ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

Charles Hallman, Minnesota Spokesman Recorder

Joseph Sutton, Jr. ’16 is among a rare group in professional sports today as the Minnesota Twins and Minnesota Wild in-game host—the only Black host working for both organizations.

Sutton, on staff with the Twins for his fifth season, also just finished his second season with the Wild in St. Paul. “I had an internship with the Twins and was basically a production assistant,” Sutton explained. “Midway through the season, the program director asked me what my goals were, what I wanted to do. I always wanted to be a game host.”

A North Minneapolis native, Sutton graduated from Northwestern with a degree in electronic media communication. He’s also been a standup comedian for some time as well, which Sutton believes helped prepare him for his current sports gigs.

“I think it goes hand-in-hand,” Sutton said of working professional sports games and being on stage.

As game host, Sutton is responsible for the fan engagement segment of entertainment.

“I lead several interactive games and introduce the special characters each game,” said Sutton, who is part of a team of in-game hosts for Twins home events. “The Twins have given me a lot of creative control to be myself. I try to bring a little bit of flavor to the role.”

“I have so much energy all the time,” Sutton said. “I love sports; they have always been a passion of mine. So it’s a perfect combination for me.”

Students

Biology and Biochemistry students Nicholas Waughtal ’23, Talila Baskaran ’23, Sarah Zimmerman ’22, Abigail Parker ’22, Christoph Niyonkura ’23, and Christine David ’22 presented at the Winchell Undergraduate Research Symposium. The symposium, an annual event sponsored by the Minnesota Academy of Science, draws students and faculty from schools throughout the state. David and Baskaran both won Judges Choice awards, while David was won the Tri Beta Honor Society’s Frank G. Brooks award for outstanding oral presentation.

PSEO student Maya Englehorn co-published Blood Sweat Tears…Live, a book of poetry with Kate Westphal. According to the authors, the book is a “collaboration of two young women as they reflect on life—the blood, sweat, and tears of living in a broken world.”

Benjamin Freese ’22 spent the summer interning for the office of U.S. Senator Steve Daines (Montana) in Washington, D.C. through the American Studies Program (ASP). ASP brings students together from around the globe, spanning a vast array of majors, experiences, and perspectives and emphasizes the importance of Christ-like bridge-building within the political arena.

Kennedi (Deutschman ’22) Graske, Ellie Simpson ’22, and Amy Linden ’22 also participated in government internships over the summer, working for various Minnesota state senators.

Data Analytics major Caleb Nilson ’22 was selected for a MinneAnalytics scholarship for his pursuit of a career in analytics and a commitment to engaging in the community. Nilson, who serves as president of UNW’s student Data Science and Analytics club, chose to study data analytics in order to learn about a wide variety of fields and disciplines in order to understand data and help business decision-making.

Peter Paulsen ’22, Andrew Skoglund ’23, and Grace Watkins ’23 presented their research project “Genetics Analysis of Antibiotic Production in Pseudomonas sp.” at the Tiny Earth Winter Symposium. The international event showcases student research presentations and engages the community in learning about antibiotic resistance and the science of discovery.

Kristine Stedman ’22 was recognized by MinneAnalytics for her proficiency in and contribution to the field of

Data Analytics. Stedman, who is pursuing a doublemajor in Data Analytics and Marketing, is heavily involved on campus as a Residence Life ministry partner, leader of the UNW swing dancing club, and Marketing and Communications social media assistant.

Faculty

Cassandra Bechard, director of bands and assistant professor in Music, was named one of Yamaha’s “40 Under 40” Music Educators of the Year. Bechard also co-presented the session “What Next? Utilizing Adaptable Repertoire in a (Post) Pandemic World” at the Minnesota Music Educators Association Conference in Minneapolis.

Lara Bronson, assistant dean of the School of Education, presented at the Stranmillis University College Centre for Research in Belfast, Northern Ireland for the Educational Underachievement’s Virtual Seminar. Bronson’s presentation was titled “Tackling Educational Disadvantage in the Early Years.”

Megan Brown, assistant department chair of Christian Ministries, recently published “Youth Ministry and Crisis” in Christian Education Journal.

Anna Rask Emison, instructor in the