SMSU Focus Magazine, Fall 2019

SMSUFOCUS A M A G A Z I N E F O R A L U M N I & F R I E N D S O F S O U T H W E S T M I N N E S O TA S TAT E U N I V E R S I T Y

Dr. Peter J. Grahn ’11 A life with purpose pg. 6 Fall 2019 Edition | Inside: 2018-2019 Foundation Annual Report

SMSUFOCUS

FALL 2019 VOL. 39, NO. 1

A MAGAZINE FOR ALUMNI & FRIENDS OF SOUTHWEST MINNESOTA STATE UNIVERSITY

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1 A Conversation with President Kumara Jayasuriya

3 News from Around Campus

6 Alumni Spotlight: Dr. Peter J. Grahn ’11

8 Alumni Connections

12 Class Notes 14 Athletics

16

Foundation Annual Report 2018-19

President Kumara Jayasuriya Vice President for Advancement/ Executive Director of Foundation Bill Mulso ’93 Director of Alumni Relations Michael VanDrehle ’08/MBA’10 Focus Editor and Designer Marcy D. Olson ’93/MBA’05 Senior Writer and Photographer Jim Tate

$5,855 Raised on Give to the Max Day Minnesota’s Annual Day of Giving

Contributors Jessica Anderson ’07 Sharon Buysse Stacy Frost ’93 Emily Hofmann ’19 Karen Kaas ’94 Kelly Loft ’97/MS ’11 Angela Prokosch ’18 Kassi Tietz ’14

Send correspondence and story ideas to: SMSU Communications & Marketing, Attn: FOCUS 1501 State Street, Marshall, MN 56258 Contact the Focus Editor: Marcy.Olson@SMSU.edu or 507-537-7374 All cities and towns are located in Minnesota unless otherwise noted. Year(s) after names reference degrees obtained at SMSU. Year of undergraduate degree is listed first. Year of graduate degree is listed after MBA or MS.

Feature stories may be reprinted with the written permission of the editor at Marcy.Olson@SMSU.edu. Other articles may be reprinted without permission provided that credit is given to SMSU.

FOCUS is published twice each year for alumni and friends of Southwest Minnesota State University by the Office of Communications & Marketing at SMSU. Opinions expressed in FOCUS do not necessarily reflect official University policy.

Southwest Minnesota State University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action educator and employer.

A member of the Minnesota State system. ADA Accessible.

To make name changes and address corrections, call (507) 537-6266 or email alumni@SMSU.edu.

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Visit us online www.SMSU.edu and SMSUAlumni.com Follow the latest SMSU news at www.SMSU.edu/today

[ around campus ]

A CONVERSATION WITH

PRESIDENT KUMARA JAYASURIYA President Kumara Jayasuriya

President Jayasuriya began his role on July 1, 2019. We were able to ask him a few questions about what he’s learned and what he hopes to achieve at Southwest Minnesota State University.

Q. President Jayasuriya — have you become accustomed to that title yet?

A. I am getting used to it now after five months. I think I’m learning the culture of the University, embracing that culture, and embracing the experts that are already here on the campus to do things in a better way in the future.

Q. You indicated from the start of your presidency that increasing enrollment was an immediate priority. What steps have you taken to address that?

A. One of the things we did was improve our marketing materials and initiatives, specifically the Mustang Promise (see page 3). We are starting eSports and club hockey, and we are talking about adding collegiate shooting sports. We will have nine online degree programs by next fall, and we are recruiting for a new program called Mustang Pathways, where we will put students who just miss the cutoff point to be admitted into a 5-week residential summer program and teach them math, English and reading skills and admit them at the end if they are successful. We’ve also launched a President’s Regional Scholars Award program in an effort to keep the best and brightest students in the region, attending SMSU. Q: The University has over 22,000 alumni since its Charter Class graduated in 1971. How important is alumni support to the University?

A: Alumni support is extremely important for creating scholarships, maintaining and renewing infrastructure on campus and raising seed money to start new programs.

Some of the things we are hoping to do include adding

cyber security, and competency-based programming, either in IT or business. It’s very important to have resources to start these programs. But in addition to financial support, it is equally important for our alumni to provide intangible support by encouraging young people to attend SMSU, by attending events, by engaging with students, and by hiring SMSU graduates.

Q. Today’s students have so many options when it comes to earning college credits. How important is it for SMSU to offer online degrees?

A. It’s extremely important. There are 6.6 million undergraduate students currently taking online programs and 38 percent of the undergraduate student population is adult learners. Some students are fulltime workers raising families or taking care of elderly parents, so many of them cannot attend face-toface classes. That’s why it’s extremely important to have these online programs, so we can market to the adult learners. One of the examples that works well is our RN to BSN program — it’s convenient, and growing, and there’s a lot of demand for programs like that.

Q. SMSU has earned a lot of awards for affordability and return on investment in recent years. That’s a really strong recruiting point for SMSU, isn’t it?

A. Yes, it is. Recently SMSU was ranked 7th in the country for affordable bachelor’s degrees by Best Value Schools, and we are the only school in Minnesota that was ranked.

It’s extremely important to market these to students and let them know that 99 percent of our recent graduates are employed or in graduate school. That’s why we started our Mustang Promise. There are many programs that have received high rankings by different publications, and it’s important we market that to incoming students.

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[ around campus ]

Q. What can you tell alumni regarding your long-range goals for the University?

A. My vision for the University is to become the most inclusive and student-centered university in Minnesota and beyond, with a keen focus on innovative teaching, experiential learning, leadership development and strategic partnerships. We have taken many steps toward those goals. One of the things we are doing now is partnering with community colleges in the region, and beyond. We are starting partnerships with Minnesota West in Worthington, Ridgewater, Riverland and Lake Superior. Those are a few examples. I am trying to create partnerships with K-12 schools with our Regional Scholars Awards. I was also invited to talk to the Marshall, Worthington, and Granite Falls school districts.

Q. What have you learned about SMSU that has surprised you most?.

A. I think the biggest surprise is how many alumni work here (116). It seems like it’s almost everyone I talk to. I think with that comes the dedication and commitment to the University.

Q. How would you characterize the relationship between SMSU, the city of Marshall and the region?

A. There’s a very close relationship between the Marshall community and the region, and SMSU. First of all, I think most people in this region think of SMSU as a jewel because we have an economic impact of $173 million, and people realize the importance of the University to the region. At the same time the city and the region are important to this University. As far as partnerships, the city of Marshall is moving into some space in our Social Science building in December while they renovate City Hall. Marshall High School’s football team, track and field teams, soccer team and swim team use our facilities. We have

a three-way partnership in Worthington between the school district, Minnesota West and SMSU in education, involving a program to encourage minority students to become teachers.

That’s a program that many people are trying to replicate because they see its value. Other communities are asking how we do it — it’s a very innovative program.

Q. What are SMSU’s strengths?

A. I think our biggest strength is having world-renowned faculty and very dedicated staff and engaged alumni. We are also fortunate to have a community and region that values and supports the University. Also, the rigorous academic programs, and number of programs we have. Not charging out-of-state tuition is a plus to recruiting. And being located in a community that is diverse is a strength because we can attract a diverse student population.

Q. Where do you see higher education going? What are the trends?

A. One thing that I see happening is people are questioning the value of a 4-year degree, because the tuition is increasing every year. What I’ll say is a person with a 4-year degree makes $1.4 million more than a person with a high school diploma over their career. That shows the value of a 4-year degree. At SMSU, over 99 percent of our recent graduates are employed or in grad school, and that shows our 4-year degree is valued by businesses. Another trend is that academics institutions are moving toward competency-based programs, where the time to degree varies, depending on how fast you can work. It’s not a traditional program where you take 4 years to finish your degree, or a semester to finish a class. In a competency-based program; you can finish a class in 2 weeks if you work hard and can get to it quickly, so the time to degree varies tremendously in those programs.

SAVE THE DATE

for the

INAUGURATION of SMSU’s Tenth President

KUMARA JAYASURIYA Friday, April 3, 2020

at Southwest Minnesota State University in Marshall, Minnesota

DISCOVER. ENGAGE. LEAD. 2 | FOCUS

www.SMSU.edu/go/inauguration

[ around campus ]

New Recruiting Initiatives Create Momentum

A number of new recruiting initiatives were launched at SMSU this fall to lift enrollment, attract top students in the region, and eliminate equity gaps.

They include: • The Mustang Promise. Ninety-nine percent of recent SMSU graduates either find jobs, or are in graduate school (2017 data). In this unique program, graduates who have not found a job six months following Commencement may enroll in one of SMSU’s graduate programs, tuition free, for the first semester. SMSU is 100 percent confident that an SMSU education will yield results, “We Promise It.” • President’s Regional Scholars Award. This $6.9 million investment targets the “best and the brightest” high school students in southwest Minnesota. Thirty-seven participating

high schools were given scholarship certificates to present to students they choose. There are six scholarship levels, based on a student’s GPA or ACT, and range from $4,000 to $12,000 over four years. “I believe that by working with the high schools and having them award the scholarships, they will select students who will benefit from receiving their college education at SMSU,” said President Kumara Jayasuriya.

• Mustang Pathway Program. This adaptive entry program is geared toward students on the cusp of normal admittance requirements. The program includes a free, five-week summer college-success program; an on-campus housing scholarship; and eligibility to be nominated for a Mustang Pathway Leadership award. The initiative aligns with Minnesota State’s 2030 goal of eliminating educational equity gaps.

SMSU Adding Online Degree Programs

COLT workgroup members from left: Kate Borowski, Ben Nwachukwu, Dan Baun, Lori Wynia, and Jos Ullian.

SMSU is increasing its number of online degree programs in an effort to better serve students who prefer to pursue their degree online, rather than in a traditional classroom setting.

President Kumara Jayasuriya told the University community at an August All-University Address that it was a goal to add five online degree programs by fall semester 2020.

That led to the creation of the Online Programs Initiative Workgroup, which is spearheaded by Provost Teri Wallace.

“We’ve been looking at student support, the implementation plan, how the Minnesota Transfer Curriculum fits, orientation, advising, ADA compliance, program-specific online orientation and advising, marketing, and others.

There are many aspects to the plan,” said Dan Baun, Chief Information Officer and a member of that workgroup. “There are many areas of campus that are involved.”

Once the foundation is in place, the Center for Online Learning and Teaching (COLT) will play an important role by coordinating the utilization of technology tools, instructional design, and administrative support for program development.

COLT will be housed on the fifth floor of the McFarland Library and will offer a number of services to faculty, who are working diligently to make the move from classroom to online instruction.

A total of nine programs will be offered online starting in the fall semester 2020. They include: • RN to BSN (Nursing) • Management • Marketing • Community Psychology and Health Promotion • Early Childhood Education (MN Licensure Preparation) • Early Childhood Special Education • Elementary Education • Special Education • Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL) President Jayasuriya said that in 2019, there are 6.6 million adult college students, or non-traditional learners. Nearly 38 percent of the current undergraduate population is comprised of adult learners, and of those, 58 percent are working, and 25 percent are raising children.

“Many adult learners attend college to either advance in their workplace or to expand their career options. Most of the non-traditional students are unable to attend traditional universities due to the time commitment or distance,” said President Jayasuriya. “With these programs, it will be possible for students who are working full-time to earn a bachelor’s degree without leaving their job.”

Baun said the COLT workgroup has a number of individuals who have an area of expertise as it relates to online course delivery.

Key work group members include Baun; Kate Borowske, Instructional Design Librarian; Ben Nwachukwu, Technology Services, and his graduate assistant, Martin Szebesta; Lori Wynia, Assistant Director of Distance Learning and Academic Outreach; Jos Ullian, Assistant Professor of Communication Studies; Pam Gladis, University Librarian; and Shawn Hedman, Director of Academic/Administrative Computer Services. “Each has a key role in helping to bring these degrees online,” said Baun. “A lot of individuals are involved, and we’re looking forward to having these nine online programs ready for delivery in the fall 2020 semester.”

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[ around campus ]

Dr. Teri Wallace Joins SMSU as Provost Dr. Teri Wallace had a good idea about what her job would entail as the interim Provost and Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs at SMSU. What she didn’t know about was the family-like culture when she began her duties on August 14, 2019.

“There are amazing people here, and they are so committed to SMSU. You hear about people saying that where they work is like family.

Here, it really is. I’ve been at other institutions and it’s never felt like this. People are supported and cared about and that just creates a better work environment and contributes to the success of our students.”

Wallace comes to SMSU from Minnesota State University, Mankato, where she was interim Associate

Vice President for Undergraduate Education, Academic Affairs, since 2018.

She has held other positions at Minnesota State, including Faculty Liaison for External Funding; and Special Education Department associate professor, professor, chair and program coordinator.

She earned her undergraduate degree in Psychology, her master’s in Educational Psychology-Special Education and her Ph.D. in Educational Policy and Administration, all from the University of Minnesota.

“In my role I’m responsible for the academic and student success areas of campus, with particular attention to our academic programs,” she said.

Wallace is enjoying the opportunity to help SMSU move forward in a number of areas, including the establishment of more 2 + 2 programs by collaborating with community colleges, and creating more online degree programs at SMSU. Wallace is the mother of two grown children, Sean and Ellie Radue.

SMSU Campus Home to Bee Club Hives A collaboration between SMSU and the Southwest Minnesota Bee Club has resulted in a permanent home for the hives of area bee enthusiasts on the campus.

The Community Pollinator Project serves as an educational tool for SMSU students and other groups in the region, and brings the hives of club members to a single site on campus.

By law, citizens can’t house a bee hive in a residential area of Marshall.

The genesis of the project goes back to early 2019, when club member Bill Reilly discussed the idea with SMSU administrators.

Those talks led to the establishment of the bee yard in the northern portion of the SMSU-ADM Nature Center.

The site is dedicated to Reilly’s late mother Pat. “She had a real love of gardening, the planning for the bee yard was going on during the time she passed,” he said.

The club is comprised of approximately 40 individuals, and about 25 attend the monthly meetings, which are now being held at the Community Pollinator Project site.

“We have monthly meetings, but members go out there every week. As members are doing things in the bee yard, they send out emails and invite others to join them,” said Ron Prorok, club president.

Right now there are 11 hives owned by 5 individuals, he said. A healthy hive will have between 20,000 and 50,000 bees, which will pollinate a two-and-a-half-mile radius, said club members.

The first hives were put in place in May 2019. The area — mowed and fenced off — was prepared by Grounds and Roads Supervisor Jeff Jennings and his crew.

“The apiary has been a key aid in both educating new hobbyists and creating general awareness of how pollinators contribute to the food chain,” said Prorok.

“This is a wonderful partnership,” said Aimee Shouse, Dean of Arts, Letters and Sciences. “The Southwest Minnesota Bee Club members have the benefit of a place to host their hives, and the university has the benefit of using the bee yard as an educational

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From left: President Jayasuriya, Ron Prorok, Deb Kerkaert, Russ Koopman, Dean Aimee Shouse, Emily Deaver, and Bill Reilly

resource.”

She said that soon, SMSU will be registered as an official Bee Campus USA site, the only educational institution to earn that designation in Minnesota.

The site is already being utilized by SMSU faculty, said Shouse.

“Tony Amato (who keeps a hive in the bee yard) has taught a class on bee keeping and the importance of bees, and (Assistant Professor of Biology) Alyssa Anderson, our entomologist, has worked it into her curriculum. (Biology Professor) Tony Greenfield and (Professor of Environmental Science) Emily Deaver will also be using the bee yard to help teach about pollinators and study ecology,” she said.

There’s also the possibility of selling “Mustang Honey” in the future.

Club members hope to grow the number of hives in the bee yard in the future, and use the location as an educational tool for area schools, groups and organizations who wish to learn more about the bees.

[ around campus ]

SMSU Degrees Rank High in the Nation SMSU, and a number of its academic programs, have been ranked nationally by various online publications during the 2019-20 academic year.

• 6th nationally in the 2020 “30 Lowest Out-of-State Tuition Colleges and Universities” by Online-Bachelor-Degrees.com • 7th in the nation for its affordable bachelor’s degrees by Best Value Schools.

• 6th in the state of Minnesota for lifetime return on investment by AffordableCollegesOnline.org. SMSU was ranked highest of the Minnesota State 4-year institutions, and was one of only two public institutions in the top 6.

• 4th in Minnesota among the Best Online RN to BSN Nursing Schools by TopRNtoBSN.com.

• 7th in the nation for Best Affordable Hospitality Degree Programs by Affordableschools.net.

• 12th nationally for Best Affordable Sociology Degree Programs by Affordableschools.net.

• 13th in the nation for Best Affordable Psychology Degree Programs by Affordableschools.net.

• 14th in the nation for the Best Affordable Mathematics and Statistics Degree Programs by Affordableschools.net.

• 14th in the nation for Best Affordable Marketing Degree

Programs by Affordableschools.net.

• Our Master’s degree, Physical Education: Coaching of Sport, is ranked 14th in the nation by SportsManagementDegreeHub.com.

One of the factors that makes SMSU so attractive to prospective students is that most out-of-state and international students pay in-state tuition.

Chorale Performs at ACDA-Minnesota Convention

The SMSU Chorale was invited to perform at the fall convention of the American Choral Directors Association of Minnesota.

The group performed on Friday, Nov. 15 at St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church in Mahtomedi, Minn.

“I believe this is the first time in the history of SMSU that one of our choirs has been invited to perform,” said Dr. Stephen Kingsbury, Associate Professor of Music and Director of Choral Activities. “Next to our performance a couple of years ago at Carnegie Hall, this is the highest profile performance that SMSU Chorale: Dr. Stephen Kingsbury, Conductor; Stacey Bosveld, accompanist; Soprano: Emily Berscheit we’ve ever been asked to give, (Grey Eagle), Whitney Burns (Siloam Springs, AR), Alexis Christensen (Lake Benton), Samantha Hotzler and certainly the highest profile (Walnut Grove), Taylor McDonald (Creston, IA), Haley Spielman (Granite Falls), Megan Thooft (Marshall), performance that we’ve given in Cheyenne Volk (Watertown, SD), Dawnella Walters (Farmington); Tenor: Matthew Anderson (Cottonwood), our home state.”

Braeden Kluver (Watertown, SD), Ryan Ohm (Brooklyn Park), David Rabaey (Marshall); Alto: Margeaux The Chorale is SMSU’s Belanger (Gothenburg, NE), Rachael Blake (Tyler), Maria Callens (Taunton), Olivia Chester (North Mankato), Caitlin Goodrich (Edgerton), Malorie Hudson (Rochester), Jennifer Lage (Sartell), Madeline Lambert elite mixed choral ensemble, (Blaine), Sara Walski (Fountain City, WI), BASS: Mark Bosveld (Dubuque, IA), Jack Elbert (Bloomington), specializing in the performance Daniel Junker (Elkton, SD), Ethan Kueker (Fairmont), and Chris Syphokham (Luverne). of a wide range of sacred and secular choral literature of all was founded in 1959 and is a non-profit organization whose historic periods, voicings and active membership is composed of choral musicians from nationalities. Its repertoire includes unaccompanied works for schools, colleges and universities, community, industrial a cappella choir, as well as works performed with professional organizations, churches and professional groups. Its mission is instrumental ensembles. to inspire and support the community of choral musicians in The Chorale is open to all students, regardless of major.

“About a third of our members are not majoring or minoring in Minnesota.

“Receiving this invitation was really a big honor,” said music,” said Kingsbury. “They just love to sing.”

Kingsbury. “It’s an acknowledgement of the work our students He said part of the mission of the Music program is to offer do, and the quality and high level of performance they aspire opportunities for everyone wanting to participate in music. to, and achieve.”

The American Choral Directors Association of Minnesota

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[ alumni spotlight ]

A LIFE WITH PURPOSE

Dr. Peter J. Grahn

6 | FOCUS

[ alumni spotlight ]

A Southwest Minnesota State University alumnus is contributing to groundbreaking research discoveries as a neuroscientist at Mayo Clinic — research discoveries that may one day help improve his own mobility, which was drastically altered by a diving accident that left him paralyzed during the summer of 2005.

Dr. Peter Grahn graduated Magna Cum Laude from SMSU in 2011 with degrees in Biology and Chemistry. Since then, he earned his Doctorate in biomedical research in 2016, with an emphasis in neuroscience, from Mayo Clinic Graduate School, and is currently working with a team of researchers at Mayo to study promising new therapies for individuals with paralysis due to spinal cord injury.

Now an Assistant Professor in Neurosurgery and Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Grahn and his teammates garnered international attention in September, 2018 when they coauthored an article in Nature Medicine, detailing the group’s groundbreaking research.

THE ROAD TO MAYO

Like most 18-year-old high schoolers, Grahn’s future was a blank canvas following his graduation from Willmar High School in 2005, where he was an outstanding basketball player.

Good enough, in fact, that he was headed to Minnesota State Moorhead to play for the Dragons.

Things took a tragic turn, however, on a hot Sunday that summer, when he dove off the end of a dock on Green Lake, near Spicer, Minn. The water was only two feet deep, which resulted in a number of injuries, including a fracture of the fifth vertebrae in his neck and injury to the spinal cord. Instantly, he was paralyzed from the chest down.

Grahn would spend the next year in rehab hospitals in St. Cloud and Minneapolis. During that time, he learned about SMSU’s reputation as a highly-accessible campus. “We toured the campus, and met (retired Director of Physical Therapy) Dan Snobl. He described the many resources that Southwest provides to people with disabilities.”

During his senior year at SMSU, Grahn attended a spinal cord symposium in Minneapolis with his mother and fiancée and connected with the keynote speaker and Mayo Clinic neurologist, Dr. Anthony Windebank. “I had a brief conversation with him and from there it developed into numerous phone calls and emails that focused on exploring opportunities for me to pursue a career in biomedical research at Mayo,” said Grahn.

In the summer of 2011, Grahn was accepted into the Postbaccalaureate Research Education Program (PREP) within Mayo’s Office for Diversity. The PREP program is designed to create opportunities for recent college graduates with backgrounds that are underrepresented seeking to gain experience in biomedical research before applying to elite medical research education programs across the U.S. “Mayo’s PREP provides up to two years of support, but after one year, I applied and was accepted into Mayo’s Ph.D. program.

In 2016 I earned my Doctorate in neuroscience and transitioned into a full-time research position.”

THE RESEARCH

The research of Grahn and his colleagues involved electrical stimulation of the spinal cord, combined with therapy, to help a Wisconsin native — Jared Chinnock — regain some use of his legs, which were paralyzed in a 2013 snowmobile accident.

With an implanted stimulator turned on, Chinnock was able to walk with a walker — with minimal assistance from trainers — the distance of football field.

The study began in 2015, and Chinnock would undergo stimulation therapy for two hours per session, three times per week, for about a year.

Electrodes were implanted in Chinnock spanning three vertebrae — “thoracic vertebrae 11 and 12 and lumbar vertebrae 1,” said Grahn. “Wires that are connected to the electrodes exit the spine and are embedded just beneath the skin in order to connect to the implanted pulse generator. It’s similar technology to a pacemaker and was implanted near the abdomen,” he said. “We are able to adjust stimulation settings via wireless communication between the implant and an external programmer.”

The study’s goal? To determine whether the spinal cord responds to electrical stimulation, combined with intense rehabilitation, to restore functions that were previously thought to be permanently paralyzed.

The results surprised even the optimistic Grahn. “We went into it expecting the possibility of achieving standing in our initial research participant. Over the course of adjusting the settings on the device we were using, we observed our subject was able to control movements that are similar to a stepping motion when he was lying down. From there, we transitioned to a treadmill, with a body weight support system and trainer assistance. He then transitioned to being able to do it with a walker, with some trainer assistance.”

Shortly after his own accident, Grahn wondered why the spinal cord could not heal itself, much like a cut on the skin. That curiosity drew Grahn into research, and, just as you’d expect, the research team’s findings have only led to more questions. “We discovered some things with our previous work, but honestly, those observations have generated more questions than answers.

So we are pursuing those questions, trying to figure out how this works and how it can be improved. Our work stems from decades of research across the globe, but we initiated our trial here just a few years ago. We are somewhat new to the field, and now that our team is established, we hope to answer some deeper questions in the near future.”

SMSU MEMORIES

Attending SMSU proved to be a good choice, said Grahn. “The learning opportunities and accessibility both in respect to my disability and accessibility to faculty were outstanding. I recall being able to reach faculty within the science department either by email or in person, and it was evident that they were focused on providing a clear explanation to my questions.”

Influential individuals included Biology faculty members Drs. Tony Greenfield, Sandy Craner and Vaught Gehle; and Professor of Physics Dr. Ken Murphy. “After taking Dr. Murphy’s physics (continued on next page)

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[ alumni connections] courses, I frequently stopped by his office for casual conversations and tutored physics students for him for a couple of years. Dr. Murphy was a fantastic mentor and I enjoyed his enthusiastic approach to sharing his scientific knowledge,” said Grahn.

He got to know fellow SMSU alumnus Jake Beckstrom when the two were in a rehab clinic together in Minneapolis. Beckstrom experienced a diving accident just three days prior to Grahn’s accident. “He returned to high school for a year, and I went to SMSU. I got to know him well; our families got to know one another. We stayed in touch, and through our conversations he knew I was having a good experience at SMSU, so he toured and enrolled, too,” said Grahn.

He met his wife Kelsey (Elbers) while attending SMSU, and they have two children: Zoey, 7, and Rykon, 4. Kelsey’s father, Darwin, and mother, Kimberly (Lehman) Elbers, are also SMSU alumni.

Grahn returned to SMSU on December 4 as the keynote speaker of the 2019 Undergraduate Research Conference.

WHAT’S AHEAD

“The research we’re doing is in its early stages,” he said. “Both the stimulation device technology and our knowledge of the underlying mechanisms should be developed hand-in-hand and we’re in a very early stage of that. My opinion is the sky’s the limit as far as what the future holds for treatment options following spinal cord injury.”

Spinal cord research is being conducted all over the globe, said Grahn. “Several groups are studying similar aspects of using the same or slightly different technology.”

Other areas associated with spinal cord injury are being researched by colleagues at other locations, such as cardiovascular function, motor functions, and bladder function, said Grahn.

Larry Gavin ’81 Poetry Book Published Larry Gavin is a graduate of SMSU’s literature and creative writing program, and its secondary education program. His latest book of poetry, A Fragile Shelter, was published recently by Red Dragonfly Press.

The book collects into one volume several decades worth of poems, new poems as well as select poems from Gavin’s four previous books: Necessities, Least Resistance, Stone and Sky, and The Initiation of Praise.

Gavin lives in Faribault with Patty, his wife. They have a grown son, Fergus.

Gavin is an avid reader, a relentless mountain biker, and a fine hand with scent hounds and bird dogs.

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“Anything that is controlled by the spinal cord, groups are asking how we can improve function for those living with paralysis. Our work is more focused on leveraging any connections that are still intact after injury but may be impaired. If we can enhance functional connectivity across the injury site, maybe we can return some function to patients, almost like a hearing aid — a little bit of hearing, you attach the device and it’s amplified.”

What’s it like working at the Mayo Clinic?

“It’s a lot of fun,” he said. “I admit that I really don’t have a lot to compare it to, since my whole career has been at Mayo, but I talk to colleagues across the U.S. and they say that Mayo is a unique place. I’m told that at other institutions, it is quite common for there to be some degree of segregation between research, education and patient care environments. At Mayo, I can simply travel down the hall to find an expert in any area of medicine,” he said.

Grahn is a member of the Mayo Clinic’s Assistive and Restorative Technology Laboratory, directed by Dr. Kristin Zhao. The laboratory has several areas of research, not just spinal cord injuries. “Spina bifida, limb amputations, shoulder health in people who use wheelchairs for mobility, as well as spinal stimulation,” he said.

The irony of how he reached his current position is not lost on Grahn. ‘”When I signed up for classes at Moorhead I wanted to pursue a career in physical therapy. Instead, I spent a year in physical therapy after my injury. Now I’ve come full circle. I work in a rehab setting, where some of my closest colleagues are kinesiologists, trainers, rehab, physical therapists, occupational therapists and clinicians who have completed specialized programs to care for patients with spinal cord injury. I don’t know if it’s coincidental, but my interests are probably still within the same area as before my injury, but because of my accident, the pathway I took to get here was unanticipated.”

[ alumni connections ]

Ryan Hugh Ross ’08 Records Album Ryan Hugh Ross, a 2008 alumnus, has collaborated with Music Professor Daniel Rieppel to record an album of the music of Julius Burger entitled “A Journey in Exile: The Lieder of Julius Burger.”

The album was recorded in June of 2018 and was released on Nov. 15, 2019. Also contributing to the album were Sian Mairi Cameron and Nicola Rose.

The album represents the first recordings of the unpublished songs of exiled Jewish Viennese composer Julius Burger, who had an extraordinary life as a composer, conductor, arranger and pianist.

He had a varied career which took him from Berlin Radio and the Kroll Opera House to the burgeoning BBC and, later, Columbia Records as well as a long tenure at the Metropolitan Opera.

It wasn’t until Burger was in his 90s that he would finally fulfill a lifelong dream of hearing his own compositions performed.

Ross has been studying Burger’s work for years as part of his doctoral studies. In 2016, he came to SMSU to present “Voices of Exile: The Jewish Experience,” a week-long celebration of the composer’s music.

In addition to the album, Ross commissioned a film crew from the University of South Wales to create a documentary about the making of the album.

To order, visit: www.rediscoveredbeauty.org/burgerlieder-album.

Ross, standing, with Daniel Rieppel at the piano

Molly Wiste MS ’11 Named Art Teacher of the Year Art is a subject that can be intimidating to some.

Molly Wiste will have none of it.

“We are all creative beings, and we were all meant to create something. Visual art, dance, theater — it’s important to have some creative balance in life. I love that I can help students find and develop their own voice — who they are and what they want to say.”

Wiste, who earned her Master’s in Education from SMSU in 2011, has been named the state Middle School Art Teacher of the Year by Art Educators Minnesota.

She was a member of a master’s cohort group in Brainerd.

Wiste is in her second year in the Bemidji School District. She was at Pequot Lakes for a dozen years before that.

At the middle school level, she teaches her students a number of art forms. “The whole gamut,” she said.

“I want to expose them to all different types of art so they know what they like before they go to high school.”

She credits her master’s program at SMSU with developing her leadership skills. “It was inspirational,” she said. “The way it was taught, it could be applied to any teacher at any level. One of the best things about it, even though I’m already an adult, is that it helped me figure out who I was as a person, and as a leader. It took me from minding my own business in my (master’s) classroom to reaching out and working with art teachers in the region, and statewide.”

She’s involved with both the Art Educators of Minnesota and also works with teachers through the Perpich Center for the Arts, based in Golden Valley. “Even though I’m not a top expert, I can bring people

Wiste with one of her chainsaw sculptures together and help them learn.”

She’s a creative person, and she has a creative hobby — chainsaw art. “I went into a local saw shop for a slab of wood for the kitchen and found out they offered a free lesson. I couldn’t pass it up,” she said.

She usually competes in four events annually, and has been a part of the Australian International Chainsaw Carving Championships.

Not everyone is an artist, she said, but the creativity they express is with them a lifetime. “Even if they don’t use a skill I taught them, they will use the creative skills learned, as most jobs call for creative people.”

FOCUS | 9

[ alumni connections ]

Alumni Award Recipients Honored at Homecoming

Five individuals received Alumni Association awards at a Friday, Oct. 11 at SMSU. Alumni Achievement Award recipients include Phyllis (Ostergaard) Hitchcock, a 1977 alumna; Brian Luke, a 1975 alumnus; and Kristi Mukomela, a 1980 alumna. The Graduate of the Last Decade (GOLD) Award recipient was Megan Seppmann ‘09. The Honorary Lifetime Membership Award recipient was Karen Sweetland.

Brian Luke The accomplishments speak for themselves.

Eleven state girls swimming and diving championships; a girls dual-meet winning streak of 162, dating back to 2003; five times Minnesota State High School Coach of the Year; membership in the High School Swim Coaches Assn. Hall of Fame; and, induction into the Minnesota State Coaches Assn. Hall of Fame.

Brian Luke, a 1975 alumnus, retired as a junior high chemistry teacher 10 years ago in the Stillwater School District. He continues to coach, and is in his 45th year as the head coach of the girls’ and boys’ swim programs.

He met his wife, Jane, at SMSU when she was a student worker in the late swim team coach Don Palm’s office.

Swimming runs in the family. Brian is the son of the late Elmer Luke, a Hall of Fame swim coach. His four children swam for him at Stillwater, and two continue to coach today.

Phyllis Hitchcock Phyllis (Ostergaard) Hitchcock isn’t afraid to take chances.

“My first year I focused on classes,” said the Arco, Minn., native and 1977 graduate, with degrees in Health and PE. “It sounds strange but I was literally standing in line to register and decided, ‘I’m going to go out for volleyball.’”

She would play two years of JV volleyball at SMSU, two years on the swimming and diving team, and three years on the tennis team.

When she graduated, she took another chance, applying for numerous teaching positions and following up with telephone calls.

She happened to contact Centennial High School, where a late resignation marked the beginning of 40-year teaching career, which also included swimming and diving and basketball coaching duties. She is married to alumnus

From left: Karen Sweetland, Phyllis Hitchcock, Kristi Mukomela, Kumara Jayasuriya, Brian Luke, Megan Seppmann, and Mike VanDrehle

David Hitchcock ’76. She retired in 2017.

Kristi Mukomela If there’s anyone who knows Southwest Minnesota State University, it’s Kristi Mukomela.

After all, she grew up the daughter of an SMSU professor, earned an Accounting degree in 1980, worked as an admission counselor for a time, and remains involved with the University as a member of the Foundation Board of Directors. She’s also a past member of the Alumni Association board.

She is the President and CEO of Novation Credit Union, a 15,000-member credit union for 3M employees and family members, a position she’s held for 22 years.

Her father, Ken, and mother, Gwen, live in Marshall, which brings her back to town on a regular basis. She lives in Woodbury with her husband, Mark Everson. They have a blended family of three children and eight grandchildren.

Megan Seppmann One day you’re walking across a stage to collect your diploma at SMSU. The next, you’re thrust upon a different stage — one that’s international in scope.

That’s the situation Megan Seppmann finds herself in as the Vice President of Sales for the Wisconsin Center District, located in Milwaukee, Wis. It is the state’s largest convention center and includes the University

of Milwaukee Panther Arena and Miller High Life Theatre. Milwaukee was named the host city for the 2020 Democratic National Convention. She oversees sales and revenue strategies for all three venues.

The 2009 alumna and Mankato native has a degree in Hospitality Management, with hotel and restaurant concentrations.

Her memories of SMSU revolve around the network of friends she made. “I remain connected with so many friends, and I love the size of the campus,” she said.

Karen Sweetland Karen is the wife of the late Doug Sweetland, SMSU’s interim president from 1994-97, and permanent president from 1997 to 2000. Prior to SMSU, the Sweetlands were at UW-LaCrosse, and, later, Winona State.

A Clear Lake, S.D., native, she met Doug Sweetland at Northern State, where they were both students.

“Marshall and SMSU have a very unique relationship, and we made so many friends at the university, in the community, and the region,” she said.

She remained active at SMSU as a board member for the University Gala and SMSU Foundation. She also served on the Lynd School and Marshall-Lyon County Library Boards.

She’s a big fan, too, of the SMSU GOLD College.

She sees her three children — Angela, Shane and Celine — often, and her five grandchildren bring her a special joy.

Nominations Accepted for 2020 Alumni Achievement Awards The SMSU Alumni Association is seeking nominations for the 2020 Awards to be honored at Homecoming on Friday, October 9, 2020.

ALUMNI ACHIEVEMENT AWARD This award is presented to a graduate in recognition of professional success and the positive reflection made on the reputation of all Alumni of SMSU. HONORARY LIFETIME MEMBERSHIP AWARD This award is presented to an individual or couple who are not alumni, but give their time, talents, and enthusiasm as if they were.

10 | FOCUS

GOLD (Graduate of Last Decade) AWARD This award is presented to an individual who has graduated from SMSU within the last ten years and has made an exceptional achievement and significant contribution to their profession, community, or university.

JOHN & KATHY PAXTON ALUMNI SERVICE AWARD This award is presented to recipients who demonstrates outstanding service to Southwest Minnesota State University.

To nominate someone, visit: SMSUAlumni.com/Awards

[ alumni connections ]

Homecoming Celebrates Old Traditions and New

1 ➊ Brock Fox, king and Mandy Harris, queen ➋ Wendy Schoolmeester tosses candy as snow falls at the parade ➌ Kumara Jayasuriya and Minnesota State System Chancellor Devinder Malhotra at the University Gala ➍ Kelli Monaghan, Bailey Rutscher, Alison Drexler ➎ Desfatsion Desta (back) and Reshma Kadshapati line up for the Parade of Flags

2

5

3

4

_

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Grade:__ _______ _______ _______ ___ Age:___ _______ _______ _______ _______ _______ _______ _______ _______ _______ _______ _______ _______ __ Age:__________ Grade:__________ _______ _______ _ Phone:_ Child’s Name:___________________________________________________________ _______ _______ _______ _______ _______ __________________________ _______ _______ _______ Parent’s Name: _________________________________________________________________ _______ _______ Name:__ _______ _______ Phone:_____________________________ _______ Parent Email: _________________________________________________________ Name: _______ _______ Parent’s _______ _______ Parent Email:

Child’s

2nd Annual Mustang Ice Classic February 15, 2020 Join us for the second annual Mustang Ice Classic hosted by SMSU Alumni and Friends in support of SMSU scholarships. Through the scholarship program, the Southwest Minnesota State University Alumni Association recognizes high school seniors and transfer students for their academic and leadership achievements.

To register, sponsor, or volunteer, visit the website:

SMSUAlumni.com/MustangIceClassic

Ha py Holidpay s from SM SU!

Child’s Name:___ _________ _________ Parent’s Name: _________ _________ _________ _________ Parent Email: _________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _________ ____ Age:_____ _________ _________ _________ _____ Grade:___ _________ _________ _________ _______ _________ _________ _________ ___ Phone:___ _________ _________ _ _________ ________

SMSU Coloring Contest

Do you have kids or grandkids who love to color?

Download our coloring pages and your young artist can submit their masterpiece to the SMSU Alumni office for our Coloring Contest.

Categories for kids ages 3-5 years, 6-8 years, and 9+ years. Entries must be received by Jan. 6, 2020.

For complete rules and downloads visit: SMSUAlumni.com/ColoringContest

FOCUS | 11

[ class notes ]

Bartz ’85

1972 Ron Stock will retire after 39 years as the Weed, Calif., City Manager.

His last day will be on Feb. 1, 2020.

Bart Sutter and his brother, Ross, put on a series of entertaining programs, “Sons and Daughters of the Northern Lights,” on Nov. 4 in Glenwood, Minn., and Nov. 19 in Henning, Minn.

1973 Wayne Cook was induced into the South Dakota Fast Pitch Softball Hall of Fame in October, 2019.

Wayne has umpired 10 national tournaments and been an umpire in the sport for 33 years. He’s still an active umpire in southwest Minnesota at the age of 69.

David Woodcock worked for Farmers Trust and Savings Bank in Spencer, Iowa, for 34 years.

In honor of his retirement and commitment to the School Foundation, Farmers Bank committed $5,000 a year for the next three years to help fund the fourth-grade field trip to Living History Farm in Des Moines.

1975 Brian Luke was inducted into the Minnesota State High School Coaches Association (MSHSCA) Hall of Fame in October 2019. He is the boys and girls swimming and diving coach at Stillwater (Minn.) High School.

1978 Terry Culhane, SMSU volleyball coach, earned his 400th career victory during the 2019-20 season.

1985 Jeff Bartz, professor of chemistry at Kalamazoo College (Mich.), earned two of the highest awards bestowed on its employees: he was named the Kurt D. Kaufman chair, and presented the Florence J. Lucasse Lectureship for Excellence in Teaching award.

12 | FOCUS

Thier ’97/MS’01

Tom Jackson, Jr., was named the eighth president of Humboldt State University in Arcata, Calif. and started his duties in July, 2019.

1989 Sue (Olson) Peterson is an elementary special education teacher at Rippleside School in Aitkin, Minn.

Dr. John Radzilowski was promoted to full professor of history at the University of Alaska (UAS) in Ketchikan,.

1992 Rodney Wedig teaches social studies at Parkview High School in Orfordville, Wis. 1997 Maria (Hieronimus) Thier (MS ’01) is the head of staff development/instructional coach for the Worthington School District.

2000 Jason Jacobs, former SMSU football player, was inducted into the NSIC Hall of Fame in July, 2019.

Linus Kalenze is Vice President of Consolidation at C.H. Robinson, Eden Prairie, Minn.

C.H. Robinson is a provider of multimodal transportation services and third-party logistics.

He has been with the company since 2000 in the Corporate Procurement Distributions Services division.

Dr. Nathan Rudolph (MS ’03) was named the interim superintendent for CambridgeIsanti Schools.

2003 Robert Wolfington III is the new city manager for Montevideo, Minn.

2005 Danielle Heiny (MS), Chief Diversity Officer for Riverland

Crittenden MS ’06

Community College, used her skills as a grant writer to leverage over $5 million for programs at the community college, located in Austin, Minn.

2006 Steve Crittenden (MS) was named the interim Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs at Anoka-Ramsey Community College in Coon Rapids, Minn.

2007 Chelsea Lund and her husband, Adam ’05, welcomed a daughter, Emmarie Alaina, on July 19, 2019.

Stephen Wiblemo is the sports editor at the Hutchinson Leader, in Hutchinson, Minn.

2008 Marnie (Hicks) Davis and her husband, Jonathan, welcomed a baby girl, McKenzie Lynn, on Oct. 10, 2019.

Keith Mathias and his wife welcomed a son, Theodore Clifford, on Sept. 3, 2019.

Eric Novosad and his wife, Melissa (Prinsen ’04), welcomed a baby boy, Brooks Edward, on Oct. 7, 2019.

2009 Cari (Zitzow) Burnett and husband, Matthew, welcomed a daughter, Bentlee Idella, in August, 2019.

Geoffrey Rotunda welcomed a son, Austin Geoffrey Rotunda, on May 29, 2019.

2010 Tegan (Gullikson) Harris welcomed a son, Oliver Lee, on May 28, 2019.

2011 Josh Dahl (MS) was the guest director for the “Surround the State in Song” performance on Oct. 12 at Jamestown High School (N.D.). The concert featured area fifth- and sixth- graders.

All cities are in Minnesota unless noted.

Adam Henning and wife Greta (Evink ’13) welcomed a baby boy, Myles Adam, on Aug. 17, 2019.

Kasey (Uran) Linde and her husband, Nick, welcomed a baby boy, Henrik, on Sept. 8, 2019.

Allison (Zollner) Schwagel and her husband, Ryan, welcomed a baby girl on July 16, 2019.

Brandon Sheffield married Natalie Spence on Oct. 12, 2019.

2012 Erin Weller married Keaton Hilby on Aug. 31, 2019.

Toni Harms married Aaron Lewis on Oct. 6, 2018.

Stacie (Mages) Roiger and her husband, TJ, welcomed a baby girl, Olivia Elaine, on Sept. 30, 2019.

2013 Mary Groth married Joel Buyan on June 8, 2019 in Sheridan, Mont.

Corby McGlauflin was recently named the baseball coach for Briar Cliff University in Sioux City, Iowa.

Jordan Miller and family members hosted the Miller Family Basketball Clinic in July, 2019 at Mitchell High School (S.D.), his hometown.

Rista Sharma-Conner and her husband, Jack, welcomed a baby girl, Carma Joy, in June, 2019.

Tyler Yule married Bridget Moore on June 15, 2019.

2014 Ellen Degler and family members created an attraction on the family farm in Chanhassen, Minn., called, “Experience the Farm.”

It took place Sept. 14-Nov. 3 and included a corn maze and hayrides.

Murielle Shimba (MBA ’16) married Ike Katshungu on June 22, 2019 in Houston, Tex. Kelsey Stern recently completed an internship at Langford and Karls Chiropractic in St. Paul, Minn.

[ class notes ]

McGlauflin ’13

Rosales ’18

Esselink ’19

Olson ’19

2015 Carly (Salfer) Blondin is now working for Big Stone Therapies in Marshall.

Britta Monger welcomed a baby girl, Johanna Margaret Ernst, on Aug. 16, 2019.

Jeremiah Oyetunji teaches grades K-4 physical education at Reede Gray Elementary School in Redwood Falls, Minn.

Danielle Rosales is a fourth-grade teacher in the Worthington School District.

2016 Katlyn (Sandbulte) Benson and her husband, Jacob (’18), welcomed a baby girl, Avaya Lynn, on Oct. 7.

Hope Bonlander (MS ’19) was named women’s assistant basketball coach at Black Hills State University (S.D.).

Paul Vold is the news director for KKIN Radio in Aitkin, Minn.

2019 Desiree Bauer is a reporter for the Detroit Lakes Tribune and Becker County Record newspapers.

Kelli Esselink is a second-grade teacher for the Worthington School District.

Madison Getz had a summer internship at the Yellow Medicine County Attorney’s office processing both civil and criminal legal documents and observing the legal process.

Mackenzie Krowiorz is the assistant men’s basketball coach for Presentation College in Aberdeen, S.D. Austin Olson teaches fifth grade for the Worthington School District.

Makayla Peterson is an Early Childhood Special Education teacher for the Worthington School District.

Taylor Reiss earned the Division II Honda Female Athlete of the Year Award.

2017 Jen Keohen married Matt Packard on May 17, 2019.

2018 Suzanne Flaig teaches at Pine Island (Minn.) Elementary School.

Greta Geist and her husband, Chase Meyer, welcomed a son, Robert Gerald, on May 8, 2019.

Michael Knoblauch teaches physical education at Redwood Valley Middle School in Redwood Falls, Minn.

Peterson ’19

Olivia Weidert teaches fifth grade for the Worthington School District.

IN MEMORIAM Alan Feldhake (’77) passed away on June 26, 2019.

Con Eckstrom, former Registrar and diving coach at SMSU, passed away on Nov. 12, 2019.

Douglas Franzen (’82) passed away on July 4, 2019 at the age of 63.

Edward Gade (’75) passed away on May 14, 2019 at the age of 67.

Robert Huber (’75), 64, passed away on May 20, 2019 after a brief illness.

Douglas Maine (’75), 65, passed away Feb. 20, 2019 after battling cancer.

Lawrence Montello (’01) passed away on June 22, 2019 Mary (Warner) Pirooz (’79) passed away on Aug. 20, 2019 at the age of 69 Joseph “Joey” B. Poell, former Director of Student Center/ Student Activities who held the position from 1979-1997, passed away on Sept. 22, 2019.

Timothy Richardson (MS ’11), 61, passed away in December of 2018 from complications from Mantle Cell Lymphoma.

Weidert ’19

Thomas Richardson (’79) passed away unexpectedly at the age of 63 on July 10, 2019.

Robert Ridley, former SMSU Professor of Communication Studies who taught from 19692010, passed away on Sept. 14, 2019. He was the Director of Forensics for over 15 years.

John Schatzlein (’71), the first student body president at SMSU, died on June 30, 2019 at the age of 70. He was a lifelong advocate for people with disabilities.

Christopher Schenkel (’97) passed away on June 8, 2019 from complications related to dermatomyositis, an autoimmune disease he was diagnosed with at the age of 6 Brooke Thompson (’18), 22, died as a result of a car accident on July 23, 2019.

WHAT’S YOUR STORY? Share your news with us: email alumni@SMSU.edu call 800-260-0970 click SMSUAlumni.com mail SMSU Alumni Office

1501 State St.

Marshall, MN 56258

SHOW YOUR MUSTANG PRIDE Purchase SMSU Alumni gear:

SMSUAlumni.com/apparel Wear your gear for BROWN & GOLD FRIDAYS Snap a selfie! Tag @SMSUAlumni #BrownAndGold

All cities are in Minnesota unless noted.

FOCUS | 13

[ athletics ]

TAYLORDivison REISS II Athlete of the Year Taylor Reiss, a senior outside hitter from the Southwest Minnesota State University volleyball team, has been named the Division II Honda Athlete of the Year as announced by Executive Director Chris Voelz of The Collegiate Women Sports Awards (CWSA) presented by Honda.

Reiss was presented with this honor on a live telecast on CBS Sports Network on Monday, June 24, at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles. The honor was voted on by national balloting among 1,000 NCAA member schools as part of the CWSA program.

The CWSA, in its 43rd year, honors the nation’s top NCAA women athletes recognizing superior athletic skills, leadership, academic excellence and eagerness to participate in community service. Since commencing its sponsorship in 1986, Honda has provided more than $3.1 million in institutional grants to the universities of the award winners and nominees to support women’s athletics programs at the institutions.

“I am incredibly grateful and humbled to have been selected to receive the Honda Division II athlete of the year award,” said Reiss. “I would not have been able to reach all the successes I have throughout my volleyball career without my teammates and coaches. Volleyball is the ultimate team sport and I could not have done it without the people standing next to me on and off of the court.

“I want to thank my family, friends, and the community of Marshall for all of the support I have received throughout my college volleyball career, it has truly meant a lot to me. I will forever cherish my time spent

14 | FOCUS

at SMSU and all the great memories I have. I am honored to be able to end my volleyball career on a high note and to have been selected to receive this prestigious award.”

Hailing from Taunton, Minn., Reiss is a two-time AVCA DII National Player of the Year and the first-ever National Player of the Year at SMSU. She is also a two-time DII Honda Athlete of the Year finalist for volleyball and a three-time first-team AVCA and CCA All-American. She is the first player in conference history to three-peat as the NSIC Player of the Year.

During the 2018 season, Reiss ranked first in Division II in kills (664), points per set (6.42) and kills per set (5.72) and ranked second in attacks per set (14.45). She finished her four-year career at SMSU ranking second in team history in kills (2,146), second in kills per set (4.94), second in attempts (5,293), second in points (2,431.5) and ninth in hitting percentage (.309).

Off the court, she was a three-time NSIC All-Academic honoree and a 2018 second team CoSIDA Academic All-American as an exercise science major.

“It is a significant honor for Honda to recognize Taylor as the winner of the prestigious DII Honda Athlete of the Year,” said SMSU head coach Terry Culhane. “Taylor’s career speaks for itself and is one of a few who have been selected as the AVCA National Player of the Year two years in a row as well as a three-year winner of the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference player of the year. Taylor is an exceptional athlete and has left her mark on Mustang volleyball forever.”

[ athletics ]

Miskowiec Named All-Central Region 2nd Team Senior forward Alli Miskowiec was named to the 2019 Division II Conference Commissioners Association Women’s Soccer All-Central Region Second Team. The first and second teams were voted on by the region’s Sports Information Directors.

This is the first time an SMSU soccer student-athlete has received an all-region award since 2015, when Miranda Cadena and Megan Kilroy were named allregion third team.

The Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference led the Central Region with 11 selections, while the MidAmerica Intercollegiate Athletics Association netted eight and the Great American Conference, seven.

Miskowiec, a native of Andover, Minn., was named first team All-NSIC last week for the second consecutive season, after earning All-NSIC third team accolades a season ago.

She led SMSU this season with 27 points, while scoring a team-high 10 goals. Miskowiec finished NSIC play ranking second in the league in points (25) and was third in shots per game (3.5). Her 10 goals in 15 league games ranked tied for second.

SMSU finished the 2019 season with an overall record of 11-7. SMSU, which placed seventh in the NSIC standings with a mark of 9-6, recorded its first winning season since 2014 and qualified for the NSIC Tournament for the first time since 2015.

Young Selected for CoSIDA Academic All-District 7 Team Junior outside hitter Angela Young has been named to the 2019 CoSIDA Academic All-District® 7 team. The selection and announcement was made by the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA) and recognizes the nation’s top student-athletes for their combined performances athletically and in the classroom.

District 7 is made up of member schools from the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC), the Mid-American Intercollegiate Athletics Association (MIAA) and the Great American Conference (GAC).

Young, who earns the award for the first time in her career, was one of seven selected to the all-district team.

A native of Conde, S.D., and a 2016 graduate of Clarke High School,

Young carries a 3.93 GPA in marketing and communications.

Named first team All-Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference, Young led SMSU with 399 kills, while recording a .249 hitting percentage. She also ranks second on the team with 240 digs, third with 21 service aces and is fifth in blocks with 33.

Young will now advance to the CoSIDA Academic All-America® ballot, where first and second team All-Academic honorees will be selected in December.

It’s the third straight year SMSU volleyball has had a first team Academic All-District honoree and the seventh since 2007.

For more information about CoSIDA’s Academic AllDistrict® and Academic All-America® Teams program, visit AcademicAllAmerica.com or the Academic All-America® home page on CoSIDA.com.

Daniel Davis Nominated for Harlon Hill Award Senior wide receiver Daniel Davis is one of 36 nominees for the Harlon Hill Award, which is given annually to the top player in NCAA Division II football.

The National Harlon Hill Award Committee announced the list, which includes players from each of the four Division II Super Regions.

Players are nominated and voted on by the sports information directors at the 167 NCAA Division II football-playing institutions. The 36 initial candidates were placed on regional ballots and the top two players from each of the four NCAA regions advance to the national ballot when regional voting concluded on Monday, Dec. 2. The winner of the 2019 award will be announced on Friday, Dec. 20 and the winner will be honored at the Little Rock Touchdown Club awards banquet on Jan. 9, 2020.

Davis, a native of Tarpon Springs, Fla., led the NSIC in both receptions (104) and receiving yards (1,337) for the second straight season. A two-time first team All-NSIC South honoree, Davis finished the 2019 season with a team-leading 10 touchdowns, with his receptions

total ranking third in SMSU single-season history, while his receiving yards is the fourth highest in team single-season history.

He finished the season with seven 100-yard receiving games and in the final regular season Division II national statistics, he ranked first in receptions per game (9.5), second in receiving yards and third in receiving yards per game (121.5).

The sports information directors at their respective schools nominate candidates. The SIDs in those Super Regions vote for their top five candidates. The winner is then determined in a nation-wide vote of the Division II sports information directors.

The group of 36 candidates includes 13 quarterbacks, 10 running backs, seven wide receivers, three defensive linemen and three linebackers.

The Hill Trophy is named for the late Harlon Hill — the former University of North Alabama standout — who excelled with the Lions from 1950-53 before going on to fame in the National Football League with the Chicago Bears.

SMSU has had one Harlon Hill national finalist in school history with running back Tyler Tonderum finishing eighth in 2013.

Complete Fall Recaps: Cross Country / Football / Golf / Soccer / Swimming & Diving / Volleyball For the latest headlines and more, visit SMSUMustangs.com / Download our app, search “SMSU Athletics”

FOCUS | 15

SMSU FOUNDATION

ANNUAL REPORT Dear Fellow Alumni and Friends, We are pleased to share with you the annual report for the Southwest Minnesota State University Foundation. All of us at SMSU are very grateful for the continued support that we receive from our many alumni and friends. With the leadership of a generous volunteer board of directors, the SMSU Foundation continues to engage donors whose private support and investments in the University enhance the opportunities for our students, faculty, and staff.

This year nearly $1.2 million in private scholarships were awarded to our students. These scholarships are critical investments in our students that allow greater access by removing financial barriers for students, rewarding academic and leadership excellence and allowing students to be better engaged on campus as they prepare themselves for the next stage of their careers. Private support through philanthropic giving and strategic partnerships continues to enhance our academic programming and the opportunities afforded our students to engage beyond the classroom. Ensuring that all of our students have a meaningful experiential learning opportunity during their time at SMSU is a shared vision achieved only with the support of our alumni and friends.

On behalf of the Foundation Board, the students, faculty and staff at SMSU, I want to say thank you for your investment in us. We have much to be thankful for and appreciate the trust you have placed in us to steward your gifts for the betterment of this great University.

Sincerely,

1st Vice President Dave Werpy 2nd Vice President Bruce Saugstad

DISCOVER. ENGAGE. LEAD. FOUNDATION ANNUAL REPORT

BOARD OF DIRECTORS President Jerry Bly

Bill Mulso Vice President for Advancement Foundation Executive Director

16

2018-19 FOUNDATION

2018-19

Secretary/Treasurer Kristi Mukomela Past President Brian Knochenmus Executive Director Bill Mulso

Julie Bleyhl ’84 Vicki Brockman ’82 Timothy Burns ’72 Tina Cartwright ’97 Rebekah Danielson ’18 Bill DeLay ’85 Lee French ’72 Robert Gunther ’77 Dick Jones ’73 Jim Kontz Dan Koster ’85 Jefferson Lee IV ’96/’11 Charles Myrbach Ken Mukomela Mike Rich Joe Roers ’05 Karen Sweetland Diane Taylor ’75 Cindy Verschaetse Dave Werpy ’79 Brad Winkelman ’91 Tricia Zimmer

FOUNDATION SUPPORT

SUPPORT OF STUDENT

SCHOLARSHIPS

July 1, 2018 to June 30, 2019 (Fiscal Year 2019)

University Development $1,315,461

$3,328,352

FY 12 $625,499 Scholarships $1,167,188

FY 13 $806,093 FY 14 $737,384 FY 15 $817,309

Academic and Program Support $335,596

Fundraising $510.107

FY 16 $711,302 FY 17 $991,279

$5,067,510

FY 18 $1,008,030

Contributions and Revenue

FY 19 $1,167,188

3,619

$335,596

Total Academic & Program Support

Donors

$1,167,188

Total Student Scholarships

SMSU ranked

6 in Minnesota

th

1,032

for Return on Investment

Scholarships

62% Faculty and Staff Give

SMSU values the support of all of our donors who support our students and our mission. We thank all of the alumni, parents, and friends whose generosity makes our work possible. A complete honor roll of donors can be found on our website at

www.SMSUFoundation.org/HonorRollofDonors FOUNDATION ANNUAL REPORT

2018-19

17

DISCOVER

Conservation Club Gives 48 Acres

Above: Bluebird Creek Conservation Club members, and SMSU representatives celebrate the dedication on Sept. 28.

Left: Brenna Kramer and Marco Gacke conduct research at the site.

A 48-acre parcel of natural prairie land gifted to the Southwest Minnesota State University Foundation by the Bluebird Creek Conservation Club of Ghent was dedicated during a ceremony on Saturday, Sept. 28.

The area, located on the southwest edge of Ghent, will be known as the Richard and Irene Maertens Conservation and Research Area and will be used as an outdoor classroom by SMSU faculty and students.

The educational applications of the land are many, said Dr. Tom Dilley, Environmental Science professor at SMSU. “Student projects are up and going,” he said. “This area floods on a regular basis, and lays down new sediment. A long-term project could be looking at the layers of soil over the years. It’s a perfect place to bring students.”

Bluebird Creek snakes its way through the land on its way to Three Mile Creek, and that body of water offers additional research opportunities, said Dilley.

A new plant biologist, Shelby Flint, will arrive on campus in January, he said, and is full of ideas already on how to utilize the area for SMSU students.

“There’s many areas of study that can benefit from the land,” said Dr. Emily Deaver, Environmental Science professor. “Our ag students, in terms of conservation land. Art and English students, to come and gain inspiration. It’s a fabulous spot for people who want to come out and enjoy nature.”

Jerry Schaefer, an SMSU alumnus and Bluebird Creek Conservation Club member, said the land was part of a number of parcels that were acquired by the Ghent EDA for the Bluebird Creek Housing Development 15 years ago. Schaefer was the Ghent EDA director at

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the time. The EDA purchased most of the land from Richard and Irene Maertens. “They sold it to us for about a third of what it was worth,” he said. “They gave us a real good deal.”

Richard Maertens has served as SMSU Foundation board member, while Schaefer and current Conservation Club President Michael Murray are both SMSU alumni.

As part of the sale, the Maertens family requested that part of the original 90 acres remain in a natural state.

For a number of complicated reasons, said Schaefer, the prairie land changed hands from the EDA to the Bluebird Creek Conservation Club.

The 48 acres of natural prairie land were put into a conservation reserve program. With the end of that sign-up approaching, the trio of active Bluebird Creek Conservation Club members felt the time was right to look at options. The land required upkeep, and the club membership wasn’t big enough to handle those demands.

Schaefer talked to his wife Kathy — Assistant Professor of Management at SMSU — about the situation, and she suggested contacting Deaver. That was the first domino in a series of events that led to the club donating the land to SMSU. “There’s nothing like it in the whole world,” said Kathy Schaefer, talking about the beauty of the area. “There’s purple and red, the sunsets are gorgeous. It feels like the best place on the planet.”

“I am beside myself,” said Jerry Schaefer. “This is just a wonderful thing.”

SMSU President Kumara Jayasuriya stated, “In my short time at SMSU, I’ve learned how much support the university receives from the region; this is fine example of that support.”

ENGAGE

A Lasting Impact: Mike Bjerkesett ’71

Bjerkesett The late Mike Bjerkesett, a pioneer of handicap accessible housing and a 1971 Charter Class alumnus, has gifted $1.5 million to the SMSU Foundation to endow a scholarship program for students majoring in SMSU Business programs.

It is the single largest gift by an SMSU alum in the history of the institution.

Bjerkesett died on January 18, 2017. He was 69.

Bjerkesett was involved in a car accident following his sophomore year at Bemidji State that left him a paraplegic. He heard of the new college on the prairie and the fact it was built to be fully accessible for students with disabilities, so he transferred, graduating with a Business major.

Bjerkesett and several partners founded the National Handicap Housing Institute in 1975 because they saw a need for accessible housing available for people with mobility impairments.

The nonprofit is considered one of the country’s leading accessible

housing developers and has designed and built more than 50 apartment buildings totaling more than 15,000 accessible units across the country.

He would remain that group’s executive director until his retirement in 2014.

A champion for the disability community, he spent his life working to improve the lives of others. Following his graduation from what was then Southwest Minnesota State College, he counseled clients in the rehabilitation program at North Memorial Medical Center. In 1974 he left that position to form the United Handicap Federation, a social action organization which linked 19 disability groups in Minnesota. He was its first executive director.

After his retirement he formed Accessible Architecture Inc., which provides free accessibility designs and resources via the internet.

He was a 2001 Alumni Achievement Award recipient at SMSU. He also received the Courage Award from the Courage Center.

He was a wheelchair basketball player for the Mustangs, and as a student had a special relationship with Mike Sterner and Lew Shaver. He spoke often of the close friendships he made at SMSU with fellow students Rick Hill and John Schatzlein.

“Mike wanted to leave a legacy that invested in young people who were willing to use their initiative, determination and hard work to grow and prosper. His hope was that with a little financial support he could help future Mustangs achieve their goals,” said SMSU President Kumara Jayasuriya.

“Alumni like Mike Bjerkesett are shining examples of what it means to ‘do well by doing good.’

He dedicated his life to providing opportunities for others. His gift to SMSU will support our students and help them reach their goals,” said President Jayasuriya.

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LEAD

2nd Women’s Leadership Conference

Baribeau

The second annual SMSU Women’s Leadership Conference will feature a speaker who has already made a lasting impression on the SMSU Family.

Rachel Baribeau, a nationally-recognized sportscaster and activist, will give the keynote address at the April 24, 2020 event.

Baribeau was on campus in September, 2019 for a trio of presentations to Mustang men and women athletes and coaches/staff.

Her “Changing the Narrative” presentation was geared specifically for each group. Her overall theme was about becoming a better you, and not being afraid to seek mental health assistance when needed.

She’s looking forward to her talk at the Women’s Leadership Conference. “I never set out to bust down barriers, I never tried to be the first at anything, but somehow, I’ve done a lot of that.”

She described her Women’s Leadership Conference message as being “for all ages. If you’re a woman, and you want to keep growing, you want to keep learning, I can’t wait to meet you at this amazing conference.”

Baribeau is a sportscaster for SiriusXM, where she is the only female host for ESPNU SiriuXM and works on the satellite radio network’s ACC and SEC channels. In 2016, she founded Changing the Narrative, a nonprofit organization where she speaks primarily to college football teams about respecting women and being elite off the field, as well as on it.

She is the first known female sports reporter to participate in a professional football training camp, and brings to her speaking engagements unique life experiences, and a sincerity and passion appreciated by all audiences.

For information on the Women’s Leadership Conference visit: www.SMSUFoundation.org.

Registration and event details will be available online after January 1, 2020: www.SMSUFoundation.org/WomenLead2020

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DISCOVER.

Let your curiosity lead to discovery.

Find out what you can learn and who you can be.

ENGAGE. Connect with a vibrant campus community that pulls you in and lets you know you belong.

LEAD. Learn to lead, blending knowledge, passions, and skills that help you make a difference at SMSU — and beyond.

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T H E E D U C AT I O N W E O FFE R AT S M S U I S : • Focused on relevant careers, grounded in the liberal arts.

• Full of challenge, discovery, and personalized mentoring.

• Leadership-centered, action-based, and connected.

• Flexible, with options for where and when.

• Affordable, with public in-state tuition for all.

• Networked, before and after graduation.

SMSU Alumni Office 1501 State Street • Marshall, MN 56258

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UPCOMING EVENTS January 6 – Coloring Contest Deadline January 18 – Minnesota Timberwolves, Minneapolis, MN January 31 – Gold Rush Raffle February 8 – Hawaiian Night February 15 – Mustang Ice Classic, Lake Sarah, MN February 25 – GOLD on the ROAD, Scottsdale, AZ April 3 – Presidential Inauguration April 24 – Women’s Leadership Conference May 9 – Commencement June 19 – SMSU Golf Classic October 10 – Homecoming 2020

Lake Sarah - Minnesota

For information, tickets, and more events, visit: SMSUALUMNI.COM