SMSU_Focus_Fall05 by Southwest Minnesota State University

fall 2005

focus magazine for alumni & friends of smsu

Matissa Koubonou

Cherkos Dessalegn

Randi Berthiaume

Adam Hawkinson

Michelle Scaramuzzo

John Herrera

DeOnna Gray-Lige

Bob Wandey

DesJonna Gray-Lige

WHEN OPPORTUNITY

Knocks Derek Cantwell

Chantell Ford

THE SCHWAN ACCESS AND OPPORTUNITY SCHOLARSHIPS CHANGING THE LIVES OF 11 SMSU STUDENTS

Drive with Pride

The Southwest Minnesota State University Alumni Association is proud to promote the SMSU custom license plate to alumni and friends who are Minnesota residents.

For more information contact Tyler Bowen at 1-800-260-0970 or visit www.SouthwestAlumni.com

Irish

Classic

September 15-23, 2006 from Minneapolis/St.Paul (other departure cities are available) Ireland is a country unlike anywhere else in the world, a land of constantly changing colors, magnificent and varied landscapes, a land of folklore and legend. Experience it for yourself from the colorful town of Killarney and Galway, the “Capital of the West.” Visit Blarney Castle, and enjoy the spectacular scenery of the Dingle Peninsula from Killarney. From Galway, perhaps journey to the Aran Islands or the spectacular Cliffs of Moher. Discover this beautiful land where a hundred thousand • Round-trip trans-atlantic air transportation from MSP to Shannon, Ireland welcomes await you. • Seven nights in first-class hotels • Professional tour guide

The trip includes:

Space is limited. Sign up today!

• Full Irish breakfast daily • Round-trip transfers between airport & hotels • Sightseeing via deluxe motorcoach • Luggage handling & related tips • Local government & hotel taxes • Complete pre-flight information

Call 1-800-260-0970 for details or go online at www.SouthwestAlumni.com

fall 2005 volume 26 number 1

focus magazine for alumni & friends of smsu

Alumni Spotlight

Marshall Festival ’05

Two alumni talk about their careers and how Southwest helped them get there.

A celebration of rural writers and writing at SMSU

Opening Doors Schwan Access and Opportunity Scholarships are already making an impact on the lives of 11 SMSU students like Chantell Ford.

6 In every issue 3 Southwest News 12 Alumni Connections

The lure of poetry

13 Profiles

Bart Sutter ’72 is a versatile a writer as there is, yet it’s the genre of poetry that holds his fascination.

14 Mustang Athletics

11 President Dr. David C. Danahar Vice President for Advancement Dr. Vincent M. Pellegrino pellegrino@SouthwestMSU.edu Editor Tyler Bowen ’95 bowent@SouthwestMSU.edu Designer Marcy Olson ’93/MBA’05 olsonm@SouthwestMSU.edu

Senior Writer and Photography Jim Tate tatej@SouthwestMSU.edu Contributors Kelly Loft ’97 Sara Granheim ’02/MBA’04 Jake Strait ’03 Ryan Wendland Feature Story Photographs Todd Finlo, Prairielight Photography

16 Class Notes CORRECTION: We apologize for the misspelling of Dick Frisch’s name in the Summer 2005 edition. Thank you to Dick Frisch for 22 years of service to SMSU. We appreciate you.

Focus (USPS 565-770) is published twice each year for alumni and friends of Southwest Minnesota State University by the Alumni Office. Opinions expressed in Focus do not necessarily reflect official University policy. Send correspondence, name changes and address corrections to: Focus, Alumni Office, Southwest Minnesota State University, 1501 State Street, Marshall, MN 56258 or call (507) 537-6266. Focus is not copyrighted. Unless otherwise noted, articles may be reprinted without permission if credit is given to Southwest Minnesota State University. Southwest Minnesota State University is an equal opportunity/ affirmative action educator and employer. Southwest Minnesota State University is a member of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system. This document can be made available in alternative formats to individuals with disabilities. Please make your request by calling 507-537-6266, 1-800-260-0970, or through the Minnesota Relay Service at 1-800-627-3529.

FOCUS MAGAZINE

FALL 2005

dear friends

A letter from the Alumni Director

Still the Best! This fall, SMSU was named the number one comprehensive college—bachelor’s division in the Midwest for the ninth straight year.

Dear Alumni and Friends, As alumni of Southwest Minnesota State University, the relationships that we formed during our time at SMSU may be some of the most significant of our lives. Many of us met the very people who have helped shape our future— our spouses, our lifelong friends and our role models—during our time at Southwest. We also met countless other people who touched our lives in some fashion before we went our separate ways. As I am so often reminded when I visit with alumni, one of the fondest memories of Southwest is the strong sense of community everyone experienced during their time on campus. There are many ways to bring a community together and maintain the ties that bind, but one proven method has always been regular communication. Recently it was my privilege to share with you the latest edition of the Southwest Minnesota State University Alumni Directory. Along with this printed directory, our online community (www.SouthwestAlumni.com) is growing every day with over 2,000 registered users.

Southwest Minnesota State University is proud of its alumni, and our print and online directories display the successes our graduates have attained. As alumni, we have been a part of the rich tradition of educational excellence at Southwest. Our experiences have been uniquely of our own and yet we share a common bond. It is my hope that you will use these communication tools to connect and reconnect with fellow alumni, to maintain the relationships that have been such an important part of your life, and to rediscover the heart of the university you call home. As you discover those relationships I encourage you to stay in touch with the SMSU Alumni Office. I look forward to hearing from you. Sincerely,

Tyler Bowen ’95 Alumni Director bowent@SouthwestMSU.edu

NOTICE: Do you know of SMSU Alumni serving in the armed forces? Let us know about them. Contact: alumni@SouthwestMSU.edu

Alumni Board President: Jason P. Hoffman, Esq. '99 Attorney-J. P. Hoffman Law Offices, LLC Faribault, MN jphoffmanlaw@hotmail.com Term Expires: 2006/2009 Vice-President: Bill DeLay '85 President- McMillian, Truax and Associates Orono, MN billd@mtaa.com Term Expires: 2003/2006

FALL 2005

Secretary/Treasurer: Karen VanKeulen '87 Ghent, MN vks6@frontiernet.net Term Expires: 2007/2010 G. David Peterson '75 Flexible Benefits, LLC West Des Moines, IA gdavid001@msn.com Term Expires: 2007/2010 Kathy Paxton '69 Paxton Signs Marshall, MN jkpax@yahoo.com Term Expires: 2003/2006

FOCUS MAGAZINE

Sedric McClure '94 Multicultural CounselorMacalester College Brooklyn Park, MN mcclure@macalester.edu Term Expires: 2007/2010

Jason Mortvedt '78 President IGlobalteam Inc. Blue Earth, MN jmort@bevcomm.net Term Expires: 2006/2009

Chuck Larsen '75 President and Owner Synchronized Management Minneapolis, MN seapee@att.net Term Expires: 2006/2009

Carole Jean Toft-Ness '80 GE Healthcare Mahtomedi, MN nbgolf@itctel.com Term Expires: 2005/2008 Bruce Bossuyt '96 Bossuyt Development Group Sioux Falls, SD bossuytbruce@katewweb.com Term Expires: 2008/2011

Michelle Anderson '88 IBM Rochester, MN alwysko@yahoo.com Term Expires: 2008/2011 Alumni Director Tyler Bowen '95 Marshall, MN bowent@southwestMSU.edu The Alumni Board is the governing body of the SMSU Alumni Association. The Board promotes the social and educational interests of fellow alumni. Meetings are held three times per year.

southwest news

Senior College Partners with Good Samaritan Society

enior College took a giant leap forward with an agreement between Southwest Minnesota State University and the Good Samaritan Society to bring courses to Good Samaritan care centers across the country. SMSU is currently transmitting Senior College courses to 15 Good Samaritan independent living centers in 10 states. The courses are an extension of the popular Senior College, started five years ago, which brings non-credit courses to the area’s seniors. The SMSU relationship with Good Samaritan Society has grown from 10 centers to 18 in the last year, with more centers joining the partnership each semester. Technology plays a big role in how the courses are delivered. They originate either on the campus of SMSU or at Good Samaritan headquarters in Sioux Falls. The signal is relayed to Cheyenne, Wyo., then uplinked to a satellite and downlinked to the participating Good Samaritan centers. “Nobody in the state is doing this,” said John Bowden, Distance Learning Director. “It’s a unique partnership and one that has unlimited potential.” The relationship came about when Bowden was

meeting with Good Samaritan representatives about the possibility of credit programs for its employees. “We got to talking about our Senior College. They are the largest non-profit care provider in the country, and so I asked them, ‘What do you think about offering courses for the paying side of the house?’ and that’s how it started.” Good Samaritan Centers in Minnesota that receive courses are in Pipestone, Waconia, Roseville and Brainerd. Courses are also downlinked to sites in Florida, New Mexico, Arizona, Kansas, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin and Colorado. Courses are taught by SMSU faculty or adjunct faculty, said Bowden. “They have over 100 independent living facilities and it’s a market that nobody is touching right now.” More information about the partnership can be accessed at the Web site: www.senior-college.com. ■

Senior College Herb Pagel gave a demonstration of cooking outdoors as part of his Senior College class, Mountain Men, in October. Pagel brought his tent and supplies to campus and showed Senior College participants how food was prepared in an earlier time.

2005 University Gala Raises over $45,000 for Scholarships

he annual University Gala made its Student Center debut on Sept. 23 and raised over $45,000 for Music, Fine Arts and Presidential Scholarships. It was the second year the University Gala was held in conjunction with Homecoming, and the first year it was held in the new Student Center. “I think people really enjoyed the new venue,” said Bill Mulso, Assistant Vice President of Advancement and SMSU Foundation Executive Director. A total of 337 people attended the event, an all-time high, said Mulso.

The evening featured a unique dining experience, including a dessert auction where five gourmet desserts were auctioned off and served to the winning bidders’ tables. Both live and silent auctions were also held. The evening entertainment was provided by the Kurt Jorgensen Band of the Twin Cities area. “The Gala is the Foundation’s largest fund-raiser each year, and we continue to see it grow in popularity,” said Mulso. “It’s a unique event to Marshall and the region. It’s nice to see how people have supported it over the years.” ■

Do you remember? E-mail alumni@SouthwestAlumni.com if you recognize any of the people in these photos.

For more great moments, visit the photo history section of the Alumni Web site at www.SouthwestAlumni.com/history FOCUS MAGAZINE

FALL 2005

southwestnews

SMSU At a Glance ■

3,700 undergraduate and graduate students enrolled

■

97% placement rate either in jobs or grad school

■

Full-time Tuition 2005-06: $6,016 Fees: $839 Room & Board: $5,120 Total: $10,975 Student population: 60% female, 40% male

■

Student to faculty ratio of 20:1

■

224 international students from 27 countries (6.2% of student body)

■

232 students of color (6.4% of student body)

■ ■

■

1,000 students live in the residence halls. A new 142-bed hall is under construction Scholarships, grants, work-study and loans are awarded to more than 85% of SMSU students. The average package is $7,500. Academic programs: 43 majors, 40 minors, 5 master's degrees, 4 associate degrees

■

Largest majors: Business, Accounting, Education, Computer Science, Literature, Biology, Psychology, and Social Work

■

Average class size: 23

■

85% of the student body is from Minnesota

■

13,738 alumni (9,216 live in Minnesota)

Marshall Festival ’05 Lives Up to its Reputation

“I SMSU construction projects Top Photo: The new Resident Apartments are taking shape on the site of the old “C” parking lot at SMSU. Bottom Photo: Renovation of the Commuter Lounge marks the final phase of the Library construction project with the new entrance scheduled to be complete by the end of the fall semester.

Pictured left to right: Larry Gavin ’81, Faith Sullivan, and Bill Holm were among the authors who participated in Marshall Festival ’05.

FALL 2005

t was one great party.” That’s the way Assistant English Professor Judy Wilson described Marshall Festival ’05, the week-long writer’s festival that ran from Oct. 23-28 at SMSU. This week-long event had its theme “A Celebration of Rural Writers and Writing and More!” and lived up to its reputation as one of the finest writer’s festivals in the Midwest. The event was originally started by former faculty member Phil Dacey. Wilson took over as coordinator last December upon Dacey’s retirement. It has been seven years since the last Marshall Festival. Authors with international reputations as well as emerging artists took part in the festival. “We were looking for authors who were from a rural background, or, if they weren’t from a rural location, wrote about rural places,” said Wilson, the director of the Creative Writing program. Names such as Bart Sutter, Bill Holm, Robert Bly, Linda Hogan, Greg Keeler, Faith Sullivan, Stephen Dunn and Linda Hasselstrom all took part. Marshall Festival ’05 drew visitors from across the

FOCUS MAGAZINE

country, and Wilson said that she actually had authors calling her to ask if they could be a part of the festival. “The festival has really gained quite a reputation,” said Wilson. “I had a lot of authors call and ask if they could be a part of it, which you just don’t see. “I think the format was one that was appreciated by both the participants and those who attended.” Each day started with a gathering social at the Barnes & Noble Campus Store, followed by a morning session, lunch, an afternoon session, dinner, and evening events. Each lunch included a reading or panel discussion. There was something for everyone’s taste at Marshall Festival ’05. While the emphasis was on the literary arts, there was also dancing and music included during the week. Wilson said she hopes that another seven years won’t go by before another Marshall Festival is hosted by SMSU. “When Phil retired, he handed things over to me and said ‘Here you go, I’ve created a monster,’” said Wilson, laughing at the memory. “What we’ve created is a great writer’s festival, one that seems to get bigger and better each time.” ■

Alumni Spotlight

SMSU alumni shine brightly in their chosen fields.

Bruce Saugstad

“SMSU was a great experience for me. I’m happy I chose to go there,” he said. “Some of my closest friends today I met at Southwest, and I was able to get a great education. That allowed me to get a foot in the door at Schwan’s and they have given me opportunities that I have taken advantage of.” He recalls fondly his advisor, Joe Van Wie, and professors Paul Enersen and Dave Simpson.

Mathematics and Computer Science, 1989 About his career… Bruce is the Senior Vice President of Schwan’s Home Service West, a position he has held since January 2005. He is in charge of the home delivery business in the western half of the U.S., a territory that includes 250 depots and 2,500 sales routes. Bruce is a 1989 graduate of SMSU with degrees in Math and Computer Science. It was during his senior year that he started working part-time at The Schwan Food Company in the Information Services area as a programmer. It was his intention to work for the company for a year, until his fiancée, Linda (Seid), graduated. That plan soon went by the wayside, however, as he began to climb the corporate ladder. Positions included programmer/analyst; database analyst; Consumer Brands Division project manager; Consumer Brands Division business systems manager; Director of IT Operations; director of Information Services; and CIO/VP of Information Services. “There’s never a dull moment,” he said of his position.

Bruce and his wife Linda are the parents of a trio of active children: Austin, 10; Morgan, 8; and Lexi, 7. Bruce is a Huron, S.D., native, while Linda is from Jefferson, S.D. Linda was a women’s basketball player at SMSU and their children are active in sports. “I truly love coaching my children and watching them grow and develop through sports. This is my favorite pastime,” he said.

About his SMSU days…

About SMSU in the region…

Bruce and his twin brother Scott visited SMSU together. “I decided I liked it,” he said. “I was able to play football as well.” He played strong safety for head coach Gary Buer and was a team captain while earning all-conference and Academic All-American honors. He graduated with a 3.98 GPA and was a Rhodes Scholar candidate.

“SMSU is a vital part of the community,” said Bruce. “We employ over 300 SMSU alumni here, and the college produces quality employees for the region. It’s a good partnership for employers and the community, and having SMSU here helps grow the community and makes Marshall into a primary regional player.” ■

About his family…

Stacy Frost Hotel Administration, 1993 About her career... Stacy (Vander Hamm) Frost is the Director of Annual Giving at SMSU, a new position within the Advancement area. She graduated with an HRA degree in 1993, and went on to earn a master’s in Leadership from Augsburg in Minneapolis. In her current position, Stacy coordinates all annual giving programs such as the community, parent, campus and alumni drives. A component of these programs is the student call center, which employs 30 students and student supervisors. The call center is utilized for solicitation of funds, thank-you calls, survey work, and student recruitment. “We want to use the call center to its fullest extent,” she said. “We choose student leaders to work in the call center, students who are knowledgeable about the university and who have a story to tell about why they are here. Training is a big part of the job.” Prior to coming to SMSU, Stacy was the director of youth ministries at Easter Lutheran Church in Eagan, Minn. “It’s my goal to learn about all the fund-raising efforts on campus so they can be more centralized,” she said.

About her family... Stacy and her husband, Neil, a 1993 SMSU graduate, are the parents

of a son, Landon, 4. “We use the SMSU Daycare Center, so we’re keeping it in the family,” she joked. Her family likes to camp and explore parks.

About her days at SMSU... “The liberal arts education I received was essential in my work experience, it exposed me to different courses I probably would not choose on my own, and challenged me,” she said. She lived on campus all four years, “and that helped me meet more people than if I had moved off campus.” She was a resident assistant for two years, and a program assistant her senior year. She was a student worker in the scheduling office for three years, as well. The faculty person to influence her the most was the late Jim Babcock. “I only had a couple of business courses with him. He wasn’t my advisor, but he would connect with me and see how things were going; he kept encouraging me and affirming my career paths.” She chose SMSU because of its HRA program, and its size. “It had a better student-faculty ratio,” she said. ■

FOCUS MAGAZINE

FALL 2005

WHEN OPPORTUNITY

Knoc

The Schwan Access and Opportunity Scholarships are opening doors and changing lives for students like Chantell Ford

The Schwan Food Company will provide a minimum of $800,000 in support of these 11 students and future recipients of this scholarship. The Schwan scholarship is designed to cover all academic-related costs such as tuition, books, and room and board for the students. In addition, scholarship recipients can apply for internships with the company. To Alicia, the scholarship means her daughter will remain close to home during the next four years. Even more importantly to Alicia, the Schwan scholarship means Chantell has a chance for a better life through her education at SMSU. She is the first of her family to attend a four-year university. “I always knew that I wanted things to be different for Chantell than they were for me,” Alicia said. “Ever since Chantell and her brother were little, I always wanted the best for them, and I always wanted them to further their education. I want Chantell’s life to be totally different than what mine was.” Chantell and her mother share more than a birth date, separated by 18 years. They share a special friendship. “My mom has always been a mom and a best friend,” Chantell said. “She’s more like a best friend now than a mom.” “We are like best friends, but I’m still her mom though,” Alicia said. “I mean, she tells me everything. Even things a mom doesn’t want to hear, but I’m just glad that she knows that door is always open to her and that she can always talk to me.” The women also share a disarmingly refreshing honesty rooted in the understanding that they always give their best, and a sense that, in life, there are no impossibilities. For example, when Chantell lists all the places she wishes to visit (Thailand, Nigeria, Ethiopia, (continues on page 8)

FALL 2005

FOCUS MAGAZINE

S t o r y by R ya n We n d l a n d • P h o t o s by To d d Fi n l o , P r a i r i e l i g h t P h o t o g r a p h y

hen Chantell Ford was a child, she was usually asleep when her mother, Alicia, headed off for work as an emergency room technician. Alicia worked the nightshift, and once a week and every other weekend she worked a double shift. While mother and daughter both say those years were difficult, they do not complain. Alicia did what she had to do to provide for not only her children’s day-to-day necessities, but also future opportunities. Though Chantell respects, admires and loves her mother, she does not wish to follow in her footsteps. Both mother and daughter are determined that Chantell’s life will be different because of higher education. “When I was younger, I got to see how hard my mother had to work to support us,” Chantell said of herself and her 15-year-old brother Dennis. “She worked the nightshift and that is basically what I saw her do was work. She put my brother and me ahead of herself. I commend her for what she has done, but I do not want to live a life like that.” As Chantell’s graduation neared at Arlington High School in St. Paul, she began visiting universities, many out of state. When Chantell’s advisor through Admission Possible, an organization that helps make college admission possible for economically disadvantaged students in the Twin Cities area, approached her with a scholarship opportunity at Southwest Minnesota State University, Chantell was wary. She said she had made up her mind that she would attend college at now hurricaneravaged Xavier, in Louisiana. Alicia also encouraged her daughter to apply for the Schwan Access and Opportunity Scholarship. Chantell followed her mother’s advice, and was awarded a scholarship. The new four-year scholarships are designed to provide Minneapolis and St. Paul students with the necessary financial resources to attend SMSU.

cks

FOCUS MAGAZINE

FALL 2005

THE SCHWAN ACCESS AND OPPORTUNITY SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS From left: DeOnna Gray-Lige (Southwest High School), John Herrera (Southwest High School), Bob Wandey (South High School), Michelle Scaramuzzo (Southwest High School), Matissa Koubonou (Southwest High School), Chantell Ford (Arlington High School), Derek Cantwell (Arlington High School), Cherkos Dessalegn (Highland Park High School), Randi Barthiaume (Johnson High School), Adam Hawkinson (Southwest High School), and DesJonna Gray-Lige (Southwest High School).

(continued from page 6)

Spain and England to name a few) her eyes brighten and there is an airiness in her voice which intimates that those far away places, still unseen by her eyes, are somehow within her reach and not larger than her expectations. Chantell is filled, like all freshmen should be, with an exuberant optimism, at once certain of an uncertain future. Chantell is one of 11 equally earnest freshmen attending SMSU under the Schwan Access and Opportunity Scholarship. Director of Enrollment, Richard Shearer, describes the students as a tight-knit group with illimitable enthusiasm. “It’s been a lot of fun. They are excited and they have energy that just doesn’t quit. They have got me excited,” Shearer said. “It just shows you that there are students out there who are not taking (their education) for granted.” David Paskach, President of Schwan’s Venture Group, said the impetus behind the Schwan Access and Opportunity Scholarship was the desire to attract more urban students to the university. “I think both Schwan and SMSU recognized the fact that while the university draws some great students, few of these students come from urban areas. Our thinking was that providing urban students with an opportunity to attend school here would not only help broaden their view of rural America, but would also introduce the traditionally rural students that SMSU draws to a more urban experience,” Paskach said. Shearer agrees. He said students from Minneapolis and St. Paul bring an exciting quality to SMSU.

FALL 2005

FOCUS MAGAZINE

“It enriches us. It is the way they think,” Shearer said. “Students from rural areas think differently than students from urban areas, and it is always good to get students to think differently.” SMSU President, Dr. David Danahar, agrees that students from the Twin Cities bring with them a unique urban experience; however, he prefers to accentuate the similarities shared by all freshman students. “These students have grown up in an urban area, and they bring their experience of growing up in an urban area with them. But remember, they are 18 and 19 year olds and like any other 18 and 19 year olds, they face many of the same issues. They bring their hope with them and their concerns, and they bring their curiosity with them,” Danahar said. For Schwan, there is a very practical reason to entice urban students to SMSU. Since the university provides a hiring pool for Schwan, an increase in the diversity of SMSU makes the hiring pool that much deeper. The scholarship is a chance to familiarize potential employees with a rural experience. “As a company with deep roots in rural America, we understand and value the unique perspective that a rural experience offers,” Paskach said of Schwan. “Giving urban students a broader perspective of America is vital. ‘Selling’ a commitment to coming to work in a rural setting can be difficult for those who’ve never experienced it and whose perceptions of rural America come solely from the media. Changing those perceptions and providing rural opportunities to urban students is important not only to the

success of Schwan, but to the long-term success of the lifestyle we all enjoy here on the prairie.” If there is an intangible gap between rural and urban students, it is imperceptible when speaking to Chantell. To her, the dilatory pace of Marshall offers ample opportunity to concentrate and focus on her education. A scholarship is only as good as the education it offers a student, and Chantell said her early experience at SMSU has emboldened her with the confidence that can only be garnered when commencing on a quality education. The facilities and resources at SMSU are great, Chantell said, but it’s the faculty that has made the greatest impression. “My experience here has been just the opposite of what they tell you college is going to be like when you’re in high school. They say that the professors won’t care and that they are just doing their job, but that hasn’t been my experience here,” Chantell said. “They just have nice faculty, point blank. No matter what problem you have, there is some one there who can help.” Chantell is the first to admit that attending university under such an extensive scholarship, like the Schwan scholarship, relieves

stress. Because of funding stagnation at the state level, and recent tuition increases, “We look more and more to other funds to help students out,” Shearer said. “I haven’t seen this many scholarships in one package,” he said. “It reaches in and it takes the whole money thing out of the mind of the student. New students are concerned with starting at a new school, making new friends and doing well in their classes. If we pull money out of the equation, they will have a much richer experience.” President Danahar said private contributions are increasingly important to public universities. Partnerships, like those between SMSU and Schwan, are important to the university’s future. “It’s a great statement of Schwan’s interest in providing financial aid to these students. And it is a great statement about the students and the community as a whole,” Danahar said. Minnesota State Colleges and Universities Chancellor, James H. McCormick, said partnerships between businesses and universities (continues on page 10)

Hightower ’77 Knows Firsthand the Importance of Scholarships Clarence Hightower, a member of the Board of Trustees of Minnesota State Colleges and Universities, is enthusiastic about the opportunities the Schwan scholarship program opens up for more urban minority students. For the 1977 alumnus, scholarships opened the door to opportunity. “There were eight kids in our family, and there was no way for a single-parent mom to pay for college,” Hightower recalled. He was a high school basketball star in Alton, Ill., when the Southwest coach offered a basketball scholarship that made college affordable. “I’d never been to Minnesota,” Hightower said. “When the basketball coach came through recruiting, we embraced him more than the college.” But for a kid from Alton, it wasn’t easy to go to rural Minnesota. “I remember when I got to college that it was lonely,” he said. “There weren’t many African-Americans. Most of those students of color were athletes, and most were men. It was a growing time. I really had an opportunity to grow. It broadened my horizons culturally, and I credit that with where I am today. “Where I had gone to high school, all of my buddies were African-Americans. At Southwest, you learned to appreciate people who were not African-American and not athletes. You also learned to appreciate students with disabilities, because it was a premiere school for providing accessibility for students with disabilities.” After receiving his bachelor’s degree at Southwest, Hightower

earned a master’s degree in human and community service from George Williams College in Downers Grove, Ill. Also an ordained minister, he is married and has a teenage daughter. Hightower is president and chief executive officer of the Minneapolis Urban League. He said his decision to serve on the Board of Trustees of Minnesota State Colleges and Universities hinged on having an opportunity to make a difference. “It’s so worthwhile if we can open up pathways for more students of color to attend college and have a better experience on campus,” Hightower said. “The fact that it was a low-cost institution and I was able to get financial support made my mom’s investment in college possible.” FOCUS MAGAZINE

FALL 2005

(continued from page 9)

not only provide opportunities to qualified students, but also prove valuable to Minnesota. “The Schwan Food Company partnership with Southwest Minnesota State University for this scholarship program is a wonderful demonstration of how businesses can create opportunities for qualified, academically prepared students to attend our state colleges and universities,” McCormick said. “So many young people need this kind of boost to make college a reality. We know that about 80 percent of our graduates stay in Minnesota to work or continue their studies, so making college opportunities more available will ultimately benefit the entire state.” However, to Chantell and her mother, the Schwan scholarship is more than dollars and cents. The scholarship is an auspicious opportunity that potentially will change, in a very real way, not only Chantell’s life, but also those close to her. All some people need is a chance to change the world around them. “Even though I didn’t have all the money in the world, I still had a successful childhood,” Chantell said. “I’m going to college and my brother sees that; he sees what is possible.” But maybe Chantell’s mother, Alicia, and her desire to give her daughter a better life, has put the greatest amount of energy into her daughter’s education. The Schwan scholarship has presented Chantell with a tremendous opportunity, but just as important are the solid foundation and optimism that Alicia provided while working double shifts at the emergency room so that her “Even though I didn’t have all daughter would feel free to dream of a better life. Alicia the money in the world, I still hopes when Chantell had a successful childhood,” finishes college, she will go on to obtain a Master’s Chantell said. “I’m going to Degree, and work at a job college and my brother sees that; she enjoys. Nothing is too good for her daughter. he sees what is possible.” When Chantell speaks of her future, she exudes the energy and excitement of a runner fresh off the blocks. Chantell knows that with the help of the Schwan Access and Opportunity Scholarship, and the education at SMSU that entails, she is optimistic. “I have this great opportunity,” she said. “I’m going to take this opportunity and run with it.” ■

FALL 2005

FOCUS MAGAZINE

A New Mission The Board of Trustees identified increasing access and opportunity for students as one of the top strategic goals for the 32 Minnesota State Colleges and Universities. That depends on affordable tuition, financial aid for those who need help paying for college, effective outreach and strong retention programs to help ensure success, particularly among traditionally under-served students including first-generation students, students of color, those from low-income families and students for whom English is not their first language. To meet this goal, SMSU partnered with The Schwan Food Company to establish the Schwan Access and Opportunity Scholarship. The new four-year scholarships are designed to provide Minneapolis and St. Paul students the necessary financial resources and opportunity to attend Southwest Minnesota State University (SMSU), one of Minnesota’s most recognized higher educational institutions. Schwan will provide a minimum of $800,000 in support of the Schwan Access and Opportunity Scholarship for students entering the university over the next four years. In partnership with SMSU, the Schwan scholarship is designed to cover all academic-related costs (tuition, books, and room and board) for the students. In addition, scholarship recipients will be able to apply for internship opportunities with the company. Students must be from the Minneapolis or St. Paul school systems, have a minimum grade point average of 3.0 and an ACT score of 22 or higher to be eligible to apply for the scholarships. Schwan and SMSU representatives worked closely with staff members of Admission Possible, an organization that helps make college admission possible for economically disadvantaged students in the Twin Cities area, and Clarence Hightower, president of the Minneapolis Urban League, member of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities (MnSCU) board and SMSU alumni, to help create the scholarship program. “I would like to express both my appreciation and my excitement for what Schwan is doing relative to helping students of color at Southwest Minnesota State,” said Clarence Hightower. The Schwan Food Company has been a major financial partner with SMSU since its inception. The Schwan Access and Opportunity Scholarship is in addition to more than $3,000,000 already provided to SMSU over the past 25 years.

alumniconnections

Bart Sutter ’72 on the lure of poetry

art Sutter is as versatile a writer as there is, yet it’s the genre of poetry that holds his fascination. “It’s always been the easiest for me and provides a bigger rush. The talent for poetry seems more rare to me than for good prose writing, from what I can see.” Sutter is a 1972 graduate of SMSU with a degree in Language Arts. Following graduation, he went to the east coast and later earned a fellowship to graduate school at Syracuse University, where he received a master's in Creative Writing. He moved back to the Midwest, living and working in St. Cloud and Minneapolis before packing up for Duluth and his beloved north country for good in 1987. Sutter is the only author ever to win three Minnesota Book Awards in separate categories, yet it’s poetry that is his passion. “It’s the most exciting to write,” said Sutter. “You do have to be called to it these days; clearly, there is not a living to be made there.” Sutter teaches English, Creative Writing, Poetry and Introduction to Literature courses at the University of Wisconsin-Superior, where he has been for the last eight years. He lives with his wife, Dorothea Diver, in Duluth. He has two stepdaughters. His full-time teaching load has cut down on the hours he can write, but he carves out the time where he can. “I’m reduced more or less to summers and breaks now,” he said. “Usually the beginning of terms are okay too, before the student writing starts to pile up.” Sutter is a man of the north. He was born in Iowa and grew up in small towns there and in southern Minnesota before following his heart and enrolling at a college near lakes and trees, Bemidji State University. During his second year at Bemidji, the school hired the husband-wife English team of Delbert and Edith Wylder. “We had a close relationship. They would invite students to their lake, we'd read poetry. We became good friends.” So when an upstart university called Southwest Minnesota State College courted and hired the teaching duo after Sutter’s second year, he followed them to the prairie. “It was a very exciting place on the prairie, and it continues to be,” he said of SMSU. “I knew farm country from growing up in Iowa and Minnesota, and it certainly has its attractions—the golden stalks of corn, the snow, sunsets and big sky—but something in me likes to hide. I like trees around me.” His time at SMSU yielded many close relationships. “I made friends with professors there, am still friends today with many of them. And they

introduced me to others who have become friends.” People who made a difference in his life while at SMSU include Phil Dacey, Steve Dunn, Hugh Curtler, Don Olson, and Jack and Mary Hickerson. Though Sutter has written many books over the course of his career, he still remembers one in particular. “When I was in the second grade my parents helped put together a story I had about a camping trip. They stapled it between two sheets of orange construction paper. It was exciting, it was my own book. “And see? All these years later, I’m writing about the same thing, only now, I’m more long-winded.” Sutter has become something of a northern Minnesota celebrity over the years, and has to, at times, turn down reading requests. He appears with his brother, Ross, at many events. “He does the music, I do the poetry,” said Sutter. Poets often draw from personal experiences. One good example is Sutter’s poem, “Sober Song,” from his latest book, “Farewell to the Starlight in Whiskey.” “I had to quit drinking when I was 40,” he said. “I was going nutty, life was cracking up.” “Sober Song” was selected to be included in the American Life in Poetry project of Poet Laureate and 2005 Pulitzer Prize winner for poetry Ted Kooser. Kooser writes a syndicated column highlighting great American poetry, and selected the poem for inclusion. “I saw him at a writer’s festival in Duluth, and he said that poem had a potential audience of 10 million people. That was a thrill,” he said. Sutter said some of the best poetry is derived from personal pain, or joy. He thinks a combination of the two works well. “It’s best to have a blend of both, then it’s complex enough to be true to life most of the time, and you get a nice tension going too. You get lots of teen-agers and college-age students and they have to be in agony in order to write, which means they’ll be dead at 32. They torture themselves.” He’s passionate about teaching, and has his eye peeled for the next Bart Sutter to sit down in his class. “There are a lot of students here from workingclass families, and that’s a plus; they tend to have a lot of life experiences. They are the ones who have got things to write about.” ■

BART’S LATEST BOOK Farewell to the Starlight in Whiskey was released by BOA Editions in October 2004.

FOCUS MAGAZINE

FALL 2005

get to know us

ALUMNI EVENTS Clockwise from top left photo: 1. Sioux Falls area alumni enjoy a night of baseball at the Sioux Falls Canaries. Back from left: Lonnie ’98, KaCey and Bailey Struckman; Lillie (Brown) ’96 and Hayden Arndt; Melissa Moerike ’96; Angie Gunderson; Abbey Bonte; Mark Menning ’01; Mike Burke; and John Rokeh ’83. Front from left: Brian ’95 and Jackson Geerts; Lisa (Bonte) White ’94; and Bruce Bossuyt ’96.

2. Jeff Mordhorst enjoys his time at the Marshall Area Alumni Chapter homecoming social at the new Landmark Bistro in Marshall. 3. Dian (Norcutt) Preuss ’77, Susan (Harbeck) Marsh ’75, Karen (Lachman) Champine ’77, Chuck Larsen ’75 and Laurie (Mertz) Blanchard enjoy Homecoming 2005 at the football game. 4. Tony Alcorn ’90 and Patty (Griese) Alcorn ’91 hang loose at a Hawaiian Luau during the Hoop N Surf Classic with the Men’s and Women’s Basketball team last winter.

UPCOMING ALUMNI EVENTS... Dec. 17

2005

Jan. 24

Alumni Directo

Feb. 3 Feb. 4

Skate with the MN Wild St. Paul, MN Thoroughly Modern Millie Sioux Falls, SD Mustang Gold Rush Raffle SMSU Conference Center Hawaiian Night Post-Game Social Wooden Nickel

May 13 June 9 July 23 Sept. 29-30

SMSU Commencement Down the Stretch at Canterbury Park Xtreme Fun at Valleyfair Homecoming 2006

Visit www.SouthwestAlumni.com for information on Alumni Events scheduled for 2006. Contact Tyler Bowen at 1-800-2600970 to host an alumni event near your hometown.

Alumni Chapters C

ALUMNI DIRECTORY The 2005 Alumni Directory is now available. Contact Harris Connect at 1-800-877-6554 to purchase yours today.

FALL 2005

Interested in developing a network for all alumni that live near your hometown? The SMSU Alumni Association is looking for individuals who share a sense of community and pride in SMSU to help develop alumni chapters and clubs across the nation. For more information go online at www.SouthwestAlumni.com/chapters or call the alumni office at 1-800-260-0970.

FOCUS MAGAZINE

get to know us

Erin Kooiker enjoys her leadership role at SMSU

rin Kooiker looks out onto the second floor of the new Student Center and likes what she sees. As president of the SMSU Student Association, student satisfaction is important. “The students really enjoy the new building,” said Kooiker. “The computers are always in use, the students like all the couches, the food court is busy, it seems as if the students moved into the space quickly and made it their own.” Kooiker is a senior Literature and Public Administration double major from Rock Rapids, Iowa. The Student Government offices are on the second floor of the Student Center. Kooiker heads a Student Association that includes 15 senators and a six-member executive board. She was a member of the Student Activity

Fee Allocation Committee (SAFAC) for three years before deciding to run for Student Association president last year. She is enjoying her time as president. She said one of her proudest moments was early in the school year. “I had a couple of students come in and complain about something,” she said. “I took pride in that, because it showed that they trusted me, and felt I was accessible.” Kooiker is the daughter of Roger and Janelle Kooiker of Rock Rapids. She will graduate in May and plans on attending graduate school. She chose SMSU because it was the right size and the right distance from her home in Iowa. “After visiting other schools, I picked SMSU. It’s a good fit for me.” ■

Erin Kooiker, senior, daughter of Roger and Janelle Kooiker of Rock Rapids, Iowa.

Gerald Toland believes in the importance of teaching

erry Toland is where he belongs.

“I always wanted to be a teacher, and I like being at a place where teaching and learning are the priority,” said Toland, a professor of Business Administration and in his third term as chair of the Department of Business and Public Affairs. Toland is a Pennsylvania native who came to SMSU 15 years ago. He’s spent his professional career in education, and is amazed at the changes in course delivery, and in students themselves, he has seen over the years. “Technology has really changed education,” he said. “It has helped us take courses off campus, to students who are place-bound. They have families and jobs, but want to continue their education.

“Students, too, have changed. We are seeing more non-traditional students as more and more businesses expect their employees to be lifelong learners. We are also seeing a much more diverse student population,” said Toland. The former Fulbright Scholar enjoys the maturation process of his students. “I like seeing students develop themselves and grow,” he said. “I like them learning about the economy and becoming better citizens because of that.” He is active in the community, and enjoys his position at SMSU. “I like the collegial atmosphere, the emphasis on teaching excellence here,” he said. Toland and his wife, Mary, have three children: Mary Kay, Michelle and Maggie. ■

Gerald Toland, professor of Business Administration and chair of Business and Public Affairs Dept.

Linda Kruse is dedicated to helping students

inda Kruse works in an office whose mission is to help students. “It's such a positive environment,” said Kruse, “I like people, and this job allows me to work with all different types of people—students and employers.” Kruse is the office manager in the Career Services and Counseling and Testing Office, a position she has held since 1992. She came to SMSU in 1978, and has worked in many areas, including Student Association, Housing, Scheduling, Health Center and Physical Medicine. She is a Vermillion, S.D., native and worked at the University of South Dakota for two years before coming to SMSU. She loves the college atmosphere here, and the fact that people who work in her office help students.

Career Services offers many tools to help students prepare for their professional lives after graduation, such as resume tips, interviewing techniques, identifying interests and matching students with potential employers. Counseling and Testing assists students who may be having difficulty in an area of their life, such as homesickness. The office also administers a variety of tests including post-graduate admission tests such as the LSAT and GRE. Kruse and her husband Allen enjoy dancing and camping, and they are volunteer campground hosts at Garvin Park. They also like to entertain, and host an annual Kruse Bean Bag Tournament each year. “I like people,” she said. She has one son, Jay Yates, who is married and lives in Portland, Ore. She is a proud grandmother to two grandsons. ■

Linda Kruse, office manager in Career Services and Counseling and Testing office.

FOCUS MAGAZINE

FALL 2005

mustangathletics

Mustang Flashback LESLIE (JACOBSEN) BOSCH Sports at SMSU: Tennis

Power Named Head Coach of Mustang Women’s Basketball

he Mike Power era begins this season for the SMSU women's basketball team. Power, who has spent the past three seasons as the head coach at Bemidji State University, was named the new head women's basketball coach at SMSU at the end of last season. Power becomes the fifth head coach in the program's 36-year history. “We're excited about the possibilities,” said SMSU Director of Athletics Dr. Howard Gauthier. “Mike brings with him a wealth of experience and we look for good things in the seasons to come.” Power recently completed his third season as head coach at Bemidji State University and his 16th season as a collegiate head coach. During his three seasons at BSU he led the Beavers to 28 victories which included a tie for third place in the Northern Sun Conference during the 2003-2004 season and the program's firstever trip to the NSIC Tournament semifinals. Power came to Bemidji State following a four-year stay at Metro State College (Colo.), where he led the Roadrunners to a 56-52 record. Previously he built an NAIA power at Briar Cliff College (Iowa). He inherited a program that finished 0-29 the season prior to his arrival. In six seasons he posted a 127-73 record. He was named NAIA Independent Midwest Region Coach of the Year three consecutive seasons while at Briar Cliff. His teams led the nation in scoring and scoring margin in 1996-97 and 1997-98 and during his tenure developed three players who earned All-America honors. Power earned both his bachelor’s degree in social science and his master’s degree in physical education from the University of Nebraska. ■

Mike Power

Graduation Year: 1992 Major: Political Science

Sport Memories: My freshman year when the tennis team, under coach Hugh Curtler, defeated Gustavus Adolphus 6-3. It was the same week Gustavus came out ranked #1 in NCAA division III. Since Graduation: I live in Estherville, Iowa and have spent the past eight years working as a USPTA certified tennis pro at Arrowwood Resort (formerly Village East) in Okoboji, Iowa. I am married to Mike Bosch ’91. He’s a math professor and women’s softball coach for Iowa Lakes Community College. We have three children ages 11, 8, and 6. Athletic Involvement

Pack Earns All-American Honors

Colby Pack

MSU junior third baseman Colby Pack (Lamberton, Minn.) became the first-ever Mustang baseball player last spring to earn All-America honors at the NCAA Division II level. Pack, who was named the Northern Sun Conference Player of the Year, batted a team-high .414, while leading the team with 15 home runs and 50 RBIs. He also set two SMSU single-season records in 2005 collecting 70 base hits while also racking up 130 total bases. In the SMSU career record book, Pack is second in home runs with 29 (five behind the all-time leader) while his career .389 career batting average ranks third all-time in school history and his .696 career slugging percentage ranks second all-time. Southwest Minnesota State had five players earn honorable mention All-America honors at the NAIA level. Mike Tobin (P) and Gary Pearcy (OF) in 1986, Jason Fischer (1B) in 1989 and Tim Knapper (P) and Jeff Deming (OF) in 1993. ■

Mustang Gold Rush Raffle A chance to win $5000 while helping support the Mustangs! The Mustang Booster Club is sponsoring the 3rd annual Mustang Gold Rush Raffle on Friday, February 3rd. All ticket holders have a chance to win cash prizes along with various Mustang collectibles. All tickets are drawn and the last Mustang fan standing will win $5000 cash! Need not be present to win and ticket sales help support Mustang Athletics.

For more information visit www.MustangBoosterClub.com or contact Sara Granheim at 507-537-7204 or granheim@SouthwestMSU.edu.

FALL 2005

FOCUS MAGAZINE

Today: I still play “social doubles” once a week. I’ve only been playing two tennis tournaments a year. I am mostly active with my children who compete in swimming, football, softball and basketball. ■

mustangathletics

SMSU Wrestler Shawn Plumley Injured in Motorcycle Accident

outhwest Minnesota State University wrestler Shawn Plumley is currently at Bethesda Hospital in St. Paul, Minn., where is going through extensive therapy after suffering an accident on an off-road motorcycle Wednesday, August 3, near his hometown of Bird Island, Minn. In the late afternoon of August 3, Plumley left his father at the their work site on his off-road motorcycle with his helmet on. Later that evening a neighbor discovered him lying in the ditch with his helmet broken off and lying 10 to 15 feet away

cracked in half. Plumley was then air-lifted to the North Memorial Medical Center-Trauma Unit in Robbinsdale where he has spent the past week. Plumley, who completed his sophomore season on the SMSU wrestling team this past year (157 pounds), advanced to the NCAA II National Championships in March and finished with a season record of 20-14. The Plumley family has set-up a Web site to keep individuals updated on his progress at www.caringbridge.org/visit/shawnplumley. ■

Shawn Plumley

UPDATE • UPDATE • UPDATE • UPDATE • UPDATE • UPDATE • UPDATE The Southwest Minnesota State volleyball team earned their first-ever national ranking on October 5 when the CSTV/AVCA poll had them ranked 24th in the nation. The volleyball team defeated then-ranked 23rd Augustana College (S.D.) 3-0 on Sept. 27 breaking a 20-year, 25-match losing streak ot Augustana. Erin Contons (So., Apple Valley, Minn.) has been named NSIC Offensive Player of the Week three times this season. Sarah Quiram (Fr., LeSueur, Minn.) picked up her first-ever NSIC Defensive Player of the Week award on Oct. 10. Mike Wierson (Jr., Maxwell, IA) was named the NSIC Special Teams Player of the Week after he blocked two punts which were recovered for touchdowns in the Mustangs’ 30-14 nonconference victory over Upper Iowa University. Jon Kubat (Jr., Dawson, Minn.) was named the NSIC Defensive

and is fourth in points scored with 50. Player of the Week after leading SMSU with seven tackles including six solo stops, while also recording two sacks and one interception in the Mustangs’ 16-10 season opening victory over Jamestown College. Ray Denson (Sr., Fort Meyers, FL) is fourth all-time in the SMSU career touchdown receptions record book with 24. Ray also became just the seventh Mustang player to reach 2,000 yards receiving for his career. Joelle Dean (So., Maple Grove, Minn.) of the Mustang soccer team was named NSIC Offensive Player of the Week on Oct. 10. It was the first time this season that Dean has won the award and the third time in her career. Dean, who is halfway through her sophomore season, already ranks third on the SMSU all-time list for goals scored with 23 as she is tied with Heidi Savre (1998-01)

The Mustang women’s golf team won their sixth straight Northern Sun Conference team championship this October at Eagle Creek Golf Club in Willmar, Minn. SMSU won the title by ten strokes over second place Winona State University. Junior Erin Oakland (Fulda, Minn.) won medalist honors and was named the NSIC Golfer of the Year, becoming the third SMSU player in school history to win the NSIC individual championship. Laura Lundbohm won three titles from 2001-2003 while Jackie Schultz won the individual title in 2004. Senior Lindsey Nelsen (Ortonville, Minn.) and freshman Abby Oakland (Fulda, Minn.) both finished in the top ten to earn All-NSIC accolades. For complete schedules, results, and stats, visit www.SMSUmustangs.com

Alumni & Friends Golf Tournament The SMSU football program hosted their first-ever “Alumni & Friends Golf Tournament” this past July 16, in Redwood Falls, Minn. The tournament raised over $5,000 for the SMSU football program with the proceeds going towards equipment upgrades in the program. There were many great prizes given away during the tournament, including Minnesota Twins tickets, golf packages, SMSU clothing, autographed memorabilia and a television. For more information on who to sign-up or donate for next year’s tournament, which will take place on July 15, 2006, please contact Tim Steinbach at 507-537-6816. Pictured on the right: former SMSU football players Nate Rudolph ’00/MS’03, Dan Van Rider ’97 and Chad Young ’96 line-up a putt in the SMSU Alumni & Friends Tournament.

FOCUS MAGAZINE

FALL 2005

classnotes

STAY IN TOUCH As life changes, your classmates and friends want to know. Tell us what has been going on in your life. You may also submit a color photo. Send your news to: Alumni Association, Southwest Minnesota State University, 1501 State St., Marshall, MN 56258. Fax to 507537-6577. E-mail to

1970s MARY LOU (EHRREICH) PETERSON ’71was one of the leads in the recent Marshall Area Stage Company's production of "On Golden Pond." DOUGLAS WALDOCH ’73 is starting his 14th year at the American School of Dubai in the United Arab Emirates, where he is chairperson of the English Department. GREG NELSON ’76 is manager of Twin City Avanti Stores and lives in Stillwater. He is the father of three sons.

bowent@SouthwestMSU.edu Submit your news online at www.SouthwestAlumni.com Submit your news for class notes

VICKY SCHWARTZ ’79 was recently promoted to Northeast Region Vice President for Schwan's Global Home Service Group. She has worked for The Schwan Food Company since 1988.

and your name is automatically entered in a drawing for a free SMSU sweatshirt! Congratulations to this issue’s sweatshirt winner: Todd Neuberger ’87!

1980s TODD NEUBERGER ’87 has been an investment representative with Edward Jones in Sioux Falls, S.D., for 15 years. His wife, Cheryl (Hanson), recently completed her master’s in Curriculum Instruction and teaches ESL at Terry Redlin Elementary School in Sioux Falls. KURT GRENIGER ’87 is a mechanical engineer for United Defense in Fridley, Minn., a company that builds armaments and launching systems for the U.S. Army and Navy. He has been a world-class wheelchair basketball player, and is enshrined in the state

Wheelchair Softball Hall of Fame. Kurt and his wife Teresa have four children. 1990s SCOTT DEHN ’91 earned his MBA from Metropolitan State University on August 30. Scott works as an accountant for The St Paul Travelers. JENIFER (NAVRATIL) SKJERVEN ’93 was recently promoted to Vice President, Membership Sales & Retention, at AAA Minneapolis. LISA WHITE ’94 sent a photo of their son, Jackson, in the Baby Mustang shirt, pictured on the right. COREY FOX ’95 has joined The Schwan Food Company as an associate tax accountant for the company’s Corporate Tax Department. 2000s NATALIE (THOREAU) POHLMAN ’01 was named “Best Newcomer” at the Spencer (Iowa) Community Theater’s annual awards banquet last summer. She played the lead role of Dorothy in the spring production of “The Wizard of Oz.” She recently completed a ninemonth research project with the University of

WELCOME NEW MUSTANGS! Let us know about the new addition to your family and receive a free Baby Mustang T-shirt! Go to www.SouthwestAlumni.com and click on “PROGRAMS.” Minnesota Tourism Center and is a safety director at the Monsanto Seed Research Lab in Spencer. She also volunteers with the Humane Society of Northwest Iowa. KATHERINE STANOCH ’02 married ANTHONY WOLFE ’02 on August 20, 2005 in St. Paul, Minn. Tony is currently a Credit Analyst at CHS Inc and Katie is a Manager, Public Relations at HighJump Software, a 3M Company. They reside in Inver Grove Heights, Minn. MARTIN OIAN ’02 married Erin Vriesen in April 2005. Martin works in the payroll department for Andersen Corporation in Bayport, Minn. Erin is a teacher. They live in North St. Paul. SHANE WEIBEL ’02 had his book, Wineries and Breweries: Your Guide to Grapes and Grains published by Adventure Publications in 2005.

Moses Bittok ’93 Celebrates Two Life-Changing Events in One Day

ecoming a United States citizen could be considered a big day for anyone. When you throw in $1.89 million, it makes it something special. That's what happened to 1993 SMSU graduate Moses Bittok of West Des Moines, Iowa, in September. In one day’s time, Bittok was sworn in as a citizen during a naturalization ceremony. He then checked a lottery ticket he had purchased and found out he had won $1.89 million in the Iowa Hot Lottery game. Bittok is a Kenya native who came to the U.S. in 1989. He has been a correctional officer at the state women’s prison in Mitchellville for over eight years. Bittok and his wife, Leonida have chosen to take the jackpot in annual payments of $75,600 for the next 25

FALL 2005

FOCUS MAGAZINE

years, or $52,900 per year after taxes, according to an article in the Des Moines Register. Bittok told the Register he has no plans for spending the extra money. The couple will establish a college fund for their daughter, Mindy, 4. “My daughter is number one. I don’t want to squander this. I want to make sure… that she goes to college,” he said. ■

L eaving a L egacy

Jack & Mary Hickerson Mary and Jack Hickerson, long-time English professors at Southwest Minnesota State University, have grown to appreciate the unique challenges faced by non-traditional students. That’s why they established the Mary and Jack Hickerson Endowed Scholarship through the SMSU Foundation. The scholarship will go annually to a non-traditional student in the Arts and Humanities. “We believe strongly in the future of the University and have enjoyed nontraditional students in our classes,” said Jack. “Non-traditional students are highly motivated and have many life experiences, and they make excellent students,” said Mary. “We wanted to help them out.” The Hickersons came to SMSU early in the institution’s history, met, and were married in the Campus Religious Center in 1970. Their love of the University has grown over the years, and both say the time has come in their careers to give back to the students in the form of the Mary and Jack Hickerson Endowed Scholarship.

Creating an Endowed Scholarship at SMSU You can establish a named, endowed scholarship at Southwest Minnesota State by making a gift of $10,000 or more. A scholarship can be in your name or in honor of someone dear to your heart. An endowed scholarship can be funded over one, five or 10 years, depending on your wishes. You may designate your endowment to academic scholarships, a specific collegiate unit, or to students in need of financial assistance. In some cases, donors prefer including a scholarship gift in their will. For more information contact Bill Mulso, SMSU Foundation Executive Director at 1-800-260-0970. Consider These Advantages: • Tax Deduction for charitable contribution • Membership in the Heritage Society • Doing something special for future generations of Mustangs • Leaving a lasting legacy at Southwest

Contact the SMSU Foundation at 1-800-260-0970 or E-mail foundation@SouthwestMSU.edu for details.

Making a difference for future generations of Mustangs

Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 97 Marshall, MN

Published by: SMSU Alumni Office 1501 State Street Marshall, Minnesota 56258

If Focus is addressed to a son or daughter who has graduated and no longer maintains a permanent address at your home, please clip the address label and return it with the correct address to the address above or E-mail the updated address to alumni@SouthwestAlumni.com

A member of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System.

14,000 SMSU friends at your fingertips! Check it out at www.SouthwestAlumni.com Featuring: • Online Directory • Business Card Index • Class Notes • E-Mentoring • Event Registration • New Baby Mustangs Post a Class Note or Online Business Card by December 15, 2005 for a chance to win a free SMSU Sweatshirt!