September 21, 2007 - Saint Mary's University of Minnesota

2 September 21, 2007 News www.smumn.edu/cardinal
Br. Bob takes post at Bethlehem U.
BY LINDSAY DICKSON
Editor-in-Chief
Brother Robert J. Smith, FSC, said goodbye to his
friends and colleagues at Saint Mary’s University last
month. Brother Bob has since assumed duties of vice
president for academic affairs at Bethlehem
photo by Deb Nahrgang
Brother Bob (left) with colleagues at
farewell reception last month. He is
now taking on new challenges at
Bethlehem University.
University of the Holy Land, a Lasallian university in
Palestine.
“As a Brother, I want to be open to needs that other
Lasallian schools face. There’s a need and I was
asked,” Brother Bob said.
He considered this offer for a few months before
announcing it to SMU. While at SMU, Brother Bob
was a professor in the theology department and was
also director of Christ the Teacher Institute of
Education in Nairobi, Kenya. Most recently, he was
the vice president for mission and the director of
Center for Enhancement of Learning and Teaching.
Bethlehem University was co-founded by the
Vatican and the Christian Brothers in 1973. With
approximately 2,600 undergraduates, the university is
70 percent Muslim and 30 percent Catholic. Brother
Bob explained that the university is in Palestine, an
occupied territory. There are checkpoints manned by
Israeli soldiers and the school was closed from 2000-
2003 due to violence. “There are irresolvable issues
there. Some parts of the world have it more difficult
than others,” he explained. “Our campus shows
effects of rockets, bullets and teargas.”
Before leaving SMU, Smith explained that he feels
psychologically and mentally prepared for this new
journey. “Being in Africa five years ago gave me
good practice,” said Brother Bob. “But the preparation
has been laid over the past 20 years.”
Brother Bob said, “Everything I am has been
shaped by my experiences [at SMU]. I now have a
keener sense of mission.” He described the awareness
for and understanding of Lasallian and Catholic identity,
education for justice, and respect for a diverse
world he saw while at SMU. He plans to take that
knowledge of mission and will continue to address
what it means to say one is Catholic and Lasallian.
Brother Bob explained that he will miss the people,
mission and identity at SMU. He said that his time
has been satisfying and rewarding and that “it’s not
about buildings and programs. It’s about the people.”
“His leadership will surely be missed. He was a
mentor to all of us in all things Lasallian. He embodied
the spirit of the Christian Brothers,” said Bob
Fisher, director of annual giving.
“In addition to thanking Brother Robert for his
long-time commitment to this university, I know I
speak for the entire community in offering our support
and prayers to him as he begins a very challenging
assignment in a turbulent area of the world,” said
Jeffrey Highland, Ph.D., university provost and vice
president for the college.
Renovated ball fields and pavilion to be completed
BY ALEX DOWNES-BOROWSKI
Cardinal Staff
This summer, Saint Mary’s University made additions to the Winona campus.
The softball and baseball fields were renovated, along with an addition of a pavilion.
The fields will be ready for competition in the spring of 2009.
The pavilion began as a gift from the class of 2004 and was originally supposed
to be located near the bonfire pit along the path to the New Village. However,
with the addition of the softball and baseball fields, it was decided that the pavilion
would be better utilized in-between the two fields. The fields and pavilion are
located just across the parking lot of the Toner Student Center and can be seen
while entering the campus.
The university began construction on the two fields in mid-May. Several years
ago, the state of the old fields became a safety issue. The new fields are special as
they are sand-based, which allow for proper drainage. It features an irrigation system
that allows for up to 12 inches of rain an hour and yet can still maintain
playable conditions. “It’s the Cadillac of baseball fields,” said Al Joswick, maintenance’s
trades department supervisor. Joswick spent a large portion of his summer
on-site supervising the project.
Starting from below the ground, there are trenches 25 to 30 feet apart that take
water to an irrigation pipe. Above that, there are 3 to 4 inches of sand, followed
by 7 to 10 inches of sand and peat. The sand, a special blend of different sizes of
angular grains, had to be sent to New York for
pH level and size analysis. The grass is a mix of
bluegrass and perennial rye. The construction of
the field required the use of GPS/Laser guided
systems.
According to Nikki Fennern, athletic director,
the multiple layers and root system actually filter
the water as it is irrigated, resulting in cleaner
excess water.
When the pavilion is completed, it will have a
column-supported roof as well as tables for picnic
dining. Bob Fisher, director of annual giving,
served as an advisor for the committee of
20 students that worked on the gift. “The pavilion
will be a great asset to the newly renovated
outdoor athletic facilities,” he said. “I believe
our students, faculty and staff will all be able to
enjoy this new gathering space on campus.”
The university plans on utilizing the space
for many activities, including events for
alumni.
photo by Kristina Perkins
Many at SMU await
the completion of the
pavilion and fields.