For Dr. Saranya Wyles, it's family, friends, and fighting “zombie cells” with her team (and her dad) at Mayo's Regenerative Dermatology and Skin Aging Laboratory, where they 3D print skin. 40 Five of the city's best side dishes
Za’atar Spiced Carrots. Hibachi Nachos. Famous Cauliflower. Fried Cheese Balls. Smoked Gouda Hash Browns. 56 Our Guide To Higher Ed, Part II
Local college kids answer your “What do we really need to know about college?” questions. Plus, your cheatsheet to area higher education.
The Rochester Repertory Theatre throws a
Dan Harke, the director of marketing and publisher for Mayo Clinic Press, talks about finishing an Ironman, five things he loves, and the best advice he gives.
One group doing good in Rochester. And how you can make a
76&78 Rochester, Retro
Tracking down the limestone bridge from the Dubuque Trail. Mayo Clinic's first glassblower.
82 Ten (or so) questions
Tyler Veen, coach of the Rochester Grizzlies, dispels the rumor that he's also the team's mascot between periods, passes the test of his hip lingo knowledge, and talks about working at the family (full-service) gas station.
THE POST BULLETIN COMPANY
Publisher FORUM COMMUNICATIONS CO.
Editor STEVE LANGE 507-285-7770 slange@rochestermagazine.com
ADAM GEHLING LISA SCHELL advertising@rochestermagazine.com
Graphic Designers
MOLLIE BURLINGAME BETH KROHN
Contributing Writers
ALEXA ANDERSON
JENNIFER HAUGEN KOSKI
HADLEY LANGE ELLIOT MANN
Photo Supervisor JOE AHLQUIST
Contributing Photographers LILY DOZIER MAYA GIRON KEN KLOTZBACH
PAULA LAROCHELLE OLIVE JUICE STUDIOS
GET HOME DELIVERY!
For $29.95, you’ll get a year’s subscription to Rochester Magazine. Or $50 for two years. $65 for three years.
Just call 507-285-7676.
Volume twenty-five I Number nine
Rochester Magazine is produced monthly by the Rochester Post Bulletin, and distributed throughout Rochester, MN. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission. Editor, Rochester Magazine, 1700 Greenview Dr. SW, Rochester, MN 55902 or SLange@rochestermagazine.com. Call 507-285-7676 for home delivery ($29.95 for 11 issues).
Junk Drawer
Readers write us letters. And ask us questions.
Letters to the Editor
Your story was trash. In a good way.
“Thank you, Steve and team for an illuminating feature article [“Tracking Our Trash,” August 2024]. Enjoyed reading so much that I want a “second helping,” a companion piece highlighting the fate of 400,000 pounds of daily recycled material.
A follow-up question: Three haulers are profiled, but two others go unmentioned. Who?
Thanks for considering. Tom G.”
[Edit note: Thanks for reading, Tom. Olmsted County's daily recycling— roughly 400,000 daily pounds—falls to the city's registered haulers, the top three of which ship the recycling to facilities in Minneapolis (WM) or La Crosse (Harter's) or Inver Grove Heights (LRS). So it seemed like a separate story and, honestly, one that had far less local value since it's not dealt with here.
As for the sidebar on area haulers, I did reach out to all of them. The other two are: Walter’s Recycling & Refuse, Inc, who are licensed but “not in the market yet.” And William Hanson Waste Removal & Recycling in Chatfield. Thanks. Steve]
Your photos and design were trash. In a good way.
“Dear Joe Ahlquist and [designer Mollie Burlingame]-
I just want to let your team know how much I enjoyed the photos and presentation for the trash story [“Tracking Our Trash,” August 2024]. I really liked all of the design elements.
Thank you so much for caring about the visuals! Jane S.”
Do you pronounce Supt. Pekel's name like "pickle"?
“Dear Steve:
Thanks so very much for your fun and enlightening article on Rochester Public Schools Superintendent Kent Pekel [“10 (or so) Questions,” August 2024].
I so love it when public figures (especially public leaders!) give us some insight into them as people. From your questions, Mr. Pekel didn't have any choice!
Can you please clear up one thing. How do you pronounce his name? Pee-KEL? Pe-KEL? Pickle?
You should have asked him that one. Sincerely, Carrie B.”
[Edit note: You're right, Carrie. I did drop the ball on that one. (I know that because I've now had THREE people ask me how to pronounce his name. And, full disclosure, I simply over-enunciated “KENT” to each of those people, though none of them seemed to find that as funny as I did.
Anyhoo. It's Pe-KEL. Thanks. Steve]
WILD
shortcuts The REP throws a PARTY
BY HADLEY LANGE PHOTO BY MAYA GIRON
The Rochester Repertory Theatre kicks off its 41st season with The Wild Party, a “roaring jazz musical” directed by Amanda Leyawiin. Philip Muehe, who not only plays Burrs in the musical, but is also the managing director of the Rep, is here to answer some of your questions.
WHAT’S IT ABOUT?
Andrew Lippa’s The Wild Party (not to be confused with the LaChiusa musical of the same name) follows “lovers Queenie (played by Ashley Giberson, pictured) and Burrs” who “decide to throw the party-to-end-all-parties,” says Muehe. The party introduces a colorful cast of characters including a thug, a potential suitor (for the already coupled Queenie), and a dancer. The party is not a happy affair and this “deadly game of cat and mouse” between Queenie and Burrs is full of threats, seduction, and violence.
WHAT ABOUT THE MUSIC?
What’s a “jazz musical” without jazz? The songs twist and turn “with a lot of difficult rhythms and intervals,” says Muehe. Helping to bring the music to life is a “full jazz set up with piano, drums, bass, guitar, trumpet and 2 reed (sax, clarinet, etc.) players.”
WHAT’S NEXT?
The Rep’s 41st season features “the fantasy adventure She Kills Monsters and the groundbreaking musical comedy straight from a Broadway revival Falsettos The season rounds out with the family-friendly Nuncrackers this holiday season, the mystery of Miss Holmes Returns, and the rib-tickling Four Old Broads in the spring,” says Muehe.
WHEN CAN I SEE IT?
The Wild Party is at the Rochester Repertory Theatre Sept. 27-28 and Oct. 3-5 and 10-12 at 7pm. There are also 2pm performances on Oct. 6 and 13. Tickets are $30. rochesterrep.org, 507-289-1737
One 244-mile sailboat race. No wind.
BY STEVE LANGE
It is 10 p.m. on Monday night, and we are sailing—slowly, slowly—toward the finish line of the 100th annual Bayview to Mackinac Island sailboat race.
We started Saturday afternoon, 244 nautical miles—and an agonizing 56 hours—ago.
On Saturday morning, like each of the 314 boats in this year’s race, we motored my nephew Konnor's 33-foot sailboat up the St. Clair River toward Lake Huron.
Thousands of spectators lined the American and Canadian shorelines. Bagpipers played. Cannons fired. A group of elderly women held up signs (numbered 1-10) rating each boat and crew as they passed.
Every year, before the race, I send friends and family an app, called YB Tracking, that follows sailboat races in real time. You can track us—and the winds—to see what excitement may take place as our tiny sailboat icon makes its way north along the length of Lake Huron!
Because we have, in previous Mackinac races, faced on-lake tornado warnings, 6-foot waves and 25 mph winds, a 50 mph downburst that led to a broken rudder.
Those sailboat icons and those wind arrows were doing all kinds of crazy stuff!
This year, just before our noon start, the wind died. And stayed dead for much of the next 244 miles.
Oh, we had some beautiful stretches of sailing. I was lucky enough to be at the helm when, with three of us on deck, we spent the night on the kind of justdangerous-enough downwind spinnaker run that makes you remember why you sail.
In between, we bobbed aimlessly for hours in the doldrums.
Our six-person crew consists of some of my favorite people: my older brother Dave and his kids Konnor, Kam, and Khloe and Dave’s girlfriend Colette). We worked in
three-person shifts. One team would come on deck, and the others would slide into their just-emptied bunks.
After one off-shift, I came on deck and optimistically asked how far we’d gone.
We had sailed zero miles. In four hours.
Every year, race organizers hold the big Post Race Boat Party (a band! free beer!) on Mackinac Island. The party starts at noon on Tuesday.
By Sunday morning, we were all calculating, in our heads at least, whether we would get there in time.
Then, a breeze would blow, the sails would fill, the lines would lift, and we would glide through the water again.
The first boats—the 70 footers, the high-tech racers—finished at 1 p.m. on Sunday. Their crews were first to the Pink Pony, the island’s post-race bar.
We were still crossing the tip of Michigan’s thumb to the middle of its pointer finger. We still had 120 miles to go.
But now here we are on Monday night, just a mile from the finish, tacking toward Round Island lighthouse, just south of Mackinac Island.
Every year, my sister Cathy serves as our invaluable shore squad. When we finish, in the daytime previously, she’s always there, yelling and waving maniacally.
This year, she waited on Mackinac Island until, when we still hadn’t finished, she had to catch that last ferry for the mainland.
We cross that imaginary finish line and mark the time as 10:16:09 p.m.
57 hours, one minute, 9 seconds after we started. This is, by far, the longest the race has ever taken us.
And this is, honestly, not a finish that anyone outside of us would be paying attention to. This is the kind of finish that, after the scoring is complete, will land us in 289th place.
At the exact moment we document crossing the line, incidentally, I hear what sounds like a faint and distant cry of joy.
I wonder if it is coming from inside me.
We all hear it. None of us know what it is.
We pop (well, unscrew) bottles of cheap champagne. Give high fives and hugs.
Sometimes, just finishing, just sticking it out is a big enough accomplishment. I’m beginning to understand that more and more. On the boat, we’re all pretty damn proud of each other.
But, in the back of your mind, you do wonder what other people think. I mean, 289th place.
Then my phone dings with a text message. All our phones do.
It’s from Cathy. It’s a screen capture of the app, of the moment our tiny icon crossed the finish. “I’m so proud of you guys!”
Then more dings. More texts.
“Congratulations!” and “You did it!”s pour in from those friends and family members who have, it turns out, been checking the app and following the slow progress all along.
No one seems to care where we placed.
“That was amazing!” texts my friend, Lorne, who has never been on a sailboat in his life. “You just sailed the entire lake!”
The next morning, at the outdoor party, heavy winds blow the rain sideways. We’re all celebrating anyway. We’re standing in the rain talking to a group of sailors that my brother’s family race against on Wednesday nights in Bay City, Michigan.
“We were sitting at the Pink Pony Monday night,” one of them says. “When we saw you cross the line, we all let out a yell.”
Which, we realize, is that faint, joyful cry we heard, crossing that line late at night, for a finish time we thought no one outside of us would care about.
Occupation: Director of marketing and publisher for Mayo Clinic Press Where we found him: Mayo Clinic campus
Are you originally from Rochester? I grew up in Wisconsin, in the Fox Valley—in Little Chute, which is right by Appleton. After seventh grade, we moved to Stevens Point.
How did you wind up in Rochester? I played football in high school and got a scholarship to play in Mankato, at University of Minnesota-Mankato. That’s how I got to the southern Minnesota area. I met my wife, who’s from Hibbing, there. She’s a year older than me and a nurse, and got a job at Mayo Clinic. I followed her here. I originally worked at IBM in finance for 5 years. Then I came to Mayo Clinic to work, first, in research administration.
Do you remember the first time you saw your wife? It was my sophomore year. As an athlete in Mankato, it was recommended that we stay over the summer. And in order for athletes to do that, they helped us find work. The job they found for me was painting dorm rooms. So we painted dorm rooms together. She said, “You were just handed this job. I actually had to interview!” But, yeah, that’s where I met her.
What might I be surprised to learn about you? What I like to do outside of work. Think of crazy stuff you can do, and that’s what I want to do. I’ve done an Ironman triathlon. I’ve finished 300mile trail races on foot. I’ve participated in the Birkebeiner every year as a classic skier. Outside of work, that’s what keeps me focused on exercise. When people see me—6’1, 200 pounds—I don’t look like I should be an endurance athlete. But I like very audacious goals and I like achieving them. And I like doing something that not everyone can do and that takes a lot of effort to figure out— like teaching myself to solve a Rubik’s
| By JENNIFER KOSKI Photo by LILY DOZIER
Cube. That’s what I did when I was quarantined with COVID.
You turn 40 soon. How are you celebrating? I’ll go on a hiking or mountain biking adventure in northern Minnesota. Pretty much whatever I do, it’ll be big in terms of mileage or remoteness. I would go with my wife, who likes to do those things as well, but we have these things called kids. So I’m going alone.
How old are your kids? I have two girls, an 8-year-old and a 10-year-old.
What are 5 things you love? My family, hockey, Green Bay Packers, going on adventures with my wife, and winter activities with my entire family, like downhill skiing and snowboarding.
Have you always played hockey?
hockey town. Stevens Point was a big hockey town, but we moved there when I was in eighth grade so it was way too late for me to start. But now I play on a men’s league twice a week. And I can’t explain to you how cool it is to watch girls—and my girls—play hockey. It’s truly special. There are 8-year-old girls who are just competitive as hell, and they’re on the ice, socializing and dancing and playing. For a sport that’s been male dominated for so long, to see girls play is really cool.
Scariest moment?
One of the first that comes to mind was when I was mountain biking last year and broke my wrist. I was going down this rocky descent—if you watch mountain biking races, you see that you have to pick the right line, and
that speed is your friend and speed can also launch you off your bike. It launched me off my bike, and I had that moment when I thought: “I’m going to land and this is going to suck.”
Advice you’ve given? What I tell my kids is there’s a lot of people who go through life with 4.0 GPAs and 30+ ACTs and they are really smart. And there are others like myself who didn’t have great grades. School was challenging for me. But how I’ve found success in life, from my perspective, is through perseverance, hard work, and hustle. When I went to college to play football—well, you go from being one of the better players on your high school team to being just one of 80 players. Good luck. And I made it on that field, playing games, not because I was the best player but because I gave the most effort. I was always going to be hustling, running, working hard. That
That’s how I found myself in Mayo Clinic at the position I am now. I had this drive to continue to be better. That’s what I tell my kids. There are quantitative things you’re going to be measured on schoolwise. But then there’s the intangibles—that drive and perseverance. And if you have those things, you can do a lot of cool things in life. One of my core values is ambition. I talk to my team a lot about this: How am I showing up? How are you showing up? Are you showing up in the best way? Sometimes I value that more than results. If you show up prepared and give 110% and the results didn’t work out? OK, we’ll do something different next time. If we show up lackadaisical? That
shortcuts
Read all about Newsies at Civic Theatre! Extra!Extra!
BY PAULA LAROCHELLE | PHOTO BY MAYA GIRON
Inspired by the events of the 1899 Newsboy Strike in New York, Disney’s Newsies musical brings to the stage the story of a young fictional Jack Kelly, who leads a band of newsboys—many of them orphans and runaways—in rebellion against newspaper tycoons Joseph Pulitzer and William Hearst, who operated two of the nation’s largest and most powerful newspapers at the time.
A PLAY FOR THE TIMES
Rochester Civic Theatre’s production of Newsies is timely, says director Lindsey Duoos Williams.
“This show is really about how powerful we are when we all join forces … to make change happen and make things better,” Williams says.
SOMETHING OLD, SOMETHING NEW
First released as a movie in 1992, Newsies’ screenplay and music was adapted for the theater and premiered on Broadway in 2012. The theater version features a Tony award-winning score by Alan Menken and Jack Feldman
and includes seven new songs. Fans of the film need not worry, however: The stage version keeps many favorites, including “Carrying the Banner,” “Seize the Day,” “King of New York,” and “Santa Fe.”
ROCHESTER’S GOT TALENT
The stage version also introduces a new character, aspiring young reporter Katherine Plumber.
In Rochester Civic Theatre’s production, Katherine will be played by Kjirsten Zahn, whom Williams says is “going to shine” in this role. Male lead Jack Kelly is played by the “phenomenal” Andrew Cook, Williams says. And while in the Newsies film, the newsboys are all played by young men, RCT’s stage version features a cast of all genders—which is more historically accurate. Girls worked as newsies and participated in the 1899 strike, as Williams points out.
SETTING THE SCENE
To evoke the streets of New York City, scenic designer Cindy Hansel is having steel fire escapes created especially for the
Rochester stage. Two will be on wheels and measuring up to 12 feet high, turning the stage into a dynamic space for the performers.
SEIZE THE DAY
With singing, dancing, and catchy tunes, “the show is a ton of fun,” Williams says. Ultimately, she says, it is “a joyful show, with a phenomenal cast,and a great story that will leave people feeling uplifted.”
DIRECTING
Newsies is Williams’s first time directing a production at the Rochester Civic Theatre. But having previously acted in three RCT productions, she’s not new to the Rochester stage. In her day job, Williams is theater director and an instructor at Austin’s Riverland Community College, where she's been since 2011.
Newsies: The Musical will be at the Rochester Civic Theatre Sept. 19 through Oct. 6 with shows at 7pm Thursdays through Saturdays and 2pm on Sundays. Tickets are $35 ($30 for seniors and $27 for students); rochestercivictheatre. org, 507-282-8481.
“This show is really about how powerful we are when we all join forces … to make change happen and make things better.”
LINDSEY DUOOS WILLIAMS
Kjirsten Zahn (as Katherine Plumber), Andrew Cook (as Jack Kelly), and Dre Withers (as Davey Jacobs) star in Rochester Civic Theatre’s production of Newsies.
SEPTEMBER
THE BATTLE OF THE BREEDS. Throughout the summer, Canterbury Park hosts dog races to find the fastest corgis, English bulldogs, wiener dogs, and basset hounds. Today’s Final Battle of the Breeds Race will determine the speediest pup of them all! canterburypark. com, 952-445-7223
STOP AND SMELL THE MARIGOLDS. It’s the 59th Annual Marigold Days in historic Mantorville! Grab some sweets at the pie and ice cream social then hit up the Grande Parade and end the day with a firefighter water fight. Don’t forget to check out the flower show ... the reason this whole festival started! marigolddays.com, 507-421-6473
STEP OUT OF THE HEAT. Quarry Hill Cave was first carved into sandstone to serve as a cool place to store vegetables, now it serves as a reminder of Quarry Hill Park's history as a part of the old State Hospital's grounds. Come learn more about the history of Quarry Hill and maybe see a bat or two! qhnc.org, 507-328-3950
COVERED BRIDGE FESTIVAL.
The annual Zumbrota Covered Bridge Festival celebrates the town's covered bridge (which is on the National Historic Register) that spans the Zumbro River. To celebrate there will be live music, bounce houses, car and tractor shows, a grand parade and more. zumbrotacbf.com
EXTRA! EXTRA! Jack Kelly is a poor newsboy in New York City. When their profits are slashed, Jack and the other newsboys start a Manhattan wide strike (based on the real-life Newsboys Strike of 1899). This show, which includes musical theater classics "Seize the Day," "The World Will Know," and "King of New York," opens Sept. 19 at the Rochester Civic Theatre. rochestercivictheatre.org, 507-282-8481
EXCELSIOR! Gallop over to the Minnesota Renaissance Festival in Shakopee (costumes optional). Watch the jousting. Eat a turkey leg. Browse the vendor stalls. Tour the Viking encampment. Watch the jousting again. renaissancefest. com, 952-445-7361
FOR WHOM THE BELL TOLLS. Spoiler alert, it tolls for you (and everyone else in Rochester) Mondays at 7 p.m. and Tuesday through Friday at noon. Pick a spot by the entrance of the Gonda Building and Kahler, or in Peace Plaza, and listen for the music of the carillon (that’s the bell tower). history.mayoclinic.org
8 1 15 22 29 10 3 17 24
QUEEN’S GAMBIT… THE GAME! You don’t need to be a chess expert like Beth Harmon (or Gary Kasparov) to join the Rochester Chess Club. Come to the Harwick Building today (or any Tuesday) for a game or two and maybe some pointers from some of Rochester’s finest players. rochesterchess.com, 507-254-6809
SEPTOBERFEST. Head to WabashaKellogg for their annual SeptOberfest to celebrate fall in Minnesota. Check out the huge pumpkin displays and come back through mid-October for more (including a SeptOberfest market and Dachshund Dash). wabashamn.org, 651-565-4158
BONES... THE BOOK! If you like the TV show Bones, then this month’s Rochester Public Library Mystery Book Club book is for you. Kathy Reichs' The Bone Hacker follows forensic anthropologist Temperance "Bones" Brennan and her quest to understand, and stop, a string of disappearances in Turks and Caicos. rplmn.org, 507-328-2300
9 2 16 23 30
DO GO CHASIN' WATERFALLS.
Minneopa Falls State Park, five miles west of Mankato, features the upper and lower falls of the Minneopa Creek, with an overlook just a short walk from a nearby parking lot. But we recommend the trail that leads down a limestone stairway to the picturesque valley below. dnr.state.mn.us, 507-389-5464
BLUES AND BREWS. It's the last Smooth Summer Nights event of the year at Sargent's Gardens North. Catch music from the Avey Grouws band, a Blues group with two albums on the Billboard Top 10 Blues Album Chart. You can also grab food and drink from Rochester restaurants including Indigo Açaí Bowls, Bleu Duck, Café Aquí, and more. sargentsgardens.com, 507-289-0022
BUMP, SET, SPIKE. Watch the Century Panthers girls' volleyball team take on the Northfield Raiders at home tonight. mshsl.org, 763-560-2262
JUDAS PRIEST. Grammy Awardwinning heavy metal band Judas Priest is at the Mayo Civic Center as part of their Invincible Shield Tour. Expect classic hits from the band's 50+ year back catalog including "Breaking the Law," "Painkiller," and "You've Got Another Thing Comin.'" mayociviccenter.com, 507-361-5040
11 4
THE DEFEAT OF JESSE JAMES. Held in Northfield, the Defeat of Jesse James Days (Sept. 4-8) commemorates the James Gang’s attempted bank robbery and eventual defeat. The event features bank raid re-enactments (complete with horses and smoking guns), live music, a rodeo, and more. djjd.org, 612-986-4152
LUNCH AND A SHOW. Singer songwriter Megan Kleven is at Peace Plaza as part of the Music on the Plaza concert series. This free lunchtime concert series runs Tuesday-Friday through the end of the month. downtownrochestermn. com, 507-216-9882
18
ONE MAN BLUES BAND. Justin Moyar performs at Forager Brewery as part of his Lonesome tour. Moyar has been described as a "one man blues band experience" with guitar, harmonica, vocals, and more. justinmoyar.com, 724-422-4833
SLICE OF THE ACTION. Squash Blossom Farm, just outside Rochester, hosts River Crossing, a local band from Lanesboro, as part of their Thursday pizza nights. There’s also yard games, farm animals, and mead! We suggest pre-ordering your pizza. squashblossomfarm. org, 507-252-9639
FIRE AWAY. It’s the last week of Everyday States of Awe, an exhibit at the Rochester Art Center showcasing pottery by New London artist Bill Gossman. Gossman valued using local materials from clays to granite dust to wood in the clay, handmade glazes, and firing process. rochesterartcenter.org, 507-722-2552
DISCOVER THE DRIFTLESS.
Decoding the Driftless: A Film of Science Exploration and Adventure examines the "rugged bluffs," "primordial rivers," and "archaeological treasures" of the Driftless Region (which Rochester is a part of). Assisi Heights hosts an event to watch and discuss the film. rochesterfranciscan. org, 507-282-7441
TEE UP. It's the 26th annual American Business Women's Association Golf Tournament at Willow Creek Golf Course. This fundraiser, which also has a dinner and silent auction, helps provide education scholarships to women in the area. rochester.abwa.org, 800-228-0007
ROOT FOR THE GRIZZ. Our Junior Hockey team—the Rochester Grizzlies (formerly the Ice Hawks)—take on the West Bend Power at the Rec Center for their season opener. rochestergrizz.com, 507-718-0437
MISSING MINUTES. That Theatre Company presents The Minutes, a Tony nominated play by Tracy Letts, the author of August: Osage County. Two things are missing: the minutes from the Founders' Day Committee's last meeting and Mr. Carp, one of the committee members. Mr. Peel tries to get to the bottom of both of these mysteries at Rochester Civic Theater. thattheatrecompany.org
SHOW OFF THAT BIG BRAIN. Little Thistle hosts trivia every Wednesday night... but the last Wednesday of the month has a new twist. At half-time play a miniround of Rochester trivia written and sponsored by the Post Bulletin. littlethistlebeer.com, 507-226-8014
SO MUCH SOCCER. The Mayo Spartans girls' soccer team take on the John Marshall Rockets at home. The Spartans and Rockets boys' teams battle each other across town at John Marshall. mshsl.org, 763-560-2262
Sponsored by 67 5
DRIVE RESEARCH FORWARD (LITERALLY AND FIGURATIVELY)!
The 6th Annual Crushing Koopas and Childhood Cancer Mario Kart Tournament speeds into the Mayo Civic Center. This fundraiser to fight childhood cancer features a Mario Kart tournament with both kid and adult divisions, silent auction, music, food, and more. superherberbros.com
25 13 20 27 12 19 26 14 21 28
"WHAT A PARTY." The Wild Party by Andrew Lippa follows Queenie, a vaudeville dancer in prohibition-era Manhattan and her relationships with Burrs, a violent and aggressive man, and Mr. Black, a kind man she meets at the titular party. This "roaring jazz musical" is at the Rochester Repertory Theatre. rochesterrep.org, 507-289-1737
"FIGHTING FOR A DIFFERENT FUTURE." The Walk to End Alzheimer's is a one-mile route that starts at Saint Mary's University. This walk raises funds for the Alzheimer's Association to support research to help detect, treat, and ultimately end Alzheimer's and other dementias. act.alz.org, 952-830-0512
BURIED HISTORY. The Olmsted History Center hosts the Oakwood Cemetery Walk. These guided tours provide insights into Rochester history and some of its prominent figures including Daisy and Henry Plummer (who once lived in the Plummer House), Lucy Wilder (who ran the Bookshop of Lucy Wilder in downtown Rochester), and more. olmstedhistory.com, 507-282-9447
FOLSOM PRISON BLUES. Go back in time to 1968 with the Folsom Prison Experience at the Mayo Civic Center. This show, part concert, part drama, stars Jay Ernest and Kat Perkins as Johnny Cash and June Carter and tells the story of recording Cash's album live at Folsom Prison and features songs like "Folsom Prison Blues," "25 Minutes to Go," and "The Long Black Veil." mayociviccenter.com, 507-361-5040
minnesotasrochester.com
Locally Owned. Locally Managed. Local Decisions.
EAGLEROCK.BANK
Voted Rochester’s Best Deli and Sandwiches. A bustling, urban deli set in the heart of downtown Rochester, featuring big New York style sandwiches, filled with large portions of fresh sliced meats, gourmet cheeses, crisp vegetables, and one-of-a-kind spreads on bakeryfresh breads. Signature salads and soups with quick and easy delivery service. Catering as well as box lunch delivery.
507.361.1208 10 East Center St Rochester skyway level benedictsrochester.com
Benedict’s is the place for warm, approachable food with new takes on familiar dishes and killer morning cocktails (it’s never too early). Great food and hospitality shouldn’t be relegated to dinnertime, and at Benedict’s, we are ready to champion the morning. Bring your family, become a part of ours. Open 6:00am - 3:00pm daily.
507.424.1227 247 Woodlake Drive SE Rochester whistlebinkiespub.com
Situated in a business district on a small lake with beautiful patio views, two private dining spaces, a large dining room, and an extensive menu with something for everyone, and a beer list to impress. WBOTL is thankful for their guests, friends, and family that make us a destination that all love and enjoy.
507.226.8146 4 third St SW Rochester thaipopmn.com
Lunch + Dinner + Happy Hour + Event Space. Voted Minnesota’s Best Thai Restaurant 2023, Rochester Magazine’s Best Ethnic Restaurant 2023 + Best New Restaurant 2022. We serve unique cocktails and cuisine on historic 3rd Street in downtown Rochester. Open Monday - Saturday.
(507) 289-9200
Locally owned for 22 years tucked in NE Rochester. Providing a pub atmosphere that makes you feel at home with comfort. Awesome summer patio, two private spaces for events, with one of the largest menus and beer selection in all of Rochester. We are happy to be serving you all for years to come.
507.258.4663 14 Fourth Street SW Rochester bleuduckkitchen.com
Bleu Duck Kitchen offers brunch every Saturday from 10am-1pm. Join us for live music, bottomless mimosa’s and fun & unique twists to classic brunch dishes. Make your reservations today at www.bleuduckkitchen.com or call 507-258-4663.
3120 Wellner Drive NE Rochester www.whistlebinkiespub.com 244 Soldiers Field Dr SW 507.516.1050
Best Philly in Rochester! Stop in for our signature Grill’d Philly, a Grill’d Bowl or one of our delicious Smash’d Burgers. There is something for everyone to enjoy. We are open year-round at Soldiers Field Golf Course. Dine in or carry out. Voted Best Sandwich Place 2023 & 2024.
507.258.4550 1635 Highway 52 N Rochester PappysPlaceRochester.com
Locally owned by the Pappas family; same family as former owners of Michaels and Hubbel House. Whether it’s our salad bar, onion ring appetizer, sandwiches, wraps, burgers, steaks ribs, seafood, cocktails or craft beers there’s something for everyone. Daily lunch and dinner specials on Facebook or PappysPlaceRochester.com. Now serving brunch on Saturday and Sunday from 10am-2pm.
507.282.6572 1203 2nd St SW Across from St Marys Hospital Rochester
Celebrating 40 years! Since 1984, the Powers family and the Canadian Honker Restaurant have taken great pride in serving fresh, home-cooked meals to you and your family. Whether you enjoy our award winning Eggs Benedict, Walleye Sandwich, or Filet Mignon, one thing is for sure, you will not leave hungry! Stop by today, and don't forget to order a piece of our world famous Bunnie Cake.
We are located in the Courtyard by Marriott across from Saint Marys Hospital. Whether you are a visitor or a lifelong resident of the city, we hope to embody everything that Rochester has to offer. Enjoy our “Minnesota Nice” hospitality while eating breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Chef Lela Tweed has crafted a menu sure to please – try our legendary sticky chicken sandwich!
507.361.5144 3708 N Broadway Ave Rochester creativecuisineco.com
Chef inspired Casual American restaurant that is family friendly. Some menu features include our Rotisserie Chicken, Kranz Smash Burger, Sheet Ton Chicken Nachos, or Chipotle Salmon Rice Bowl. Dine next to our 16 foot fireplace, or on our patio during the summer that includes fire pits, an outdoor bar, kid play area, and yard games. We also feature plenty of screens inside and out to catch your favorite games!
507.346.7300 fourdaughtersvineyard.com 78757 State Highway 16 Spring Valley
Visit Four Daughters Winery, Loon Juice Cider, and The Traditionalist Bourbon Distillery in one spot! Wine, cider and bourbon flights available 7 days a week, plus wines by the glass/bottle, a full cocktail bar, and a restaurant. Spend time inside the spacious tasting room or outside on the large patio bordering the vineyard at the largest winery and cidery in Minnesota. Rated as the #2 Winery Restaurant in the country by USA Today!
507.206.3019 1625 South Broadway Ave Rochester crookedpint.com/rochester
Crooked Pint Ale House is a nouveau urban pub with the feel of a local neighborhood restaurant. The menu includes classic pub fare with nearly 60 choices for lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch as well as kids’ menu selections. We feature the best Lucys in town and you will be back again and again for our Pub Pot Pies, Pub Tacos, and our Jumbo Tator Tots. At Crooked Pint, we are known for our beer list, but we don’t forget about the wine and spirits! Open Monday - Sunday!
Locally owned for 25 years. Specializing in traditional Italian. All sauces are scratch made. Victoria’s has four private dining rooms for all your events. Looking for a quick lunch? Victoria’s Express (Grab and Go) is adjacent to the restaurant and is open Mon through Fri from 10 am to 1:30 pm. Join us Wednesdays for Bottomless Wine.
1155 16th St SW, Rochester 507.516.0641 Sorellinasmn.com
Open Mon-Sat at 11AM Open Sunday at 10:30AM
Cousins Nadia Victoria and Jordan Victoria are excited to introduce you to: Sorellina’s Italian by Victoria’s. The latest Italian kitchen next to Apache Mall. You will find classic Victoria’s Italian dishes, as well as a few modern takes. Scratch pizzas, our famous sauces, cheesecakes and craft cocktails. Enjoy dining on the pizza counter side, the enclosed four-season patio, the swanky dining room, or sit at the bar and enjoy the view!
507.424.7800
130 5th St SW Rochester pnpizza.com
Chef Pasquale Presa is serving the food he grew up with....authentic NY style pizza along with simple, traditional Italian food including fresh salads and amazing desserts. Daily lunch and dinner specials. Dine-in or carry out. To place orders call 507.424.7800. Voted Best Pizza Place 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024 by Rochester Magazine readers.
Rustic comfort food, hand-crafted cocktails, and an intimate, romantic ambiance define this hidden gem of a restaurant. Live local music every night makes this a top-notch date night spot for any day of the week. Make the Redwood Room your new go-to! Voted Most Romantic Ambiance and finalist for Best Fine Dining.
507.258.4184 332 Broadway Ave S Rochester marrowmn.com
Marrow offers a seasonal, ingredient and chef-driven menu - utilizing classic French technique, with a touch of humor and fun. Stop by to enjoy a quick bite and a drink or stay longer to visit with friends and family over dinner and wine. Scan the QR Code to make a reservation or just come on through. Walk-ins are always welcome! We are open Tuesday - Saturday from 5 - 10 pm. Happy Hour at the Bar Tuesday - Friday from 4 - 6 pm.
South- 1201 S Broadway North- 5231 E Frontage Rd NW Express- Downtown Skyway Apple Valley - 15610 English Ave creativecuisineco.com
A local tradition since 1980, is the only place for great burgers and cold beer. Hand pattied fresh burgers, grilled to perfection, piles of nachos, tasty sandwiches, loaded bloody mary’s and much more!
507.635.2331
502 N Main St Mantorville hubbellhouserestaurant.com
The Hubbell House has been Rochester Magazine’s Best Restaurant within 30 minutes for the past fourteen years. Our extensive menu includes appetizers, salads, sandwiches, choice steaks, prime rib every day, chops, & seafood. Just a short drive from Rochester, whether you’re looking for a formal experience in one of our dining rooms, or a more relaxed setting like the Stagecoach Bar, the Hubbell House is the place for you.
507.288.0206 401 6th St SW Rochester twigstavernandgrille.com
Unleash your inner foodie and explore our exciting new Korean BBQ dishes! Our passionate team has crafted a unique menu that showcases classic flavors including, Korean BBQ Chicken Bacon Swiss Sandwich, Korean BBQ Ribs, Korean BBQ Wings and Korean BBQ Tacos. Embark on a flavorful journey like no other! WE GET IT. BECAUSE WE LIVE IT. Rochester’s only restaurant with a separate dedicated GLUTEN-FREE kitchen. Seasonal Cocktails & Desserts | Small Plates | Bowls.
507.424.7800 130 5th St SW Rochester pnpizza.com
Little Italy Marketplace. Shop Pasquale’s quality Italian Ingredients direct from Italy. Everything from frozen meals, amazing sauces, scratch-made pasta, and our farm-to-table Olive Oil. Our products are available at Pasquale’s or Hyvee Stores.
Tilda’s Pizzeria is a locally owned one-of-a-kind wood-fired pizza restaurant in Downtown Rochester. Unique flavors, and a welcoming atmosphere for everyone! We offer dine-in, online ordering, and delivery. Mon-Sun 4 pm - 9 pm. 507.361.3636
2043 Superior Dr NW Rochester 507.288.5283 zenfusionmn.com
Zen presents a globally accented American, Mexican, Asian, and Sushi menu that draws upon the vibrancy and culinary genius of all of its chefs, creating a menu as culturally diverse as Rochester itself. Our live Hibachii chefs give the flare to any meal, creating a fun, entertaining dining experience for everyone. WE CATER, let us make your event special. Voted Best Place For Seafood 2024 by Rochester Magazine Readers!
507.226.8885
2280 Superior Dr NW
507.206.6799 4576 Maine Ave SE Rochester roostersbarngrill.com
Swing by Rooster’s for a delicious breakfast 7 days a week starting at 7am. Try our daily lunch specials or order off our great menu featuring burgers, sandwiches, wraps, broasted chicken and so much more. Weekday happy hour 11 am to 6 pm. We’re home of the GOLIATH 34 oz. draft beer mug on special every weekend.
Enjoy a delicious mix of Traditional Fare, Steaks, Seafood, Burgers, Sandwiches, Tacos and more. With over 200 Whiskeys, classic cocktails, and tap beer, There’s truly something for everyone. Join us for lunch Monday through Friday, starting at 10:30 AM, and don’t miss our Irish Recessour unique Happy Hour with discounted drinks and appetizers.
Red Cow’s founder and owner, Luke Shimp, was born and raised in Lake City, MN! Family owned and locally operated, Red Cow provides a modern tavern feel and celebrates finally crafted eats and drinks with a focus on gourmet burgers, craft cocktails, wine & beer. #Followtheherd to Red Cow!
3 Ways YOU CAN HELP
MN Adult and Teen Challenge
BY ALEXA ANDERSON
By offering effective and affordable programs, MN Adult and Teen Challenge strives to assist men, women, and teens in their journey to overcome chemical additions and other lifecontrolling problems by helping to fulfill their physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.
The organization’s selection of treatment and recovery programs include outpatient, Licensed Residential (30-90 days), Long Term Recovery Program (12 months), Teen Residential (6-12 months), and Ongoing Recovery and Alumni Services. By offering so many programs, MN Adult and Teen Challenge is able to serve a broad array of individuals, from those seeking treatment for the first time to those who have been struggling with addiction for years.
The core values of compassion, honor, respect, integrity, servanthood, and trust are at the heart of all MN Adult and Teen Challenge centers. The staff work to foster a safe environment in which they can assist clients in uncovering the root causes of their addictive tendencies. After the root causes are identified, the organization helps clients create new patterns of behavior, so they can replace the old ones.
Here’s how you, too, can help MN Adult and Teen Challenge:
VOLUNTEER YOUR TIME. The organization welcomes anyone interested in becoming mentors and volunteers to look into the opportunities listed on their website. By becoming a mentor, you’ll support clients in their journey and recovery through individualized conversation and activities.
ATTEND THEIR GALA. MN Adult and Teen Challenge invites you to join them for the Rochester Gala. The event will be held on Thursday, October 10 from 5:30-9:30 pm at the Rochester International Event Center. By attending, you will hear stories, help restore families, strengthen communities, and transform lives. Register individual spots for $100 each or book a table, which seats 8, for $800.
DONATE. By making an online donation, your generosity will be helping MN Adult and Teen Challenge support their clients in overcoming drug and alcohol addiction. Set up monthly donations or give a one-time monetary gift. Donations can also be made in honor or memory of someone special. Your support can help save lives.
FOR MORE INFORMATION: Anyone interested in supporting MN Adult and Teen Challenge, in any of the ways listed above, can find more information at www.mntc.org.
3 WAYS YOU CAN HELP IS SPONSORED BY:
At Eagle Rock Bank, formerly ONB Bank, we’re proud to give back to our community. As a locally owned and managed bank, it is so important to us to support our local non-profit organizations through sponsorships and hundreds of volunteer hours through our employee volunteers.
Back, stage
Rochester Civic Theatre’s first season (1951), by the numbers.
$10 EACH:
Amount that each of the two dozen local theater supporters invested following their meeting on July 23, 1951.
SEPT. 13, 1951:
The date that a group called The L og Cabin Players staged “Light Up the Sky” (see the playbill, above) by Moss Hart at the Izaak Walton Cabin. Seventy-plus years later, the Izaak Walton Cabin still stands out on Seventh Avenue Northeast. And The Log Cabin Players still exist—thrive, even—as the Rochester Civic Theatre.
$175:
The net profit on that first show, which was deemed a “rousing success” and set the stage for a three-show season with a budget of $300.
$5 TO $20:
Cost of the ads in the playbills for the first season. One early ad example: The Kahler Hotel Beauty Shop promoted “facials by Miss Bea” and “hairstyling by Mr. Fran.”
Dr. Saranya Wyles, director of Mayo Clinic's Regenerative Dermatology and Skin Longevity Lab, talks with her dad, Dr. Kothandaraman Purushothaman, who works in her lab with her.
“What’s your purpose?
Your North Star?”
For
Dr.
Saranya Wyles, it's family, friends, and fighting "zombie cells"
by
Paula LaRochelle
photos by Joe
Ahlquist
Why did the bee go to the dermatologist?
Bee-cause he had urticaria.
If you get the joke (we didn't: urticaria is the medical term for hives), you’d probably fit right in at the Regenerative Dermatology and Skin Longevity Laboratory, on the sixth floor of downtown Rochester's Guggenheim Building.
Led by dermatologist Dr. Saranya Wyles, M.D. Ph.D., the lab aims to understand how the so-called “zombie cells”—cells that aren’t dead but are no longer functioning properly—play in skin disorders.
Currently housed on the sixth floor of downtown Rochester’s Guggenheim Building, the Regenerative Dermatology and Skin Longevity Lab may soon be moving to the Stabile Building.
A quick Google search for “zombie cells” turns up plenty of stories with headlines like “Want To Live Forever? Flush Out Your Zombie Cells” (from the Guardian) and “How To Kill The ‘Zombie’ Cells That Make You Age” (from Nature).
These are the cells that are said to “hang around long after their usefulness,” and that “don’t live but won’t die.”
“When a person is young, the immune system responds and eliminates senescent cells, often referred to as zombie cells,” according to the recent “Health And Zombie Cells In Aging” article from Mayo Clinic. “However, zombie cells linger and contribute to various age-related health problems and diseases.”
And visiting the lab feels like stepping onto the set of a sci-fi series. Bright lights illuminate rows of machines. A dark curtain, draped from ceiling to floor, hides a corner of the room where a couple of lab workers collaborate. A refrigerator packed with bottles and samples hums in another corner.
At the back of the lab sits a massive contraption, with cartridges full of gel-like substances.
This machine—what's called an “extrusion-based 3D bioprinter”—is ready to pipe out button-sized samples of 3D bioprinted human skin. It's like a regular 3D printer, except the cartridges it uses contain bioink, a mixture of skin cells donated by consenting patients. That skin that can then be studied and tested.
And yet—with all the futuristicseeming technology, with all the important work that happens here—the lab atmosphere feels like it manages the right balance of serious inquiry and, well, fun. That joke of the day, above, is scrawled out on the white board at the lab’s entrance. Researchers wear white lab coats and smiles.
And that atmosphere, as I realize over the course of my visit and conversations with members of the lab, has a lot to do with the leadership of the lab’s director, Dr. Wyles.
Lab member and Mayo M.D./Ph.D. student Asfia Numani describes Dr. Wyles as a “superstar” in the field of regenerative medicine. And, also, as a “cheerleader” for her team.
A Barnard College/Columbia University graduate (2009) and Harvard-trained researcher (from 2009-11), Dr. Wyles completed the M.D.-Ph.D. program at Mayo in 2017.
Her versatile resume ranges from publishing papers in leading medical and scientific journals (like Human Molecular Genetics and the International Journal of Molecular Sciences) to appearing in more
general-audience friendly media outlets, including interviews on the “Today Show” and in Harper's Bazaar.
On a July afternoon, standing in a sparkling hallway outside the entrance, as we get ready to tour the lab, I explain that my editor has suggested focusing this story more on Saranya herself.
But, before we even head through the door, Dr. Wyles instead gives an overview of all the members on her team, whose portraits appear on the wall: from Ph.D.s and postdocs all the way down the line to two college students doing summer internships. The line of pictures is so long they’re going to need another row, she jokes.
Oh, and by the way, did we know her dad was on the team? A pathologist by training, he was going to retire this year, until Saranya asked him to join her lab.
We head into the lab for the tour, where Dr. Wyles asks Joe, the photographer, to please include her team as he takes shots of her.
She introduces everyone in the lab and gives them the floor to chat about what they’re working on. By the time we sit down in Saranya’s office for the personal interview with her, we’re sprinting through her life story. We barely get as far as her moving to Rochester to start medical school before she gets a notice on her computer. She has about five more minutes, sorry, can we wrap up for now? We’ll follow up later, we agree.
I already have a strong impression: Here’s an extraordinary scientist and a devoted caregiver—and a person who’s happier to talk about the accomplishments and merits of others than to focus on herself.
But that’s what I’m here to do.
The lab's 3D bioprinter pipes out an example of its work—here, printing out the words “Mayo Clinic”— at Mayo Clinic's Regenerative Dermatology and Skin Longevity Lab.
A pathologist by training, Saranya's dad, Kothandaraman (right), had planned to retire this year, but changed his mind when Saranya asked him to join her lab.
“I GREW UP AROUND A LOT OF SCIENCE. OUR DINNER TABLE CONVERSATIONS WERE VERY DIFFERENT.”
Saranya was born in southeast India and grew up in Chennai (formerly known as Madras), a metro area with more than 8 million people situated on the coast of the Bay of Bengal. Chennai is known as a center for medical treatment; it's called the “health capital” of India.
Saranya comes from a strong tradition of educated and working women. Her grandmother, Sarojini, was the eldest of nine children, and Sarojini's dad wouldn't allow her to marry until she finished college.
Sarojini became the first woman in her village to finish college, and went on to teach the Tamil language (which is spoken by roughly
70 million people) as a professor. Saranya’s family spoke both Tamil and English at home (and they still do).
Saranya’s mother, Meera, worked as a biochemist. Saranya's father, Kothandaraman Purushothaman, worked as a pathologist before making his way into the Regenerative Dermatology and Skin Longevity Lab.
“I grew up around a lot of science,” Dr. Wyles says. “Our dinner table conversations were very different.”
She recalls making up a song at the dinner table with the phrase “dolor, calor, rubor, tumor” (Latin terms for the signs of inflammation) when she was eight years old.
“I was always kind of drawn to the science subjects, but believe it or not, I actually needed a little bit more coaching.”
“Later I learned you shouldn’t share that at a party,” she says.
Dr. Wyles credits both of her parents for mentoring her at a young age. As a child, Saranya visited her mom in her lab after school and on weekends. As she waited for her mother to finish experiments, Saranya sometimes practiced measuring out small amounts of liquid through a pipette.
When Saranya was nine years old, her mother got a job in a lab at the University of Kentucky in Lexington. Meera flew to the United States alone, leaving Saranya and her younger sister, Priya, to be cared for by their father and grandmother for a year before they could all join her in the U.S.
“I know it was really hard on her,” Saranya says of her mother’s time away from her and her sister. Now a mother herself, Dr. Wyles says she finds strength from her mother’s example of pursuing a demanding career while also raising kids.
“That she could do all these things at that stage and at that time, it continues to empower me,” she says.
Her father also helped her form good study habits from an early age. “I was always kind of drawn to the science subjects, but believe it or not, I actually needed a little bit more coaching,” she says. “I didn't like the rigidity of school. My dad had to actually sit with me for hours to make sure that [my homework] got done.”
—Dr. Saranya Wyles
Dr. Saranya Wyles, director of the Regenerative Dermatology and Skin Longevity Laboratory, holds a container 3D bioprinted skin samples.
"SCIENCE AND MATH FELT LIKE 'SOMETHING I COULD RELY ON'”
Though she was a bright student, Saranya found middle school in Kentucky to be “really tough,” she says. She was one of only a few South Indian immigrants in the area, and she spoke English with an accent. She was bullied, and transferred schools two different times.
All along, though, the sciences and math felt like things she “could rely on,” providing a sense of comfort and security in formulas and lines of reasoning.
But where she really began to flourish, Dr. Wyles says, was when her family moved to New York when she was 15. Both parents had jobs at Mount Sinai Hospital, and Saranya relished the
cosmopolitan scene—arts, from art to music, museums, history, and scientific work for the universities and hospitals.
Saranya joined the science scholars program, where she met Dr. Georgina Ellison, whom she credits as another significant mentor (behind her parents).
“She expected perfection,” Saranya recalls. Some days, Dr. Ellison would ask her to pipette a microliter of water into 200 tubes. At the time, the 16-year-old Saranya thought the exercise was “ridiculous,” but she now recognizes that she was being taught an important lesson in securing the foundation, the importance of the scientific measure, before building on top of it.
Dr. Wyles became fascinated with the work Dr. Ellison was doing in stem cell biology, where the field of regenerative medicine was still young.
Dr. Saranya Wyles works in the Regenerative Dermatology and Skin Longevity Laboratory.
“I felt like I found my purpose when I came here. Okay, here’s where I’m going to try to do something for somebody that is going to impact their life.” —Dr. Saranya Wyles
After graduating high school, Dr. Wyles attended Barnard College, where she double-majored in neuroscience and art history. During that period, she continued studying with Dr. Ellison at Mount Sinai, turning three years of work there into her senior thesis project.
It was an exciting time in stem cell research, Dr. Wyles recalls. In 2006, the Japanese scientist Shinya Yamanaka, who would later go on to win the Nobel Prize, published the first paper on his work that showed that mature skin cells in mice could be reprogrammed into stem cells. The following year, Yamanaka and his colleagues demonstrated that the same could be done with adult human cells.
“When I graduated college in 2009, I knew this is a technology I wanted to study,” Dr. Wyles says.
“WHAT’S YOUR PURPOSE? YOUR NORTH STAR?”
After college, Saranya joined the Harvard Stem Cell Institute, where her mentor Dr. Douglas Melton encouraged her to draw connections between stem cell research and medicine, to see how what they were doing in the lab could be applied to help patients.
“What's your purpose? Your North Star?” he would ask her. She applied to various M.D./Ph.D. programs, including the one at Mayo in Rochester. Her dad encouraged her to apply.
“I was like, why are you trying to make me go to Minnesota, of all places?” she laughs, remembering. “It’s a thousand miles away!”
But then she began reading about the work of Dr. Andre Terzic, who specializes in regenerative medicine and stem cell biology, and she knew she needed to meet him. Saranya flew out to Minnesota for her interview in 2011, and the visit “blew me away,” she recalls.
To the young scientist, walking into Mayo’s Gonda building in downtown Rochester felt like entering Disneyland— from the glossy marble and the enormous, swirling glass chandeliers from renowned American artist Dale Chihuly to the sight of patients being escorted around, the atmosphere made a strong impression.
“I felt it that first day of the interview, where I was like, this is it. This is what Doug said, 'What’s your North Star?'”
Saranya says. “I felt like I found my purpose when I came here. Okay, here’s where I’m going to try to do something for somebody that is going to impact their life.”
Early on in medical school, Saranya met her future husband, Cody Wyles. They were both in the same anatomy lab. She's telling this story in her lab.
“How romantic!” someone says. “I know,” Saranya smiles. “The formaldehyde really drew us together,” she jokes.
At the time, Saranya said she had come to Minnesota with the plan to focus on school, graduate and move back to New
York. In 2013, two years after they met, they got married.
Now she and Cody, who is an orthopedic surgeon at Mayo, are raising two kids—daughter Annika, 4, and son Luka, 9 months—in Rochester.
When she started medical school, Saranya thought she would specialize in cardiology. Later, however, she found herself drawn to the field of dermatology.
“Dermatology is a very visual field,” she says. “Every single patient, they would walk in and you would know their disease,” she says. Whereas in other fields of medicine, the issue may not be so visible, but in dermatology, Saranya says, “the patients wear their disease.”
She recognized the feeling within patients who would walk into the office and avoid making eye-contact, their body language suggestive of the ways in which the appearance of their skin impacted their self-confidence.
“I immediately empathized with these patients,” Saranya says. Their affect reminded her of how she felt when she was bullied in middle school for being different. She knew she could help.
“The most important thing is the people in the lab.”
After a scholar program at Wake Forest University and a traveling fellowship to King’s College London, Saranya returned to Mayo. Two and a half years ago, she launched her lab.
Now Dr. Wyles spends two days per week in the clinic, seeing patients as a provider, and three days a week in the lab. With the 3D bioprinted skin models, Dr. Wyles and her colleagues can study the role that “zombie cells” play in aging. The printed skin models will also help them better understand ways to treat inflammatory skin conditions such as eczema. They can use the skin models to test creams or try injections.
Launching her own lab has been “an absolute joy,” Saranya says. “The most important thing is the people in the lab,” she says.
On our tour, she introduces me to Hemanth Gudapati, “tissue engineer extraordinaire,” Saranya says. Hemanth holds a Ph.D. in biomedical engineering. “He basically helped launch our 3D printed skin platform,” she says.
Hemanth says he appreciates the freedom and trust he has working in Dr. Wyles’s lab. “Some peers, they micromanage, but Dr. Wyles doesn’t.”
“I’ve tried to create a lab environment where everybody is the same … everyone is equal, and everybody feels ownership in the project,” Saranya says.
Lab student Asfia Numani, agrees. “The lab has a great environment … People are very encouraging, they like to work together, and Dr. Wyles is very good about picking a team of people that are actually going to work together.”
Including her father, whom everyone affectionately refers to as “Dr. P.” She’s tried to get her sister Priya, a pediatric neurologist, to move out to Rochester, she says, but “she won’t leave New York.”
A few weeks later, Saranya and I catch up on the phone on a Friday morning, even though I can tell that she has a million things going on. The night before, she says, she was at home feeling overwhelmed by deadlines and work. But then her husband reminded her that, “True self control is learning to consistently choose the important thing over the urgent thing.”
—Dr. Saranya Wyles
She explains: “If my NIH grant progress report is due, that’s urgency. If my daughter’s had a bad day, that’s important.”
And not to confuse the two.
“The progress report isn’t important, it’s urgent,” she stresses. “At the end of the day, What’s your North Star? It’s the kids, it’s the family, it’s making sure we are raising them well and keeping them grounded. And whatever we do at work is being role models for them, like our parents were for us.”
And it seems that she’s on the right track. The other day, Saranya says, she asked her 4-year-old daughter what she wanted to do when she grew up.
The answer, sweet and simple: “I want to come work in your lab.”
Check out these six side dishes that take the cake (or, rather, the hibachi nachos, truffle fries, and spiced carrots) in Rochester Magazine’s annual Best Restaurants survey.
Steak? Seafood? Chicken? Let’s be honest: The main dish doesn’t matter when you order one of these sides, voted the best in the city by Rochester Magazine readers.
Spoiler alert: You won’t find potato salad or cole slaw on this list.
Zen Fusion Hibachi & Lounge
They don’t call it “Fusion” for nothing. These winning nachos start with fresh-made tostadas and finish with a generous serving of fried rice. And, of course, these are nachos, so you’ll find melted cheddar, fresh pico de gallo, cilantro, and avocado in there, too. Make it a meal by adding hibachi chicken, steak, or shrimp.
Taste it yourself at: 2043 Superior Dr NW Check out the full menu online at: zenfusionmn.com
Marrow
After a brief, car-drove-into-ourbuilding hiatus, Marrow re-opened in August 2024. And the Best Restaurants-winning Za’atar spiced carrots came back with it—under a different name. Now listed as “barbecued carrots” on the menu, the flavor combinations of black lime labneh (a strained yogurt) and pistachio dukkah (a tart spice blend) result in sweet-and-tart deliciousness.
Taste it yourself at: 332 Broadway Ave. S. Check out the full menu online at: marrowmn.com
za’atar spiced carrots
!JO,U,v lf5
Friday, November 1 , 2024 Rochester Event Center I 5:30 p.m.
Doors Open & Silent Auction Starts I Presentation & Live Auction to Follow & Tickets $30 in advance & $35 at the door
Appetizers I Cash Bar
fried cheese balls
Terza Ristorante
Terza boasts a menu of handcrafted offerings—and, yes, that includes these top-voted cheese balls. Combining white cheddar with garlic, parsley, and Terza's famous mother sauce, it’s no surprise that we can’t stop at one. Or two. Or three …
Cheese and hash browns. Have any two ingredients ever been better together? We think not. Especially when that cheese is a creamy smoked gouda. Whether you’re visiting for brunch, lunch, or dinner, this crowd (and employee) favorite is a musthave. Insider tip: Try it with Chester’s signature rotisserie chicken.
Taste it yourself at: 111 Broadway Ave S. (Shops at University Square)
We’ll be honest. We hadn’t even heard of “agrodolce” before trying Our Paladar’s famous cauliflower. But we won’t forget this tangy sauce anytime soon. Because it’s one of the ingredients—along with pepita, pickled chile and cilantro—that make this dish the star of the plate.
Taste it yourself at: 20 4th St. SE
Check out the full menu online at: ourpaladar.com
TUESDAY|SEPT24 SATURDAY|SEPT28 THURSDAY|OCT03
SATURDAY|OCT05 FRIDAY|OCT11 FRIDAY|OCT18
WEDNESDAY|OCT23 THURSDAY|OCT24 WEDNESDAY|OCT30
THURSDAY|NOV07 FRIDAY|NOV08 WEDNESDAY|NOV20
The Walk-Through:
INSIDE A $2.45M HOME IN ELY, MN
The home: 25.7 Acres, 1,897 feet of shoreline on Burntside Lake. 2,146 square feet, 6B/4BTH
The info: A private island retreat and a mainland lot on coveted Burntside Lake! This two parcel island location offers 20.9 acres of towering pines with 1,543 feet of southwest facing shoreline. This ideal location offers gorgeous sunrise to sunset island studded views, all the way across the main body of
Burntside Lake. The mainland lot is just a short boat ride away and features 4.8 acres and 400 feet of shoreline in a protected cove that is excellent for swimming and docking. This property, perfect for entertaining, consists of 5 cabins and 4 yurts. The main cabin showcases a modern kitchen, abundant natural light, and glowing floor to ceiling wood. Enjoy all of Burnside’s 7,314 acres known for its clear water and exceptional trout and walleye fishing. Or take the short 7-mile drive to Ely for dining and shopping. This is a rare find on beautiful Burntside Lake!
Local Professional Expertise
Global Network | Unrivaled Personal Service | Ethics Committee Member
We listen to our clients and make buying or selling a straight-forward, transparent experience. Give us a call or send us an email and let’s get started today!
OUR GUIDE TO HIGHER ED
(PART II)
Five area college students offer their “been there, done that, wish I’d done that instead” advice for high school grads and other prospective college students. Plus, our cheat sheet to area colleges.
PHOTOS BY LILY DOZIER, MAYA GIRON, AND JOE AHLQUIST
Santiago Restrepo Castillo, 29
Grad student at Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences
Tell us a little about your college background. My name is Santiago Restrepo Castillo. Just to clarify, Restrepo is not my middle name, it’s actually the first part of my last name, and it comes from my dad. Castillo is my second last name, which comes from my mom. This name structure is the norm where I come from. I’m 29 years old, I’m a fifth-year Ph.D. candidate, and I am from Medellín, Colombia. The fifth year is technically the last year of the Ph.D. program, and I am currently wrapping things up and working on my dissertation defense.
I am a graduate student at Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences. Within this school, there are eight areas of specialization, known as tracks. I am in the Virology and Gene Therapy Track, where we broadly focus on understanding or applying viruses, and on many different types of gene, cell and molecular therapy.
What’s one piece of advice you’d give to someone looking at colleges right now?
One piece of advice I’d give to someone looking at colleges right now is that they see college as a stepping stone that can open many doors. For context, I can share a bit of my own personal experience. I remember properly learning about DNA when I was in middle school. I was mesmerized by the fact that there were molecules inside our bodies that contained the essential
information about each of us, as individuals. I just knew that I wanted to learn more about it, and potentially be able to modify this information for a beneficial purpose—for example, when a disease is determined by what is written in a person’s DNA. I knew I wanted to be a genetic engineer. But there wasn’t such a thing as ‘genetic engineering’ at the college level there still isn’t. So, I decided to go for the closest thing that I could find, biomedical engineering. While I knew that I wasn’t going to become a genetic engineer by majoring in biomedical engineering, I also understood that my plan was a multiplestep process, and college was just the first step.
What about those looking at grad schools?
One piece of advice I’d give to someone looking at graduate schools right now, is that they take the time to make a concise list of graduate programs that are a truly good fit for them— instead of applying to as many programs as possible. Back in 2018, as a senior in college, I applied to just four graduate programs, which really allowed me to tailor each application to each program, and eventually get into my top choice, Mayo Clinic. I looked into many, many other programs before committing to just four applications. The main way I discarded most programs was just by following my intuition.
What’s something incoming students should do to help with their social life? I have to be very honest about this one. When I was in college, I wasn’t particularly concerned about my social life, but I recognize my situation was different than the typical college experience in the U.S. I was fortunate to have been born and raised in Medellín, which is the second largest city in Colombia, which offers excellent higher education opportunities. So, since I was living with my family (three siblings, both of my parents, and two dogs), I felt supported and typically preferred to spend time with them. ... Regarding graduate school, my experience was very different than my college experience. For grad school, I left my home country and lived by myself in a small town in the Midwest. I needed to develop a new local support network. In order to do this, during my first couple of years of graduate school, I participated in as many activities as possible. For example, I was actively involved in the Graduate Student Association, the LGBTI+
Dream high, work hard, and have fun! “
Santiago Restrepo Castillo
Student Resource Group, and the Virology and Gene Therapy Track student body. All of these activities were effective ways to network and build up my social life.
What was one of your big college fears that you now realize was overblown?
In my college, all students have to complete a bachelor’s level thesis, which can be done on an original research topic of our choice. When I first started thinking about my bachelor’s thesis (probably back in 2016), I remember I was afraid that whatever I decided to work on would be my job for
the rest of my life. This was of course a slightly irrational fear. ... I think it’s important to embrace the opportunities that are available to you during college, even if it’s not something that you see yourself doing for the rest of your life— you will learn a lot and, trust me, you have so much time to get to your dream destination.
What’s something you really appreciated about the college you chose?
Regarding my Ph.D. training at Mayo Clinic, something I really appreciated was the incredible institutional support I received from beginning to end. At Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, all Ph.D. students are fully funded by a five-year internal fellowship, which covers full tuition, stipend and benefits. I am grateful to Mayo Clinic for its support, which was crucial to prepare me for my upcoming Postdoctoral Fellowship in Translational Neuroscience at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.
Any other piece of advice you want to add? Dream high, work hard, and have fun!
You’ve got ambition, drive, love your career, and are ready to lead.
MASTERS
At Viterbo University, join like-minded professionals to earn your master’s degree with high-quality education and fast-track your career with degrees in:
For more information or to apply, visit www.viterbo.edu/graduate
Tell us a little about your college background. I am 20 years old, a senior, and planning to graduate in spring 2025, and I am from Brooklyn Park, Minn. I go to the University of MinnesotaRochester and my major is health science, and my future plan is to get an MD/Ph.D.
What’s one piece of advice you’d give to someone looking at colleges right now? Trust your gut, and remember that the choice is yours to make. There are so many factors to consider when looking at colleges. Still, in my own experience, the decision to choose my university was based on the sacrifices I would have to make emotionally, physically, mentally, and financially. Also, you know who you are as a person and you know what you need in your life. If you feel like you don’t want to go to a certain university it is a humanly sign that maybe that university is not for you (which is totally okay!), again trust your gut. Don’t ever feel pressured or steered away from where your interests lie and consider all factors because these will be the decisions that will shape the course of your life!
What’s another piece of advice?
Know what works best for you, and look at all the details. As someone who is very detailoriented, type-A, and a HUGE planner, I think that weighing out all
your options is beneficial to help you discover more about what works best for you in the present and future parts of your life. I did PSEO at the University of MinnesotaTwin-Cities and I learned the hard way that I didn’t learn well in a larger faculty-to-student ratio which then led me to the University of Minnesota-Rochester where the faculty focused more on the students due to a smaller ratio. I knew what I needed and what worked best for me, and used not only my past experiences but I considered my future. What’s something incoming students should do in their first few weeks of school to help with academics? GRADES DO NOT DEFINE YOU. Sorry, I had to write in all caps to remind myself that. Especially being in a school that is looking to do post-undergrad, I have felt like I needed to be the perfect student, and with one wrong move or grade, I will not get to my dream destination. But, to remind me and others who worry, as long as you tried your best, that is what counts. If there is effort, that means something was still learned. Also, academics might not be the only focus. I remember I got a grade I didn’t like this year and it made me so upset, but I had to take a step back (very important) and think about the things I was involved in. I was the student body president, taking 15 credits, did research on the side, was
If there is effort, that means something was still learned.
Heidi Nguyen “
Heidi Nguyen, 20 Senior at the University of Minnesota-Rochester
Contributed photo.
an undergraduate academic assistant for a calculus class, and was still involved with other clubs. This bad grade did not define my work ethic or my dedication, but it definitely showed me that I have stuff going on and I tried my hardest and that is what really matters. So please be patient with yourself as everything you experience in college.
What’s something incoming students should do in their first few weeks of school to help with their social life? Treat everyone as your friend. I think that has helped me a lot as a person in developing friendships that support, uplift, and encourage me to be a better person. However, be okay with change, even if it comes to relationships with friends, significant others, family, or anything personal. I learned that life is not linear and will not go the way that I want it to, but then again that is what life is, right? Also if you treat someone kindly other people will see that,
and any small gesture to you can be a big gesture to someone else. Trust me, these experiences will build you to become better and stronger as a person!
What was one of your big college fears that you now realize was overblown? Organic chemistry, but also I am a bit biased. I love the University of Minnesota-Rochester chemistry faculty because they have helped me succeed in all their classes and have shown me that chemistry is my strong suit and something I would love to pursue in the future! Chemistry aside, I think what made me the most anxious was living alone. I had stayed in Brooklyn Park all my life, but moving out with new people I hadn’t met yet was definitely anxietyinducing. However, I ended up meeting people that I now consider permanent friends. They taught me what it meant to be best friends and showed me that I could be a better person for myself and others.
What’s something you really appreciate about the college you chose?
Genuinely everything. I can say this for myself, and that is UMR is the perfect school for me. I love their small ratio of faculty to students as mentioned before because it has been so helpful when getting feedback and support from professors. The smaller school size is important to me because I feel more connected with my community, and as this year’s (second year) student body president I love working with everyone to bring together the community through diversity and inclusion actions. In addition, due to my future interest, I currently am in a research position from connections at UMR and classes that have given me experience in a lab to continue my future career as someone who is interested in getting an MD/Ph.D.
Tell us a little about your college background. I am 22 years old, and a second year Physician Assistant student from Blaine, Minn. I am currently at Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences (and started in Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota 3+2 PA program)
What’s one piece of advice you’d give to someone looking at colleges right now?
When looking at colleges, be sure to find somewhere that feels like home to you. When I visited Saint Mary’s, I had goosebumps and knew that it was a place that I would thrive and love. Find a place that has your major as well as clubs you are interested in. Also be sure to dive into what the community and campus is like, because that is most important for your social and mental well-being.
What’s another piece of advice you’d give to someone looking at colleges right now?
When visiting, ask the students you meet as many questions as you can because they have the most insight into how the campus and environment works.
What’s something incoming students should do in their first few weeks of school to help with academics? When starting school, make sure that you show up prepared for class by having the books and materials that you need.
“
College will be an amazing time in your life.
Anne Carmean
Also be sure to make a schedule so that you are able to get all your meals and make it to class on time. I also recommend meeting a friend in your classes so that you have someone to talk to about and during class.
What’s something incoming students should do in their first few weeks to help with their social life?
Within the first week of school, get involved! If you play a sport, like I did, you have a builtin group of friends. Other students can get involved in clubs and other activities so that they have an opportunity to get to know others. I also recommend hanging out with your roommate and making new friends together at first because both of you will be in the same boat and not know anyone but each other.
What was one of your big college fears that you now realize was overblown?
I was very nervous about living on my own and finding my friend group during COVID-19. I realize now how helpful
Anne Carmean, 22
graduate from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota (now finishing up St. Mary’s joint Physician Assistant program at Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences)
Contributed photo.
it was to be involved in hockey as well as how helpful it was to make friends within the first few days of school. In the Freshmen/New Student orientation day, it is essential to get to know other students so that you have a base friend group that can grow and change in the future! This was so much easier than I thought it would be because I didn’t realize in the moment that everyone there also wanted to get to know people and make friends!
What’s something you really appreciate about the college you chose?
I really appreciate the community that Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota has. Their campus is beautiful and close-knit, which allows students to thrive. Saint Mary’s
also had so many amazing opportunities for students, one of which included the 3+2 PA program with Mayo Clinic. I was able to be a part of this program and it truly changed my life. While in undergrad and in the program, I was able to play Women’s Hockey, be on the executive board of the student senate, and participate in leadership classes and opportunities that truly grew me as a person rather than as a student. At a different school, I would not have been able to gain so many life experiences while in a PA program. The faculty at Saint Mary’s also truly wants students to become amazing people and students. They are so supportive and do their best to support you in any way possible.
Any other piece of advice you want to add?
College will be an amazing time in your life. Time flies so soak up every moment. Find a way to balance your life socially, academically, and with anything else you love to do. Reach out to professors, coaches, leaders, and friends for help if and when you need it. Also, know that college can pose challenges for many, and it is okay to struggle and is more common than you may think. Most colleges have free mental health services with people that are more than willing to help you when you need it. Overall, slow down and enjoy your time in college, create a strong community that you can lean on and enjoy learning and finding what you truly enjoy in life.
Smallclasssizeswithdedicatedfaculty whoensure studentstrulyunderstandimportantconcepts. AdedicatedStudentSuccessCoach that providesindividualizedsupporttostudents. Experientiallearningopportunities inmentorship, researchandhands-onpatientcareexperiences.
Tell us a little about your college background.
I am 20 years old, going into my junior year (my third year of five). I am in an accelerated masters degree program, so my expected graduation term for my undergrad is Spring 2026, and my expected graduation term for my Masters in Architecture is Spring 2027. I am from the Twin Cities, specifically Victoria, Minn.
What’s one piece of advice you’d give to someone looking at colleges?
Keep an open mind! It is easy to follow friends or have an interest in schools where you’ve had family attend. Alternatively, it is easy to carry positive/ negative opinions on a school from someone else’s experience there. Make sure to take these opinions with a grain of salt. If you do your research and like the opportunities a school may have to offer, go tour it, ask questions, and form your own opinions. It’s not always the school you go to, but rather the effort you put into that school that can best prepare you for your future!
What’s something incoming students should do in their first few weeks to help with academics?
Set up some sort of calendar/ organization system! However, be sure to look into what your school uses before committing to one application/system. I came from high school committed to my Apple calendar, However, North Dakota State runs on Microsoft outlook and its calendar system (which is conveniently connected to the Outlook email). I wish I was quicker to understand the importance of updating a calendar with classes, and putting in test and due dates for the whole semester as soon as I got the syllabus. Being organized can be your key to success, and
“Respect everyone you meet and the respect and kindness will be returned to you.”
Austin Anderson “
Austin Anderson, 20 junior at
North Dakota State University
acclimating that system to what your school uses can make the whole process so much easier for you!
What’s something incoming students should do in their first few weeks of school to help with their social life?
You’ve heard it before and you’ll hear it again, but get uncomfortable, it is the only way you will grow as a person! Leave your residence hall and join clubs, go to athletic events, or grab coffee downtown. I like
to tell incoming freshmen that a good way to ease into ‘being uncomfortable’ is to join a club or go to an event that you are familiar with/have done in the past. If you were in sports, religious organizations, etc. in high school or in your home community, join the equivalent at your university. This way, you will be able to make new friends and have new experiences while having a familiar safety net, and common interest to foster those new connections!
Photo by Joe Ahlquist
I’ve had incoming students tell me that joining a club or going to an activity fair can even be a little overwhelming at first, which is totally normal! In that case I think a great way to open yourself up and make connections could be to leave your residence hall doors open if you’re in your room watching a movie, playing games, or whatever. People won’t necessarily barge in, but they may stop by and say “Hi,” or share a smile. That exchange could become your ticket to sitting together in the dining halls, having a familiar face in a new class, or even feeling comfortable to go to a club meeting with that new acquaintance.
What was one of your big college fears that you now realize was overblown? I was terrified to live in a residence hall, have a roommate, and share a bathroom! These fears, although valid, were overblown. I had kept reminding myself about how many people have successfully made the transition to residence hall life before me but I still couldn’t shake the fear. I was delighted
to find that it was an easy transition. I became friends with my ‘random’ roommate and we would often hang out together or go to school events as a pair. Living in a smaller shared space also required me to evaluate what material items I really needed to be successful and I found that experience freeing! Upon arrival to NDSU’s campus I also took note of the completely privatized and renovated bathrooms that their traditional residence halls all boasted, which dissolved my fear of sharing a space and made me realize I could still enjoy privacy, even while away!
What’s something you really appreciate about the college you chose?
North Dakota State University offers incredible opportunities and a fantastic education, all while keeping these opportunities and education in reach of its students. At about 12,000 students, NDSU is able to hone its focus on its students with small class sizes, and numerous scholarships from local and state funding as we are North Dakota’s
Land Grant Institution. I have benefited from our Carnegie R1 designation as well, which means that NDSU is the highest level of a research university that’s possible in the U.S. Because of this, I got the chance to work and learn from professors and faculty members that are passionate about their class subject because they are also researching it here at NDSU. The passion is contagious when learning new content.
Any other piece of advice?
Be kind. You’ll find that social ladders, cliques and social status aren’t as relevant in college life as they may seem in high school. There are too many different people with different interests pursuing different degrees or education to effectively have a social ladder. SO, respect everyone you meet and the respect and kindness will be returned to you.
Also, it’s generally accepted to nap anywhere on campus, and people won’t judge you for it. Haha!
Morgan Mohler, 24
Viterbo University grad (with a Bachelor’s Degree in Science, Biochemistry)
Tell us a little about your college background. I'm originally from Mondovi, Wis. and now live in Rollingstone, Minn. I'm employed at Mayo Clinic Rochester as a Clinical Research Coordinator in the Center for Multiple Sclerosis and Autoimmune Neurology (CMSAN).
What's one piece of advice you'd give to someone looking at colleges right now? Don’t expect yourself to know exactly where you are going to start your career after school—give yourself grace. Frankly, I think it is unrealistic for a 17/18/19-year old to know what they are going to do for the rest of their lives.
When I first started my degree, I thought I knew what I was going to do with my career, but instead of being excited, I had a huge pit in my stomach. The weight of becoming a scientist and curing Alzheimer’s Disease was heavy on my shoulders. I convinced myself that I had to maintain a 4.0 GPA, be well-rounded in my activities, and stay the course of my dream. About halfway through my degree, I shadowed a scientist and learned that if I wanted to achieve my dream, I would need a PhD, years of experience, and an enormous amount of funding. It sounded impossible, especially looking at my GPA. Instead of dropping out or switching majors, I finished my biochemistry degree a semester early to save myself some money
and started exploring my interests.
Biochemistry is a broad enough major that I can go pretty much any direction with my career if I changed my mind (another tip— choose a broad degree to have more options), which has been very helpful since December of 2021. In 2023, I found my dream job—leading research in Neurology alongside lab scientists, clinicians, and patients! That is the power of following your talents, passions, and skills.
What's another piece of advice you'd give?
Be smart with your money. Student loans are inevitable, but you get to choose how you handle your personal spending. Financial burden and stress is the leading cause of relationship demise, so for your future self, start getting a handle on smart money habits. When I was in high school, I spent HOURS writing essays that yielded about $10,000 in local cash scholarships. At college, I worked steadily to pay for what I needed, what I wanted (within reason), but mostly I used the money to pay for what was left after my subsidized loans (no interest accruing while in school). All these smart decisions allowed me to trust the process of going to college while setting myself up for financial stability after college.
What's something incoming students should do to help with academics?
Prioritize time to 1) have fun and 2) get stuff done. When you get to college, you’re going to have full rein of your time. You
“
Be smart with your money. Student loans are inevitable, but you get to choose how you handle your personal spending.
Morgan Mohler
will want to make friends, participate in all the activities, and explore your new territory, but you will have to keep up with your studies, tutoring sessions, and laundry. Whether professors do it on purpose or not, they will pile essays, exams, and projects on you at the worst possible time. I can’t even tell you how many times my friends were enjoying the sunny 75 weather while I had to sit at my laptop to finish five hours of chemistry worksheets, three English group projects, and two essays before leaving for a softball game six hours away. I’m not saying this to scare you, just to remind you that there is a difference between want to, need to, and have to.
What's something incoming students should do to help with their social life?
Get to know your student life coordinators. These people are hired to make your experience the best it can possibly be, so let them know what you want to see in their events, space, and support efforts. I worked closely with this group as a student event coordinator, as a result, I was supported through life struggles and successes. It is imperative to have rapport with trusted people on campus when you need/want advocacy.
What's something you really appreciate about the college you chose?
The support in life outside of education. In my first few months of college, I had suffered through three family deaths, a concussion, and more. I developed severe anxiety because horrible things kept happening; nearly everything that happened in my life was out of my control. I truly believe it was because I was surrounded by love, acceptance, and patience that I had the strength to endure life’s challenges to continue my education.
Any other piece of advice you want to add?
Take advantage of the free services, especially mental health services. We all have stuff we need to work through whether that is family burdens, mental health struggles, confidence, etc. Realizing that you don’t have to work through situations alone is life changing because we all want to become our greatest selves, develop healthy relationships, and dismantle corrosive thoughts/habits. This time in college is a time for you to choose yourself. You are in a safe place to explore who you really are. I say, take all the chances you can to try new things and pursue what you are passionate about. Then, make a career out of those passions.
AUGUSTANA UNIVERSITY
2001 S. Summit Ave., Sioux Falls, SD 605-274-5516 | augie.edu
Why choose Augustana? Beyond the classroom, Augustana University students have the opportunity to be involved in more than 100 clubs and student organizations, 22 athletic programs and 20+ visual and performing arts ensembles. AU is located in the heart of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, which has a population of more than 200,000 people. Sioux Falls was named the most affordable city in the country by Reader’s Digest in 2023. Augustana is also affordable as 100% of full-time, undergraduate students receive scholarships, grants or both!
What makes your institution different? Augustana University is nationally recognized for academic excellence, student life, graduate outcomes and affordability. Ninety-eight percent of recent graduates achieved a positive career outcome. In addition, Augustana was ranked as a Top 5 Regional University in the Midwest in Best Value by U.S. News & World Report. As of Fall 2023, Augustana University’s Midco Arena is now the on-campus home for Augustana Hockey—the first Division I hockey program in South Dakota—Club Hockey and Club Figure Skating. Augustana also places an intentional focus on diversity and inclusion through its Diversity Advocate Certification and Journey Scholars programs.
Programs offered: With more than 100 majors, minors and preprofessional programs—along with graduate degree and continuing education programs—Augustana is committed to combining a foundation in the liberal arts with professional skill, advanced study and career-ready graduates.
Enrollment: Augustana serves nearly 2,100 students from 37 states and 49 foreign countries. The student-to-faculty ratio is 12:1.
Why choose Augustana (student’s perspective): “Augustana is a great school because it has a small college feel with the opportunities of a bigger city. Sioux Falls is a growing community with a ton of opportunities in many different fields of study.” —Eli Klavetter
MAYO CLINIC COLLEGE OF MEDICINE AND SCIENCE
200 First St. SW, Rochester | 507-284-3745 college.mayo.edu | mccm@mayo.edu
At Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science you will discover a unique research training environment of academic inquiry and scientific discovery, combined with exceptional intellectual and technological resources designed to help you achieve your highest scientific and medical career goals. Our students learn from some of the most highly-recognized professionals in their fields and benefit from training with the most advanced technology and equipment, and practical hands-on patient care experience.
Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine is a national medical school unified by a single, innovative curriculum and educational opportunities across three unique campuses in Arizona, Florida, and Minnesota. As an integral part of Mayo Clinic, Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine students learn from renowned medical experts providing specialty care to nearly 1.3 million patients per year.
Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education is recognized as the largest institution of its kind in the United States. With a diverse offering of over 300 residency and fellowship programs, it attracts physicians from across the nation and around the globe. Currently, nearly 1,700 trainees are enrolled in these programs. These trainees contribute significantly to the healthcare services provided at the Mayo Clinic, delivering extensive and high-quality care to patients.
Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences Ph.D. Program offers eight specialty tracks with diverse research opportunities at our Rochester, Phoenix/Scottsdale, and Jacksonville campuses. Our students learn from scientists who are leaders in their field and our integrated within a top academic medical center.
Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences provides education that goes far beyond traditional, with over 200 academic programs across 55 health sciences areas. Throughout your education, you’ll be a respected member of the health care team and make a difference before you even finish your program. A rewarding career at Mayo Clinic starts here.
Why choose NDSU? North Dakota State University is a studentfocused institution that offers academically rigorous courses. Faculty at NDSU are experts in their fields and are committed to helping scholars graduate on time as competitive candidates in the national job market. Students are involved with world-class research at NDSU, which gives them an opportunity to apply classroom knowledge to real-world situations. With about 300 student organizations on campus, it’s easy to have fun and get involved outside the classroom. Our students can participate in club sports, fashion shows, innovation competitions, performing arts, academic honor societies, volunteer groups and Greek life. There really is something at NDSU for everyone.
Programs offered: NDSU is a major research university with experts in areas such as nanotechnology, microelectronics, polymers, food safety, plant science, biotechnology, cybersecurity, robotics, and materials science.
Degree programs: 97 Majors = Disciplines offered at the Baccalaureate level; 146 Degree Programs = Major/Degree combinations at the Baccalaureate level; 92 Minors; 6 Certificate Programs
Enrollment for Fall 2023: 11,952
Average class size: 69% of classes have fewer than 40 students
Tuition for fall 2024: $10,426 (Minnesota resident base tuition)
Diversity and dynamism: Nearly 12,000 students from diverse backgrounds create a dynamic campus environment at North Dakota State University. Our faculty and staff are focused on student success, helping them grow socially, academically, and culturally, preparing them for the job market and real world. As a land-grant university, NDSU provides cultural and educational outreach to the residents of the state, region, and beyond. NDSU faculty, staff and students provide outreach in the community through teaching, public health initiatives, volunteer work, and business collaborations.
ROCHESTER COMMUNITY AND TECHNICAL COLLEGE
851 30th Ave. SE, Rochester 507-285-7557 | rctc.edu
Why choose RCTC? Rochester Community and Technical College has been providing affordable, accessible, and exceptional higher education opportunities in Rochester for over 100 years. The college offers 90 credit-based programs with nearly 100 credential options and over 300 different online classes in liberal arts and sciences, healthcare, business, human services, transportation, STEM, fine arts, and technical and career pathways. Through RCTC’s Transfer Pathways, students can complete an associate degree at RCTC, then seamlessly transfer their credits to any Minnesota State university where they will be guaranteed junior status. The College has partnerships with more than 35 local organizations including Rochester Public Schools/CTECH/P-TECH535, Mayo Clinic, Olmsted Medical Center, Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce, plus many more. Activities and clubs include everything from student government to tabletop gaming.
Enrollment: 6,500
Degrees offered: Associate of Applied Science, Associate of Science, Associate of Arts, Associate of Fine Arts, Certificate, Diploma.
Programs offered: Liberal arts and sciences, aviation/pilot, cybersecurity, radiography and MRI, nursing, health information technology, business and accounting, cardiovascular invasive specialist, cancer registry management, clinical neurophysiology technology, dental hygiene, environmental science, histology technician, intensive care paramedic, surgical technology, veterinary technology, welding technology, and many more.
Over 100 years of student success: Founded in 1915 on a motion by Dr. Charles Mayo to the Rochester School Board, RCTC is Minnesota’s oldest public, two-year college and one of the nation’s oldest original community colleges. RCTC remains a top choice for Rochester Public School graduates, 25 percent of whom attend RCTC after graduation. The RCTC Foundation awarded more than $500,000 in scholarships to 350 students in the 20232024 academic year.
SAINT MARY’S UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA ROCHESTER CAMPUS
2900 19th St. NW (Rochester campus at Cascade Meadow) 877-768-4545 | rochester@smumn.edu | smumn.edu
Why choose Saint Mary’s? At Saint Mary’s, the people who get to know you—faculty, peers, staff—all become allies. It’s here, in an intense give-and-take setting, where each of us discovers just how much we can grow. You’ll find, in every one of our classrooms, both online and in-person, a relationship-driven, person-centered education. We believe that everyone deserves the chance to make an impact, to achieve beyond expectations, to be known.
Programs offered: Saint Mary’s offers more than 30 majors at our Winona undergraduate campus, as well as over 50 programs through our Schools of Graduate and Professional Programs in Rochester, the Twin Cities, and online.
Enrollment: 4,700 total undergraduate and graduate students.
When classes meet: Classes conveniently meet throughout the week, with graduate and bachelor completion classes usually meeting on weekday evenings. Blended and online classes have mixed schedules that allow students the convenience of learning on their own time.
Class size: There are an average of 16 students in undergraduate classes. Graduate and bachelor’s completion vary depending on the course and modality of the program.
Shared purpose: Whether you study in Minneapolis, Winona, Rochester, online, or at any of our centers throughout the world; whether you’re an adult wishing to improve your career or you’re fresh out of high school seeking your personal frontier; whether you’re with us for a short time as a student or working together here as faculty or staff, there’s a shared sense of purpose and respect across our entire institution.
Why choose Saint Mary’s University (student’s perspective): “I really appreciate the community that Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota has. Their campus is beautiful and close-knit, which allows students to thrive..” —Anne Carmean
UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA ROCHESTER
111 South Broadway, Suite 300, Rochester 877-280-4699 |
Why choose the University of Minnesota Rochester (UMR)? The University of Minnesota Rochester is the public undergraduate health sciences university that empowers students to solve the grand health challenges of the 21st century. UMR’s integrated curriculum provides students with a foundational undergraduate education that allows them to pursue a wide range of careers in the health sciences including medicine, nursing, physical therapy, research, public health, health care administration, and more.
Programs offered: B.S. in Health Sciences (BSHS), including early assurance/accelerated programs in Nursing, Respiratory Care, MRI, Physician Assistant, Pharmacy, and Surgical First Assistant. B.S. in Health Professions (BSHP), an educational collaboration with Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences offering career tracks in Echocardiography, Respiratory Care, Radiography and Sonography, Master’s and Ph.D. in Biomedical Informatics and Computational Biology
By the numbers: 21: Average class size; 81% from Minn.; 19% from out of state; 80% of classes have fewer than 30 students
2024 Graduates: 40% plan to pursue graduate or professional school; 37% plan on taking a bridge year prior to their next steps; 23% plan to enter the workforce. Approximately 2/3 of UMR’s students are “underrepresented,” which includes BIPOC, first-generation students, and/or low-income students. 100% of admitted students are considered for scholarships.
Why choose University of Minnesota Rochester (from a former grad): “I’m currently a family medicine physician practicing rural family medicine and obstetrics in the Brainerd Lakes Area. My educational experience at UMR far exceeded my expectations. The thing I value most is the professional development I received and the close interactions with UMR faculty that have allowed me to feel comfortable having difficult conversations with patients and their families. This professionalism stems from a solid foundation that was integrated throughout the UMR curriculum.”— Hannah, M.D., Alumna
Why choose Viterbo University? Located in the picturesque city of La Crosse between scenic bluffs and the Mississippi River, Viterbo University’s beautiful campus offers over 40 academic programs, both traditional and online, designed to prepare you for a successful career in one of the top college towns in the U.S. Whether you’re pursuing a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree, you’ll be taught by dedicated faculty members committed to your success. As a V-Hawk, you’ll be inspired to lead a purpose-driven life, embracing Viterbo’s core values that will guide you beyond your education, regardless of the career path you choose or the community you join around the world. With an 11:1 student-faculty ratio and an average class size of 16, you’ll be known by name and build strong connections within the campus community. Our programs emphasize real-world experience, featuring internships, study abroad opportunities, co-ops, service learning, and field research to enrich your education. Viterbo’s commitment to your individual success is evident in our outstanding placement rate, with 99% of graduates employed within 180 days of graduation. Viterbo offers a generous transfer-credit policy, accelerated bachelor’s degree completion programs, and comprehensive graduate degree options tailored for working professionals and aspiring leaders.
Degrees offered: Viterbo offers more than 40 academic programs, including bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees both on-campus and online. They also offer several Bachelor Completion programs, including Accounting, BSN Completion (RN to BSN), and Health Care Management.
Enrollment: 1,400 undergraduate and 1,100 graduate students.
What I loved (a student’s perspective): “Viterbo has some amazing opportunities, such as study abroad experiences and unique supervised practice sites that would be difficult to find on our own, like the Phoenix Suns and the Minnesota Vikings.” —Mackenzie Wanta, Nutrition Science major
WINONA STATE UNIVERSITY-ROCHESTER
Build a Brighter Future with WSU-Rochester.
Are you ready to make a better future for yourself and your community? WSU-Rochester is ready for you! Come to WSURochester to continue your education and take the next step in your career path.
WSU-Rochester has had a long tradition of a high-quality, college presence in Rochester. Our flexible programs provide advanced opportunities for working professionals with courses available online, hybrid, and in-person. WSU-Rochester is deeply immersed in the communities that we serve.
Rochester campus staff assist with admissions, financial aid, advising, registration, career services, access services, veteran support, and more. Transfer scholarships, student employment, and graduate assistantships are just a few ways we help our students afford their college education. More than 1,500 students attend WSURochester each year through day, evening, weekend and online/ hybrid classes, and more than 8,000 WSU alumni currently live and work in a variety of professional careers in the Rochester area.
Programs include: Undergraduate degree completion programs in Business Administration online, Human Resource Management online, Individualized Studies, Computer Science, Elementary Education online, Early Childhood Education online, RN to BS online, Nursing, and Social Work hybrid. Graduate programs in Nursing, Doctor of Nurse Practice (DNP), Social Work, Addictions Counseling, Education Leadership, Principal licensure, Superintendent licensure, and advanced licensures.
Enrollment (student population): Approximately 2,066.
New programs include: Accounting online!
We look forward to welcoming you to Winona State UniversityRochester! Connect with us today to start planning for tomorrow.
(ONE IMAGE, ONE MOMENT IN THE CITY’S HISTORY)
The bridge from the Dubuque Trail
Root River Park—take County Road 1 south to 80th Street SE then turn left—offers access to the Root River, limestone bluffs, and the remnants of a bridge from the Dubuque Trail, the stagecoach route that linked St. Paul to Dubuque, Iowa by 1854.
The limestone bridge is believed to date back to the 1840s or 1850s and made up part of the rugged, 8-footwide path that linked the bustling river city of Dubuque to St. Paul,
then a fledgling settlement in the Minnesota Territory.
Rochester can credit its existence to the Dubuque Trail, as can Chatfield, Zumbrota and Cannon Falls—all sprang up to supply the endless train of settlers streaming up the trail.
And hikers can follow the Stagecoach Trail over the bridge while taking the big loop at Root River Park.
source: Post Bulletin archives. Photo by Lily Dozier.
ROCHESTER RETRO
(ONE IMAGE, ONE MOMENT IN THE CITY’S HISTORY)
Mayo Clinic's first Glassblower in Residence
Born and raised in the Plainview area, Harry Nunamaker was described as an “exceptional trumpeter and accordionist.”
In 1921, the 19-year-old came to Rochester to play trumpet in the old Garden Theater. His sister—a secretary at Mayo Clinic— encouraged him to “look into the possibilities for a young man at the Mayo Clinic.”
So Harry set up a meeting with Dr. Edward Kendall (the future Nobel Prize winner), and was
hired as an assistant in Kendall's Biochemistry Laboratory.
Soon after, Nunamaker met Frank J. Heck, an assistant in the Clinical Pathology Section, who taught him basic glassblowing techniques.
From the beginning, the delicate, intricate research equipment—so much of it glass—fascinated Heck. Dr. Kendall sent Nunamaker to the University of Minnesota to advance and refine his glassblowing skills.
In 1922, Nunamaker, 20, became Mayo Clinic’s first Glassblower in Residence and began producing specialized equipment for Mayo’s doctors, researchers, and scientists.
In addition to creating custom glassware, he also maintained and repaired the glass equipment used in Mayo Clinic laboratories.
Toward the end of his career, Nunamaker was producing or repairing approximately 28,000 pieces per year. After 45 years as a glassblower, he retired in 1966.
Galleria. 111 Broadway S. Shoppers will find a range of unique gift items, home decor, housewares, men’s apparel, games, and fashions for all ages. Clothing stores include: Hers, Poppi, Counterpoint, The Nordic Shop, and others. Gift items and housewares can be found at The Nordic Shop, Counterpoint Home, and Games by James.
Garten Marketplatz. Located six miles SW of Rochester on Olmsted Co. 15, this Civil-War era farm has beautiful display gardens, a great selection of Minnesotagrown perennials and garden art. The vintage brick “Garten Haus” is filled with gifts and home decor that changes with the season. The European-inspired carriage house is ready to host your meeting or special event year-round. 5225 Co. Rd. 15 SW Byron. 507-365-8891. gartenmarketplatz.com
Tyrol Ski & Sports. 1923 Second St SW. Selling quality outdoor gear since 1965. Featuring patio furniture, kayaks, canoes, camping gear, outdoor apparel, footwear. Online at tyrolskishop.com. Open Mon & Thurs 10-8; Tues, Wed, Fri 10-6; Sat 9:30-5:30. 507-288-1683.
DELI & SANDWICH SHOPS
Jimmy John’s Gourmet Sandwiches. The Kahler Inn & Suites, 9 Third Ave. NW; Marketplace Mall, 2986 41st St NW; Crossroads Plaza, 90 14th St SW. Jimmy John’s is unlike any sub shop in the industry; no games or gimmicks, just oldfashioned, homemade sandwiches made from fresh-baked bread, allnatural meats and vegetables that are sliced daily. Downtown hours: 10:30-8; 507-289-9900. NW hours: 10:30-10; 507-424-0100. SW hours: 10:30-10; 507-424-2000. Catering and delivery available. Order online at jimmyjohns.com. V, M, D, and AE accepted.
ENTERTAINMENT
Rochester Civic Theatre. 20 Civic Center Dr SE. Just off Broadway in downtown Rochester, the Civic Theatre delivers a year-round slate of musical, drama, comedy, and young people’s theater productions. For a schedule of events, go to rochestercivictheatre.org, or call the box office at 507-282-8481.
Treasure Island. Just minutes north of Red Wing. Whether you’re looking for great food and drink, big cash drawings, a new car or free weekend entertainment—odds are you’ll find it at The Island. For more information call 800-222-7077. treasureislandcasino.com. The Island is calling! (See ad page 5)
BANKING
Home Federal Savings Bank. When it comes to your personal, everyday banking needs, Home Federal has you covered. Ask us about the great advantages of our personal checking accounts. Start saving smart with a savings account, IRA, CDs, and more. Finance any of the larger purchases in your life with a customized personal loan. Manage your accounts at any of the four convenient locations in Rochester or in the comfort of you own home via your smartphone or computer—24 hours a day, 7 days a week—with Home Federal’s mobile banking. All of the amenities of a national chain, along with the personalized, friendly service you expect from a community bank. Local bankers. Local service. Local decisions. Bring your banking home. Find out more at JustCallHome.com. Equal Housing Lender. Member FDIC.
Mayo Employees Federal Credit Union.
We are dedicated to helping members achieve their financial goals. 100% financing to qualified borrowers, first-time home buyer programs, fixed rate conventional mortgages, FHA and VA financing, competitive rates and fair fees, up to 100% home equity financing, residential loan program. Apply at mayocreditunion.org. 507-535-1460. (See ad page 65)
Eagle Rock Bank. Formerly ONB Bank. Where community banking means more than a new account; we build relationships! Offering a wide variety of banking products for both your personal and business needs. Two convenient locations with experienced bankers to assist you with your financial journey. Call us today at 507-280-0621! www.eaglerock.bank. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender. (See ad page 20, 49)
WHERE TO WORSHIP
First Presbyterian Church.
512 Third St SW. Sunday Worship: 8:30 a.m. Fellowship, 9-10 a.m. Christian Education, 10:15 a.m. worship. First Presbyterian Church is an inclusive community celebrating God with Energy, Intelligence, Imagination, and Love. Call 507-282-1618 or e-mail office@fpcrochester.org for information. May the Peace of Christ be with you!
Grace Lutheran Church. LCMS 800 East Silver Lake Dr NE. Worship services: Wednesday 6 p.m.; Saturday 6 p.m.; Sunday 9 a.m. Sunday School and Bible Class 10:30 a.m. “For it is by grace you have been saved through faith...” Eph.2:8 NIV. We welcome you by God’s grace, will help you grow with God’s love, and prepare you to do His work. In addition to many mission projects in Rochester, Grace supports Lutheran Hour Ministries and is a member of Rochester Central Lutheran School Association. 507-289-7833, gracebythelake.org. Email: office@gracebythelake.org.
Redeemer
Lutheran Church. 869 7th Ave SE. Saturday: Worship 5:30 p.m. Sunday: Worship 8 and 10:40 a.m. Sunday School & Education Hour: 9:20 a.m. Welcome to Redeemer Lutheran Church where you’ll find a small neighborhood church atmosphere of friendship and fellowship. Our members are dedicated to doing the Lord’s work. Our mission and purpose at Redeemer are to glorify God through the gifts of the Holy Spirit and to provide opportunities for spiritual growth. 507-289-5147, redeemer-rochester.com. Email: office@redeemer-rochester.com.
10
(or so)
questions with ... Tyler Veen,
coach of the Rochester Grizzlies (Rochester’s North American Hockey League team)
Rochester Magazine: So a lot of people think you’re also Boomer [the Grizzlies’ mascot] between periods.
Tyler Veen: No, that is not correct at all. That’s hilarious, but not correct. You wear so many hats as a coach at our level in junior hockey, but I haven’t put on the costume.
RM: What other things does the coach for the Grizzlies have to do?
TV: The hockey side is the easiest part, when you get to practice, when you get to coach the games. But after games, we’re washing stuff, putting stuff in the laundry. We have an equipment manager that helps out, which is huge. Say the game is on a Friday. We would come in on Saturday, usually in the morning, to get the equipment all washed and dried out, and get the locker room set for the next night.
RM: Your players all have to be between 16 and 21. And you’ve said because of your age [Veen is 27], you understand the kids’ lingo.
TV: Yes.
RM: I’m going to give you some terms. You tell me what those mean.
TV: Uh oh.
RM: “Fit check.”
TV: It’s looking good. Checking your outfit.
RM: OK. “Bougie.”
TV: Bougie. Oh, it’s like a really cool or glamorous sort of look.
RM: “Ate.” A-T-E.
TV: Ate? I have no idea.
RM: It means to succeed, like “He ate that up.” Next: “Cap.”
TV: Cap? That means that’s not true.
RM: Correct. “Cheugy.”
TV: No idea.
RM: It’s something that’s out of date or a person who’s trying too hard. So that probably fit me right here. “That old guy was so cheugy!”
TV: Wow.
RM: I’m assuming that, at 27, you’re one of the youngest coaches in the league?
TV: Yeah, 100%. Last year I was probably the youngest or at least close. The reality is a lot of people at my age are still playing. I never played at a high level, but hockey has just always been a passion of mine. I started as a scout and then got into coaching, and it’s given me a head start on learning the coaching side of things at a young age.
RM: What is the best full service gas station in the Fargo area?
I never played at a high level, but hockey has just always been a passion of mine.
TV: Ted’s Northport Station. My grandpa owned it. He still works there. He’s 83 years old. My dad owns it now, and it actually is a full service station. I worked there as a kid. We would pump the gas. That’s where I learned the work ethic side of things from my grandpa and my dad and my whole family. For a while there, it was my grandpa, my dad, my uncle, and my cousin, and myself working there.
RM: The kids on the Grizzlies live with host families in town?
TV: Yes. Those families are great. And we’re looking to get more families right now, too. Once families take a hockey kid into their home, all of a sudden, they have a son and their kids have a brother, right? They build those kinds of relationships. So it’s huge for the community and for the young hockey players.
RM: The kids don’t get paid, right?
TV: Right. This is a Tier 3 league, so they have to pay to play. They pay us to play for us, but they get equipment, apparel, and a bunch of things taken care of.
RM: What’s your most embarrassing hobby?
TV: I really, really like fantasy sports. Fantasy football, fantasy hockey. I’m kind of a nerd with that stuff.
RM: That sounds just like your actual job. Drafting players, putting together a team.
TV: I do think that’s where it all stemmed from leading up to this job. Growing up, I used to play the Madden and NHL video games, and I’d always do “Be A GM” mode, where you built your own teams. I always tell my buddies, I get to play a video game in real life, essentially.
RM: Blatant plug: When is your home opener this year?
TV: September 13 at the Rec Center.
RM: In your pregame speech to the team you should roll in the locker room and say “Bougie fit checks, dudes! Let’s ate tonight! I’m not cheugy!”
TV: Yeah, they would love that.
”We would st rongly encourage anyone lo ok ing to buy or sell ahou se to choose theWightm an-Bro ck team! Their clear communic at ion and check–in s helpe d us to always be ‘in the know ’ ab outwh at wa s happ ening during our real estate jour ney. I can’t say enough ab out their calming presence, at tent ion to detail and am az ing work ethic!“ —Brent & Beth
