Office of Recreation, Involvement, and Student Engagement (R.I.S.E.)
Clubs and OrganizationsAcademic Clubs
ASCD (Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development)
ASCD stands for the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development. ASCD is a national association and network of educators, and it is the education club on campus. The club provides access to further explore the field of education. ASCD brings in guest speakers, such as the Minnesota Teacher of the Year, hosts panels, and other interactive, hands-on experiences for students.
President:
Mitchell Klatt
Biology
Biology Club hosts a variety of events and fundraisers in an effort to educate the student body on issues related to biology as well as to have fun, educational, and community-building activities; some common events include camping trips, bluff clean-ups, and invasive species removal. Biology Club is open to any willing and participating students, provided they attend some club meetings and help with fundraising events.
Co-Presidents: Hannah Widdes & Rachel Hewitt
Chemistry & Physics
The Chemistry and Physics Club promotes involvement in the community science programs, including providing demonstrations for local schools and programs on campus. The club works to expose members to various opportunities in the chemistry and physics fields. Some events include trips to chemistry labs, chemis-tree decoration, and local school demonstrations. The club also watches science-related movies and documentaries and discusses new topics in chemistry and physics.
President: Nicholas West
Criminal Justice Club
Criminal Justice Club provides students the opportunity to learn more about Criminal Justice related fields and potential career opportunities through engaging talks by professionals in the field, fields trips to educational destinations, and hands-on activities like the Mock Trial event.
President: Ryann (Rosie) Aschenbrener
Data Analytics Club
The Data Analytics Club follows Saint Mary’s mission statement of awakening, nurturing, and empowering students to ethical lives of service and leadership. We follow the mission by implementing the five themes of Business Intelligence: business acumen, mathematics, computer science, data command, and communication. With these five themes, students are awakened to the stimulating environment of Business Intelligence, nurtured through the backing of well-established professionals, empowered in developing the skill sets to succeed in the Business Intelligence work force, and provided the opportunity to serve through teaching the community valuable data skills to be used in everyday life.
President: Caleb Gundberg
Math & Computer Science
The purpose of this organization is to promote scholarship and interest in mathematics, statistics, and computer science for members of Saint Mary’s University and social exchange among Saint Mary’s University students, mathematics faculty, and other interested faculty members.
President:
PR Business and Entrepreneurship
The P/R Business and Entrepreneurship Club gives students exposure to specific positions in the Public Relations and Business fields. This is done through field trips to businesses in the Twin Cities, Rochester, La Cross, and Winona area. Also, speakers are brought in throughout the semester to talk about their experiences and give students advice. The club goes on a trip each semester and hosts two to three speakers a semester.
We will connect with rising entrepreneurs in music, sports, gaming, web design and many other industries. The club will take trips to Start-Up Venture weekends, TedX talks, and co-working/on-demand innovation work spaces around Minnesota. If you are curious about how to use your major to make a difference, come see what local entrepreneurs are doing and connect with change makers in your field!
President: Theresa (Teesa) Shafranski
Future Health Professionals
CThe Future Health Professions Club at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota is a community of students willfully dedicated to providing various opportunities related to various career paths in the world of health professions in hopes of advancing the understanding of those health-related career fields and further education.
Goal 1. Create and Maintain a collaborative interpersonal community of students seeking guidance and opportunities for their perspective health profession career path.
Goal 2. Aid all members in the steps and process of their prospective career path.
Goal 3. Provide all members with the opportunity to grow, learn, and excel through various opportunities in order to be prepared for further education and life outside of SMUMN.
Goal 4. Become an accredited chapter for multiple pre-health profession organizations to provide members with graduation regalia opportunities, and other opportunities that will aid in their career path advancements both now and in the future.
Goal 5. Maintain a healthy active status in the SMUMN community as well as the Winona community while upholding the values of integrity, honesty, and dedication.
Co-Presidents: Larkin Clem
Psychology Club
The purpose of psychology club is to promote interest in the area of psychology and to provide a vehicle for exploring psychological issues in the hopes of furthering theoretical and practical knowledge as it pertains to students and campus life. Also, this club attempts to facilitate intellectual discussion and personal involvement in the community services of Winona.
President: Katelyn Halisz
Awareness/Political
College Democrats
The Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota College Democrats are an affiliate of the College Democrats of America which is the official youth outreach arm of the Democratic National Committee.
President: Maria Flynn
College Republicans
As the College Republicans of Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota we strive to facilitate civil discussion of social and political issues, support and elect Republican candidates, support the Republican Agenda, and become the future leaders of the conservative movement. We are committed to ensuring that increasing numbers of young Americans understand and are inspired by the ideas of individual freedom, a strong national defense, free enterprise, and traditional values.
President: Riley Hall
Colleges Against Cancer
Colleges Against Cancer promotes cancer awareness and raises funds for cancer research. We do a No Shave November event to raise money for cancer research, and we participate in the Winona County Relay for Life.
President: Briana Williquett
Culture of Life
The Culture of Life Club is committed to cultivating a society that supports human dignity at all stages in life. In order to foster this type of community, we host events pertaining to pro-life, sustainability, and helping the impoverished, elderly, and many others. We dedicate ourselves to working for a better tomorrow and improving the lives of those around us.
President: Aidan Indahl
SAGA (Sexuality and Gender Alliance)
Sexuality and Gender Alliance, in accordance with Saint Mary’s dedication to diversity and social justice, will actively build community among LGBTQ persons and their straight allies. The alliance works to create an awareness of and respect for sexual diversity. Because of the prevalence of heterosexism and homophobic attitudes, SAGA recognizes the difficulty that sexually diverse students may have in realizing, and celebrating all aspects of their personalities and cultures. By providing an educational and supportive environment to the Saint Mary’s University campus, SAGA will combat myths, prejudices and fears about LGBTQ persons and their cultures in order to dispel them. We will sponsor lectures, panels, residence hall programs, discussions, films, showcases, literature, and entertainment events concerning issues of sexual diversity.
President: Rachel Hewitt
Student Senate
The Student Senate of Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota is the official representative and voice of the undergraduate student body.
Our Mission is to act as the official representative of the undergraduate student body on the Winona campus by articulating student views while pursuing best interests with the Board of Trustees, the administration, and faculty in order to promote mutual cooperation, understanding, and transparency to further enhance the quality of education, life on campus, including student organizations, social, cultural, spiritual, and co-curricular activities.
President: Elijah Williams
Club Sports
Ballroom Dance
The purpose of this club is to provide students with the opportunity to learn how to ballroom dance in a relaxed and fun environment. This club hopes to provide a fun atmosphere in which students can learn to dance, while having a good time. The club will also be involved in collegiate competitions and an annual showcase.
President: Nicole Wurm
Dance Team
The Cardinal Dance Team aims to amp up school spirit by performing jazz, pom, and kick routines at basketball games throughout the academic year.
Co-Presidents: Allison Moysis & Danielle Rhodes & Brianna Galang
Men's Club Hockey
Saint Mary’s Club Hockey Team, founded in 2011 by Christian Esposito, allows students the opportunity to play competitive hockey outside of the NCAA. Saint Mary’s is an independent team in the Central Conference of the American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA) Division II. We play teams primarily from Minnesota and the Midwest. The ACHA is the largest college hockey association in the United States and has been growing and flourishing since its inaugural season in 1991.
President: Kohlton Babcock
Nordic Ski Club
All undergraduate students are invited who wish to continue their development in nordic skiing. Resources will be available to support training and travel to collegiate- and citizen-level races.
WHY JOIN THE SKI CLUB?
- Learn the exciting sport of nordic (cross-country) skiing or continue your development through organized team practice and competition
- Meet other students while fostering a love for the sport through bonding activities and fun night skis on the lighted campus trails
Improve ski skills through optional training, including fall dryland training - Help the local community by volunteering for trail maintenance and teaching youth to ski
- Travel to citizen races in the Midwest, e.g.: Junior National Qualifiers (JNQs), CCSA invitationals, and the American Birkebeiner/Kortelopet
President: Wesley Larson
Soccer Club
The mission of the club is not only to unite members of the Saint Mary’s University community through the medium of soccer, but to allow Saint Mary’s students to interact with and spread their love of soccer to younger members of the community by volunteering at Riverway or Maplewood events with the help of our advisor Joseph Tadie. With his assistance, the club is not only allowed to practice during the week and play games against other Minnesota-based soccer clubs, but to take an hour or two out of our busy student lives to give back to the greater Winona community.
President: Simon Warmkagathje
Ultimate Frisbee
The Ultimate Frisbee Club is a fun and competitive sport, where you can also have a great time making friends and meeting new people. We host and attend a variety of tournaments throughout the year, and we have practices on weekdays.
President: William Sepsis
Greek Life
Phi Mu Alpha
The fraternity seeks to guide its members into virtue and brotherhood while advancing music around campus and in the community. Through performances, setups, and socials events, the group grows in music while staying loyal to its Alma Mater.
President: William Sepsis
Sigma Alpha Iota
TO FORM chapters of women college students and alumnae who have a sincere interest in music.
TO UPHOLD the highest standards of music.
TO FURTHER the development of music in America and throughout the world.
TO GIVE inspiration and encouragement to members.
TO ORGANIZE the cultural life of Sigma Alpha Iota members as a contributing factor to their educational growth.
TO SUPPORT the ideals and goals of the members Alma Mater.
TO ADHERE to the highest standards of citizenship in school, community and fraternity life. “The VISION of Sigma Alpha Iota International Music Fraternity is to be recognized through-out the world as the foremost fraternity that
- Supports and encourages women musicians of all ages, races, and nationalities
- Supports and promotes successful and innovative educational programs in music for all stages of life
- Cultivates excellence in musical performance
- Promotes programs and activities that stress the love and importance of music in our lives
- Recognizes technological advances in the field of music
- Dedicates financial resources that ensure the continuation of programs necessary to support the objectives of the fraternity in perpetuity
- Has as its members people who exemplify professional and ethical behavior in the spirit of the Sigma Alpha Iota founders.
President: Dani Mengel
Group Fitness
Yoga Club
Yoga Club wants to provide a stress-free and relaxing environment for students to practice yoga, gain flexibility, take a break from studying, and meet new people. Meets twice a week: Mondays and Wednesdays at 7:30 pm in the dance room.
President: Makenna Vickery & Allison Moysis
This semester we are meeting once a week on Mondays via Zoom from 7:30-8:30 p.m.
Multicultural
Black Students and Allies
The main objective of this organization is to foster education and personal development through diversity, academics, and social services that will bridge the gap between students of color and the general population at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota. We will also strive to integrate new students into the welcoming atmosphere of Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota.
President: Thelmalee Titus
Merging Intercultural Experiences (MIX)
Merging Inter-Cultural Experience (MIX) is a support, service, and educational organization of the Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota Community. It is the goal of this association to work closely with the administration and community of Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota to empower all members of this community to come together to challenge, inspire, and liberate ourselves from the fears and prejudices which impair our ability to achieve our full potential. Central to this mission is ensuring that all persons of diverse ethnic backgrounds have a forum to bring issues of human difference to the table. MIX serves as a club where these differences can be acknowledged, celebrated, and appreciated enabling all members of this learning community to be part of our larger mission of educating and celebrating the whole person
President: Christa Ingabire
Performance, Visual, and Fine Arts
Art Club
President: Morgan Von Feldt
Pep Band
Pep Band Club is the official provider of live music for all relevant athletic events at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota. Returning this year after a brief hiatus, the Pep Band Club is open to any students who can play a band instrument, preferably those who have played at the high school level or above. Those who are not currently involved in collegiate music, or enrolled in a music course at Saint Mary’s, are highly encouraged and invited to join.
President: Patrick Derleth
Religious
Deprecor
The purpose of Deprecor is to enrich and support students’ catholic faith through the Liturgy of the Hours, community prayer, and to encourage students in creating faith based community on campus.
Co-Presidents: Kelsey Fuerstenberg
Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA)
The mission of FCA is to provide all athletes and non-athletes of the Saint Mary’s campus with the opportunity to connect the world of sports to faith. FCA is open to anyone and everyone. All members have equal rights to membership and ability to hold a leadership position. The club at all times will hold a president, vice president, secretary and treasurer. The president shall lead meetings and send out weekly emails. The vice president is responsible for leading prayer and welcoming everyone. The secretary is responsible for making advertisements for events, and the treasurer is responsible for money concerns. The advisor for FCA is David Foley who is a full-time staff member at Saint Mary’s. They will not only advise what we do, but take part in our meetings as well. General meetings will be held twice a month on, Tuesdays while leadership meetings will be held every Tuesday. All members will be notified via email about the meetings. The meetings will include a game of some sort and a biblically based devotional that relates our faith with athletics.
President: Amanda Tuvey & Samantha Kubes
Knights of Columbus
President: Nathan Herr
Daughters of Isabella
President: Abi Lang
Service Clubs
Green Bandana Project
President: Katie Pierpont
Habitat for Humanity
Habitat for Humanity offers students at Saint Mary’s University the opportunity to step out into Winona and help the less fortunate through painting, construction, and demolition. It is the goal of the organization to promote the students’; leadership and impact on the surrounding community.
President: Grace Hubbell
Serving Others United in Love (S.O.U.L.)
S.O.U.L provides students with the opportunity to attend mission/immersion trips. These trips provide students the opportunity to learn about social justice, human rights, and children welfare issues. These are firsthand experiences to the issues and will help students grow through knowledgeable perspectives. There are fall, winter, spring, summer, and weekend trips.
The group meets Sundays at 7 p.m. in Vlazny.
President: Lizzie Trnka
Lasallian Collegians
Inspired by the charism and life journey of St. John Baptist de La Salle, Patron Saint of Teachers and Founder of the Christian Brothers, Lasallian Collegians focus on three key elements of Lasallian spirituality: Faith, Service, and Community. Our activities and meetings involve both students as well as Brothers on campus in a variety of activities, striving to build community, while growing in our faith and serving others.
Executive Team: Clair Cardinal, Mitchell Klatt, and Rebecca Smart
Special Interest
Anime Club
The Anime Club’s aim is to offer an enjoyable and welcoming atmosphere for its members to watch anime and do anime related activities on a weekly basis. We aim to introduce the rest of the campus community to this distinct Japanese art form and raise awareness of the country’s rich history and culture while also create a space and build a community of anime fans to enjoy their common interests together. We want to persuade those who believe anime is just for kids to alter their opinions. We welcome anyone to join us in our events so that we may expose the genre to a new audience and show them how it can be enjoyed by people of all ages.
Co-Presidents: Shanice Davis
Fishing Club
The Anime Club’s aim is to offer an enjoyable and welcoming atmosphere for its members to watch anime and do anime related activities on a weekly basis. We aim to introduce the rest of the campus community to this distinct Japanese art form and raise awareness of the country’s rich history and culture while also create a space and build a community of anime fans to enjoy their common interests together. We want to persuade those who believe anime is just for kids to alter their opinions. We welcome anyone to join us in our events so that we may expose the genre to a new audience and show them how it can be enjoyed by people of all ages.
Co-Presidents: Shanice Davis
Canoe and Kayak Club
President: Grace Hubbell
Cardinals Connecting Cardinals
Student Engagement Committee Chair: Hanna Widdes
Dungeons and Dragons Club
President: Rebekah Erickson
Garden Club
The purpose of the Garden club shall be to learn about the practical ways of sustaining plants and the environment, explore and utilize our outdoor surroundings and to teach and connect with anyone who is eager to give the natural setting a helping hand.
President: Kathering Schroettner
Student Activities Committee (SAC)
The Student Activities Committee (SAC) of Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota is responsible for providing the Winona campus community with:
- A variety of inclusive social, recreational, and educational programs.
- A nurturing environment for students to socialize and interact with their peers outside of the classroom
- Extra-curricular opportunities for students to develop and display their leadership skills and talents.
Participation from the entire student body is encouraged and all programs are considered. Committee meetings are held weekly and events are on-going throughout the academic year.
President: Hannah Taube
Taylor Richmond Benefit Dance
The Taylor Richmond Benefit Dance has been a spring tradition at Saint Mary’s for nearly 20 years. Each year a dance, featuring a live band, is held in Saint Mary’s gymnasium. Proceeds from the dance and accompanying auction are given to a community member in need.
The benefit dance was started in 2001 by students in honor of Taylor Richmond, son of Saint Mary’s staff member Nikki Richmond and Nick Richmond. The dance ensures that Taylor’s memory lives on at Saint Mary’s.
President: Hanna Widdes
Skate Club
Join us for open skates every Sunday from 7:00-9:00 pm.
President: Alexia Chapman