Inside Gustavus March 14, 2019 | Volume 51, Number 24

Fine Arts

Hillstrom Museum of Art
February 18-April 18, "For the Gods: Photographs of India by Priscilla Briggs," and "Recent Acquisitions of the Hillstrom Museum of Art."
Gallery talk at 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, March 17 featuring Associate Professor in Art and Art History Priscilla Briggs, who spent January in Bangalore, India taking photos for the exhibit. Her pieces intend to create questions of cause and effect, and reinforce the urgency of global environmental issues. Briggs will give a gallery talk about her photography and her time abroad.

Gustavus Wind Symphony and Chamber Winds Winter Concert
Saturday, March 16, at 1:30 p.m. in Bjorling Recital Hall, the Gustavus Wind Symphony and Gustavus Chamber Winds present their winter concert. The afternoon performance will include classics such as W.A. Mozart’s “Serenade in C. Minor, K. 388 for Winds,” and more contemporary works including Steven Bryant’s 2004 piece “Dusk,” and “Morning Alleluias for the Winter Solstice” by Ron Nelson. The program also features soprano Carrie Henneman Shaw performing “Evening Music” by Jayce Ogren.

Colloquium
Sunday, March 17, at 3:30 p.m. in Bjorling Recital Hall, retired faculty member Barbara Leibundguth will perform a recital of flute repertoire accompanied by pianist Elizabeth Mueller Grace. The program includes an array of pieces, including “Sonata” by Walter Piston and “Sonata for Flute and Piano, op. 14” by Robert Muczynski. 

Student Recitals
Saturday, March 16 at 5:30 p.m. in Bjorling Recital Hall, Emma Myhre, mezzo-soprano
Sunday, March 17 at 1:30 p.m. in Bjorling Recital Hall, Amy Specker, soprano/flute, and Sam O'Neill, tenor

In the News

Gustavus was highlighted in a MinnPost report on Pell Grant graduation rates and the achievement gap. Alisa Rosenthal and Kirk Carlson were interviewed for the piece.

Tips and Reminders

Environmental Sustainability Minute... Water softener salt conservation. Chloride (originating from salt) is a permanent pollutant, toxic to fish and aquatic life. About 50 Minnesota water bodies are considered impaired because of excess chloride levels. Water softeners have been identified as a major contributor of chloride into lakes and rivers. Experts say there are some steps you can take to help reduce your salt use, so you're not using more than necessary to soften hard water.
Four ways to stop wasting water softener
1) Decide if you really need a softener - Have your water tested to determine its hardness, or how many minerals such as calcium or magnesium it contains. Some cities centrally soften their water, so you probably don't need a separate softener in your home in those cities.
2) Upgrade to a high-efficiency, on-demand water softener - Those models only soften the water and recharge when it's needed, which reduces your salt use. And make sure it's the correct size for your household.
3) Use the least amount of salt necessary - Make sure your softener is set according to your water hardness. If you have an old softener that operates on a timer, extend the time between regeneration cycles. Don't soften water that goes to outdoor faucets and hoses.
4) Hire a professional - Water softeners should be inspected and maintained regularly to make sure they're working properly and efficiently.
Let's all do our part to protect our environment!

Sustainability Tip... Worldwide, the climate is shifting to warmer temperatures due to increased carbon dioxide emissions in the atmosphere. In just the past two decades, autumn and spring temperatures in northern latitudes have increased by 1 degree, and by the end of the century, temperatures are likely to increase from 4-7 degrees. Don't be fooled, this seemingly small temperature increase can have a large impact on your life!
1) A warmer climate could decrease food production; Iowa corn yields are likely to decrease 10-20 percent by the end of the 21 century because of climate change.
2) Today, Minnesota rarely experiences days when heat exceeds dangerous levels. By 2050, the state is projected to see an average of more than 15 danger days a year.
3) Climate change will likely shift the production, distribution, and timing of aeroallergens, thus increasing the severity and prevalence of human allergies.
4) Climate-dependent diseases that were once absent from Minnesota, such as Lymes disease and other tick and mosquito borne diseases, are shifting northward into Minnesota and Canada, potentially impacting our health.
To show that our campus cares about climate change and wants to see our administration act on it, join students, staff and faculty alike in a campus march that begins in the chapel at 10 a.m. on March 22 for Groundswell. Look for the digital signs on campus for more Groundswell events and make the choice to participate!

Off Campus Events of Interest

Irish Fun Run Fundraiser... The Luck of The Irish Fun Run was started to help promote and raise funds for John Ireland Catholic School in Saint Peter. We are excited about this growing family event. Over the past five years, we have raised close to $25,000 for John Ireland with this race. The 7K is a chip timed race and all participants, young and old will receive a t-shirt. Taking place on Saturday, March 23, the 7K starts at 9:30 a.m. and the kids race will begin at 10:30 a.m. All races will begin and end at the Church of Saint Peter parking lot in Saint Peter. Join us for this family fun, community event. To register click here.For more about John Ireland Catholic School, you can visit our website.

Plugs

For rent... One bedroom (sleeps four) at Point Place at Breezy Point on Pelican Lake, Minn. Just steps from the beach, this unit has a full kitchen, hot tub, and has access to indoor pools and a waterslide. Available June 7-14, 2019. $800 for the week. ($1100 if you rent from the resort). Contact Dana Lamb for more information.

Obituaries

Merwin Williams, husband of Joan Williams (Advancement, retired), passed away on March 5, 2019, in his home. A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. on Sunday, March 17, 2019 at First Lutheran Church in Saint Peter. Family interment will be held in Lake Crystal Cemetery. A full obituary can be found online.