Blufftop land deal on Cty Council agenda
| WINONA, Minn., May 31, 2008 -- Mayor Jerry Miller said a proposal to buy the site of the Winona Radio transmitter tower atop Garvin Heights will be on the City Council's June 16 agenda. At a public meeting Thursday, sentiment was firm to save the land from residential development. Miller has proposed buying the site for $500,000 to preserve as a natural park with walking trails. Jerry Papenfuss, owner of Winona Radio, has talked about moving the tower to bluffs across the Mississippi River in Wisconsin and selling the Garvin Heights land at $100,000 a lot to a housing developer. |
JERRY MILLER Mayor JERRY PAPENFUSS Bluffland owner |
Background: Columnist: Rezone blufftops, don't pay
Musician Bill Miller at Dakota Gathering
WINONA, Minn., May 31, 2008 -- The fifth annual Great Dakota Gathering and Homecoming will be Saturday and Sunday at East Lake Park in Winona. Sociology prof Brian Aldrich of WInona State University, of the Winona Dakota Unity Alliance, said that Grammy-winning musician Bill Miller will provide a free concert at 7 p.m., Saturday. The Indian gospel group LightWalke will open, Aldrich said. A $5 button provides entrance to breakfast on Saturday and Sunday, dinner on Saturday and lunch on Sunday. On Saturday, Indian artists will showhow they do their work.Art museum trip to Minneapolis this weekend
WINONA, Minn., May 31, 2008 -- A museum study trip to Minneapolis has been arranged for Winona State University art students and others on a first-come firstserved bais, said prof Anne Plummer. Stops include the Minneapolis Institute of Arts, wj=here photographer Alec Soth's "Sleeping by the Mississippi" is on exhibit. The tour also includes the Walker Art Center, the Northern Clay Center, the Frederick Weisman Art Museum and the University of Minnesota.Date: Saturday, June 7
Time: 8:30 a.m.
Place: Deparrure from Watkins Hall
Cost: $15 to $20
Registrations: By Thursday, June 6
Contact: Anne Plummer at 507-457-5393
WSU coach to track and field Elite Camp
| WINONA, Minn., May 31, 2008 -- The Winona State University assistant women's track and field coach, Mike Turgeon, has been selected to attend the Elite Coaching Camp at the Olympic Training Center in Chula Vista, Calif. Turgeonis the Warriors' throwing coach. The camp, July 12 to 16, is designed to develop a deeper U.S. coaching pool. |  MIKE TURGEON WSU throwing coach |
Democrats settle Florida, Michigan issue
WASHINGTON, May 31, 2008 -- The Florida and Michigan delegates to the Democratic National Convention no longer are in limbo, The delegates will be seated at the convention albeit with a muted voice, the party's national committee decided. The committee stuck to its guns to punish the states for scheduling primaries outside of specified windows. allowing the delegates only one-half of a vote. Options had been not to seat the delegates at all or to seat them all. The committee's decision still left open the quest for the number of delegates needed by rivals Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama to clinch the nomination.Background: Campaigns that campus people are watching
6-foot-7 Stillwater high-scorer chooses WSU
WINONA, Minn., May 31, 2008 -- The all-time leading scorer and rebounder for the Stillwater Minn., high school, Joel Armstrong, has signed a letter of intent to play at Winona State University. Armstrong, a 6-foot-7 forward and center, finished with 1,166 points his senior year and averaged 18.5 points, 9.0 rebounds and 1.4 assists. Armstrong said he plans a business-related major. Why Winona State? "I really liked the campus and I really liked the coaching staff and the players," he said. "I was pretty set on staying close to home and with them being national champions two years ago it will be good to go to a winning program." Armstrong signed in November, but Winona State coach Mike Leaf delayed announcing the signing until this week. There was no explanation for the delay.| MORE |
Joel Armstrong profile:
Freshman, 6-foot-7, forward-center, from Lakeland Shores, Minn., (Stillwater High School); MBCA academic all-state, two-time all-state, St. Paul Pioneer Press all-state, Minnesota Breakdown all-state, Minneapolis Star and Tribune all-metro, MBCA all-star participant, Mr. Basketball Top 20 finalist, two-time all-conference, all-time leading scorer with 1,166 points, averaged 18.5 points, 9.0 rep and 1.4 apg this season; team captain.Background: Other Warrior basketball newcomers
Trend? Finding roomies from online profiles
NEW ORLEANS, La., May 31, 2008 -- Tulane University has hired the RoommateClic service that allows incoming students to select roommates through a closed social network. Students fill out a questionnaire regarding their living habits, including cleanliness and smoking. They also provide profile photos and other open-ended profile information about themselves. Students can then search the closed network to choose roommates. Tulane and a dozen other colleges pay $5 to $10 per student for the service.| MORE |
RoommateClick is not alone. Competitors include WebRoomz and Off-Campus Housing 101. Some colleges have created their own versions.
Clinton take Puerto Rico with 68%
SAN JUAN, P.R., May 31, 2008 -- Puerto Rico Democrats favored Sen. Hillary Clinton of New York for their party's presidential nomination with 68 percent of their vote over Sen. Barack Obama of Illinois. Still Obama leads nationwide in delegates for the Democratic national convention. A tally by CNN has Obama leading 2,070 to 1,915, even with Clinton's Puerto Rico victory. Mathematically Obama is close to claiming the nomination. Even so, Clinton claims to lead in the popular vote among Democrats. About calls for her to fold her tent for the sake of party unity, Clinton said she was reviewing all options while moving forward.Background: Campaigns that campus people are watching
Robotics workshop set for high-schoolers
WINONA, Minn., May 31, 2008 -- A four-day summer robotics workshop for high school students is planned again at Winona State University. Students will review basic programming concepts and progress through hands-on exercises with the RidgeSoft IntelliBrain(R)-Bot educational robot, organizers said. Date: July 15 to 18 |  ROBOTS AT WSU From 2007 summer workshop project |
Grad bequests fortune to college, his cat too
HUNTINGTON, Pa., May 31, 2008 -- A 1961 alum has left Juniata College $6.5 million and his cat Princess. The college has found a home for Princess with a neighbor of the late Larry Johnson in San Francisco. Johnson, a radiologist, who died of a heart attack in July, left everything to the college. He stipulated $1.5 million to endow a scholarship for a student from his high school, in Somerset, Pa. Another $1.5 million is for a scholarship for a Juniata graduate to attend medical school at the University of Rochester, as he did.Waukesha prep star liked WSU recruiting
WINONA, Minn., May 31, 2008 -- Pressed hard by basketball recruiters from Winona State University, the rangy 6-foot-5 wing player Dan Kratz of South High School in Waukesha, Wis., decided last fall to become a Warrior. This week Winona State coach Mike Leaf announced Kratz' decision. There was no explanation for Leaf's delay. Kratz was rated as one of the top 50 prep players in Wisconsin his senior year He averaged 12.7 points and 4.3 rebounds per game.| MORE |
Kratz said his decision was based on Winona State's record among elite NCAA Division II programs. He also had been recruited by Division I programs, including Eastern Illinois, Fairfield, Lipscomb, Northern Arizona and Yale. Division II Minnesota-Crookston of the Northern Sun conference, of which Winona State also is a member, expressed interest. But it was Winona State that won him over. "I wanted to become part of a program with a great tradition," Kratz said. "I really enjoy the coaching staff and am excited to be a part of their recruiting class."
| MORE |
At South High School, coach Billy Swartz praised Kratz' shooting as his best asset: "He has a very smooth jump shot." Swartz said that Kratz needs to work on his defense but with long arms can rebound and get into gaps. Going into his senior year Kratz added 15 pounds. Academically Kratz maintained a 3.7 grade-point average, a high B-plus or A-minus.
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Kratz visited Winona State in late October. Originally Kratz planned to wait until spring before picking a college. But Winona States staff, he said, made him feel he was a high priority. "The original plan was to wait until spring, but then Winona State started recruiting me pretty hard this fall," Kratz said. "It's great to become part of a winning program."
| MORE |
Dn Kratz profile:
Freshman, 6--foot-4, guard, from Waukesha, Wis. (South High School); named Top 50 seniors by Wishoops, two-time all-conference; averaged 12.7 points and 4.3 rpg in 2007-2008 season.Background: Other Warrior basketball newcomers
Shakespeare props coming along at WSU
| WINONA, Minn., May 31, 2008 -- The props crew for this summer's Great River Shakespeare Festival is hammering, sculpting and sawing up a storm in the basement of the main theater building at Winona State University. Props manager Ruth George told reporter Kari Knutson of the Winona Daily News that every production is unique, like the skull she's crafted for "Merchant of Venice." Then there's the Moroccan scimitar that's been dulled down so nobody gets cut or worse. |  "Taming of the Shrew" June 27 through July 27 Performing Arts Center Winona State University |
Thieves take university gold items
VANCOUVER, B.C., May 31, 2008 -- Thieves stole a collection of gold items believed to be worth millions of dollars from the University of British Columbia's Museum of Anthropology during alumni-weekend celebrations. The stolen pieces, by Canadian artist Bill Reid, are considered "priceless." Also taken were old Inca necklaces. Reid's work, mostly based on traditional Northwest coast aboriginal art, is well known. Police suspect that the thieves will melt down the gold.| COURT CONVICTONS WEEK ENDING MAY 31, 2008 IN WINONA COUNTY DISTRICT COURT UNDERAGE BOOZING Jeffrey S. Beeman, 20, 4140 Seventh, $425. |
Wiki genius foresees expert-approved version
CAMBRIDGE, Mass., May 31, 2008 -- The co-founder of the massive online encyclopedia Wikipedia, Jimmy Wales, says a new version with articles approved by experts may be created. The current Wikipedia is written and edited anonymously by Internet users, which leaves errors unvetted for varying periods. At a conference at Harvard University, Wales said that freezing a version of Wiki after expert checks of articles would allow allow students and professors to cited entries "more comfortably." Wales has been outspoken in advising against using Wikipedia for serious academic work, although his admonitions have fallen largely in deaf ears among undergraduates who find the site handy as a source.| MORE |
The German Wikipedia recently has been flagging entries as being free from vandalism, Wales noted. A similar approach could be a line that an article has been certified by content specialists -- or not certified. Wales said his thoughts are tending to a version that stands unedited by users for three months after a reiew by a committee of three docorate-holding experts.
Wausau star waffled, then chose WSU
WINONA, Minn., May 31, 2008 -- It was second thoughts that are bringing 6-foot-3 forward guard Jordan Fischer of Wausau, Wis., to play varsity basketball this fall at Winona State University. In October he committed to University of Wisconsin-Parkside. Cheesehead pride was a factor: "I really like the location of the school. Too, he was aware that UW-Parkside would be graduating three key players, which might give him more playing time as a freshman. Also, he said he had a good comfort level with the Rangers' coaching staff. But Fischer was simutanenously being recruited by Hillsdale College in Michigan, UW-La Crosse and Winona State. Something changed his mind -- or somebody. His older brother Ben had helped play a key role in Winona State's run for the national Division II championship. Whatever the details, Fischer has signed on now for Winona State.| MORE |
His junior year Fischer, a long, lanky and persistent defender, earned honorable mention all-conference honors in the Wisconsin Valley Conference. He helped East High to a 21-4 record and a spot in the semifinals of the Division 1 state tournament. Fischer averaged just 7.0 points and 4.3 rebounds on an extremely balanced and talented team. His coach, Jason Teske, said that Fischer made strong progress last summer that impressed collegiate scouts. His senior year Fischer concentrated on improving his perimeter skills.
| MORE |
Jordan Fischer profile:
Freshman, 6-foot-4, guard and forward, frm Wausau, Wis. (East High School); Led team in scoring and three-point field goal shooting percentage for 2007-208 season.Background: Other Warrior basketball newcomers
Tobacco industry keeps gag on campus research
RICHMOND, Va., May 31, 2008 -- The tobacco industry retains tight control over research on its products, the New York Times reported. Philip Morris USA, which finances research at Virginia Commonwealth University for example, is allowed contractually to decide what profs say about their research. Profs are not permitted to publish the findings of their studies without Philip Morris permission. There can be no interviews either. Current Philip Morris research involves early warning signs of pulmonary disease. There also are studies on on river pollution from nitrogen and phosphorus from tobacco plants. The Times quoted Francis Macrina, Virginia Commonwealth's research, about the restrictive language. The company acknowledged to the Times that it has similar arrangements with other universities but declined to name them.Survey: Short, intensive courses better
AUSTIN, Texas, May 31, 2008 -- Short, intensive courses are more effective than semester-long courses in the view of most students, according to a study by researchers at the University of Texas at Austin. John Kucsera, a doctoral candidate in educational psychology, one of the study co-authors, said that preliminary conclusions from an end-of-semester questionnaire of students in 130 conventional-length and also compacted classes, found students see themselves as more engaged with the subject matter in shorter classes. Also, Kucsera said, students feel re rapport with their profs in shorter classes. One conclusion: Colleges may want to offer more summer courses."Florida ousts politically sensitve medical dean
GAINESVILE, Fla., May 31, 2008 -- The dean of the University of Florida College of Medicine, Bruce Kone, has been removed in the continuing scandal over his decision to admit a politically connected applicant over the objectins of the admissions committee. Kone will remain on the faculty. At issue was the admission of the son of big-bucks activist in Republican politics who is closely allied with Gov. Charlie Crist.Background: GOP donor's son get med-school
Background: University goes all-out to find leaker
Iowa State frosh transfers to WSU
WINONA, Minn., May 31, 2008 -- After a season at Iowa State University, 6-foot-9 forward Clayton Vette is transferring to Winona State to play basketball. At Iowa State, Vette played in five games. As a prepster, at Wavery-Shell Rock High School in Iowa, Vette led the team to a 2007 Class 3A state championship. He averaged 19.1 points and 11.9 rebounds and was named Iowa's Mr. Basketball. With the Warriors he is the lone transfer for fall.| MORE |
Clayton Vette profile:
At Iowa State: Five games, field goals 3-3, free throws 1-4, 1.6 rpg, 1.4 ppg.
High school: On 2007 state championship team, two-time all-state INA and Des Moines Register, 2007 Iowa's Mr. Basketball, Class 3A state tournament most valuable palyer; averaged 19.1 oin and 11.9 rebounds his senior year, team captain.
Furman urged to require profs at Bush address
GREENVILLE, S.C., May 30, 2008 -- On the eve of commencement, with President George Bush scheduled as the headline speaker, 3,000-student Furman University was embroiled in a movement among the faculty to boycott the ceremony. More than 200 campus people, including students and profs, have objected publicly to Bush as commencement speaker. In response, a group going by the name Conservative Students for a Better Tomorrow has presented a petition with 500 signatures demanding that university administrators force profs to attend the ceremony as a contractual obligation. The group also called on Bush critics to take down their web site or to also post the conservative students' response.| MORE |
Leaders of the senior class unanimously approved the invitation to Bush during the winter.The Furman commencement is the only one at which Bush is speaking this spring, except for the Air Force Academy.
Background: Bush commencements at Air Academy, Furman
Hit-run crash, then drunken driving arrest
WINONA, Minn., May 30, 2008 -- A 23-year-old driver was charged with drunken driving after a cop heard a car crash into a parked car at at Fifth and lafayette streets at 12:38 a.m. The driver kept on going but was stopped a few blocks away. A field sobriety test showed the driver's blood-alcohol level at 0.23 percent almost triple the ;legal limit.Nebraska tornado hits Kearney campus
KEARNEY, Neb., May 30, 2008 -- Tornadoes that ravaged south-central Nebraska damaged four buildings at the University of Nebraska-Kearney and forced officials to shut down the campus. There were no injuries. Only essential personnel were back allowed on campus to assess damage and begin cleanup. during the storm, students hunkered down in a basement. Four building suffered roof damage. Trees were down all over campus.VIEW FROM THE TOP
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STATIC OVER MAYOR'S PLAN
$500,000 to save the view from below for the rest of us?
Columnist: Rezone, don't pay to save blufftops
WINONA, Minn., May 30, 2008 -- A proposal by Mayor Jerry Miller for the city to pay $500,000 for the bluff-top property where Winona Radio has its transmitter would be would akin to ransom, columnist Jim Galewski charged in the Winona Daily News. Galewski said the city has alternatives to stop residential development on the bluffs: "Can't the city simply zone the hillside to keep houses from encroaching on the sight-plane of the bluff?" The land is held by Jerry Papenfuss, owner of Winona Radio, whose tower also transmits signals of Winona State University radio station KQAL. Papenfuss plans to move the tower to bluffs on the Wisconsin side of the river for greater range and to sell the 36-acre tower site near the Garvin Heights park and overlook.
About the mayor's proposed $500,000 offer to Papenfuss, Galewski wrote: "It's not the city's responsibility to protect the landowner's investment. The city doesn't owe Papenfuss anything and shouldn't be handing him a winning lottery ticket for having one of the last developable areas on the bluff."
Galewski noted that the city earlier put the brakes one developer who wanted to subdivide land near Garvin Heights Park to prevent residential rooftops from showing through come the tree line. Galewski said that residential development of the Papenfuss property could yield a killing at $100,000 for a building lot. Then, Galewski said, could come a whammy on city coffers -- drilling 1,000-foot wells and a sewer system in heavy clay.
Galewski said he is sympathetic to protecting the bluffs unnatural eyesore, but, restating his point, he said the answer is not for the city to throw taxpayers' money at the problem.
Papenfuss' radio empire of 14 stations was built around station KAGE. Later, when federal restrictions were relaxed to permit local radio monopolies, Papenfuss acquired stations KWNO and then KHME. In all, the company has all three FM and two AM licenses available from the federal government for Winona. Other Papenfuss stations are elsewhere in southern Minnesota. Papenfuss is former chair of the Winona County Republican party. He is a St. Mary's College alum and has been on several advisory boards at Winona State. |  WINONA RADIO Tower site atop Garvin Heights bluffs  JIM GALEWSKI How careful is mayor as steward of city money?  JERRY PAPENFUSS Winona radio mogul's assets include blufftop real estate |
Board fires DuPage president
DUPAGE, Ill., May 30, 2008 -- After months of tension with the governing board of the College of DuPage over construction plans, the president Sunil Chand, has been removed. The college explained Chand's departure as a "mutually agreed upon transition." There had been disagreements about construction and expansion plans. Chand had been president since 2003. Chand's predecessor, Michael Murphy, also was removed by the board one year before the end of his contract.| WSU SECURITY REPORT MAY 30, 2008 A fire alarm went off in the Sheehan dorm at 4:51 a.m., apparently a false alarm. |
Judge overturns firing of college president firing
WADLEY, Ala., May 30, 2008 -- An administrative-law judge has rescinded the firing of the president of Southern Union State Community College. The college's governing board dismissed Susan Salatto in January. The judge ruled that Salatto had been denied a hearing to which she was entitled. Salatto had become mired in charges of nepotism, irregular bid procedures for campus projects, and poor student services. The administrative law judge's decision will be appealed, the state college system in Montgomery said.Background: College president told: Clear out your desk
No surprise: GOP Senate nod to Coleman
ROCHESTER, Minn., May 30, 2008 -- On a voice vote Minnesota Republicans unanimously nominated incumbent Sen. Norm Coleman, as expected, for a second term at their state convention. Coleman told delegates that he is a "partisan conservative," Some scattered conservative delegatess booed, however, when Coleman talked about his positions on energy, including his opposition to opening up a pristine Alaska wilderness to oil drillers. Coleman praised the presumed Republican presidential nominee, John McCain, but made no mention of President Bush, whose popularity is at an historic ebb. Coleman had closely allied himself with Bush when his popularity was strong.| MORE |
Outside the convention hall, presidential hopeful Ron Paul, spoke to 400 supporters with his libertarian message. Party elders had denied Paul a place on the state convention program inside the Mayo Civic Center.
Background: Campaigns that campus people are watching
Three arrests in Louisiana State killings
BATON ROUGE, La., May 30, 2008 -- Three young men have been arrested in the shooting deaths of two Louisiana State University grad students in December. Casey Gathers, 20, Michael Jermaine Lewis, 19, and Devin Jamell Parker, 19, were booked on two counts each of first-degree murder. The men's campus connections were unclear. Police said that two of the men had offshore oil jobs in the Gulf of Mexico.| MORE |
The bodies of Chandrasekhar Reddy Komma and Kiran Kumar Allam, both doctoral students from India, were found late Dec. 13 in Allam's campus apartment . Each had been shot once in the head. Komma was bound with a computer cable. Allam was found near the door. Police at the time described the crime as a home invasion. Police said they find no sign of forced entry.
Background: Cops: Shootings in a "home invasion"
Background: Louisiana State alert system falters
WSU website redesign underway
WINONA, Minn., May 30, 2008 -- A Winona State contractor, Marzan Interactive, is moving through a six stage process to construct a new university website. Christeen Custer, assistant vice president of university marketing and communications, said the current site grew topsy-turvy without a designated budget or usage guidelines. "We needed a new website that would offer a way for multiple audiences to access the content and features they specifically need," Custer said. Goals of a new site are to build awareness of Winona State, improve access to information, enhance student recruiting, and establish a framework for campus resourses. she said.
After a budget was approved for the project in March, Marzan set up a blog for faculty and students for feedback about the existing website to help establish the needs to be met in the redesign. "We are this early in the redesign process," Custer said when asked when a redesigned site website will be launched. She did not have a target completion date. Reporter: Chris Larson |  CHRISTEEN CUSTER Multiple goals for WSU website |
UW-Madison to have openly gay chancellor
MADISON, Wis., May 29, 2008 -- The Cornell University provost, Carolyn Martin, will be the nation's most prominent openly gay college chief executive when she takes over as chancellor of the University of Wisconsin. Her selection for the post was confirmed last week. Martin, 57, is a scholar of German literature. Her work includes the book "Femininity Played Straight: The Significance of Being Lesbian." At Cornell, Martin was instrumental in making health insurance and other benefits available to same-sex partners.Speech prof to WSU lib-arts post
WINONA, Minn., May 29, 2008 -- A Winona State University communications prof for nine years, Ted Reilly, has been named associate dean of liberal arts. Reilly will report to Peter Henderson, who is on loan from the history faculty for one year as interim liberal arts dean. Reilly holds a doctorate from Louisiana State, a master's from the University of Maine, and a bachelor's from Northern Illinois. All are speech communication degrees. A second finalist for the position was Nancy Holland, a philosophy prof at Hamline.Background: Two finalists for new associate deanship
Bush: Speeding in state car? You pay
WINONA, Minn., May 29, 2008 -- A budget-minder at Winona State University, Marie Bush, spared details on who got ticketed in a state car when she issued an e-mail warning to all employees. Camera-equipped radar that catches speeders without them being aware results in tickets being sent to the univerity, Bush said. The tickets will be passed on to whoever checked out the vehicle, she said. The university's reputation is at stake, she lectured: "When using a WSU vehicle you are representing WSU and the high qualities we are trying to show to all who see WSU employees driving."AAUP faults New Haven in firing lecturer
NEW HAVEN, Conn., May 29, 2008 -- The American Association of University Professors accused the University of New Haven of leap-frogging standard academic practices in firing a lecturer whom students had criticized as a tough grader. The lecturer, Marianna M. Vieira, was denied grievance procedures, an AAUP investigation concluded. The association said the case highlights abuses of faculty who are not on so-called tenure tracks. This is at a time, the AAUP noted, when more than two-thirds of faculty positions are year-to-year and not protected by tenure.| MORE |
The target of the AAUP criticism was liberal Arts Dean Ron Nowaczyk, who had said that student conflicts adversely impacted Vieira's teaching effectiveness. Yet, the AAUP said, Nowaczyk failed to turn the complaints over to a faculty committee to investigate. There was "nothing approaching adequate cause" for dismissal, the AAUP said.
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Nine complaints had been lodged over seven years. Vieira, who taught English, was called rude and uncivil. Students called her insensitive when they had problems making class and passing exams. Students also complained tat Vieira;s standards were unreasonably high. Yet, said the AAUP, the university failed to provide Vieira with copies of the complaints, or to let her respond, or to face and question the accusers. The AAUP also said that the dean should have turned the complaints over to a faculty committee to investigate, rather than handling them himself.
| WSU SECURITY REPORT MAY 29, 2008 A fire alarm went off in the Sheehan dorm at 7:00 p.m., apparently a false alarm. |
VARSITY SPORTS A MAJOR DRAIN
ON COLLEGE BUGDETS
LEXINGTON, Ky., March 28, 2008 -- Although many college sports programs promote themselves as revenue-generators, a detailed investigation by the National Collegiate Athletic Association has found that most colleges underwrite losses from other coffers. The vast majority of programs operate in the red, the report, the first of its kind, concluded. The report was limited to Division I programs. Despite 16 percent revenue growth in the period studied, mostly from ticket sales and donations, only 17 of 330 programs earned a net profit.
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An accounting prof at Transylvania University, Daniel Fulks, compiled the data to give the NCAA a factual basis for future policies on institutional underwriting of their sports costs. How much are varsity sports costing universities? About 5 percent of overall budgets, Fulks found. Costs are highest in high-visibility Division I-A sports, whose football coaches average $855,500 a year and men's basketball coaches $611,900. Salaries and scholarships together account for half of the total expenses for Division I-A sports. In lower NCAA-category programs, salaries and scholarships comprise more than 60 percent.
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So-called smaller sports cost less but are relatively larger financial drains. The Fulks data show Division I-A men's track and field teams raised revenue of $33,300 a year with expenses at $584,000. Women's track and field generated $24,600, compared with expenses of $761,000.
LEAGUE ALL-SPORTS AWARD
TO WINONA STATE
ST. PAUL, Minn., May 28, 2008 -- With four team championships this year, Winona State University has won the annual Northern Sun conference All-Sports Award. This is the fourth consecutive year that the Warriors have claimed the honor. The Warriors compiled 94 points, 15.5 points ahead of second-place Wayne State College.
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Winona State captured team championships in football, men's golf, soccer and men's basketball. It was the fourth straight men's basketball championship for the Warriors, who went on to win the NCAA Division II national title. The men's golf team won its fifth straight title and sixth in the last seven years. Soccer won its fourth straight and sixth in the last eight years. Football won its sixth league title in the last eight years.
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Wayne State edged out Concordia of St. Paul by 7.5 points for second. Wayne State won conference titles in baseball and men's outdoor track and field. Concordia took home conference titles in women's basketball and volleyball. Concordia volleyball team also became the first Northern Sun women's sport to win a National Champion.
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The University of Mary came in fourth with titles in men's indoor track and field and women's indoor and outdoor track and field. Minnesota State-Moorhead finished a half a point out of fourth place after winning both men's and women's cross country titles. Upper Iowa took titles in women's golf, wrestling and women's tennis to finish sixth.
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The All-Sports award has been presented since 2000. The first five years it went to the University of Minnesota-Duluth. Since 2005 it has been the property of Winona State.
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The final standings, with the number of conference sports at each member school in parentheses:
Winona State (14)
Wayne State (14)
Concordia of St. Paul (15)
University of Mary (17)
MSU-Moorhead (15)
Upper Iowa (12)
Northern State (17)
Southwest Minnesota (10)
Bemidji State (14)
UM-Crookston (10)94.0
78.5
71.0
68.5
68.0
63.5
57.5
57.0
48.0
18.0
| MORE |
The conference championships this year:
Men's Cross Country
Women's cross country
Football
Men's golf
Women's golf
Women's soccer
Volleyball
Men's basketball
Women's basketball
Men's indoor track and field
Women's indoor track and field
Wrestling
Baseball
Softball
Men's outdoor track and field
Women's outdoor track and field
Women's tennisMSU-Moorhead
MSU-Moorhead
Winona State
Winona State
Upper Iowa
Winona State
Concordia of St. Paul
Winona State
Concordia of St. Paul
University of Mary
University of Mary
Upper Iowa
Wayne State
Southwest Minnesota
Wayne State
University of Mary
Upper Iowa
Tamayo painting fetches $7 million
| LYNCHBURG, Va., May 28, 2008 -- The first of four paintings to go on the block in a controversial sale by Randolph College, Rufino Tamayo's "Trovador," drew more than $7.2 million in an auction. The painting was bought by an anonymous telephone bidder. The sale price was more than double what Randolph officials had expected. The goal is to raise $50 million from all four paintings, although some alums of the former women's only college have objected to using the auction revenue for co-ed purposes. |  "TROVADOR" Rufino Tamayo |
Students shape WSU conservation ad messages
WINONA, Minn., May 28, 2008 -- An advertising campaign for students to conserve energy, based on research by Winona State University marketing prof, is set to launch this fall. Marketing prof Eve Caudill said h hopes to change how students view wasteful behavior. "People think of marketing as just a commercial base, and I wanted to look at getting people to change their behavior and take charge of their social responsibility," said Caudill. In her study Caudill asked 200 students for their thoughts and perceptions on conserving energy. Caudill used cartoon dialogue projective techniques and questionnaires.Reporter: Chris Larson
Court OKs Texas A&M bonfire lawsuits
WACO, Texas, May 28, 2008 -- Texas A&M University administrators can be sued in state courts for the deadly collapse of a tower of logs at a 1999 homecoming bonfire that killed 12 people and injured 27. A state appeals court ruled that a state constitutional provision of sovereign immunity does not apply in suits brought against administrators as individuals rather than in their official capacities. The court held earlier that the university itself was immune from litigation, an issue now under appeal to the Texas Supreme Court.M=Background: Texas A&M bonfire case dead-ends
R.I.P.: Verlie M. Sather
WINONA, Minn., May 28, 2008 -- A 1942 Winona State Teachers College grad who had a long career as a teacher, Verlie Sather, died at age 100 in a nursing home. Most of her teaching was in the Winona schools but she also taught at Winona State from 1959 to 1974. She specialized in language and reading and also supervised student teachers. She held a master's degree from the University of Minnesota and also did advanced work at St. Cloud State, Cornell, the University of Chicago and the University of Florida.Summer Dixieland jazz workshop at WSU
WINONA, Minn., May 28, 2008 -- The Upper Mississippi Jazz Society is offering an all-day jazz workshop for middle school and high school students at Winona State University. The Friday-Saturday program is directed by Winona State music prof Rich MacDonald with workshops by Chip Schreader, clarinet and saxophone; Gary Urness, trumpet; George Von Arx, trombone; Gerald Gleason, tuba; Larry Price, piano; and MacDonald, drums. Workshops includes improvisation and jazz styles. The finale is a performance at the 21st annual Lake Winona Jazz Festival on Saturday.Date: July 11-12
Place: Performing Arts Center
Cost: $65 to $75
Registration: By Friday, June 27
Contact WSU Music Department at 507-474-3900
Tech vet to WSU continuing-ed post
WINONA, Minn., May 28, 2008 -- A long-time Southeast Tech administrator, Diane Dingfelder, has been hired as director of continuing education at Winona State University. Dingfelder, of exurban Rollingstone, has been at Tech 17 years. Earlier she was an assistant to the Winona State vice president for student affairs and assistant dean of students. Dingfelder holds a doctorate from the University of Minnesota. For many years the Winona State continuing-ed position was held by Pauline Knight, who has retired.
Dingfelder is active in the Association for the Study of Higher Education, the National Council for Workforce Education, and the Association for Career and Technical Education. In 2003 Dingfelder was one of 26 national scholars in the National Leadership Institute for Career and Technical Education, a year-long program conducted by Ohio State University. |  DIANE DINGFELDER New WSU director of outreach and continuing education |
Fossell to ESPN all-America academic team
NOTRE DAME, Ind., May 28, 2008 -- Winona State University pitcher Kristen Fossell has been named to ESPN magazine's academic all-America team, as selected by team publicists. Fossell now is on the all-America ballot. On the season Fossell helped the Winona State to second place in the NCAA Division II regional tournament, a sweep of the Northern Sun conference tournament and a second place in the conference regular season. Fossell completed the season with a 17-9 record, 1.70 earned run average and 170 strikeouts with only 39 walks in 185.2 innings pitched.Judge to war protester: Guilty
WINONA, Minn., May 28, 2008 -- The judge paid attention Tuesday when Quaker John Edward Heid, 53, explained how his demonstration at the Winona military recruiting station was an act of civil duty against wars in Iraq and Afghanistan that he considers immoral. Judge Jeff Thompson found Heid guilty anyway. The charge was trespassing, a misdemeanor. Sentencing was scheduled for July 3. Heid had admitted in court that he blocked access to the recruiting station, outside Winona Mall, in February and again in March. He claimed international law to which the United States subscribes insists that citizens object to immorality. He invoked the U.S. argument at the Nuremberg trials after World War II that barred Germans from defending inhumane acts on grounds that they merely were going along with government policy and orders.| MORE |
The hearing before Judge Thompson was civil, in fact heavy with humor, as Steve Schild, writing in the Winona Daily News, reported. Separately, also in the Daily News, Heid expressed his views on war in a Memorial Day essay, Heid was critical of St. Mary's University for raising money for a veterans memorial, which now is under construction. Heid said a "living memorial," perhaps providing tuition for veterans, would be better than a stone structure.
Automatic doors in WSU lockdown plan
WINONA, Minn., May 27, 2008 -- On the recent anniversary of Virginia Tech massacre, the security chief at Winona State University said progress is being made toward a safer campus at Winona State. "The No. 1 thing you can do is lock down," Don Walski said in an interview. Automatic lock-down doors on classrooms are needed for an emergency situation, Walski said. The project may take one to two years to complete, he said. Walski said also that he is working up training for a behavioral assessment team that to detect troubled students early. At Virginia Tech and last winter at Northern Illinois, it was disturbed students who opened random fire.| MORE |
Winona State Security Services has dealt with two prior threats from different students in which he said action was required, followed by suspension, within the last couple months, Walski said, He declined to offer details.
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Students are encouraged to check the campus security website to learn about emergency procedures, Walski said. All the proper protocol can be reviewed, he said.
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So far, the Winona State campus has 90 cameras monitored by Walski's security staff. More cameras are being installed this summer, he said. The cameras are n addition to = emergency help kiosks around campus that can be activated by pressing the button, he said.
Reporter: Rachel Becher-Cortez
| WSU SECURITY REPORT MAY 27, 2008 Police were called to remove an individual from campus at 5:10 a.m. for attempting to gain entry into buildings and to check his well-being. |
WSU offers high school Scrubs Camp
WINONA, Minn., May 26, 2008 -- Winona State University is offering a Scrubs Camp for high schoolers interested in health care. Organizers said that students will learn about career opportunities in dentistry, nursing, public health, emergency medicine, cardiovascular care, medical labs physical fitness, bioinformatics, and sleep technology. A hospital and clinic tour is included.Date: July 20-25
Place: Page Theater
Cost: $350
Contact: WSU Camp and Conference Services at 507-457-3900
WSU STUDENT SENATE COMMITTEE CHAIRS ON TRIAL FOR SUMMER
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Background: Obray expectation: Committee accountability
Background: Comment: Finally there is hope
Background: Obray looks to change recent legacy
TRY TO STAY WITHIN 300 WORDS |
WSU lists nature-connect rec classes
WINONA, Minn., May 25, 2008 -- A series of short summer courses, the "Nature Connection Series," is being offered at Winona State University with a focus for recreation students, rec programmers, activity directors, teachers, youth leaders, or people interested in the outdoors:• "Fundamentals of Kayaking," June 9-14.Contact: WSU Continuing Ed at 507-457-5080
• "Fundamentals of Rowing," June 9-13.
• "Birding for Beginners," June 16, 17, 20, 21.
• "Disc Golf Course Design and Maintenance," June 18 25, July 2, 9.
• "Introduction to Kite Boarding," June 19, 26, and July 3, 10.
• "Aquatic Facility Management," June 23, 24, 28.
• "Wilderness First Aid," July 11-13.
• "GPS and Geocaching," July 14, 15, 21, 22.
• "Advanced Camp Cooking," July 17, 24, 31, Aug. 7.
• "Canoe Camping," July 19-20.
• "Leave No Trace," July 26-27.
• "Crafts for Recreation and Rehabilitation," Aug. 4-8.
• "Literature and the Outdoors," Aug. 11-13.
• "Hiking Safety, Etiquette and Exploration," Aug 14-16.
| COURT CONVICTONS WEEK ENDING MAY 24, 2008 IN WINONA COUNTY DISTRICT COURT UNDERAGE BOOZING Mathew J.Grimley, 20, Lake City, Minn., 5 days and $277. Ashley A. Hans, 20, Lake City, Minn., 45 days and $377. Adam T. Shea, 19, St. Charles, Minn., $177. LOUD PARTYING Rachel E. Meyer. 21, Lakefield, Minn., $277. |
Honorary inducts 15 nursing students
WINONA, Minn., May 24, 2008 -- Fifteen undergrad and graduate nursing students have been indicted into the Sigma Theta Tau international honor society of nursing at Winona State University. At the induction ceremony, nursing Dean Tim Gasper called the students "the best of the best." Gasper said their services will be in demand, noting that U.S. demographics are shifting toward older citizens. By 2020, there will be a twice as many people 65 or older nationwide, said Gasper.Reporter: Rachel Becher-Cortez
Malvik breaks leg in Australia game
| HOLMEN, Wis., May 24, 2008 -- Former Winona State University basketball guard Zach Malvik is home from Australia for surgery on a broken leg. Malvik expects to be sidelined two months at least. His right foot came down wrong on someone else's foot. To sports editor Jeff Bersch of the Winona Daily News, Malvik called it "a freak injury." Malvik said the new injury is unrelated to a break in the 2006 when Winona State was making a run for a second national championship. In 14 games with the Kylsyth Cobra of the Southeast Australian league, Malvik has averaged 21.1 points and 3.2 assists. In one game he scored 37 points. Background: Malvik lands Kentucky basketball spot |  ZACH MALVIK High-scorer in Australia |
College: Abortion is litmus test for speakers
ABERDEEN, S.D., May 23, 2008 -- The commencement speaker at Presentation College won't be speaking. The Roman Catholic college withdrew its invitation after realizing that State Sen. Nancy Turback Berry holds pro-choice views on the Catholic hot-button issue of abortion. Instead the bishop of the Sioux Falls Catholic Diocese will fill in. Turback said she was told when disinvited that her views were inconsistent with the Vatican's stance that abortion should be illegal. Turback said she had not planned to discuss abortion in her farewell comments for Presentation grads.| WSU SECURITY REPORT MAY 23, 2008 A trouble alarm went off at Wabasha Hall at 10:21 a.m. An electrician was called. Firefighters and p[lice responded to Wabasha Hall on a fire alarm at 12:33 a.m. no problem was found. |
Day courses afloat on Mississippi
WINONA, Minn., May 23, 2008 -- A series of short Mississippi River summer classes led by river experts, beginning with a session by Winona ornithologist Mike Kennedy, has been scheduled aboard the 64-foot Winona State University launch River Explorer. The classes, all two or three hours:• "A Morning with the Birds," led by Mike Kennedy, at 8 a.m., Saturday, June 7, and 8 a.m., Saturday, June 21Place: Departs Winona Island Cafe on Riverfront Street
• "Reading on the River," sponsored by Mugby Junction, at 9 a.m., Saturday, June 14
• "Economic Impact of the Mississippi River," by Larry Laber, at 9 a.m., Saturday, June 28.
• "The Multidimensional River," by Reggie McLeod, at 9 a.m., Saturday, July 12.
• "How the Mississippi River Keeps Making Headlines," by Rusty Cunningham, publisher of the Winona Daily News, at 9 a.m. Saturday, July 19.
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• "Poetry on the River," by James Armstrong, Winona poet laureate, at 9 a.m., Saturday, July 26.
• "Winona's Mississippi River: Water Highway to the World," by Cal Fremling, at 1 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 9, and 1 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 16.
• "Winona State: 150 Years of Community Engagement," by university President Judith Ramaley, at 9 a.m., Saturday, Aug. 23.
• "Reading on the River," sponsored by Friends of the Library, at 3 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 13.
Cost: $17 to $26
Contact: Reservations: 507-457-5080
Bike prizes promote sustainability
WINONA, Minn., May 22, 2008 -- To promote sustainability on campus, the Winona State University Bookstore has given away six new bicycles to students who participated in the store's textbook buy-back program. Selected randomly were Kendra Black, Hope Edgar, Kelsey Ostendorf, Justin Rech, Allison Trogstad and Michelle Welch. Bookstore manager Karen Krause said the health and environmental benefits were main factors in promoting the cause. Krause noted the campus neighborhood parking congestion as another reason.
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WSU No. 15 in final coaches' poll
STARKVILLE, Miss., May 22, 2008 -- The final National Fastpitch Coaches Association Top 25 Poll of the year pegs Winona State University at 15th. The Warriors compiled a 38-15 record and were runners-up in the NCAA Division II region tournament to Emporia State. Emporia State went on to place second in the final eight portion of the national tournament. In the Northern Sun conference, Winona State finished the regular season with a second-place record of 14-4 and went on to sweep through the conference tournament undefeated and earned an automatic berth in the region tournament. Winona State has played back-to-back years in the region tournament and has been in the tournament four times in the last six years.Loeffler to ESPN all-district first team
DELAWARE, Ohio, May 22, 2008 -- Winona State University senior Kevin Loeffler has been named to ESPN magazine academic all-District V first team. Loeffler will now be placed on the all-America ballot. Players are nominated by their sports information directors and have a B-plus 3.2 or higher grade point average.Olson to all-region team
MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich, May 22, 2008 -- Winona State University second baseman Ronnie Olson has been named to the American Baseball Coaches Association all-Central Region second team. Olson, a sophomore, hit .409 this season, ranking Olson 67th in the nation out of 500 Division II ranked players. Olson also was 42nd in base percentage and 58th in the toughest to strike out category."YOU SHOULD BE SO LUCKY"
3% HIKE
IN WSU TUITION
ST. PAUL, Minn., May 21, 2008 -- After the usual months of anguishing over tuition, including an early student rmblkng for a "zero increase," the state college system's governing board made its decision. Tuition will go up 3 percent in the fall at four-year state colleges, including Winona State. On average, university students will need to dig deeper for $162. The average tuition bill will be $5,561. At two-year colleges, including Southeast Tech, the average will be 2 percent, or $79, for a total of $4,080.
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Officials of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system said the increase is the smallest in a decade. Tuition, however, doesn't include program-related and mandatory fees that run several hundred dollars.
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In January the Winona State Student Senate decided to press for a tuition freeze for fall -- a blow to university President Judith Ramaley. She was set to ask the state chancellor for 4 percent. The Senate was not of one mind, however, with some senators reasoning that some new revenue was needed to meet rising costs. Other student senators argued that the chancellor had gone overboard with $63 million in state-level technology enhancements that should instead have been committed to tuition relief.
Background: WSU Student Senate favors tuition freeze
Helping Hands camp at WSU
WINONA, Minn., May 21, 2008 -- School kids from Grade Six through high school are eligible fore Helping Hands Service Learning Camp at Winona State University. Students will work as four-person and five-person teams to create solutions to community needs, each team with a Winona State student-intern. Organizer Vicki Englich said. The purpose of the camp is "to inspire young people to realize that they can contribute to the community in which they live and they are old enough to make a difference." Students last year volunteered at Theatre du Mississippi, Volunteer Services, Catholic Worker houses, the Red Cross, and learned about Project Fine, Habitat for Humanity, Big Brothers Big Sisters, the Historical Society, and the Women's Resource Center, Englich said. They also made greeting cards for residents at nursing homes.Date: June 23-27
Place: Winona State University
Cost: $100
Registration: By Friday, May 23
Contact Vicki Englich at 507-457-2949
WSU nursing grad receives state honor
| WINONA, Minn., May 21, 2008 -- A 1988 Winona State University nursing grad, Lisa (Twinde) Alberte of Muskego, Wis,, was named nurse of the year by the Wisconsin Nurses Association. Alberte owns her own medical, rehabilitation and consulting company, which offers managed care and preventive services. Alberte, who also holds a master's degree in rehabilitation counseling from University of the Wisconsin-Milwaukee, has earlier honors too, including an advocacy award from the Brain Injury Association of Wisconsin and a community service award from the Small Business Times. She also has been nominated as national case manager of the year. |  LISA ALBERTE Wisconsin nurse of year |
Workshop planned on gay angle to classes
WINONA, Minn., May 20, 2008 -- A faculty workshop on incorporating gay issues into classes at Winona State University will be offered by Will O'Berry, director of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transsexual support at Augsburg College, and Jessica Nathanson, a gender Studies prof also at Augsburg. Organizer Dan Lintin, a communications prof, said the day-long workshop will explain the GLBT movement and ideas for assignments, instructional units and even entire courses. Participating profs will be paid their usually daily compensation, Lintin said.Date: June 3
Time: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Place: Dining Rooms C-D, Kryzsko Commons
Registration deadline: May 23
Contact: Amy Herndon at 507-457-5443
| WSU SECURITY REPORT MAY 20, 2008 At 3:45 a.m. city police investigated a hit-and-run accident near Eighth and Johnson streets. |
Dorm death blamed on heart ailment
NORTHFIELD, Minn., May 20, 2008 -- The death of a St. Olaf College student who died in her dorm room, Veronica Schrader, 20, of Eagan, Minn., was due to natural causes, the coroner said. Heart disease was blamed.OREGON NOD TO OBAMA;
CLINTON SWEEPS KENTUCKY
PORTLAND, Ore., May 20, 2008 -- As expected, Oregon Democrats gave an overwhelming endorsement to Sen. Barack Obama of Illinois for the presidency in the party's state primary. Also as expected, Sen. Hillary Clinton of New York claimed Kentucky. Clinton's Kentucky margin, an impressive 40 percentage points, was not enough to slow Obama's steady progress toward the magic number of delegates, 2,025, for nomination at the Democratic national convention in November.
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Only three primaries remain: Montana, South Dakota and Puerto Rico. There remains a mathematical although remote possibility that Clinton could catch up. One variable is whether primary results in Michigan and Florida, which were in her favor, will be accepted by the Democratic rules committee. The committee was miffed at the Michigan and Florida parties in deciding to schedule primaries outside the rules parameters. So far the committee has refused to let those delegates be seated in Denver.
Background: Campaigns that campus people are watching
City on bridge site: Spare riverfront
WINONA, Minn., May 20, 2008 -- A new bridge over the Mississippi should avoid dumping traffic into a broad sweep of riverfront property including Levee Park and the old industrial area upstream roughly to Huff Street, City Manager Eric Sorensen told state highway planners. The state highway department is in early stages of planning a replacement bridge. Sorensen said the proposed county government campus, to be built around the landmark courthouse, should also e off limits. The location of the ramp, now on Winona Street, could affect traffic flow at Winona State University. The university's main campus is flanked by Huff and Main streets, both of which carry substantial traffic from the bridge.| MORE |
Nelrae Stuccio, district state highway engineer, was quoted in the Winona Post that the bridge is "on the cusp" of needing an upgrade to four lanes. Stuccio also said the target date for replacing the bridge, the year 2017, may be advanced to 2015.
Background: Bridge ramp on Huff?
WSU speaker's book to No. 3
NEW YORK, May 19, 2008 -- The book "Three Cups of Tea" by Greg Mortenson, who spoke at the 2007 Frozen River Film Festival at Winona State University, has climbed to third nationally, according to the weekly Wall Street Journal tally of trade paperback sales. Mortenson chronicles his experiences building schools and infrastructure in remote, impoverished sections of he Himalayas.Background: Speaker: Schools better for peace than war
Background: Comment: Frozen River success
Campus lab shut down after fumes leak
ST. PAUL, Minn., May 19, 2008 -- Crews cleaned up a leak of potassium hydroxide from a lab tank at the University of Minnesota veterinary school after seven people were sent to the hospital with eye and throat irritations. Three buildings ere shut down but will reopen Tuesday, authorities said. The vapors were not life-threatening, lab Director Jim Collins said. Collins blames a faulty gasket on a huge tank in which the body of a dead horse was being processed.Three in running for WSU tech chief
WINONA, Minn., May 18, 2008 -- Three candidates have bee invited to on-campus interviews for a vacancy for chief information officer, including Mohamed Elhindi who has a Winona State background. Interviews begin Tuesday. The position, an associate university vice president has been held by Dave Gresham since university President Judith Ramaley downgraded the position from a vice presidency two months after taking over as president and fired Joe Whetstone.| MORE |
The finalists:
Judith Borreson Caruso: For past six years the policy and planning director and other positions at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Earlier in information management supervision also at UW-Madison. Member of the Wisconsin IT Directors Advisory Board. Holds a bachelor's degree in business and office administration from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. Open orums: 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, May 20, Dining Rooms C-D, Kryzsko Commons, at Winona campus, and 12:30 a.m., and Wednesday, May 21, CF206 at Rochester campus.Background: WSU tech exec unexpectedly out
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Mohamed Elhindi For the last nine years the chief information officer for Southeast Tech in Winona, Earlier, network coordinator for Mayo Health Systems in La Crosse, Wis., lead network administrator for Medtronic in Minneapolis. Involved with IEEE Communications Society, Association for Computing Machinery. Holds a master's degree in telecommunications from St. Mary's University, Minneapolis, and a bachelor's in management information systems from Winona State University. Open forums: 2:45 p.m., Wednesday, May 21, Dining Rooms C-D, Kryzsko Commons, at Winona campus, and 10:30 a.m., Thursday, May 22, CF206 at Rochester campus.
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Kenneth Janz: For the last 4-1/2 years the director instruction, research and technology at Indiana State University. Earlier director of information at the College of Education at Indiana State. Earlier coordinator of networking and computer Services for West Fargo Public Schools in North Dakota. Involved in llaptop work with the Alliance for Excellence through Engagement & Experience Committee. Holds a doctorate in educational administration from Indiana State,a master;s in also in educational administration) from North Dakota State, an a bachelor;s in business from Dickinson State in North Dakota. Open forums: 1:15 a.m., Wednesday, May 28, Purple 106, Kryzsko Commons, at Winona campus, and 10:30 a.m., Thursday, May 29, CF206 at Rochester campus.
Background: WSU tech chief praises student input
ABC opens five campus news bureaus
NEW YORK, May 18, 2008 -- ABC News will open five campus news bureaus in the fall for stronger online coverage of college issues. The network said that the bureaus will be staffed by students. This summer the new campus bureau chiefs are in New York at the network's a for multimedia training. The bureaus will be at journalism schools at Arizona State, the University of Florida, North Carolina-Chapel Hill, Syracuse, and Texas-Austin.OBRAY EXPECTATION:
ACCOUNTABILITY OF COMMITTEES
WINONA, Minn., May 18, 2008 -- The new student president at Winona State University, David Obray who emphasized his Army leadership training in campaigning in March elections, has hit the ground running. To get committees up and going, he has jumpstarted the process of filling committee vacancies -- a process normally left until fall. "The faster we have committees set up, the sooner we can get the ball rolling this year," Obray said. He has asked student Vice President Caitlin Stene to make standing committee membership appointments. Obray himself named interim chairs for the six standing Senate committees the final week of spring semester, in effect giving the chairs, some of them Senate newbies, a probationary period to prove themselves. In the fall, when the Student Senate convenes, Obray will make recommendations for Senate approval for the $600-a-year chair positions.
In campaigning, Obray said that students have been missing a role in university governance because so many appointments to all-campus committees were never made or were filled by student appointees who never showed for meetings. Obray called on his new committee chairs to identify students to serve on committees. "As student representatives, it is our No 1 goal to ensure that students' concerns and interests are being heard at all levels of government," he said.
Obray said he expects committee chairs to ensure that appointees to campus, state and other committees that relate to their committee's mission are attending meetings: "Chairs will accomplish this task through proper delegation, responsibility and accountability and initiative." Obray has met with Connie Gores university vice president for student life, to discuss student membership on all-campus committees. Also, he has begun communication with Mayor Jerry Miller about Council Council committees.
To his newly appointed committee chairs, Obray said: "I will be expecting an unprecedented amount of leadership, responsibility and initiative out of all you. I define leadership as influencing people, providing purpose, motivation and direction to achieve a goal and better an organization. This is the standard that I will be holding you to. I hope you hold myself to the same standard."
Obray said that committee appointees will be expected to file report on meetings they attend with a summary on what happened, including important decisions, and the date and time of the next meeting. Obray said there needs to be a paper history for the Senate to stay on top of developing issues. "Student Senate is a high turn-over organization," he noted. "Memos will allow new members to quickly familiarize themselves with our organization's history, both compositionally and reasoning." Also, he said, memos will allow us to disseminate information internally." A significant problem for the Senate this past year has embarrassed by being left out of the loop in dcisions by university administrators who lean on committees as a basis for policy-making.
Obray also continued his theme that the Senate must move beyond its clubby reputation for serving the interests of members above that of service to students in general. In his communication with his chairs, he said: "We are all tasked with serving students." |  DAVID OBRAY Lays out expectations of committee chairs |
Background: Obray names summer committee heads
West Virginia profs reaffirm ouster demand
MORGANTOWN, W.Va., May 18, 2008 -- Faculty at West Virginia University again have voted overwhelmingly for their president, Michael Garrison, to resign over the awarding of an unearned master;degree to the daughter of the state's governor. The latest vote, at a meeting attended by one-third o full-time profs, was 563-39 with 11 abstentions, The motion was the same as one a motion of no confidence that passed a week earlier by a wide margin. The motion says Garrison should resign "for the good of the institution and for the benefit of our students." A faculty vote of no confidence is almost always a death knell for a university president, but inly the university's 18-member governing board has authority to remove Garrison. A majority of board members are appointees of Gov. Joe Manchin III, a Democrat, whose daughter won given the degree.Background: West Virginia faculty to president: Leave
U.S. House applauds WSU basketball title
WASHINGTON, May 18, 2008 -- At the urging of Rep. TIm Walz, D-Minn., the U.S. House unanimously passed a resolution congratulating the Winona State University men's basketball team for its Division II national championship. The other members of Minnesota House delegation and two representatives from Wisconsin co-sponsored the resolution.Background: Never day die, WSU takes national title
WSU laptop talk: Not all praises
WINONA, Minn., May 18, 2008 -- A Winona State prof has found that the idea of a "laptop university," as Winona State touts itself, is a mixed bag, Toby Dogwiler, who teaches geoscience, said he found himself competing with students who focused on their laptop accessibility to the Internet during lectures, It got worse and worse every day until finally he banned laptops from lectures. Dogwiler told his story at a recent forum on laptops.
In one sense it was a tough call for Dogwiler. "I build every course I teach around the laptop, and I am heavily invested in them," he said, "but I banned laptops in my classroom because my students weren't getting their tuition's worth in my class when they were on their laptops surfing the web."
The forum was part of a series evaluating the 10-year-old Winona State laptop program. Every student has a laptop. The devices are heavily utilized on and off campus. The cost, more than $1,000 a year, is built into their tuition bill.
At the forum, baseball coach Kyle Poock said that laptops are great for taking notes. His varsity players, he said, travel with them to take quizzes and exams via the Internet on the day of games. About the Winona State laptop program, Poock wouldn't have it any other way. "There are other universities you can go to if you don't like the laptop program," he said.
Geology student Carl Martzek said he couldn't think of a class he hasn't used his laptop in, besides weightlifting. "Taking away the laptop program would cripple us," he said. Martzek expressed concern, however. about the new Toshiba Portege M700 laptops being brought in to accompany MacBooks. "I haven't been able to find a single Website that says good things about the Toshiba," he said.
Martha Scheckel, a nursing prof, made it known that the new nursing doctoral program is all online. "I use the laptops to do active learning exercises with my students, and the laptops enhance communication between the students and myself," said Scheckel. Reporter: Briana Jandrt |  TOBY DOGWILER Geoscience prof  KYLE POOCK Baseball coach  TOSHIBA PORTEGE M700 WSU's choice any good? Student can't find favorable reviews |
Pressure mounts to revoke Mugabe honor
BOSTON, Mass., May 18, 2008 -- A leading state legislator,Rep. Kevin Murphy, has called again for the University of Massachusetts to revoke its 1986 honorary degree to Zimbabwe strong man Robert Mugabe. Murphy, said he will bring up the matter before the university's governing board. When Mugabe was awarded the honorary degree he was praised internationally for leading the struggle for independence and majority black rule in his African nation but he since has become an autocratic despot. Last year the University of Edinburgh revoked its honorary degree to Mugabe. Under pressure from Murphy and others, the University of Massachusetts publicly rebuked Mugabe last year but didn't revoke the honorary degree,Prof: Global warming solution up to us
WINONA, Minn., May 18, 2008 -- In a period of increasingly warm global temperatures, everyone should be educated on global warming, says a Winona State University biology prof. "My personal take on global warming is that we have altered the storage and flow of carbon in the atmosphere because of tapping into fossil fuels," Erin Peters said in a recent interview. Peters called the slow but steady rise in Earth's average surface temperature "a natural process that we rather enjoy because we have moderate temperatures, not extremely hot or cold ones." But, she added ominously, the process can go go too far too fast. The greenhouse effect, with temperature rises triggered by growing concentrations of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide and methane, needs to be curtailed, she said.| MORE |
Preventing global warming on an individual basis is possible, Peters said. Consider your transportation and be willing to make changes to help out: "When you burn organic materials, you release carbon monoxide. Having to walk instead of drive somewhere isn't an inconvenience, it is good cardiovascular exercise."
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Every year that the population increases, greenhouse gases increase, Peters noted. In the last 10 years people have started to recognize the seriousness of what's happening, but, even so, she said, "There are still those who think global warming is a good thing," said Peters. "If we don't do something now, then in 10-or 20 years it will be too late," she said.
Reporter: Briana Jandrt
NCAA: Division I jocks' grades better
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind., May 18, 2008 -- Three percent of 6,000 athletic programs in Division I of the National Collegiate Athletic Association are at risk of losing scholarships because their athletes are performing poorly in the classroom, according to the latest NCAA study on how varsity jocks are progressing on four-year degree tracks. The colleges in jeopardy is up slightly from last year but fewer than expected. The report said that 700 teams performed academically below the benchmark expectations at which penalties come into play, but only 218 teams, from 123 colleges, will face sanctions. Of those, 174 will lose scholarships. Forty-four will receive a public warning.| MORE |
NCAA President Myles Brand said the report shows that most colleges have acted quickly under NCAA pressure to improve the academic performance of their athletes. "There are genuine signs of measurable improvement," Brand said.
University president a commencement no-show
MORGANTOWN, W.Va., May 17, 2008 -- The president of West Virginia University, Michael Garrison, who is embroiled in a grade fraud scandal, did not attend commencement ceremonies. Garrison said he did not want to be a distraction: "it's important for everybody to note, and particularly the president of the university, graduation is not about me." He did, however, attend several graduation events. There have been numerous calls for Garrison to resign, including faculty votes on no confidence, after it was revealed that the governor's daughter was awarded a degree she hadn't earned. Garrison's provost and also the business dean have resigned, and last week the board chairman said he would give up the top post.Background: Profs affirm ouster demand
Pfeilsticker passes hurdle for House
WABSHA, Minn., May 17, 2008 -- Unopposed, school teacher Linda Pfeilsticker won the Democratic endorsement for the State House of Representatives from District 28B, which includes parts of neighboring Winona and Goodhue counties. On the November ballot it will be Pfeilsticker vs. the presumptive Republican choice, incumbent Steve Drazkowski, also of Wabasha. PfeilstickerPfeilsticker lost to Drazkowski in a special election last August wen the 28B seat became vacant with the resignation of Steve Sviggum.Background: Campaigns that campus people are watching
 | KRYZSKO AND BEYOND Green abounds among Winona State University brick as summer approaches |
| WSU SECURITY REPORT MAY 17, 2008 A camera was reported stolen from the East Cafeteria sometime before 11 p.m. |
Toy gun found after parking lot ruckus
| WINONA, Minn., May 17, 2008 -- Police arrested a 22-year-old man outside the college drinkery Schyde's after a man had been reported threatening people with a semi-automatic handgun about closing time. Police said they fond a plastic replica of an 8mm Glock in the man's car. The man was jailed. Police recommended a felony charge of terroristic threats and a fifth-degree assault for causing fear. |  SCHYDE'S DRINKS & WHATNOT 102 Johnson St. |
Speech prof lauded for online teaching
WINONA, Minn., May 17, 2008 -- A communications profs, Rita Rahoi-Gilchrest, was elected the Winona State University students' 2008 e-prof of the year. Five years ago Rahoi-Gilchrest won the Student Senate professor of the year award. She has been at Winona State since 2000.| COURT CONVICTONS WEEK ENDING MAY 17, 2008 IN WINONA COUNTY DISTRICT COURT UNDERAGE BOOZING Benjamin L. Davidson, 19, 102 Lenox, $177. Amanda L. Dewitte, 20, Minnesota City, Minn., $177. Toby L. Gadicke, 20, Burlington, Wis., $177. Ryan C. Jirgl, 371 Harriet, $177. Matthew D. Thompson, 20, 700 E. Fourth, $177.
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