In celebration of its heritage, Saint Mary’s University will present 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, will receive 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…
Kelly Shannon, vice president for marketing and communication, announced that she will be retiring later this spring. She indicated that this is the right time for her to transition out of working full time after a 40-plus year career with more than 15 of those years in higher education. She has made significant contributions in her more than two-and-a-half years with Saint Mary’s. “Ms. Shannon shared her many gifts and talents with Saint Mary’s and gave her full attention, commitment,…
When Saint Mary’s University junior Evelyn Sanchez started school in Melrose Park, Ill., near Chicago, her mother anticipated that her young daughter would cling to her anxiously, not wanting to head off into a classroom of strangers. But instead of tears and trepidation, Evelyn barely looked back as she bounded into the classroom, excited to begin an adventure in learning. Evelyn’s career path was soon clear, and she began playing school with her stuffed animals, and even her grandparents, as…
Awar Ongach knows that a life-changing decision can be made by clicking on an “apply” button. Ongach had been studying in a nursing program that didn’t feel like the right fit. After hearing about Saint Mary’s from her uncle, she investigated program opportunities further. The B.S. (Bachelor’s Completion) program in Healthcare Management caught her attention. “I liked that you could complete the program at your own pace and tuition was less expensive than other schools I looked at,” she said.…
After his first taste of field research, Mark Leonard B’19 was bitten. And now, the biology major has built a career studying and controlling dangerous mosquito populations. Leonard’s end goal, as a research scientist at Iowa State University, is to control populations of these vector species, because they can transmit diseases to us and to animals. According to the World Health Organization, vector-borne diseases account for more than 17% of all infectious diseases, causing more than 700,000 deaths annually. If…
MINNEAPOLIS/WINONA, Minn. — Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota is announcing 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…
Several organizational changes in the student affairs area are taking place, effective immediately. All of the changes below continue to emphasize how we can best serve our students and meet our mission to awaken, nurture, and empower learners to ethical lives of service and leadership. Ann Merchelwitz, J.D., senior vice president and general counsel, will add student affairs for the undergraduate residential experience to her scope of responsibilities. As a constant presence on campus and at student events, Merchlewitz will…
In his current position as a policy adviser for Third Way, Chazz Robinson B’16 says he’s always thinking about low income students, racial minorities, anyone who could be left out of the conversation. He can’t forget them, because he once was them. As a young man growing up in poverty in inner city Milwaukee, Robinson describes himself as someone who was too quick to anger and frequently in the principal’s office. School wasn’t a priority. “My upbringing, in a tough…
MINNEAPOLIS/WINONA, Minn. — Max Bonilla, SSL, STD, an experienced Catholic higher education administrator in both the U.S. and Europe, has been named provost and dean of faculties for Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, effective Feb. 1. [caption id="attachment_18263" align="alignright" width="317"] Max Bonilla, SSL, STD[/caption] Dr. Bonilla comes to Saint Mary’s after serving as the international director for the Expanded Reason Institute for the University Francisco de Vitoria in Madrid, Spain, a role he has served in since 2018. Between 2012…
Mr. Leon Dixon, vice president for inclusion and human dignity, will step down from his position, effective Jan. 13, 2023. Dixon, who joined Saint Mary’s in June 2021, has accepted a new position in the Twin Cities where he will lead a nonprofit that serves 1,700 families. [caption id="attachment_18223" align="alignright" width="299"] Leon Dixon, vice president for inclusion and human dignity[/caption] When Dixon stepped into the newly created role, just over a year and a half ago, he was charged with…
The university formally recognizes employees in a number of ways. Each spring, we honor employees by length of service and upon their retirements. At other university celebrations in March, we confer awards for dedication to Lasallian teaching and service to students with the Bishop Heffron Award, the Distinguished Lasallian Educator Award, the Brother Louis DeThomasis Award, and the Brother Charles H. Severin Award. And in December each year, we celebrate the extraordinary work of employees who, nominated by their peers,…
In recognition of and gratitude for everyone’s hard work and dedication throughout this academic year, Father James P. Burns is announcing that all faculty and staff will receive an extra half day off in celebration of Thanksgiving. Replacing the already scheduled half day of vacation on Wednesday, Nov. 23, Father Burns hopes the full day off the day before Thanksgiving will provide an opportunity for extra time with family and friends, as well as for respite and relaxation. As a…
Dr. Matt Nowakowski, vice provost for faculties and academic affairs, shared that he will be retiring at the end of this semester to devote more time to writing, wildlife photography, and travel with his family. His last day will be Dec.16. In his 16 years at Saint Mary’s, Dr. Nowakowski made a number of contributions to help advance our academic mission. He co-founded the Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) program and served on numerous DBA and Ed.D. dissertation committees. He…
Dave Miliotis, assistant vice president for human resources, announced he will be departing from Saint Mary’s University after accepting the position of senior human resource business partner with St. Croix Hospice. His last day at the university will be Dec. 2. [caption id="attachment_18099" align="alignright" width="300"] Dave Miliotis, assistant vice president for human resources[/caption] During his time at Saint Mary’s, Miliotis resourced the restructuring of multiple departments, directly recruited new leaders, oversaw the implementation of new systems, and built a strong…
Winona, Minn. — The Criminal Justice Club is bringing back Saint Mary’s University’s Haunted Walk (originally hosted by the fastpitch softball team). For its inaugural relaunch, the club is offering a scaled-back version of the walk — which will be entirely indoors. The Criminal Justice Club hopes to provide protection for the weather but not from the ghosts and ghouls. The Haunted Walk will take place from 7 to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Oct. 28 and 29, and 2…
On Oct. 6, Saint Mary’s welcomed alumnus Michael Lehan to speak on “Athletics, Relationships, and Character.” Lehan spoke to student athletes, coaches, and staff about overcoming challenges, playing collegiate and professional football, and becoming an educational leader. Lehan began by asking students to reflect on who they are. “There is an important difference between what we do and who we are,” said Lehan. “We are not only what we have achieved. And we can really come to understand who we…
The first ever storytelling festival in Minnesota will kick off on Oct. 14-15! The inaugural “Sandbar Storytelling Festival” (SSF) will be presented on the Winona Campus of Saint Mary’s University! Five national and international storytellers will be presenting. At the Friday night “Ghost Stories Concert,” be prepared to be totally spooked, and at the Saturday night concert “Fun Night,” the five tellers will make you roll in your seats with laughter! Friday afternoon, beginning at 2:30 p.m., and Saturday, beginning…
The next State of the University will be Tuesday, Oct. 4, from noon to 1 p.m. All employees are encouraged to come together in community to hear from the administration about important plans and progress. Our Minneapolis Campus is invited to gather at the University Center, and the Winona Campus will meet at Aquinas Hall, Room 200 (with overflow in Room 300). For those unable to attend in person, a recording of the presentation will be made available the day…
Andrea Carroll-Glover, vice provost for online strategy and programs, has announced that she will be leaving Saint Mary’s University. After more than five years overseeing online strategy and programs, the Wiley OPM partnership, product innovation, CELT, instructional technology, online academic operations, and high school pathways, she is lending transition support through Friday, Oct. 7. During her tenure, Carroll-Glover helped support the university navigate COVID-19 as it pivoted to online learning in response to the pandemic. She co-led the advancement of…
Being able to say you completed a summer internship at Gundersen Health System Kabara Cancer Research Institute is great for a résumé, but it was only a side benefit. More importantly, for Saint Mary’s senior Kaydi Breeser, a pre-physician assistant studies major from Caledonia, it solidified her medical career aspirations — and it was an opportunity to play a small role in the fight against cancer. Breeser was a Saint Mary’s University Fellow at Gundersen, an academic collaboration brought about…