Alumni Connections

Jenifer Goblish ’99/’04 Named Outstanding Adjunct

Jenifer Goblish just likes the vibe at Southwest Minnesota State.

“There’s an energy here. Everyone is accepting, and they go out of their way to make sure you have a good day. It’s like a family,” she said.

That’s part of the reason she is so thankful for her recent Outstanding Adjunct Faculty Award, presented by the Communication and Theater Association of Minnesota (CTAM). She was recognized virtually on Sept. 17.

Goblish is an adjunct faculty member for College Now, SMSU’s concurrent enrollment program, which includes over 100 high schools in Minnesota. She also teaches a course in Communication Studies to SMSU students on campus.

She’s been a full-time adjunct for eight years, teaching just under 12 credits per year. “Up until last year, all of my work was with College Now. The last two years I’ve had one course that I teach (on campus, to SMSU students).”

With College Now, she mentors high school teachers in a dozen districts. Those teachers, in turn, teach concurrent enrollment courses to their students, earning college credits while satisfying requirements for high school graduation.

Her background is student-based. She earned undergraduate degrees in Speech Communication, Secondary Education and Literature/Language Arts from SMSU in 1999. She earned a master’s in Educational Leadership with an emphasis in Teaching, Learning and Leadership from SMSU in 2004, and a second master’s, in Communication Studies, from Minnesota State, Mankato, in 2019.

The mother of four delights in following her children in their activities at Wabasso High School. She and husband George farm outside of Vesta. Three children — Jordan, Jasmine and Josh — are out of college, and their youngest son, Jayden, is a senior at Wabasso High School, where, much to her delight, [he] was recently crowned Homecoming king. Mark Fokken, coordinator of the

Communication Studies Program, had high praise in his nomination letter. “I could go on and on about Jen Goblish, but suffice it to say there is no one I can think of with whom I’ve worked in recent years who is more deserving,” he wrote. “I have known few instructors who take the job of course preparation more seriously.”

Associate Professor of Communication Studies Ben Walker echoed those sentiments.

“Jen continues to shine as one of the best teachers we have. She works passionately to provide a high quality education experience to students and is always thinking of ways to improve herself and the program” he wrote in his nomination letter.

Goblish is appreciative of the recognition. But what she’s doing now hasn’t changed over the years for the Fulda, Minn., native. Before coming to SMSU she was an English teacher at Red Rock Central High School, in Lamberton. “As an alumna, I’ve always been passionate about SMSU and being a part of it,” she said. “I like the atmosphere, the small class sizes. I just like being on campus.”

And don’t think she doesn’t steer her College Now students toward SMSU. “I tell them about College Now scholarships (for concurrent enrollment students who attend SMSU). I even bought brown and gold M&M’s for them. It’s a small thing, but they really appreciated the gesture.”

Natasha Boe ’10 Returns as Director of Financial Aid

Natasha Boe is no stranger to Southwest Minnesota State University. A 2010 alumna with a double major in Management and Finance, she has made her way home.

Boe, originally from Ortonville, Minn., is the new Director of Financial Aid at SMSU. She was first exposed to working in a financial aid office through her graduate assistant position at Minnesota State, Mankato in 2012. After earning her master’s there, she took a position in the Student Financial Services office, before accepting a position as Assistant Director of Financial Aid at Rochester Community and Technical College for eight years. She then saw the job posting at SMSU. “After my four years (as a student at SMSU), this is a place that I could come back and work,” she said.

There were some new things that came with moving from a two-year to a fouryear institution, and Boe is appreciative of the support she’s received from her SMSU colleagues. “The staff I work with is very knowledgeable and helpful, so that’s made the transition very smooth.”

Before she had applied for the director position, she was already familiar with the financial aid staff. “The financial aid community is also very tight-knit,” she said. “Other directors are willing to help out in any way they can.”

“One of the things that’s probably the most memorable is getting to know and reconnect with the individuals who were here when I was a student,” she said. “Honestly, just being back on the campus and being in a leadership role has been rewarding.” Some of Boe’s favorite tasks as the director include helping students and their families pursue the dream of higher education. Currently, Boe travels to high schools in southwest Minnesota to do

“Financial Aid Night” presentations. She discusses things like the FAFSA, workstudy opportunities, scholarships, tax benefits, and loans, to name a few. Her main emphasis is providing resources for students and their families who may have questions. When navigating the financial aid landscape, especially for first-generation students, there are questions that will arise.

“If your student is aware of where they are going to college, reach out to their financial aid office if you have any questions,” Boe suggests. If your school is Southwest Minnesota State University, she is willing to help. “I can help them navigate those waters,” said Boe.

The SMSU alumna has come full circle — from student to employee — and is happy to be a part of the Mustang Family.

Natasha Boe

CHARTER CLASS REUNION

On Saturday, Oct. 9, 2021, the Charter Class of 1971 celebrated the 50th Anniversary of their graduation from Southwest Minnesota State College. The date was June 13, 1971 with the ceremony held in the gymnasium. The Charter Class enjoyed a fantastic turnout of classmates, spouses, friends and special guests. To help us correctly identify everyone in this photo, email Alumni@SMSU.edu

Your Alumni BOARD MEMBERS

Past President Neal Wahlman ‘75

President Neil Kruse ‘79

Vice President Janine Teske ‘87

Secretary/Treasurer Polly Novack ‘90

Senior Director of Alumni Engagement & Outreach Stacy Frost ‘93 Sheila Anderson ‘95

Lillie Arndt ‘96

Mandy Bouwman ‘00 Joe Guzman ‘12

Japannah Kellogg ‘93 Brittany Krull ‘04 Anthony Minus ‘06 Kim Sanow ‘01

Julia Stuckey ‘15/’19 Chris Volzke ‘05

The Alumni Board is the governing body of the Alumni Association. The Board promotes the social and educational interests of fellow alumni. Meetings are held three times per year. Interested in serving on the board? Contact Stacy.Frost@SMSU.edu.

DANA YOST ‘08 PUBLISHES NEW BOOK

Dana Yost, a 2008 alumnus, recently penned a new novel, Before I Get Old, published by Crossings Press this November.

The book is available on Amazon in print and e-book. The description reads: Wilcy Schmidt is a young man in the mid-1930s, struggling to start his life, and struggling on a farm with the weight of the Great Depression and terrible drought. He gets a chance to escape those conditions when his uncle offers him a job on a rich man’s yacht on Lake Michigan. Wilcy takes the job, but something keeps pulling him back to the farm. What will he do? Should he follow his heart or follow is his duty? If he gives up his dream, can he still find happiness? Those are the questions at the heart of the novel Before I Get Old.

Minnesota novelist Forrest Peterson said, “The story is memorable and the prose a pleasure to read, at times like poetry that you want to read and re-read, savoring the words and the feelings they evoke.”

FOCUS Reader Survey

Thank you to everyone who took the time to complete the Focus Reader Survey. Your input is important to us and will help us continue to improve the Focus magazine. Thanks to those who chose to opt-in to our drawing for a special SMSU gift package valued at $50. The winner will be announced on Facebook. Follow us for more opportunities to engage and information about upcoming events! @SMSUAlumniandFoundation

Alumni Gatherings in 2021

A group of alumni and friends gathered for a round of golf at Breezy Point this summer. Left to right: Greg Hastings, Bill DeLay ’85, Mike Thilges ’86, Pat Raasch, Mark Burnham ’84, John Larson ’93, Fred Peters ’84, Dave Geske, and Craig Forster ’85.

A group of alumni who call themselves “Old F-Hallers” gathered this summer for a reunion. Pictured left to right, front row: Jane Klinkner Soukup ’80, Stacy Frost ’93, Bob ‘Biff’ Ford ’77, Jason Mortvedt ’78 , Krista Christianson. Back row: Chuck Larsen ’02, Dave Sanderson ’78, Tom Moldenhauer ’90, Dick Christianson ’85, Greg ‘Leo’ Dorr ’75, and Craig Porter ’79.

Pintos reunited for Golf 2021 at Emerald Hills Golf Course, Arnold’s Park, Iowa, with coach Carmen DeKoster. Back row: Coach Carmen DeKoster, Val Swanson ’76, Roxie Hoffman Wurscher ’85, Jesse JonesFlaschenriem ’74, Jean Nagel ’77, Jo Buysse ’76, Paulette Ibberson Grausam ’76, Cindy Olson Schutt ’80, Nancy Hoffman Kissner ’74 . Front row: Sue Zvorak , Jean Ufkin ’77, Deb Thompson Heacox ’77, not pictured Kathy Rudolph Raine ’73. All SMSU Alumni women’s basketball players are invited to next year’s event on June 7, 2022.

Do you gather with alumni friends? Share a photo! Interested in having an event near you? We are open to ideas! Email Alumni@SMSU.edu

Among the summer social events hosted by the SMSU Alumni Association were Lord Fletcher’s on August 3 and Painted Prairie Vineyard on July 14, Rochester Honkers Game on July 16, and a service event at Feed My Starving Children in Chanhassen on July 22. Thanks to all who joined us!

Five Receive 2021 Alumni Awards

Left-right: Erin Frederiksen, Nancy Cooley accepting for her late husband, President Kumara Jayasuriya, Lauren Squires, and Todd Werpy.

Five individuals received Alumni Awards as part of Homecoming 2021, with a theme of “Brown & Bold: Bringin’ It Home.”

Alumni Achievement Awards are presented to alumni in recognition of professional success and the positive reflection made on the University and fellow alumni. This year’s winners were: Posthumously, Michael “Dexter” Cooley, ’78, teacher and coach, Wakefield High School, Raleigh, N.C.; Erin (Mork) Frederiksen ’99, co-owner, Westridge Shores Resort, Alexandria, Minn.; and Todd Werpy, ’85, Senior Vice President and Chief Science Officer, ADM, Chicago, Ill.

The Graduate of the Last Decade (GOLD) Award recognizes a recent graduate with exceptional achievement and contribution to the recipient’s profession, community/society or university. This year’s GOLD Award went to Lauren (Teal) Squires ’13, Project Specialist, Beacon Health System, South Bend, Ind.

The Honorary Lifetime Membership Award is presented to an individual or couple who are not SMSU graduates but give their time, talents, and enthusiasm as if they were. This year’s award went to Gary Frandson, retired Associate Professor of Business Administration, 1969-2007.

ALUMNI ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS

Michael “Dexter” Cooley ’78

Michael “Dexter” Cooley was a promising basketball player from North Carolina when he was recruited from a junior college to play for the Mustangs by former coach Dale Honeck. He made an immediate impact, and was an honorable mention NAIA All-American in 1977-78, as well as a first-team All-NIC selection, and the conference Player of the Year.

He was honored posthumously by the Alumni Association with an Alumni Achievement Award. The 1978 alumnus died on Dec. 16, 2019 following a courageous battle with colon cancer.

While a senior at SMSU, he met freshman Nancy Byrne. The two dated, then Dexter graduated and moved back to North Carolina, where he began a successful teaching, coaching, and administrative career.

Nancy would move east, also, for a time, then returned to finish her education degree at SMSU. The two were married in Nancy’s hometown of Ghent, Minnesota, in 1989.

They would move back to North Carolina, where Dexter landed a teaching and coaching job at Bunn High School, and then Millbrook High School, before he took on the duties of teacher, boy’s basketball coach, and athletic director at a new high school, Wakefield High School, located in Raleigh, N.C., which opened in 2000. He was there for 15 years before retiring to fight colon cancer.

In his 37 years as a coach, he won over 400 games and was named conference Coach of the Year 8 times. He was honored with the Charlie Adams Distinguished Service Award and Athletic Director of the Year Award in North Carolina. The athletic complex at Wakefield High School is named in his honor.

Nancy was an elementary education teacher for 38 years before she retired, and remembers him as someone “who demanded discipline from his players. He preached acting like a gentleman, representing your school, and taking pride in who you are. At home, he was a man of few words, but when he spoke, the boys listened.”

The couple raised two sons, Michael and Phillip.

“This is really a nice award for Dexter, and I’m very happy to come back and accept it for him. He would be so pleased,” said Nancy.

Erin Frederiksen ’99

Erin (Mork) Frederiksen’s interest in art has come in handy as owner of the Westridge Shores Resort on Lake Mary, near Alexandria.

The 2021 Alumni Achievement Award winner graduated in 1999 with a Biology degree, with minors in Computer Science and Math. She took a job as a programmer at the Schwan’s Company, then returned for a degree in Biology Education. She taught at Balaton High School in its final year of existence, then was a year-long sub at Murray County Central in Slayton.

How that education translated into her current position as a resort owner is something of a fluke.

She took many art classes at SMSU, and the activities offered at the resort are unique for the region. “My go-to elective was art,” she said. Pottery, painting, and other art-related activities are available at the resort, and are popular with parents and children alike.

How did owning a resort happen? “I went online looking for a place to park a boat,” she explained. A phone call to the owners of the Westridge Shores Resort changed everything. The owners were ready to sell and Frederiksen was ready to take a chance.

Steady improvements at Westridge Shores have followed. When purchased, it was a seasonal resort. Now, it’s year-round. It’s gone from 17 total beds to over 60. “We insist on visiting with every guest. Summer is exclusively for families. We are proud to have old-fashioned values at our Ma and Pa resort.”

A big part of that ‘Ma and Pa’ feel are the unique offerings offered to patrons, including art opportunities.

Erin’s ties to SMSU run deep. She has six children, ages 36 to 15. The kids grew up in the SMSU bleachers attending events as booster club members. Her son, Matthew Fischer of Alexandria, is a 2009 alumnus who played football for the Mustangs. His wife, Whitney (Dierks), was a volleyball player and a 2010 alumna. Son David Fischer lives in Marshall and his wife Samantha (Downing) earned her MBA from SMSU. Son Zachary Frederiksen, a sophomore at Alexandria High, is taking concurrent enrollment classes through SMSU. Daughters Melissa Fischer and Dr. Katie Teague are working in the Twin Cities and son Nicholas Fischer and wife Katie are in Asheville, N.C.

“I am completely and totally humbled by this award,” she said. “I hope to live up to it.”

Todd Werpy ’85

Todd Werpy takes great pride in the fact that his company, ADM, “touches everyone’s life, but you might not know it. It’s tough to go through a day where you’re not in contact with an ADM ingredient, whether that’s food you eat or gas you use to drive. I’ve always found that interesting.”

The 1985 alumnus is the Chief Science Officer for ADM, a company of nearly 40,000 employees based in Chicago, Ill.

ADM is a global leader in human and animal nutrition, and the world’s premier agricultural origination and processing company.

A Marshall native, Todd is the son of Galen and Mary Werpy. His father was a baker for 50 years, and after some early mornings helping his dad, he knew “that I didn’t have that vision for myself.”

“To be honest, I didn’t enjoy high school that much. I thought about the Air Force. Mom finally told me to go to college for one year, and if I didn’t like it, I could do something else. I ultimately stayed in college for nine years.”

He graduated with a degree in Chemistry. Then it was on to Michigan State, where he earned his Ph.D. in Chemistry.

He began his career with Michigan Biotechnology Institute and Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. He joined ADM in 2007 as Senior Vice President, Research & Development. He oversaw ADM’s efforts to expand its product portfolio and strengthen its partnerships with government agencies, academic institutions and corporations.

He was then promoted to his present position, which includes a seat at the table of the company’s Executive Council. He leads the development of ADM’s scientific talent and technical capabilities.

“From a career perspective, I’ve been fortunate,” he said. “I feel I have a lot of influence in the direction we’ve taken in science and technology, and individuals have an opportunity and a voice.”

He holds 30 U.S. patents in the area of catalysis and chemical conversions of biomass to chemicals, and was presented the 2015 American Chemical Society Award for Affordable Green Chemistry.

He is the fourth in his family to graduate from SMSU — a brother and two sisters are also alumni. Todd and his wife, Aundrea, have three children: Courtney, Chase and Reagan.

“I am humbled by the Alumni Association Award. SMSU gave me a solid foundation, and I have such fond memories of my time there. I am very grateful.”

GRADUATE OF THE LAST DECADE (GOLD)

Lauren Squires ’13

By her own admission, Lauren (Teal) Squires “likes to make a difference.”

This year’s Graduate of the Last Decade (GOLD) Award winner is a project specialist for Beacon Health System in South Bend, Ind., where she has the opportunity to do just that.

That’s a long way from being an English teacher, which she thought was in her future when she first enrolled. The 2013 alumna earned Sociology and Literature degrees at SMSU. “When I started at SMSU I was set on being an English teacher,” she said. “Then, one day (English Professor) Jim Zarzana asked if I thought my personality fit that. I had fallen in love with Sociology through my classes with Dr. Kerry Livingston. I did want to be a professor.”

She chose Zarzana’s alma mater, Notre Dame, to pursue her master’s in Sociology. After earning that, she went to work for Beacon Health System as the Grant and Community Partnership Coordinator, “which is a long name for a grant writer,” she joked. “Then I transitioned into my new role, where I help continue these relationships with partners we fund from our health care community outreach program.” Beacon Health System consists of two primary hospitals, Memorial Hospital of South Bend and Elkhart General Hospital, as well as four ancillary hospitals.

She has done research regarding “what stops people from getting health care and what can we do to reach those populations that can’t get the same care as others. My job is part of the Community Impact Department, and is involved with how hospitals can reinvest their money and resources for those less touched by the health care system.”

Lauren said “two years ago, could I see me in this position? Probably not.” But she “likes to make a difference. I like helping the hospital decide where it’s important to spend its resources. I adore my co-workers who are like-minded and want to make a difference. And I also like using two interests of mine, sociology and English.

Lauren and her husband, Gage, are the parents of a daughter, Olivia.

She’s humbled to receive the GOLD Award, and credits SMSU with giving her the educational

HONORARY LIFETIME MEMBERSHIP

Gary Frandson

The year 1969 was a time of promise and limitless potential at what was then Southwest Minnesota State College, when Gary Frandson arrived on campus.

“Most of the faculty were just hired, and just about everyone was young and starting a family. We were interested in Marshall as a place to raise our families, and at a place that was a good job. And when you talk about a place having a family environment, that was it.”

He taught at SMSU for 38 years, retiring in 2007 as an Associate Professor of Business Administration. “I was hired for Business Education and Secretarial and Office Administration programs,” he said.

The Verona, N.D. native earned his undergraduate degree at Valley City State University, where he ran cross country. He taught high school in St. Thomas, N.D. and Sauk Centre, Minn. He earned a master’s at North Dakota during the summer months while teaching high school. He joined the faculty at SMSC in 1969.

One thing he was proud of then, and which hasn’t changed today, is that “students were always number one. They received the personal touch; they were given attention,” he said.

Gary met his wife Mary (Haller) Frandson at SMSU. She was a non-traditional student, having worked for GM before coming to the university for her Elementary Education degree. She was the first Founders Day queen — the precursor to Homecoming.

Those early years were enjoyable for Frandson, who liked Mustang athletics and who took recruiting trips to various high schools within the region on a friend’s plane. “There wasn’t a lot of us (faculty), and we did a lot together,” he said.

Gary and Mary are the parents of three grown children: Angela Hoyme, Woodbury, Minn.; Kimberly Hoseck, Marshall; and Jason, Baltimore, Md.

“I’m honored to be receiving this award,” he said. “I don’t feel as though I’m truly worthy, and I’m proud of my time here. The students were always first at SMSU.”

Submit Your Alumni Award Nominations

Nominations are being accepted now for our annual Alumni Awards, including the Alumni Achievement, Graduate of the Last Decade, and Honorary Lifetime membership to the Alumni Association. For award criteria, visit: https://bit.ly/smsualumniawards