Karina Poyerd

UST Libraries have celebrated National Poetry Month for the past 14 years with Poetry on the Patio, an annual outdoor reading. Recordings of all of these events are now  posted online in a library research guide formatted by Karina Poyerd, library student assistant.

Even though the site is still being edited and developed, all are welcome to visit Poetry on the Patio and enjoy a video of each of the 14 annual readings, then follow links to information about the poets selected, books written by the poets and, as often as possible, the text of the selected poems.

He will be available in Opus Hall near the Bookstore and Public Safety. To schedule an appointment, contact Bauer, (651) 757-1594. For more information related to services and resources, visit the Higher Education Veterans Programs website.

For more information related to services and resources for veterans at St. Thomas, visit the university’s Veteran Resources website, or contact Vern Klobassa, (651) 962-6464.

The south campus and the Minneapolis campus will not be affected. The shutdown is necessary to allow Excel Energy to make necessary repairs to the pressure system.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation during this time.

Dr. Meg Wilkes Karraker, Sociology Department, College of Arts and Sciences, and Family Business Center Fellow, and Sarah Covington, a psychology major at St. Thomas, presented “Hey! That’s MY Life! Teaching and Learning With Students Embedded in Troubling Issues,” May 7, at the University of Chicago’s “Preparing Future Faculty.”

UST was well-represented at the Region 6 National Academic Advising Association (NACADA) conference, May 2 through 4, in Minneapolis.  Susan M. Anderson, Drew Puroway, Darcy Brommer and Colleen Stephens, all from Academic Counseling, served on the conference planning committee, and Dr. Carol Bruess, Communication and Journalism Department, College of Arts and Sciences, provided the keynote address.  UST staff members also presented the following conference programs:

• Dr. Tori Svoboda, Dean of Students Office, and Susan M. Anderson, Academic Counseling, “Exploring Social Class: Implications for Students and Academic Advisors”
• Kim Schumann, Enhancement Program, and Darcy Brommer, Academic Counseling, “Inclusion of Students with Disabilities: Raising Awareness”
• Elizabeth Lofgren, Joanie Kyllo, Heather English and Jesse Langer, Opus College of Business, “Major Exploration Through Collaboration and Creative Programming and Breaking Down the Silos: Partnering and Collaborating Within the University”
• Tonia Jones Peterson and Elizabeth Dussol, Academic Counseling, “Helping Students Learn From the Past to Create a Brighter Future: Probation/Dismissal/Reinstatement Issues.” Also, Jones Peterson was a panel representative in “From A to Z: Different Strategies for Building a Network.”
• Chirayu Dongre and Colleen Stephens, Academic Counseling, “Dealing With Academic Dishonesty: Best Practices, Tools, and Tips”

Tech help desks and walk-up support counters summer schedules (excluding holidays):

IRT Tech Desk

• Monday-Thursday: 8 a.m.-8 p.m.
• Friday: 8 a.m.-6 p.m.
• Saturday: 8 a.m.-2 p.m.
• Sunday: Closed

Scholars Desk

• Monday-Thursday: 8 a.m.-8 p.m.
• Friday: 8 a.m.-6 p.m.
• Saturday: 8 a.m.-noon
• Sunday: Closed

Tech Desktoo

• Monday-Friday: 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Saturday: Closed
• Sunday: Closed

A memorial service will be held at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, May 19, at Christ Church (County 2 and Westervelt Avenue Way), Old Frontenac, with a reception to follow at Dacotah Cottage, 28743 Garrard Ave. A private interment will be held at Old Frontenac Cemetery.

An obituary and guest book can be viewed on the Mahn Family Funeral Home website.

It is because of you that CILCE has had a successful year. With that being said, we want to thank and acknowledge our seniors:

• Sarah Farnes
• Erica Fox
• Ryan Griffin
• Anna Hoeffel
• William Hollinbeck
• Nathan Junso
• Vang Khang
• Kevin Klein
• Meaghan Leighton
• Haley Loesch
• Mirella Maxwell
• Nina McDowall
• Angie Michel
• William Miller
• Fahma Mohamed
• Kate Molbert
• Catherine Moosbrugger
• Chao Ving Mui
• Amari Nelson
• Greta Omann
• Christina Omlie
• Sara O’Neill
• Andrew Sanchez
• Garrett Schmidt
• Sarah Smith
• Alissa Tousignant
• Dakota Tracy
• Patrick Trembley
• Jess Urban
• Alison Vandercook
• Ka Lia Vang
• Megan Vetter
• Laura Watson
• Scott Wenino
• Eric Westlund
• Dane Wold
• Jason Yick

Nearly 40 seniors have contributed to CILCE’s programs, helping successfully deliver the university’s mission to our community partners. We wish you all the best of as you begin your next chapter. Have a great summer, celebrate graduation and keep surrounding yourself with wonderful people such as yourselves!

A hundred years from now it will not matter what my bank account was,
the sort of house I lived in, or the kind of car I drove,
but the world may be different because I was important in the life of a child.

~ Anonymous

Interstate 94 will be closed west and east of the university. Motorists are advised to check both the Minnesota Department of Transportation and Metropolitan Council websites for details, and allow extra time to travel.

We would like to thank the faculty who spent their Saturday morning with us and shared all the things that make St. Thomas a great college choice.

• John Abraham – Professor of engineering
• Kevin Sauter – Professor of communication and journalism
• Rich Sathe – Professor of accounting

Watch for more than 1,000 visitors (rising seniors and their families) on campus for Minnesota Private College Week, June  25-29.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. today, Tuesday, May 15, at the Church of St. Columba, Lafond and Hamline avenues, St. Paul.

An obituary and guest book can be viewed at legacy.com.

Spring 2012 videography projects:

• Documentary for the Wellness Center
• Music video for PULSE
• Public service announcement for the Service-Learning

The students will answer questions about their work following their presentations.

For more information email Scully.

The scholarship, which is funded by the National Security Education Program, focuses on study in languages, subjects and geographic areas critical to U.S. national security.

Bui will study in Taiwan for the 2012-13 academic year and intends to focus on global health during postgraduate work and eventual government service, which  is required for the Boren Award.

Boren Scholarship awards can range from a maximum of $10,000 for a semester abroad up to $20,000 for a full academic year.

To learn more about applying for next year’s scholarship, email the Study Abroad office or visit the Boren Awards website.

Residents of the dwelling, St. Thomas students, reported to the St. Paul Police Department that an unidentified suspect entered the residence and stole a television.

A similar unforced burglary occurred at 9:05 a.m. Wednesday, May 9, on the 2000 block of Dayton Avenue.

For more information about the May 13 incident see Public Safety’s May 14 alert. Other recent alerts, advisories and bulletins, as well as crime prevention and safety tips, also are posted on the Public Safety website.

The nine are:

• Katie Bell
• Roxanne Desseyn
• Bisrat Fekadu
• Courtney Hoff
• Sharon Le
• Kristen Lee
• Angela Losasso
• Elizabeth Meyers
• Lauren Pierotti

Presentations will be given by:

• Alysa Ohland– “Inspired by the Past: Title Page Design by Andreas Gutterwitz,” Dr. Craig Eliason, faculty adviser
• Nicole Wankel– “The Greatest Secret of this Art: Caravaggio’s ‘Jupiter, Pluto and Neptune’ and the Art of Science in Early Modern Italy,” Nassim Rossi, faculty adviser
• Ann Bieganek– “The ‘Autoethnography’ of a Vanishing Race,” Dr. Heather Shirey, faculty adviser
• Rita Rios – “Cultural Sovereignty in Native American Exhibitions,” Dr. Victoria Young, faculty adviser
• Katie Czarniecki Hill– “Aaron Douglas’s 1926 Harlem Renaissance Graphic Illustrations and the Construction of Modern Black Identity,” Dr. Heather Shirey, faculty adviser

A reception in the O’Shaughnessy Educational Center lobby gallery will follow the presentations.

Dick Olsen, a Stillwater businessman, and Don Hovland, former school administrator and UST adjunct professor, are heading the Night on the River fundraiser as part of an effort to ensure the long-term viability of the programs and activities of the center.

“This will be a relaxing, fun event,” Olsen said, “with a great buffet dinner, live music and a silent auction. Unlike most fundraisers, there will be no speeches – just a chance for program supporters to enjoy themselves and meet others who care about opportunities for our kids.”

Boarding will begin at 5:30 p.m. at the Andiamo dock on the south end of Main Street in Stillwater, with the cruise lasting from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Cruise tickets are $35, of which $10 is tax deductible.

A raffle will be held along with the cruise, but raffle tickets must be purchased before boarding because state gaming laws do not allow for sales in interstate waters. First prize in the raffle is a $1,000 gift certificate that can be used on the Andiamo boats, at the Lowell Inn or split between the two. Second prize is a Minnesota Wild Jersey with authentic autographs of all members of the 2011-12 team (a $500 value). Third prize is a hotel-and-meal package. Raffle tickets are $10 each. Winners need not be present.

Last summer 400 youth from St. Paul, Minneapolis, and the nine suburban district members of the East Metro Integration District (EMID) were served by the summer camps. More than 7,000 kids have been served since 1991 when Bob Brown, Tom Ressler, Mark Ahrens and others began the program at St. Thomas.

“In the early years the federal government gave money to the NCAA to contract with colleges to put on summer sports camps for low income kids,” Brown said. “It was hoped that the kids could become familiar with colleges so that they might consider going on beyond high school. We said we would only conduct the camps if we could give equal emphasis to academics and sports. Since then many other colleges followed our lead and broadened the scope of their programs.

“When the feds quit funding programs the NCAA dropped its participation. As a result, of the 206 colleges with programs at the peak there now are only about 20 of us left since we each have to obtain all of our own resources. We use a combination of in-kind contributions from St. Thomas and others, Alternative Learning Center contracts with school districts, volunteers, grants, and fundraising events such as this Night on the River.

“We believe our programs are a fine example of what St. Thomas does to be the great urban university that Father Dease envisioned when he became president. We hope to see many of our friends from St. Thomas joining with some of our other supporters at this event. It is a chance to renew acquaintances and make new friends while helping create opportunities for our kids.”

“If you can’t join the cruise,” Brown concluded, “please consider buying raffle tickets or making a donation so that we can keep our programs going.”

To buy boat tickets, raffle tickets, or for additional information contact Brown, (651) 962-4992. Checks should be made out to NYSP-UST.

Pat began working at St. Thomas Oct. 25, 1999. The job was a unique one: half time administrative assistant in Faculty Development and half-time in the Luann Dummer Center for Women. Pat’s unique abilities have allowed her to excel in both positions. She has often been recognized for her excellence, earning the “Heart of St. Thomas Award” in 2002, the Non-Exempt Staff Employee of the Year in 2008, and the Sister  Pat Kowalski Award in 2012.

Pat Alexander

Pat has been the “face” of the women’s center since her arrival, and it is hard to imagine the center without her. Her competence is unparalleled, and her knowledge of the university extensive.

Pat’s generous hospitality has made an indelible mark on the center. Never satisfied to simply fulfill her job requirements, Pat consistently goes above and beyond those expectations. One of the long-lasting contributions she has made is the founding of Yarn Tamers, a group of faculty, staff, students and community members who gather once or twice a week to knit and crochet. This group has contributed baby bonnets, prayer shawls and blankets to various community organizations.

I have always said that Pat’s work makes me look good! She keeps track of all of the details for our many programs and often reminds me of what I need to do. But even more than that, I have gained a friend in Pat. I will miss talking to her almost every day.

Pat has also served as administrative assistant in the Faculty Development Center and has made a lasting mark there, using her amazing organizational skills to manage innumerable faculty grant contracts and keep track of event details.

According to center director Ann Johnson, “Pat is just incredible to work with. She remembers everything and keeps us all afloat. I’ve known Pat in both jobs for years; she is a constant, positive, lovely presence in both centers and I’m happy I had the opportunity to work closely with her this past year. We will miss her greatly.”

Pat has worked under three directors at the Women’s Center and four directors at Faculty Development. Pat writes, “These two positions have enabled me to virtually come into contact with almost all faculty, staff and many students. Building these networks and establishing these relationships has been the best part of both of my jobs, and what I will miss most about leaving UST.”

While we will miss Pat, we wish her the best in her new ventures. She plans to volunteer either with the National Park Service or with the United Methodist volunteers during the winter months. When she is town, she plans to return to campus to attend some of our events and participate in Yarn Tamers. Please join us in wishing her the best of success in all of her endeavors.

Pat’s last day of work will be Friday, June 29.

AARC commencement weekend hours

• Friday, May 18 – 6 a.m.-6 p.m.
• Saturday, May 19 – Closed for commencement ceremonies

 AARC summer hours

Building:

• Monday-Thursday: 6 a.m.-9:30 p.m.
• Friday: 6 a.m.-8 p.m.
• Saturday: 8 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
• Sunday: Noon-5 p.m.

Weight Room:

• Monday-Thursday: 6 a.m.-9 p.m.
• Friday: 6 a.m.-7:30 p.m.
• Saturday: 8 a.m.-2 p.m.
• Sunday: Noon-4:30 p.m.

Cardio Room:

• Monday-Thursday: 6 a.m.-9 p.m.
• Friday: 6 a.m.-7:30 p.m.
• Saturday: 8 a.m.-2 p.m.
• Sunday: Noon-4:30 p.m.

Pool:

• Monday: 11 a.m.-8:30 p.m.
• Tuesday-Thursday: 7 a.m.-8:30 p.m.
• Friday: 7 a.m.-7:30 p.m.
• Saturday: 8 a.m.-2 p.m.
• Sunday: Noon-4:30 p.m.

 More information about the facility and membership is available on the AARC website.

This award is given to an outstanding student graduating with a major in the language they have studied and is based on their academic achievements as well as study abroad experiences and involvement on and off campus.

Five students will receive the award:

Dominic Bouck – Outstanding Student in Classical Languages

A triple major in classical languages, Catholic studies and philosophy, Bouck is a member of St. John Vianney Seminary as well as Delta Epsilon. He studied in Rome during his junior year and participated in a service trip to Jamaica in 2011. His volunteer activities include working at St. Joseph’s home for Children in Minneapolis, St. Mary’s Nursing Home in St. Paul, the Lighthouse center in Minneapolis, St. Helena and St. Agnes grade schools, teaching religious education at St. Michael’s in St. Michael, and helping at a homeless shelter with the Missionaries of Charity in Rome.

Greg Westerhaus – Outstanding Student in Latin

A triple major in Latin, history and Catholic studies, Westerhaus served as the Latin tutor for the 2011-12 academic year. He studied abroad in Rome during his junior year, and is a member of Delta Epsilon Sigma and the Knights of Columbus. He has volunteered for the past five years as a soundboard operator at St. Hubert Catholic Church, where he also taught Sunday School for three years and has participated in various community activities through Catholic Students Inc.

Martin Roach – Outstanding Student in French

After graduation, Roach, a double major in French and international economics, will study for two years in a master’s course on Economics and Management of Network Industries (EMIN). The first year of study will be in Madrid, Spain, and the second year in Paris, France. He participated in the 2010 J-Term Mali project and translated for the engineering, sociology and MBA teams that looked into developing a seed potato crop in the capitol city of Bamako and in Borko, a small rural village.

Luke Kassekert – Outstanding Student in German

Kassekert is a double major in German and chemistry. In summer 2011 he was awarded a research fellowship to do molecular research at the University of Dortmund in Germany. He has been president of the German Club for two years, during which time its membership increased markedly. He also worked closely with the Germanic-American Institute of Minnesota, providing volunteers from the German Club for many of the institute’s functions. As co-president in 2011-12 he administered a project funded by the German Embassy in Washington, D.C., “do Deutsch,” for which the German Club received a grant of $3,000.

Elizabeth Brazill – Outstanding Student in Spanish

A double major in Spanish and education, Brazill started at UST in the REAL program and is graduating summa cum laude. She spent her junior year studying in Peru and has focused her studies at UST and in Peru on linguistics, pedagogy, and philosophical and policy issues relating to teaching in Minnesota. She is pursuing a career teaching Spanish in Minnesota public schools.

*  *  *

Faculty and staff in the Modern and Classical Languages Department send congratulations for a job well done to the award recipients as well as all of the language majors and minors who are graduating in May.

This permit will allow evening adjunct professors to park after 4 p.m. in the surface parking lot located on LaSalle Avenue between 11th and 12th streets and on the east side of the School of Law.

Permits cost $65 and can be purchased at Parking and eXpress Card Services on the Minneapolis campus, located in Room 252, School of Law.

Adjunct professors on either campus can also pay on their own for parking at the city of Minneapolis Ramp at 11th Street and Harmon Place. The cost of parking at this location after 4 p.m. is $4 for the evening.

For more information about Minneapolis campus parking options, or other transportation options, visit Parking and eXpress Cards Services, Room 252, School of Law, or call (651) 962-4100.

Dease announced Thursday that he will retire on June 30, 2013, upon the completion of his 22nd year in office.

Witt/Kieffer, an executive search firm based in Oak Brook, Ill., will assist St. Thomas with the search for the next president and will lead the forums next week. The firm seeks input on the following questions:

• What is unique and distinctive about St. Thomas?
• What are the top five items for the next president to address?
• What qualities, qualifications and experiences would it take for the next president to successfully address these items?

Here is the forum schedule:

Monday, May 14

Faculty forums: 8:30-9:30 a.m., 120 Schulze Hall in Minneapolis, with simulcast in 150 Owens Science Hall in St. Paul; and 1-2 p.m. in 150 Owens Science Hall, with simulcast in 120 Schulze Hall.

Staff forums: 10-11 a.m., 120 Schulze Hall, with simulcast in 150 Owens Science Hall; and 2:30-3:30 p.m., 150 Owens Science Hall, with simulcast in 120 Schulze Hall.

Student forum: Noon-12:45 p.m., Schoenecker Arena. Pizza will be served.

Thursday, May 17

Staff forum: 1-2 p.m., OEC auditorium.

Faculty forum: 2:30-3:30 p.m., OEC auditorium.

Individuals unable to attend a forum can email their answers to the questions directly to Witt/Kieffer at USTPresident@wittkieffer.com.

John M. Morrison, a member of the Board of Trustees, will chair the search committee for Dease’s successor. The committee of nine trustees, three faculty members and one member of the administrative staff will be appointed by early June. Sara Gross Methner, general counsel and chief human resources officer, will serve as staff to the search committee.

St. Thomas’ bylaws and the Board of Trustees govern the membership of a presidential search committee. In recognition of the university’s principles of shared governance, the search committee chair will appoint the three faculty members in consultation with the Faculty Affairs Committee, which will communicate with faculty about the process by which faculty will be selected.

The university’s bylaws allow only a Roman Catholic – priest, religious or lay person – to serve as president. All 14 presidents of St. Thomas have been priests.

Humor aside, much of college graduation focuses on achievement, and well it should. Achievement can be celebrated by the students, the faculty and the families that make it all work. There are awards, fellowships and honors given to acknowledge success. It is a great time.

In the midst of the self-congratulatory frenzy, gratitude shouldn’t be ignored. The custom of the Baccalaureate Mass invites the academic community to express gratitude to God and gratitude to all who supported those graduating.

This year’s Commencement Mass is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 18, at the Cathedral of St. Paul. The Mass is certainly a celebration. The music will be festive. Father Dease is the celebrant, and Father Keating will deliver the homily. Graduates with their families have attended in the past in good numbers. 

Over the years the venue has changed, but the location for Baccalaureate now is firmly established at the St. Paul Cathedral. It is a majestic building and captures the significance of the event. Broad participation by faculty and staff in Friday’s Commencement Mass would be a fitting way to start a weekend filled with graduation festivities. It would also be a visible show of the university community’s support and gratitude to the Class of 2012 and their families and friends as well as provide an opportunity for the graduates to express their thanks to those at the university who helped them reach this milestone. 

I urge you all to attend, and faculty participating are encouraged to wear academic regalia and process with other Mass participants. See you on the 18th!

Both events will be celebrated in the upper quad. In case of rain, activities will be moved to the Chapel of St. Thomas Aquinas. (Note: United We Praise will not be held at 9:30 p.m. in O’Shaughnessy Educational Center auditorium as previously advertised.)

Study Monday worship and breakfast schedule:

• 8 p.m. – United We Praise ecumenical praise and worship
• 8:30 p.m. – Mass (everyone is invited to stay for Mass to ask for the Lord’s blessings on students’ final exams).
• 9:30 p.m. – Late Night Breakfast, sponsored by Student Affairs, will take place in The View, Anderson Student Center.

The board unanimously approved the following five goals:

• To develop a reputation for excellence beyond the Catholic higher education community and in the broader academy nationally and internationally.
• To ensure that St. Thomas, in its admission policy, remains accessible to a broad spectrum of students who show promise.
• To ensure that St. Thomas, through its financial aid, remains accessible to students, both merit based and those with demonstrated need.
• To maintain a vital and robust Catholic character.
• To constantly monitor the changing external environment in higher education with appropriate responses in the areas of tuition pricing; alternative revenue sources and improvements to the cost-effectiveness of our programs; and evolving models of higher education, including online delivery methods.

The Board of Trustees decided a year ago to spend the 2011-12 academic year reviewing the university’s strategic directions, which have focused on access, excellence and Catholic identity since the last formal strategic planning project occurred in 2005-06.

Trustees believed it was important to discuss future strategic directions in light of three major events: the conclusion of the Opening Doors capital campaign in October 2012, the launch of a self-study as part of the university’s reaccreditation process, and the June 2013 retirement of Father Dennis Dease.

The board oversaw the strategic directions review and retained Ron James, president of the Center for Ethical Business Cultures at St. Thomas, to coordinate the effort. The board engaged in lengthy discussions at its October, February and May meetings, and the board’s Executive Committee also held discussions at a half-dozen meetings since last summer.

In approving the five goals last Thursday, the board affirmed the following statement:

“We are a regional, accessible university, nationally recognized for serving our region with great excellence. We have already developed a strong national, even international, reputation for excellence within the Catholic higher education community. With our centers of excellence and steadily increasing engagement of the profession by our ever-strong faculty, we will build upon our growing reputation beyond Catholic higher education and in the academy.”