A Message from the SMSU President
Dear Alumni and Friends, Summer is upon us and for everyone at SMSU, it is a wonderful time to reflect on the achievements of the past year and prepare to welcome a new class of students this fall. On May 4th, 330 graduates celebrated their academic achievements at our 56th commencement ceremony. I would like to congratulate them on this great accomplishment and thank Cheri Beranek ’85 for her words of encouragement for the class of 2024. I also congratulate Ashton Ayres for receiving the Outstanding Senior award this year. We have another busy summer on campus with renovations transforming nine classrooms and three laboratories. In addition to academic spaces, several houses in the traditional residence halls will receive much-needed improvements. Much of this work would not have been possible without the ongoing support of our alumni and friends. Thank you to everyone who is helping us provide a better experience for students by giving them access to more modern facilities as they continue their academic journey at SMSU.
Your support and investment are paying dividends. SMSU continues to defy the trend of declining enrollment currently causing concern for other universities. The summer enrollment at SMSU is up 10.7% over last summer and our projections for fall look very positive as well. I am deeply grateful for all the hard work of our faculty and staff whose efforts stand out among our peer institutions. I hope you will help us spread the word about the great things happening at SMSU.
Finally, I would like to express my sincere congratulations to all the 2024 Alumni Achievement Award winners. Please join us on Friday, October 11th, to celebrate their accomplishments as we kick off homecoming at The Southwest Celebration. This new event will allow you to meet students and faculty, reconnect with old friends, and learn more about the great things happening at SMSU.
Sincerely,
Kumara Jayasuriya
President
Dr. Kumara Jayasuriya
Associate Vice President of Advancement
Nathan Polfliet ’00/MBA ’11
Director of Alumni Relations & Outreach
Angela Lee ’20/MBA ’23
Senior Director of Communications & Marketing, Writer
Marcy Olson ’93/MBA ’05
Contributors
Kelly Loft ’97/MS ’11
Megan Laughlin '23
Design
Maddy Groff
Photography
Mitch Riibe ‘20
Maddy Groff
Zach Mortland
Greg Devereaux
Graduate Assistants
Alumni
Maria Valentin ‘22/'24
Communications & Marketing
Juliana Villa ‘22/'24
Jennifer Aguilar ‘23
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
action educator and employer. ADA Accessible. A member of the Minnesota State system.
2024 Commencement Speaker: Cheri Beranek '85
SMSU welcomed Ms. Cheri Beranek, class of 1985, back to campus to deliver the commencement address on Saturday, May 4, 2024.
A New Ulm, Minnesota native, Beranek first came to Southwest in 1981 thanks to a generous scholarship offer from President Jon Wefald. She majored in Marketing and was involved on campus in student government as the PR coordinator and in Forensics, traveling across the country with teammates and coach, Robert Ridley.
She worked closely with Ridley, managing the Forensics operating budget, running the photo lab, and coaching first-year speech participants.
“What I liked about working for Ridley was that he set the bar very high but also set clear expectations,” Beranek said. “He'd push you to be the best you could be, and sometimes he pushed it a little bit too hard because each of us was different. But he only wanted us to reach the top and to exceed our limitations. He opened a lot of doors within the university and within myself.”
The highlights of her Forensics participation include her two top-10 finishes at Nationals during her junior year. The experiences prepared her well for her career.
“We competed against the big-name schools in Arizona, Florida, and Texas. Seeing firsthand that this small school from southwestern Minnesota could compete with the largest names in the country was the foundation for me and my career,” she continued. “That experience gives you the confidence that you really can do anything, and I’ve carried that with me.”
“I learned from Professor Ridley that you could be anything you choose to be. But if you didn't make a choice, you were simply going to flounder,” Beranek explained. “I set high expectations for myself, and I've set very high expectations for the people who work for me.”
Today she is president and CEO for Clearfield, Inc., a fiber optic product supplier based in Minneapolis, known as the ‘fiber to anywhere’ company. She is a founding member of the company and was named CEO at the inception of Clearfield in 2008. The company currently trades at a market cap of approximately $500 million.
“I was named CEO because I could identify the value proposition of a product line, find a niche market, and make the company profitable,” she said. “I didn't have a background in optical fiber. I didn't have the pedigree in technology. But I do have the marketing skills, the communication skills, and the leadership skills to drive the company forward.”
Her extensive leadership experience and insightful management style drive the company’s success. Under her direction, Clearfield has recorded 14 years of profitability and recognition as America’s Best Small Company by Forbes three times, including in 2022 ranking 4th in the Top 100 Small Cap Companies.
By focusing on the fiber market, Beranek has guided Clearfield into a multi-national business with more than 400 employees and over 1,200 customers, as a leading provider of fiber protection, fiber management, and fiber delivery solutions that enable rapid and cost-effective broadband deployment.
Prior to Clearfield, Beranek held a variety of executive-level positions with emerging high-growth technology companies, including Americable, Transition Networks, Tricord Systems, and Digi International. She also has extensive non-profit experience including: the City of Fargo, the Metropolitan Planning Commission of Fargo/Moorhead, and North Dakota State University.
A published author and public speaker at industry events, Beranek has been recognized with numerous awards and honors, including being named an Ernst & Young National Entrepreneur Of The Year® 2023 Award winner, induction into the Minnesota Business Hall of Fame in 2021, the 2016 Minnesota Technology Executive of the Year by Tech.MN, to name just a few.
“My work at Clearfield enables the lifestyle that better broadband provides, and we enable it for communities like the one where I grew up,” said Beranek. “For many years, optical fiber and high-speed broadband were wishes and wants, but the pandemic proved that these were absolute necessities, particularly in rural areas. I’m proud to say that those are the communities we serve.”
Beranek has long believed in the foundation that a strong education provides. In addition to earning her Master of Science in 1987, her four children all have strong educations, including two doctorates and an emerging MBA. Beranek resides with her husband, Greg Johnson, in Minnetonka, Minn.
SCOTT ’07 AND MELISSA ’08 HECKEL: SEVERING TIES AND BRANCHING OUT
When nurturing a tree, or a dream, it’s important to develop roots, to trim at the right time, and to allow the growth to flourish. Scott and Melissa Heckel know a thing or two about when to sever ties and when to branch out so that the dream can be realized. They’ve planted and pruned, adjusted and adapted to create opportunities. In doing so, they are brewing a life for themselves that is severed from the norm.
Scott and Melissa both grew up in Aberdeen, South Dakota. Today, they own and operate Severance Brewing, a craft brewery in downtown Sioux Falls.
Scott started his college career at a South Dakota school just over the border from Marshall. As a college freshman in Brookings, he and Melissa, a high school senior, just started dating. She was looking for a smaller school that didn’t require her to run from building to building in the middle of winter.
She chose SMSU and Scott soon followed. Melissa studied art with a graphic design concentration and a marketing minor. Scott majored in computer science with a graphic design minor.
“Even though I ended up in brewing, the computer science program did prepare me for where I’m at today,” said Scott. “You learn the different programming languages, and the semantics of it so you can teach yourself new languages. You learn how to learn and branch out in a career path you didn't know you were going to have.”
“SMSU really prepares you for lifelong learning, being able to adapt to changing technology, and pivot when you need to,” added Melissa of her education in the graphic design emphasis of SMSU’s art program.
Melissa got her first break into graphic design working in the communications and marketing office at SMSU. Design became the purpose and passion for Melissa, while craft beer started as a hobby and became a calling for Scott.
“Dr. Dan Kaiser, my computer science professor took a group of us [computer science majors] to Lincoln, Nebraska for a programming competition. He took us to a place he had been and went on about the qualities of Guinness. I tried a smoked lager there and I'm like, this is the greatest thing I've ever had,” Scott recalled. “It was that moment that I got turned on to craft beer.”
“Years later, I emailed Dr. Kaiser about something totally unrelated. I added a P.S. in there that said, ‘by the way, thank you for getting me into craft beers,’” Scott said. “You never know how one moment is going to change your life.”
After graduation, they made their way to Sioux Falls where Scott worked at a large bank starting in technology and making his way to a managerial position.
“I made the mistake of moving from an individual contributor to a manager. I think you’re expected to climb the corporate ladder, you feel like you are supposed to get into management and when I got there, I was miserable doing it,” he said. “Some people might thrive in that environment, but it wasn’t for me long term, so after 12 years there it seemed like it was time to branch out.”
While Scott was in the banking world, Melissa was building her own business, Branch Creative. She began her career in design and branding with local ad agencies. Melissa launched her freelance design business in July 2009 as a part time gig before transitioning to full time freelance and worked from home while raising their daughters, Addy and Avery, now 10 and 13, respectively.
In addition to handling the marketing and design for Severance, Melissa continues to reinvent the nature and methodology of her business. Moving from the projectbased design with hourly tracking to more strategy and consulting-based work. She also offers design days that allow clients to schedule a full 8 hours with her to focus on their to-do list. It streamlines her work, reducing time spent on back-and-forth emails, and helps manage their home, work, and life balance.
She has clients in Sioux Falls, throughout the Midwest, in Denver, Oklahoma, and as far away as Maryland.
As Melissa’s creative business grew, the conversations turned to opening a brewery.
“We talked about starting the brewery back in 2011,” said Scott. “Our first Christmas together, Melissa got me a Mr. Beer home brewing kit and my interest just took off from there.”
“It worked out that I was able to give her the opportunity to follow her dream as she was going out on her own,” said Scott. “Then when she felt like her work was established, we knew it was time to give it a try.”
“Up to that I felt like it was so unfair; I never dreaded a Monday. I love my job. I wake up every morning and live my dream,” said Melissa. “And Scott was dreading Monday, getting calls all the time, and generally not loving life.”
“I brought it up one summer night when we’re enjoying a home-brewed beer on the patio—where we have our big lifealtering conversations,” she continued. “I just said it's clear that you're not happy doing what you're doing. We should revisit this brewery idea.”
“That’s when we scratched out our little five-year plan,” Scott added. “That was in the summer of 2017, and we opened in August 2019. So clearly the five-year plan got expedited a bit.”
“We saw what was happening in Sioux Falls, in terms of growth, and the news of breweries that were popping up or rumored to be popping up was getting loud,” Melissa explained. “We knew if we waited five years, the market was going to be saturated.”
“We didn’t want to miss out on the opportunity to establish ourselves. So 2019, we officially cut the ties, so to speak,” said Scott.
The name Severance came long before the brewery opened.
“I came up with the initial severed ‘S’ idea when I worked at the bank, I would go on a walk just to get away from the desk and back then, the brewery was just a daydream,” said Scott. “I’d be thinking of brewery names and pull out my phone and type it in.”
“With 9,000 or more breweries operating right now in the US, trying to find an original name is so hard,” added Melissa.
“One day on a walk I was thinking about what it might look like to leave corporate life and taking the severance was on my mind. What is my severance package going to look like?” Scott recalled. “And it hit me. I typed in ‘severance brewing’ and it’s available. I thought how is that possible? It’s the story of probably 50% of the brewers out there; they left their corporate job to start a brewery. How's that never been taken?”
“We trademarked it immediately,” said Melissa. “That was the beginning. Once you get the name, the whole brand follows along with it. And when Scott said ‘severance’ I thought oh, this is so easy. One word, people will say ‘I'm going to Severance tonight.’ It was just perfect.”
“Easy to say and easy to remember,” said Scott. “Then add all the great visuals and metaphors that go along with the word and the concept of severance and severing. Melissa just took that and ran with it. Everything fits so well.”
you get ones that are extremely artistic and just throw whatever at the wall and hope it sticks. The others are the chemists and computer scientists who end up in brewing because it can be very analytical which I like.”
“Our goal for Severance is for it to be a place for people to come and enjoy just spending time with one another,” said Scott. “We have the capacity to grow and look forward to what the future holds.”
“We have a mural in the taproom based on a photo of Scott cutting his tie the day he walked away from his corporate job. The whole severing ties thing has been a big part of the brand,” said Melissa.
The mural shows a rigid pattern on the left, a man with hops for a head cutting his business tie in the middle, and an organic, freeform flow on the right, a perfect representation of what Severance has meant for Scott and Melissa Heckel.
The severed ‘S’, the cut tie, and the phrase ‘severed from the norm’ can be seen all around the taproom, as the mantra of their business and the life they are creating.
Severance Brewing is located in Downtown Sioux Falls, South Dakota in The Cascade at Falls Park. They celebrate their 5th Severance Day on Saturday, August 3, 2024. Learn more about what Scott and Melissa Heckel are doing at www.severancebrewing.com and www.branchcreativeco.com
Melissa talked about her process of choosing colors and researching. She looked at what other breweries were doing. She knew they wanted to be different, again severing from the norm, as they have done in all things.
“He lets me run with the design and marketing. I try to stay out of the brewing stuff,” she added.
“And she polishes some of my rough, analytical edges,” Scott laughed.
“When it comes to the brewing side, you get two sets of people,
Ashton Ayres Named 2024 Outstanding Senior
Each year since 2003, the Southwest Minnesota State University Alumni Association presents the Outstanding Senior Award to one graduating senior at commencement. This honor recognizes an individual who has made the most of their college experience, both in and out of the classroom.
This year’s Outstanding Senior is Ashton Ayres of Ortonville, MN. He was named in a surprise announcement during the 56th commencement ceremony at Southwest Minnesota State University on Saturday, May 4, 2024. Ayres was highly recommended to the selection committee for his academic accomplishments, his inquisitive nature in class, his wide-ranging campus involvement, and his enthusiastic, go-getter attitude.
Ayres is a Political Science major, with minors in Public Administration and Philosophy. He is also a member of the Honors Program. The SMSU Honors Program is a rigorous program that allows high-achieving students to customize their academic experience with more challenging courses than available in the standard general studies curriculum, MnTC (Minnesota Transfer Curriculum).
One of the nominating professors wrote of Ayres: ‘He is an absolute joy to have in class because he is engaged, isn’t afraid to ask questions, shows excellent comprehension of the material, and puts forth a tremendous effort overall.’
“Being awarded an honor like this makes you feel like all those hours you spent doing work that you felt unseen was very meaningful to those around you,” Ayres said. “This reward also helps me see that I fulfilled my promise to myself when I graduated high school. Coming from a small community, I wanted to seek out more opportunities and experiences that were not available to me in high school.”
When it comes to campus involvement, Ayres is a force to be reckoned with. He has served the Student Senate for the last three years. He is a highly active member of several student
organizations including Enactus, the Residence Hall Association, and the Student Activity Fee Allocation Committee. He was also elected student body president in the 2022-2023 academic year.
“It was special being elected Student Body President after my first full year as a student. I never imagined I would find myself in a position like that, but I decided to go for it because of the support from those around me,” said Ayres.
“As student body president, I was able to meet with the University president, provost, and deans, and talk about issues that are important to students,” he said. “Continuing as a senator, I can honestly say I have found more joy in watching the success of those who came after me and seeing how much they have developed as leaders too.”
In addition to his involvement in active clubs, he started a new student club called the Guitar Players’ Association. Outside of his commitments to student clubs, he quickly became an invaluable asset to the GOLD College lifelong learning program serving as a resourceful and capable technology assistant to GOLD College instructors and participants.
He recently was selected as the Graduate Assistant for the SMSU Student Senate as he works toward a master’s degree in business administration beginning in the fall. He plans to enjoy the summer with family and work at the nursing home in Ortonville.
“The most important thing I've learned at SMSU is that if you want to see a change or make a difference, it is best to work toward that change rather than let things stay the same,” he explained. “Student leadership is important to a university's community because of all the positive impact you can have when you put your thoughts and ideas into action.”
The SMSU Alumni Association and Southwest Minnesota State University congratulate the 2024 Outstanding Senior, Ashton Ayres.
Alumni Award Recipients Announced for 2024
Each year the SMSU Alumni Association seeks to recognize 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 Southwest Celebration on Friday, October 11.
ALUMNI ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS
Deborah (Geiver) Norlin ’84
Deb is an academic advisor at Central Lakes College in Brainerd where she resides with her husband, Jeff, and son, Trent. Prior to her current position, she held numerous professional positions at Southwest Minnesota State University including Brainerd Off-Site Coordinator, Alumni Director, Assistant Director of Admission and Admission Recruiter. As a SSU student, she was Coordinator of Student Activities which sparked her desire to continue to serve her alma mater.
GOLD (GRADUATE OF THE LAST DECADE) AWARD
Doria Drost ’19/’21
Doria Drost is the Director of Marketing at ASM Global - Denny Sanford PREMIER Center where she oversees all marketing, communications, and public relations activities for the largest multi-venue complex in South Dakota, including welcoming top artists, bands, sporting events, and more to the region. Currently living in Sioux Falls, SD, she spends her time volunteering with various local nonprofit organizations and serving on two nonprofit board of directors. In addition to her full-time role and volunteer work, Doria has also continued to run her own freelance marketing and design business she initially started while attending SMSU.
Steve Klein ’75
Steve and his wife, Kay, are coowners of Klein Foods (a gourmet foods manufacturing company) and Walnut Grove Mercantile (a retail division for the gourmet and fundraising market). He graduated with degrees in Chemistry and Education and taught at the elementary, junior high, high school and university levels. Steve is proud to have also worked as a commercial beekeeper with his father and he enjoys being able to support the local area through various philanthropic endeavors.
HONORARY LIFETIME MEMBERSHIP AWARD
Gary Dahms
Senator Gary Dahms has served in the Minnesota Senate since 2011. During his tenure, he has put the needs of the region and Southwest Minnesota State University at the forefront of the legislative agenda. He chaired the Commerce Committee for six years and was lead on the Senate Agriculture, Broadband, and Rural Development Committee. He is a champion for SMSU in the biennial budget and bonding needs, authoring bills in support of SMSU campus improvements and appropriations for Higher Education Asset Preservation and Replacement projects. His support was critical to add the Ag Education program at SMSU and he has visited campus regularly to better understand the needs of our students, faculty, and staff. Gary and Barb owned and operated the Dahms Insurance Agency in Redwood Falls and Fairfax before retiring in 2012.
SOUTHWEST Celebration
The Southwest Celebration is an exciting new event to kick off the Homecoming Weekend. Join us on Friday, October 11 as we celebrate the Alumni Award recipients, highlight the special projects underway on campus, and kick off the annual coming home of our Mustang Family.
The evening begins with a social hour at 5:30 pm with free drinks, a formal dinner, and a short program recognizing this year’s Alumni Awards winners followed by a Homecoming mixer with a cash bar. The event will be held in the SMSU Conference Center Upper Level with valet parking available. Tickets are $50 per person and available online at: SMSUAlumni.com/celebration
HOMECOMING PEP RALLY
Monday, October 7
4:00 pm PE Gym
Open to the public
DAY OF SERVICE
Wednesday, October 9
10:00 am – 4:00 pm
9:30 am check-in at Founders Hall
THE SOUTHWEST CELEBRATION
Homecoming Kickoff Mixer & Alumni Awards Celebration
Friday, October 11
5:30 pm
SMSU Upper Conference Center
ALUMNI TAILGATING
Saturday, October 12
3:00 – 5:00 pm
Schwan Regional Event Center Parking Lot
FOOTBALL GAME
Saturday, October 12
5:00 pm vs. Wayne State Schwan Regional Event Center
ALUMNI SOCIAL
Saturday, October 12
Following the end of the football game Wings Axe Company
SOUTHWEST State of Mind
October 7-12, 2024
HOMECOMING
PARADE
The Homecoming parade is an annual tradition that brings students, alumni, faculty, staff, future Mustangs, and members of our community together to celebrate and showcase our pride and spirit for SMSU. The parade begins at 11:00 am on Saturday, October 12, so come early to secure your spot downtown!
REUNIONS
It’s time to celebrate some major milestones! This year, the SMSU Alumni Association is proud to host 10, 25, and 50 Year Reunions for all graduates from the classes of 2014, 1999 and 1974! The reunions will take place at the Student Center on Saturday, October 12 at 1:00 pm. RSVP at SMSUAlumni.com/Homecoming
To see the full schedule of Homecoming events, visit:
Thank you to our alumni who submitted these photos. Did you get together with classmates for a reunion recently? Send your photos to Alumni@SMSU.edu for a chance to be featured in the next edition of Focus!
Class of 1972 & 1973 Reunion, September 2023
Volleyball Alumni Social, October 2023
Brau Brothers Social, February 2024
Severance Brewing Social, April 2024
Music Alumni Weekend, April 2024
SMSU Athletics Hall of Honor Banquet, January 2024
Tropical Night Social, January 2024
Wrestling Alumni Social, January 2024
Soccer Alumni Game, April 2024
Grad Finale Class of 2024, May 2024
BIG DONATIONS SPARK UPDATES TO THEATRE LIGHTING
The SMSU Theatre Program received a donation of stage lights, including 56 moving lights, also called intelligent lights, and a variety of Source Four LED spotlights providing beautiful lighting with less heat for a cooler performance space. The entire set of stage lights has a total value of approximately $120,000. In terms of lighting, this donation will make us the most well-equipped Theatre program in the Minnesota State System—and possibly the entire Upper Midwest region.
The SMSU community has a way of making things happen. One conversation leads to another, and another, which can lead to something quite amazing. For this project to come together, ideas were shared publicly. This one at a University Town Hall meeting when the needs of the SMSU Theatre were brought to the open forum.
After the Town Hall, Dr. Heather Rickgarn, a management professor, shared her personal connection in the Twin Cities theatre community. That connection suggested reaching out to private theatres, such as those that might be closing.
Theatre Professor Tetta Askeland connected with Cory Sprinkles of the New World Symphony of Miami, Florida. New World was in the process of upgrading their lighting system and no longer needed these instruments. New World donated their ‘old’ lights, new to SMSU, and will provide many years of excellent use for the SMSU Theatre Program to enjoy.
Securing the donation and getting the lights to Marshall was a team effort across campus. Askeland and Rickgarn approached the administration for guidance. President Kumara Jayasuriya; Provost Ross Wastvedt; and Dean of Arts, Letters, and Sciences Lori Baker provided key support and advocacy to ensure that the donation could move forward.
Askeland worked with the SMSU Foundation, including Director of Development Rustin Buysse, and Associate Vice President of Advancement Nathan Polfliet. Buysse spearheaded the effort to arrange and fund the transportation of the lights from Miami to Marshall. The Foundation worked with local businesses and financial support from local donors to coordinate the necessary electrical work, lead by SMSU master electrician Tory Schreurs, to make the new equipment and technology compatible with SMSU’s 55-year-old facility.
SMSU Facilities staff including Joe Krogman, Daren Van Keulen, and Jackie Van Overbeke helped unload the delivery
truck and move crates to the backstage area in Fine Arts. Theatre students in the Lighting and Sound class assisted with moving and adjusting lights that were installed for spring semester use. Thanks to generous donors, the SMSU Foundation purchased the new brains of the lighting system, allowing for fully-programmed lighting of a staged production.
"This is an incredibly exciting upgrade that will enable SMSU students to learn with state-of-the-art equipment."
“The lighting donation from the New World Symphony is going to essentially bring us into the 21st century. We will be completely on par with equipment currently used in theatres everywhere,” said Askeland. “Keep in mind, the newest equipment that we have now is from the 1980s. That’s 40 years old.”
This is an incredibly exciting upgrade that will enable SMSU students to learn with state-of-the-art equipment as they prepare for the professional world. Theatre audiences will also enjoy the visual and artistic enhancements these lights will provide for SMSU’s main-stage performances.
“The feedback that we were consistently receiving from our Theatre alumni was that some of their knowledge was outdated. We will be able to teach our students how to use modern equipment, which will make our students even more employable,” Askeland continued. “The installation of this new equipment will make our program one of the largest and best technical theatre program in the region because we will have the nicest and newest equipment. We could not be more excited about the opportunities this creates for our students.”
Individuals who are interested in supporting ongoing improvements to the SMSU academic areas and campus experience are invited to contact the SMSU Foundation at 507-537-6266 or email Rustin.Buysse@SMSU.edu.
Tetta Askeland, theatre professor
SCHOLARSHIPS MATTER
Scholarships can make a world of difference for students at all stages of their college journey. Whether it’s planning for college as a high school senior or preparing for what comes after a bachelor’s degree, the cost of their college education weighs heavily on the minds of students.
The SMSU Foundation plays an important role in the financial equation for student aid offers. Through scholarships, grants and other award programs, 90% of SMSU students receive some type of financial aid. It’s just one of the ways SMSU is providing students with a future they can afford.
A graduate of Westbrook Walnut Grove High School, Sam is a 3rd year senior majoring in data science and minoring in mathematics. He competes in Intercollegiate Esports on the Rocket League Team.
Do you remember what it felt like to know you were a candidate for the full-ride scholarship?
“My school went to distance learning in the fall of 2020, and I remember receiving an email from my high school advisor saying that I qualified to interview for a chance at a full-ride scholarship. I couldn’t believe it. I immediately yelled at my brothers to hurry over and look at the email I had just received. Just knowing that I had a CHANCE at a full-ride was surreal to me.”
Why did you feel SMSU was the right place for you?
“I had visited SMSU many times before for both school events and athletics, so I was very familiar with the campus and the small-town feel that it had. I was confident knowing that SMSU was the school for me.”
What went through your mind when you were surprised with the full-ride scholarship in 2021?
“I was speechless. I was walking back to class after lunch, and the hallway was lined with people who started cheering for me as I got close, and there was a camera in my face. When I got into the classroom, I saw my parents and representatives from SMSU, and I just couldn’t believe it. When I was handed the certificate saying that I won a full-ride, it hit me and I was just super proud of myself.”
What have you enjoyed most at SMSU?
“The thing I’ve enjoyed most at SMSU has been meeting new people and hanging out with the new friends that I’ve met through classes and events.”
What has the full-ride scholarship meant for you?
“I appreciate all the people who support scholarships for students like me. Being blessed with the full-ride scholarship means a lot to me and my college experience. With paying for college off my mind, it helps me to focus more on school. I’m super grateful to SMSU for gifting me with this opportunity.”
The SMSU Foundation awarded 1,087 scholarships totaling $1,003,349 to students last year alone. With support from our incredible donors, the number of students and the financial impact only continues to grow.
We talked to two students at the opposite ends of their college experience. One is just starting this Fall and one is nearing the completion of a degree. Both students competed for and received full-ride scholarships through the Southwest Regional Scholars program.
Naomi is a 2024 graduate of Marshall High School and plans to major in Culinology® at SMSU.
What did it feel like when you learned you were a candidate for the full-ride scholarship?
“It was unreal, to be honest. I was just excited to be in the running and have the opportunity. I never expected it would work out the way it did. I’m so grateful to everyone who helped me along the way and gave me belief in myself that I could do it.”
What went through your mind when you were surprised with the full-ride scholarship?
“Just pure joy! And I was also so proud of myself, I’ve worked really hard for a long time and it was so exciting to know that it was all paying off.”
What does a full-ride scholarship mean to you and your college experience?
“It means that I’ll be able to have more options throughout college and beyond. My goal is to open a bakery someday so being able to go and get a degree without a lot of debt is going to help me on that journey to making my dreams come true. It’s an amazing opportunity and I’m so grateful.”
What are you looking forward to the most?
“I’m really looking forward to joining the Culinology® program, I’ve heard so many good things. I’m excited to attend SMSU with friends and be near my family. I can’t wait to start this next part of my life and I’m glad that SMSU is ahead of me.”
Why do you feel SMSU is the right place for you?
“SMSU is right for me because it has everything I want. It’s the only school in Minnesota with a full four-year Culinology® program. I’ve heard wonderful things about the class sizes and community. I’m excited that I’ll be going to a school that’s such a good fit and cares about its students as much as they do at SMSU.”
SCHOLARSHIPS BY THE NUMBERS
1,087 Scholarship Recipients
$1,003,349 Total Student Scholarships
SMSU Senior and 2021 Full-Ride Scholarship Recipient: Samuel Kleven, Walnut Grove, Minn.
Incoming student and 2024 Full-Ride Scholarship Recipient: Naomi Schroeder, Marshall, Minn.
MUSTANGS STUDY ABROAD: Ireland
By Megan Laughlin
Traveling to Ireland this semester was an incredible opportunity. I can say that six days was not long enough. I loved every moment of being in Ireland from the bus rides to exploring cities, touring famous sites, and experiencing the country.
Our first day was the longest of the trip. From Marshall to Dublin, we had been awake 16 hours already, and with the time change, it was only 10 am on Friday, so we had a long day ahead of us. Our first stop: the Brazen Head, which is the oldest pub in Dublin, followed by a guided walking tour, and a haunted bus tour through Dublin.
It was extremely cool just to walk through Dublin and see how different it is compared to Minneapolis or even Marshall. Yes, there were a lot of cars, but it seemed that more people used public transportation than their own vehicles.
The thing that surprised me the most about Dublin, and Ireland in general, was how safe it felt. We spent the majority of our time walking. Even at night, all the streets were lit up, the people were friendly, and the area was extremely easy to navigate.
We took a day trip to the Cliffs of Moher and Galway. The Cliffs were stunning. In Galway, I stumbled across a local farmers market. Everyone in my group bought a Claddagh ring there. There is an Irish tradition regarding a Claddagh ring. There are three images on the ring, the heart to symbolize love, the hands for friendship, and the crown for loyalty. This type of ring originated in the 17th century and has been used for engagements, promise rings, and to express a relationship status. My grandfather, who is part Irish, told me about this ring. It is hard to put this experience into words.
On the fifth day of our trip, we went on the Book of Kells Tour at Trinity College, the oldest university in Ireland. We were able to see the Book of Kells, which was breathtaking for so many reasons. We learned that the 1200-year-old manuscript was originally stolen from the church at Kells only to be found mere
months later buried in the ground. It was missing the gold cover, the jewels placed in the cover, and probably the first and last pages.
I found it so interesting learning about the history of the Book of Kells and how it came to Trinity College, but also the history of Dublin and Ireland. Ireland’s history goes way back before the United States was discovered and it is mind-blowing to hear the stories and learn the history behind Ireland.
The last full day we took a day tour through Kilkenny, the Wicklow Mountains, and a four-generation sheepdog farm. This was one of my favorite days of the trip besides the Galway day tour. Our first stop was in Kilkenny where I finally found my family crest from Ireland, so that was very cool.
We also got to walk around the medieval castle in Kilkenny. It was very surreal being in the castle because you always hear about palaces and castles in other countries, but now you’re standing in one that is even more gorgeous than the ones you see on TV or in the news. Walking in the Wicklow Mountains gave me that same feeling. Going through the trails to the waterfalls and just immersing yourself in the beauty of the mountains and nature was beyond incredible, and definitely a place I would go back to spend the whole day there!
Traveling with fellow students in a small group was a great way for me to experience another country. Overall it was an amazing trip and an opportunity I was so glad I took.
Megan Laughlin graduated with a bachelor of science degree in management in 2023. She currently serves as the graduate assistant in admission while she pursues her MBA. She is originally from Richmond, Minn.
For more information about Southwest Minnesota State University's study abroad opportunities, visit: www.SMSU.edu/go/studyabroad
Megan Laughlin in Ireland
Ben and Julie Walker (center back row) and the class in Ireland
Hiking Wicklow Mountains National Park
SPRING 2024 ATHLETICS
There were numerous outstanding individual and team performances for SMSU Athletics during the winter and spring seasons.
The SMSU men’s basketball team proved it was one of the best teams in the region this past season as the squad returned to the NCAA tournament for the sixth time in program history and first since 2018.
Under the leadership of 15-year head coach Brad Bigler, the Mustangs finished the season 19-13 overall. SMSU earned the No. 7 seed in the NCAA Central Region Tournament before suffering an opening round loss to No. 2 seed Northwest Missouri State. The 19 victories tied for the seventh highest win total in team history.
SMSU played the toughest schedule in Division II with 10 games versus Top 25 teams, which included a victory over then-No. 1 Northwest Missouri State in November.
Senior Jake Phipps was named All-NSIC first team, while senior Cliff Cofield earned All-NSIC second team accolades. Freshman Aeron Stevens was one of the most dominate underclassmen in the NSIC as he set an SMSU freshman record for free throws made (127) and attempted (174) in a single season.
Under the tutelage of eighth-year head coach Tom Webb, the SMSU women’s basketball team put together another outstanding season racking up 19 victories and advancing to the NSIC tournament semifinals for the second straight season. It’s the second straight year the team won 19 games, tying for the fifth most wins in team history.
Junior guard Bri Stoltzman set a school singleseason record with 579 points in earning All-NSIC first team honors. Senior guard Sam Wall was named All-NSIC second team drilling a team singleseason record 91 3-pointers, while also setting the program record with 254 career 3-pointers.
SMSU senior wrestler Caden Steffen capped a tremendous four-year career for the Mustang program with another trip to the NCAA championships in March. Steffen finished 9-0 in NSIC duals and 18-4 overall to earn All-NSIC
first team honors. He placed second at the NCAA Super Regional Tournament to qualify for the NCAA championships for the third time in his career. A two-time NCAA All-American (2021 & 2022), Steffen closed his career with a record of 67-15.
In the pool, the SMSU women’s swimming & diving program placed seventh at the NSIC Championships racking up 275 points. The point total was the highest in team history since the program was reinstated in 2020. Freshman Carla Nevi earned All-NSIC honors in both the 100-yard and 200-yard backstroke.
SMSU was a proud host of the 2024 National Wheelchair Basketball Intercollegiate Men's Tournament in March featuring 17 games inside the R/A Facility and PE Gym. SMSU finished the 11-team tournament with a 2-2 mark to place seventh overall. Mustang junior Emmanuel Fuentes Cervantes was named the NWBA Intercollegiate Division Player of the Year, while freshman Fermin Wingerter was named to the NWBA All-America second team.
During the spring season, the SMSU baseball team earned its second straight trip to the NSIC tournament and recorded the program’s first postseason victory in 10 years. First-year head coach Jeremy Ische led the Mustangs to 27 victories with four Mustangs earning All-NSIC honors.
Senior shortstop Chase McDaniel set the program’s single-season hits record with 90 and in the process became the program’s all-time hits leader with 241, breaking the previous mark of 213. Senior pitcher Kolby Kiser tossed a six-hit shutout with 11 strikeouts to help SMSU defeat No. 3 seed Minnesota Crookston in the opening round of the NSIC tournament securing the program’s first NSIC tournament victory since the 2014 season. Kiser, McDaniel and Issac Nett were named All-NSIC first team, while Owen Latendresse was named All-NSIC second team. Kiser and McDaniel both were honored with all-region accolades.
For the latest in SMSU Athletics go to SMSUmustangs.com or follow on X, Instagram and Facebook @SMSUMustangs.
Bri Stoltzman
Caden Steffen
Emmanuel Fuentes Cervantes
Cliff Cofield
CLASS NOTES
1976
Bruce Aamot is enjoying his 46th year teaching, now as a reserve teacher primarily in Minneapolis and Windom, MN.
1977
Robert Olson was inducted into the University of California-Irvine Hall of Fame. He was the Sports Information Director at the school for 35 years.
1981
Sarah (Worsech) Nelson retired after teaching elementary music for 35 years and currently resides in Sturgis, SD, where she works parttime giving music lessons.
1985
Lee Timmerman was inducted into the Hall of Fame by North Dakota Sportscasters & Sportswriters Association. He is a 9-Time Sportscaster of the Year, his work was named National Broadcast Story of the Year by the NSSA in 2004, and he has won 21 Eric Sevareid Awards from the NBNA. Lee is the Sports Director at KFYR-TV in Bismarck, ND.
1987
1997
Sara (Dahl) Shingledecker married Rev. Charles Shingledecker on August 5, 2023 at Gunflint Lake, Grand Marais, MN. Sara was ordained on January 21, 2024 as a Pastor in the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America. She is currently serving the churches of Trinity and Gracie in Westbrook, MN. Reverends Shingledecker reside just outside of Balaton, MN.
2002
Carrie (Hemiller) Schuller accepted a position as Victim/Witness Coordinator for the Jackson and Cottonwood County Attorney’s Offices in Jackson and Windom, MN.
2005
Justin Schroyer became the Pipestone Economic Development Authority (EDA) Director on December 19, 2023.
Chris Volzke was called as a witness to testify at a Washington, D.C. Senate Hearing on April 16 in front of the Housing, Transportation, and Community Development Subcommittee. Volzke wrote his public testimony regarding the Challenges in Preserving the US Housing Stock, a rural perspective.
2007
Lucas Kocak started a new job as Manager of Campus Services at Carleton College in Northfield, MN.
IN MEMORIAM
Stephen C. Johanneck ’74/’79
November 17, 2022
Milo J. Serreyn ’72
December 19, 2023
Brian L. Ludeman ’96
December 25, 2023
Allyson R. (Bosacker) Cammauf ’85
December 29, 2023
Joan L. (Vandenberge) Bot ’71
January 24, 2024
Jamie L. Dwire ’03
February 2, 2024
Eldon “Butch” W. Fluck ’90
February 2, 2024
William “Bill” H. Northey ’04
February 5, 2024
Curt Hokanson
February 12, 2024
SMSU Staff Librarian 1999-2009
Thomas J. Williams ’90
February 17, 2024
Richard "Chuck" C. Schroyer ’89
February 24, 2024
Lindsey M. (Boerboom) Voigt ’02
March 11, 2024
David L. Houselog ’82
March 19, 2024
Dr. Edward Carberry
March 21, 2024
Chemistry professor 1968-2006
Saara M. Raappana
March 27, 2024
English professor 2016-2024
Jill M. Paulzine ’74
April 13, 2024
Jane H. Christianson ’98
Allison Koster was elected Vice President of the National Association of Scientific Materials Managers (NAOSMM) for the years 2023-2025 at the 50th Annual Conference & Trade Show in New Orleans in August 2023. NAOSMM is a professional organization of over 500 members.
1988
Laurie (Petersen) Palmer now works at Lynden Tribune and Print as a Marketing Consultant.
1989
Jerome “Jerry” Ludwig was selected as National Veterans of Foreign Wars Aidede Camp for 2023-2024. He is retired from USDA's Farm Service Agency and the Minnesota National Guard. Jerry and Lori (Kuefler) Ludwig (BS '88, MS Spec. Ed '06) live near Redwood Falls, MN where Jerry is the Redwood County VFW Commander.
1990
Todd Tinklenberg retired after 33 years of teaching sixth grade in Pipestone, MN.
2008
Johnny Fils-Aime was recognized by BestAgents.US as a 2023 Top Agent in Realty on January 9, 2024.
2011
Meghan (Bredeson) Bosch and her husband welcomed two baby girls, Haddie in August 2022, and Landrie in November 2023.
2017
Em Petersen and her husband, Nathan, welcomed their first child, Gwendolyn Everette, on October 24, 2023 at 11:59:59pm.
2020
Fadumo Ismail graduated from Emory University in Atlanta, GA with her degree in Physician Assistant Studies in December 2023.
April 14, 2024
Dale Hiland
April 25, 2024
GOLD College Instructor (Painting)
Steven “Steve” A. Kohler ’84
April 29, 2024
Dr. Joseph VanWie
May 16, 2024
Math & Computer Science professor 1968-2007
Dr. Jim Denevan
May 17, 2024
SMSU Baseball Coach for 21 seasons
Physical Education professor 1968-1996
We want to hear about it! Whether you were recently married, welcomed a new mini Mustang into the family, accepted an exciting new job opportunity, moved across the state or country, or have entered into retirement; news like that deserves to be heard and we are all ears. To update your class notes or submit any photos, please email us at Alumni@SMSU.edu or call the SMSU Alumni Center at 507-537-6646. Photos must include accurate, detailed descriptions in order to be shared with our alumni community.
Johnny Fils-Aime
Lee Timmerman
SMSU Alumni Office
1501 State Street • Marshall, MN 56258
Change Service Requested
If FOCUS is addressed to a family member who has graduated or no longer maintains a permanent address at your home, please email alumni@SMSU.edu to provide the current address or call toll-free 1-800-260-0970 to notify us of the change.
UPCOMING EVENTS
JULY 18
Alumni Social at Puttery
6:00 – 8:00 pm | Minneapolis, MN
AUGUST 13
Alumni Social at Cragun’s Resort – BBQ Cruise 6:00 pm | Brainerd, MN
SEPTEMBER 4
GOLD College Kickoff
2:00 – 4:00 pm | SMSU Upper Conference Center
SEPTEMBER 12
SMSU Women’s Leadership Conference
9:00 am – 4:00 pm | SMSU Upper Conference Center www.SMSU.edu/go/womenlead
SEPTEMBER 26
Alumni Social at Chankaska Creek Ranch, Winery & Distillery
6:00 – 8:00 pm | Kasota, MN
OCTOBER 11-12
SMSU Homecoming 2024
NOVEMBER 15- SAVE THE DATE! Fine Arts Gala
Register for events online at: www.SMSUAlumni.com
*Appetizers and a beverage included in all events requiring registration.
Thursday, September 12, 2024 SMSU Conference Center
The Women’s Leadership Conference provides opportunities for women of all ages and stages in their lives and careers to connect in meaningful ways.
With Keynote Speaker: Sherri Coale
Sherri Coale is a master motivator, an engaging speaker, a gifted writer and a keen observer of everyday life. As a collegiate basketball coach, she had the opportunity to stand on the grandest platforms–Final Four courts, Olympic Gold Medal stands and the Hall of Fame stage. Sharing what she continues to learn is the privilege of her life.
Register today at www.SMSU.edu/go/womenlead
