A magazine for alumni & friends of Southwest Minnesota State University
Searching The Oceans To Fight Climate Change
Winter 2024 Edition | Inside: Enrollment News, pg. 2
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A Message from the SMSU President Dear Alumni and Friends, I hope you had an amazing holiday season with family and friends and are looking forward to the start of the new year. I am happy to tell you that our Mustang Family continues to grow with a 10.8% increase in new first-year students in Fall 2023 and a 6.2% increase in the overall full-year equivalent number. I feel very fortunate to work with dedicated faculty and staff whose hard work and collaborative efforts continue to attract students to SMSU. I am very proud to say that I am a Mustang! Last summer was very busy on campus with department moves and renovations prompted by a new partnership with the Southwest/West Central Service Coop (SW/WC) and the Marshall School District. The SW/WC started a lease of the Social Sciences building in September that will provide educational programming to area students starting next year. The new lease
required moving faculty between several buildings and renovating parts of Charter Hall and the Science and Technology building. This is a valuable relationship that will increase overall campus utilization, contribute to a more vibrant campus, and will help SMSU move forward with additional campus improvement projects. I also want to thank everyone who has made donations to support SMSU students this year. The SMSU Foundation had a record year exceeding $8.6 million in total support and revenue. These investments will help us increase scholarship and program funding, renovate classrooms and residence halls, and enhance the overall student experience at SMSU including the purchase of nearly $720,000 in state-of-the-art academic equipment for programs across campus in 2023. I am truly grateful for the generosity of our alumni and friends.
Kumara Jayasuriya
A magazine for alumni & friends of Southwest Minnesota State University
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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Enrollment News Cover Story: Wokil Bam ’12 Athletics Alumni Award Recipients Homecoming Recap News from Campus Alumni Gatherings Class Notes Foundation Annual Report
WINTER 2024 | VOL. 43, NO. 1
President Dr. Kumara Jayasuriya Vice President of Government Relations, Communications and Marketing Bill Mulso ‘93 Associate Vice President of Advancement Nathan Polfliet ’00/MBA ’11 Director of Alumni Relations Outreach Angela Lee ’20/MBA ’23 Senior Director of Communications & Marketing, Writer Marcy Olson ’93/MBA ’05 Design Maddy Groff
Photography Mitch Riibe ‘20 Maddy Groff Contributors Kelly Loft ’97/MS ’11 Graduate Assistants Alumni Maria Valentin ‘22 Communications & Marketing Juliana Villa ‘22 Jennifer Aguilar ‘23 Foundation Elaina Leach ‘23 Special Thanks WHOI for Wokil Bam Photos
Send story ideas to: SMSU FOCUS, Founders Hall 20 1501 State Street, Marshall, MN 56258 Contact the Editor: Marcy.Olson@SMSU.edu or 507-537-7374 All cities and towns are located in Minnesota unless noted. Year(s) after names reference degrees awarded by SMSU. Year of undergraduate degree listed first. Year of advanced degree listed after MBA/MS. FOCUS (USPS 565-770) is published twice each year for alumni and friends of Southwest Minnesota State University by the Office of Communications & Marketing and Alumni & Foundation at SMSU. Opinions expressed in FOCUS do not necessarily reflect official University policy. To make name/address corrections, call 507-537-6266 or email alumni@SMSU.edu. Feature stories may be reprinted with the written permission of SMSU. Other articles may be reprinted without permission provided that credit is given to SMSU. This document can be made available in alternative formats to individuals with disabilities. Request by calling 507-537-6255, 800-260-0970, or via the Minnesota Relay Service at 800-627-3529. Southwest Minnesota State University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action educator and employer. ADA Accessible. A member of the Minnesota State system.
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Follow the latest SMSU news at www.SMSU.edu/today
ENROLLMENT NEWS
SMSU’s Day-10 enrollment numbers for Fall 2023 were calculated at the end of day, Friday, September 1. The data showed growth in almost all demographics. SMSU welcomed 368 new first-year students to campus this fall, an increase of 10.8% since Fall 2022. Overall enrollment is up for SMSU as the Day-10 numbers show the university is serving 2,531 degree-seeking students, up 5.2% from the previous year. Degree-seeking undergraduate students are up 4.2% to 2,039 students. A total of 429 graduate degree-seeking students is an increase of 11.4% from Fall 2022. “We are incredibly proud to pay tribute to the hard work and commitment of our faculty and staff, led by our Enrollment Management team,” said SMSU President Kumara Jayasuriya. A 2% increase in undergraduate student retention also contributed to enrollment growth. The full-year equivalent (FYE) enrollment grew by over 6% from the previous year. SMSU is one of the few four-year institutions to show an overall increase this
fall as enrollment in colleges and universities dips across the state and the nation. “I must give credit to the dedication of our staff and faculty who meet with prospective students and provide one-on-one support for our current students,” said Jayasuriya. “An engaging, inclusive, student-centered environment is the foundation of our institutional mission, vision, and values.” Access Opportunity Success, the Mustang Pathway Program, along with SUCCESS (Scaling Up College Completion Efforts for Student Success), are programs dedicated to supporting students from historically underserved populations. “We take great pride in these numbers. The data tells us we’re doing things right for our students,” Jayasuriya continued. “We are focused now on Fall 2024. Our goals for continued growth and bringing in a larger first-year cohort mean we won’t stop to celebrate.” The Day-10 headcounts are a significant marker for enrollment. By the tenth day of classes, a higher percentage of students persist through the completion of the term.
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Searching The Oceans To Fight Climate Change
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Wokil Bam was born and raised in landlocked Nepal. He will tell you he lived in the low elevation part of Nepal that’s flat and warm, not the land of highly-elevated mountains that includes the highest peak, Mount Everest, that people picture when they think of his home country. Wokil chose SMSU for the robust environmental science program as well as the affordable tuition. When he arrived in August 2008, he had never set foot on campus. And like many international students, he experienced snow for the first time at SMSU. Wokil took his first environmental science class with Dr. Emily Deaver. As a student in the major, she was also his advisor. During his junior year, he added chemistry as his second major. That same year, he decided to take a wetland ecology class with Dr. Deaver and knew immediately he wanted to do wetland science; more specifically, understanding the chemistry of the wetlands and water quality. That drive, and the dream his father had for him to earn at least one graduate degree, motivated him to look at graduate school.
In June 2012, he attended the International Wetland Conference organized by the Society of Wetland Scientists in Orlando, Fla. He did not give a presentation, but received funding from SMSU so he could connect with other scientists. It was there that he met the professor he would work with in graduate school. As Wokil was finishing his degree in December 2012, Dr. Deaver worked with him on completing his application, teaching statement, research statement, and curriculum vitae. It was quite late when he applied to Louisiana State University (LSU) in October 2012, but was accepted for the master’s degree program starting in January 2013. When he arrived at LSU, Wokil dove right into his research which focused on understanding the effect of the BP oil spill in 2010 on salt mass wetlands. He studied how the insect population was affected as insects are an early indicator of environmental stress and recovery. After completing his master’s degree, his PhD research shifted from salt mass wetlands to open ocean. That is where he started exploring the marine carbon cycle. “The ocean absorbs the carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere and the primary producer, mainly phytoplankton take the CO2 and convert it into organic matter i.e. food. These small microorganisms take the inorganic CO2 from the atmosphere and make it organic matter via photosynthesis which becomes the first part of the ocean’s food chain,” Wokil explained. “The
atmospheric carbon that gets converted into organic matter during photosynthesis, is further transformed into different forms by food web processes and physical mixing, and finally gets transported to the deeper oceans. Only a small fraction of carbon fixed by phytoplankton sinks into the deeper oceans. This process of removing organic matter from surface water to the deep ocean via particle settling is known as the oceanic biological carbon pump (BCP). This carbon cycle, or movement of carbon from the atmosphere through the ocean with the help of marine life, is an important part of the Earth’s climate system.” He was involved in his PhD research at LSU for about six years, but took a one-year intensive in Monaco, with the International Atomic Energy Agency, an agency of the United Nations. Their work with the marine carbon cycle complemented his doctoral work using radioisotopes to look at the carbon cycle. He then returned to finish his PhD at LSU before moving to Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute (WHOI) as a postdoctoral scholar in June 2021. “Focusing on the chemistry, I study the carbon cycle, beginning with carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Then I look at how much CO2 is absorbed by the ocean and taken to the bottom of the ocean. That is the cycle at its simplest because not all the CO2 that the ocean takes in at the surface actually makes it to the bottom,” he said. “The part that makes it to the bottom of the ocean is the most important because it is safely stored there for thousands of years.” Using research data collected from the oceans around the world, he works to try to predict how the ocean will change with global warming. As the ocean warms, there are places where the productivity of the carbon cycle might be higher or lower. “Consider all these trees in the land, right? Big trees take more CO2, and small trees take less CO2; it’s the same thing in the ocean. In some places, there is low productivity, but in other areas, there is high productivity. The productivity depends on various factors such as temperature, sunlight, and nutrients.” “With all ocean zones not being the same, we use data to study trends. Where we see clear water in the middle of the ocean— when you talk about clear blue water, it’s out there and it’s really, really amazing—but there is low productivity. In contrast, the coastal areas where we see high levels of riverine water, there are more phytoplankton and more nutrients cycling the atmospheric CO2,” he continued. “And when I got to Woods Hole, I’ve jumped into doing this work all over the world. In June 2021, we took a month-long cruise in the North Atlantic, west of the UK. I had another cruise that we started from West Africa to Brazilian waters along the equator. And then last year I was in almost two months from Tahiti to Chile reaching the Southern Ocean and crossing the Pacific Ocean.” From mid-November 2023 to February 2024, Wokil is participating in a 65-day research trip from Chile to Antarctica and then from there to New Zealand. This is his third research cruise longer than a month, and one of the many cruises he’s
Photos show Wokil and team members on the July 2021 mission aboard the research vessel R/V Neil Armstrong in the North Atlantic, west of the United Kingdom. In this short cruise, the Ocean Twilight Zone (OTZ) team installed the first instruments of the new Ocean Twilight Zone Observation Network— a group of heavily-instrumented moorings in the northwest Atlantic. The network monitors the ocean twilight zone over an area of roughly 155,300 square miles, providing scientific data continuously over several years. Photos and mission description provided by Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute. Learn more about the ocean twilight zone: https://twilightzone.whoi.edu. Antarctica photo on pg. 5 courtesy of Wokil Bam.
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taken since he joined the WHOI. So far, he has spent over 200 days at sea doing research. “For all the samples we’ll be collecting, we have a complete mobile lab on the vessel. We prepare for an entire year to prepare and determine what we’ll need as far as equipment, instruments, chemicals, technology, machinery, supplies, backups, and batteries for everything,” he said. “We collect samples from not only the surface but at different depths all the way to the bottom. At some locations, the vessel will stop for three days with the team working around the clock to complete the sample collection and move to the next spot. The team includes about 30 scientists and 10 technicians helping with research, and an entire crew to support the scientists with day-today needs aboard ship for 65 days.” “What the ocean is doing by its natural functions is helping with the regulation of CO2 concentration atmosphere. It helps to kind of filter some of that out. This research considers questions about the whole climate change issue. The ocean is critical in regulating the atmospheric CO2, which in turn, impacts the climate,” Wokil continued. Despite all the negative factors weighing on the climate, Wokil still remains optimistic about what can be done to steer change in a positive direction. In his oceanic research community, he’s connected to a network of scientists exploring a variety of solutions. “So yes, there are many different pieces in the equation, but there is more hope than we think. People focus on planting trees, but because the ocean takes up 75% of the Earth’s surface, there is
untapped potential,” said Wokil. “The oceans are massive and deep; there is much we don’t know about the activity below in the ocean twilight zone.” “We know we can control the mission now. Our institute has been actively participating in the Conference of Parties (COP) on climate change. There were many people [in the international community] who had no idea that we can take the ocean into consideration when talking about climate change,” Wokil continued. “My research is looking at trying to understand how much carbon is being taken out so we can accurately use those numbers to predict the role of the ocean and to see how we can balance the carbon cycle in general. It’s exciting work to be part of.” So how does someone coming from a landlocked country like Nepal, with the nearest sea access over 400 miles away, go from Marshall, Minnesota to Baton Rouge, Louisiana to Woods Hole, Massachusetts to become a part-time resident on the world’s oceans? “I look at all the opportunities. I found that if you do not bind yourself to certain things, then many opportunities come,” Wokil said. “I seek out wherever there is an opportunity and try to take it.” “I think I would have been lost without the good guidance from the people at SMSU,” Wokil said. “I tried to make the most of every opportunity, like river monitoring, the research conference, and getting involved in so many organizations there so if I had to do it again, I would definitely choose SMSU.” Since June 2023, Wokil has worked as a postdoctoral investigator, geochemist, radiochemist, and chemical oceanographer in the Department of Marine Chemistry and Geochemistry at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) in Woods Hole, Mass. He was a postdoctoral scholar at WHOI from June 2021 to June 2023. Wokil completed his PhD in Geochemistry/Chemical Oceanography from Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, La. in May 2021. During his doctoral work, he spent one year with the International Atomic Energy Agency in Monaco. He earned his Master of Science in oceanography and coastal science from LSU in 2015. Wokil earned his Bachelor of Science in environmental science and chemistry, and a minor in biology, from SMSU in 2012.
For the full story, visit www.SMSU.edu/go/Wokil
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Leah Jones named NSIC and AVCA Central Region Freshman of the Year SMSU outside hitter Leah Jones earned several awards for her outstanding rookie season for the Mustang volleyball team this fall as she was named the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference and the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) Central Region Freshman of the Year. Jones, a 6-foot-2 native of Marshall, is the seventh Mustang in program history to earn either NSIC Newcomer or NSIC Freshman of the Year accolades and the seventh to earn the AVCA Region Freshman of the Year honors. Jones, who was also named All-NSIC first team this fall, led SMSU with 327 kills, while hitting .218 on 998 attacks. She recorded 253 digs, 32 service aces, 28 blocks and 33 set assists. Jones has racked up doubledigit kills in a team-high 19 matches and recorded double-digit digs in nine matches.
Leah Jones, outside hitter
SMSU Athletics announces 2024 Hall of Honor inductees
SMSU Athletics announced this fall nine individuals and one community member and supporter of SMSU Athletics, Doug team have been selected for induction into the SMSU Athletics Fraunfelder. Also inducted will be the 2001-02 women’s basketball Hall of Honor, sponsored by US Bank, on Saturday, January 27, team that won the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference 2024. The SMSU Athletics Hall of Honor is the highest athletic regular season and tournament championships and advanced to distinction awarded by the University. the NCAA Central Region championship The newest SMSU Athletics Hall of game. Honor members are former softball player The SMSU Athletics Hall of Honor Amanda (Burkhart) Sulzman (2006-09); banquet, which will be held at the volleyball player Erin (Contons) Markert EverSpring Inn & Suites Event Center in SMSU ATHLETICS (2004-07); swimmer/football player Dave Marshall, will begin at 10 a.m. with a halfGarman (1972-76); baseball player Andrew hour social, followed by lunch and the Kinney (2007-10); football/wrestler Tyler induction ceremonies beginning at 10:30 Reed (2005-09); women’s basketball player a.m. To reserve tickets for the banquet, go Shelli (Schoeneck) Hawkinson (1999-2003); to SMSUmustangs.com/HallofHonor or call football player Zach Wysong (2005-09); former head athletic 507-537-7271. Complete bios of the inductees can be found at trainer Laura Crowell (1996-2021); and former SMSU employee, SMSUmustangs.com/HallofHonor.
SMSU Volleyball makes return trip to NCAA Tournament
SMSU Volleyball at NCAA Central Region Tournament vs Nebraska Kearney
The SMSU volleyball team put together another outstanding season this fall and was rewarded with its first trip to the NCAA Central Region Tournament since 2018 and the 17th in program history. Under the direction of second-year head coach Tyler Boddy, SMSU earned the No. 3 seed in the tournament before suffering a 3-1 setback to No. 6 seed Nebraska Kearney in the tournament quarterfinals in St. Paul, Minn. SMSU, which just missed qualifying for the NCAA Central Region Tournament in 2022, closed this season with a 23-7 record, while finishing third in the NSIC with a 14-4 mark. SMSU has won 21 or more matches in 18 of the last 19 seasons. The Mustangs, who were ranked among the Top 10 nationally nearly all season (moving as high as No. 5 on Nov. 13) had four players earn postseason honors. Outside hitter, Leah Jones, was named the NSIC Freshman of the Year along with earning AllNSIC first team honors. Senior setter, Alisa Bengen, junior outside hitter, Saari Kuehl, and sophomore defensive specialist, McKenzie Tolk, were named All-NSIC second team.
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2023 ALUMNI AWARD RECIPIENTS
2023 Alumni Achievement Award recipients: Wayne Cook Wayne Cook, or “Cookie” as he is also known, graduated from Southwest in 1973 with a degree in Speech Communications. Throughout his career, he mainly worked as a journalist at the Marshall Independent. He was hired by Glenn Mattke to serve as the sports information director at SMSU from 1981 to 1987. He and his twin brother, Warren, have had lifelong careers officiating baseball and were both recognized for their service to baseball in the state of Minnesota. Wayne was an umpire in 5,300 games in his 50-year career. He lives in Redwood Falls with his wife, Margaret.
Bruce and Linda Saugstad Bruce graduated in 1989 and Linda in 1990. They learned what it means to be part of a team and how to encourage and support others through their participation in collegiate athletics. Bruce was a 4-year letter winner on the Mustang Football team and was part of the 1987 team that qualified for the program’s first-ever playoff appearance. Linda was a 4-year letter winner on the Women’s Basketball team, playing along side some of SMSU's finest athletes. She also created an individualized interdisciplinary major for herself that combined physical education and business long before sports management even existed. Bruce had a lengthy career with the Schwan’s Company and served as interim Athletic Director as well as on the Foundation Board at SMSU. Linda and Bruce are both active in the community through serving in church and the Mustang Club. They live in Marshall and have three adult children. Dr. Mark Wallert Mark Wallert graduated from SMSU in 1983 majoring in Biology and Chemistry. He earned a PhD in Physiology from Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. After a year of postdoctoral research at the Mayo Clinic, he spent 25 years teaching at Minnesota State University-Moorhead before spending his final eight years of teaching at Bemidji State. He led hundreds of students in cancer research before retiring at the beginning of August. He was also a member of the Southwest Keg Rolling Team in 1980, which raised funds to send the wheelchair basketball team to nationals. He lives in Laporte with his wife, Nona.
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Honorary Lifetime Membership Award recipient: Robert Byrnes Bob Byrnes has been mayor of Marshall since 1992. Prior to that, he served as a city council member. During his time in city government, he has worked with the presidents of SMSU to strengthen and grow the campus and community connections. He and his counterparts at the University are like-minded in their approach that the improvements both in the community and the University serve to attract and retain students. These improvements are the same ones that attract and retain businesses, families, and a talented workforce. Bob has been steadfast in cultivating the relationship between the City of Marshall and SMSU. He lives in Marshall with his wife, Brenda. GOLD (Graduate(s) of the Last Decade) Award recipients: Maxx and Rachel Raths Maxx and Rachel graduated from SMSU in 2013. Rachel majored in Environmental Science and Biology. She’s worked at Ralco for ten years where she is a microbiologist and Director of Regulatory and Quality Affairs. Maxx graduated with a degree in Marketing and is currently the Director of Marketing with a ministry based in Minneapolis. Both were highly engaged as students and helped launch the Mustang Traditions living and learning community as well as a student ministry. They recognize the connections they have made at SMSU and how those have helped pave the way for them. Now, they both work with students at SMSU, Rachel with the internship program at Ralco, and Maxx with students in the Center of Innovation and Entrepreneurship. Together they remain focused on what they have yet to do and continue to find ways to support businesses and individuals in the community. They have three children and live in Marshall. The John and Kathy Paxton Alumni Service Award recipient: Jason Mortvedt Jason graduated from SMSU in 1978 with a degree in Physical Education. Known as “Captain Mort” from his KSSU Radio show, Jason helped launch the Alumni Association and served two sixyear terms on the board. He has been instrumental in growing new alumni social programs and building alumni engagement. His love for SMSU and his dedication to fostering school spirit are unparalleled. He and his faithful group of friends from Southwest make it back to every single homecoming.
The alumni award recipients were honored at half time of the homecoming football game. L to R: President Kumara and Sal Jayasuriya, Angela Lee, Maxx and Rachel Raths, Bruce and Linda Saugstad, Wayne Cook, Mark Wallert, Bob Byrnes.
HOMECOMING RECAP
Thank you to everyone who joined us for this year’s homecoming: All Roads Lead Home! We always enjoy welcoming our Mustang alumni back home and we hope you are able to make it to next year’s homecoming on October 12, 2024 – save the date!
www.SMSUAlumni.com/Homecoming
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NEW OPPORTUNITIES FOR TUITION ASSISTANCE
SMSU has announced a number of new programs in place to make a college education even more achievable. Students benefit from scholarships, low-tuition, and new programs aimed at eliminating financial barriers. If students qualify, their tuition could actually be free!
Tuition Freeze
SMSU tuition is frozen through Spring 2025. That means tuition will not change for this year as well as next academic year. Students and parents can confidently plan for the cost of attending SMSU with no surprises. SMSU’s tuition is already a great value, plus the same tuition rate is available to everyone regardless of where they are from.
The North Star Promise
Beginning in Fall 2024, the North Star Promise (NSP) Scholarship Program creates a tuition- and fee-free pathway to higher education for eligible Minnesota residents. As a “last-dollar” program, NSP covers the balance of tuition and fees that remain after other scholarships, grants, stipends, and tuition waivers have been applied. This program is funded by the Minnesota State Legislature through the Office of Higher Education. For further details, visit www.SMSU.edu/go/free.
President’s Regional Scholars
The President’s Regional Scholars program makes additional scholarships available to outstanding students from any of our partner high schools in the 19-county area. Exceptional students are personally invited to participate in Southwest Scholars Day to compete for one of the full-ride scholarships available.
The Southwest Guarantee
The Southwest Guarantee is our guaranteed scholarship program for new on-campus, first-year students. If they meet the required GPA or ACT level, their scholarship is guaranteed. Students with a GPA of 3.9+/ACT of 30+ are guaranteed a $10,000 scholarship. Students with a GPA of 3.6-3.89/ACT of 2829 receive $8,000. GPAs of 3.3-3.59/ACT of 25-27 receive $6,000. Students with a GPA of 3.0-3.29/ACT of 21-24 are awarded $4,000 and GPAs of 2.75-2.99/ACT of 20 are guaranteed $2,000. These scholarships are distributed over four years. Students in the top two tiers are eligible to compete for one of our full-ride scholarships at the Southwest Scholars Day.
Awards & Scholarships
The SMSU Foundation offers a variety of scholarships and awards for incoming students. The awards are subject to change annually. For a complete list, visit smsu.awardspring.com. SMSU’s scholarship program differs from most by requiring only ONE general application form that students complete in order to apply to most available scholarships. Contact the SMSU Admission Team for help exploring the opportunities available by emailing Admission@SMSU.edu.
SMSU Transforms Facilities Use with Lease of Social Sciences Building After extensive study of space allocation and use assessment, Southwest Minnesota State University determined it is in the best interest of the institution to lower the square footage of campus by leasing the Social Science (SS) building to a third party. The Social Science building was identified as an underutilized space, but also one with a significantly large maintenance backlog. A 20-year lease agreement was reached with Southwest/ West Central Service Cooperative to occupy the Social Science building. The affected offices and their new locations include: • Social Science Department Office and Faculty (Anthropology, Geography, History, Indigenous Nations & Dakota Studies, Justice Administration/Law Enforcement/Criminal Justice,
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Political Science, Psychology, Social Work, Sociology): SS to Charter Hall (CH) • Veterans Center/Veterans Club Office: SS to Bellows Academic (BA) • Accessibility Services (formerly Disability Services): BA to Individualized Learning (IL) • Nursing Department, Programs and Faculty: Science and Technology (ST) to BA • Programs and Faculty in North Star Mutual School of Business: (Accounting, Finance, Management, Marketing, and MBA): CH to ST The Museum of Indigenous Americans, previously located in SS, will open at a later date in the Science and Math (SM) building.
DR. ERIN KLINE ’02 LEADS DIVERSITY EFFORTS
Last July, Dr. Erin Kline assumed the role of Assistant Vice President for Equity and Inclusion/Campus Diversity Officer. She had previously served as the Associate Director for Diversity and Inclusion, the Associate Director of the Mustang Pathway Program, and taught adjunct in sociology. She grew up in Marshall and earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology at SMSU in 2002. She moved away for a number of years to pursue a Master of Arts in Sociology and Social Movements at Minnesota State University, Mankato, and a PhD in Sociology specializing in Race, Class, and Gender Intersections at South Dakota State University in Brookings. She sees her new role as an extension of the University’s mission to be a studentcentered and inclusive environment. She appreciates every opportunity to connect with people, learn their stories, find what they have in common, discover what they value, understand their differences, and genuinely support one another in the individual goals that they have. “At SMSU, we aim to provide innovative learning experiences and foster civic engagement to help create well-rounded and broadly educated leaders who embrace and promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in our workspaces,” said Kline. “At the same time, the demographics of our nation are changing, the needs of our employees are changing, and the expectations of our students are changing. It demands that we are very intentional in everything we do.” “We have to be comfortable with difficult conversations and to support each other through the learning processes people are willing to experience in order to make our university a welcoming place,” she said. “For many years, SMSU has worked to be very student-centered, that work lends itself to an important aspect of diversity, equity, and inclusion.” “When we talk about diversity, we are valuing different perspectives and experiences that everyone brings with them onto our campus and into the classroom. When we talk about equity, we recognize that not everyone starts from the same space or place and that we seek to provide resources and opportunities to meet people where they are on their journey into higher education,” Kline explained. “Inclusion efforts mean we value different ideas and work to see them reflected in practices and policies, in how we hold meetings, and in how we interact with each other.” “There’s a newer aspect of the conversation, that is one of belonging. You may hear more references to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging,” explained Kline. “And this is the
part that really gets me energized, working to foster a sense of belonging, seeing yourself reflected in the place that you are. Every human being seeks to be a part of a community and have a sense of belonging within the community. This may be the most important part of the work that I’ll be doing on campus.” “I feel like my entire life has been leading me to this time and place right now,” said Kline. “I’ve studied all aspects of diversity, equity, and inclusion, and focus on fostering a sense of community and belonging. I really attempt to align the values that I speak about with the actions that I demonstrate.” Dr. Kline envisions the work as a marathon, not a sprint. To help her focus on her Dr. Erin Kline ’02 purpose, she keeps five pictures on the wall of her office. She says they serve to, “remind me of the shoulders that I stand upon” as well as to reinforce the privilege, responsibility, and terrific challenge that comes with the relational work of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. “They remind me to always be humble, and know where the ‘levers’ are and how to pull them (Ruth Bader Ginsburg); to be accountable for my actions and to ‘be a model for others’ (Rosa Parks); that change happens in relationships with others through perspective-taking as ‘walls turned sideways are bridges’ (Angela Davis); that nothing is so strong as our willingness to see each other with dignity and humanity because ‘love wins’ (Maya Angelou); and to be brave enough to step into the arena ‘for there is always light, if only we are brave enough to see it, if only we are brave enough to be it’ (Amanda Gorman),” explained Kline. “I look forward to working with everyone connected to SMSU— students, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends— to foster a true sense of belonging at SMSU.” Dr. Kline lives in Marshall with her husband, Nick Kline, a social studies teacher with Marshall Area Technical & Education Center (MATEC), and their three children. She and her family enjoy traveling to the many Minnesota state parks during all seasons of the year. They enjoy cross-country road trips and plan to take their next one to the Redwood Forest. Dr. Kline also has a passion for the arts and is an active board member of the Southwest Minnesota Arts Council (SMAC) as well as an accomplished pianist. In her downtime, she enjoys reading, writing, walking while listening to podcasts, as well as her family’s movie and game nights. To learn more about Southwest Minnesota State University’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion resources, visit: www.SMSU.edu/Administration/DiversityInclusion
“Every human being seeks to be a part of a community and have a sense of
within the community.” 10
SAM LUND FINDING HIS STRIDE AT SMSU
Sam Lund
Sam Lund grew up in Buffalo, Minnesota. He came to SMSU with the intentions of completing some of the general requirements and then transfer his sophomore year, but the community here hooked him and SMSU is now his home away from home. “Here at SMSU I never feel alone, and if I need help, I knew I could find it. The students I met added to the feeling of home that the faculty and staff created for me,” said Sam. “Toward the end of my freshman year, the idea of transferring out was no longer appealing.” Sam admits he started out as a bit of a loner. As a new freshman, he didn’t really know anyone outside of his advisor and the counselors who helped with his admission. His high school friends went to colleges around the Twin Cities or out of state. And since he was planning to transfer to pursue a pre-medicine degree, he didn’t see the need to connect too much. “My admissions counselors stayed in touch with me and pushed the idea of joining the ambassadors program. I applied, interviewed, and was offered a position. Joining the ambassadors allowed me to meet new people and grow my confidence,” said
Sam. “Eventually, I branched out of my comfort zone and joined many new clubs, made lifelong friendships, grew relationships with my professors and staff here at SMSU, and many business and city officials across the Marshall community.” Sam’s engagement and confidence continued to grow thanks to his involvement and increasing connections across campus. This influenced his decision to take a chance. He ran for student senate and was elected. Then, he ran for Vice President of the Student Association and was elected to that position as well. Finally, he ran and was elected the Student Body President, a position he has held this year as a senior. Finding his voice has helped him be a voice for others who may have started out just like he did. “The freshman me who sat in his dorm would have never pictured myself giving tours to incoming students. The freshman me would have never pictured running for student senate or vice president,” said Sam. “All my achievements were all opportunities that opened to me just for stepping up, stepping out, and making connections.” As Student Body President, Sam was able to speak to the incoming class of students in August. It’s an opportunity he doesn’t take lightly. He shared his journey with the students and showed them what lies ahead for them as the newest members of the Mustang Family. “I talk about how I started out at SMSU and where I’ve ended up. Life does not give an overview of your careers, lives, and efforts. I want them to know it’s important to remember that the work you do is building up to something great,” he said. “People early on showed me that I could get to where I wanted to be by stepping outside my comfort zone. Taking risks and failing once in a while are good lessons for us when we’re students. Because those stumbles are what help you finally hit your stride.” His experiences also influenced him to change his career plans from medicine. Now, he is a Political Science and Justice Administration major, minoring in Pre-Law and Public Administration. Sam hopes to go on to law school after he graduates from SMSU in 2024.
2024 GOLD College Kickoff is February 28! GOLD College is a special program offered both on campus and virtually for any adults interested in continued lifelong learning opportunities. The Spring semester of GOLD College will be held March 18–April 25 with the kickoff meeting on February 28 from 2–4 PM. Join us as we learn more about what unique courses will be offered, how you can register for classes, pick up your information packet, and connect with other GOLD College attendees. Further details can be found at www.SMSUalumni.com/goldcollege.
8 2022 GOLD College class: To Kill a Mockingbird
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If you or someone you know would be interested in teaching a GOLD College course, please contact GoldCollege@SMSU.edu.
SMSU Concert Choir Reunion (1971-72) L to R: Bill Pennings, Kathy (Hoffman) Ireland, Debbie (Duthoy) Larson, and Neal Wahlman
Roommate Reunion (1978-79) Kerri (Piras) Beningo, Deb (Bradley) Ahmann, and Deidre (Swennes) Sanow
Alumni Social at Cragun’s Resort on Gull Lake L to R: Deb Winn, Becky Meyer, Sarah Decker, Bradley Winn, Tom Good, Annette Good, David Meyer, Fred Hage, Angel (Williams) Polfliet, Joy (Ostendorf) Knoblach, Wendy Studer, Diane (Schuur) Viehauser, Nathan Polfliet, and John Struder
Naoutha Roommate 30-Year Reunion L to R: Stephanie (Payne) Jacobson, Heather (Stanton) Nelson, Jodi (Kompelien) Christensen, and Mary (Fussy) Ochs
Men’s Swim Team Reunion L to R: John Pearson, Tom Moehn, Gary Frickney, Denny Dayhuff, Dan Patterson, Mike Fallon, Craig Porter, Brian Luke, and Greg Higdem
Thank you to our alumni who submitted these photos. Did you get together with classmates for a reunion recently? Send your photos to alumni@SMSU.edu for a chance to be featured in the next edition of Focus!
We want to hear about it! Whether you were recently married, welcomed a new mini Mustang into the family, accepted an exciting new job opportunity, moved across the state or country, or have entered into retirement; news like that deserves to be heard and we are all ears. To update your class notes or submit any photos, please email us at alumni@SMSU.edu or call the SMSU Alumni Center at 507-537-6646. Photos must include accurate, detailed descriptions in order to be shared with our alumni community.
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HOMECOMING THROWBACKS Photos submitted from alumni and community members
Follow @SMSUAlumniandFoundation on Facebook to participate in our giveaways and for your chance to be featured in a future edition of Focus.
2023 SMSU Foundation’s
WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE Despite a change in schedule from spring to fall, we had an amazing turnout at this year’s SMSU Foundation’s Women’s Leadership Conference. We would like to say thank you to our amazing speakers — Jennifer Fanz, Diane Wagner, and Micha Mims — for sharing their personal experiences, lessons, and leadership skills with our group of strong, women leaders. If you were not able to make it to this year’s conference, we would love to have you join us next year! Be on the lookout for event details soon!
A special thank you to our sponsors: Avera, Runnings, Bremer Bank, and US Bank.
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CLASS NOTES 1973
Gary Anderson and Judy (Haats) Anderson celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on July 14, 2023. They met on the first day when freshmen arrived on campus, then graduated four years later with bachelor degrees. They currently live in Clear Lake, and are enjoying retirement by traveling the world. Wayne and Warren Cook received the Distinguished Service Award at the Minnesota Baseball Hall of Fame banquet in St. Cloud this September. They were recognized for their combined 90 years of umpiring baseball.
1976
Sanford “Sandy” Gruhn retired from K&B Transportation on July 15, 2022 after 37 years in the truckload transportation industry. Sandy enjoyed his first year of retirement by spending time with his six grandchildren, volunteering with his church and taking a trip to Spain and Portugal this past spring.
1992
Karen (Helsinger) DeGreeff married Joe DeGreeff on February 2, 2022. She works at Sleep Number as a Software Test Engineer. Bob Klatt was inducted into the United States Bowling Congress Twin Cities Association Hall of Fame on October 29, 2023 for meritorious service. Klatt was recognized for “above the ordinary contributions to the betterment and enhancement of bowling.”
1993
Lisa Maurer has been selected to serve as the new Director of Mission Integration and Formation of Duluth Benedictine Ministries. Sister Lisa began her new role on July 5, 2023. In this new role, Sister Lisa will lead collaborative efforts with ministry leadership to ensure the awareness and legacy of the Benedictine Sisters of St. Scholastica Monastery. Additionally, she will work with each ministry to further its identity as a ministry of the Catholic Church. Her work will focus in the areas of Benedictine legacy and sponsorship, Catholic identity, and theological and spiritual formation. Tonia (Clow) Bohnen was elected President of South Carolina State P.E.O. This is a philanthropic organization of over 200,000 women dedicated to promoting women’s education through scholarships, loans and grants.
1997
Mark Arkell was honored posthumously with inducation into the Red Rock Central First Hall of Fame.
2000
Trent Redfield started a new position as a staff librarian at the West Yellowstone Public Library in West Yellowstone, Montana in May of 2023.
Shelby Juve became part owner and VP of her family business, JNR Adjustment Company, on September 15, 2023 alongside her sister and brother-in-law. Mary (Groth) Buyan welcomed her second child, Walker David Buyan, on May 28, 2023. Amy LaDue
Rebecca Morin completed the Chicago Marathon on October 8, 2023 with an impressive time of 3:39:10. Her finish time qualified her for the Boston Marathon in 2025.
2006
Josh Beninga was recently elected President of the Minnesota Association of County Veterans Service Officers (MACVSO). Josh graduated from SMSU with a BA in Psychology and a criminal justice minor. Josh Beninga He is an Army veteran who attended college after service, deployed to Iraq in 2003.
2007
Michele (Tomschin) Rowell and Christopher Rowell ’05 welcomed a son, Andrew Michael, to their family on August 27, 2022.
2009
Jim Nelson won two Emmy Awards for his work as a news reporter at WOIO-TV, the CBS affiliate in Cleveland, Ohio.
2012
Erin (Weller) Hilby and her husband, Keaton Hilby, welcomed their first child, Kaden, in April 2023.
2013
2003
Amy (Davis) LaDue is a recipient of the 2023 Richard Green Scholar Award. She presented her research, “Leading Leaders: Helping Principals Grow,” at the 2023 MASA Fall Conference on October 9-10, 2023 in Duluth.
Amanda (Meine) Lang started a new position in June 2023 with Brown County as the Assistant Zoning Administrator/Assistant Emergency Management Director.
Katie (Vermeer) Bobbin started a new position in January 2023 as Director of Brand, Culture, and Communications at Benaiah Co.
2014
Kristina (Honken) Howie and her husband, Kenton Howie, welcomed their daughter, Kinzey, in May of 2021 and recently adopted a two-year-old boy, Kaiden (born June 2021).
2018
Nikolay “Nick” Ivanov completed his PhD at Michigan State University with a Certification in College Teaching in May 2023. In September 2023, he started his job as a tenure-track Assistant Professor of Computer Science at Rowan University in Glassboro, New Jersey.
2020
Selina (McCool-Kamstra) Schmitz married Zakk Schmitz ’22 on August 13, 2022. Angela (Young) Lee married Michael Lee ’19, on November 26, 2022.
2022
Levi Magnuson, graduate student at North Dakota State University, presented his research on Eugenics at the Nothern Great Plains History Conference.
IN MEMORIAM Keigh Hubel: September 8, 2023 Professor of Education 1969-1994 James Hanson ’72: September 20, 2023 Karla Faye Johnson ’04: October 3, 2023 Steven Roland Polkow ’71: October 31, 2023 Dr. Thomas Dilley: November 15, 2023 Professor of Environmental Science, 1999-2023 Dennis Jensen ’71: November 16, 2023
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SMSU FOUNDATION
Greetings SMSU Alumni, Friends, and Community Members! Another fiscal year has passed and, for the SMSU Foundation, it proved to be successful and encouraging on many fronts. In addition, the University itself has emerged as a true leader within the Minnesota State University System, leading the way this past fall with more than a 5% increase in degree-seeking students and almost an 11% increase in new first-year students - envious numbers for most any university in today’s environment. Thanks to the generous and enduring support of alumni and friends of the University, the Foundation is pleased to be providing meaningful support for this tremendous success! During fiscal year 2023, total support and revenues for the Foundation topped $8.6 million, an exciting 51% increase over the year before. Two major gifts that you have likely read about - one from North Star Mutual Insurance and the other from the estate of SMSU alumnus, Michael Bjerksett - provided a big boost to our fundraising success. But we continue to receive - and greatly appreciate - contributions both big and small. More than 2,400 alumni and friends made gifts to the Foundation during the year! The backbone of our ongoing success is the breadth of our donor base, and continued expansion of that base will help us to sustain our positive momentum. As a board of directors, our commitment to donors and the University remains focused on four broad categories of investment in support of SMSU’s continuing success, including: • Enhancing academic opportunities • Enriching on-campus experiences and resources • Expanding scholarship initiatives • Growing the Southwest Fund and support for Mustang Athletics We also take our stewardship responsibilities very seriously to assure maximum benefits are derived from our entire portfolio of assets, both financial and otherwise. To that end, the board recently revamped our committee structure to further enhance our focus on fiduciary responsibilities and identify opportunistic fundraising and investment approaches. The summary on the following page shows the impact made through the SMSU Foundation last year. With your help, we were able to support many great initiatives on campus. While overall scholarship support was down last year due to some of our athletic teams working to rebuild their rosters and focus available funding on the future, we expect scholarship needs to increase in the years ahead. On behalf of the entire Foundation Board of Directors, allow me to thank all of you as alumni, friends, and community partners for your spirited, ongoing support of SMSU. With your help, the Foundation can continue to do our part to help empower SMSU’s success. In the Mustang spirit, let’s continue to RUN TOGETHER and IMAGINE THE IMPACTS that we can make!
Dave Werpy ‘79 President of SMSU Foundation Board of Directors
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FOUNDATION ANNUAL REPORT 2022-2023
2022-2023 BOARD OF DIRECTORS President: David Werpy ’79 1 Vice President: Brian Knochenmus ‘00 st
2nd Vice President: Bradley Bacon ’92 Secretary/Treasurer: Kristi Mukomela ‘80 Past President: Jerald Bly ‘71 Executive Director: Nathan Polfliet ‘00/’11 Linda Baun ‘85
Robert Gunther ‘77
Julie Bleyhl ‘84
Jason Hoffman ‘99
Tyler Bowen ‘95/‘08
Dorene Kronke-McCourt ‘73
Timothy Burns ‘72
Jefferson Lee IV ‘96/‘11
Duane Carrow
Joe Roers ‘05
Tina Cartwright ‘97
Cindy Verschaetse
Lee French ‘72
Neal Wahlman ‘75
Jim Fuhrmann
SMSU Foundation Mission
We exist in order to engage alumni and friends of Southwest Minnesota State University in funding scholarships, projects and activities that benefit SMSU students and support the strategic priorities of SMSU.
SUPPORT OF STUDENT
SCHOLARSHIPS
FOUNDATION SUPPORT July 1, 2022 to June 30, 2023 (Fiscal Year 2023)
$3,014,732
FY 12 $625,499 FY 13 $806,093 FY 14 $737,384
University Development $887,408
Scholarships $1,003,349
Fundraising $398,162
Academic and Program Support $725,813
FY 15 $817,309 FY 16 $711,302 FY 17 $991,279 FY 18 $1,008,030 FY 19 $1,167,188 FY 20 $1,204,119 FY 21 $1,224,719 FY 22 $1,169,781 FY 23 $1,003,349
$8,637,151 Support and Revenue
78 1977
First-Time Alumni Donors
CLASS OF
$1,003,349
2020 1087 Most First-Time Donors
Alumni Class with Highest Giving Participation
Total Student Scholarships
Scholarship Recipients
954
Alumni Donors
Support SMSU students by giving at: www.SMSUfoundation.org/give FOUNDATION ANNUAL REPORT 2022-2023
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ENHANCING ACADEMICS Academic Program Equipment Supported by the Foundation
Exercise Science markerless motion capture systems
Funding from the SMSU Foundation has made major contributions to the academic experience in multiple programs thanks to generous donors. Music was able to purchase a 7-foot Yamaha grand piano. Of the existing inventory of grand pianos, all but one is more than 55 years old. The new piano will enhance student and concert-goer experiences. Exercise Science was able to purchase two Theia markerless motion capture systems that will allow students to analyze human movement using a combination of cameras and optical data processing software. The Clapper Hall, Culinology Living and Learning Community, received new state-of-the-art kitchen equipment.
Clapper Hall state-of-the-art kitchen equipment
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FOUNDATION ANNUAL REPORT 2022-2023
Additional Equipment Recieved Across Campus: • Biology: Spectramax ABS microplate reader. • Art: Easels, kilns, and potter’s wheel. • Communication Studies: SL3 cameras, light kits, microphones for digital media production. • Environmental Science: Streamflow meter system and water quality meters & probes. • Chemistry: Hot plates, melting point apparatus, and polarimeter. • Museum of Natural History: 55” Hands-on Touch Table. • School of Business: COLAB (Collaboration Lab) furniture and a 3-D printer.
7-foot Yamaha grand piano for Music Program
ANGELA LEE ’20/’23
Director of Alumni Relations & Outreach Angela Lee is an SMSU graduate with a B.S. in Marketing and Communications (’20) and Master’s of Business Administration (’23). Some of you may know her better as Angela Young from her time on the SMSU volleyball team, playing for the Mustangs from 2016 to 2021. Angela previously worked for Lawrence and Schiller, a well-known and respected marketing firm in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, for three years as an Angela Lee, ’20/ MBA ’23 Associate Account Executive. She is eager to use the knowledge and experience she gained while working at L&S to better develop and build strong relationships with both current and future SMSU alumni.
WHY SMSU? HIGHER EDUCATION. LOWER COST. BIGGER VALUE.
• High quality degree with in-state tuition for everyone.
“SMSU has always had a special place in my heart. It has been my home away from home and I am beyond grateful to be in a position now that allows me to give back to the university and Marshall community that has supported me throughout my time here as a student and athlete. From day one of being recruited by Terry Culhane, Paul Soupir, and Tyler Boddy, I knew this place was special. The relationships I have built here are life long relationships, and I truly cannot wait to continue fostering strong relationships with our SMSU alumni. Please stop by the Elizabeth Lockwood Alumni Center and say hi if you are ever in the Marshall area!” Angela now resides in Dawson, MN, with her husband Michael, an alumnus of SMSU and former SMSU basketball player (’19). For more information on Alumni Relations & Engagement at SMSU, visit www.SMSUAlumni.com, call 507-537-6646, or email Angela.Lee@SMSU.edu.
2023 Enrollment
368 2,531
NEW FIRST-YEAR STUDENTS
#1 SAFEST CAMPUS IN MINNESOTA.
+ 10.8%
• Welcoming, inclusive, and student-centered.
DEGREE-SEEKING STUDENTS
+ 5.2%
2,039 429
PERSONAL ATTENTION. • Faculty-to-student ratio is 11-to-1.
HANDS-ON LEARNING. • 100% of programs include a capstone or internship.
DEGREE-SEEKING UNDERGRADS DEGREE-SEEKING GRAD STUDENTS
ENGAGING RELATIONSHIPS. • Average class size: 15 students.
RETURN ON YOUR INVESTMENT. • 99% of grads find employment or attend grad school.
LIFE-CHANGING EXPERIENCES. • Find endless learning opportunites and discover your potential.
+ 4.2%
+ 11.4%
STUDENT RETENTION
FULL-YEAR EQUIVALENT (FYE)
+ 2.0%
+ 6.2%
*Based on Fall Semester Day-10 Data showing change from fall 2022
DISCOVER.
YOUR POTENTIAL.
ENGAGE.
YOUR LEARNING.
LEAD.
YOUR FUTURE.
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SMSU Alumni Office 1501 State Street • Marshall, MN 56258 Change Service Requested
If FOCUS is addressed to a family member who has graduated or no longer maintains a permanent address at your home, please email alumni@SMSU.edu to provide the current address or call toll-free 1-800-260-0970 to notify us of the change.
UPCOMING EVENTS JANUARY 27 3:00–5:00 PM Alumni Pre-Game Social for Tropical Night EverSpring Inn and Suites in Marshall, MN FEBRUARY 10 7:00 PM Gold Rush Raffle Marshall, MN
THE MUSTANG NETWORK Update Your Information Your Mustang Network profile is the best way for Mustangs to find and connect with you. Take a few minutes to update your job title, education, interests and activities, or sync your LinkedIn profile using the steps outlined below.
FEBRUARY 17-18 Wheelchair Basketball Alumni Weekend Marshall, MN FEBRUARY 24 7:30–9:30 PM Alumni Social Brau Brothers Brewing Co. in Marshall, MN
Step 1: Log into the Mustang Network Step 2: Click the arrow next to your profile photo in the top right corner of the page
FEBRUARY 28 2:00 PM Spring 2024 GOLD College Kick-Off Charter Hall 201
Step 3: Select “Edit Profile” and update your information *If you want to sync your LinkedIn profile, you will need to select “Settings” in Step 3.
APRIL 20-21 SMSU Band & Choir Alumni Weekend Marshall, MN
Become a Mentor SMSU Career Services and Alumni Relations have launched an opportunity designed to continue growing the Mustang Mentorship Program as well as connect students with alumni for flash mentoring. If interested, sign up today on the Mustang Network.
MAY 4 10:00 AM SMSU Commencement SMSU RA Facility OCTOBER 12 – SAVE THE DATE! SMSU Homecoming 2024 Register for events online at: www.SMSUAlumni.com *Appetizers and a beverage included in all events requiring registration.
We look forward to seeing you on the platform and growing our Mustang Network together! MUSTANGNETWORK.SMSU.EDU
FOLLOW US!
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