SMSU Focus Summer 2023

SARAH WALKER ‘06 ON HER MISSION WORK AMID WAR Resiliency in

A Message from the SMSU President

Dear Alumni and Friends,

It is my hope you are having a wonderful summer and enjoying time with family and friends. As the summer days pass by quickly, I wanted to provide some updates from SMSU. In May, we honored the graduating Class of 2023 during our 55th commencement ceremony. I want to express my gratitude to Haywood Boston, Jr. ‘78 for delivering this year’s speech. His Southwest Story reflected our dedication to nurturing individuals, helping them receive a comprehensive education, and building a diverse skill set, all while embracing the core values of the Mustang family.

Throughout the summer, our dedicated staff and faculty are preparing our facilities and classrooms for the arrival of our new cohort of Mustangs this fall. The many projects underway across campus include implementing state-of-the-art classroom technology, completing renovations to the kitchen in Clapper Hall, refinishing the PE Gym floor, and establishing a new meeting space in CC 202 for our Admission staff to interact with prospective and incoming students. These updates are truly transforming our campus! I encourage you to come and witness these remarkable changes firsthand. In addition to the facilities, we are making improvements to the visitor experience. Now, when you visit our campus as a guest, you will no longer be

required to obtain a parking pass. This is one more way we are making our campus more accessible and available to all visitors.

In our ongoing commitment to building a more robust environment at SMSU, I’m incredibly excited to share that SMSU was the only university in the Minnesota State System to have increased enrollment for the summer session. This achievement is a testament to our collective efforts and dedication to providing an exceptional educational environment.

Everyone on campus is looking forward to a great fall semester. We have multiple activities planned for our incoming students, returning alumni, and visiting friends. In keeping with our longstanding tradition of nurturing the next generation of leaders, I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to the recipients of this year’s Alumni Awards (page #). Alumni achievement, honorary lifetime memberships, and service award recipients will be honored during Homecoming. The remarkable accomplishments of these individuals serve as a shining example for our current students to follow. I invite you to join me in congratulating this year’s honorees. I look forward to welcoming you back to campus for Homecoming on October 14th. Go MUSTANGS!

All the best,

President

Dr. Kumara Jayasuriya

Vice President of Government Relations, Communications and Marketing

Bill Mulso ’93

Executive Director, SMSU Foundation

Nathan Polfliet ’00/MS ’11

Senior Director, Alumni Relations and Outreach

Dr. Stacy Frost ’93

Senior Director of Communications & Marketing, Writer

Marcy D. Olson ’93/MBA ’05

Design & Photography

Maddy Groff Contributors

Kelly Loft ’97/MS ’11

Graduate Assistants

Alumni

Maria Valentin ‘22

Communications & Marketing

Annika Freiburger ‘21/ ‘23

Juliana Villa ‘22

Foundation

Elaina Leach ‘23

Send story ideas to: SMSU FOCUS, Founders Hall 20 1501 State Street, Marshall, MN 56258

Contact the Editor: Marcy.Olson@SMSU.edu or 507-537-7374

located in Minnesota unless noted. Year(s) after names reference degrees awarded by SMSU. Year of undergraduate degree listed first. Year of advanced degree listed after MBA/MS. FOCUS (USPS 565-770) is published twice each year for alumni and friends of Southwest Minnesota State University by the Office of Communications & Marketing and Alumni & Foundation at SMSU. Opinions expressed in FOCUS do not necessarily reflect official University policy. To make name/address corrections, call 507-537-6266 or email alumni@SMSU.edu. Feature stories may be reprinted with the written permission of SMSU. Other articles may be reprinted without permission provided that credit is given to SMSU. This document can be made available in alternative formats to individuals with disabilities. Request by calling 507-537-6255, 800-260-0970, or via the Minnesota Relay Service at 800-627-3529. Southwest Minnesota State University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action educator and employer. ADA Accessible. A member of the Minnesota State system.

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE CLASS OF 2023 SNAPSHOTS FROM COMMENCEMENT ON MAY 6, 2023

Katelynn Urness Named 2023 Outstanding Senior

Each year, the SMSU Alumni Association presents an Outstanding Senior Award. This honor recognizes an individual who has made the most of their college experience, both in and out of the classroom.

The Outstanding Senior for 2023 was Katelynn Urness of Sioux Falls, South Dakota. She was recognized in a surprise announcement during the 55th commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 6, 2023. She was highly recommended to the selection committee for her academic accomplishments, her engagement in the classroom, her campus involvement, and her enthusiastic attitude.

“This award means a lot to me because I have worked very hard over the last four years being involved and trying to make a difference in our school. I was involved in many different areas across campus, and I believe that I gained lots of experience and was able to do more than if I had stayed with one club or one organization,” said Urness. “I am also a first-generation college student so to win this award is truly an honor.”

Urness graduated with a double-major in Biology and Environmental Science. One of her nominating professors said that her passion for biology, conservation, and the environment shown in her academic performance, extracurricular, and community involvement.

“There are several people who have impacted my life at SMSU, but Dr. Alyssa Anderson stands out over my four years. She was one of my advisors and professors whom I not only TA’d for in the BIO 201 lab, but I also traveled to a research conference with her in Fall 2021, and recently on the study abroad trip to the Bahamas,” said Urness. “Dr. Anderson has been such an amazing professor who pushed and challenged me to be the best that I can be. She has provided me with guidance and numerous opportunities to gain experience for my future. My time at SMSU would have been drastically different without her in it, and I am so grateful for her.”

Urness stood out as a natural leader in the classroom serving as a student teaching assistant in two semesters of Biology 201 course. She immersed herself in research projects that included bird mortality on campus and the prevalence of plastics found on beaches she observed while studying abroad this spring. She spent the past two summers in two highlycompetitive internships with South Dakota Game Fish and Parks.

In addition to classroom and research work, Urness served as president of the Environmental Science Awareness Club for the past two years organizing community engagement programs like monarch butterfly tagging. She is also involved in Enactus with Compost Project and Mindful Meals initiatives.

Urness also found time to work in the Natural History Museum on campus. She served as an orientation leader helping welcome new students in the fall, volunteered as a student ambassador giving tours to prospective students, and worked in the office of admission all four of her years at SMSU.

One of her nominations read: You will not find a more kind, thoughtful, hardworking, mature, and responsible team player. She has a bright future ahead of her.

“This summer I will be working at a greenhouse back home in Sioux Falls and volunteering at the Butterfly House and Aquarium in my free time,” said Urness. “I will go to grad school eventually, likely studying conservation science, but for now I would like to gain experience and solidify my plans before that.”

The SMSU Alumni Association and Southwest Minnesota State University congratulate 2023 Outstanding Senior, Katelynn Urness.

Katelynn Urness

–Haywood Boston

2023 Commencement Speaker: Haywood Boston, Jr. ’78

Haywood Boston, Jr., Class of 1978, was chosen to deliver the 2023 commencement address.

A North Carolina native, Haywood Boston, Jr. came to Southwest to play basketball for the Mustangs. Dale Honeck had been hired as the head coach and recruited Boston to move to Marshall, Minn. Boston joined teammates Sam Leggett, Carl Harris, Peter James, Willie Bond, and Garry Mercer from the same junior college in North Carolina. Boston found Marshall to be welcoming and not unfamiliar to him.

“The experience was great. People welcomed us into their homes. I didn’t feel like a stranger at all.” Boston played basketball for the Mustangs from 1975-77. Boston met his wife at Southwest. He is married to Jean (Jorgensen), 1980 alumna, Marshall native, and daughter of Dick Jorgensen, a lifelong friend of the University.

“I wouldn’t be where I am without Jean,” said Boston. “And my father-in-law, Dick was a great mentor to me. He embraced me and taught me at the same time. To this day, I still miss him.” Boston shared a story in his speech. He was unable to travel home to North Carolina and spent Christmas with the Jorgensen family. As the gifts were passed out, first one gift, then another, and another were placed in front of him.

“I went back to my dorm and looked at those gifts and I started crying. Being a poor, backwoods kid, I never had a Christmas. I realized someone cared about me,” said Boston. “That experience helped me become a man and that’s what coming to Southwest meant for me. It changed my life.”

In addition to Jean and the Jorgensen family, he mentions Mike Sterner and Lew Shaver as being positive influences on him as a student in the physical education program. He graduated with a degree in Health and Physical Education in 1978.

His first job out of college was teaching and coaching in his home state of North Carolina. He worked for a time with the Burger King corporation, overseeing 15 stores on the East Coast. However, he found his way back to Minnesota for graduate school to study sports psychology and serve as an assistant coach at Minnesota State—Mankato.

He worked at Hoover High in Des Moines, Iowa for more than 20 years. After taking some time off for health reasons, Boston moved to North High School in Des Moines, an inner-city school district that hadn’t had a winning season since 1983.

“People told me ‘You’re such a good coach. Why do you want to go there?’” he recalled. “If I am a good coach, then this is where I can make an impact.”

“I was tough. If their GPA wasn’t where it should be, they didn’t play,” he recalled. “My first year, I went from having 45 kids on the team down to six. But I reminded them that the sign in front of the building says North High School, not North Basketball.”

“I knew if I went the extra mile for them, they would go the extra mile for me,” he said.

Boston went on to take the North High School girls’ basketball team to three winning seasons in a row, including an 18-3 record and conference title in the 2022-23 season. He plans to coach the team as long as he can. He retired this summer after a 45-year career in the classroom. He and his wife, Jean, are the parents of three grown children: Cassondra, Chad, and Olivia, and the grandparents of two.

His advice for the class of 2023: “I hope that because you have a college degree you aren’t saying to yourself ‘I’m done learning,’ because if you cease to learn, you cease to live. Living a great life involves learning every day. Never have a closed mind to information or advice. The young, the old, the educated, and the uneducated all have something to offer.”

“Living a great life involves learning every day. “

Haywood Boston (#20) on the 1975-76 Men’s Basketball team

Sarah Walker ‘06 Serving the People of Ukraine

Sarah Walker didn’t set out to go to Ukraine in 2022. She dreamed of working with refugees one day and found ways to volunteer wherever she could. Then Ukraine needed her, and she was ready.

Walker graduated from SMSU in 2006 with a degree in sociology. While at SMSU, and later as a community volunteer, she was very involved with the international student community, Cru, and Bridges International. Upon graduation, she wanted to experience life in a different culture and moved overseas for two years to do ministry in Russia.

“I fell in love with the people of Eastern Europe, and the language,” said Walker. “I returned to the U.S. and worked at Hope Harbor in Marshall. I love that organization and the opportunity I had to help teens and families in crisis.”

For ten years she worked with families through Hope Harbor, receiving an abundance of training like conflict resolution, traumainformed care and eventually becoming certified as a Biblical counselor. In August 2021 she could sense a shift in the path she was taking.

“That was when Kabul fell to the Taliban and thousands of evacuees came to Fort McCoy, Wisconsin, just an hour from where I was living,” she explained. “I volunteered on base regularly for about six months, until all the refugees had been resettled, thinking this might be a strange way to fulfill the dream I’d had to serve at a refugee camp.”

A week later Russia invaded Ukraine and Walker realized the passion she had for those fleeing violence and war had only grown. And thanks to her two years in Russia, she also spoke the same language as many Ukrainians.

“Even though I had a full plate with work and school, my heart ached to do something,” she said.

In September 2022, Walker joined a team traveling along the border to support Ukrainians fleeing the war, as well as the volunteers serving them. On that trip, she used only five days of a 90-day Ukrainian visa and when we left, she was determined to return as soon as possible.

“I contacted Living Water, an organization we had met briefly on our travels along the border. I saw the miraculous work they were doing— housing families fleeing the eastern part of Ukraine,

coordinating humanitarian aid deliveries, and supporting churches, shelters, and children’s homes. I wanted to join them.”

On December 1, 2022, Walker returned to Ukraine, settling in Mukachevo where she has been volunteering by working in the warehouse, serving as an interpreter to support humanitarian teams, and spending time each day at one of the refugee centers, mostly playing with kids and leading activities to help support mental and emotional health.

“I spend a lot of time in the refugee centers. At a given time we may have 14 kids. In my previous job, I was involved with and trained in trauma-informed care. I spend time there leading intentional activities with the kids. I speak Russian conversationally and a lot of the refugees come from the east, where Russian is the first language. I can talk to many of them,” she continued. “For the families whose first language is Ukrainian, they are patient with me. I am studying Ukrainian, and I’m able to learn it as I go.”

Walker is also studying for a master’s degree in clinical social work with a focus on trauma care. She is getting real-world experience with a lot of bodybased interventions for kids. She can see them acting out, without understanding what they’re dealing with or even what they’re saying, she knows which activities will help calm the nervous system.

Walker originally came for three months. Then a week before the visa expired, she knew her work was not done. The refugee centers were still open. She had just started counseling with a couple of women. She approached the pastor and his wife because she knew they sponsored someone for a volunteer visa. She asked if they would sponsor her. They drove across four borders in one day to visit the consulate in the Czech Republic to receive an extension to her visa.

Walker has traveled with other humanitarian workers to Ukrainian states called oblast. This spring they took a trip to Sumi where they partnered with a church that they first visited in December.

“Villages in that area were liberated from the Russian occupation, and so we bring aid into those residents. Donors from all over the world contribute so we can provide people with what they need.”

“The Ukrainian people are amazing. They talk about the

Sarah Walker working in the warehouse sorting donations.

resiliency and when the invasion first happened in Kyiv and normal civilians were putting on the armbands of duct tape that were blue, yellow, and white, and that meant ‘I’m fighting’ and they just went to the streets looking for ways to help,” said Walker. “The people are tough and are determined to fight until they have their country back. That’s been really incredible to see.”

Walker said the most rewarding part is seeing when she can bring peace to someone. She has the training to help people but sometimes it means just being present.

“That’s by far the most rewarding thing, and sometimes it’s not words. Sometimes it’s just important to be there. If what I’m doing only impacts one person, I know that person is worth it,” she said. “I feel very, very blessed that part of what I get to do here is just amazing.”

Walker finds that the hardest part is being away from the family and people she loves, knowing that they worry about her safety.

“I don’t personally worry, but it was eye-opening the first time we drove East, went past Kyiv, and saw everything exploded,” she said. “But I know and want my friends and family to know that I feel very safe here in Mukachevo, which is close to the border with Hungary.”

When asked what she’d like people back home in the United States to know, the hard answer is don’t forget. They can see by looking at financial donations that people are getting tired. They’re forgetting the war is still happening, and there are still people suffering and have it worse now. There are no homes to go back to because everything’s been destroyed, and with the targeting of the Nova Kakhovka dam, the future of thousands is even bleaker–homes, farming, ecosystems all destroyed.

“We just ask that people don’t forget. If people want to help and can’t do it financially, then we ask that they keep praying for us,” said Walker.

She reflects on her time at SMSU as preparation for her journey. She was very involved with the international students on campus. She loves meeting people from all over the world. She shared a residence with friends from Nepal and to have already had that experience of cross-cultural living was a great introduction to what the future had in store for her.

“This is what I want to do. That desire has brought me here and I’m grateful for that,” said Walker. “You just never know what one step is going to lead to on the way and for whatever reasons, everything that you’ve done up to this point has brought you prepared to be where you are right now.”

Support Sarah’s humanitarian efforts here: LivingWaterUA.com

Sarah Walker (right) pictured with Ukrainian refugees

Alumni Award Recipients Announced for 2023

Each year the SMSU Alumni Association recognizes alumni and friends who have made significant contributions of time, talent, or financial resources to help advance and bring positive recognition to Southwest Minnesota State University. This year’s award recipients have been selected and will be recognized during Homecoming at the annual awards celebration on Friday, October 13.

ALUMNI ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS HONORARY LIFETIME AWARD

Wayne “Cookie” Cook ’73. Wayne has worked as a journalist at several newspapers in southwestern Minnesota including the Marshall Independent where he won several Associate Press (AP) awards for his writing. He served as sports information director at Southwest from 1981-87. Along with his twin brother, Warren, he umpired baseball at all levels from youth and VFW to college and amateur. He just completed his 48th year behind the plate. Wayne lives in Redwood Falls, Minn.

Bruce ’89 and Linda ’90 Saugstad. Bruce is the Chief Operating Officer for Reitsma & Associates in Sioux Falls, SD after a 32-year career with The Schwan Food Company. He stepped in as the interim Athletic Director at SMSU in 2021-22. He also served on the SMSU Foundation Board of Directors. Linda has dedicated herself to volunteer work—all focused on helping kids including work with FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes) and foster care. She has served on the Mustang Booster Club board. Bruce and Linda live in Marshall, Minn.

Dr. Mark Wallert ’83. Mark is retiring after eight years as a biology professor at Bemidji State. He was a professor in Biosciences at Minnesota State University-Moorhead for 25 years. His professional research focuses on using sodium hydrogen isoform 1 (NHE1) as a therapeutic target for the treatment of ovarian cancer and pulmonary fibrosis. He served on the steering committee for the American Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Student Chapters, organizing their annual meeting for the past 11 years. Mark lives in Laporte, Minn.

Robert Byrnes. Bob has served as the Mayor of Marshall since 1992. Prior to serving as mayor, he was a city council member from 1986-1992. He recently retired as the Statewide Director of Operations for the University of Minnesota Extension after 40 years with the organization. This summer, he received the 2023 C.C. Ludwig Award at the League of Minnesota Cities Annual Conference. The award is the League’s highest honor for elected officials. Bob lives in Marshall, Minn.

GOLD (GRADUATES OF THE LAST DECADE) AWARD

Rachel ’13 and Maxx ’13 Raths. Rachel is a Microbiologist and Manager of Regulatory Affairs at Ralco. She also worked as a research scientist and microbiologist for Ralco’s Agnition brand, focused on helping farmers get the most out of their soil and fertilizer inputs. Maxx is the Director of Marketing and Digital Content at Pulse. Prior to Pulse, Maxx was involved with a variety of consulting and entrepreneurial ventures related to marketing, digital media, and storytelling. Maxx serves on the advisory board for the SMSU Center of Innovation and Strategy. Rachel and Maxx live in Marshall, Minn.

JOHN AND KATHY PAXTON ALUMNI SERVICE AWARD

Jason Mortvedt ’78. Jason served two six-year stints on the Alumni Association board. He is enthusiastic about Southwest and active in both attending official events and planning informal alumni gatherings. He is one of the core group of alumni that comes back for Homecoming every single year. Jason is retired from farming and lives in Blue Earth, Minn.

To hear their Southwest stories and celebrate the accomplishments of all this year’s award winners, attend the 2023 Alumni Awards Celebration on Friday, October 13 from 4:00-6:00 p.m. The event is open to the public. Tickets are $15 and will be available online. To register and read about past award winners, visit: www.SMSUAlumni.com/awards

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FOOTBALL GAME

OCTOBER 9-15

DAY OF SERVICE

Wednesday, October 11

10:00am – 4:00pm

9:30am check-in at Founders Hall

ALUMNI AWARDS CEREMONY

Friday, October 13

4:00 – 6:00pm at SMSU Conference Center Register Online

Saturday, October 14

4:00pm VS Northern State Schwan Regional Event Center

ALUMNI TAILGATING

Saturday, October 14

2:00 – 4:00pm

Schwan Regional Event Center Parking Lot

ALUMNI SOCIAL

Saturday, October 14

8:00 – 10:00pm The Wooden Nickel

REUNIONS

JOIN US FOR YOUR CLASS REUNION!

Each year, the Southwest Minnesota State University Alumni Association hosts a 50th Year Reunion to welcome back graduates, and this year, we honor the class of 1973! All graduates from prior years are also invited to attend Homecoming activities held on Friday, October 13 and Saturday, October 14. This year’s 50th Reunion will be held on Saturday at 1:00 p.m. in the SMSU Alumni Heritage Gallery, Student Center. All milestone classes are invited as well. The Classes of 1983, 1993, 1998 (25th), 2003, and 2013 are all welcome and invited to attend! RSVP to Alumni@SMSU.edu.

SMSU will host the third annual Day of Service–Mustangs

Give during Homecoming. President Kumara Jayasuriya had the vision for the program in 2021 and each year the participation continues to grow. SMSU students, faculty, staff, and alumni can donate their time in twohour shifts to a number of local projects. Some volunteer efforts have included Adopt-A-Highway clean-up, Light Up the Night set-up, leaf raking, trash clean-up around town, Red Cross Blood Drive, Memorial Park painting at the 9-11 memorial, and Park Side Elementary sidewalk painting, among others. The Day of Service has become an annual Homecoming Week activity. Learn more at WWW.SMSU.EDU/GO/MUSTANGSGIVE

To see the full schedule of Homecoming events visit: SMSUALUMNI.COM/HOMECOMING

ALUMNI

gatherings

GOLD College Kickoff is September 13! GOLD College provides opportunities to adults interested in lifelong learning. The courses are offered in six-week session from Sept. 25-Nov. 3. Fall Kick-off is Sept. 13 in the Whipple Art Gallery. More information will be available soon! As always, we are looking to add more instructors for our fall and spring sessions for both in-person and virtual course delivery on a variety of topics. If you are interested in teaching or learning through GOLD College, contact us at Alumni@SMSU.edu.

The Lumberjack January 19 in Stillwater, Minn.

GOLD College Spring Kick-Off March 8 on campus

TopGolf May 18 in Brooklyn Center, Minn.

Painted Prairie Vineyard June 15 in Currie, Minn.

Chanhassen Dinner Theatre June 1 in Chanhassen, Minn.

Class of 2023 Grad Finale May 5 on campus

Southwest Family Picnic May 23 in St. Peter, Minn.

Rounders Sports Bar& Grill February 3 in Mankato, Minn.

Tropical Night at Everspring Inn February 11 in Marshall, Minn.

GOLD College painting class 2023

FROM THE SMSU PHOTO ARCHIVE

THE MUSTANG NETWORK get connected to

Connect with fellow alumni! Mentor SMSU students! Your Mustang Network profile is the best way for Mustangs to find and connect with you. Take a few minutes this to update your job title, education and degrees, interests and activities, or sync your LinkedIn profile.

Step 1: Log into the Mustang Network.

Step 2: Click the arrow next to your profile photo on the top right of the page.

Step 3: Select “Edit Profile” and update your information.

*If you want to sync your LinkedIn profile, select “Settings” in Step 3. The Mustang Network also offers opportunities to mentor SMSU students. SMSU Career Services and Alumni Relations have launched an opportunity designed to continue growing the Mustang Mentorship Program (formal alumni/student mentoring program) as well as to connect students with alumni for flash mentoring (quick questions, informational interviews, etc.) or guest speaking opportunities. There is also faculty and staff affiliation for those looking to connect with alumni as guest speakers for a variety of events at SMSU. Thank you and we look forward to seeing you on the platform!

mustangnetwork.smsu.edu

Mustang Wagon 1999

Band rehearsal, undated

Students Caroling, undated

Students in Campus Religious Center, undated

Student Mentors

CLASS NOTES

1973

Tomas Theis works as a Sales Rep in the Sporting Goods Business. He lives in Apple Valley with his wife Maxine.

1974

Edward “Curtis” Otto retired after successful careers in both education and the US Military, with a final assignment as Director of the Army School System. He and his wife now enjoy retirement, traveling, and many volunteer jobs in the Leavenworth, Kan. area.

1979

Craig Porter retired from officiating youth, high school, and college after 20 years. His youngest daughter got married April 29, 2023. He welcomed his fifth grandchild (a girl) in December 2022. He still works part time at the company he owns, PlastiCert.

Kimberly Hewson recently retired.

1982

Terrence Fogarty’s artwork was part of the new Art of College Football exhibit at the College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta, Ga. His pieces in the exhibit include the “Horsepower” painting of SMSU Mustang Football at play on Mattke Field in the Schwan Regional Event Center.

1987

Janine Torgerson Teske recently retired from the University of Minnesota-Morris and started a new position as the Operations Specialist at the Clinton-Graceville-Beardsley Schools, in addition to taking on the role as SMSU Alumni Board President.

1990

Jay Kyle Petersen’s book, A Comprehensive Guide To Intersex, is in 232 libraries in 10 countries throughout the world and will be released in French in 2023. He presented an educational talk for Intersex Visibility Day on October 26, 2022 that 106 people attended virtually from 10 different countries.

1993

Kristin Gruhot was a finalist for Equipment World Contractor of the Year with D&G Excavating.

1995

Chad Johnston was named 2022 Minnesota Football Coaches Association Coach of the Year after 21 years at Minneota High School with a career record of 200-41 and five state championships including in the 2022 season.

Jason Hollan started a new position as Technical Media Producer/Newscast Director at WSIL-TV in Carterville, Ill.

1996

Kim Wermers was recently elected to the Board of Directors for the NACCU (National Association of Campus Card Users) organization which is a membership of institutions that are involved with the campus identification credential market. She has been the Card Services Administrator at Dakota State University for 22 years.

2002

Carrie (Hemiller) Schuller started a new position as Victim Services Coordinator at the Jackson County Attorney’s Office in Jackson, Minn. in June of 2022.

2003

Gail (Wyffels) Boe published her first children’s book, Lettuce, in April 2021 and is currently working on a second children’s book.

2008

Kane Malo started a new position as assistant principle at IJ Holton Intermediate School in Austin, Minn.

Nicholas Schultz started a new position as the pastor of St. Olaf and Pukwana Lutheran Churches near Chamberlain, SD.

Samantha Jane (O’Neill) Koktan and husband Joseph Koktan ’11 welcomed twin girls on March 31, 2022 named Penelope and Delaney Koktan.

2009

Christina Boike started a new position at Anfinson Thompson in October 2022 and became a partner in January 2023.

Megan Seppmann was married on December 31, 2022, to Omar Naimi. She graduated with her Executive MBA from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in December 2022.

2012

Kate Cates started as new position as principal at Our Lady of the Prairie Elementary School in Belle Plaine, Minn.

2015

Mercedes Johnson Miura and husband Hiroki Miura ’15 welcomed their second child, a baby boy, in January 2022.

2017

Nicole (Schwing) Lewis was married to Robert Lewis on September 3, 2022

Blake Gimbel married Danielle Moldenhauer ‘18 on June 25, 2022.

2018

Uma Czech started a new position working as an Admission Counselor at Summit AcademyOIC in Minneapolis.

Madison (Merritt) Lyden was married on June 25, 2022 to Lane Lyden ’17 in Osceola, Wisconsin. Fellow alumni in the wedding party were: Devon Lyons ’18, Konghye Her ’17, Nick Rathke ’18, Jessica (Jacob) Rathke ’17, Skylar Versteeg ’17, and Brianna (Staton) Knudson ’18

2019

Doria Drost gifted a custom ‘Mr. Stefani’ jacket to Blake Shelton as part of her position as the Director of Marketing & Public Relations at Denny Sanford PREMIER Center in Sioux Falls. Blake shared a photo of the jacket with his wife, Gwen Stefani, who then shared it on her social media. The story was covered by national news outlets.

Hannah Beacom oversees marketing and product development for the new pet insurance product at Physicians Mutual, based out of Omaha, Neb. and recently got engaged while on a trip in northern Finland.

Elizabeth (Beth) Jean Conner: May 6, 2023

Director of Residential Life from 1976-1998

Mary Beth Faimon: January 18, 2023

Professor of Social Work from 1996-2010

Jim Hubley ‘74: February 20, 2023 English Department Adjunct Professor from 1990–2017

James S. Jacobson ‘71: February 4, 2022

Emil Milacek: February 25, 2023

Professor of Accounting from 1974-1989

Debra Reyes ’81: April 7, 2023 Contact

Blake Shelton wearing jacket from Drost ’19

Paul Blanchard Head Baseball Coach Retires After 27 Years

Southwest Minnesota State University head baseball coach Paul Blanchard concluded his 27-year career for the Mustang program on May 11, 2023.

The program’s winningest coach and one of the most respected baseball coaches in the country, Blanchard’s teams racked up 591 victories and produced 16 winning seasons. His teams won 25 or more games 13 times, which includes four 30-plus wins seasons. The Mustangs made one NCAA Tournament appearance, captured one Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference championship, three NSIC Tournament championships, were NSIC Tournament runners-up four times and made 16 appearances in the NSIC Tournament.

“I wish to thank all of the former and current players we’ve had for allowing me to be their coach as I will miss the daily interaction with players the most,” Blanchard said in February.

“SMSU has allowed my wife and I a chance to raise a family in a great setting here in Marshall. We will be forever grateful,” Blanchard said. “This summer starts a new chapter in our lives. We will continue to be a part of the community, at least for a while. I’m still deciding what I’ll be doing next, but I’ll be involved in baseball and continue mentoring young coaches. Thank you again to all for making the last 27 years a great experience.”

Named the fifth coach in SMSU history on July 14, 1996, Blanchard recruited and coached some of the best players ever to play at SMSU. He has coached two NSIC Players of the Year, one NSIC Pitcher of the Year, two NSIC Newcomers of the Year, 26 all-region players, two NCAA All-Americans, two Major League Baseball draft picks and one MLB free agent. He coached

10 players who have played professional baseball following their careers at SMSU. The program has also recorded Academic AllDistrict honorees 22 times, while six players have been named Academic All-Americans.

“Paul has been an incredible asset to the SMSU community and to the sport of baseball for the past 27 years,” said Jen Flowers, SMSU’s Director of Athletics. “He has served hundreds of student-athletes during his career; always working with their best interests in mind. He has been an invaluable resource and mentor to many Mustang coaches and staff members. His impact on our department is immeasurable. We thank Paul for his commitment to Mustang Athletics and wish he and Nancy the very best in their retirement.”

PE Gym Renovations

Renovations of the wood court inside the PE Gym on the campus of Southwest Minnesota University were completed early this summer, which include a complete redesign and color scheme of the main court.

According to SMSU Director of Facilities Tony Nubile, workers sanded down the entire floor down to the maple wood, while damaged boards on the court were replaced. The volleyball court was stained along with painting all the other lines and center logo, and sealing/finishing the floor.

The PE Gym is the home of SMSU volleyball, wrestling and wheelchair basketball and hosts numerous University events.

Jeremy Ische Named Head Baseball Coach at SMSU

Southwest Minnesota State University Director of Athletics Jen Flowers announced on June 15 the hiring of Jeremy Ische as the next head baseball coach at SMSU.

“We are very excited to welcome Jeremy and his family back to SMSU,” Flowers said. “I am confident Jeremy will be a tremendous leader for our baseball program and a great ambassador for SMSU. His commitment and passion for the game, along with his previous head coaching experience in the NSIC and his connection to SMSU, is a winning combination that will strengthen our baseball program and support our efforts to provide our young men with a fantastic student-athlete experience. Today begins a new chapter of Mustang baseball; we look forward to what’s ahead with Jeremy at the helm.” Read more at SMSUMustangs.com.

Blanchard is congratulated by the team at his final game

Sheila Tabaka Named 2023 Cathy Cowan Award Winner

When it comes to a professor’s impact on students, it’s not a single moment with one student, but the cumulative effect that one person can have on hundreds of students as they go about their work.

Among those quietly and steadily doing good for others is Professor Sheila Tabaka, the 2023 recipient of the Cathy Cowan Award.

Recipients of the Cowan Award are selected for their service to SMSU, Marshall, and the region. The award is presented to a faculty or staff member and is the most prestigious annual award given at Southwest Minnesota State University. It is named for the late Cathy Cowan, a Psychology professor who died in an auto accident in December 2001. Cowan’s example of service to SMSU students and the community was the inspiration for the award. A big criterion is ‘doing good for others.’

In her 25th year at SMSU, Tabaka started her role in 1998. She’s a professor in the Theatre Program and the costumer for all the SMSU theatre productions.

Tabaka grew up in Merrill, Wisconsin and attended UWMarathon County Center, a two-year school in the Wisconsin system that is no longer open. She transferred to UW-Stevens Point and went on to earn an MFA from Minnesota State University—Mankato.

She started her path in theatre while at the UW-Marathon campus. The school did a production of two one-act plays that are presented together. They didn’t have a costumer, so she stepped in. That experience set her on the path to the career she enjoys today. In addition to theatre students, she appreciates that she can have interactions with so many students from all disciplines.

“I know how it feels to send your kids off to college hoping that someone is taking care of them,” Tabaka said. “These parents gave their child to us, to take care of. We’re supposed teach them,

care for them, and nurture them so they can leave here and be successful adults. It’s a big responsibility, but it’s also a big honor.”

“I am so humbled by this award,” she continued. “I don’t really know what to say because I feel like I didn’t do anything special. So many people I feel are more deserving, and I’m just doing my job. I feel so lucky and blessed to be able to do it.”

Tabaka is involved across campus and the community serving on boards, teaching workshops, volunteering at church and various non-profit groups, and leading the SMSU Children’s Theatre Workshop every summer. She has also held leadership positions in Region 5 of the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival (KCACTF). She regularly gives presentations on historical fashion and other topics.

Tabaka and her husband, Jim — an adjunct music instructor at SMSU — are the parents of five children: Eukariah, Sally, Margaret, Lillian, and Jedidiah.

SMSU DECA Students Take Second Place at Nationals

SMSU students Ebuka Emmanuel and Isaac Yeboah took home second-place honors in the Emerging Technology Marketing Strategies competition at the Collegiate Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA) International Career Development Conference (ICDC) in Orlando, Florida on April 15-19, 2023.

Emmanuel is from Nigeria and Yeboah is from Portales, Ghana. Both are students in the Master of Business Administration (MBA) program at SMSU. They took first place at the state level to earn the opportunity to compete at the national level. They made it to the finals having outperformed 21 teams from different universities and colleges.

DECA is an international association of high school and college students and teachers of marketing, management, and entrepreneurship in business, finance, hospitality, and marketing sales and service. The organization prepares leaders and entrepreneurs for careers and education in marketing, finance, hospitality, management, and other business areas. It is one of ten organizations listed as Career and Technical Student Organizations by the United States Department of Education.

Dr. Kenneth Chukwuba, who is an Associate Professor of Management and Director of the MBA program, is the SMSU DECA Collegiate Chapter advisor.

President Jayasuriya presenting the Cowan Award to Tabaka on May 6, 2023

From left: Yeboah, Chukwuba, Emmanuel

Jacob Fike ’21/’23: Finding His Path at SMSU

Jacob Fike didn’t take the traditional path to college. Originally from Braham, Minn., Fike is the youngest of two sons. Until college, he was homeschooled.

“My parents were very old-fashioned. I learned to type on a typewriter,” he explained.

Upon receiving a 12 on his ACT, Fike first went to AnokaRamsey Community College for two years and then transferred to SMSU to finish his bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science.

“Going to college was something that I wanted to do. It’s been a fun experience!” he said. He just completed the final semester of his Physical Education master’s degree and worked as a Graduate Assistant for the Exercise Science Program.

As the graduate assistant, he was tasked with aiding professors in teaching and coordinating the Community Wellness Program. This twelve-week fitness program is run by undergraduate students. In spring, there were 25 clients both from the community and the SMSU staff and faculty. He also substituted in senior-level courses, helped in labs, and managed work-study students for their department.

“I have been accepted into Concordia St. Paul’s online Ph.D. in Kinesiology program. It is a four-year program with classes that are broken into eight-week increments,” he said. “I really want

to stay in the Marshall area while I complete this, and hopefully end up teaching here one day. I love the hands-on experiences; it really has made my learning more meaningful.”

Fike hopes one day to either become a professor of Kinesiology and Exercise Science or become a Strength and Conditioning Coordinator at a university.

“I’ve always felt like an outside-the-box thinker, always wanting to move forward. I think I can really make a difference working with college students”

Despite a low ACT, he’s made the most of his experience at SMSU. The connections he’s made with his professors and the engaging work he’s done with the wellness program have taught him that he can do anything he sets his mind to. His passion for learning has allowed him to see his future more clearly.

“I have always been passionate about school and am excited to continue my education,” said Fike. “I am excited for my future and what I’ll be able to accomplish.”

Elizabeth Lockwood SMSU Alumni and Visitor Center

The Elizabeth Lockwood SMSU Alumni and Visitor Center located at 1430 East College Drive, Marshall, Minn. is staffed by Ambassadors Monday to Friday 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Current ambassadors include:

Lois Henkel ’72

Ricke Bly ’73

Karl Porisch ’03

Stop by and visit anytime!

Shirley Porisch

Kathy Paxton ’69

Kevin Anundson ’82

Jerry Bly ’71

Sandy Hoffbeck ’74

Karen Sweetland

Ann John ’77

Linda Nelson ’92

Diane Taylor ’75

Fike as a Graduate Assistant

When women find their strength, leverage the strength of others, build networks, and grow communities, the world is a better place. This Women’s Leadership Conference will bring together women in all stages of their leadership journey for a day that will energize and inspire!

Micah

Diane Wagner

SMSU Alumni Office

1501 State Street • Marshall, MN 56258

Change Service Requested

UPCOMING EVENTS

JULY 20

6:00-8:00pm Alumni Social at Maynard’s Excelsior, Minn.

AUGUST 22

2:00-4:30pm Alumni Social at Cragun’s Resort Brainerd, Minn.

SEPTEMBER 13

GOLD College Kickoff

Whipple Gallery

SEPTEMBER 14

6:00-8:00pm Alumni Social at Round Lake Vineyard Round Lake, Minn.

SEPTEMBER 30

University Gala

smsufoundation.org/gala

OCTOBER 25

Women’s Conference

smsufoundation.org/womenlead

SAVE THE DATE

SMSU Band and Choir Alumni Weekend

April 20-21, 2024

Register for events online at: www.SMSUAlumni.com

*Appetizers and a beverage included in all events requiring registration.

Each year the SMSU Alumni Association recognizes alumni and friends who have made significant contributions of time, talent, and financial resources to help advance and bring positive recognition to Southwest Minnesota State University. This year’s award recipients will be honored during Homecoming weekend Oct.13 –14, 2023 This year’s honorees include:

Alumni Achievement Awards

Wayne Cook ’73, Redwood Falls, Minn.

Dr. Mark Wallert ’83, Laporte, Minn.

Bruce ’89 and Linda ’90 Saugstad, Marshall, Minn.

Honorary Lifetime Award

Robert Byrnes, Marshall, Minn.

GOLD (Graduates of the Last Decade) Award

Rachel ’13 and Maxx ’13 Raths, Marshall, Minn. Paxton Alumni Service Award

Jason Mortvedt ’78, Blue Earth, Minn. More information on the recipients will be released later this summer. To read about past award recipients or reserve tickets, visit: www.SMSUAlumni.com/AlumniAwards

Reunions for Milestone Anniversaries: Classes of 1973, 1983, 1993, 1998, 2003, 2013

If FOCUS is addressed to a family member who has graduated or no longer maintains a permanent address at your home, please email alumni@SMSU.edu to provide the current address or call toll-free 1-800-260-0970 to notify us of the change.