SMSUFOCUS A magazine for alumni & friends of Southwest Minnesota State University
Spring 2018 Edition | Inside: A Look Back on the 50th Anniversary Year
SMSUFOCUS A magazine for alumni & friends of Southwest Minnesota State University
SPRING 2018 | VOL. 37, NO. 2
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SMSU Seeks Public Feedback for HLC Accreditation Southwest Minnesota State University is seeking comments from the public about the University in preparation for its periodic evaluation by its regional accrediting agency. SMSU will host a visit October 28-30, 2018, with a team representing the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association. Southwest Minnesota State University has been accredited by the Commission since 1972. The team will review the institution’s ongoing ability to meet the Commission’s Criteria for Accreditation. The public is invited to submit comments regarding the university via mail: Public Comment on Southwest Minnesota State University The Higher Learning Commission 230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500 Chicago, IL 60604-1411 The public may also submit comments on the Commission’s Website at: www.ncahlc.org/ HLC-Institutions/third-party-comment.html Comments must address substantive matters related to the quality of the institution or its academic programs. Comments must be in writing. All comments must be received by September 28, 2018.
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50th Anniversary Year Reflections Steve Binder ’79 Gives Commencement Address News from Around Campus Alumni Spotlight: Alumni in the Workplace Alumni Connections Mustang Athletics Class Notes
President Dr. Connie J. Gores
Focus Editor and Designer Marcy D. Olson ’93/MBA ’05
Vice President for Advancement/ Executive Director of Foundation Bill Mulso ’93
Senior Writer and Photographer Jim Tate
Director of Alumni Relations Michael VanDrehle ’08/MBA ’10
Contributors Sharon Buysse Rita Fonder ’16/MBA ’18 Kelly Loft ’97/MS ’11 Erik Vogel
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 (USPS 565-770) 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
[ 50th Anniversary ]
SMSU Celebrates 50th Anniversary
Events both large and small were a significant part of the 50th anniversary of Southwest Minnesota State University. And while the golden anniversary was celebrated in a variety of ways—concerts, plays, speakers, panels, open houses, reunions, a banquet—there was one constant associated with the 2017-18 academic year: memories. Alumni who had not been on campus for years made a special effort to return to their alma mater—be it Southwest Minnesota State College, Southwest State University (1975) or Southwest Minnesota State University (2003). It doesn’t make any difference what the institution was named. What alumni, faculty, staff and friends of SMSU were looking for were familiar faces, and a chance to revisit those special college memories and share them with friends. “SMSU is a remarkable place,” said President Connie J. Gores. “Time and again I heard from alumni across the decades about the spirit of SMSU, where we turn dreams into reality, we change lives, and we make a difference.” Returning Charter Class members enjoyed the memories of an earlier time, when just three buildings formed the academic core of the University: Central Academic (now Bellows Academic), Fine Arts
and Physical Education. The 509 charter class members remembered being asked to take a desk with them to their first classes, the residence halls not quite being done, and the single brick they were presented at Commencement, symbolic of helping to build a new University on the prairie. Longtime residents of the community remembered the build-up to the naming of Marshall as the site of a new university, and the community celebration that accompanied that news on Oct. 10, 1963. Less than four years later—Sept. 18, 1967—SMSU opened its doors. Warren Quarnstrom, the only living member of the original Marshall College Committee, has watched the University grow and mature ever since that group first met back in 1956 to discuss the possibility of a college coming to Marshall. “For me, I’ve taken advantage of what the University has to offer from the beginning,” he said. “I enjoy the athletic events especially.” And if there’s one person he wishes could have seen SMSU turn 50, it was longtime supporter Dick Jorgensen, also a member of that original Marshall College Committee who died on April 15, 2017. Jorgenson was the author of A History of Southwest State University and
Top photos, from left: Warren Quarnstrom signs the 50th Charter. Our first Homecoming (Founders Day) Queen, Mary (Haller) Frandson rode in the 50th Anniversary Homecoming parade. John Schatzlein, the first student body president, signs his name to the 50th Charter. Bottom photos, left: Members of the Charter Class made a special stop at the President’s office to sign the charter. Right: softball alumni gather at the All-Southwest Reunion on Sept. 30, 2017.
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[ 50th Anniversary ] a big University benefactor. “He would have really enjoyed everything,” said Quarnstrom, a charter member of the Mustang Booster Club who donated the legal work associated with its formation. Michael VanDrehle, an alumnus and Alumni Director at SMSU, said one of the things that struck him about the year was the way the community and region participated. “Everyone jumped in to help us celebrate. We have received tremendous support in Marshall and the region over the years; that resonated more than I’ve ever seen.” Student support was outstanding, as well. As VanDrehle noted, “It was as if it was Homecoming during the entire year; there was just an excitement that permeated the entire campus.” Chris Nolte, director of development for the Madison County Health Care System in Winterset, Iowa, and an on-again, off-again member of the SMSU band Clutch and the Shifters, returned after 39 years. “Things changed so much on campus, but some things remained the same,” he said. “I spent most of my time in the Theatre and Music areas, and saw so many of them at the (Sept. 2017 All-Southwest) Reunion. I hope to come back again.” Many couples returned, also, to where they met and fell in love. Scott (’91) and Jenny (Sodemann ’92) Ellenbecker first met in the Armstrong residence hall and though she initially declined his first-date request, she later relented, and he took her to the campus food service. They married in 1993. They own Round Lake Vineyards & Winery, where a special red blend, “The Mustang,” was bottled to help celebrate the University’s 50th Anniversary. Incoming freshmen arrive on Aug. 23, 2018, the first class of the second 50 years of the institution. They, too, will make their own memories at SMSU, a University that means so much to its 22,104 alumni.
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Clockwise from top left: Ryan Hugh Ross’08 performed the National Anthem prior to the Homecoming football game. The Whipple Gallery exhibits included paintings by alumnus Michael Sieve. Celebrating milestones is an annual tradition and this year, ‘72 alum and long-time employee Stu Galstad was recognized for 45 years of service and his retirement. Former Athetlic Director Butch Raymond, Cecilia and David Danahar, Linnea Raymond enjoy their return to campus for “A Celebration of Southwest Stories” event on April 23. The SMSU Foundation hosted a Mustangs Painting Event at Brau Brothers on April 30. Attendees were able to paint a unique Mustang Pride creation under the direction of Emily Peterson, SMSU Alumna. Paul Schell performs on the piano during the Southwest Minnesota Orchestra’s “Song of the Prairie” concert on May 1. Jerry and Ricke Bly, alumni and avid supporters of SMSU, show off their work on the SMSU 50th Anniversary holiday tree that earned second place in the Lyon County Museum’s annual indoor tree walk.
[ 50th Anniversary]
Class of 2018 Grads Give Trees to SMSU
Jeff Jennings, Grounds and The SMSU campus has 22 new trees, thanks to the Roads Maintenance Supervisor, said there was a real effort to Class of 2018 Graduate Gift Project. plant trees across campus when the University first opened its This year’s graduates, doors in 1967. “But over time, along with others from the University community, we’ve lost some trees — to storms, age, and construction. raised over $1,000 toward the project, a figure that Our goal is to plant two trees was matched by the SMSU for every one that is taken down.” Foundation. A total of 11 St. Croix The trees planted to the west of the Foundation Residence Elms and 11 Burr Oaks Apartments were planted were planted at two areas on campus. Eleven are located in between ash trees. “Those will come down sooner or later,” a circular fashion around the said Jennings, referring to the Central Field (site of the old Emerald Ash Borer. “That’s F-Hall), and 11 are located made its way to Fairmont now. along Birch Street, west of the Foundation Residence It won’t be long before it’s in Above, from left: Tanner Skillings, Erik Vogel, Meredith Hyatt, Dr. Connie J. Gores, Aaron Marshall.” Apartments, toward Mustang Lange, Bill Mulso, and Christian Skillings. “We appreciate the gifts for Trail. this worthwhile project,” said Vogel. “Our seniors this year liked the fact The Graduate Gift Project was started in 2015. A committee of eight they were the golden anniversary class, and many chose to contribute graduating seniors selected a project that will be beneficial to SMSU. to the Graduate Gift Project.” “It was the most successful Graduate Gift Project yet,” said Erik He said gifts are still being accepted for the project. To donate, visit Vogel, Director of Annual Giving and the coordinator of the program. give.smsu.edu/campaigns/class-of-2018-graduate-gift-project. “We’ve had over 50 gifts, and over $1,300 raised, and the Foundation will match up to $3,000.”
SMSU Publishes Coffee Table Book for Anniversary One of the largest projects associated with the 50th anniversary was the publishing of a coffee table book, The Southwest Story as told by the Mustang Family. The book includes 99 short essays by alumni, administrators, faculty, staff, students and friends of the University who were associated with SMSU in some way during its first five decades. People like John Schatzlein, Jacob Fahl, Bruce Saugstad, Amanda (Schultz) Romaine, Warren Quarnstrom, Betsy Desy, Jon Wefald, Carmen DeKoster, Phil Dacey, Mike Sterner, Jean Replinger and Dick Jorgensen, to name but a few, contributed to the book. The book price is $35, and is available through the SMSU Alumni office: 507-537-6266; www.SMSUalumni.com/50thBook. Everyone who contributed to this publication remembered their time at the University differently. “Ideas in Flux,” a required course for freshmen, was mentioned numerous times and remembered both positively and negatively. Also mentioned often was the “Community of Scholars,” an area on the top floor of the library where faculty had their
offices in those early days. They weren’t separated by academic areas, as they are today, and resulted in science, English and business faculty rubbing elbows and developing lifelong friendships. Young faculty members in those early years, fresh out of graduate school, weren’t too much older than the first students at the University. Common threads are woven throughout the narratives — what it means to be a member of the Mustang Family, the caring atmosphere that permeates the University and the support that students receive as they strive to achieve their academic goals. Lee Kanten, Class of 1974 and a member of the Clutch and the Shifters band that made a name for itself, put it so eloquently in his essay. “So, what did I get from my time at SMSU? Let’s see — my vocation, my avocation, my lifetime friends, my wife. Not bad, and all at very affordable rates! … May it all lead to you one day being asked to write 450 words about SMSU, only to discover you needed just two: Thank you.”
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[ 50th Anniversary ]
Steve Binder Gives 50th Anniversary Commencement Address Alumnus Steve Binder gave SMSU graduates common sense advice gained from a successful business career when he spoke at the May 5, 2018 Commencement. Binder, Executive Vice President and President of Hormel Business Units, joined the Austinbased food company shortly after graduating in 1979 with a degree in Business Administration. He retired in May after having held numerous positions within the company. Binder came to SMSU to swim for the Mustangs. He was a four-time All-American and is enshrined in the Hall of Honor. In his address, Binder spoke about three keys on the way to success. They included: • Commit to the journey, not just the destination. “I want to start with a quote, which has been credited to a number of people, but the most famous is JP Morgan. ‘Go as far as you can see; when you get there, you’ll be able to see farther,’ said Binder. “My coming to Marshall from a suburb of Chicago to attend school … extended my horizons. For the next four years, I gained an education and self confidence that came with being a student-athlete. … I came to understand the importance of self-motivation, hard work, commitment, focus and the belief in one’s abilities. “There was no way I knew, by coming here to Southwest, how much I would change and grow, through the people I met and the experiences I had. Your path at 22 will not be the same path at 32 or 42. We change, we grow, and we evolve with each challenge and experience. Having a destination in mind is a good thing, but knowing exactly where you are going is not as important as embracing the journey; so commit to the journey.”
Above: Steve Binder is pictured with SMSU President Connie J. Gores prior to the Commencement procession. Below: Binder addresses the Class of 2018.
• Be Comfortable with being uncomfortable. “After graduation I hired on with Hormel Foods based in Austin. I relocated nine times in my first 13 years. Each relocation increased my responsibility and provided me with unique demands. I learned self-awareness, humility, empathy and how to listen. One of the biggest obstacles I had to overcome is public speaking and presentations to large groups. I took Dale Carnegie and attended Toastmasters. I tried to put myself in front of audiences so I could be comfortable with being uncomfortable. And I practiced, practiced, practiced. It is hard to get worse at something if you practice.” • Remember it is progress, not perfection. “Fear of failure can either be a great motivator or it can be absolutely paralyzing. I can’t tell you how many times I have made mistakes and thought the world would come to an end. The advice I can give you is to have thick skin, be resilient and persevere through adversity and setbacks. Learn to laugh at yourself and life in general. It’s progress not perfection.” Binder closed by saying, “The truth is, you never really ‘make it.’ You never really ‘arrive.’ Do you know why? It’s because you can always see a little farther.” Binder said he was honored to be the Commencement speaker. “I enjoyed the opportunity to reminisce about my time at Southwest and the impact the University had on my life. That includes meeting my wife Debbie (Dahl), so spending time on campus with our two sons (Michael and David) was special. … I also was astounded by the stories people shared about their time at Southwest and their memories of coach Don Palm and the swim program. It was a very special weekend.”
Anniversary
Coffee Table Book
Only $35.00
Now Available!: Contact the SMSU Foundation at 507-537-6266 or Foundation@SMSU.edu Visit the Foundation Office, 2nd Floor Founders Hall. 4 | FOCUS
[ around campus ]
SMSU Culinology Teams Win Student Competition Southwest Minnesota State University The competition included two parts. The Culinology teams finished first and second first was the proposal, which was sent to at the 2018 Research Chefs Association RCA, which then selected the finalists in (RCA) Student Culinology Competition, December 2017. Five teams were invited held at the national RCA Convention in to the finals. The others were Guelph Savanna, Ga., in March. University, Canada, which finished third, Just five college/university teams were along with the University of Minnesota selected to compete in the finals. and Dominican University, River Forest, Ill. “At the awards ceremony, they The second part was the preparation of announced third-, second- and first-place the meal. Teams prepared and froze their winners, and they start with third. When meal and brought them to Georgia. They we were named second place, there was then prepared the meal, fresh, during the a lot of excitement. But then when they competition. The object was to have the announced us as the first-place team, frozen meal taste as close to the freshlyTeam Flippin’ Biscuits, from left: Dean Zinda, Megan Forster, too, it was like I suddenly couldn’t think made “gold standard” meal as possible. Clarissa Geisel and Alexandra Froman straight. There were some tears,” said Team Flippin’ Biscuits prepared a glutenAssistant Professor of Culinology Dr. free sweet potato biscuit covered with Zhenlei Xiao. bacon and sausage gravy and hash on top. A unique twist to the meal is Taking first place was Team Flippin’ Biscuits which included Dean that the biscuit starts out on top when it is put in the microwave, then Zinda, junior, Culinology and Hospitality Management double major, flipped. “The judges liked that, they thought it got people involved in Milwaukee, Wis.; Megan Forster, senior, Culinology major, Moorhead, the meal preparation, rather just putting it in the microwave,” said Xiao. Minn.; Clarissa Geisel, senior, Culinology major, Eagan, Minn.; and The second SMSU team prepared shrimp and grits, “a very popular Alexandra Froman, senior, Culinology major, Bloomington, Ill. The meal in Georgia,” said Xiao. “They added some Asian flavor — they second-place team was Team Grits and Shrimp Fritters, and included used coconut cream instead of heavy cream for the grits, and they Madison Meritt, senior, Culinology major, Hugo, Minn.; Gabby ground the shrimp and made it into patties,” she said. Tellijohn, senior, Culinology major, Owatonna, Minn.; Keaton Crowley, “The RCA event is a nice platform for all the students in Culinology senior, Culinology major, Cincinnati, Ohio; and Jose Pedroza, senior, and food science to have a chance to apply what they learned. It’s about Culinology major, Marshall, Minn. food product development, which is like their future jobs. After months This year’s competition theme was “Cuisine of Southern Georgia: of hard work, they grow up a lot,” she said. Mom and Pop Locally-Owned Restaurants.” The winning team received Xiao appreciates the support of team sponsors, including SMSU, $2,500 in cash. It marks the third time SMSU has won the competition, Schwan’s Company, Chartwells, Land ’O Lakes, AURI and TPI the first two wins came in 2011 and 2013. Hospitality.
SMSU Enactus Participates in National Competition The SMSU Enactus club competed in The group’s presentation centered on its the national Enactus competition May car-seat recycling project, as well as a water 21 in Kansas City, Mo. purification system it is working on in Haiti. “We finished second in our league,” Enactus collected over 400 outdated child explained Political Science Professor car seats over a three-month period and had Doug Simon, the group’s Sam Walton them recycled by Advanced Opportunities Fellow (advisor). “There were 16 personnel. That program is expanding next leagues. The top finishers in each league year, said Simon. An app notifies the club moved on to the second day. That when the collection bins are full. means we were anywhere from 17th The water purification project in a Haiti to 32nd, but those weren’t ranked. All village is two-pronged: first is working with of those teams finished second in their a non-profit to construct a water purification league.” system to combat cholera outbreaks and The presentation team consisted of: water-borne diseases. The second is training • Rylee Armstrong, an Art and a delivery person who travels the area on From left: Rylee Armstrong, Kyle Antes, Rebekah Danielson, Marketing major from Canada. a motor bike and fills up water jugs. “They Vidit Doshi, Maria Baleng and Zack Majka. • Kyle Antes, a senior Marketing carry their water in jugs and they get thrown major from Windom, Minn. away, creating a terrible pollution problem,” • Rebekah Danielson, a senior Finance and Management double explained Simon. major from Roseau, Minn. Simon said he was proud of his team members and looks forward • Vidit Doshi, a sophomore Computer Science major from India to 2018-19. “I think that the projects the students have worked on were • Maria Baleng, a junior Management major from Marshall, Minn. extraordinary,” he said. “The judges were impressed and I’m extremely • Zack Majka, a sophomore Management and Marketing double proud of what the team was able to accomplish.” major from Batavia, Ill.
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[ around campus ]
SMSU Holds Special Commencement for Student Landyn Van Overbeke had a very meaningful Commencement of his own following the death of his father John, whose funeral was the same day as the SMSU Commencement on Saturday, May 5. His father died quietly in his sleep on April 27, and Landyn was unable to attend SMSU’s Commencement. After learning of his situation, President Connie J. Gores arranged for the one-person ceremony, which included Provost Dwight Watson, and Exercise Science faculty members Kris Cleveland and Jeffrey Bell. It was held on May 9. “John is here right now,” said Landyn’s grandmother Diane Van Overbeke prior to the ceremony. “He’s got the best seat in the house.” Landyn studied Exercise Science at SMSU and is employed at the Marshall Area YMCA. He said he’ll work for a couple of years and decide if he wants to pursue a master’s degree. “I’m super thankful, and proud to have my family here to celebrate,” he said. “You only get one graduation.” His mother Caryn Hetland was on hand, along with his paternal grandparents, Duane and Diane Van Overbeke. Also joining him were his brother, Avery, an SMSU junior, and his cousin, Riley Yost. Administrators and faculty members were in full regalia for the event, which was held at President Gores’ office on the second floor of Founders Hall on campus. “This is very special to Landyn and his family and is a reflection of how important each and every member of the Mustang family is to us,” said President Gores.
Above: Landyn Van Overbeke with his family and President Connie J. Gores (center) during a special commencement ceremony held in his honor. Right: President Gores congratulates Landyn Van Overbeke.
Mu Mu Aye Receives Outstanding Senior Award She continued to work part-time while A student who survived several years in attending SMSU, serving as a community a refugee camp and who found her way to liaison with United Community Action the campus of Southwest Minnesota State Partnership and later, Marshall Public University was named the Outstanding Schools. She was also a family outreach Senior at Commencement exercises on May 5, 2018. coordinator with Literacy Volunteers of Southwest Minnesota. Mu Mu Aye, a Sociology major, was She struggled with English early honored for her academic achievements on, and her diligence paid off as she and involvement with emerging graduated with honors. She is committed populations, both on campus, and off. Aye was a role model to fellow students to new populations in the area, and was a volunteer interpreter and cultural advisor and took a leadership role in cultural for the Migrant Voices project in 2016, events on campus and in the community. and presented her work at a professional She is a past LeAnn C. Tolk Scholarship conference. Her work, “A Typical Place winner, and earlier this year was named a Welter World Citizen Award winner, one to Live and Learn: A Visual Tour of Four Mu Mu Aye accepts the Outstanding Senior Award from SMSU of just 20 Minnesota State students so College Towns,” was on display at South Alumni Association president, Neal Wahlmann. Dakota State University. She served on the honored. university’s Strategic Planning Committee A native of Myanmar, she spent six a year ago. And through the Karen Organization of Minnesota, years in a refugee camp on the border of Myanmar and Thailand she helped coordinate a multi-cultural event at last year’s Marshall before arriving in the U.S. in 2012. After spending a year in Houston, Texas, she arrived in Marshall with her husband, Eh Sher, and son, community celebration, Sounds of Summer. Andrew, to take a Human Resources position at Turkey Valley Farms. One professor who nominated her for the award wrote, “She would “My number one goal in the U.S. was to earn a college degree,” she said. rank in the top 5 percent of the students we have taught over the years.” After working for a year, she started classes at SMSU.
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SMSU ALUMNI
who bring the Mustang Spirit to businesses and organizations in the community and around the world. We are so proud of our Mustang Family. Thank you for helping us celebrate our 50th Anniversary.
[ alumni connections ]
The 2018 Alumni Award Recipients Announced Each year the SMSU Alumni Association recognizes alumni and friends who have made significant contributions of time, talent or financial resources to help advance and bring positive recognition to Southwest Minnesota State University. This year’s award recipients have been selected and will be recognized during Homecoming at the annual awards luncheon on Friday, Oct. 5, 2018. ALUMNI ACHIEVEMENT AWARD • Eldean Maschoff ’71, founder of Aluma, Emmetsburg, Ia. • Jim Schlenner ’79, partner in Schlenner Wenner & Company, St. Cloud, Minn. • Susan McGaughey ’72, retired General Manager of Valley Natural Foods, Burnsville, Minn.
HONORARY LIFETIME MEMBER AWARD • Jon and Niter Knochenmus, owners of Ralco, Marshall, Minn. GRADUATE OF THE LAST DECADE (GOLD) • Trisha VanDusseldorp ’11, Assistant Professor of Exercise Science, Kennesaw State University, Kennesaw, Ga. To hear their Southwest stories and celebrate the accomplishments of all this year’s award winners, join us for the 2018 Alumni Awards Luncheon on Friday, Oct. 5 at noon in the Conference Center Ballroom. The event is open to the public. Tickets will be available online later this summer. To read about past award winners or reserve tickets, visit:
www.SMSUAlumni.com/AlumniAwards
William Whipple Gallery 2018-19 Season: Call for Art CALL FOR ENTRIES SMSU is inviting alumni and friends to submit artwork for a series of exhibits to take place in the William Whipple Gallery during the 2018-2019 academic year. Artists are invited to submit proposals for both group exhibits and solo artist shows. Works may be juried by gallery staff. ELIGIBILITY The exhibitions are open to any both alumni and friends with preference given to alumni. SUBMISSION PROCEDURE Entrants may submit up to twelve (12) images of original works completed in the last six years (2012-2018) and not previously exhibited at SMSU. Selections will be made from the submitted digital images. SPECIFICATIONS The exhibits will consist of twoand three-dimensional work in all media. Wall pieces must be wired for hanging and no larger than 60”x60”. Free-standing pieces may not exceed 32”x48”x60” and/or weigh more than 50 lbs. Accepted work cannot be substituted and must be available for the duration of the exhibit.
Three of Terrence Fogarty’s paintings displayed in the Whipple Gallery, Fall 2017.
SUBMISSION Submit up to three JPEG digital images per work. Requirements for image files: • File format: JPEG only • File dimensions: No smaller than 1920 pixels on the longest side • File resolution: 72 ppi/dpi (standard web) • File size: 5 MB maximum • File information: Name of piece, dimensions, medium, date. 2018-19 SEASON, AUGUST 2018-MAY 2019 First Show: Aug. 27–Oct. 12 Second Show: Oct. 17–Nov. 21 Third Show: Graduating Seniors, Nov. 26–Dec. 20 Fourth Show: Jan. 14–Feb. 22 Fifth Show: Faculty & Staff Showcase, Feb. 25–Mar. 29 Sixth Show: Fine Arts Celebration & Graduating Senior Show, Apr. 1–May 9
DATES & DEADLINES Submission Deadline: July 15 Artist Notification: August 1 In-Person Delivery: TBD during office hours Deadline to Receive Shipped Artwork: One week prior to show opening. Exhibit Opening Reception: TBD Pre-paid Artwork Return and In-Person Pick-Up: TBD during office hours HOW TO ENTER! 2018 entries should be submitted to Foundation@SMSU.edu If you encounter a problem with submissions or have technical questions, please contact: Jessica Anderson 507-537-6266 or Jessica.Anderson@SMSU.edu
ACCEPTED SHIPPING Artists are responsible for shipping or hand delivering their work to SMSU by the delivery date listed above. Use sturdy, reusable packaging if shipping work. Return shipping must be prepaid by the artist and enclosed with the artwork. Works will be returned in the same manner as delivered or via FedEx. SMSU is not responsible for works not claimed within 30 days of the end of the exhibit. Upon notification of acceptance, all works to be exhibited should be shipped ready for presentation. Two-dimensional works should be wired and ready to hang. Threedimensional works must include specific instructions for assembly or display. SMSU reserves the right to reject works not galleryready or that differ significantly from the images originally submitted. INSURANCE SMSU will insure artwork for stated value while the work is on the premises. Individual artists are responsible for insuring their work during transit.
Show us your Mustang Pride in Amazing Places! Submit your photos online at www.SMSUAlumni.com/AmazingPlaces. One photo will be selected for publication in FOCUS. The winner will receive a $50 gift card to the SMSU Barnes & Noble Campus Bookstore. To be considered, photos must be high-resolution, clear, with “SMSU” or a Mustang logo clearly visible. *We reserve the right to disqualify photos that we judge to be digitally manipulated., altered or photoshopped
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[ alumni connections ]
SMSU Students from the Students Today Alumni Tomorrow (STAT) Club as well as the Beverage Management class and faculty visited Round Lake Vineyards & Winery.
Round Lake Vineyards & Winery Hosts Students SMSU alumni who own businesses are doing their part to engage SMSU students and share their success stories. Alumni Scott (’91) and Jenny (Sodemann, ’92) Ellenbecker hosted the Students Today Alumni Tomorrow (STAT) club on April 17 at their winery, Round Lake Vineyards & Winery, located near Round Lake, Minn. “The goal of STAT is to connect current SMSU students with our alumni so that they can learn more about their business and how they became successful. It may also open up internship and job opportunities,” said Julia Stuckey, the graduate assistant in the Alumni Office who was one of the 55 students who attended the presentation. The trip was arranged in partnership with the Beverage Management class within the Hospitality Management program. “We had students from the class who signed up, and we opened it up to other students, both undergraduate and graduate,” she explained. “We had to cut off registrations because the bus we took was full. There was a lot of
interest in the Ellenbeckers and their winery.” The class takes a similar trip each year. Alumni Director Michael VanDrehle contacted Assistant Professor of Hospitality Management Dr. Joyce Hwang about including students from the Beverage Management class. The students heard from the Chief Financial Officer about the economics of the business. The Ellenbeckers then discussed marketing and outcomes, and the process of building a business. After those presentations, the students were taken on a tour, and ended their day with a wine tasting. Stuckey earned her undergraduate degree from SMSU in Hospitality Management, with an emphasis in event coordination management. She soaked in the information the Ellenbeckers shared. “I’ve been to other wineries. This one was different. It’s bigger, and they have an event space which is amazing. It was very impressive.” Alumni who own businesses and wish to share their story with STAT club members can contact VanDrehle at: Michael.Vandrehle@SMSU.edu; 507-537-6257.
Do you know a student who would love SMSU? If so, please participate in our Mustang Referral Program. Referrals are a great source of qualified applicants because of your unique understanding of the type of students who would thrive here at SMSU. Help us showcase the amazing opportunities at SMSU by encouraging them to visit campus!
MUSTANGREFERRAL Share your love of SMSU!
Referred students who visit campus receive:
• A personal tour of campus
• Application fee waived
• A chance to win a $250 scholarship • A free SMSU T-Shirt
Visit: www.SMSUAlumni.com/MustangReferral FOCUS | 9
[ athletics ]
Jayden Fleck Named Academic All-American 2nd Team SMSU junior baseball student-athlete Jayden Fleck was named to the 2018 Google Cloud Academic All-America® second team as selected by the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA). Fleck, a native of Hutchinson, Minn. carries a 3.97 cumulative GPA majoring in Accounting and Finance. Fleck started all 40 games at second base this season and batted .315 with nine doubles, while leading the team in both home runs (6) and RBIs (33). Named SMSU’s Defensive Player of the Year, Fleck finished with a .954 fielding percentage, which
included 83 assists and 61 putouts. He moved to second base after playing in a combined 85 games at both shortstop and third base during the 2016 and 2017 seasons. This is the 21st time in school history an SMSU student-athlete has earned CoSIDA Academic All-America® honors and the 14th to earn CoSIDA Academic All-America® honors since 2009. It’s the sixth time an SMSU baseball student-athlete has been named an Academic AllAmerica®, but the first since 2012. For a complete list of the Mustang Academic All-Americans visit: www.SMSUMustangs.com
Rebecca Manteuffel Competes in NCAA DII Championships SMSU freshman Rebecca Manteuffel finished in 18th place in the discus at the NCAA Division II Outdoor Track & Field Championships held at the Irwin Belk Complex, Johnson C. Smith University, Charlotte, N.C. on May 26. Manteuffel, who entered the championships seeded 20th out of 24 throwers, recorded a mark
of 42.06 meters on her first throw, then finished with a mark of 42.65 meters on her second toss. She fouled on her third and final throw and failed to advance to the nine-person finals. Manteuffel is the first female SMSU track & field athlete to compete at the NCAA Championships in program history. She qualified for the championship by recording a school-record toss of 48.13 meters at the MIAA vs. NSIC Showdown in Maryville, Mo. on April 5.
Women’s swimming & diving to be added in 2019-20 Director of Athletics Chris Hmielewski announced that SMSU will add women’s swimming and diving which will begin competition during the 2019-20 season. A search for a full-time head coach will begin this summer. “We are excited to reinstate the women’s swimming and diving program at SMSU,” Hmielewski said. “This is a great opportunity for SMSU Athletics to support the University’s enrollment while increasing student opportunities to compete in NCAA Division II intercollegiate athletics.” The team will compete in the Don Palm Natatorium, which has six, 25-yard lanes and a separate 13-foot diving well. The facility hosted four NAIA Men’s National Championships in the 1970s when SMSU sponsored men’s swimming and diving for 10 seasons from 1970-80. “The addition of women’s swimming and diving will allow SMSU to grow the numbered of sponsored sports to 18. Our goal is to have a roster size of 32 student-athletes in the program.” Hmielewski said.
“Adding swimming and diving will increase the utilization of our swimming pool, provide community outreach with camps and recruitment efforts, and reconnect with a very loyal and supportive group of swimming and diving alumni.” With the addition of SMSU, a total of eight schools will sponsor women’s swimming and diving in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference. SMSU joins Augustana, U-Mary, Minnesota State, MSU Moorhead, Northern State, St. Cloud State and Sioux Falls.
Andrea (Schreier) Sawatzky to be inducted into NSIC Hall of Fame Andrea (Schreier) Sawatzky, who played basketball for SMSU from 1997-2001, will be inducted in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) Hall of Fame during a July 10 ceremony at the Best Western Premier in Burnsville, Minn. Sawatzky was a four-year letterwinner for the Mustang women’s program and earned many individual accolades while helping the program reach new heights. Originally from Manson, Iowa, Sawatzky played in 111 career games and holds the school record with 409 career free throws made and ranks second in school history in 3-point field goal pct. (42.7). She ranks fourth in school history with 1,570 points, fifth in rebounds with 689 and holds the single-season free throw percentage record (89.1). During her senior season in 2000-01, Sawatzky was named the
NSIC Player of the Year, leading in field goal percentage and averaging 15.9 points and 6.3 rebounds in 30 games. She was named first-team Daktronics All-Region and WBCA honorable mention All-America and helped lead the Mustangs to the 2001 NSIC championship and their first-ever appearance in the NCAA tournament. A three-time first-team All-NSIC honoree, Sawatzky was named NSIC Newcomer of the Year in 1997-98 and led SMSU in rebounding all four seasons, while leading the team in scoring for three seasons. Sawatzky, a kindergarten teacher in the Lac Qui Parle Valley school district, lives in Appleton, Minn., with her husband, Scott, and their three children: Rylee, Carson, Maya. The NSIC Hall of Fame Class of 2018 also includes: Donna Palivec, Bemidji State; James McNear III, Concordia-St. Paul; Nate Hendrickson, MSU Moorhead; Ryan Miller, Northern State; Emily (Schroeder) Jones, Wayne State; and Cyndy (Schubbe) Jones, Winona State.
Complete Spring Recaps: Baseball / Golf / Softball / Tennis / Track & Field For the latest headlines, winter sports news and more, visit SMSUMustangs.com
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[ class notes ]
Luke ’75
1970
Eldean Maschoff and his late wife, Joyce, were invited to talk about their asparagus and other vegetables at last year’s Minnesota State Fair. Their photo was featured in the 2018 “Minnesota Cooks” calendar, for the month of May.
1975
Brian Luke has been successfully coaching the Stillwater varsity boy’s and girl’s swimming and diving teams since he graduated from SMSU.
1976
Lionel Bolden retired and sold his share of several Hardee’s restaurants in the region. Lionel was a 2001 Alumni Achievement Award winner and is a member of the SMSU Hall of Honor. Marcia Jagodzinske is the former president and CEO of Riverfront Inc. and Riverfront Foundation, in LaCrosse, Wis., which support individuals with disabilities so they may live meaningful lives. Michael Soppeland has written two books, The Weary Pilgrim, and his second, due out spring of 2018, The Joy of the Lord is My Strength.
1979
Steven Binder, executive vice president of Hormel business, was the Commencement speaker for the SMSU’s 50th anniversary Commencement on May 5, 2018.
Bolden ’76
Jagodzinske ’76
1983
Rassoul Dastmozd, president of St. Paul College, was the guest speaker for St. Catherine University’s Winter Commencement on Dec. 2, 2017.
1985
Dr. Tom Jackson, president of Black Hills State University (S.D.) since 2014, has been selected as a Pillar of the Profession by the NASPA Foundation Board in recognition of his many years of outstanding service to the profession. The Pillars of the Profession pay tribute to a select group of people who have served as leaders, teachers, mentors and scholars in student affairs and higher education.
1987
Dan Lemke is the newest addition to the staff of the Linder Farm Network. Karen (Traen) VanKeulen and her family were named Lyon County Farm Family of the Year for 2017.
1993
Jeff Vierkant is the new CEO of Arnolds Park Amusement Park as of March 6, 2018 in Arnolds Park, Iowa. Jeff and his wife Nancy (Wagener) and their children were named Iowa Special Olympics Family of the Year in 2014.
1998
Kent Roers and brother, Brian, developed
Binder ’79
Dastmozd ’83
Spectrum Apartments in Minneapolis, Minn.
2000
Nathan Rudolph (MS ’03) is now the principal at Sauk Rapids-Rice Middle School.
2001
Sabrina Ulrich recently opened an office on Main Street in Marshall which provides therapy to individuals and families. Nicholas Vincelli, and his wife, Amy (Cox, ’02), welcomed a baby girl, Evelyn Lillian, on Feb. 8, 2018. Evelyn joins three brothers at home.
2002
Former Mustang wheelchair basketball player Ryan Martin is the president of the Ryan Martin Foundation in Cromwell, Conn. Carrie Hemiller married Nolan Schuller on July 29, 2017. They reside in Jackson, Minn. Travis Carroll and his wife, Emily (Nuese, ’10), welcomed Sadie Ann on May 21, 2018.
2003
Ken Hubert (MS) retired after 34 years as Faribault High School girl’s swimming and diving coach. Todd Lee and his wife, Su Kyung, welcomed babies MacHale Auerbach and Maxine Willoughby on Dec. 4, 2017.
2005
Stacey Cole (MS) was named Iowa’s 2018 Central Office All cities are in Minnesota unless noted.
Jackson ’85
Ulrich ’01
Administrator of the Year by School Administrators of Iowa, and recently accepted a position as the superintendent in Storm Lake, Iowa.
2006
Kelly Haberling and his wife, Christy (Haight), welcomed a son, Owen Thomas, on Dec. 3, 2017. Dane and Jaclyn (Prososki, ’07) Larson welcomed Elliot James into the Mustang Family on Jan. 4, 2018. Dr. Vang “Brian” Xiong become the first Hmong doctoral student to graduate from MSU, Mankato in Counselor Education and Supervision with an emphasis on College Student Affairs.
2007
Adam DeVos and his wife, Holly (Reynertson, ’08), welcomed their third child on Feb. 21, 2018. Jillian (Wallace) Voss and her husband, Jeremy, welcomed baby Emmett William on April 29, 2018. Justin Zajic earned his Doctorate of Education from the University of South Dakota in 2017.
2008
Jeremy Anspach married Samantha Wolf in September, 2017. Evan Fust is the general manager for CHS Grainland, based in Holyoke, Colo. Kelley Jo (Fransman) and Jake Heimerman welcomed Brooks Tyler on Nov. 6, 2017. Kelli (Johnson) Helm and her husband, Christopher,
welcomed Charlotte Lee (“Charlie”) on March 14, 2018. She joins a brother at home. Ryan Jaeger and wife, Emily (Dyste, ’09), adopted Jocelyn Miracle on May 12, 2018. Julie (Pohlman) and Jeffery (’09) Kelly welcomed Liam Andre on March 27, 2018. Benjamin Kniefel and wife, Alicia, welcomed twins, Blake Daniel and Luke James, on May 10, 2018. Anna Peterson and her husband, Chad, welcomed baby Nyle Ray Johnson on Dec. 2, 2017. Ryan Ross and Siân Cameron welcomed a daughter, Anastasia Cissie, on May 1, 2018. Ryan accepted an offer as the ORT Marks Fellow to pursue a doctorate at the University of Southampton, England.
2009
Christina (Parsley) Boike and husband, Justin, welcomed Wyatt John on May 10, 2018. Levi Bullerman was named an assistant football coach at SMSU. Ryan Krome and wife, Jeana, welcomed Knox Terry David on May 9, 2018. Michael Leischner has been named the news director for WSAU in Wausau, Wis. Travis and Sarah (Klingbile) Olsem welcomed a daughter on Oct. 16, 2017. Tracy Stallman has been named the elementary principal for Clark School District in Clark, S.D.
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[ class notes ] Amalia (Klingenberg) Zick and her husband, Tyler, welcomed Killian James on Nov. 26, 2017.
2010
Kevin Andrews and his wife, Kelly (Fitzgerald, ’12), welcomed Kinley Josephine on Feb. 22, 2018. Abby (Anderson) Kendrick and her husband, Cody (’11), welcomed Kate Grace on June 26, 2016 and their second child, Finley Douglas, on Feb. 13, 2018. Father and son share a birthday. Nicole (Welsh) Lockwood and her husband, Chet, welcomed a baby, Charlotte, into the family. Leah (Wood) Paulsen and husband, Michael, welcomed Benjamin Michael on March 13, 2018.
2011
Amanda Beckler has accepted the position of Community Education Coordinator for the city of Marshall. Megan (Lewis) Bonnstetter and her husband, Mike, welcomed a daughter, Sophie Elizabeth, on May 10, 2018. Carla (Roth) Diede (MS) won the $25K South Dakota Milken Educator Award on Jan. 4, 2018. She is among 44 honorees for 2017-2018 school year. She teaches at Harrisburg South Middle School, Harrisburg, S.D. Kim (Boom, MBA) Gustafson and her husband, Kyle, welcomed Emerson Jo on Nov. 26, 2017. Anthony and Stephanie (Tulibaski, ’12) Holwerda welcomed Audrey Leigh on Nov. 27, 2017. Linda (Fluegge) and Ralph Manyara (’12) welcomed Tyra Tendai on Feb. 7, 2018.
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If you’re ever in New Brighton, Minn., on a Monday morning, stop by McDonald’s for a cup of coffee with a number of SMSU alumni who meet there on a weekly basis. The McDonald’s — on Long Lake Road — is where they gather, both alumni and those who attended the university but did not receive a degree. It’s a tradition started four years ago, and the number of attendees each week can vary. The group insists they don’t buy breakfast, just the 74-cent coffee — with refills — and they chat until, well, they’re done. “We usually start about 9, and sometimes we go until close to noon,” said Chuck Larsen. Pictured above is the group that showed up on March 26, 2018. They include, front from left: Neal Wahlman, ’75; Chuck Larsen, ’75; Phyllis (Ostergaard) Hitchcock, ’77; Greg “Leo” Doerr; Neil Kruse, ’79. Back: Mike VanDrehle, ’08, MBA ’10; Dan Reed, ’76; Scott Thomas; Tom Quarnstrom, ’75; and Mark Erickson, ’75.
Ben Nath and his wife, ReNae (Clark, ’13), welcomed a son, Henry Benjamin, on Nov. 2, 2017. Matthew Paja (MS) accepted a position as the Director of Strength and Conditioning at Grand View University in Des Moines, Iowa.
2012
Emily Balfany is a business partner for Puddle Jumpers, a daycare, in Granite Falls, Minn. She and her partners plan to open this summer. Amy (Hoheisel) Christopherson was named one of the Top 5 Under 40 Young Professionals in the Alexandria Lakes Area during the town’s annual celebration on Jan. 29, 2018. She was chosen based on community involvement, professional accomplishments and leadership skills.
2013
Brooke (Burmeister) Buysse was hired by the SWCD (Soil and Water Conservation District) as a Water Resource
Technician. Jordan Jacobson and Michelle (Sammons, ’14) welcomed Coryn Genevieve on Jan. 2, 2018. Rachel (Serreyn) Krall and her husband, Joseph, welcomed Gavin Jon on April 23, 2018. Megan (Tietz) Zabel and her husband, Nathan, welcomed Holly Mae on Jan. 25, 2018. They were married on Jan. 27, 2017. Lucas and Kassi (Hague, ’14) Tietz welcomed Quinn Marie on Dec. 21, 2017.
2014
Clare Duwelius (MBA) was promoted to Assistant General Manager for the Minnesota Lynx. AnnMarie Dykstra accepted a position at Stratasys in Eden Prairie, Minn., as a Channel Marketing Specialist in April, 2018. Michelle (Carlson) Homan and her husband, John, welcomed Kennedy Marie on Aug. 18, 2017. Jessica Peterson opened Elysian Chiropractic Center in Marshall in March, 2018.
All cities are in Minnesota unless noted.
2015
Brenda Parsley earned her certified public accountant designation from the Minnesota State Board of Accountancy. Her focus is governmental auditing. Philip Duerr married Victoria Sell in June, 2017 in Spirit Lake, Iowa. Ashley (Diekmann) and Travis Radke welcomed Thea Joan on Dec. 30, 2017. Michelle May (MBA) was selected by the Chippewa County Board of Commissioners to serve as the county’s interim auditor/treasurer. Tramel Barnes (MS) accepted a position with the Utah State men’s basketball team focusing on basketball operations and player development.
2016
Brady Koehl earned his certified public accountant designation from the Minnesota State Board of Accountancy. His focus is tax preparation, bookkeeping and agribusiness. Paul Vold married Sara Tews on May 27, 2017. Danielle Beekman was
named a WCCO Excellent Educator on Nov. 8, 2017. She teaches in the Twin Cities area.
IN MEMORIAM
Gloria (Schwing) VanDenBroeke (’83, MS ’01) passed away on May 9, 2018. Linda (Pearson) Vilmo (’76) passed away on April 26, 2018. Dr. Robert Butler Whitcomb, professor of music, who taught at SMSU from 1968-1987, passed away April 19, 2018. Former SMSU football player and wrestler, Mark Arkell, 46, passed away on May 18, 2018 as the result of a grain bin accident. He was a Mustang athlete during the 1991-94 seasons.
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UPCOMING EVENTS All Summer – Minnesota Twins Ticket Program June 7 – An Evening of Southwest Stories, Alexandria, Minn. June 22 – SMSU Golf Classic, Marshall, Minn. June 23-30 – 50th Anniversary Cruise, Alaska JuLY 13 – Rochester Honkers, Rochester, Minn. July 20 – Alumni Board Meeting, St. Cloud, Minn. July 20 – St. Cloud Rox, St. Cloud, Minn. October 5 – Alumni Awards Lunch & University Gala, SMSU October 6 – Homecoming 2018, SMSU November 17 – The Book of Mormon, Orpheum Theater, Minneapolis, Minn.
For our complete schedule, information, and tickets, visit: WWW.SMSUALUMNI.COM