4 minute read
2023 ALUMNI AWARD RECIPIENTS
2023 Alumni Achievement Award recipients:
Wayne Cook
Wayne Cook, or “Cookie” as he is also known, graduated from Southwest in 1973 with a degree in Speech Communications. Throughout his career, he mainly worked as a journalist at the Marshall Independent. He was hired by Glenn Mattke to serve as the sports information director at SMSU from 1981 to 1987.
He and his twin brother, Warren, have had lifelong careers officiating baseball and were both recognized for their service to baseball in the state of Minnesota. Wayne was an umpire in 5,300 games in his 50-year career. He lives in Redwood Falls with his wife, Margaret.
Bruce and Linda Saugstad
Bruce graduated in 1989 and Linda in 1990. They learned what it means to be part of a team and how to encourage and support others through their participation in collegiate athletics. Bruce was a 4-year letter winner on the Mustang Football team and was part of the 1987 team that qualified for the program’s first-ever playoff appearance. Linda was a 4-year letter winner on the Women’s Basketball team, playing along side some of SMSU's finest athletes. She also created an individualized interdisciplinary major for herself that combined physical education and business long before sports management even existed. Bruce had a lengthy career with the Schwan’s Company and served as interim Athletic Director as well as on the Foundation Board at SMSU. Linda and Bruce are both active in the community through serving in church and the Mustang Club. They live in Marshall and have three adult children.
Dr. Mark Wallert
Mark Wallert graduated from SMSU in 1983 majoring in Biology and Chemistry. He earned a PhD in Physiology from Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. After a year of postdoctoral research at the Mayo Clinic, he spent 25 years teaching at Minnesota State University-Moorhead before spending his final eight years of teaching at Bemidji State. He led hundreds of students in cancer research before retiring at the beginning of August. He was also a member of the Southwest Keg Rolling Team in 1980, which raised funds to send the wheelchair basketball team to nationals. He lives in Laporte with his wife, Nona.
Honorary Lifetime Membership Award recipient:
Robert Byrnes
Bob Byrnes has been mayor of Marshall since 1992. Prior to that, he served as a city council member. During his time in city government, he has worked with the presidents of SMSU to strengthen and grow the campus and community connections. He and his counterparts at the University are like-minded in their approach that the improvements both in the community and the University serve to attract and retain students. These improvements are the same ones that attract and retain businesses, families, and a talented workforce. Bob has been steadfast in cultivating the relationship between the City of Marshall and SMSU. He lives in Marshall with his wife, Brenda.
GOLD (Graduate(s) of the Last Decade) Award recipients:
Maxx and Rachel Raths
Maxx and Rachel graduated from SMSU in 2013. Rachel majored in Environmental Science and Biology. She’s worked at Ralco for ten years where she is a microbiologist and Director of Regulatory and Quality Affairs. Maxx graduated with a degree in Marketing and is currently the Director of Marketing with a ministry based in Minneapolis. Both were highly engaged as students and helped launch the Mustang Traditions living and learning community as well as a student ministry. They recognize the connections they have made at SMSU and how those have helped pave the way for them. Now, they both work with students at SMSU, Rachel with the internship program at Ralco, and Maxx with students in the Center of Innovation and Entrepreneurship. Together they remain focused on what they have yet to do and continue to find ways to support businesses and individuals in the community. They have three children and live in Marshall.
The John and Kathy Paxton Alumni Service Award recipient: Jason Mortvedt
Jason graduated from SMSU in 1978 with a degree in Physical Education. Known as “Captain Mort” from his KSSU Radio show, Jason helped launch the Alumni Association and served two sixyear terms on the board. He has been instrumental in growing new alumni social programs and building alumni engagement. His love for SMSU and his dedication to fostering school spirit are unparalleled. He and his faithful group of friends from Southwest make it back to every single homecoming.
