The Wheel goes GREEN: organics

101, green groceries, and local

restuarant review ›› pg. 8 & 11
This newspaper, like many other things, is recyclable.
April 29, 2011 - Volume 78, Issue 13
thewheel-scu.tumblr.com
St. Catherine University student newspaper

TENURE DENIAL
DIVIDES
This June will mark Sr. Catherine
Michaud’s (CSJ) final days as a faculty
three areas is excellence.”
Thomas West, professor of theology,
• Controversial decision sparks debate at SCU
By Tréza Rosado and Rachel Armstrong

Additionally, Senior Vice President Colleen

Hegranes and President Lee both declined
“We find their claim bogus. Our
university has very few tenured faculty
member at St. Catherine University (SCU)finds the administration’s premise of to recommend Michaud for tenure. members who are peak performers in
after 18 years of teaching. Michaud, an insufficient scholarship–or peer reviewed, Although Silva could not discuss the specifics every respect,” West said.
associate professor of theology, was scholarly publications–difficult to accept of Michaud’s case due to confidentiality Michaud believes that even without
denied tenure in January 2010. After given Michaud’s exceptional evaluations concerns, he was able to provide a comprehensive a holistic appraisal of her career at SCU,
an unsuccessful appeal process which up until her review for tenure. picture of SCU’s tenure process. the argument of insufficient scholarship
sought to overturn the final decision “After her fourth-year evaluation, no one, “When I receive [the application], I do is a weak defense on the part of the
of President Andrea Lee (IHM) to deny not Alan Silva or the [Faculty Personnel the same thing the FPC has done and administration. She also questions
tenure, Michaud has recently enlisted Committee] FPC, mentioned any difficulty.
the aid of a lawyer from the American This strikes me, and most of this department,
Association of University Professors as an ambush,” West said.
(AAUP) to further investigate her case. Ed Sellner, professor of theology, declined
The dispute has left many members to speak to the specifics of Michaud’s case
of the theology department concerned due to confidentiality; however, he stressed
about the relationship between faculty that faculty seeking tenure are usually
and the administration in determining alerted to any potential weaknesses in
tenured appointments in the future. their application.
“A professor who does not have tenure “The point is, if such an occurrence
has absolutely no power,” Michaud said. happens, it’s probably not because the
“After I was denied tenure, I cannot tell you
faculty member has not been forewarned...
how terrified the young faculty members and did not improve,” Sellner said. “I just
became. That’s why I’m willing to pay the
want to convey that all of us are judged
price to get justice. This cannot happenby those three areas and if we’re deficient
to my young colleagues.” over a series of ten years and there’s been
Michaud’s tenure case has raised little improvement in one of those areas,
deeper concerns among faculty and then there are going to be consequences.”
students within the theology department, For other faculty members, however,
who began a letter-writing campaign Michaud’s case raises core questions beyond
to the administration on Michaud’s whether or not tenure should have been
behalf. Many in the department who granted in this situation–particularly questions
feel blindsided by the administration’s concerning the authority of the administration
decision blame a lack of communication in making decisions regarding scholarship.
during the evaluation process leading Faculty seeking tenure must navigate a
up to Michaud’s tenure decision. series of evaluations, the first of which is
“We were shocked by the decision to peer evaluation. While not every professor
fire her,” current theology department seeks tenure, a tenured position ensures a
chair Vincent Skemp said. “Leading up professor’s position as a faculty member at
Sr. Catherine MIchaud with a student from her Theology 2600 course.
to the decision, we had every reason a particular institution for life. To this end,
Photo by Jessica Jones.
to believe that things were going fine, in the fall of 2009, Michaud was encouraged
that there was no danger that she by the theology department to convert her
might be fired. We wish there had been contract to a tenure-track contract. the Department Chair has done. I review the criteria the administration uses to
better communication so we could have In order to begin the process of contract the whole file and take everything into define scholarship.
avoided the heartache and headache conversion, Michaud submitted her self- consideration and formulate that independent “They’re trying to hold onto this
this has caused us all.” evaluation to the departmental peer judgement and make a recommendation to scholarship thing but I’ve already been
For the administration, however, the evaluators. For Michaud, these peer the Senior Vice President, [Colleen Hegranes],” promoted to associate professor which
tenure process is a complex decision made
evaluations were positive assessments of Silva said. “At that point, [Hegranes] is is the promotion that goes with tenure,”
on a case-by-case basis and informed by her performance. the one who has to take a look at that Michaud said. “As soon as I finished my
the Faculty Evaluation Manual. “I really didn’t think there was a problem. file, at all the recommendations coming dissertation and after I was promoted to
“What we look for is spelled out: In fact, all of my recommendations were up the ladder and then she formulates associate professor, I was put in charge
teaching, scholarship, service,” Alan off-the-charts,” Michaud said. an independent judgement and makes of the Master’s program...My scholarship
Silva, dean of the School of Humanities, After the peer evaluators completed her recommendation to the President, got poured into teaching graduate level
Arts, & Sciences, said. “What the faculty
their evaluations, they were submitted [Sr. Andrea Lee]. The President looks at courses rather than publishing books.
member has to document, what the to the chair of the theology department. everything, the whole file, and makes the But I’ve still done some publishing.”
peer reviewers have to speak to, and Russ Connors, Chair at that time, also final decision.” The Faculty Evaluation Manual, which
what the dean has to note is that the recommended Michaud for tenure. According to Michaud, Connors, and other the administration uses to evaluate tenure
criteria [are] met...things like, in teaching,
“By any measure, year in and year out, members of the theology faculty, it was cases, does not list a specific number of
‘content expertise.’ What is needed in all
she has been one of the premiere teachers Michaud’s insufficient scholarship which scholarly works necessary for tenure.
at St. Catherine [University],” kept her from receiving a recommendation Instead, it calls for scholarly work that
Connors said, in a letter to for tenure from the administration. “is rigorous in nature; has public benefit;
the Wheel. “At Sr. Catherine’s own admissions, her occurs outside of direct teaching; and
Connor’s evaluation, record in regard to scholarship has not been contributes to faculty, departmental, and
the peer evaluations, and as strong. That is not to say that it is absent, institutional excellence.”
Michaud’s self-evaluation but [it is] simply not as strong as the excellent For Silva, it is precisely because the
were submitted to the FPC. records in regard to teaching and service,” scholarship aspect does not provide an
The FPC is a faculty-elected Connors said. exact number, and is not strictly defined,
committee that forms an The theology department called for that it allows for faculty members to
independent judgement what they describe as a holistic appraisal of truly prove their scholarly merit on an
regarding recommendation Michaud, looking at her entire performance individual basis.
for tenure based on the in terms of the needs of the department, “What we don’t do is spell out exactly
information given to them and the university as a whole. what [scholarship] is; you need to make
by the departmental peer- According to West, the administration your case. And that allows for a wide
evaluators and the Chair. rejected the argument for a holistic appraisal, variety of ways to meet the criteria,”
The FPC also recommended claiming they only tenure peak performers,
Michaud for tenure. excellent in every respect. See TENURE, pg. 2
Silva received all of this
information for review and
Faculty evaluation model as found on page four in declined to recommend
the faculty evaluation manual. Michaud for tenure. Letters to the Editor - Pages 4 and 5
2 | The Wheel NEWS & OPINION April 29, 2011

Editorial: TENURE continued...

Silva said.
particularly after successful faculty evaluations
of scholarship.
“My peer reviewers are not idiots. The
Full disclosure... Hegranes sees the tenure process as
one of moving through a succession
chair of the department is not an idiot.
The FPC isn’t a bunch of fools,” Michaud

and a couch of interlocking steps that, in a perfect

system, are situated within a context of
well-communicated evaluation that results
By Tréza Rosado in better preparation for the final review.
“The most ideal thing is that when you’re
editor-in-chief moving through two-year, four-year, six-year
[evaluations], everybody’s on the same page,
With this, my second-to-last issue of the Wheel after four years as a staff member, I’m so what doesn’t happen is that if someone is
starting to get that nagging sense of urgency that can only come when your time in charge really not ready to go up [for tenure], then
has almost run its course. I’ve spent the last two weeks frantically re-organizing back issues they don’t. Because the dean and the director
of the paper and taking my editorial staff on an emotionally draining hunt for the perfect and everyone has talked about it. Sometimes
office couch—my most concrete legacy, I’m sure. I’ve been creating reasons to sit in the it doesn’t work that way,” Hegranes said.
office with no one else around because I’ve started parsing through my memories of the While the opportunity for finding multiple
old editors I worked with and the old staffers who used to filter in and out of the glorified ways of meeting tenure criteria opens doors
storage closet we call an office. for some, for others it leads to troubling
questions.
I’ve gone a bit soft, to be honest. “The faculty/administration ‘gap’ on this
is stunning and disturbing. It seems that
In order to combat that sentimentality, I agreed to take on one of the most controversial we are far from ‘being on the same page’
stories of my time with the Wheel. The tenure dispute involving the theology department when it comes to the criteria for tenure,”
and Sr. Catherine Michaud (CSJ) is a story intimidating in its complexity—which is, of Connors said.
course, why I jumped at the opportunity to cover it. I’ve not been much of a news writer Cases such as Michaud’s raise questions
in my time with the paper; it’s difficult for me to relate to an issue if I’m not allowed to about faculty autonomy and where faculty
share an opinion on it. I can vividly remember sitting in an unnamed administrator’s power lies. Many faculty members involved
office after a particularly tempestuous article was published and being told, “I can see in the tenure dispute have struggled with the
why you’ve chosen a creative writing concentration.” administration’s authority in determinations
of sufficient scholarship in the first place,
Ouch.
said. “Why did [the administration] make
the assessment they did? It doesn’t hang
together. What are the criteria that [are
applied] to me now that I didn’t know
about? We’re all in the dark; what is it that
[the administration] wants?”
Hegranes challenges the idea that
autonomy, at any level, is a component
of the tenure evaluation process at all.
“A college or university needs to run on
shared governance. Nobody is autonomous,”
Hegranes said.
Furthermore, Hegranes believes tenure
decisions are the most important decisions
the administration makes. Michaud’s case
was no exception.
“This is not the only tenure case that’s
been denied. It certainly is probably one of
the most public,” Hegranes said. “What we
have to do as deans, as vice presidents, as
presidents, is to make sure that we are really
careful, really thoughtful, really deliberate
in the decisions we’re making—whether
we’re saying no or yes. It’s crucial. The
institution depends upon it.”
Tréza can be reached at tjrosado@stkate.edu.

This editorial therefore satisfies my penchant for opinion while also hopefully providing
a context for my decision to run such a sensitive piece with just one issue of the Wheel left
in the academic year.
While plenty of students, faculty members, and administrators have strong opinions
on whether or not Sr. Catherine Michaud should have received tenure, the Wheel has no
opinion either way. I have no opinion either way. I agreed to investigate Sr. Catherine’s
case out of curiosity; I agreed to run two full pages of letters to the editor because they
were submitted to me, as editor of this paper. Neither myself nor anyone else on this staff
has any authority to speak on the specifics of Sr. Catherine’s case.
Although my associate editor and I now know much more about the tenuring process
than we ever cared to know, our purpose in running this piece was never to right
some wrong allegedly done to a member of this community. However, our intent–my
intent–with this piece was and is, certainly, to leave behind some kind of legacy beyond
a suede couch. I’m attempting to leave, for the students coming up after me, a legacy
of asking questions and refusing to settle for anything but direct answers. I’m hoping
to leave behind a tradition of reporting fairly but investigating seriously the issues that
are not being communicated transparently—whether it’s between the administration
and the student body or the administration and the faculty or the Sisters of St. Joseph
and the university.
Some people think the worst thing that could happen to St. Kate’s is becoming co-
educational. Others believe our turn to pre-professional programs is irreparably harming
our future. I believe the worst thing that can happen to any college campus is complacency.
It is my hope that we (and here I speak particularly to students) never become complacent.
In that vein, I hope this penultimate issue of the 2010-2011 Wheel raises at least as many
questions as it answers. And I hope this campus stops settling for anything less than the
candid disclosure it deserves.
Tréza can be reached at tjrosado@stkate.edu.
ST. CATHERINE UNIVERSITY WHEEL STAFF
Volume 78, Issue 13
Editor-in-Chief: TREZA ROSADO
Layout Designer: SARAH WENTE
Associate Editor: RACHEL ARMSTRONG
Assistant Editors: BECKY DOUCETTE, ALEXA CHIHOS
Copy Editor: DANA BLOOMQUIST
Photo Editors: JESSICA JONES, HEATHER KOLNICK
Adviser: SHEILA ELDRED
Senior Staff Writers: CLAIRE DAVIDSON, DANA BLOOMQUIST, JORDYN
ARNDT, ELISSA JOHNSON, DEVON ARNDT
Staff Writers: RITA CHAKRABARTI, MONICA CUEVAS, ANNAH RUH-
LAND, BRE BERG, JENNIFER QUAYLE, MAGGIE WEISS, JANESSA SCHILM-
OELLER
Photographer: KA VANG
If you would like to write for The Wheel, please contact us at
wheel@stkate.edu.
MISSION STATEMENT
The Wheel aspires to reflect the diversity and unique atmosphere that comprises St. Cath-
erine University. We strive to provide an inclusive newspaper primarily for the students
and by the students. The Wheel promotes the vision of empowering women to lead and
influence as well as an understanding of the university community inside and outside
of the gates. As a staff we aim to meet the highest journalistic standards and stand in
accordance with the 1st Amendment of the Constitution of the United States of America
and policies of prior restraint. The Wheel is not a public relations vehicle for any SCU
individual, group, department or for the college as a whole. We welcome feedback and
encourage an open discourse. The Wheel is supported by student funds and is distributed
free of charge.
Breaking down walls:
Going international,
locally
By Jordyn Arndt
international columnist
“The wine tastes so much better in Venice.” “The metro system in Paris is far better than
the bus system in St. Paul.” “In Rabat, the olive oil tastes better and it’s less expensive.”
Have you heard statements like these from people who have recently returned from
being abroad? Perhaps you have even uttered them yourself; I know I have. Returning
from being abroad can be a challenging transition process. While it’s difficult for the
individual, sometimes it’s even more difficult for family and friends who have to suffer
through hearing about all of the “When I was in…” stories or wistful statements about
how things are better elsewhere.
While you may be tempted to tell the sentimental individual who is so fascinated
with her previous foreign location to just return if she loves it so much, this is not
the only solution. The Twin Cities area has a host of multicultural and international
opportunities available. Try a new restaurant, visit a new part of the city, or attend an
international cultural event. You don’t have to get on a plane to have a multicultural
or international experience.
There are several international restaurants available on Grand Avenue and a simple
bus ride allows one to experience the cuisine of Ethiopia, India, Ghana, Ecuador, Greece,
or a number of other countries. When I was recently in the Cedar-Riverside area of
Minneapolis meeting a friend for coffee, I was thrilled to see the number of signs posted
in businesses’ windows in English and Arabic. The simple act of reading words written
in Arabic transported me back to fond memories of Morocco. Last week, I visited the
Minneapolis Institute of Arts (MIA) and received a tour in French. The MIA, which has free
daily museum admission every day, has unique programs and live music on the third
Thursday of every month. A wide variety of artwork from around the world is available
for your viewing pleasure. The MIA’s website is http://www.artsmia.org/.
This column would not be complete without a plug for the Minneapolis-St. Paul
Film Festival, which is taking place from April 14 – May 5. There are 170 films shown
from over 50 countries on five screens. I viewed a film last week called Dooman River.
This film allowed me to learn about some of the challenges of life along the border of
China and North-Korea. This is an issue I had never previously been exposed to and
sufficiently piqued my interest to read more about this region of the world. The film
festival’s website is http://www.mspfilmfest.org/2011/.
While the Twin Cities area is bursting with multicultural and international possibilities,
experiencing aspects of other cultures can be done even closer to home. The St.
Kate’s campus offers events such as Noor Al-Amar and Africa Night in the fall and the
International Potluck in the spring. If you missed these events this year, attend next year
or, even better yet, help plan or perform at one of these fun, enriching events. Share
your cultural heritage or knowledge of a particular subject with the St. Kate’s community.
Learn more about how you can become involved by contacting the Multicultural and
International Programs and Services (MIPS) Office.
Expand your knowledge of the world. Learn something new. Celebrate cultural diversity
and step outside of your comfort zone, both locally and internationally. When you come
back you will be enriched and certainly more aware of international issues, but please, try
to avoid driving your friends and family crazy with your “When I was in…” stories and
instead try to foster critical cross-cultural dialogue. This will further everyone’s insights,
including your own.
Jordyn can be reached at jearndt@stkate.edu.
Correction:
In Issue 12 of the Wheel, an editing error led to an unfortunate mistake in
Jordyn Arndt’s International column (“Separating People from Policy”). To clarify,
the lack of U.S. support for the current Iranian government is a separate issue
from the United States’ war in Afghanistan. As editors, we strive for accuracy
and excellence in all of our reporting and editorial content. We apologize for
the misinformation we inadvertently published.
April 29, 2011 NEWS & OPINION The Wheel | 3

Title X takes cuts

Pro-choice members of the Highland Park community gather at a counter-protest outside the Ford Parkway Planned Parenthood on April 22.

• Tension surrounds of less than $11,000). Planned Parenthood

family planning services
By Rita Chakrabarti
staff writer
In a battle of wills between House
Republicans and Democrats, Republicans
fought unsuccessfully to pass a budget
plan aiming to cut all federal funding for
Planned Parenthood and other family
planning organizations. Republicans were
specifically targeting Title X, a Health Service
Act that originated under Richard Nixon’s
administration in 1970.
Title X (“title ten”) was created to ensure
that all women and men, specifically low-
income individuals, have access to family
planning services. In a recent interview with
Kathi Di Nicola, Director of Media Relations
for Planned Parenthood Minnesota, North
Dakota, and South Dakota, she spoke about
the patients served and services offered
with the help of these federal funds.
“Planned Parenthood has 26 clinics in
Minnesota providing nearly 64,000 women,
men and their families with affordable
family planning services and comprehensive
sexuality education,” Di Nicola said.  “The
typical Planned Parenthood patient is a
woman in her twenties who is at or below
the federal poverty level (annual income
offers a broad range of reproductive health
defund it, has to do with abortion.
“Federal law prohibits the use of Title X
heard about the importance of our health
care centers in their lives and communities,”
care services, including: annual exams; birth money for abortion care,” Di Nicola said. Di Nicola said, commenting on Planned
control counseling and education; cancer As part of the compromise to prevent the Parenthood’s latest effort to protect Title X.
screenings; sexually transmitted infection government shutdown, Republicans and To learn more about the latest news
(STI) testing, treatment, and prevention; Democrats agreed to cut Title X funding by regarding reproductive rights and the
and preconception care.” 17 million dollars, reducing federal support debate taking place in Minnesota, follow
To date, Title X remains the one and only to 300 million dollars. These cuts will impact Planned Parenthood on Facebook or Twitter
government initiative to make family planning not only Planned Parenthood, but many other at: http://www.facebook.com/ppminnesota,
services available to low-income people across family planning organizations nation-wide. and, http://www.twitter.cpm.ppmn.
the nation. Any cuts in funding would prohibit “I think that we will continue to see these
many individuals from receiving primary types of challenges from the state and federal
and preventive reproductive health care. levels. However, we are strengthened by our Rita can be reached at
The recent efforts made by House supporters and patients who made their voices rchakrabarti@stkate.edu.
Republicans to defund Title X received a
lot of attention from concerned citizens and
family-planning organizations.
“The House Republican leadership launched
the campaign against women who rely on Title
X and Planned Parenthood for primary and
preventive health care, including lifesaving
breast and cervical cancer screenings, annual
exams, birth control, HIV testing, and STI
testing and treatment,” Di Nicola said. “As
for fiscal discipline and deficit reduction,
family planning programs like Title X save
money. For every public dollar invested in
family planning, taxpayers save nearly $4.
Yet, in their zeal to attack women’s health,
the House leadership overlooked the cost-
savings.”
Pro-life community members protest outside Planned Parenthood on April 22. Pho-
The controversy surrounding Title X,
tos by Heather Kolnick.
and why House Republicans are working to

Theory to action:
water jugs, slashed by boarder patrol officers, the water leaking out onto the desert floor
never reaching those who need it most. This litter includes the most precious belongings of
those coming to the United States after they are apprehended, stripped of their keepsakes,
The green war on and piled into vans to be arrested, put on a list, and banished from this country.
There are many arguments against migrants. It seems appropriate that the newest

immigrants tactic would be to play off the popularity of the green movement, a movement against
using fossil fuels, overpopulation, and environmental degradation. As with any statement
of fact it is necessary to obtain all of the information before jumping on board. As
the Tea Party and that guy who thinks the Second Coming is May 21 (just in time for
graduation!) have shown us, fear is a very powerful tool. Use your resources wisely. I
By Elissa Johnson got my information from NYT, The Center for New Community and volunteers for the
political columnist Arizona Democratic Party, and No More Deaths. Where will you get yours?

Elissa can be reached at ejjohnson@stkate.edu.

On April 17, John Tanton was recognized as the “anti-immigrant crusader” that he is.
The New York Times (NYT) ran an article exposing Tanton’s network—more powerful
than many realized. That’s because he holds positions on two sides of the fence. Tanton is

Crime update
the zenith of organizations that are adamantly anti-immigrant (but who title themselves
ambiguously) like the Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR) and Numbers
USA. But he’s also a proud supporter of Planned Parenthood and has touted himself
as an environmentalist, even in cahoots with the Sierra Club at times. This is where the
story gets muddy so let me provide some background information.
There is a war being waged on U.S. soil. No, not the war on terrorism or on Asian Assault near SCU St. Paul to 25 years old. The University has shared
carp or even the enormously successful war on drugs…It’s a war on new entries to campus: this same information with the St. Paul
this country, mostly those from Mexico (though some are passing through from South On Sunday, April 10th, at approximately Police Department.
America). This war is brutal. Arizona is catching a lot of media for the state’s arguably 6:00 p.m. a student reported that she was St. Catherine University believes that
egregious anti-immigrant policies, but the war neither started nor will end there. The sexually assaulted on River Road, 1.5 miles descriptors alone are not a valid reason to
newest argument against migrants entering the United States uses the rhetoric of the south of the St. Paul campus. profile or cast suspicion on any individual.
environmentalist movement to legitimize their argument. And, unfortunately, people According to the Department of Public They are included here because they
are buying it. Safety, “She noticed three men following may reasonably assist in identifying the
Groups such as Tanton’s say immigrants use more fossil fuels and create a greater her. When the path cleared of other walkers, perpetrator of this incident.
carbon footprint once they cross the border than they do in their home countries. These the three men grabbed her from behind
arguments don’t consider the fact that the standard of living in the United States instigates and pulled her off the walking path to a If you see suspicious activity, contact
more pollution than the countries with the highest number of immigrants. It is not the muddy dirt trail. Two of the men sexually Public Safety at 651-690-8888 or call 911.
immigrants creating more waste in the United States, it’s the United States creating more assaulted her while the third male held her
wasteful people. down. During the assault, the perpetrators For information and counseling on
They say there is litter waste-deep along the boarder between the United States and Mexico. were laughing but otherwise did not speak sexual assault, please contact St. Kate’s
What they call litter includes the gallon-sized jugs of water left by volunteers of immigrants to the victim.” Counseling Center at x6805 in St. Paul
rights organizations in the United States, groups like No More Deaths. These organizations The suspects are described as African or at x7830 in Minneapolis, or call Sexual
leave food and water along high traffic paths for people who have been traveling through American males, approximately 6’2”, 18 Offense Services at 651-643-3006.
the desert for weeks with nothing but the clothes on their backs. This litter includes the
4 | The Wheel OPINION April 29, 2011

Letters to the
April 21, 2011 Dear Editor,

Dear Editor As I look back over the last six years that I have spent studying theology at
In my eyes, Sister Catherine Michaud has represented the heart and soul of St. St. Catherine University, naturally I have many fond memories. My life’s major
Catherine University. When I started searching for a Master’s program in theology that transitions (growing from youth to adulthood, getting married, becoming a parent)
would fit with the vision I had of God, I was privileged to meet Sr. Catherine. She has were all lived in conjunction with, and in light of, my learning here at St. Kate’s. The
been incredibly kind and generous with her time to someone who is searching to find billboards that I see announcing: “You’ll Come for the Knowledge, You’ll Leave with
what God is whispering. Having her as a professor has been a gift; she is an exceptional Wisdom,” make sense to me now. I have not only gained knowledge of the subjects
scholar and her way of storytelling brings to life the history and Spirit of the Catholic that I have studied at St. Kate’s, I have gained insight into my place in our world
Church in a way which made our classes disappear, leaving me wanting more. and grown into a more caring, loving, justice-oriented person. I had planned on
In my three years at St. Kate’s, Sr. Catherine has been a constant source of being proud of my alma mater as I looked toward graduation this May.
encouragement to me. I was very distressed to hear that she would not be retained
on staff. Although I have had other very good professors during my time here, That was until there was a shock wave sent through the community of Master’s-
none reflected the soul of what I believed St. Catherine University to be. It appears level students upon learning of Dr. Catherine Michaud’s denial of tenure. We
to me that the focus has changed. As I looked at the faculty in the past, I saw a were given little-to-no information as to the reasons why, and the
kaleidoscope of offerings, each professor bringing their own special God given reasons we were given make no sense in light of the shining record
talents and gifts to the mix, enabling students to have diverse teaching styles and of this professor. After studying at St. Kate’s for six years, I can assert with total
learning opportunities. It is appearing that all gifts are no longer valued equally, confidence that the guidance and superior teaching of Dr. Michaud are unrivaled.
and what has become of utmost importance is the number of books published. Her academic knowledge and ability to teach in a clear, concise way is far superior
It breaks my heart that the next kids coming through the doors of Whitby hall to any other professor I have ever had. Her capacity for challenging us in both our
will not be blessed to have Sr. Catherine as their professor. academic and personal lives is unrivaled. I will never experience again a professor
of her quality. She takes seriously our need for her time, her wisdom, and her
Sincerely, loving guidance in a way that forms us to be so much more than the piece of paper
Charlene Peterson Dear Editor, we receive when we finally get to walk across a stage and shake the hands of total
strangers at graduation.
I am a full-time student in the Master
of Arts in Theology and Spiritual I was not only angry, but confused. How could the very university that
Direction Certificate programs here at had taught me the core value system I now live by carry out such
St. Kate’s. I am writing to express my a grave injustice? I am left with but one conclusion: St. Catherine
Dear Editor: shock, deep sadness, and disappointment University is yet another institution in our world that has decided
at the university’s decision to deny they are “above” living up to the standard they expect of the rest
I am writing in response to the action tenure to Sr. Catherine Michaud, CSJ. of the world. Sadly, I have now learned that injustice is just as much at work in
of the administration of St Catherine This is an unbelievable situation to this administration’s decisions as in any other institution we are taught to critique
University to deny tenure to Dr. Catherine me because Sr. Catherine has been in the Global Search for Justice course.
Michaud, CSJ. everything short of perfect in her role
as professor and recently as director I will not look back fondly on this school. I will not participate in alumnae events.
The spiritual grounding of Sr. Catherine of the MAT program. I will not donate my money. I will drive down Randolph Avenue and think sadly
Michaud has been the cohesive foundation to myself, “What fools!”
of the MAT program. I studied under her As a member of the Sisters of St.
guidance from 2006 - 2009. She lives all Joseph, Sr. Catherine embodies the With great distress,
aspects of her life in the light of the Triune values upon which this University was Lori Mathiowetz
God bringing insight, faith, wisdom to all founded. She is a model of integrity,
-- whether in the classroom, over lunch, in a justice, compassion, apostolic action,
conference, in a meeting. All people should and contemplation. Her scholarship has
be so blessed with the warm hospitality of provided me with the best education I Dear Editor,
Sr. Catherine’s greeting. could have asked for. Sr. Catherine is by
far, the best and the most demanding
I observed her gently and tactfully professor I have ever had. She models
I would like to comment on and express my
encourage a student to consider a constructive what it means to be a superior professor. dismay related to the denial of tenure for Sister Catherine Michaud.
approach in an academic dilemma. I know
of her working for adapting the scholarly In addition to her professionalism I have known Sister Catherine for several years, since she was my
environment to accommodate those with as a teacher, Sr. Catherine is, and has professor when I was an undergraduate student and again as a graduate
special needs--physically, emotionally, been, a mentor to many students who student. I learned so much and so well in her courses. I have great respect
spiritually, economically. Sr Catherine have passed through the MAT doors. and admiration for her. She is the best of the best. Thus, the news that she
Michaud exemplifies love, truth and beauty She uses her skills as a listener, advisor, was denied tenure and would be leaving St. Kate’s literally knocked the
in the world, bringing grace to all. mentor, spiritual director, and leader wind out of me. Sister Catherine will be leaving us. I felt shock, dismay,
to accompany students through the sorrow, and confusion.
There are many excellent professors at St. program. This was obvious at the
Catherine University; I have been privileged graduation dinner last May when My fellow students also love and respect Sr. Catherine and have benefited
to study with several of them. However, Sr. students wrote their reflections about from her expertise as a professor. Her colleagues, her department head,
Catherine Michaud’s classroom demeanor their experiences in the program, and the Faculty Personnel Committee all agree on her excellence as a
and unfailing grace does not minimize her and nearly every student wrote that professor. All gave her a resounding recommendation for tenure. Dr.
rigorous academic standards. In fact, they might not have made it without Silva did not contest her excellence as a professor but he rejected her
only Sr. Catherine can inspire students the wisdom, guidance, assistance, application for tenure anyway. Appeals of his decision were unsuccessful.
to work harder than they ever imagined and leadership of Sr. Catherine. Her
they could, meeting every expectation, admirable Christian gift to be able to Sister Catherine is a strong, intelligent, capable woman of deep faith
overcoming the anxiety of the ‘hot seat’ love everyone without distinction is also who leads by example. She is firm, kind, and compassionate. But she is
in class discussions, and the discipline of obvious. I have observed her interactions no pushover; her courses are hard work and demand a lot of time and
the ‘21-word thesis statement’ and at the with students in the classroom as well effort. This is another reason I respect her. She is an excellent role model
end of the semester feel it was the best as informally in the hall and her office. for women of all ages, which would seem to make her an excellent fit
class they had ever taken. She treats every single student with for St. Kate’s.
the utmost respect and love. She plays
Those who have chosen to deny academic no favorites and makes us feel as if we My experiences as a student and the recommendations of those who
tenure to Sr. Catherine show their own are unique. reviewed Sr. Catherine’s abilities and qualifications as a professor would
deficiencies in the gifts of the spirit. What I seem to indicate that she is just the sort of professor who should be
have read in the print media promoting Let me acknowledge the incredible wholeheartedly accepted for tenure. Something doesn’t add up and I am
the greatness of St. Catherine University asset that Sr. Catherine is, and has been, left wondering just what is going on. It appears to me that an injustice
is diametrically opposed to the action to this university. Let me speak of my has been done.
taken by these individuals in the action pride in the fact that Sr. Catherine
against Sr. Catherine’s academic has often told us that it is important Sister Catherine’s denial of tenure represents a great loss to the Theology
status. The decision that was made to speak one’s truth, to speak out Department and to all students at St. Kate’s: past, present, and future. No
failed to recognize greatness among for what is right, to be a person of longer being able to learn from her is a great personal loss. I have loved
them. Their action contradicts the very integrity. She also warned us that to the environment and studying at St. Kate’s. But because of this situation
foundation upon which this university do so carries risks. I am discerning whether to continue studying for an MAT here or move
was founded. on to a different institution.
Dorothy A Ellerbroek Sincerely, Sincerely,
Kathy Berken Pam Havel
April 29, 2011
Editor
Dear Editor,
I a m w r i t i n g to
express my shock
a n d d i s m ay w i t h t h e
decision by President Sr. Andrea
Lee and the Board to deny tenure
to Sr. Catherine Michaud. I have
known Sr. Catherine since 2006
as a professor, an advisor, and
as a colleague while serving as a
Graduate Student Advisory Board
member. In every capacity she
has made an indelible impression
on me, and has influenced my
development in positive ways.
She motivated me to think and
work hard in the classroom. She
has encouraged me to discern
vocation deeply. In and outside
of the classroom, she has helped
prepare me to move into work for
which I have passion and which is
greatly needed in the world. When
I graduate this year with a Master
of Arts in Theology degree and a
Certificate in Spiritual Direction, I
will give tribute to the significant
contribution Sr. Catherine has made.
Beyond my personal experience, I
have met many other students and
former students of hers—graduate
level and undergrads—who have
expressed high regard for her
teaching and counsel, and who
have been inspired by her example.
I have heard firsthand accounts
of women whose lives have been
turned around, and others who
have gained vocational direction
and clarity due to her influence.
I understand that in the process
of applying for tenure Sr. Catherine
has had the unwavering support
of the faculty, and that their
endorsement has not diminished
over the course of multiple appeals
to the President and the Board.
With such unanimous support
from faculty and students, I cannot
fathom that Sr. Catherine has not
been enthusiastically approved
for tenure.
Sr. Catherine’s contribution to
students and this school is consistent
and far-reaching, yet has always
been personal and unique. She is
rare as an educator and as a human
being. It will be a terrible loss to
the entire St. Kate’s community
when she leaves.
I feel so strongly that the decision
to deny tenure is misguided that
my husband and I are removing
St. Catherine University from our
estate gift plan. It is the only way I
have to vote my opinion other than
putting these thoughts in writing
and sharing them with the student
body through this newspaper.
Sincerely,
Jennifer Pedalty
Master of Arts in Theology
Candidate 2011
OPINION The Wheel | 5
Dear Editor,
Are we losing our identity?
The announcement of the denial of
tenure for Sr Catherine Michaud, CSJ,
leaves Theology students in shock and
disbelief, wondering why?
Sr. Catherine has been the Director
of the Master’s of Theology Program,
Dear Editor, teacher and mentor to many students,
as well as a model of academic integrity.
It is with a heavy heart that I write this letter to you today. When I read the issue of the Her students repeatedly say, “She was
MAT news notes and realized that not only had Dr. Catherine Michaud, CSJ, been denied the professor who taught me how to
tenure after having overwhelming support from faculty in and out of her department, but write a thesis and stand by it.”“She taught
that she would be leaving St. Catherine University at the end of this academic year, I was
me how to think critically.” “When you
are with her you are the only thing that
stunned. I assumed that there must have been a mistake, for why would a woman of her
is important to her at that moment.”
caliber (who has dedicated 17 years of her life to St. Kate’s, her students, and the faculty)
After receiving my undergrad degree in
be denied what was most certainly her due? Receiving the above information prompted
theology, she was my biggest influence
me to write this letter. to stay at St Catherine’s for my Master’s
in theology.
Initially, I thought that it would be of no help to speak about what Sr. Catherine has meant
to me and students like me because those in the administration most certainly know this What does this say about those who
about her. But then I realized the non-expression of this information would deprive others run the school behind closed doors and
of not only a valuable piece of my story, but of her story as well. Sr. Catherine is the most those who actually are the school? What
decent, holy, caring, and loving person that I have had the privilege to know in a long does it say about the process of receiving
time. Her students love her, respect her, care about her, and know that she cares about tenure? What does this say about the
them. Because of her one-page papers, I became a better writer and a better student. She value of peer review and department
supported me as my advisor and had faith in me when I didn’t have faith in myself. I wouldn’t faculty input? With so much thrust in the
have made it through the MAT program without her. One of the greatest gifts I was given medical fields and sciences, I question:
was the privilege of sitting with her and other theology faculty as a member of a search are we truly striving for a liberal arts
committee that resulted in the hiring of Dr. Rhodora Beaton and it was in that experience foundation? And, what about our CSJ
that I came to know that she is the heart and soul of that department. connection? Sr. Catherine is our last
full-time CSJ.
I cannot help but believe that there is some underlying personal or political reason for
Among the theology students, there
denying her tenure, especially when she had the full support of those within and outside
is an ominous feeling of a huge loss
of the Theology Department. I wonder if the administration fully grasps the magnitude
in our department. We have been put
of their decision and the fallout that will most certainly happen as a result. Sr. Catherine
understands the mission of St. Catherine University, with its focus on social justice, and
on the back-burner of importance in
this new University’s agenda. Every
has witnessed that for me.
summer, through the Myser Initiative,
members of the faculty discuss what
A university can never be about a president or a board but must always be about what our Catholic identity is as a Catholic
is best for its students (who are the reason they are there) and its faculty, who prepare university. The theology department
those students to bring the mission of St. Kate’s to the rest of the world. This is why I provides a place for students to question
believe that a grave error has been made. what theology is and what it means in
this world today. Without people like
I have loved St. Kate’s for as long as I can remember and it was my pleasure to attend Sr. Catherine Michaud to help us chew
this institution. Unfortunately, this decision has shown me that this is no longer the St. through the challenges of Catholic
Kate’s that I know and I cannot in all justice ever recommend that anyone attend St. intellectual thinking, then we have lost
Catherine University. This decision has essentially ended her career and the administration’s our Catholic identity.
knowledge of this makes their decision that much harder for me to endure.
Isn’t it great that we can claim [to be]
I will continue to pray for the administration as I imagine my letter in defense of this the largest private women’s college? But
remarkable woman will not be the only one published in the Wheel. I often wonder how is it quantity that counts or quality?
[the administration] is able to live with the decision that they have made. Sr. Catherine has
touched so many people and although this administration has chosen to remove her from Patricia Klucas
St. Catherine University, her influence will
remain here forever.
Dear Editor,
Sister Maribeth Graves, OSF
MAT Graduate May 2010 The last place anyone would look for an injustice of this magnitude is
the theology department at St. Catherine University. The circumstances
surrounding the departure of Sr. Catherine Michaud are completely
Dear Wheel Editor, inconsistent with ethical behavior. I speak as a double alum with a long
view of the theology department; I hold an undergrad degree in theology
I am an MAT graduate student who from 1987 and an MAT from 2010. I can honestly say that I have never
is very dismayed and puzzled at the had a finer professor than Sr. Catherine. The quality of her teaching has
administration’s denial of tenure for Sister never been disputed. Everyone concerned agrees she is a master teacher
Catherine Michaud. of the highest level, from her expansive grasp of theology and her diverse
teaching skills to the gentle care she takes of each student.
A key component of my decision to enroll
at St. Kate’s was the positive conversation I What is most upsetting is the way Sr. Catherine is leaving. It would be
had with Sister Catherine about the MAT a sad day to send her off under any circumstance but this situation is
program. beyond wrong. Many people are hurt in this situation, first and foremost
Sr. Catherine. I don’t claim to speak for her, but I have observed that she
I have taken two of Sister Catherine’s is a deeply devoted teacher, committed to the students and the university.
classes and I have found her teaching and To be summarily dismissed in this manner is the greatest insult. She
scholarship to be top notch. is denied a proper send-off that a retirement celebration would allow
and will not have the opportunity to train a successor. Another group
It is beyond my understanding how this of people hurt by this decision are future theology students who will
institution, which successfully employed lose out on an irreplaceable educational and spiritual experience with
this PhD professor for so many years as Sr. Catherine. No doubt the college will be less without her.
well as entrusted her with heading their
MAT department, made the decision that Several employees and trustees of the university are to blame for
they did. this miscarriage of justice; it could not have happened without their
compliance. What began as a huge mistake by Sr. Andrea quickly
I cannot help but wonder, “What is became an act of bullying as all appeals fell on deaf ears. We’ll never
going on here?” know why good people like Colleen Hegranes followed lockstep with
Sr. Andrea; one can only assume there was pressure to do so. This stain
Sincerely, on the university will not soon be removed and we, the students of
Ann Springer Sr. Catherine, will never forget her.
Sincerely,
Ann McComas-Bussa
6 | The Wheel FEATURES April 29, 2011
Wheel: So this is the “Year of the Liberal at the heart of our institution and need real
Arts” at St. Kate’s. How successful do you support.
think it’s been so far?
Conley: You have to think about it in a broad
Connors: I think it has been fairly successful. scope. I still think there are certain economic
Certainly, there has been a concerted effort realities that might make the humanities
to highlight the many events and offerings less profitable in the eyes of those who give
that have been and are being presented in the money to the university. There was a great
[School of] Humanities, Arts, and Sciences [article] in the Times last semester...about
(SHAS). Some have been “special” for this year, why French matters but it meant in a global
such as the projection on the quad of Wing sense why the humanities matter. All around
[Young] Hui’s photographs accompanied by the world, and in China in particular, they
music produced by the St. Kate’s community, are encouraging humanities because they
the Jocelyn Hagen composer residency, and felt that the work force, even as productive
the “festival of her music.” as it was, was not thinking critically. The
humanities offer a smarter work force.
Wilcox: I think they are taking all of these
opportunities to inform the community Wilcox: When I was giving birth in the
about the School and in that sense I guess hospital the only nurse that I remember
it is successful. But the main thing hasn’t was a St. Kate’s nurse. She actually had taken
happened yet, the actual announcement. [ed. sociology classes. All nurses have to but she
note: the announcement of SHAS had not actually did more than the requirement and
occurred as of this interview. The official she went to Europe. In the birthing room,
event took place on April 19] we were talking about classical music, her
trip to Europe. That I think makes people
Conley: I think in terms of the success rate stand out—[being] liberal arts-minded.
of this year being celebrated as the Year of the The Wheel sat down with faculty members from departments in the
Humanities, I think I’ll be more convinced humanities to talk about the “Year of the Liberal Arts,” the new School of Conley: We’re the only university, even
when I see actual implementation in the Humanities, Arts and Sciences, and what these structural changes mean within the ACTC community, that allows
ways in which St. Kate’s advertises itself. for St. Catherine University (SCU). high school [language] credit to count. Just
We can do all the celebrations we want, but think of the message that’s sending you; it’s
until I see effective change in terms of the Francine Conley: Associate Professor in International Languages and Literature kind of monolingual. More people from the
students...there’s this surface celebration Hui Wilcox: Assistant Professor in Sociology community have actually been outraged
and then, when the party’s over, then what? Patricia Connors: Professor and Chair of the Music department by this since we finally brought it up and
made it public.
Connors: The very fact that these [events] By Tréza Rosado and Rachel Armstrong
have been featured as a prominent link on the Wheel: It seems that this discussion around
University’s home page has served to remind came along with that announcement. How to something else. the liberal arts and their place at SCU, at
the world of the strengths of St. Kate’s with do you think they’ve prioritized SHAS? I want more languages; we used to have least as far as the Wheel is concerned, really
regard to the liberal arts. In addition, I’d five in the 70s, apparently, so I hope that it started in the early 2000s. Why are people
like to note that in this Year of the Liberal Conley: I listen to NPR [National Public increases. starting to really have this discussion about
Arts, the faculty overwhelmingly approved Radio] a lot and heard a lot about the where the liberal arts belong at St. Kate’s in
the new and innovative curricula for majors School of Health...but not as [much] for the Wilcox: It’s been my dream that we have just this last decade or so?
in music and music theater. Humanities. So I don’t know if the carpet- a Chinese department. I know quite a few
rolling is as extravagant. students have gone to Macalester to take Conley: There were departments that were
Wilcox: We do have the new Women in classes. As far as sociology is concerned, being cut and eliminated. Music and theater
the Arts minor. Connors: The university has certainly we’re a very small department but we’re very was at a crisis point; French was going to be
done its best to lift up the liberal arts this interdisciplinary in the work that we do. cut. The fear of losing something that was
Conley: That to me feels like a success, year and to publicly celebrate the launch so vital to few became this point of urgency.
that we could have students who come here of SHAS. There has been a strong effort to Connors: I believe that the department of Then subsequent redesigning of schools, the
for the arts. seek additional funding for the school and music and theater will be a very important change of name...I mean it was probably in
to speak about the liberal arts as the core of part of SHAS as we move forward. By the the works before. I came here in 2003; it’s
Wilcox: We actually did a focus group with the institution. nature of our performances, we, along with been in crisis since then. In the interviews
some students and did a couple of surveys However, it is one thing to talk about the the department of art and art history, are a that I had, I was told, “You have to save
and it’s clear that students want to have arts importance of the liberal arts and another very public face of the arts at St. Kate’s. I French.” That was my mission.
integrated into their curriculum and lives. to be willing (and, admittedly able) to really hope that we will be considered a showcase
invest financially in some of the more for our students and for the university as a Wheel: What a great selling point!
Conley: I was at an intersection and a expensive arts programs in order to ensure whole. I also hope that there will be a growth
bus went by with a billboard [for St. Kate’s] their continued vitality and viability... It’s in a sense of ownership and community Conley: I became increasingly committed...I
and I thought, “Wow, wouldn’t it be great if difficult to commit scarce resources to the pride by the St. Kate’s community. think some of [the urgency] happened when
it said some tag line about ‘I came here to building up of a small theater program, for they introduced the core curriculum, which
study Chinese, or to study dance or French instance, in the hope of attracting more Wheel: As an extension of that question, was in the ‘90s: the Global Search for Justice
or Spanish, anything.’” The arts. What a students , when a seemingly guaranteed how do you think SHAS is going to fit into (GSJ) and The Reflective Woman (TRW.)
different message that would be than “You cohort of students seems to be “waiting in the university as a whole, especially given this As soon as that came in, for better or for
can get a PT” or something related to the the wings” to enroll as Master’s students in drive towards the pre-professional programs? worse, it cut a lot of classes—languages and
nursing program. It would be fun to see that. a physician assistant program. Where do you think we’re situated? arts that students took in place of that...It’s
normal to you but it wasn’t that way before.
Wheel: Let’s create our own! Wheel: Where do you see your individual Conley: I would love to ask that question I’m just fascinated by the students...They
departments fitting in to the SHAS in the to the President. volunteer and they know what they want...
Conley: Yeah, we’ve said that in the coming years? they want to have a broad scope.
humanities anyway. But that’s what I mean. Wilcox: The question of where is it and
There’s the surface and then there’s the Conley: French and languages is part of where it should be. We all wish that it [had]
underneath and then there’s the fun we’re the foundation of the original college. It’s a much bigger role. Tréza can be reached at
having anyway, despite it all. impossible to look at someone as young as tjrosado@stkate.edu.
the two of you [the Wheel] and think if you Connors: It is going to take a real and
Wheel: How do you feel about the roll-out don’t have any connection to the international continued commitment on the part of the Rachel can be reached at
of SHAS? There was a lot of fanfare when the world...then I feel like you’re not fully formed. university administration to remember that rmarmstrong@stkate.edu.
School of Health opened; a lot of publicity Language as you know is just the beginning the humanities, arts, and sciences are truly

Student poll: How do you do green?

60  
Compiled by
Dana Bloomquist
50  
35  

30  
40  

25  
30  
30  
25   20  

20  
15   20  

15  
10  
10   10  

5   5  

0   0  
0  
The  perfect   A  much-­‐needed   A  day  thought  up  by  
You  have  resigned   You  can't  afford  gas   You  just  don't  have   You  want  to  get  rid  of   The  evidence  from  last   The  reusable  water   opportunity  to  break   reminder  that  the   tree-­‐hugging  
yourself  to  living  on   anyway?   anywhere  to  go  now  that   those  old  textbooks   weekend's  party  just   boEles  sold  on  campus   out  the  Birkenstock   planet  if  fragile,   organizaFons  to  get  
campus  or  nearby  so  you   finals  are  looming  and   from  classes  you'd  just   won't  all  fit  in  the  trash   are  too  stylish  to  pass   sandals  and  chill  on   precious,  and   more  funding.  
wouldn't  have  to   papers  are  building  up?   as  soon  forget,  or  that   can,  so  you  had  to  buy   up?   the  quad.   deserves  to  be  taken  
commute  half  an  hour   you  never  really   a  recycling  bin?   care  of  and  an  
(on  a  good  day)?   opportunity  to  share  
opened  anyway?  
our  love  for  it.  

If
 you
 have
 been
 cuEng
 back
 on
 your
 fossil
 fuel
 emissions,
 is
 it
 because…
  If
 you
 recycle
 of
 reduce
 your
 use
 of
 products,
 it
 is
 because…?
  Earth
 Day
 is…
 
April 29, 2011
Pocket-sized feminism
• Underground zine
gains visibility at SCU
By Becky Doucette and Alexa
Chihos
Alternative newsletter “Womanhouse,”
a ‘zine filled with anonymous feminist
articles and narratives, is currently floating
around St. Catherine University (SCU) to
create a public discussion on campus
about feminism.
Junior Molly Davy, a self-identified introvert,
is the mastermind behind “Womanhouse.”
She promotes the ‘zine through various social
networking outlets, such as her personal
Facebook and Tumblr. Networking through
the internet opened up the possibilities for
national and international submissions to
the SCU feminist ‘zine.
“It’s interesting when considering the
history of ‘zine culture and its peak popularity
in the early 1990s, and then realizing how
everything was communicated through
writing letters,” Davy said. “Zine culture is
more accessible now than ever before with
the aid of the internet.”
Womanhouse is a completely student-
formed, student-run, and student-focused
publication. A publication founded without
administrative assistance opens up multiple
possibilities for the kind of content that
can be printed.
“‘Womanhouse’ is an outlet to learn that
your feminism does not necessarily need to
be my feminism but, having said that, we can
still be in a community together and work
towards the same goals,” Davy said.
Junior Anna Garski, a Womanhouse
editor, stresses the importance of having
a circulating feminist ‘zine completely led
by students on campus.
“I truly love [SCU] and its community but we
get frustrated when perfectly reasonable things
get censored when the administration finds
something to be too taboo or controversial,”
Garski said. “I could see us maybe censoring
something for poor presentation or tact, but
All hail
the queen
• Hip-hop artist Dessa sits
down with SCU students
By Claire Davidson
music columnist
I have a confession to make: I have a girl
crush on Dessa.
This was made completely apparent to me
when I played back the tape of her interview,
which was sprinkled with my nervous laughter
and agreeable “yeahs!” and “definitelys!” If
there’s anyone who’s going to reduce me to
the literal equivalent of a giggling schoolgirl,
I’m okay with it being Dessa.
Showing up in a light gray hoodie and
black converse sneakers, she kept it as casual
and real as ever. I asked her about how
writing “A Badly Broken Code,” her 2010
solo debut, may or may not have been a
cathartic experience for her.
“I know a lot of musicians will say writing
about hard experiences makes those experiences
less hard. I’ve never found that to be true,”
Dessa said.
The psychoanalytic frankness apparent
in her lyrics is even more apparent in
person; Dessa chooses her words poetically,
articulating what she means with precision
and careful thought. When I asked her how
her different creative media vary from one
another, she discussed her different art
forms in terms of the depth of the idea.
“I think sometimes the size of the idea
determines its final form,” she said.
From spoken word poetry, to essays, to
lyrics, Dessa has pretty much written it all.
Her collection of fiction and poetry, “A Spiral
FEATURES
never controversy.”
The feminist ‘zine’s name, “Womanhouse,”
references both a piece of artwork by Louis
Bourgeois and an art collective by Judy
Chicago and Miriam Schapiro.
“Womanhouse was a groundbreaking
[art] exhibition and the first of its kind,”
Garksi said. “I’d like to think that our ‘zine
is following in its footsteps as we believe
it is important to include art reviews and
critique on popular media.”
Art receptionists by day, feminist ‘zine publishers by night: creator of Womanhouse,
Molly Davy (left), sits with editors Anna Garski (center) and Annah Ruhland (right).
Photo by Heather Kolnick.
Bound” has been heralded as a philosophical
triumph and a work of supreme poignancy.
With the immense success of the past year,
however, the actual creation of her art is
something she’s been missing. Between
being a musician-in-residence for McNally
Smith and giving interviews like these (not
to mention leaving to travel the nation on
her “Into the Spin” tour), creative downtime
is anything but abundant.
“I spend probably 90 percent of my career
promoting the art,” Dessa said.
Still, it’s apparent that Minneapolis’ reigning
Queen of Hip-Hop has a method to her
musical creations and a head full of ideas.
“When it’s time to write a song, I’ll go
through the snippets I’ve [written] and see
what might speak to a shared theme or fit
with a particular musical arrangement best.
Not all of them are good but I have maybe 230
pages right now of only two bars,” Dessa said.
Where Dessa’s genius is even more apparent,
however, is in her advice on how to live an
artistic life. A life, she admits, that must be
intensely focused on the art itself and free
from the distractions of materialism or vanity.
“I think one of the hardest parts of being
an artist is finding your authentic voice,” she
said. “Figuring out where the influences are
coming in and listening…for the element
that’s individually you. In the meantime,
keep your overhead low…don’t develop a
taste for expensive shoes or expensive cars
or expensive booze because if you like cheap
stuff you have to spend fewer hours of every
day working to buy it and then you can spend
more hours of every day with your ear against
the door trying to find your original voice…
you get to spend more of your life being an
artist if you need less money to finance it.”
I found her advice so relevant I forgot I
was giving an interview for a second and
found myself agreeing with her emphatically,
urging her to tell me what to do with my
life as I prepare in the next few years to
launch myself into the abyss of creative
aspirations in the real world. When asked
“I think it’s so perfect in that it symbolizes
that within the ‘house’ of Womanhouse,
meaning the content of the submissions,
you will find your identity. In a way we’re
reclaiming the idea of domesticity as a way
of creating individuality and free thought
within a community, rather than being kept
in the confines of gendered stereotypes,”
Davy said.
The ‘zine provides a safe place on campus
to discuss feminist issues. Junior Anna
Ruhland, an editor and contributor to
Womanhouse, believes the ‘zine is important
to the SCU community.
“I believe it is important for everybody,
what her advice for young women in general
was, she was equally pertinent.
“I would say be careful what you put in
your head, in the same way that the old
adage says ‘you are what you eat,’ I think it’s
the same for you are what you see, you are
what you read.”
A woman who practices what she preaches,
she later relates during her talk on women in
the music industry, that she takes great care
to make sure she is being evaluated on her
musical worth and not treated differently
because she’s a woman in the predominantly
male hip-hop genre. Dessa keeps it simple,
authentic, and courageous; revealing how
Twin Cities hip-hop artist Dessa visits St. Kate’s for a radio interview, lecture, and
discussion with the students and community. Photo by Heather Kolnick.
The Wheel | 7
from every walk of feminism, to have an
opportunity to voice their opinion freely in
a setting where they don’t feel like they are
being judged or put down,” Ruhland said.
“It is important for every campus to have a
feminist ‘zine, or at least a ‘zine or production
that highlights issues that revolve around
issues that do not get enough recognition.”
While is it important for colleges to have
a feminist perspective, Garski feels it is
necessary for SCU in particular to have a
feminist publication.
“Everyone learns []about] and discusses
feminism at some point during their academic
career here at [SCU]. It’s inevitable,” Garski
said. “It is my hope that our ‘zine can
start and open dialogue amongst the
many different types of feminists on
campus. A different type of dialogue that
is unavailable in the classroom.”
Womanhouse issues #1 and #2 can
be found in the art building, the Abigail
Quigley Center for Women, and potentially
more places on campus as the publication
grows. The ‘zine also takes requests to
have personal copies sent nationally
and internationally. The publication is
available to people inside and outside
of the SCU community every 28 days.
“Having the impetus of a Womanhouse
deadline every 28 days, in itself, causes
one to think more critically about the
world and inspires students to analyze
and criticize outside of their coursework,”
Davy said.
The hope for Womanhouse is to inspire all
forms of feminists to engage in conversation.
“I hope Womanhouse sets a fire
within people. I hope by reading this
little contraption, they are inspired to
see the world differently,” Davy said.
“‘Womanhouse’ has an incredible potential
to change the misguiding stereotypes
that currently surround contemporary
feminism.”
Becky can be reached at
rjdoucette@stkate.edu.
Alexa can be reached at
anchihos@stkate.edu.
she understands when the makeup and
glamour of the industry is getting to her
head, and how she will refuse to wear makeup
for days afterwards to remind herself she
doesn’t need it.
During a break from questions, Dessa
reflects on her career and the path her
life has taken. She tells us about how she
almost abandoned the musician’s life for
that of a moral theorist. Somehow, re-
playing her answers to our interview, this
doesn’t surprise me.
Claire can be reached at
cedavidson@stkate.edu.
 The Wheel
8 | The Wheel FEATURES April 29, 2011

It’s easy
being green
• SCU implements eco-
awareness in the curriculum
By Devon Arndt
senior staff writer

green edition
During the summer of 2008, I spent eight
weeks working for Minnesota Conservation
Corps (MCC). I was selected among sixty
other students to complete environmental
projects in Minnesota and Wisconsin State
Parks. Working for MCC taught me new
survival skills. We were forced to adapt to
uncomfortable conditions and to rely on
the support of each other to cook, clean,
and successfully complete each task. While
working outdoors, I fostered an irreversible
appreciation for the environment, one which
has continued to develop ever since.
Fortunately, many St. Catherine University

Daily rotation
saying a lot considering how good the
• Shopping and dining other courses were.
The flora menu began with a fried green
locally with the seasons tomato topped with spicy aioli and baby
By Rita Chakrabarti mâche, sitting on a bed of black turtle bean
salad with grilled leek. As a whole, the dish
staff writer tasted as if it came fresh from a garden.
Next came crimini mushroom ravioli, with
Like many college students, it is a rare herb-scented brown butter, and parmesan
occasion when I take the time to eat cheese. I still cannot stop thinking about
something that is noteworthy or memorable. the ravioli; it was outrageously good. It was
When faced with the question of what to eat, earthy, comforting, and tender.
I operate from the criteria of convenience, For dessert, I had a hazelnut-duck egg
availability, how good or bad it is for me, cake with Chambord sabayon, blackberry-
and price. passion fruit sorbet, and hazelnut cookie.
This is not to say that I do not care about The blackberry-passionfruit sorbet was
what I eat; I actually care a great deal. I look absolutely mouthwatering, and seemed to
forward to the days when I will have time to capture the essence of both fruits at their
slow-cook a delicious stew or poach a chicken peak. The cake was light and moist with
breast with fresh herbs. However, until that strong notes of hazelnut. Every component
day comes, dining at one of Minnesota’s most was tasty, eaten alone or together.
acclaimed restaurants, Heartland Restaurant Throughout our dinner, chef/proprietor
and Farm Direct Market (HRFDM), is a Lenny Russo could be seen darting around
great alternative. the dining rooms, checking in with tables to
HRFDM is located in Lowertown St.Paul; make sure that the food was well received.
it occupies a huge warehouse space that Chef Russo had a lot to say about what
overlooks the Farmer’s Market. The décor he is attempting to accomplish at HRFDM.
is modern and chic, with touches of eco- The restaurant focuses on local, seasonal
friendly decoration, such as a salvaged-wood produce, which creates a farm-to-table
dining experience.
Russo is devoted to
using ingredients
t h a t a re g row n
and produced in
Minnesota.
“I want to get
food from local
sources and create
a relationship with
farmers,” Russo
said. “I also want
to give farmers the
opp or t u n i t y to
Diners enjoying the intimacy of Heartland Restaurant and sell their goods 12
Farm Direct Market. Photos by Rita Chakrabarti. months out of the
year.”
wall installation in one of the dining rooms. Russo continued to tell us that buying food
The space is expansive, while still feeling locally allows him to step out of a system
warm and inviting. that employs poor farming policies and
The menu changes daily, and the evening practices, and instead works with farmers
we dined there, (I brought my sister who who use traditional and sustainable methods
is a food snob and adventurous eater), we that have been practiced for decades.
decided to try the tasting menus that offer a He also is careful to buy food from farms
progression of three courses: a starter, main, with strong biodiversity.
and dessert. She went for the fauna option “I buy from farmers who grow a lot of
($40), which is carnivore-friendly, while different things. If they only grow one thing,
I opted for the flora option ($30), which I tend to stay away from it. It’s important to
features vegetarian dishes. rotate crops,” Russo said.
The fauna menu started with lamb The menu reflects what is fresh and available.
sweet breads with a green onion-potato “We have not-planning when it comes
dumpling, red onion relish, in an apricot to the menu. We cook whatever comes in
glace de vinade (think reduction or sauce). fresh that day…it keeps things interesting.
Then came the grass-fed beef roast with The atmosphere [in the kitchen] is very
turnips, cipollini onions, and a whipped sour collaborative,” Russo said.
cream spiced with mustard. The meat was Heartland’s move from the Macalester-
cooked to perfection and was deliciously Groveland location to the new Lowertown
seasoned. Finally, the chocolate-pecan site gave Russo the opportunity to open a
spice cake came with barley ice cream, farm direct market.
sherry sabayon (again, think of a sauce), “We moved to this location because we
cherry syrup, and a rich chocolate bark. bought the building…and it allowed us to
The dessert was a show stealer, which is open a market, which is something I have
been trying to do for years,” Russo said.
The market, like the restaurant, features
produce and products that are made and
grown in Minnesota and the greater regional
area. The market sells Heartland’s own line
of jams, jellies, and canned/pickled fruits
and vegetables, along with a diverse array
of fresh produce, ranging from vegetables
and meat to dairy.
The marketplace houses a deli counter, a
fully stocked bakery (featuring goods that
are all made in-house) along with a coffee
bar. A person looking for a house-made soup
or sandwich, a cup of coffee, or fresh bread
could easily be satisfied with their selection.
It is all reasonably priced.
Dining at HRFDM allowed me to experience
more than just a delicious and artfully
Beef roast with whipped sour cream.
prepared meal. The restaurant is an example
of what is possible when we emphasize
eating produce that is in season and grown
close to home. Not only are we able to eat
food that is tasty, we are able to participate
in a chain of relationships that connect us
to the land, farmers, traditions, and a way
of life that is worth preserving. By creating
a connection with how and where we get
our food, one is able to support the farmers
and small businesses that take great care
in their practices and products.
I would not hesitate to recommend HRFDM
to anyone; you might leave with a whole new
understanding and appreciation for eating
and buying food grown close to home.
Rita can be reached at
rchakrabarti@stkate.edu.
Heartland Restaurant &
Farm Direct Market
289 East Fifth Street
St.Paul, MN 55101
651-699-3536
Hours:
Farm Direct Market,
Tuesday–Sunday 9:00 a.m.-
9:00 p.m.
Restaurant,Tuesday- Sunday
5:00 p.m.-9:30 p.m
(last seating)
(SCU) community members are equally
committed to raising awareness about
environmental issues. SCU President Andrea
Lee (IHM) signed the American College and
University Presidents’ Climate Commitment
(ACUPCC) in 2008 and has since striven to
reduce carbon emissions and create a clean,
safe, and environmentally friendly campus.
SCU students, faculty, and staff have
also made impressive strides in raising
awareness on campus. In fall 2010, Professor
Jill Welter and Professor Cecilia Konchar-
Farr co-taught “Writing Environmental
Wrongs.” Students in this honors seminar
engaged in the traditions of American
nature writing and biological research,
while exploring current environmental
issues such as eutrophication, biofuel
development, global climate change, and
food production. Students also had the
opportunity to partake in field trips to
Belwin Conservatory in Afton, Minnesota
and Konza Praire in northeastern Kansas.
Overall, the course proved to be a successful
learning opportunity for all involved and
Konchar-Farr and Welter hope to offer it
again in fall 2012.
Other departments have begun integrating
sustainability into the curriculum as well. The
Apparel Design and Fashion Merchandising
programs have been incorporating sustainability
into their curriculum for three years. Along with
providing students with a solid background
in textile science, garment construction, and
fashion history, the curriculum emphasizes
the importance of social responsibility.
“We want to prepare professionals who have
a good understanding of interdependence
of the key tenets of sustainability so that
they can become agents of change in their
personal and professional spheres of influence,”
assistant professor of fashion and apparel,
Anupama Pasricha, said.
Assistant professor of theology, Colleen
Carpenter, has also made advancements
in addressing environmental issues in her
work. In fall 2011, Carpenter will be teaching
a topics courses entitled Ecotheology.
Ecotheology is a theological reflection
on creation, the environment, ecology
and social justice. The course will explore
topics including climate change, sustainable
agriculture, ecofeminism, and creation-
centered spirituality.
“So many students at St. Kate’s are interested
in ecology and climate change; I want them to
know that this is something that has theological
and spiritual implications...Theology explores
questions of meaning, value and truth—we
have to engage with everything in order to
explore those questions,” Carpenter said.
As the academic year comes to end, I hope
that students will appreciate the innovative
curriculum and develop into environmental
leaders.
“We are living through a crisis point in the
history of the Earth—and since we are living
in the United States, we are at the center of
the problem. We have to be an active part
of any potential solution,” Carpenter said.
Devon can be reached at
dvarndt@stkate.edu.
April 29, 2011 FEATURES The Wheel | 9
and it’s easy to see why. With similar Eastern European influences, incessant piano, and
Listen local: existential lyricism, Invie and Spektor both craft uniquely melancholic yet spirited melodies.
What sets the band apart from easy comparisons to artists like Spektor or Roma di

Embracing the
Dark... Dark Dark
By Claire Davidson
music columnist
Dark Dark Dark was formed in 2006 as a chamber folk band determined to take on
the local indie scene one show at a time. In 2008 they released their debut album “The
Snow Magic” on the label Supply and Demand Music to critical acclaim. After a few
years of EP releases, the band put out their sophomore album, “Wild Go,” last fall and
have been touring ever since.
Garnering serious buzz from fans of Roma di Luna and Peter Wolf Crier (both Minneapolis
bands quickly establishing themselves as leaders of the alternative music genre), Dark Dark
Dark has joined the realm of local indie hot-shots, playing to packed crowds and even
touring in Europe. Lead vocalist Nora Marie Invie is often compared to Regina Spektor
Luna, however, is Dark Dark Dark’s broad array of instruments: from accordion to piano
to banjo and back. While the album as a whole presents a cohesive picture, each songs
sounds completely different depending on the instrumental flavor it’s presented with.
For example, in the track “In Your Dreams,” one of my favorites, a spirited accordion
accompanies a bittersweet violin section after Invie delivers her simple yet meaningful
lyrics: “We all have dreams we forget,” she sings. “And when you’re alone, you’re so
alone.” Invie closes the track with the poetic verse:“Now you want to go where no one is
lonely/And rose water drips from my mouth like honey.” It is her playful use of metaphor
that keeps Invie’s style from being aggressively macabre and instead comes across as
curiously dichotomous and fascinating.
On another standout track, “Daydreaming,” Invie waxes sentimental about her connection
to nature and the simplicity of days gone by. “Oh now look to the east,” she sings. “Great
mountains remember me/Oh I wound around you for miles, I sat down right there and
stretched out my bones/Oh if you knew what it meant to me, oh the unspeakable things.”
It is this notion of “unspeakable things” that Invie carries throughout every track, the
mysteries of life that cannot be explained and so they must be sung. Dark Dark Dark’s
lyrics recall poetry and their sound recalls the best of what independent music has to offer.
Claire can be reached at cedavidson@stkate.edu.

Announcing: Study Abroad photo contest winners

Katies Abroad Cultural Connections

1st Place: Kathleen O’Meara, graduate, MAHS, January term 2011, India
Program title: J-term 2011 Holistic Health in India
 
Photo Title: Warm Indian Welcome
1st Place: Sarah Hollows, senior, Critical Studies of Race, Ethnicity, spring semester
Photo description: When our class stepped off the bus at BPS University in Sonipat, 2011, Nepal
India, we were overwhelmed by the hospitality we received.  The marching band played,
and we were adorned with marigold garlands, while saffron and petals were applied to our Program title: SIT Nepal: Tibetan and Himalayan Peoples
foreheads just before sitting down to a delicious Indian meal.  BPS is a women’s university Photo title: The Young Monk
with similar goals and mission to St. Catherine University’s. Photo description: Beneath the tall prayer flags that surround Drukpa Kunley’s monastery
  in Punakha, Bhutan, a young monk carries blankets inside to prepare for an evening prayer
2nd Place: Diana Tastad, and dinner.  
s e n i o r, In t e r n a t i o n a l 2nd Place: Jordyn Arndt, senior, French,
Relations, spring semester International Business, and Economics,
2010, Oslo, Norway, Romania spring 2010 semester, Morocco
Program title: HECUA-DSE Program title: IES Abroad Rabat, Morocco
Oslo, Norway, Romania
Photo title: Fez Tannery, Morocco
Photo title: Preikestolen
Photo description: This is a photograph of
Photo description: This one of the tanneries in Fez and captures the
picture was taken on the top of various stages of the tanning process. In the
Preikestolen which is located lower left hand corner there are hides that
in Stavanger, Norway. It took are dyed yellow lying out to dry.  As the eye
a ferry, a long bus ride and moves out from this point into the horizon, the
a two hour hike to reach the other stages of the tanning process come into
top of this mountain! But the view. The beauty of the vats of chemicals and
view was breathtaking! colors are in stark contrast to the reality of the
workers who work at the tannery; they assume
  great personal risk in exposing themselves to
Honorable Mention: Sarah Hollows, senior, these substances in order to make a living and
Critical Studies of Race, Ethnicity, spring provide consumers with leather goods.
semester 2010, Nepal
 
Program title: SIT Nepal: Tibetan and Himalayan
Peoples Honorable Mention: Kathryn Bitney,
graduate, MAOL, January term 2011, Israel
Photo title: Meditation at Burning Lake
Program title: Hamline’s Dispute Resolutions
Photo description: Sitting amidst hundreds Institute: Conflict Resolution from Religious
of prayer flags and khata (Tibetan offering Traditions
scarves) on the edge of a rock that overlooks
Membar Tsho – the Burning Lake – I reflected Photo title: Jerusalem Street Market
on the story of the place.  It was in the waters Photo description: Jerusalem is filled with
below that Guru Padmasambhava (the second street markets with multiple vendors selling
Buddha) buried a treasure that would later be their wares.  The man in this photo captured the
resurfaced by this re-incarnated disciple.  He essence of Jerusalem for me: very traditional,
proved himself by plunging into the pool and attentive to detail, and wanting to ensure
emerging with the treasure and a butter lamp that you experience only the finest goods
that never stopped burning. he has to offer.
10 | The Wheel
Prioritizing
imagination
•Internationally
acclaimed author
addresses SCU
By Janessa Schilmoeller
staff writer
Azar Nafisi, internationally acclaimed
author of “Reading Lolita in Tehran: A
Memoir in Books,” visited St. Catherine
University (SCU) last week to celebrate the
Year of the Liberal Arts.
Nafisi spent the week meeting with staff
and faculty, as well as students from the
SCU book club who read her memoir. As the
Bonnie Jean and Joan Kelly Distinguished
Scholar-in-Residence, Nafisi also accepted
her award during the visit and spoke to the
SCU community on “the Republic of the
Nafisi at a book discussion on April 20.
Alumnae Spotlight: Meredith Stockton
• SCU grad uses social
justice education at
Groupon.com
By Bre Berg and Jennifer
Quayle
Immediately after graduating from SCU
with a bachelor’s degree in both psychology
and sociology in May 2009, Meredith Stockton
moved to London to claim her spot at the
London School of Economics and Political
Science (LSE) where she received a master’s
degree in social and cultural psychology.
After graduating from LSE, Stockton entered
the job market which was struggling in the
economic downturn. It was not until she
received a tip from friends that she checked
out something a little unusual – Groupon,
a service that provides discounted deals for
local services.
“When I first started searching for jobs,
my dad told me to apply to everything I
was qualified for because my first job would
likely not turn into a career,” Stockton said.
“I hadn’t heard of Groupon because I was
abroad for a year, but all the cool kids were
talking about it so I, of course, subscribed.
After receiving one daily deal, I finally decided
to check out their open positions.  I applied
to two positions that sounded interesting
and somewhat applicable to my previous
experience and future career goals.”
After a phone interview and a subsequent
interview at their headquarters in Chicago,
Ill., Stockton was offered a position as a
Reviews Researcher before Thanksgiving and
packed her bags to move to the Windy City.
“I research businesses before the deal is featured
to make sure no one is yelping about toenails
in salad buffets or fatal skydiving accidents,”
Stockton said. “Having critical thinking
skills and social justice objectives drilled
into my head for four years, I feel like I use
FEATURES April 29, 2011
Imagination.”
Nafisi’s book, “Reading Lolita in Tehran,”
spent over 117 weeks on The New York Times
bestseller list. The book paints a picture of
the Islamic Revolution in Iran and its effects
on Nafisi and her students. Nafisi’s writing
centers on the importance of the humanities
in all societies and the consequences that
occur when we, as a global community,
neglect them.
In her lecture, Nafisi said, “It is easier to
question the world than to question ourselves.”
According to Nafisi, the liberal arts make it
possible to step into someone else’s shoes
and empathize with others while critically
analyzing one’s own behaviors. Through the
liberal arts, individuals and societies learn
to question not only the issues affecting the
world, but also how the acts of individuals
and societies affect those issues.
Nafisi is concerned that Americans are
letting the liberal arts fall through the cracks;
she believes we need to evaluate how ignoring
the humanities will affect the nation.
“What threatens us in the United States
is our sleeping consciousness,” Nafisi said.
In an age of social media and the “Twitter
generation,” Nafisi fears that great literature
and humanities risk slipping away. The
National Endowment for the Humanities
and the Arts is at a real risk right now as
politicians continue to cut funding from
the humanities and education.
Nafisi believes that Americans must wake
Nafisi delivers a keynote presentation at SCU on April 19. Photos by Jessica
up and define themselves and define their
Jones.
needs before Congress does so first.
“If you don’t define yourself, someone else University’s School of Advanced International among all humanity regardless of religion,
will do it for you,” Nafisi said. Studies in Washington, D.C. race, and gender.
With less face-to-face communication Cultural Conversations began as a dialogue Nafisi is a advocate of the liberal arts
and more mass media chatting, Nafisi project focused on discussion between and women’s rights. She continues to work
wants to make sure America does not forget Iranians and Americans on topics that passionately and enthusiastically to protect
the liberal arts and the imagination upon included culture, history, and women’s the humanities and is currently working
which America was built. Nafisi envisions a rights. The program has since developed on her newest book, “The Republic of the
march on Washington demanding a national into broader dialogue with the “Muslim Imagination.”
debate over the question of who will bail out World.” Nafisi feels that only listening Nafisi encourages the members of SCU
imagination and thought. to media and political descriptions of to continue advocating for the liberal arts
Nafisi exhibits her passion for the humanities Islam provides American with a reduced, and connecting with others through the
and liberal arts on a more global scale as a one-sided view of Islam, but by reaching imaginative power of the humanities.
visiting professor and the director of the out to others across art, music, and the
Cultural Conversations program at the humanities, people get a well-rounded Janessa can be reached at
Foreign Policy Institute of Johns Hopkins view and are able to see the similarities jlschilmoeller@stkate.edu.
There’s
it a lot at work because my job includes efficient that way, and it’s how our generation
weeding out businesses that may not be
treating customers, employees, or other
is used to communicating with each other,”
Stockton said. “However, one time our only
community members fairly. If the business
is in the clear, I write a brief review based on
the latest internet buzz. Even in a company
internet went out [and] we actually had to
walk around and talk to people face-to-face.
It was traumatic.”
one issue
as large as Groupon, it still comes down to
caring about the customer’s well-being,
which is often discussed in the curriculum
Though she is happy with her post-SCU
experiences in London and Chicago, Stockton
still looks back and wishes she would have
left
at St. Kate’s but maybe not from the same
business perspective.”
Groupon is what is known as a startup
taken a much-needed break before entering
an intense graduate program.
“I wish I would have taken at least a
to see your
company, one that
is relatively new
year off before going
to graduate school,” work in
and relies heavily
on technolog y.
For Stockton, it
“Itstillcomesdownto
Stockton said. “I
definitely know myself
better and what I would
print! Join
is not the kind of
company she ever
thought she would
caring about the
customer’s well-
have wanted out of a
program better than
I did as a senior at St.
us this
be working for.
“I never thought
b e i n g , w h i ch i s
Kate’s.”
Despite any regrets, Saturday
at Noon
I’d be working at Stockton is not done
an internet startup
company, but I’m often discussed in with her education and
has high ambition for
very lucky to have
this experience. the curriculum at her future career.
“My current position for our
The people and
St. Kate’s...” is fun and a nice break
the policies are
always changing,
which makes - Meredith Stockton
from academia, but
it is not my career
of choice,” Stockton
final
for an exciting
and fast-paced
said.  “I started at
Groupon knowing that all-staff
meeting of
work environment, and provides a lot of I had unrelated career goals, so I wouldn’t
opportunity to move up and around the really say it has changed my views about
company,” Stockton said. “When I was hired, much, but it has provided me with valuable
there were only a few of us doing reviews
research, but now we’ve doubled in size.”
The emphasis that Groupon has on
insight into the working world and even
more motivation to go back to school for
my desired career.”
the year.
technology for sales and advertising, specifically
email, starts in the office. Bre can be reached at
“We communicate mostly through our bmberg@stkate.edu.
own email and instant messaging system,
and only make phone calls if it’s something Jennifer can be reached at
that needs immediate attention.  It’s more jequayle@stkate.edu.
April 29, 2011 HEALTH The Wheel | 11

Organics
chemicals used on our plants creates richer
soil and water and makes for a happier
Mother Earth.
101
Eating food that is sans chemicals is
also better for our own health, as well as
the health of animals. According to the
Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC),
pesticides have been linked to various
health problems including neurological
disorders and respiratory difficulties.
• Where to find organic Additionally, purchasing organic meats
is safer and more ethical as well. When
food close to campus a package of meat says “organic” on it,
it is almost always a safe bet that those
By Annah Ruhland animals had access to the outdoors, were
staff writer not injected with medicines (hormones
and antibiotics) ,and had been organically
Organic foods. You see them in the fed as well.
marketplace; you read about them in However, there have been cases where
newspapers. But what are the true benefits farmers have misrepresented the nature of
of eating and growing organically? their practices. A good way to avoid running
For one thing, organic food is better for into this problem is to visit a marketplace
the environment because the synthetic that patrols and ensures that these issues
pesticides and chemicals used to combat do not occur.
weeds and bugs are harmful to the earth. Here is a list of some of the best area
Eating organically can reduce the amount of marketplaces for purchasing organic,
chemicals running into rivers and seeping fair-trade and local foods while avoiding
into our groundwater. Eliminating the running into ethical predicaments:
Photo by Ka Vang.
Mississippi Market: A co-op is, according to Mississippi Market’s website, a “business
created and voluntarily owned and controlled by the people who use it.” Co-ops must
also live up to these seven principles: “Voluntary and open membership, democratic
member control, member economic participation, autonomy and independence,
education, training and information, cooperation among cooperatives, and concern
for community.”
The original Mississippi Co-op is still standing and can be found on Selby and
Dale. This grocer is not a union but the fact that it is a co-op cancels out that
minor, negative aspect. There is a wonderful selection and array of local foods,
organic foods and everything else in-between. The store also offers educational
and cooking classes.
The Melting Point:
You emit what you
eat
By Dana Bloomquist
copy editor
Humor me for a moment: think about the last meal you ate. Where did you buy it?
Where was it grown? Where, and how, was its fertilizer produced? Where and how was
its container manufactured? Where was it processed or assembled? How much electricity
did you use to cook it? How much of it and its packaging did you throw in the trash? Like
the vast majority of Americans, you probably don’t know the answers to these questions.
Maybe, like many Americans, you didn’t ask them.
With climate change gaining so much attention lately, movements have been started that
encourage people to re-evaluate their eating habits so as to be more conscious of–and then
reduce–the environmental impact they have.
People have begun counting “food miles,” the distance food travels to reach your dining
room (or restaurant) table. Others have been calculating your “carbon foodprint,” a play
the “carbon footprint,” to assess the environmental impact of everything food-related
you do. Still others have expounded the general benefits of eating locally (they argue
it not only helps the environment but saves you time and money, helps the economy,
and builds stronger communities).
According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), the average
American spends over two hours per day eating and drinking (assuming you sleep
eight hours a day, that is twelve percent of your waking hours). And this doesn’t count
the time spent going to the store to buy it, shopping for it, bringing it home, storing it,
preparing it, or cleaning up after consuming it. Furthermore, in 2006 the USDA found
that Americans spend about ten percent of their income on food.
The bottom line: food is really important to us. We put a lot of time, energy, and
money into what we eat. Do we really want to invest even more? Organic food can
be expensive and, it requires quite a bit of research to uncover the unseen costs of the
food you eat; it seems like the issue is unceasingly complex. For example, let’s assume
you were conscious when seeking out, purchasing, preparing, and consuming your
food. There’s still the issue of what happens after the meal is over.
According to Brighter Planet, about 30 percent of all America’s garbage (actual landfill-
bound garbage, not including compost or recycling) is food-related—620,000,000,000
pounds every year. Plus, discarded food scraps make up two-thirds of the weight of all
that food-related waste. Plus, you know those bad carbon emissions people are always
talking about? Food garbage in landfills continues to release gas into the atmosphere, so
even after throwing your food away it may be contributing to climate change. As if that
wasn’t enough to consider, Americans also throw away a lot of food packaging—bottles,
containers, and wrappings made of paper, plastic, metal, and glass. Of all of this packaging
that is recyclable, about 85 percent of it is chucked into landfills.
This doesn’t apply to you? Let’s say you recycle and keep the leftovers. Refrigerators
consume about 30 percent of all of our food-related energy consumption. Think you’re
reducing your carbon foodprint if you recycle and eat all your food with no leftovers? Washing
the dishes consumes another 15 percent of Americans’ food-related energy consumption.
I’m not here to try to convince you to take it upon yourself to save the planet or drastically
change your lifestyle. I just want you to look at the facts. What the facts point to is that
there is a lot of opportunity to change our eating habits for the better.
Dana can be reached at dlbloomquist@stkate.edu.

Fuel up!
Seward Co-op: The Seward neighborhood in Minneapolis, located around Franklin
Avenue, is a one-stop spot for everything organic, local and great (i.e, the Seward Café).
The co-op is fairly reminiscent of the design and structure of Mississippi Market except
that it isn’t a chain. A vital aspect of the co-op is that it is completely independent. The
only downfall of the shop is that it is located significantly further away from St. Catherine
University (SCU) than Whole Foods, Mississippi Market and Kowalski’s. However, students
interested in checking out their selection can always elect to bike or carpool! • Snacks to keep your
body energized
By Monica Cuevas
staff writer
We all experience times during the day
when we feel weak, fatigued, or just like we’re
dragging. Do you find yourself reaching for a
Coke, energy drink or a Mountain Dew and
candy bar during these times? I am guilty of
often grabbing a Cherry Coke Zero or a cup
of coffee in the afternoon. Many times we
think we need caffeine or sugar because we
are lacking sleep but, in reality, our bodies
may actually be low on fuel.
Going too long without eating can make
us feel tired, cranky, and can slow down
our thought processes. Some people
even experience nausea. These symptoms
Photo by Ka Vang. are the result of low blood sugar, so our
natural tendency is to seek sugar. While
Whole Foods: Despite its popularity for being a grocery store that offers a large sugary snacks quickly replenish our blood
selection of organic foods, I would suggest heading over to a co-op (or even Kowalski’s) sugar levels and immediately make us feel
before embarking on a trip to Whole Foods. The store isn’t a union but is also not a better, they also cause a big spike in our
co-op. Whole Foods isn’t a local grocery either but is actually a national chain based glucose and insulin levels. What goes up
out of Austin, Texas. I would still highly recommend shopping here before ever must come down—resulting in the sugar
thinking about going anywhere like Walmart or Target, chains that weren’t originally “crash” we have probably all experienced.
grocery stores and are taking away business from local stores. The key is choosing small, healthy snacks
or mini-meals that include both protein
and carbohydrates. They can help keep our
Annah can be reached at amruhland@stkate.edu. energy levels high throughout the day and
won’t cause that high spike in blood sugar.
Try one of the energizing snacks below to
enjoy when your body needs it.
Here are some sample snacks:
• Sliced apple with 1 tablespoon peanut
butter
• Turkey and tomato on 1 slice whole-
wheat bread
• Small skim latte with a piece of fruit
• Low-fat cottage cheese and a peach
or pear
• A hard-boiled egg and a piece of fruit
• 1/3 cup almonds and 1/4 cup dried
apricots
• A yogurt-and-fruit smoothie
• 1/4 cup hummus  and baby carrots
• Low-fat yogurt and fresh strawberries
• Baked sweet potato with low-fat
cottage cheese
• 10 baked tortilla chips and 1/2 cup
bean salsa
• 1.5 oz. reduced-fat cheese and 5
whole-grain crackers
• Half a peanut butter and banana
sandwich (1 tablespoon peanut
butter)
There are many, many more choices for
healthy snacks. Be creative! Just pick a lean
protein, a smart carbohydrate, and try to
keep the snack around 200 calories.
Monica can be reached at
mcuevas@stkate.edu.
12 | The Wheel HEALTH & SPORTS April 29, 2011

Ask Katie: pressure, verbal coercion, alcohol or drugs, • Know who you can trust. Seek out the want to go to the police right away,
physical coercion, and physical force. company of people you trust, and avoid keep your clothes on just in case you
Now that you can identify what sexual going off with people you don’t know. change your mind.

Sexual assault may consist of, let’s look at what you

can do to help prevent it from happening.
Note, however, that if you don’t do these
These tips are not failsafe; sometimes
sexual assault still occurs even with these
• Seek medical attention. Even if you
choose not to file a report with the police,
you should get examined to check for

assault things (or do them and are still sexually

assaulted), it is not your fault if you are
sexually assaulted. You always have the right
precautions.

If you think you have been the victim

• The Ask Katie! peer health
advisers answer your health-
related questions
Compiled by Dana Bloomquist
Recently, a St. Catherine University (SCU)
student reported that she was the victim of
sexual assault near campus. It was a shocking
event to many members of the SCU and
Highland Park communities, especially
because the area is often acclaimed for being
a safe and friendly neighborhood.
Let’s consider this an opportunity to
educate ourselves about sexual assault: what
it means, how to help prevent it, and what to
do if it happens to you or someone you know.
The term “sexual assault” can mean any
type of sexual contact that wasn’t solicited
and isn’t consensual between parties (usually
a person enacting the sexual contact and a
person receiving it). This can be anything
from unwanted touching over your clothes to
forced sexual intercourse. Unwanted sexual
contact can also include words suggesting
sexual activity that are unwelcome. People
who engage in sexual assault may use a variety
of methods to achieve it: some include social
to file a report with the authorities and have
the right to be treated respectfully.
So, what are some things you can do?
• Travel in pairs or groups if possible;
don’t make yourself more vulnerable
than you have to be. If you are on
campus, remember that you can always
call x8888 for a security escort. Keep
the number of a taxi company in your
cell phone, so you can call one in a
pinch if need be.
• Make sure someone knows where you
are at all times. This way, someone
will know to check in on you and will
notice if something’s wrong.
• Keep alcohol and drug use in check. Being
under the influence of a mind-altering
substance can alter your judgement.
Drugs and alcohol can also be a tool
used by people who are looking to take
advantage of you.
• Notice your surroundings. Be aware
of the people around you so you can
identify if someone is out of place
with what you would expect. Also,
be aware of where you are, so you
don’t get lost or end up somewhere
you aren’t familiar with and didn’t
expect to be.
physical injury, check for contact with
sexually transmitted infections, and
check for pregnancy.
of sexual assault, here’s what you can do: • Get help afterwards. People who are
• First and foremost: get somewhere safe. victims of sexual assault may have a
This may be your home, a friend’s home, lot of questions or concerns following
the hospital, or a police station. This the incident, and it’s a good thing to
will help you relax, talk about what has have someone to talk to about them.
happened, and figure out what to do SCU students can see someone in the
next. If you are alone, call someone counseling center (again, x6805).
you can talk to. This may be a friend
or family member, or an agency’s phone Please note that the Ask Katie! advisers
number. If it is during the day, you can are not trained medical professionals;
call the SCU counseling center at x6805. contact your health care provider with
If it’s not, you can call the Rape and immediate questions or concerns. AskKatie!
Sexual Abuse Center’s hotline at (612)- should not be used in place of professional
825-4357. And don’t forget about 911! consultation.
• Try to avoid cleaning up (brushing If you still have unanswered questions,
your teeth, showering, and changing don’t forget to go to the Ask Katie! stall in
clothes). If you plan to file a report your residence hall and write a question
of the incident, your clothes and body on the anonymous notepad. If you live off
may carry evidence that the authorities campus, email questions to healthwellness@
can use. Even if you aren’t sure if you stkate.edu.
Want to learn more? You’re in luck! Ask Katie is having an event where
members of Regions Hospital’s Sexual Assault Response Team will talk
more about sexual assault prevention, advocacy for victims of sexual assault,
and what you need to know. There will also be time to ask questions. The
speakers will present on Monday, May 2 from 12:15 to 1:30. The event will
be in room 361 of the CdC. All are welcome to attend!

Feels like
“I think we are looking much better than practices are usually filled with small-sided start talking about winning games and
any other year that I have played,” Piak said. scrimmages and a fair amount of fitness achieving goals. We’ll defend with structure
“Just during the spring practices I could see exercises. and discipline, attack with creativity and

team spirit a new fire that was burning within people

to do better and push ourselves.”
The team’s spring training practices have
mainly consisted of the free-flowing and
Citowicki has two main goals for the flow, and play with passion and desire.”
remainder of the 2010-11 academic school

One of these is to let the women on the field

• SCU soccer team
prepares for new season
By Maggie Weiss
staff writer
This year, the St. Catherine University
(SCU) soccer team plans to take their game to
the next level. With a new season coming, a
new coach, and a rash of incoming students,
they are looking forward to taking the soccer
field by storm.
New coach Chris Citowicki is very excited
with the progress the team has made on
the field.
“Practices have been going very well,”
Citowicki said. “The ladies have shown up
with a great attitude and are working hard.
Primarily we are getting used to each other:
a new coaching staff generally means new
standards and different methods. It takes
some time but they are adjusting a lot faster
than I thought.”
Sophomore Cristina Paik echoes enthusiasm
about the team’s progress.
creative aspects that are present in soccer;
Wildcats in a team huddle at a recent practice.
Paik agrees, adding that the Wildcats have
year and is passionate about meeting them. bonded more than they ever have before.
“The team dynamic has changed a full
get used to his style of coaching. 180 [degrees],” Paik said. “We are now a
“On the field I want huge family. There were girls on the team
to get across a couple last year that I really didn’t even know. A
basic concepts on how couple weeks after Chris came, I knew
we will play,” Citowicki them better than two seasons worth of
said. “I want them to hanging out together. Chris has instilled
become familiar with in us a family dynamic.”
my coaching style and Citowicki wants to add a new culture
that of my assistants.” to the team, helping it to build upon the
Another go al that foundations that previous players and coaches
Citowicki wants to meet have already set down.
this spring is to get the “We’ll have an intense training environment
community involved that will produce the desired performances
with the team and for on and off the field.” Citowicki said.
the women to give back Citowicki’s biggest and most passionate
to the neighborhood. vision for the Wildcats is to see them repeat
“Off the field I would some of the program’s previous successes
like us to engage in one they have had before, such as the 2000
service project as a team season which included an invitation to the
and get some fundraising National Collegiate Athletic Association
done.” Citowicki said. (NCAA) tournament.
For Paik, the prospect “What I want to see is a professionally run
of traveling out of state legacy that excels in all areas: academics,
to play in the upcoming games, practices, fundraising, recruiting,
season is an exciting one. community service,” Citowicki said. “We
“I am looking forward want to achieve greatness in each of those
to just be out on the areas and more. I want our student-athletes

Upcoming SCU sporting events field every day with my graduating from here feeling complete.”
team,” Paik said.“Also, I am
excited about our team Maggie can be reached at
DATE   SPORT   OPPONENT   LOCATION   TIME   trip to Portland, Oregon, maweiss@stkate.edu.
4/28-­‐30/11   Track   Drake  Relays   Des  Moines,  IA   TBA   which is my hometown. It
will be exiting
4/28/11   Softball   St.  Olaf  College   Northfield,  MN   TBA   to play in front
4/29/11   Tennis   Bethel   St.  Kate’s     4:00  p.m.   of my family
University   and friends.”
4/30/11   Softball   Hamline   Hamline     1:00  p.m.   Citowicki is
University   eagerly looking
forward to Aug.
4/30/11   Track   Rider  Invitational   Macalester     10:00  a.m.   19, the first
5/1/11   Tennis   Hamline   Hamline   4:00  p.m.   d ay of pre -
University   season for the
5/2/11   Softball   Martin  Luther   New  Ulm,  MN   4:00  p.m.   Wildcats.
College     “We have to
create a tight-
5/2/11   Tennis   Macalester   Macalester   5:30  p.m.   knit family
5/4/11   Softball   Northwestern   St.  Kate’s     4:00  p.m.   environment
College  (MN)   where players
5/4/11   Track   Tommie  Twilight   St.  Thomas     4:00  p.m.   fight and
5/6-­‐7/11   Softball   MIAC   TBA   TBA   sacrifice for
each other,”
Tournament   Citowicki said. Players enjoy the attitude of less formal spring
5/13-­‐14/11   Track   MIAC   St.  Peter,  MN   3:00  p.m.  /  12:00   “Once that is in practices. Photos by Heather Kolnick.
Championships   p.m.   place we can