylvia Trusk, on June 28, 2022.

Robert Graef B’73 and Jennifer “Jen” Graef B’07 on the passing of their wife and mother, Marilyn (Taylor) Graef B’74 on Dec. 1, 2022.

John Pribyl B’73, and Emily (Pribyl) B’03 and Nathan “Nate” B’04 Semsch on the passing of their brother, father, and father-in-law, Stephen J. Pribyl, on March 22, 2022.

1980s John “Terry” Gallagher B’80 on the passing of his wife, Alice Gallagher, on March 21, 2023.

Sandra (Hiniker) Ammentorp ’81, David Ammentorp B’06, and John Ammentorp ’07 on the passing of their father-inlaw and grandfather, Dr. William “Bill” Ammentorp, on Feb. 4, 2023.

Jeanine (Baldwin) Bermes B’83 on the passing of her husband, Mark Bermes B’83, on Oct. 20, 2022.

44 | SAINT MARY’S MAGAZINE | SPRING/SUMMER 2023

Dean Wagnild B’86 on the passing of his father, Bernard “Bernie” Wagnild, on Dec. 25, 2022.

Michael “Mike” B’87 and Margaret “Peggy” (Drennan) B’87 Meagher and Terence Meagher B’91 on the passing of their father and father-in-law, Thomas “Tom” Meagher, Sr. B’53, on Nov. 21, 2022.

Thomas “Tom” B’89 and Jennifer (Howland) B’89 McGowen on the passing of their father and father-in-law, William “Bill” McGowen, Jr. B’60, on Dec. 23, 2022.

1990s Todd Russ B’90 on the passing of his mother, Mary Russ, on Jan. 15, 2023.

Lindsay McCabe M’98 on the passing of his mother-in-law, Marguerite “Marge” Blinn, on Dec. 25, 2022.

2000s Amber (McGuire) Lemar B’00, on the passing of her sister, Heather McGuire B’99, on Nov. 29, 2022.

Eric B’02 and Angela (Brackey) B’04 Froistad on the passing of their father-inlaw and father, Steven Brackey, on May 9, 2022.

2010s Brother Robertolino Vargas Guerrero, FSC M’19 on the passing of his father, Edwin Vargas Pérez, on Dec. 25, 2022.

FACULTY/STAFF Dr. Daniel Bucknam, assistant professor of psychology and social sciences, on the passing of his mother, Nan Bucknam, on Dec. 4, 2022.

Myles Sandolph, residence hall director, on the passing of his grandmother, Geraldine (Williams) Sandolph, on Dec. 18, 2022.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Brother Ambrose prepared students for careers Just read Saint Mary’s Magazine.

The top photo is a chemistry lab with Brother I Ambrose Trusk, FSC B’43 (my uncle). Think it would have been taken back in the ’50s. He taught chemistry at Saint Mary’s into the early 1980s (I believe) and was department chair. He was a taskmaster but prepared many students for their careers in medicine.

— M. Catherine “Cathy” (Trusk) Stevens B’76

Information about last issue’s chemistry photo I am Judy Ochrymowycz, wife of Dr. Leo A. Ochrymowycz B’65. Leo was a student at Saint Mary’s from fall 1961 until spring of 1965 and a graduate of Saint Mary’s. Leo’s father (Dr. Leo Myron Ochrymowycz) and Leo’s brother (Dr. Orest Ochrymowycz B’57) were both instructors at Saint Mary’s.

Leo believes that the top photo was taken during the fall semester, 1961, in the freshman general chemistry laboratory. He thinks that the instructor is Brother Ambrose Trusk, located at the extreme right side, bottom of the photo dressed in black and is wearing glasses and it appears as if he is looking at something in his left hand. Leo thinks that he is also in the photo (and I think so also) as the young student that is in the back of the room, fifth man from the left side of the photo and also standing just to the left of the large glass bottle.

Leo has black hair and is wearing a light sweater over a white shirt and is looking down with his left arm half raised. Leo also thinks that the bottom left photo is a photo of a physics laboratory and the right is a student in a biology laboratory but does not know when these were taken.

Although Leo is not entirely positive, he certainly thinks that the one student looks like him and is even more sure that the instructor is Brother Trusk and the room was the general chemistry lab.

Brother Ambrose played a big part in their family’s life after the Ochrymowycz family emigrated to the U.S. and settled in the Minnesota area.

We look forward to any future publications that may include more information about these photos and hope that you receive many more communications from others that assist you in your search for information.

— Judy Kay Ochrymowycz

Alumnus identified from photo Enjoying the Saint Mary’s magazine.

On the last page there is a guy looking into a microscope. His name is Pat Woods, one of the 11 Driscoll High School students who came up and graduated in ’77. He was my roommate in Heffron freshman year.

He became a dentist. He and I have been classmates from kindergarten through dental school.

— Dr. John Domanico B’77

More alumni identified Top left is Dr. Joseph West B’60 next to Dr. John Petrovich B’60; they are with Brother Ambrose in what is probably freshman chemistry 1956-57.

— Patrick Solomon SAINT MARY’S MAGAZINE | SPRING/SUMMER 2023 | 45

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LOOKING BACK At one time, Saint Mary’s business students could gain experience about product conception, design, market research, branding, and sales through the Cardinal Corner, a small on-campus shop. Goods sold ranged greatly from stocking hats to these folding chairs. It’s just one way Saint Mary’s has created real-world experience for students in business through the years.

If you have more information about this photo or would like to share your success in using the Cardinal Corner, contact Saint Mary’s Magazine editor, Deb Nahrgang.

Email dnahrgan@smumn.edu or mail comments to: Saint Mary’s Magazine Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota 700 Terrace Heights #36 Winona, MN 55987