Honors and Awards 2013

2013 Honors and Awards Ceremony

One of St. Catherine University's major year-end celebrations, the Honors and Awards Ceremony, will be held at 4 p.m. Tuesday, April 30, in Rauenhorst Ballroom, Coeur de Catherine. The ceremony recognizes students for their academic and co–curricular achievements. A special part of the ceremony is the announcement of recipients who've earned an All-University Student Leadership Award.

The ceremony recognizes Associate, Baccalaureate and Graduate students. Parents and family members are invited to attend. No RSVP is required, but arrive early for a good seat!

Spring Semester May Bring Anxiety

As a regular feature in Parent Update, we like to provide you with a list of common adjustment issues that first-year students typically describe at this time of year. (Source: Helping your First-Year College Student Succeed, Richard Mullendore and Cathie Hatch, National Resource Center for the First-Year Experience and Students in Transition at the University of South Carolina, Columbia.)

 

March

• Anxiety about midterm exams
• Anxiety about finding a roommate for next year
• Excitement and/or disappointment regarding Spring Break plans
• Concern over winter weight gain

April

• Spring fever
• Burned-out feeling
• Signing up for housing for fall semester
• Concern over declaring a major

May/June

• Final exam anxiety
• Stress over moving when semester ends
• Ambivalence about returning home for summer
• Sadness over leaving new friendships and/or new romantic relationships at school
• Concern about finding summer employment
• Beginning to realize how college will influence future life decisions 

Although these issues may be common, they aren't necessarily easy to handle. Students may find that these issues can interfere with studying and academic goals.

The Counseling Center staff is available to meet with students on either campus to discuss concerns and identify helpful coping strategies. (Counseling Center St. Paul campus, 690-6805; Counseling and Student Development Center Minneapolis campus, 690-7830)

Learn About Our Lady's History

"Chapel Talk: The Architecture and Unique Features of Our Lady of Victory Chapel"
Sunday, April 21st, 1-2:30 p.m., Our Lady of Victory Chapel

Associate Professor of Social Work Mary Ann Brenden has conducted extensive research on the background, design and architecture of St. Kate's beautiful chapel on the hill. Come learn where Sister Antonia McHugh got her inspiration and why Archbishop Dowling reportedly said, "Sister Antonia asked to build a chapel, but she built a cathedral."

Come to Mass at 10:30 a.m., enjoy brunch with your student and then attend this engaging lecture with historical photographs and lively discussion.

Please R.S.V.P. by Wednesday, April 17, to the Office of Student Affairs. E-mail studentaffairs@stkate.edu or call 651.690-6778.

Cinderella Story for Mock Trial Team

Editor's Note: The St. Kate's mock trial team completed in the opening round of the Championship Series in Waukegan, Ill., from March 8-10. Although the team did not advance to the next round, the students did receive the Spirit of American Mock Trial Association Award. This award is given to the team that other participants voted as promoting the association's ideals of justice, fair play and civility. The team received a perfect score of 30 points in this award category.

Cinderella Story for Mock Trial Team

So what if they came in last, or second to last, at three competitions? Members of St. Catherine University’s mock trial team kept practicing. In February, the students placed eighth out of 22 teams at the Minnesota regional tournament — and advanced one step closer to the nationals.

Team St. Kate's competed in the Opening Round Championship Series (ORCS) at the Lake County Courthouse in Wuakegan, Illinois, March 8-10.

The competition is one of eight sponsored by the American Mock Trial Association across the United States. St. Kate’s will go up against more established teams from the University of Chicago, University of Michigan, University of Illinois–Chicago, Notre Dame, University of Wisconsin–Superior, Wheaton College, Northwood University and Hillsdale College, in addition to local rivals from Macalester, Hamline, St. Thomas and the University of Minnesota.

There, the teams will argue both sides of a civil case — involving a death during a scuba diving excursion — in four rounds. (Each side of the case is presented twice.) Two judges will score their performance.

Typically, about a third of the 600 teams that compete at regional level advance to the ORCS. The top six teams from each opening round tournament then move on to the National Championship Tournament in Washington, D.C. in April.

“We’re excited to make it to this level,” says team captain Nhi Phan ’14, who was named best attorney at the regional tournament in St. Paul (scoring 18 out of 20 points). “But we’re also nervous because we have a lot of work to do.”

Phan, a communications studies major, will compete in Wuakegan with Any Montenegro ’13, financial management; Alicia Gaulden '15, accounting; Elisabeth Bierstaker ’13, marketing and management; Ngoc Nguyen ’14, communication studies; and Lindsay Roloff ’13, political science. (Leah Nankumba ’13 and Sarah Moundanga-Lucka '13 competed at the other events.)

“It’s jaw-dropping amazing they’ve come this far,” says Susan Burns, a business attorney in private practice and St. Kate’s mock trial coach. “We have no depth on the bench. None have law background; three are new to mock trial; and for three of them, English is their second language. This really is a Cinderella story.”

The students have had to work extra hard for months to understand legal lingo and to use it correctly, adds Burns. They’ve learned about affidavits, rules of evidence and case strategy, for example, from Burns and local trial lawyer, Theresa Bofferding. St. Kate’s Assistant Professor and Director of Theater Theresa Lyons-Hegdahl has helped the team hone their public speaking and acting skills.

Mock trial at St. Kate’s

St. Kate’s first offered mock trial participation for credit in fall 2010. This academic year, however, a group of students organized the mock trial team under a new Pre-Law Club at the University.

“Next year, it will be offered for credit again, and that will be a permanent arrangement,” says Margaret Smith, faculty advisor and chair of St. Kate's political science department.

Mock trial offers excellent professional preparation for all students, especially those who plan to become lawyers, she adds. “The students learn to think on their feet, improve their public speaking and critical thinking, gain self confidence and learn a good deal about the law,” Smith explains. “Students from any undergraduate major are encouraged to participate.”

Smith, like Coach Burns, is impressed with her students’ achievement. “This is the first time the team has advanced beyond the regionals,” she says.

Phan, the 2013 team captain, joined the team last year because “I wanted to get out of my comfort zone.” Now, she’s hooked on arguing court cases and has set her sights on law school. “I want to do this the rest of my life,” she says.

Her teammate Roloff is law school-bound too. “Once you get your hooks into (playing a trial lawyer), it’s hard to get out,” says Roloff, who earned the top attorney award at the regional tournament in 2011.

At a recent practice session in Mendel Hall, Burns spent nearly three hours with the students — patiently teasing information like cause of death and character evidence from them.

“When I started practicing in 1981, there were hardly any women in the field and it was hard to find mentors,” she says. “That’s why I feel very strongly about helping these St. Kate’s students. They are really driven and at the top of their game.”

Article used with permission by Pauline Oo, Staff Writer and Editor, Marketing and Communications Office

Upcoming Events

Upcoming Events and Deadlines

Student-created gown from the 2012 KatWalk Fashion Show. This year's event takes place Saturday, May 18

Upcoming Events and Deadlines

April 20: International Potluck, 6-9 p.m., Rauenhorst Ballroom, CdC

April 21: Parent and Family Association Speaker Series Event: "Chapel Talk: The Architecture and Unique Features of Our Lady of Victory Chapel." 1-2:30 p.m., Our Lady of Victory Chapel

April 22: Registration begins for fall 2013

April 30: Honors and Awards Ceremony, 4:30 p.m., Rauenhorst Ballroom, CdC

May 13: String Chamber Orchestra Concert, Our Lady of Victory Chapel, 7:30 p.m.

May 14: Women's Choir "Collage" Concert, Jeanne d'Arc Auditorium, 8 p.m.

May 17: Last day of classes, Dew Drop Bop (5-9 p.m.)

May 18: KatWalk, FCNS Fashion Show, 7:30 p.m., O'Shaughnessy Auditorium 

May 20: Finals (St. Paul campus)

May 23: Associate and Graduate degree Commencement (evening)

May 24: Residence Halls close at 6 p.m.

May 25: Baccalaureate Commencement

Fall 2013 Class Registration

Fall 2013 Class Registration

It's that time of year when we'd like to remind parents of the registration process coming up and offer a few suggestions to share with your student.

Registration for Fall 2013 begins on April 22

Registration for Associate and Baccalaureate students begins April 22. By now your student should have received a letter from the Office of the Registrar providing details and instructions for registration. (Students interested in summer courses can register now by going to the Registrar's website; the summer schedule has a great assortment of courses from which to choose.)

You may want to remind your student to:

1) Complete a Degree Evaluation to make sure she is aware of the courses required to complete her major. Students can access Degree Evaluation from the student tab on KateWay;

2) Meet with her academic advisor to discuss desired courses; and

3) Check for and take care of any "holds" on her account. The Academic Advising staff is always available for back-up to the student's Major Advisor and to answer any questions or obtain information about the registration process. Office of Academic Advising: 651.690-6803.

2013 Commencement: Stay tuned!

2013 Commencement Ceremony

Two commencement ceremonies will take place this spring. On Thursday, May 23, the Associate and Graduate degrees will be awarded in the evening, following a hooding ceremony.

On Saturday, May 25, two Baccalaureate Masses will take place in the morning with the Commencement exercise in the afternoon.

Parents and family members will have access to detailed information after April 1 by using the Commencement website link on the University's homepage, www.stkate.edu; students can access this website thru KateWay. Information regarding tickets, times and specific instructions will be available from the Commencement website. 

Advocates for Minnesota Student Aid

If you think that state and federal financial aid are important in keeping Minnesota colleges affordable for low- and middle-income families, there’s a way to show your support.

Join Advocates for Minnesota Student Aid (AMSA) and speak up for strong financial aid programs for students at all colleges around the state – two-year, four-year, public and private. Anyone is welcome to join. Members include parents, students, alumni, faculty and staff from local colleges and universities.

When you join AMSA, two things will happen:

·         You’ll receive periodic updates about what policymakers are considering and doing about financial aid programs like the Minnesota State Grant program.

·         You’ll receive occasional suggestions about things you can do, like sharing your story and e-mailing legislators.

About one in four students in our state receive a Minnesota State grant. As an AMSA member, you can help policymakers understand that an investment in this program is critical for all of Minnesota, not just college students. When low- and middle-income students are able to afford college, the whole state benefits. Join AMSA today.

YOU ARE INVITED: Exciting Upcoming Speaker Series events

The Parent and Family Advisory Council is excited to announce two upcoming speaker series events for the spring semester.

"Study Abroad at St. Kate's:  Who, What Where, When and How?"
Sunday, February 10,  1-2:30 p.m., Location:  President's Dining Room, 372 CdC

Back by popular request, we will once again offer this presentation to parents and their student to learn all about the study abroad programs that St. Kate's offers.  More and more employers are looking for candidates who graduate with study abroad experiences....come and learn why.
Catherine Spaeth, Director of Global Studies will provide an overview of the programs offered, how students and families can plan for these experiences and well as explain the financing.  Also, we will have a panel of students who have studied abroad, share their unique experiences -- what they learned and the ways in which they are incorporating their experience in their overall education.

Please R.S. V. P. by Wednesday, February 6th to the Office of Student Affairs at: studentaffairs@stkate.edu or phone 651.690-6778.
_____________________________________________________________________________

"Chapel Talk: the architecture and unique features of Our Lady of Victory Chapel"
Sunday, April 21st, 1-2:30 p.m., Our Lady of Victory Chapel

Social Work Professor Mary Ann Brendon has conducted extensive research on studying the background, design and architecture of St. Kate's beautiful chapel on the hill.  Come learn where Sister Antonia McHugh got her inspiration and why Archbishop Dowling reportedly said, "Sister Antonia asked to build a chapel, but she built a cathedral." Come to Mass at 10:30 a.m., enjoy brunch with your student and then attend this engaging lecture with historical photographs and lively discussion.

Please R.S.V.P. by Wednesday, April 17, 2013 to the Office of Student Affairs at: studentaffairs@stkate.edu or phone 651.690-6778.

Shout Out St. Kate's Day is coming

Be loud. Be proud. Be A Katie!

Save the date: March 7th

Are you proud of your daughter? Is she happy to be a Katie? If you answered yes to both of these questions, we invite you to share your St. Kate’s story on “Shout Out St. Kate’s Day” – Thursday, March 7^th. The goal is to help boost St. Kate's reputation from “strong but quiet to vibrant and well known.” As you and your daughter know, St. Kate’s is an amazing learning community, and it is time to share that secret with the world!

Go to stkate.edu/shoutout for creative ideas on how to help Shout Out St. Kate’s. Here are a few ideas:

• Wear your St. Kate’s sweatshirts, hats and T-shirts wherever you go that day.
• Tell your neighbors, your book club, your church group and your friends how St. Catherine University offers a transformative education. Brush up on some St. Kate’s points of pride and share those with people who may be unfamiliar with the University.
• Request a song on the radio and dedicate it to your Katie daughter or to the St. Kate's community.
• Contact a guidance counselor in your local school district and offer to talk to any students who are interested in attending St. Kate’s.
• Refer a student to St. Catherine University, whether to the four-year Women’s College, our two-year associate programs or one of our many graduate programs.
• Get more ideas at stkate.edu/shoutout

Common adustment issues

As a regular feature in Parent UPDATE, we are providing you with a list of common adjustment issues for first year students typically described by students at this time of year. (Source: Helping your First-Year College Student Succeed, Richard Mullendore and Cathie Hatch, National Resource Center for the First-Year Experience and Students in Transition at the University of South Carolina, Columbia.)

February

• “Fresh start” mentality sets in with new semester
• Homesickness after break
• Relief may be felt at being away from home and being back at school
• Loneliness for relationships back home
• Feelings of cabin fever and depression with winter
• Potential increase in alcohol or other substance abuse
• Challenges with romantic relationship back home may begin to develop
• Valentine’s Day may increase feelings of loneliness and isolation 

 March

• Anxiety about Midterm exams
• Anxiety about finding a roommate for next year
• Excitement and/or disappointment regarding Spring Break plans
• Concern over winter weight gain 

While these are noted common issues that impact students during these month, students may find that these issues can interfere with studying and academic goals.  The Counseling Center staff are always available to meet with students on either campus to discuss concerns and identify helpful coping strategies. (Counseling Center St. Paul campus, 690-6805; Counseling and Student Development Center Minneapolis campus, 690-7830)

A sports update for the coming semester by Sara Eisenhauer, Sports Information Director

Bailey Rasmussen, '15, Leading goal scorer

February will be a busy month for St. Catherine athletics as the winter sports teams wrap up their regular seasons and spring seasons get underway. Basketball will conclude its first season under new head coach Sean Pinkerton against a nationally-ranked University of St. Thomas squad on Saturday, Feb. 16 in the Butler Center at 3 p.m. The Wildcat Hockey Team will make a push to return to the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (MIAC) playoffs after narrowly missing a spot last season. The  team had its best start this season since 2009-10 and will wrap up the regular season at home against St. Olaf College on Saturday, Feb. 23, in a 2 p.m. contest at Drake Arena.

The Wildcat Swimming and Diving Team will co-host the MIAC Championships held at the University of Minnesota, Feb. 14-16. After breaking a pool record in the 200 IM at St. Thomas in December, reigning MIAC champion Steffanie Jurusik will fight to defend her title in the 400 IM and help the Wildcats to a strong team finish under new head coach Steven Mohs.

The Wildcat Track and Field,Tennis and Softball Teams begin their seasons in February before picking up steam in March and April. Track and Field competes indoors throughout the month before heading the the MIAC Indoor Track and Field Championships at St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minn., March 1-2. Tennis will return three MIAC All-Conference players in Michaela Burroughs, Maria Koval and Angie Lorenzen for the 2013 season. The squad will host several matches at the University of Minnesota’s Baseline Tennis Center in February before heading to Texas for spring break in March. Two-time MIAC All-Conference pick Alyssa Luedtke will lead the Wildcat softball team that opens up its 2013 season at the Vadnais Heights dome against Bethany Lutheran College on Feb. 22 before heading to warmer weather in Clermont, Fla., over spring break.

Looking down the road....dates and deadlines to keep in mind

Spring semester
February 4:     First day of classes; Tuition is due in full for Standard Payment Option

February 10:   Parent and Family Speaker Series Event:  "Study Abroad at St. Kate's: Who, What,
Where, When and How",  (1-2:30 p.m., Room 372 CdC)

February 20:   Minnesota Private College Job Fair. (Ideal event for any junior or senior to attend to apply for professional employment and internships.  See article highlighting this event).

February 22:   Last day to waive Health Insurance Plan for students new to St. Kate's spring semester.

February 23:   Little Red Dress Charity Event.  7 p.m., Rauenhorst Ballroom

March 7:         Shout Out St. Kate's Day

March-25-April 1: Mid-term/Easter break

April 2:          Classes resume

April 12-14:   Spring Musical: Once Upon a Mattress.  April 12 and 13 at 7 p.m.; April 14 at 2 p.m., O'Shaughnessy Auditorium

April 20:     International Potluck,  6-9 p.m.,  Rauenhorst Ballroom, CdC

April 21:     Parent and Family Association Speaker Series Event:  "Chapel Talk: the architecture and unique features of Our Lady of Victory Chapel".  1-2:30 p.m., Our Lady of Victory Chapel

April 22:      Registration begins for fall 2013

May 7:      Honors and Awards Ceremony, 4:30 p.m., Rauenhorst Ballroom, CdC

May 13:   String Chamber Orchestra Concert, Our Lady of Victory Chapel, 7:30 p.m.

May 14:   Women's Choir "Collage" Concert, JdA, 8 p.m.

May 17:   Last day of classes, Dew Drop Bop (5-9 p.m.)

May 18:  KatWalk, FCNS Fashion Show, 7:30 p.m., O'Shaughnessy Auditorium

May 20:  Finals (St. Paul campus)

May 23:  Associate and Graduate degree Commencement (evening)

May 25:  Baccalaureate Commencement
 

Minnesota Private College Job Fair: Feburary 20th by Tina Wagner, Associate Director of Career Development

Undergraduate Katies should not miss out on the upcoming annual Minnesota Private Colleges Job and Internship Fair which will be held on February 20 and 21 at the Minneapolis Convention Center. This fair is sponsored by 17 of the Private Colleges and Universities in the state, and it will host over 150 employers representing diverse fields including business, consulting, retail, government, IT, nonprofit and healthcare. By attending this event, students can talk to employers about professional careers, internships, volunteer opportunities and part-time jobs. This event is especially beneficial to juniors and seniors looking for professional internships and jobs!

Students must pre-register through the St. Kate's Career Development Office and there is a $15 fee. The Career Development Office helps students prepare for this event by providing information materials, resume reviews, interview coaching and networking advice. All majors are welcome to attend.

A few of the employers presently registered for Job Fair 2013 are: 3M, Abercrombie and Fitch, Americorps, Apple, Best Buy, C.H. Robinson, Cargill, Comcast, Enterprise Rent A Car, General Mills, Habitat for Humanity, Health Partners, Hennepin County, Mayo Clinic, MN Zoological Gardens, Padilla Speer Beardsly, Inc. , Peace Corps, Securian, Target, and more! To get a great overview of the fair, see a list of employers or watch a short video of the event, visit the Job Fair website via the Career Development Homepage at www.stkate.edu/career.

Please encourage your student to contact the Career Development Office with any questions by calling 651.690.8890 or emailing askcareer@stkate.edu.  Students can also view a short video describing the event produced by the the Minnesota Private College Association at mnpcfair.org.