SMSU Focus and Foundation Annual Report, Fall 2013

SMSUFocus A magazine for alumni & friends of Southwest Minnesota State University

Meet the President

Connie J. Gores

Fall 2013 Edition | Insert: 2012-2013 Foundation Annual Report

SMSUFocus A magazine for alumni & friends of Southwest Minnesota State University

Fall 2013 | Vol. 33, No. 1

SMSU Recognized for Affordability and Value Two separate groups have recognized Southwest Minnesota State University’s affordability and educational value.

AffordableCollegesOnline.org (AC Online) ranks SMSU sixth among colleges and universities in Minnesota for Best Lifetime Return on Investment.

A total of 145 Minnesota colleges were analyzed, and just 22 were ranked. Graduates from the ranked schools enjoy the largest earning gap between non-degree holders over 30 years, and earn more on average than graduates from other Minnesota schools.

SMSU is the highest-ranked of the seven four-year institutions within the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities (MnSCU) system. According to the rankings, SMSU’s tuition and fees are $8,074, with a Return on Investment of $630,600. SMSU has the third-lowest tuition and fees cost of the ranked schools.

The College Database has recognized SMSU as one of a dozen state colleges and universities with the highest return on investment. It placed SMSU in its “20-30 Club,” which recognizes 12 colleges and universities that have an annual tuition rate below $20,000 and new graduates who earn more than $30,000.

According to the College Database criteria, SMSU has a tuition rate of $6,679 and its recent graduates earn an average starting salary of $36,000 per year.

“We’re happy to be recognized for our affordability and educational value,” said SMSU President Connie J. Gores. “When you consider how successful our graduates have been at finding employment, it’s clear we are preparing our students well for their futures.”

Ninety-nine percent of recent SMSU graduates are employed, and 95 percent found jobs in their area of study (2012 data).

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Table of Contents

Around Campus: Howard Mohr Reading Mustang Mosaic Paints the Town Introducing Southwest Stories Alumni Spotlight: Brau Brothers Brewing Co. Campus Spotlight: HLC Reaccreditation Feature: Meet President Connie J. Gores Mustang Athletics Alumni Connections Class Notes Foundation Annual Report 2012-13

President Dr. Connie J. Gores

Senior Writer and Photographer Jim Tate

Vice President for Advancement/ Executive Director of Foundation Bill Mulso ’93

Contributors Dr. Lori Baker Stacy Frost ’93 Karen Kaas ’94 Kelly Loft ’97/MS’11 Mary Meaden Emily Neperman ’12 Erik Vogel

Director of Alumni Relations Michael VanDrehle ’08/MBA’10 Focus Editor and Designer Marcy D. Olson ’93/MBA’05

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 Colleges and Universities system. ADA Accessible.

This document can be made available in alternative formats to individuals with disabilities. Request by calling 507-537-6255, 1-800-260-0970, or through the Minnesota Relay Service at 1-800-627-3529.

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

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

[ around campus ]

An Evening with Author Howard Mohr Howard Mohr put into words the way Minnesotans talk, in a way that no one else had done.

The former SMSU English professor gave a rare public reading Sept.

19 of his new book How to Talk Minnesotan: Revised for the 21st Century.

Over 200 people attended the Conference Center reading and book signing, and a long line of fans waited patiently for the author to sign a copy of his book before and after the reading.

For any author, that’s a pretty good deal.

His original How to Talk Minnesotan was released in 1987 and is an insightful lampoon of Minnesotans’ speech and mannerisms. It was originally meant to guide those from out of state on how to not stick out too much in Minnesota.

His latest book includes discussions about technology that wasn’t around 26 years ago. The author himself admits he has not fully embraced that technology. “I’m not in the 21st century myself,” he said. “I ended up taking stuff out that wouldn’t be missed, and adding stuff that appeared to me, and probably was, in the 21st century.”

“You bet,” “that’s different” and “whatever” are the workhorse phrases of Minnesota language, or, as Mohr says, “The building blocks of all dialogue.”

Mohr came to SMSU in 1970 and taught for 14 years. At that time he had also taken the plunge as a writer for non-broadcast shows being done by Garrison Keillor. Soon thereafter, Keillor’s “A Prairie Home Companion” radio show took the country by storm, and Mohr was a big part of it. “I was writing these Minnesota Language System ads,” he explained. He ultimately left teaching to write full-time and it was the ‘fake’ ads that would become the cornerstones of the original How to Talk Minnesotan.

Mohr returned to teach a number of workshops at Southwest in the late ‘80s and early ‘90s before his foray into musical theatre with the popular “How to Talk Minnesotan: The Musical” and “How to

Howard Mohr reading (above) and signing a book .

Talk Minnesotan: The Winter Musical.” The musicals were staged and produced by Troupe America with material adapted by Mohr and music by Drew Jansen.

Mohr has a keen eye and ear when it comes to his surroundings and his understated humor delighted the audience during his reading.

Literary Newsmakers at SMSU ANTHONY NEIL SMITH Associate professor of English Dr. Anthony Neil Smith is having one of his books, Hogdoggin’, made into a film.

Smith, when he is not in the classroom, is a noir crime author who has penned seven novels, including the Billy Lafitte series — Yellow Medicine, Hogdoggin’ and The Baddest Ass. His book All the Young Warriors was named Best Novel of 2012 by Spinetingler Magazine in its “Rising Star” category.

Smith has signed a deal with Minnesota production companies Killing Joke Films and Pounding Heart MultiMedia to create the film. Killing Joke Films’ owner, writer and director Paul von Stoetzel met Smith online after learning of Smith’s work and reading Yellow Medicine.

The book follows the trail of rogue ex-cop Billy Lafitte as he returns home to Yellow Medicine County, Minn., and dodges a revenge plan by an FBI agent he once assaulted.

Hogdoggin’ is scheduled for production in 2014 and release in early 2015.

JAMES ZARZANA English Professor Dr. James Zarzana has released the first book of a four-book science fiction series.

The e-book is entitled The Marsco Dissident, and Zarzana said “it feels good to have it done” after working on the book, and the series, for 17 years.

The four-book series is entitled “The Marsco Saga.”

The Marsco Dissident is set in Sac City, Calif., in 2092. The storyline revolves around an all-powerful company, Marsco, which controls the world because it controls computers, and determines who may use them.

“Marsco controls information, and access to that information. It’s not too far fetched—just read the news today,” he said.

Zarzana’s second book in the series will be released in December 2013, the third book in August 2014 and the final, in August 2015.

The Marsco Dissident is available from Amazon for $5.99. Amazon also has a lending library, as part of its Prime membership, where the book can be borrowed for free.

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[ around campus ]

From left: Tory Schreurs, Gene Verschelde and Layne Turner.

Mustang Mosaic helps ‘Paint the Town’ for Homecoming A “Mustang Mosaic” inspired by the 2013 Homecoming theme of “Paint the Town Brown & Gold” has been created by 200 SMSU students.

Two-hundred half-foot canvas tiles were painted by students from Sept. 16-20, mostly over lunch time. Alumni Director Mike Van Drehle

tile so they would hold snug against the half-inch plywood backing.

“It took the better part of three sheets of plywood,” said Verschelde.

“Every time you look at it, you see something you hadn’t seen before.”

Students embraced the concept. “I think that once people saw the

and his graduate assistant Tyler Yule numbered the tiles, which were then

crowds at the tables, that drew more people. Students were sharing on

laid out on a Founders Hall conference table.

Twitter and Instagram, that generated excitement, too,” said Marcy

An outline of a running Mustang was drawn on the tiles, which were

Olson, Publications Editor.

then separated and made available to students for painting. Students

The mosaic is 5 feet x 10 feet. In the frame, it is 6 feet x 11 feet.

could paint anything they wanted on each tile, but were asked not to

The idea was hatched during a brainstorming session between Olson,

disturb the Mustang outline, which appeared on parts of some tiles.

Van Drehle and Bill Mulso, Vice President for Advancement. “We had the

The individual tiles were then taken to the Physical Plant, where a trio

‘Paint the Town Brown & Gold’ theme and were looking for some sort of

of talented employees helped put them together in a frame for display in

community paint project,” said Olson. “We tossed around ideas, and this

the Student Center. The mosaic was unveiled in time for Homecoming

is what we came up with. I’m excited about how awesome it looks. Just to

Week. It is on permanent display near the rear double doors that lead into

see it all come together is pretty impressive.”

the spine walkway to the R/A Facility.

Gene Verschelde made the frame for the project, and Layne Turner

“It represents all that our students bring, collectively, to the campus and the greater Marshall area,” said Mulso. “It really turned out nice.”

painted the frame. Tory Schreurs put a minimum of two screws into each

Family Weekend Brings the Mustang Family Together

All ages enjoying game night during SMSU’s Family Weekend, Sept. 20-22.

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Family Weekend proved to be very popular Sept. 20-22 as parents and siblings visited campus to spend time with their sons and daughters and learn more about their life as an SMSU student.

A number of activities took place, starting with a tailgate get-together prior to the Mustangs’ victory over Minot State on Sept. 20.

The campus was bustling on Sept.

21. Not only did the university host Family Weekend, but it was also

the site of the Mustang Stampede in the morning, and the Pursuit of Excellence marching band competition in the evening. Campus tours, a Chemistry Club show and family game night were all options. Many parents and siblings spent time in the residence halls visiting and meeting their student’s friends. Over 250 people attended the barbeque lunch on Saturday.

Family Weekend participants also had an opportunity to watch women’s soccer, volleyball and golf teams, as all hosted home events during the weekend which concluded Sept. 22 with music and scripture at the Campus Religious Center.

Plans are already underway for next year’s Family Weekend scheduled for September 12-14, 2014. Information will be posted when it becomes available: www.SMSU.edu/family

[ southwest stories ]

Introducing...

SOUTHWEST STORIES SMSU Senior David Legnani Tells His Southwest Story “What’s Your Southwest Story?” That’s a question being asked at SMSU as we engage the University community and explore what makes SMSU such a great place to learn, live and work. There are over 18,000 Southwest Minnesota State alumni, and that number grows each year following commencement. SMSU wants to share these Southwest Stories, like the one of senior David Legnani, who will join the ranks of alumni this coming May. Here is his Southwest Story.

David Legnani was looking at colleges, and a relative in the region suggested Southwest Minnesota State.

It wasn’t a short drive to campus for a visit, either. Legnani, a senior Speech Communication: Radio/TV major from Berlin, Conn., drove the 1,409 miles to Marshall, Minn., to take a firsthand look at SMSU. He liked what he saw. And in his mind, it was the right decision.

Legnani has his sights set on a television career. He interned at WTIC-TV in Hartford, Conn., last summer, and is the student

David Legnani

they let you jump in and work with the equipment.”

Legnani has learned a lot about the TV industry, and about

manager of KSSU Television on campus. He was recently elected one

people from different parts of the country. “People here are a little

of two student governors to the 10-person National Broadcasting

different. I’m direct in how I address people, but around here you

Society (NBS) national board of governors.

have to have people warm up to you. That’s a total 180 from what I’m

“The Radio/TV program at SMSU is really hands-on, not just

accustomed to. Marshall is a little oasis in southwest Minnesota, it’s

theory. And the upperclassmen help the underclassmen a lot. At

got everything, and SMSU is a great university. It’s small enough to

other universities, they don’t have the quality of equipment we do

know everyone, but big enough to have your own sense of identity.”

here, and they don’t let you get involved with productions and other things until your junior year. Here, everyone helps one another, and

What’s your Southwest Story? Share it with us today at www.

SMSU.edu/go/SouthwestStories.

Theatre Undergoes Major Renovation over the Summer “It’s like having a new theatre.” That’s the way Nadine Schmidt, Associate Professor of Theatre, describes the recently completed SMSU Theatre renovation.

The project began July 10, 2013 and included replacement of the seats in the theatre, along with carpeting on the stairs and in the Fine Arts lobby area.

A crew from Rockford, Mich., dismantled the old green seats, and a total of 303 new red seats were installed. The project went smoothly, much to the relief of alumnus Jodie Stensrud ‘12, who married Jacob Forstein on the stage in August. The two met when they were working on the play A Secret Garden.

The first production in the renovated theatre was The Triangle Factory Fire Project, which opened Oct. 24.

The renovation project received financial support from the “Curtain’s Up” campaign through the SMSU Foundation. Theatre patrons purchased a seat to honor a person, organization or business. The name is engraved on a brass plate affixed to seats throughout the theatre. Seats can still be purchased in support of the project.

Call the SMSU Theatre Program at 507-537-7103 or visit us at www.

SMSUFoundation.org for more information.

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[ alumni spotlight ]

BRAU BROTHERS BREWING CO. Brau Family of Alumni Bring Their Brew Business to Marshall It’s only appropriate that the Brau Brothers Brewing Company opened its doors in Marshall on Homecoming weekend, Oct. 5.

After all, over half of its 30 employees are either SMSU graduates or current students, estimates Dustin Brau. Dustin is one of three brothers who own the brewery and taproom, located in the old Running’s building in Marshall, near the intersection of Highways 59 and 23.

The Brau Brothers are Dustin, Trevor and Brady, all Lucan natives. Dustin ‘99 and Trevor ‘93 are SMSU alumni, as are their wives, Mary (Kallevig ‘10) and Joe Lee (Steffensmeier ‘99).

Dustin is the face of the business. He handles the day-to-day management. “Trevor has a day job, he works nights and weekends mostly,” said Dustin. “He is our logistics person, and handles ordering, receiving, inventory and packaging concerns.”

Brady lives in Hibbing and is a computer programmer for a company in Nierenberg, Germany. “He writes software for us, and helps with the financials,” said Dustin.

The new location has the space they were looking for.

The brewpub features beautiful wood booths and serves Brau Brothers beer, of course, along with sandwiches and other beverages. The business moved from its old location in Lucan, where Brau Brothers was brewed as part of the Brauhaus Restaurant. They’ve sold the restaurant, mostly because of state regulations at the time that did not allow a brewery to have a taproom, as well.

“We started brewing in 2000,” explained Dustin.

“I had a hotel-restaurant degree, bought a small town restaurant and added a small brewing system. Our point was to get people to drive to Lucan from Marshall and Redwood Falls to eat. It was food driven. But then beer became our shtick. We outgrew our system, and added on

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to the brew house. We eventually focused on distribution because we had such a call for our beer in other areas. We became production and distribution focused and that’s when the brewing part of the company took over.”

Their beer was becoming popular, especially in the Twin Cities area, and they simply outgrew their former site. “This is 37,000 square feet. We had 5,000 square feet in Lucan. Our cooler here is almost as big as the brewery in Lucan. We are in love with this facility and building.”

Brau Brothers typically brews eight beers at a time, said Dustin. “We started with what they call drinkable, or easy-going beers,” he said. “We found that within the brewing community, those beers don’t get you a lot of publicity. They had names like Pale Ale, Pilsner, Cream Stout, Scotch Ale, all named by style.” That changed, and today you’ll find, for instance, Sheephead, Ivan the Great, Rye Wyne Ale and Old 56 on tap.

“Overall, our beers tend to be malty, and a little on the sweeter side,” he said. “We go crazy with the hops once in a while. We found that even first-time craft beer drinkers don’t dislike the beer, but don’t like the bitterness of the hops. We brew a lot that don’t push the hops. If you want hops, or acquire that taste, you can move on to other beers in our portfolio.”

They grow their own hops at the upper Midwest’s largest hop yard, near Lucan. “We grow 11 different varieties,” he said. “All of the varieties go into our beer 100 Yard Dash, which was named because that’s how far it was from the brew kettle (in Lucan) to the hop yard. It might be 100 rods now,” he joked.

Forty percent of Brau Brothers beer is put in kegs and served almost exclusively in bars and restaurants. The rest is bottled and sold in liquor stories in a seven-state area. The brewing capacity in Lucan was 6,000 barrels per year. In the new location, it’s about 11,000. A barrel is 31 gallons, or two kegs. “To put it in perspective, Schell’s and

[ alumni spotlight ]

Dustin Brau ‘99

Summit brew 130,000 barrels per year, with plans to double that. We’re still small, but bigger than we used to be.”

Half of what they produce goes to the Twin Cities market.

Their kitchen is staffed exclusively by Culinology students from SMSU, said Dustin. “The college is such an asset. We can find, hire, and retain very talented people.”

The centerpiece of the brewpub is a 1956 fire engine, purchased about seven years ago from the Lucan Fire Department. It is the inspiration behind “Old 56” beer. It sits behind the bar, and the various beers are poured from taps on the side. “I fought fires on that,” said Dustin, a fireman for 10 years. “It’s an antique, but one with a purpose. We purchased it and

it was a lawn ornament (in Lucan), people would take pictures by it. It was always the plan to use it to serve beer out of some day, some how. When we got into this space, we put it in here, and there’s your conversation piece right there.”

The move to Marshall has proven to be a good business decision. “We want to focus on being a local brewery and having a solid foundation for the business,” Dustin said. “Moving here gave us a home territory. We’re the only brewery in southwest Minnesota.”

Dustin and Mary are the parents of three children: Sandra, Eli and Orin.

Follow the Brau Brothers on Facebook: Brau Brothers Brewing Co. and on Twitter: @BrauBeer.

Alumna Johnson to Lead Campus New Horizons Crisis Center Holly (Henriksen) Johnson ‘10 is the new SMSU program director and relationship series presenter at New Horizons Crisis Center.

Johnson has a degree in Sociology from SMSU and joins New Horizons Crisis Center after over four years at REM in Marshall.

“I am very excited and grateful for the opportunity to work for New Horizons,” said Johnson. “I am looking forward to getting back on the campus of SMSU and connecting with the students and faculty to better serve the community.”

Johnson will be responsible for working with students and faculty on the SMSU campus to promote safety as well as work with victims of crime. She will also be presenting the Relationship Series to students in Murray and Pipestone counties.

Johnson is originally from the Glenwood, Minn. area and lives in Marshall with her husband.

New Horizons Crisis Center’s mission “is to build a safer rural Minnesota for children, women and men. We are dedicated to empowering crime victims, promoting healthy relationships, preventing assault and abuse, and providing Holly Johnson ‘10 education, parenting time and crisis nursery services.” New Horizons Crisis Center has offices in Marshall, Redwood Falls, Slayton, and on the campus of SMSU.

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Variation [ guest column ]

3, Long horizontal (banners, timeline, pens, etc):

I am

SmSU

HLC SITE VISIT FOR REACCREDITATION • OCTOBER 20-22, 2014

A message from Dr. Lori Baker, HLC Self-Study Coordinator, and SMSU English Professor since 1998.

I AM SMSU. And I know that every alumnus reading this magazine is SMSU too. I imagine many donors to the University consider themselves SMSU as well, even if they did not attend SMSU. Why? What makes us all identify with SMSU? For many of us, we recognize the integrity of how SMSU conducts and presents itself as an institution; we know we benefited from the academic offerings and all of the related co-curricular activities that shaped our experience at the university; and we recognize the value and worth of SMSU’s mission in serving southwest Minnesota and the greater region.

Integrity, Academics, Mission. These are the vital components to SMSU’s success. Fortunately for SMSU, they are also the key criteria to maintaining university accreditation.

Approximately every 10 years, the University must undergo an external review by our regional accrediting agency, called the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), in order to reaffirm our accredited status. Why is accreditation important? For one thing, without accreditation, the University would lose all of its Title IV federal funding. This would essentially shut the University down, as these funds are integral to students and offset other spending allocations.

Accreditation is an important feature that students and employers look for; without it, for example, courses will not transfer to other accredited institutions, and more importantly, the quality of the education is in doubt.

Fortunately, SMSU has a strong record of being accredited since first being granted candidacy status; the University earned its first accreditation in 1972 and has been fully accredited since then. The HLC last reviewed SMSU in 2004 and awarded it the maximum 10

year accreditation. Last year, given the turnover in the presidency of the institution, SMSU was granted an additional year extension to prepare for its next review. An HLC review team will be on campus Oct. 20-22, 2014, to conduct the next evaluation.

Members of the University have been hard at work preparing for this evaluation. The University must produce a self-study, a reflective self-analysis based on the HLC’s five criteria for accreditation and all of the related core components. These five criteria include a careful examination of the University mission, the University’s integrity, teaching and learning, assessment, and resources and planning.

ALL aspects of the University must be included, from academic programming to finances to building maintenance to residence life.

The self-study is sent to the HLC review team members before their arrival; when they come to campus, they explore any issues brought up in the study and ascertain whether SMSU is indeed meeting all of the criteria.

We will be asking for your help in making certain that our selfstudy is accurate and complete. Later in the spring semester, we will be posting the self-study document online and asking for your suggestions. In the summer, we will be posting a link for feedback that goes directly to the HLC offices, as they solicit any comments that anyone would like to make about the University in preparation for the HLC review team coming to campus.

SMSU always seeks to continuously improve its offerings and its service to the region. As alumni and donors, your input is highly valuable. We look forward to hearing from you!

www.SMSU.edu/GO/HLC

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Meet the President

Connie J. Gores

Southwest Minnesota State University welcomed a new president this summer. Dr. Connie J. Gores is the ninth permanent president of SMSU. Since starting in July, she jumped into the Mustang Family and the Marshall community whole-heartedly. She maintains a hectic schedule to meet with individuals, campus groups and community leaders in order to better grasp the strengths and to clearly identify SMSU’s potential.

But to fully understand how President Gores will lead SMSU into the future, it’s important to understand how her past shaped her, both personally and professionally, and how education became an important focal point in her life and her career. She understands first-hand the transformative possibilities education can offer.

President Gores grew up on a farm near Cando, N.D., population 1,150. The town slogan there is painted on the side of the former bank building —“You Can Do Better in Cando.” She was the second child of four, the oldest daughter, to her parents, Glenn and Minnie Gores.

“My father was valedictorian of his class, president of FFA and had dreams of going to

college,” she said. “He had several scholarships, but he was unable to go because his mother, my grandmother, asked him to farm.

He was the responsible son.” He died of polio when he was just 28 years old.

Her mother later married a widower, Al Fosaaen, with five children of his own. Together, they had two more children to bring their blended family to a total of 11 children.

“As my mother’s oldest daughter, I knew I had a special responsibility in the family,” said President Gores. Her mother understood that responsibility, having been six-years-old when her own mother died.

“She talks about boiling her first pot of potatoes before she was 10. She later went out and worked on threshing crews as a cook.

“Growing up, my mother read a lot; education has always been very important to her. She continually reinforced that education was paramount to everything; that it was going to be our path to a different life. She always talked about how she could tell the difference between people who went to college, and those who didn’t. She said they talk differently, they use a different vocabulary, and they carry themselves differently.”

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President Gores could see that education was at the core of the unfulfilled dreams of both of her parents. She recalled one occasion, “I went to my mother’s high school—it was for a band competition or some theatre event. I was looking on the walls at the pictures of all the graduating classes, and I couldn’t find my mother’s photo. She told me, ‘We were too poor, honey, I couldn’t get my photo taken.’ Later, she told me the real story: she didn’t graduate. I knew she was ashamed and embarrassed.”

That left a deep and lasting impression on President Gores. Knowing both her parents aspired to continue their educations but because of difficult life circumstances could not, she saw then the transformative power of education and knew she always wanted to have opportunities and possibilities ahead of her. She carried with her the message from the building in Cando: You can do better.

There weren’t a lot of female role models then, let alone in higher education. “Teachers, nurses or secretaries,” said President Gores. “My mom’s dream was for me to become a home economics teacher, but that wasn’t my calling. I thought I’d be an English teacher and coach theatre.

Mr. Johnson — his name is Roger but to this day, I can only call him Mr. Johnson — was an influence on me. He was my English teacher, drama coach and guidance counselor.”

President Gores remembered discussing the results of her ACT test in Mr. Johnson’s office. One of the questions asked a student’s highest degree goal.

“I remember checking the box in front of Ph.D.,” she said. “I didn’t know anyone with a Ph.D. I don’t think I even knew what it was. Mr. Johnson asked me, ‘Are you sure you want a Ph.D.?’ But it was the highest level and I thought ‘Why not?’ I believe in setting high goals, working hard, focusing and making a difference. I tell our students that all the time.”

With the encouragement from her mother, the guidance from Mr. Johnson and the generous support of a theatre scholarship, President Gores began her higher education journey as a theatre major at Valley City State (N.D.).

“I didn’t have the fire in my belly for theatre. I was mature enough to know that if I got discouraged by not getting a part I wanted, I wasn’t cut out for it. I became fascinated with sociology and the study of people and groups and values and customs.”

She transferred to North Dakota State, where she earned a degree in Sociology. As an undergraduate, she was a resident assistant, a work-study student and involved with campus activities and programming. “I fell in love with the college environment,” she said.

“I don’t know why I did this, but one day, I made an appointment with the associate dean of students, Ellie Kilander. I asked her how she got there, and for advice. She told me her story. And that’s when I knew what I wanted to do. It was a ‘light bulb’ moment for me.”

President Gores went on to earn a master’s degree in College Student Personnel Administration from Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colo., then spent 17 years on the West Coast — five in Oregon, twelve in Washington. She was married, had two children, and worked in higher education administration, enrollment and student affairs at Portland

Top photo: Helping many new students on Move-In Day. Center photo: With Dorene Kronke-McCourt ‘73 at the University Gala. Inset photo: Speaking on the KMHL Radio Show “Campus Update.” Bottom photo: Harvesting with Adam Oeltjenbruns of rural Marshall.

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State University, Portland, Ore.; Willamette University College of Law, Salem, Ore.; and Cornish College of the Arts, Seattle, Wash. She earned her Ph.D. in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies, Higher Education Administration, from the University of Washington during that time.

She then moved to the East Coast, where she was the Vice President for Enrollment at Randolph-Macon Woman’s College, Lynchburg, Virginia, and then Project Director and Onsite Consultant at Longwood University, Farmville, Virginia.

A close colleague called her about a position at Winona State University, and though she wasn’t looking, she jumped at the chance to get back to the Midwest. She accepted the position of Vice President for Student Life and Development at Winona State University in 2007, and served as Interim President of WSU in 2012. She officially joined the Mustang Family on July 1, as SMSU’s ninth permanent president, and the first female to lead the University.

She will be the first to tell you that family is important. She lights up when talking about adding the title “Nana” following the birth of her first grandchild. Born in October, Stuart is the son of her daughter Tempa Klinegores Peters and her husband, Austin, of Richmond, Virginia. Her daughter, Kasha Klinegores recently earned her master’s degree and is the Assistant Director of Admissions at Roanoke College in Salem, Virginia.

“I’ve always been close to my mother and siblings. My kids know no other Christmas than in Minnesota or North Dakota. We have always come back several times a year. My kids tell me we don’t take vacations, and I tell them, ‘Yes, we do. Others take a vacation, we come back home to the Midwest.’”

Coming to SMSU is a homecoming of sorts for President Gores.

Growing up in north central North Dakota, she cherishes the vast expanse of the prairie and relishes the view of cornfields from her new home in Marshall. Prairies are full of possibility, as she has quoted from Bill Holm’s essay “Horizontal Grandeur.” The prairie is home for President Gores and she couldn’t be happier to be here.

President Gores quickly demonstrated that she is not afraid to jump in and roll up her sleeves. She brings with her a spirited work ethic. Her keen sense of humor and her personable manner have been well received by the campus community and friends of the University since her arrival.

Her sincere interest in and engagement with the students, faculty and staff are refreshing. When someone is recognized for an achievement, or does something special, President Gores takes the time to pen a personal note.

“In this age of electronic communication, I think it’s very important to take the time to send a personal note whenever possible. We don’t get to see a person’s handwriting very often any more. If this were a perfect world— and I had more time in my day—I would write more notes.”

She believes authenticity, gratitude and engagement with people on a personal level make a huge difference. During Homecoming week this fall, President Gores journeyed to the Physical Plant. She wanted to personally thank the maintenance staff for helping make the University grounds look so

Top photo: Directing the Southwest Minnesota Orchestra in rehearsal. Inset photo: A handwritten note. Center photo: Visiting with Karen (Jacobsen) Nimmo ‘71, the first Homecoming parade coordinator. Bottom photo: Speaking at the Women’s Homecoming Tea.

FOCUS | 9

manicured for alumni and visitors who would be arriving for the weekend.

“That loyalty, commitment to the University, sense of family and community truly do not exist anywhere else like they do here at SMSU. We had to be visionary; we had to persevere through challenges to start this university, and that helped create a remarkable community that brings people together.

“We’re so young as an institution, and we have a perfect base on which to build a strong future. We have good people, and a sense of purpose,” she said.

“We’re better than we think we are. Much better,” she said. “I know we’re all good Midwesterners, but now’s not the time to be humble. We have remarkable alumni with remarkable stories to tell. We need to tell their stories. I recently met someone who has been back to 43 straight Homecomings. That says so much about the strength of our relationships with our alumni.”

Connecting with alumni is important to President Gores. “The relationship alumni have with the university is real, and I’d like to build on it,” she said. “I’d like our alumni to refer students to us, to share our word with young people and returning adults. We have alumni who can help provide internships and experiential learning opportunities. They could be guest lecturers on campus, provide workshops and share their skills and their treasures with us.” President Gores understands that by identifying their passions for SMSU, she can match alumni with giving opportunities that allow them to help students in profound ways.

To further connect with alumni and help SMSU tout its successes, she prompted an initiative entitled “My Southwest Story.” President Gores encourages alumni and students to share their own story, with her and anyone who will listen. She has already spoken to many groups in the community to engage with people who have a “Southwest Story” to tell.

President Gores fills her schedule with opportunities that allow her to connect with people one-on-one. Her calendar could make you tired just reading it. She’s been a parade marshal, introduced herself to the early-morning coffee fraternity down at Mike’s Café, conducted the Southwest Minnesota Orchestra, read to elementary school children and rode in a combine to help a local farmer with harvesting. She is reinforcing and strengthening SMSU’s presence in the region by reaching out to leaders and decision-makers and asking how the university can best partner with groups in southwest Minnesota.

She’s everywhere, and she means to be engaged in meaningful ways, to share the Southwest Story wherever there are people to listen.

She set the bar high for herself early in life, and wants to set the bar equally high at SMSU. In her first formal address to the university she paraphrased the purpose of higher education very succinctly: “We change lives. We provide an environment in which students gain knowledge and skills that greatly enhance the quality of their lives and the quality of our lives. Forever.”

“It’s my passion,” she said, “knowing that this university makes a difference in the lives of so many students who go here, and those who will come after. It’s not about me; it’s about the greater good; it’s about making a difference. Higher education is a transformational experience, it changes lives and families, and it’s the best part of the American dream.”

Top photo: Reading to Park Side second graders as part of “Read for the Record” event. Center photo: Director of Diversity and Inclusion Jefferson Lee IV ‘96/’11(left) and MnSCU Board of Trustees Chair Clarence Hightower ‘77 (right) at the Diversity and Inclusion Office open house. Bottom photo: Enjoying the Homecoming parade in downtown Marshall.

10 | FOCUS

[ athletics ]

Mustang Soccer Program Makes History The SMSU women’s soccer team set several high goals during preseason practice this past August in preparation for the upcoming 2013 campaign. Following a 2012 season in which the program recorded seven victories – the highest mark in eight seasons – and nearly qualifying for the NSIC postseason tournament, the Mustangs wanted to prove that 2012 wasn’t a fluke and to show that the SMSU program was on the rise.

The 2013 Mustangs, under the direction of third-year head coach TJ Buchholz, have reached those preseason goals and then some, putting together the best season in the program’s 18-year history and reaching the NCAA tournament for the first time ever.

SMSU opened the season with a record-setting 11 straight victories and earned the program’s first-ever national ranking on Sept. 24, debuting at No. 18. SMSU ran its record to 14-1-1 and despite losing its last regular season game and dropping a quarterfinal game in the NSIC tournament, SMSU felt it played well enough all season to earn an at-large bid to the NCAA Central Region Tournament. On Nov. 11, SMSU received the news it wanted, earning the No. 5 seed in the six-team tournament. SMSU defeated No. 3 seed University of Central Missouri in the first round.

SMSU upset No. 1 Minnesota State-Mankato for a trip to the finals against University of MinnesotaDuluth on Friday, November 22. The Bulldogs provided to be a formidable opponent and defeated SMSU 2-0, ending their historic run.

For their efforts in the regular season, Buchholz was named the NSIC Coach of the Year, while freshman Brienna Dehkes was named the NSIC Goalkeeper of the Year and first team All-NSIC. Sophomore Miranda Cadena – the team’s leading scorer – also garnered first team All-NSIC accolades.

Miranda Cadena has also been named Daktronics All-Central Region Player of the Year. Cadena, along with goalkeeper Brienna Dehkes were named to the All-Central Region first team, while defender Danica Requejo was named second team. Cadena, Dehkes and Requejo became the first Mustangs to be named to the All-Region team in program history.

The team also earned recognition from the National Soccer Coaches Association of America with the 2012-13 Team Academic Award for their performance in the classroom. SMSU was one of 593 women’s college soccer teams across all divisions to earn the award. In order to qualify, the team must collectively achieve a grade point average minimum of 3.0 during the 2012-13 academic year.

Mustang Football Appearing in First-Ever Bowl Game The SMSU football team will continue its 2013 season for one more game as they accepted a bid to play in the 48th Mineral Water Bowl on Dec. 7 in Excelsior Springs, Mo. SMSU will face Pittsburg State (Kan.) from the Mid-American Intercollegiate Athletics Association (MIAA) with kickoff slated for 12 p.m. at Tiger Stadium.

It’s the first-ever bowl appearance for SMSU and just the third postseason game in the program’s 46-year history. SMSU lost its previous two postseason games, 49-7 at home to Mesa State (Colo.) in the first round of the 1987 NAIA playoffs and 35-6 at Carson-Newman (Tenn.) in the first round of the 1990 NAIA playoffs.

“We are thrilled to have the opportunity to play one more football game in 2013,” said Cory Sauter, SMSU head football coach. “It is a great

reward for all the hard work that our players have invested in this season.

We were able to finish strong with four straight wins to put us in position for postseason play.”

The Mustangs also set a handful of NSIC records. As a team, SMSU football set the NSIC record for total plays (930), total offense yards (5,892) and 34 passing TDs. Anthony Dean 17 TD receptions, Tyler Tonderum rushing yards (1,979) and attempts (315). Quarterback Charlie Kern set the NSIC record with 515 offensive attempts.

SMSU finished the regular season 7-4 overall, tying for the third highest win total in program history and highest since moving to NCAA Division II in 1995. The Mustangs closed the regular season winning its final four games—its longest winning streak since 1999.

SMSU’s Tonderum Selected as Finalist for Harlon Hill Award SMSU junior running back Tyler Tonderum has been selected as a finalist for the Harlon Hill Award, which is given annually to the top player in Division II football. Tonderum, a 5-foot-10, 191-pound junior from Armstrong, Iowa, is the first SMSU player in program history to be named a Harlon Hill regional finalist.

Players are nominated and voted on by the sports information directors at the 168 NCAA Division II football-playing institutions. Tonderum was one of the top two players from each of the four NCAA regions to advance to the national ballot.

Three finalists are then selected. The National Harlon Hill Award

Committee will announce the winner at the 25th annual Harlon Hill Trophy Presentation Banquet on Friday, Dec. 17, in Florence, Ala. About Tyler Tonderum: Tonderum closed the regular season ranked second in Division II and third in all of NCAA football with 1,979 yards rushing on 315 attempts with 18 touchdowns. He has also caught 32 passes for 274 yards and one touchdown. In the final regular season Division II statistics, Tonderum ranks second in rushing yards, third in all-purpose yards (209.3), 10th in rushing touchdowns and 14th in scoring (10.4). He has rushed for more than 100 yards in nine of 11 games and more than 200 yards four times, including 343 yards, which is the new SMSU school record.

SMSU Volleyball: At-Large Bid to NCAA Tourney / Attendance Record Set in 2012 For the latest headlines, post-season results, and winter sports: visit SMSUMustangs.com

FOCUS | 11

[ alumni connections ]

2013 Alumni Award Recipients Five individuals in three separate categories were honored by the Alumni Association during SMSU Homecoming on Oct. 4-5.

Alumni Achievement Awards Chuck Howe Chuck Howe graduated with a Geology degree in 1975 from what was then Southwest Minnesota State College and today, is chief engineering geologist for the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT).

He lives in Forest Lake with his wife Mary (Tholen), a class of 1977 alumna and Tracy native. They have three children.

Homer Chan Homer Chan, a 1977 alumnus, a native of China, graduated from Southwest with a degree in Business Administration. He moved to California to start his own accounting firm. Today, he is the managing partner of the CPA firm Chan & Zhang, LLP, located in San Gabriel, Calif. He married his wife, Betty, in 1979. They have one child, Wayne.

Dr. Mark Nook Mark Nook graduated in 1980 with degrees in Math and Physics.

He got his master’s in Astrophysics at Iowa State University and, later, his doctorate in Astronomy at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Today, Nook is the Senior Vice President for Academic & Student Affairs for the University of Wisconsin System, a higher education system encompassing 13, four-year institutions. Nook met his wife, Cheryl (Londgren), a Marshall native, his junior year at SMSU. Nook and his wife are the parents of three children: Mehgan Clark, Aaron and Cory.

Honorary Lifetime Membership Award Dr. Ron Wood Dr. Ron Wood served two years as interim president of SMSU after the retirement of President David Danahar in 2011. Wood had been retired as president of Minnesota West Community and Technical College for

Front row (l-r): Homer Chan ‘77, Dr. Connie J. Gores. Back row (l-r): Chuck Howe ‘77, Dr. Ron Wood, Dr. Mark Nook ‘80, and Dr. Darlene Guse ‘05.

three years, following a successful 10 years in that position. Minnesota West has campuses in Granite Falls, Canby, Pipestone, Worthington and Jackson.

Wood’s term as interim president concluded on June 30, 2013. He continues to serve on the Worthington City Council. Wood and his wife have four children and three grandchildren.

Graduate of Last Decade (GOLD) Award Dr. Darlene Guse Darlene Guse is a Janesville, Minn., native and 2005 alumnus. She is currently a plastic surgery resident at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center. It’s a six-year program, and she’s in her fourth year. With a medical school degree (2010) from the Mayo Medical School, she began her residency at University of Cincinnati Medical Center. She also does work for the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital.

For the complete biographies of this year’s award recipients, visit us online at www.SouthwestAlumni.com/Awards

Nominations Now Being Accepted for 2014 Alumni Awards Each year SMSU 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. The SMSU Alumni Association is seeking nominations for next year’s award recipients. If you know of anyone who fits the criteria, please nominate them for one of the following awards: ALUMNI ACHIEVEMENT AWARD This award is presented to a graduate in recognition of their remarkable professional success and the positive reflection made on the reputation of all graduates 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.

Alumni Board of Directors 12 | FOCUS

Becky Bot ’02, President Sara Granheim ‘02/’04 Vice President David Sanderson ’78, Secretary/Treasurer

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

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

For more information on these awards, to view past recipients, or to nominate someone for one of these awards, please call the Alumni Office at 507-537-6266 or visit our website for the nomination form:

www.SouthwestAlumni.com/Awards

Michael VanDrehle ‘08/’10 Executive Director Neal Wahlman ‘75 Tom Quarnstrom ‘75 Doug Franzen ‘82

Karen VanKeulen ‘87 Jason Holland ‘95 Becky Gerdes ‘98 Melissa Moulton ‘98 Erica Bly ‘02

Josh Scholten ‘05 Tracey Mork ‘06 Ty Brouwer ‘07

[ alumni connections ]

Clutch and the Shifters Reunite for Homecoming 2013 The journey came full circle 40 years later for Clutch and the Shifters.

The ’50s band, which was formed on the campus of SMSU in 1973 in an effort to win $50 in a Homecoming talent contest, played a 40th reunion concert during Homecoming 2013.

The event brought together a trio of the original band members, including Pat Rasmussen and Lee and Don Kanten.

The original band members included those three, along with Gary Peterson, Fairmont, Minn.; Isiah Whitlock, Jr., South Bend, Ind.; Jerry Lindberg, North St. Paul, Minn.; Joe Keyes, Pipestone, Minn.; and Keith Hocking, Ellsworth, Minn. Whitlock — today a successful actor on the big and small screen — left shortly after the group started to concentrate on theatre. Chris Nolte, Fairmont, Minn., had a short stint with the band, also.

Keyes was Clutch. “He started it all,” said Rasmussen. The band did three songs to win that talent contest back in 1973, and would later tour the country playing music from 1974-76. Their music and showmanship were instrumental in their induction into the Mid-America Music Hall of Fame.

“Because so many of us had a theatre background, we were really a show band. We’d have comic routines, choreography. At times there was more to the performance than the music. We were very visual,” said

Rasmussen.

That style was on display during their Homecoming performance at Shay’s, in the Marshall Ramada.

The band likes to develop a real rapport with the audience and plenty of friends were on hand Clutch and the Shifters performing their reunion concert. to listen to the reunion music.

“It was great fun,” said Rasmussen. “We were able to reconnect with a lot of old friends. The university was where it all began. Who would have guessed that trying to win that talent contest would lead us where it did?

It blossomed out of nothing.”

There is a display of Clutch and the Shifters in the Alumni Heritage Gallery on the second floor of the Student Center.

Berndt (MS ’09) Named SD Teacher of the Year the middle school there before leaving Teresa Berndt, an English for six years to teach in her hometown teacher at Mitchell High School of Tripp. After six years, she returned who earned her Master’s in to the Mitchell district. She teaches at Education from SMSU in 2009, the high school her second go-round. has been named the 2014 South Social media has changed the Dakota Language Arts Teacher of way many students communicate, the Year. and Teresa thinks of it as a positive.

“It was the best experience in education I’ve had in my life,” Teresa Berndt MS’09 “Social media exists, I use it, we all do.

How do we teach them the etiquette? she said of the two-year master’s Facebook is a bash mash now, there’s a lot of cohort group, based in Mitchell. drama, and bullying. “ “We met once a month, on a Saturday As for Twitter, “You have to ask yourself, and Sunday, and I met great people I still ‘How do I write in 140 characters or less;’ have in my world because of the fact we you have to use the technology that’s there bonded. It put me in a position to really but how do you implement it, because analyze, and make thoughtful and focused they’re using it anyway.” decisions.”

English is not an easy language to master, Teresa likes to get to know her students and she feels learning the strengths and on a personal basis, and figure out how each weaknesses of her students helps in her best learns. “Giving a student a ‘0’ doesn’t teach them. I give them extensions, and push approach. “I think kids struggle with aspects of English, but they’re not unattainable. them to be accountable. That doesn’t always They can speak, write, but not always fit into others’ philosophies.” grammatically correct. They have common How does she get to know her students skills, but there are grammar rules, and they better? “Through journaling,” she said. “I find out a lot about the family dynamics, and don’t all write as fluently as others.”

Her SMSU experience was a positive we have a lot of discussions in class. I get one. “We all invested time, met face-to-face, to know them personally, not just a paper and the conversation was good. There were coming across my desk. And I strongly tell people from the district I did not know them to communicate with me, let me know well who are now my best friends, and it’s what’s going on in their world.” allowed us to have a similar mindset about Teresa lives on a farm with her husband, Aaron, and son, Bailey, 9. It’s her second time leadership, how we grow, and professional development.” in the Mitchell system — she spent time in

Mustang Pride in Amazing Places

Pamela (Brown) Meyer ‘77 traveled to Australia to show her Mustang Pride. She writes: “Taken December 19, 2012 aboard the Royal Caribbean cruise ship Rhapsody of the Seas in Sydney, Australia harbor. I traveled with three friends beginning on Nov. 28 to Auckland, New Zealand for one week and an 11-day cruise along the eastern shoreline of Australia. We traveled on the cruise ship from Syndey north to Cairns and back again, returning to the U.S. on Dec. 20, 2012. The Syndey harbor bridge is behind me.”

Congratulations to Pamela Meyer! You’ve won a $50 gift card to the Barnes & Noble Campus Store that you can use in the store or online at smsu.bncollege.com to pick up more Brown & Gold gear!

Do you have a photo of yourself wearing your Mustang gear in an amazing place or while on an incredible adventure? If so, submit online at www.SouthwestAlumni.com/AmazingPlaces.

Winners will see their photo published in Focus and receive a $50 gift card to the SMSU Barnes & Noble Campus Store. To be considered, photos must be high resolution, clear, with “SMSU” or a Mustang logo clearly visible.

FOCUS | 13

[ class notes ] 1972 Annette Atkins presented on the expulsion of Dakota people from the state of Minnesota on Sept. 17 at Central Lakes College, Brainerd campus. She teaches history at St. John’s University and the College of St. Benedict.

1973 Steven Malecek completed a Ph.D. in Water Law and Policy from the University of Dundee in Scotland, UK. He graduated on June 19, 2013. His thesis was entitled “A legal framework for local private sector participation in urban water services: An approach to assessment and reform.”

1979 Jean Peterson is the superintendent for the Independence Community School District in Independence, Iowa.

Independence is located approximately 20 miles east of Cedar FallsWaterloo.

1982 Karla and Kevin Anundson received the 2013 Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference Noel Olson Volunteer of the Year Award, which is given to individuals who have made significant contributions to the NSIC. The couple was honored during the 14th annual NSIC Hall of Fame banquet on July 10, in St. Cloud, Minn. Both Kevin and Karla have been active members of the Southwest Minnesota State athletic community, involved not only in Mustang Booster

Club activities, but also with many programs involving SMSU studentathletes, coaches and staff members. They reside in Minneota, Minn., and have four children between the ages of 16 and 22.

Tina (Anderson) Richards’ exhibit “Many Dreams - One Hope” was on display at the Marshall Area Fine Arts Council’s Arts Center in the spring of 2013. She has taught art at the Westbrook-Walnut Grove school district since 2002 and lives in Walnut Grove, Minn.

Iowa Wesleyan College in Mount Pleasant, Iowa, on July 1, 2013. Previously, Titus served in executive roles at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, Pacific Lutheran University, Gustavus Adolphus College and Midland University, where he served as president and distinguished professor of leadership and change.

Prior to his administrative career, Titus served on the faculty at SMSU and as a U.S. Army officer and attorney in the Judge Advocate General’s Corps.

1983 Scott Emmons has been named dean of the Peck School of the Arts at the University of WisconsinMilwaukee, where he has been a professor of music education since 1992. He served as interim dean of the Peck School during the 2012-13 Year of the Arts at UWM, a celebration of the Peck School’s 50th anniversary, and is a widely sought clinician in the field of technology for music educators.

1992 Lieutenant Colonel Aaron Schultz is the Professor of Military Science for Army ROTC at SDSU. He has over 26 years of military service and he is a veteran of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Desert Storm. He resides in Sioux Falls, S.D., with his wife and three sons.

1984 Lloyd Nelson was named senior vice president/ private banking officer at Bell State Bank & Trust in Golden Valley, Minn. He has 28 years of experience in banking and finance in the Twin Cities market and most recently worked as an executive director and senior vice president for private banking at JPMorgan Chase & Co. 1987 Dr. Steven Titus became the 29th president of

1994 Brenda Carlson joined the Chisago Lakes School Board. Her education philosophy is to always put kids first and do what is best for them.

Doug Simon, SMSU political science professor, has been named a Policy Fellow at the Humphrey School of Public Affairs for the 2013-14 program.

He is one of 38 individuals selected for the unique educational experience, designed to help participants hone their leadership skills, build their professional network and define their unique role in the policy process.

Simon has been on the

faculty at SMSU since 1998.

1995 Bremer Bank promoted Tyler Bowen (MBA ‘08) to vice president, leading Bremer’s Investment, Management and Trust business for the Willmar and Marshall areas. Bowen joined Bremer in 2012 and will oversee Bremer’s IM&T business and assist clients with all their investment management, trust administration and financial planning needs. Bowen is an active member of the Marshall community, serving on the Kiwanis and Marshall Hoops boards and volunteers his time with the Marshall Area YMCA and Junior Achievement.

1996 Wayne Hawkins was inducted into the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference Hall of Fame on July 10, 2013, at the NSIC’s 14th annual Summer Kickoff event in St. Cloud, Minn. Hawkins resides in Plymouth, Minn. with his wife, Kari, and they have five children.

He owns a commercial cleaning company that he started 17 years ago.

1998 Scott and Becky (Evers) Gerdes proudly announce the birth of Grace Becky Gerdes. Grace was born on May 2, 2013, at 2:56 a.m., weighing 7 pounds, 14 ounces. Big brothers Nathan and Matthew welcomed baby Grace home to the family’s Rochester, Minn., home.

Sara (McCarty) Mix

accepted the position of security officer and facilities manager at Northwest Bank, based in Spencer, Iowa. She and her husband, Mike, and three children live in Estherville, Iowa.

2002 Marty Oian and his wife, Erin, welcomed a baby boy, Benjamin, on Nov. 15, 2012. The family resides in River Falls, Wis. 2004 Satyajit Dattagupta, who earned his MBA from SMSU in 2007, joined Washington College as V.P. of Enrollment on July 1, 2013. Prior to his new position, he was the University of Rochester admissions director of enrollment communications.

2005 Brian-Paco Bertrand-Cyr and his wife, Bridget (Von Cordes, ‘10), welcomed a baby boy on April 30, 2013.

Betty Roers, who earned her MBA from SMSU in 2005, retired from her position as director of Senior College and director of distance learning at SMSU to pursue a job with Roers’ Investments, which is owned by her two sons, Kent and Brian.

2006 Todd Biedenfeld and his wife, Michelle, are the proud parents of Andrew Curtis. Andrew was born on Aug. 13, 2013.

Melissa (Stydel ‘07, Master of Science ‘10) and Tyler Gall welcomed a son, Henry Andrew, on June 24, 2013. Henry joins

Are you a Mustang4Life? Share your love for SMSU with the Mustang Referral Program Do you know a student who would be a good match for SMSU? If so, please participate in our Mustang Referral Program. Alumni referrals are a great source of qualified applicants because of your unique understanding of the type of student who would thrive here at SMSU. We truly value and are very grateful for your referrals.

If you know someone who might be interested in attending

SMSU, participating is as easy as completing our quick online form at the website listed below.

What else can you do to help spread the word about SMSU? • Share your own experience with potential SMSU students.

• Direct them to our website: www.SMSU.edu.

• Encourage them to attend a special event or plan a visit.

www.SouthwestAlumni.com/referral 14 | FOCUS

[ class notes ] a big sister Lydia.

Samuel Haag married Ashley Davidson on July 20, 2013.

Lisa Carlson married Luis Marin on Sept. 7, 2013.

Justin McMartin married Kari Winter on July 6, 2013.

Travis VanOverbeke is the head coach of the football team at Murray County Central High School in Slayton, Minn.

2007 Joshua and Corrie (Cox) Bertrand welcomed their daughter, Eleanor Alan Bertrand, on Aug. 13, 2013.

Tara (Haar, ‘08) and Ty Brouwer became parents of a baby boy, Taber Michael, on July 8, 2013.

Kristine Schaff married Trent Baker. The couple resides in Walnut Grove, Minn.

2008 Krista (Bakewell) Johnson and her husband, Tyler, welcomed a daughter, Keira Renae, on June 8, 2013.

Elizabeth (Johnson) and Jeff Folkerts welcomed a son, Ledger Paul, on June 12, 2013.

Scott Voss accepted a position as a coordinator in SMSU’s Residence Life department in April 2013.

He married Kaitlyn Konz (‘13) on August 17, 2013.

Ben Nwachukwu (MBA ’10) and his wife, Stella, welcomed a son on Dec. 25, 2013. Baby Chimdi was welcomed home by his big sister, Adaugo.

Bryan and Kasey (Loeslie, ‘09) Nikkel welcomed a baby girl named Sloan on October 16, 2013.

2009 Emily (Dyste) and Ryan Jaeger (‘08) welcomed their daughter, Hadley Serenity, on August 29, 2013.

Tiffany (Harstad) and Kendall Bailey welcomed a baby boy, Liam John, on April 4, 2013.

Jacob and Amy (Shirey) Hix are the proud parents of Adelynn Jean Hix.

Abby Oakland was named assistant women’s basketball coach at SMSU after spending the last season as an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator at Bemidji State University.

Ben and Jenna (Schrupp) Rodman welcomed their son, Jace Milton, on August 1, 2013.

Jacob Speer accepted a position in the Communication Office at the University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse.

2010 Abbie Alllison is now working as a front desk supervisor at the Radison Blu Mall of America.

Erin Eichten (MS’13) took a new position with the Boise State Office of Admissions.

Heather Gass married Brock Nelson on April 13, 2013, in Marshall.

Heather works as a claims representative for the Social Security Administration in Marshall, where the couple resides.

Neal Utesch, who received his master’s in education with emphasis in leadership/curriculum from SMSU, is the associate high school principal at Le Mars Community Schools in Le Mars, Iowa.

2011 Anthony Holwerda married Stephanie Tulibaski (‘13) on May 17, 2013 at Zion United Methodist Church in Danube, Minn. Anthony works at North Star Mutual in Cottonwood, Minn.

2012 Katie Vermeer married Jason Bobbin on July 20, 2013.

Derek Klinkner is now head coach of the SMSU wheelchair basketball team after serving as a both a player and assistant coach for the program.

Jodie Stensrud married Jacob Forstein on Aug. 10, 2013, on the stage of the SMSU Fine Arts Theatre.

Adrienne Kletscher took an English teaching position at WestbrookWalnut Grove High School in Westbrook, Minn. She and her husband, Adam (‘06), have a one-year-old son, Hank.

2013 Amy Dreessen received an NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship, which will provide a $7,500 grant to pursue her post-graduate education. She was one of 29 female spring studentathletes to receive the award, which is one of the highest academic honors a student-athlete can receive.

Elise Kazmerzak and Laura Johnson joined the SMSU Office of Admission as admission counselors.

Brian Bau took over as director of the End O’ Line Railroad and Museum in Currie, Minn.

FACULTY/STAFF Dr. Jeff Kolnick, SMSU professor of history, wrote a MinnPost article on why universities have lost their moral courage. The article was entitled “Colleges, universities should show less caution, more courage and challenges.”

Professor emeritus of history Dr. Thaddeus Radzilowski received the Piast Institute’s Lech Walesa Media Award for the promotion of Polish Culture. Dr. Radzilowski is President of the Piast Institute, a research and policy center devoted to Polish and Polish American affairs, which he co-founded in 2002.

Professor of English Dr. Anthony Neil Smith signed a deal with Minnesota production companies Killing Joke Films and Pounding Heart MultiMedia to turn one of his popular novels, “Hogdoggin’,” into a film slated for release in early 2015.

Associate Professor of Physical Education Marilyn Strate was named Special Olympics Minnesota’s Outstanding Coach for 2013 at the

Kristine Kvanli ‘96 and Jim Nelson ‘09 returned to SMSU to emcee the University Gala on Friday, October 4, 2103. Kvanli is a host on ShopHQ. Jim Nelson is sports director at KVRR Fox in Fargo, ND.

Distinguished Service Award banquet during a Special Olympics Minnesota leadership conference on Sept. 21, 2013.

SMSU Financial Aid Director David Vikander was elected president of the Minnesota Association of Financial Aid Administrators (MAFAA) and was presented its Distinguished Service Award in May 2013.

Former SMSU president Dr. David C. Danahar has been named interim provost and vice president of academic affairs at Valdosta State University in Valdosta, Ga. Former SMSU women’s basketball coach Kelly Kruger has been named the new head coach of the women’s basketball program at Ashford University in Clinton, Iowa. He most recently coached at Adams State University in Alamosa, Colo., where he led the Grizzlies’ women’s basketball team to a 96-101 record from 2006-2013.

IN MEMORIUM Deloris (Grohmann) Gacke (‘71) passed away on June 10, 2013 in Hendricks, Minn.

Keith D. Burau (‘73) passed away on March 27, 2013, of complications from cancer.

Stephen LaCroiz (‘73) passed away peacefully

at St. Mary’s hospital in Duluth, Minn., on Jan. 14, 2013.

Ardith Reishus (‘78) passed away on June 17, 2013.

Craig Boelter (‘90) passed away in Pipestone, Minn., on Jan. 6, 2013.

Jacob “Jake” Hanson (‘02 and Masters of Science in Education ‘10) passed away on June 27, 2013, after battling cancer.

Linda Bach, who was the administrative assistant in the SMSU physical plant, passed away on Sept. 17, 2013.

Patricia Ebner, former SMSU Veteran’s Center coordinator, passed away on Oct. 4, 2013 at the Sunwood-Good Samaritan Society in Redwood Falls, Minn.

Former SMSU Football coach Mike Freidel passed away on Oct. 6, 2013.

A scholarship fund has been set up in his honor.

Please contact the SMSU Foundation/Alumni office for more information.

What’s your story?

There are many ways to share your news with other alumni: email alumni@SMSU.edu call 800-260-0970 click SouthwestAlumni.com mail SMSU Alumni Office

1501 State St.

Marshall, MN 56258

FOCUS | 15

Foundation Annual Report Dear Fellow Alumni and Friends, It is my pleasure to share with you this annual report for the Southwest Minnesota State University Foundation. You, our alumni and friends, once again stepped up with an amazing level of support through your financial contributions and volunteer efforts.

We can proudly say that we as SMSU alumni give back like no other as we once again had the highest percentage of alumni giving of any public institution in Minnesota!

This past year over $3,926,050 was raised through contributions, revenue and support made possible by our generous donors. The Foundation was able to give back just over $3 million to the University with over $800,000 going directly to student scholarships. As a result, the total net assets of the Foundation grew from $9,757,887 to $11,035,097, increasing the Foundation’s capacity to fund scholarships, projects and activities that support SMSU. This year the SMSU Foundation is part of a campaign across the Minnesota State Colleges & Universities system to raise awareness of the work that we do in support of our students and universities. The “Access to Excellence” campaign that you will hear about over the next two years strives to collectively raise $20 million in scholarship support across the entire MnSCU system through our respective foundations. Southwest has a rich history of support for these kinds of initiatives and we are confident that this campaign will bring awareness to that rich history as we grow the support for the students at SMSU. Many of you may have already received that phone call or mailing asking for your support again this year. If you haven’t made a contribution I would encourage you to consider the SMSU Foundation in your year-end giving plans. Your gift today will ensure additional value and support for our students in the year ahead.

Every gift to SMSU, no matter the size is important and appreciated. While this report lists the many individuals and businesses that have so generously supported SMSU this past year with a gift of $100 or more, please be sure to stop by the Alumni Heritage Gallery the next time you are on campus to see a complete listing of everyone who made a contribution this past year.

On behalf of the SMSU Foundation Board of Directors and the students, faculty and staff at SMSU, thank you for all that you do to make Southwest Minnesota State University a great University!

Sincerely,

Bill Mulso Vice-President for Advancement Foundation Executive Director

16

FOUNDATION ANNUAL REPORT

2012-13

Y 2011

$6,839,030 $2,578,221 $8,600,180

Y 2012

$2,704,687 $9,757,887

Y 2013

$3,068,921 $11,035,097

Foundation Support for FY 2013 $3,068,921 Academic and Program Support $614,089

Foundation

Fundraising $425,379

Board of Directors Diane Taylor ‘75 President Dorene Kronke-McCourt ‘73 1st Vice President Roger Madison 2nd Vice President

Scholarships $806,093

Ken Mukomela Secretary/Treasurer

University Development $1,223,360

Dan Koster ‘85 Past President

Total Net Assets and Foundation Support FY 2009–FY 2013

FY 2009

FY 2010

FY 2011

$5,338,918 $6,682,038 $3,087,727 $6,839,030 $2,578,221 $8,600,180

FY 2012

$2,704,687 $9,757,887

FY 2013

$3,068,921 $11,035,097

Foundation Support Total Net Assets

Tim Alcorn ‘89 Robert Aufenthie Kyle Berndt ‘13 Julie Bleyhl ‘84 Deb Boulton ‘93 Carol Bragg Vicky Brockman Tim Burns ‘72 Bill DeLay ‘85 Lee French ‘72 Robert Gunther ‘77 Sheldon Haaland Brian Knochenmus ‘00 Maren Larson Marilyn McLaughlin Mary Meaden Roger Mohr Orian Muecke ‘75 Kristi Mukomela ‘80 Chuck Myrbach Jan Nelson ‘73 Mike Rich Bruce Saugstad ‘89 Karen Sweetland Bill Toulouse ‘94 Brad Winkelman ‘91

FOUNDATION ANNUAL REPORT

2012-13

17

Honor Roll of Donors 2012-2013 Presidential Benefactors Society

$1,000,000 + cumulative Presidential Patrons Society

$500,000 - $999,999 cum.

Presidential Fellows Society

$250,000 - $499,999 cum.

Presidential Benefactors Society Business Aramark Corporation Schwan’s Corporate Giving Foundation Schwan’s Shared Services, LLC The Schwan Food Company Presidential Patrons Society Alumni & Friends Deeann Griebel ’80 Business Oscar and Cora Sather Farms Presidential Fellows Society Alumni & Friends Karen LeShufy Business Archer Daniels Midland Company Bremer Bank Minnesota Corn Growers Association Otto Bremer Foundation US Bancorp Cornerstone Society Alumni & Friends **David & Cecelia Danahar Mark Edelmann ‘75 Brian Gruhot & Kristin Gruhot ‘93 Robert Lockwood Thomas McCourt & Dorene Kronke-McCourt ‘73 Dorothy McGuiggan Orian Muecke ‘75 & Sue Muecke Business Bremer Financial Corporation Buuck Family Foundation CHS Foundation Ecolab Inc Hy-Vee Food Store Minnesota Soybean Growers Association Ralco Nutrition, Inc. Ralph Manwarren Charitable Trust Southwest Initiative Foundation

Cornerstone Society

$100,000 - $249,999 cum.

Landmark Society

$50,000 - $99,999 cum.

Benefactors Society

$25,000 - $49,999 cum.

Upper Midwest Employers Association Landmark Society Alumni & Friends **Doug & JoAnne Fraunfelder Sheldon & Margery Haaland Richard & Marilyn Kontz ‘71 **Robert & Premjit Larsen **Kenneth & Gwen Mukomela Thomas & Linda Sanders **Dan Snobl & Mary Snobl ‘88 ** Joseph & ** Eileen VanWie Business AgStar Financial Services Annexstad Family Foundation Avera Marshall Regional Medical Center Bank of the West - Marshall Carr Properties D & G Excavating East River Electric Power Cooperative First USA Bank, N.A. Great Plains Natural Gas Company Hardees Hormel Food Corporation KHC Construction, Inc. KMHL Broadcasting LeAnn C. Tolk Charitable Fund Lockwood Motors, Inc. Lyon-Lincoln Electric Cooperative Marshall Public School District 413 McLaughlin & Schulz, Inc. R & G Construction Slumberland of Marshall Southwest Marketing Advisory Council The McFarland Company Wells Fargo Foundation

University Society

$10,000 - $24,999 cum.

President’s Society

$5,000 - $9,999 cum.

David Grong ‘76 & Linda Grong **William Hezlep **Jack & ** Mary Hickerson * Christopher Hmielewski ‘98 & Mary Jo Hmielewski ‘04 Robert Jacobson & Jill Vroman Dennis Larson ‘71 & **Maren Larson ‘89 John (Jack) McLaughlin * William Mulso ‘93 & *Stacie Mulso ‘94 * David Pichaske & Michelle Payne Pichaske ‘88 Doug Pilgrim & *Jan Loft Lenny & Judy Pippin **Lloyd & Linnea Raymond * Michael & Arlene Rich Kim & Carolyn Runholt Thomas Sand Bruce Saugstad ‘89 & Linda Saugstad ‘90 ** David & Marlys Simpson ** Michael & **Karen Sterner **Mary Jane Striegel Dan & Kathy Sussner Karen Sweetland Michael Thomas & Jennifer Thomas ‘95 * Beth Weatherby & *Steven Kramer Darrel Wiener ‘75 & Karen Wiener ‘74 Ronald & Sandra Wood Dale W. Youngern Business Affiliated Community Medical Center Ameriprise Financial - Tom VanderHagen Barnes & Noble College Booksellers, LLC Basin Electric Power Cooperative Bisbee Plumbing & Heating Borch’s Sporting Goods, Inc. Bremer Trust Company of MN Buffalo Ridge Concrete, Inc. Burger King of Marshall Cattoor Oil Company,Inc. CHS, Inc. Davisco Foods International, Inc.

Bellows Club

$1,000 - $4,999 annual Founders Club

$500 - $999 annual Century Club

$100 - $499 annual

Edelmann Management Company Great River Energy Heartland Consumers Power District Helena Chemical Company - Marshall Henle Printing Company Hoffman & Brobst, PLLP ING ReliaStar Life Insurance Company K.T.’s Kitchens, Inc. Land O’Lakes Foundation Land Service Company Mardag Foundation Marshall Independent Material Distributors, Inc. Merck Partnership for Giving Midwest Ag Enterprises, Inc. Midwest United Insurance Minnesota Farm Bureau Foundation Minnesota Pork Board Minnwest Bank, M.V. Northwestern Mutual Life Foundation, Inc. PPG Industries Foundation Quarnstrom & Doering, P.A. Rock-Tenn Company Runnings Farm and Fleet Schott Foundation Southwest Tour & Travel State Farm Companies Foundation Subway The Farm Credit System Foundation, Inc. UniPro Foodservice, Inc. US Bancorp Foundation Viking Coca Cola Wells Fargo Bank Minnesota, NA Western Printing Company

Michelle Anderson ‘88 Harvey Angel ‘73 Kevin Anundson ‘82 & Karla Anundson Robert Archbold Robert Aufenthie & Ramona Nagel Bonnie Babcock Michael Bjerkesett ‘71 * Paul & Nancy Blanchard Greg Boerboom & Paula Boerboom ‘91 Charles & Katherine Bonifas Tyler Bowen ‘95 & Susan Bowen ‘95 Brian & Kathy Brandt Leland Bush ‘73 & Pamela Bush ‘72 **Edward & Linda Carberry Duane Carrow & *Debra Carrow ‘94 Jim & Kim Christianson * Scott & *Laura Crowell * Terrence Culhane ‘78 & Sandra Culhane ‘78 Donald & Phyllis Danielson Fran & Syl DeBaere Debbie Denbeck Rick & Linda Dennis John DeVos & Stephanie DeVos ‘12 David & Carol Drown Eric Eben & Neenah Eben ‘04 Terry & Roxanne Eberle **Conrad & Marcia Eckstrom Willard & Colleen Engel **Ed & ** Connie Evans Robert & Sandra Fenske Daniel Fischer & Jan NordinFischer Terrence Fogarty ‘82 & Karen Fogarty Neil Frost ‘93 & *Stacy Frost ‘93 Darrell & Marilyn Fuhr Jim & Jan Fuhrmann Mitch Glover ‘85 & Jane Glover ‘84 Mabel Grong Robert Gunther ‘77 & Jill McCartney Lois Henkel ‘72 Tom & Fran Hill **Keigh & Arlene Hubel

2012-2013 July 1, 2012-June 30, 2013

Benefactor Society Alumni & Friends **Joseph & Cathy Amato Bradley Baune Diane Cohen ‘72 & Jerrold Cohen

University Society Alumni & Friends ** Randy Abbott & Jill Buitendyk ‘92 * Timothy Alcorn ‘89 & Bobbi Alcorn * Debra Almer ‘76 & Frederick Almer

This Honor Roll of Donors lists annual contributors of gifts of $100 or more for the period between July 1, 2012 and June 30, 2013, and cumulative gifts and pledges of $5,000 or more.

While gifts of any amount are very much appreciated, this report contains only those in the Century Club or higher. Great care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of this report.

If you see any discrepancies, please contact the SMSU Foundation. A complete listing of donors is available in the Alumni Heritage Gallery in the Student Center on the campus of SMSU. * Denotes SMSU employee **Denotes Retired SMSU Employee

18

FOUNDATION ANNUAL REPORT

2012-13

James Hubley ‘74 & Barbara Hubley ‘75 * Brent Jeffers & Mary Jeffers ‘02 Randy & **Deb Johnson Violet Johnson Eileen Jones Richard Jorgensen ‘72 & Barbara Jorgensen **Charles Kauffman * Debra Kerkaert ‘88 & James Kerkaert John Kern ‘75 & Lynda Kern ‘77 * Jeff Kolnick & Rosa Tock Michael Kramer ‘94 & Alecia Kramer ‘94 Vincent & Anne LaPorte Therese Larsen Gregory & Rebecca Lecy Chet Lockwood & Nicole Lockwood ‘10 Rena Lockwood John & Kathy Loe Joe & Kim Ludowese Susan Madsen Richard & Irene Maertens Sally A. Magnuson & Burton M. Magnuson ‘04 C. Paul & Carole Martin Bill & Roz McCormack Marilyn McLaughlin Tom & Liz McLaughlin Harvey McVey **George & Rise Mitchell * Debra Mitlyng ‘85 & Bruce Mitlyng **Roger & Constance Mohr James Moline Gordon & Jenice Molitor Doug Mosch & **Sandy Mosch ‘79 Charles Muller & *Rosalie Muller ‘85 **Charles Myrbach James Ness & Carole ‘80 Toft-Ness Kenneth & Janice Noyes John Paxton ‘71 & Kathy Paxton ‘69 Vincent & Marcy Pellegrino Stella Peterson Karl Porisch ‘03 & Shirley Anderson-Porisch Warren & Ardella Quarnstrom **Thaddeus Radzilowski Leland & Norma Raske Dennis & Adele Reed David & Bette Reeder Thomas Roberts & Deanna Getschel Roberts *Don Robertson ‘84 & Marci Robertson **Alvin & **Joan Rusk ‘82 Steve & Juli Sanders Michael Springman ‘73 & Tracey Springman * Tim & Christy Steinbach Mark & Claudia Stenson

Jim & Teah Swenson Diane Taylor ‘75 & David Taylor ** Eileen Thomas * Gerald Toland & Mary Toland ‘96 William Toulouse ‘94 & Traci Toulouse Doug & Carole Treadway Karen VanKeulen ‘87 & Pat VanKeulen Robert Walker ‘98 & Nancy Walker ‘02 Patrick Wands ‘85 Mike & **Lorraine Weverka Daniel & Carleen Wiersma * Nathan & Lori Wolf * James & *Marianne Zarzana Business 3M Foundation AgriBank AgStar Financial Services Alltel Corporation American Legion Post #113 Breyfogle Auto Sales Burger King Corporation Carlson & Stewart Refrigeration Cars Limited Coca Cola Bottlers’ Foundation Cottonwood Co-op Oil Company Cowles Media Company Credit Bureau of Marshall, Inc. Domino’s Pizza Duane Anderson Chartered First Independent Bank Granite Falls Bank Great Plains Sports, LLC Gregory G Lecy, D.D.S. Heartland Corn Products Hitching Post of Marshall, Inc. Hubbard Foundation Jennie-O Turkey Store John V. or Esther McLaughlin Foundation Kyle B. Petersen Farms Marshall Area Chamber of Commerce Marshall Convention and Visitors Bureau McNeely Foundation MDU Resources Foundation Meier Electric, Inc. Midwest Aviation Minn-Dak Farmers Cooperative Minnesota Pork Producers Association Minnwest Bank, M.V. National Collegiate Athletic Association National Endowment For The Humanities Nationwide Foundation NB Golf Cars, Inc.

North Star Mutual Insurance Company Papa John’s Pizza Perkin’s Family Restaurant Prairie Pride Cooperative Preferred One Prudential Foundation Ramada Marshall Red Rock Rural Water System Reinhart Food Service, LLC Research Chefs Association Shooters Sporting Clays Skewes Jewelry Smile Designers Southern Minnesota Beet Sugar Cooperative Southwest Ophthalmology Associates, P.A. State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company Strategic Marketing Services, Inc. Titan Machinery Traveler’s Lodge Motel United FCS Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #742 Wachovia Foundation President’s Society Alumni & Friends Bruce & Mary Ahrendt * John Alcorn ‘89 & Susan Alcorn Tony Alcorn ‘90 & Patricia Alcorn ‘91 David Anastasi ‘82 & Joyce Anastasi Brad & Monica Anderson Adrian Anderson & Claudia Anderson ‘81 Douglas Anderson Joseph & Helen Andries Wilfredo & Alice Apostol Shirlee Bailey Lee Barrett ‘83 Gregory & Mary Bartz * Daniel Baun ‘83 & *Linda Baun ‘85 Gary & Marjory Becker Dale Berkner ‘78 & Dianne Berkner Eli & Mary Berry Steven Binder ‘79 & Debbie Binder Thomas & Gayle Birath Brian Bjella & Krista Bjella ‘96 Michael Blum ‘77 & Louise Blum Jerald Bly ‘71 & Ricke Bly ‘73 Todd & Jane Bock Jeff Bonnstetter & *Rhonda Bonnstetter ‘96 Greg & *Carol Bossuyt Mark Boulton & Deborah Boulton ‘93

* Patricia Brace Cal & Deb Brink **Glen Bruns ‘85 & Mary Bruns ‘75 Thomas Brutscher ‘85 Don & Susan Buhl Julie Caron David Caslavka ‘91 Greg & Sue Cattoor John Chute ‘77 & Debbie Chute Stanley & Katherine Claussen Edmond & Nina Conway * Verna Cornish Bruce Cox & Constance Smith-Cox Chad Crow ‘72 & Marilyn Crow **Hugh & Linda Curtler Jeremy Daberkow Kevin & Nancy Dahlman **Carmen DeKoster Tim Deutz & Jennifer Deutz ‘84 Betsy & Martin Draper Harlan & Teri Dreessen John & Patricia Drown ‘71 Tim & Marlene Dufault Faye Eckternacht Eric & Brandy Eidsness Joe & Sarah Ektanitphong **Robert & **Maryann Eliason Curtis Enestvedt ‘71 & Debra Enestvedt Bradley Engebretson ‘76 & *Jill Engebretson James & Michele Engels Cameron & Joanne Fanfulik William Fenske ‘84 & Anne Fenske * Sara Fier ‘93 & Bryan Fier Oliver & Mary Ford Shawn Foy **Gary Frandson & Mary Frandson ‘71 * B.C. & James Franson Joann Fredrickson ‘84 Charles Freiss & Catherine Schlagel ‘76 Steve & Linda Fruechte Randy Galbraith & Pamela Galbraith ‘80 * Stuart Galstad ‘72 Everett Garlisch ‘72 Julia Gaskell ‘83 & Pete Gaskell **Pat & LaVern Gawarecki * Vaughn Gehle ‘82 David & Linnea Genereux George Goblish & Jenifer Goblish ‘99 * John Gochenouer & *Denise Gochenouer ‘02 Thomas Good ‘73 & Annette Good Forrest Gorter ‘73 & Mary Ferron

Curtis & Kristy Griffin Joanne Groenewold ‘76 Randy Groff ‘84 & Patty Groff Jason Gruhot ‘88 & Danielle Gruhot Sharon Gruhot Barbara Habstritt William Hanson ‘77 & Jan Hanson ‘75 Shane Hastings ‘92 & Penny Hastings Josh Hawkinson & Michelle Hawkinson ‘03 Darin & Nancy Hegland **Don Hein & **Julie Hein ‘71 Patrick & *Sharon Hennen James & Deb Hey Marvin & Jan Hey Michael Hickman ‘74 & Sharon Hickman Mark Hodder ‘87 & Xunyu Qian **Sandy Hoffbeck ‘74 * Daniel & Ronaele Hoffman Brian & Sandi Hoffman Ken Holm & *Cynthia Holm ‘79 Michael Holmes ‘85 Bryon Hotzler ‘72 & Laura Hotzler ‘72 * Marcia & Jerry Hubner Owen Jensen ‘71 & Darlene Jensen James John & **Ann John ‘77 David Johnson ‘72 & Lourdes Vasquez De Johnson Richard & Margaret Jolstad Randy & Susan Kaath Lyn Kaczmarek Ralph & Mena Kaehler Randy & Susan Kamrath Marc & Melissa Klaith Carlos & Jean Knakmuhs Todd Konietzko ‘85 & Kelly Konietzko ‘84 **Michael Kopp & *Vicky Brockman ‘82 George & Jane Korver * Charles Kost & *Elizabeth (Betsy) Desy David Krull & *Brittany Krull ‘04 Russ & *Debra Labat **Marilyn Leach Daniel & Kim Lippert * Kelly Loft ‘97 & Kari ‘96 Loft **Max & Mary Lord Sander & Peggy Ludeman Joel Mathiowetz Darlene Mattke ‘74 David Meier ‘84 & **Nancy Gerber-Meier Perry & Lou Ann Meyer Keith Miller & Cheryl Miller ‘89

* Denotes SMSU employee **Denotes Retired SMSU Employee

FOUNDATION ANNUAL REPORT

2012-13

19

Tim Moberg ‘71 & Judy Moberg Dwight & Dawn Mork Larry & Michelle Muff Kristi Mukomela ‘80 David Musser ‘81 & Tammy Musser ‘81 Diane Nagel ‘73 & Gregory Posch **David & Judith Nass Jan Craig Nelson ‘73 Paula Nelson ‘72 & Stephen Krumpe Daniel Nesdahl ‘97 Ron & Karen Obermoller Thomas Odland ‘72 & Pamela Odland **Girard Parnell ‘71 & Diane Parnell * David & Marica Patterson * William Pavot Mary & George Peichel Craig Pellerin **Lloyd Petersen & Rennae Petersen ‘86 Les Plumley & Mary Jo Plumley ‘81 Duke Pogatchnik MaJa Pogatchnik Don & Mary Polfliet Nathan Polfliet ‘00 & Angel Polfliet John & Kathy Pollock David Potter ‘77 Anne Pryor ‘82 Thomas Quarnstrom ‘75 Lisa Rademacher ‘93 & Brian Rademacher Daniel Reed ‘76 **Roger & Karen Reede Robert Reinhart ‘75 **Jean Replinger Michael & Rosemary Rizzo Joe Roers ‘05 & **Betty Roers ‘05 Marsha Rose ‘94 Anthony & Michelle Rossman **James & Aileen Rowe Larry & Dawn Schiavo Mike & Susan Schneider Matt Schnoor Steven & Loronda Schuler * Robert Schwoch ‘02 * George & Peggy Seldat Randy Serryn ‘82 & Roxanne Serreyn ‘82 **Lew & Judith Shaver ‘95 Richard & Mary Shearer **Sherwin Skar & **Kathy Jones James Smalley & Sara Runchey * Connie & Paul Smisek Alan Smith ‘71 & Evelyn Smith Cynthia Sorenson ‘80 **Richard Spencer & Carol Spencer ‘97 Gregory Stemen ‘01

David Strom ‘75 & Vicki Strom ‘75 Mike & *Elizabeth Struve John & Margaret Suedbeck * Pamela Sukalski ‘95 Mark Sunwall ‘74 & Deborah Sunwall Jerry & Linda Svoboda Lonnie & Jeannie Swenson Randy & Leann Tatge Doug Theis * William Thomas & Candace Thomas ‘08 David Thomas Jeff & Colleen Thompson Eric & Tamara Thorn Bruce & Ann Tiffany Paul & Cindy Torkelson Thomas Vandendriessche ‘77 & Janet Vandendriessche Mark & Rita Vandeputte Joseph & Shirley VanOverbeke David Verkinderen ‘90 & Krista Verkinderen * Eugene & Brenda Verschelde Timothy & Mary Jean Waibel * Ross Webskowski ‘02 & Heather Webskowski ‘98 Kim & Kristin Wegner Mark & Michelle Wilcox Joe & Jane Willett Scott & Terri Williams Harmon Wilts & Gina KellyWilts Bradley Winkelman ‘91 & Alison Winkelman ‘91 Michael & Susan Wudel Chad & Sandy Wyffels Terry Wynia ‘87 & *Lori Wynia Hans & Shana Zahrbock Thomas & DeVonna Zeug John & Karen Zimmerman James & Emily Zwach Business 212 Strategies, LLC A & W & Kentucky Fried Chicken Action Sports, Inc Alden Merritt Enterprises LLC All My Favorites Alliance Pipeline L.P. American Hotel Foundation, Inc. AmericInn Motel & Suites Ameriprise Financial Randy Groff Awards Plus of Southwest Minnesota, Inc. BENCO Electric Cooperative Beverage Wholesalers, Inc. Big Stone Therapies Marshall, LLC

Bladholm Construction, Inc. Brownlee & Hayes, Inc. Buysse Roofing Systems & Sheet Metal Co. Caldo Italian Kitchen Charter Communications Company Chase Manhattan Foundation Chemical Bank Chevron Humankind Matching Gift Program City Looks Communicating for Agriculture Complete Health Center Daley Farm of Lewiston, LLP Dental Health Center Eickhoff Enterprises, Inc. The Equitable Foundation F & M Bank Minnesota Farmland Foundation First Independent Bank Floor to Ceiling Store Fran’s Communications Gene’s Sporting Goods, Inc. of Marshall Gene’s Sporting Goods, Inc. of Minneota Harvest Land Cooperative Home Federal Savings Bank Hormel Foods Charitable Trust Horty Elving & Associates, Inc. IBM Matching Grants Program J.R. Farms, Inc. Jim’s Clothing & Sporting Goods Johnson’s Paint & Wallpaper Center Kruse Auto Sales Larson’s Home Furnishings - Marshall H.W. Linder Lockheed Martin Corporation Ludowese A E Inc. Lyon County Farm Service JV Lyon Lodging, LLC Marcotte Jewelry LTD Marshall Area YMCA Marshall Pizza Partners, LLC McDonald’s of Redwood Falls Medtronic Foundation Mike’s Cafe Minnesota FFA Foundation Minnesota Turkey Growers Association Minnesota Turkey Research & Promotion Council Minnesota Valley Communications, Inc. Mister Cool’s Clothing Monsanto Company

Moving Forward Advisory Council, Inc. NE Foods, Inc. New Life Farms, LLLP Northrop Grumman Foundation Northwestern Farm Management Olson & Johnson International, Inc. On Campus Marketing, LLC. Pepsi Cola Bottling Company Pine Lake Wild Rice Farm Pioneer Hi-Bred International Prairie’s Edge Casino Prinsco, Inc. R & R Imdieke Farms Randall W. Johnson, D.D.S. Sanford Health Sherman Chiropractic & Rehabilitation Silvercrest Charolais SMSU Accounting Club SMSU Alumni Association SMSU HRS/Culinology SMSU President’s Office SMSU Theatre Department Southwest Cattlemen’s Association Southwest MN Arts & Humanities Council Southwest Pallets Southwest Sanitation State Farm Insurance Company - Kevin Anundson Stearns County Soil & Water Conservation District Stoneberg Giles & Stroup, P.A. Tanner Systems, Inc. Thalmann Seeds, Inc. The Rosen Family Foundation Tip Top Tux True Value Home Center TRW Foundation TSP Twin Oak Acres United FCS United Southwest Bank US Bank Wherley Moving & Storage Wilson O’Brien Realtors Yellow Medicine East Independent School Dist.

2190 Bellows Club Alumni & Friends Lawrence & Elizabeth Baun David & Pam Bednar Greg Bladholm Chad Eickhoff ‘01 & Tina Eickhoff ‘98 Colleen Feucht

* Denotes SMSU employee **Denotes Retired SMSU Employee

20

FOUNDATION ANNUAL REPORT

2012-13

Marc Fritz ‘03 & Amanda Fritz ‘02 Dan & RaeJean Gee * John & Leanna Ginocchio Tom Handeland Mike Henle Brian Kor & Nancy Kor ‘83 Robert & Donna Kruse David & Marlyce Logan Todd Mentzer ‘92 & Bev Mentzer Gregory & Cheryl Nemec Brian & Tiffany Rodning Clayton Schwerin ‘77 & Tami Schwerin Jason & Lisa Sherman Brandon & Lauri Skewes Randy & Elaine Sook Harold & Roxanna Sorknes Alison & John Tauer Helen Wands Joyce & Oscar Weiszhaar Jeff Witt Business Birath Wealth Management, LLC East River Electric Cooperative Inspec, Inc Jimmy John’s Gourmet Sandwiches Motivation By Design, LLC. MRLF Tractor Pull Pepsico Foundation Rambow Sleepy Eye Lions Club Staples Enterprises, Inc Sussner Construction, Inc. Varsity Pub Founders Club Alumni & Friends Steven & *Linda Bach Frank Belmont ‘76 & Rebecca Belmont * Noelle Beyer ‘97 & James Beyer ‘97 Eric Bly ‘02 & Erica Bly ‘02 Thomas Boerboom ‘74 & Susan Boerboom Kimberly Brehmer Brian Bromen ‘72 & *Melissa Bromen ‘74 * TJ & Candace Buchholz Tracy & Thomas Buzzell Susan Carlson ‘98 & Kevin Carlson Tina Cartwright ‘97 & Chad Cartwright * Sean Culhane ‘05 Rassoul Dastmozd ‘83 Dave Deines ‘93 & Kimberly Deines ‘95 Todd & Brenda Dirckx Greg Dobrenski ‘86 & Janet DeVos-Dobrenski Scott Dubbelde ‘84 & Diane Dubbelde ‘87 Bruce Egeland

* Brian Ehlenbach ‘01 & Shawna Ehlenbach Charles Ehlers & Kari Ehlers ‘99 Michael & Pamela Ellingson Kimberly Fier-Abraham & Kim Abraham Kurt Fishtorn Quentin Fixen & Carla Fixen ‘11 Craig Gifford ‘71 & Ann Marie Gifford ‘71 Sara Granheim ‘02 Jonathan Harley ‘72 & Donna Harley Mark & Jodi Holleman David Horstmann ‘77 & Lisa Horstmann James & Susan Iverson Gary Johnson ‘75 & Susan Johnson * Maria Kingsbury Michael Klein ‘86 & Jenifer Klein Karen & Don Klinkner Dallas & Gale Kluksdal Kerry & Becky Knakmuhs Gary & Joleen Koch * Allison Kruger Steve & Carol Kruger Bruce & Vicki Lamprecht Mark Maiers ‘88 & Cindy Maiers Art Matthys * Michael McHugh * Jessica Mensink ‘04 & Tony Mensink Gunner Mensink David Meulebroeck ‘76 & Karen Meulebroeck Thomas Meulebroeck ‘73 & Veronica Meulebroeck Timothy Michals & Stephanie McKee Chris & Mindy Moede Jim & Mary Muchlinski Jeff & Melanie Mueller * Ken Murphy ‘88 & Sandra Murphy Beth Nelson Craig & Debra Norland Mark & Lori Olson Steven Otto ‘79 & Teresa Otto Mark Priegnitz Gary Rychley ‘72 & Wendy Rychley Elaine Sandager ‘74 * Cory & Amy Sauter Norman & Gail Schnieder **Frank & Mitsue Shindo Jack Skjoldager ‘72 & Marlene Skjoldager Bradley Strand William Tauer Kristina Taylor ‘87 Andrew Thangasamy ‘98 Christopher Theobald ‘86 & Elisa Theobald

Robert & Harriette Tholen Dustin Vierstraete & Sonia Vierstraete ‘01 Adam Willert ‘05 & Heather Willert David Wolter ‘78 & Dianna Wolter ‘80 Business Ag Country Farm Credit Auri BASF North America Boulder Estates Doom & Cuypers, Inc. Extra Innings Grandview Financial, Inc. Happy Feet HomeTown Bank Houston County Farm Bureau IBM International Foundation Independent Lumber of Marshall Key Largo Restaurant & Lounge P & J Products Co. Pine Hills Golf Club Schlenner Construction Co State Farm Insurance Charlie Aufenthie The Baxter International Foundation The Bike Shop Valley Discount Liquor Century Club Alumni & Friends Bruce Aamot ‘76 & Lori Aamot Chad Adams ‘96 & Ann Adams ‘97 Elizabeth Adams ‘84 Jason Adams ‘94 & Kami Adams ‘95 Mary Adkins ‘74 & Buddie Adkins * Jorun & Alan Ahmann * Frances Albitz Ben Alcorn ‘02 Sonya Alexander ‘89 & Robert Alexander Jeff & Bonnie Allen Linda Allen ‘84 & Jeffrey Allen Daniel Amundson ‘96 & Kari Amundson ‘96 A. Eric Anderson Brent Anderson ‘83 & Rebeca Anderson Brian Anderson ‘74 & Lea Anderson Jennifer Anderson Nancy Anderson Paul Anderson ‘93 & Julie Anderson Bradley Angell ‘72 & Erna Angell Joyce Arends ‘98 & Paul Arends * Bridget Arkell ‘00 &

Richard Arkell ‘06 * Kathleen Ashe & John Bunge Annette Atkins ‘72 & Tom Joyce Eric Baertsch ‘98 & Lori Baertsch Scott Bahler Jane Balch ‘70 Anastasia Baldowin Larry Balfanz ‘75 & Mary Leopold Debra Banks ‘75 & Richard Banks Calvin Barnett Jeffrey Bartz ‘85 & Jill Bartz Jean Baun Gary & Teresa Becker Kevin Beekman ‘84 & Joanne Schollmeier Larry & Lynne Beeler Amy & Brett Beernaert Richard Bendt ‘90 & Shawna Bendt Rena Benedict ‘72 Ryan & Kaycee Benedict Roger Benson ‘78 & Deborah Benson ‘76 Charles Beranek ‘96 & Heidi Beranek ‘96 Dale & Marlene Berg * Marcia & Scott Beukelman Cynthia Bighley ‘83 & Milton Bighley David Binder ‘83 & Yu-min Chiou Harry Birath Michael Bird ‘95 & Jodi Bird ‘95 Nancy & Kevin Bitterman Julie Bleyhl ‘84 **Allen Blitstein & **Carole Blitstein ‘88 Dean Bloemke ‘73 & JoAnn Bloemke Kurt Blomgren John Blomme ‘90 & Kristin Blomme ‘89 Adam Blume ‘06 Jeffrey & Candice Bobrowicz Reuben & Judy Bode Ricky Boelter ‘95 & Nicole Boelter ‘04 Dean & Jeanette Boerboom Jason Boerboom ‘95 & Holly WilliamsBoerboom ‘97 Mike Boerboom Eric Born ‘93 & Danita Born John & Margaret Bornhoft Mark & Elizabeth Bostwick Mark & Jeanette Bosveld John Bot ‘95 & Becky Bot ‘02 Jon Bot ‘80 & Susan Bot Timothy & Kathy Boyd * David Braaten Dale Bradtke ‘85

Patrick Brady ‘71 Carol Bragg Patti Breyfogle ‘92 & Eric Bartalotto Peter Breyfogle ‘80 & Nancy Breyfogle Thomas Brockberg ‘72 & Cheryl Brockberg Bruce Broderius Lee Broderius ‘84 & Geralyn Broderius Alan Bronnenberg ‘10 * Jay & Judy Brown Ron Brown ‘79 & Carla Brown Melissa Bruggeman Darlyne Brunsvold Christina Brusven ‘02 & Daniel Brusven Kristie Brusven Jim Budahn ‘75 & Amy Budahn Floyd & Judith Buddenhagen Levi Bullerman ‘10 & Alarie Bullerman Jerry & Michelle Bunkers Thomas Burke Lonna & Bruce Burmeister Doris Burton John Burton ‘72 & Sandra Burton ‘71 Velmer Burton John Buseth ‘86 & Vicki Buseth Steve Bush ‘76 & Sonya Bush Charles Buysse ‘82 & Sharon Buysse Jeff & Rhonda Buysse Larry & Valerie Buysse Mike Buysse Rodney Cardinal ‘71 & Mary Cardinal ‘71 Brett Carlson ‘92 & Loretta Carlson Mary Alice Carlson * Patricia Carmody ‘80 & Sean Carmody ‘81 Alan Carpenter ‘72 & Anne Carpenter ‘75 Bill & Suzanne Carr James & Gail Carr Kristina Carrow ‘05 & Nicholas Carrow ‘03 Marri Carrow ‘08 Elizabeth Carstens ‘74 Steven Casavant ‘03 & Catherine Casavant Gregory Casey ‘71 & Barbara Casey Edward Caudillo Charles Chalberg ‘73 Dean Champine ‘74 & Karen Champine ‘77 Jeff & Janet Chapman Valerie & Robert Cherry James & Judith Chittick Paul Choudek ‘82 & Julie Choudek ‘84

David Christensen & Julie Anne Solberg Christensen Nancy Clark ‘00 Jay Clasing John Compton ‘80 & Renee Compton Kari Condezo & *Gustavo Condezo ‘01 Christy Coudron ‘92 & Steven Coudron Jennifer Coudron ‘98 & Ron Coudron Darrell Courneya ‘73 & Celeste Courneya Michael Cox ‘73 & Cheryl Cox Matthew Crellin ‘76 & Joan Cochran Mary Cross Richard Crumb ‘81 & Helen Crumb Timothy Cundy ‘97 Larry & June Daellenbach Butch & Margie Dahl Nathan Dahlager ‘98 & *Cori Ann Dahlager ‘98 Michyl Dalager ‘01 & Karen Dalager ‘01 Brent & Jane Davidson * Stephen & Carrie Davis Peter & Elizabeth Davis * Stewart Day & Rebecca Day ‘11 Jane DeAustin ‘73 & Bob DeAustin * Emily Deaver Roger & Deb DeBaere Bernie DeCock & Julie DeCock ‘81 Gayle & Lois Degler William DeLay ‘85 & Lori DeLay Alan DeLeeuw ‘76 & Jane DeLeeuw James Denevan ‘83 & Betsy Denevan Brent & JoAnne Deruyter Susan DeSaer ‘83 & Timothy DeSaer Douglas & Helen Devereaux Brian & Dorothy DeVos Mark Diekmann ‘83 & Deborah Diekmann Mary Jo Dierickx ‘84 Carolyn Dindorf ‘83 Richard Dinello ‘78 Bradley Dirckx ‘76 & Margaret Dirckx Tammy Distad ‘86 Daryll & Kathleen Dobesh Nicholas & Michelle Doeling Tracy Doherty ‘80 & Lisa Doherty Kenneth & Marie Dolan Lon Dopp ‘93 & *Jill Dopp ‘93

* Denotes SMSU employee **Denotes Retired SMSU Employee

FOUNDATION ANNUAL REPORT

2012-13

21

Janel Dressen ‘97 & Chad Dressen Michael Dulas Greg & Jody Duske Glenn & Darcy Eben Angela & Randy Ebright Gary & Catherine Ecalbarger Peter Egan ‘74 & Carol Egan ‘74 Margaret Eichenlaub ‘89 & Robert Eichenlaub Patrick Eichten ‘93 & Jenny Eichten Gary Eickhoff ‘73 & Joyce Eickhoff David Eischens Joyce Eischens ‘87 Gary & Carolyn Eliason Christopher Ellingson ‘01 & Andrea Ellingson ‘98 Terry Endres * Lori Engebretson ‘06 & Michael Engebretson ‘07 David Engel ‘72 Timothy Engeldinger ‘98 * Bonnie & Gordon Engesmoe Tyler Engquist ‘02 & Jill Engquist ‘02 Sarah Ericksen ‘97 Christine Erickson ‘73 & James Erickson Evelyn Ernst ‘71 & Carl Ernst Merlyn & Ann Eubank Stacey Evans Jacob Fahl ‘03 & *Angela Fahl ‘04 Craig Feldman ‘99 & Stacey Feldman ‘98 Arnold & Joyce Fencl Chuck & Pamela Fennell Dale Ferguson ‘71 & Betty Ferguson Darrel Feucht John Fischer ‘89 & Mary Fischer Kevin & Monica Fischer Mark & Beth Fischer Steve Fleck ‘90 & Cindy Fleck ‘92 Neil & Carol Fletcher Tom & Karen Francis Dennis Frederickson & Marjorie Frederickson ‘79 * Lee French ‘72 & Joann French ‘75 Daniel Fuchs ‘75 & Denise Fuchs John & Michelle Full Annette Fults Jerry Fury David Garman ‘76 & Nancy Garman Georgene Garman Julie Garrow & Jon Garrow ‘96 James Garvin ‘84 & Debra Garvin ‘84

* Brett Gaul ‘00 & Anita Gaul Larry Gavin ‘81 & Patricia Gavin Thomas Gelhar ‘78 & Lynn Gelhar Brian Gilbert Scott Gilbertson ‘90 & DeAnn Gilbertson ‘90 * Gary & Patricia Gillin Daryl Gillund ‘96 Robert Gilman ‘84 & Tracy Gilman William Gimmestad ‘07 & Paula Gimmestad ‘86 Jerome Girton ‘73 Brent Gish ‘73 & Gayle Gish Shirley Gladitsch ‘75 & Miles Gladitsch John Glasgow ‘72 & **Jo Anne Glasgow ‘71 Thomas Goblirsch ‘75 & Lisa Goblirsch Peter Goedtke Raymond & Twyla Goedtke Richard Goehring ‘94 Al & Kären Goergen Diane & Terry Gonnerman Kay Gonzales ‘73 & Jamie Gonzales Mason Goodenow Rachelle Graham & Eric Pierskalla ‘80 Amy & Kory Grant Paulette Grausam ‘76 & Greg Grausam Leah Grobove ‘87 & Marvin Grobove Jerry Groen ‘85 & Marcella Groen ‘85 Patrick & Patti Groff Josh Gronli ‘08 Richard Groothuis ‘78 & Jane Groothuis Matthew Gross Alan Grube ‘90 & Barb O’Connor-Grube Tim Gudal * Christian & *Kim Guenther Jeffrey Gunderson ‘88 & Cynthia Gunderson Darlene Guse ‘05 Angela Gutxmer & Kevin Gutzmer Mary Jo Haaland Mark Hacker ‘74 & Marilyn Hacker ‘77 * Mari Haecherl ‘81 & David Haecherl Steven Hagen Patrick & Debra Haggenmiller Michael Haig ‘76 Douglas & Charis Hamilton Dorothy Hamman ‘93 * Carrie Hansen ‘08 Trevor & Melissa Hanson Wayne & Janet Hanson Annette Harding ‘71 Daniel Harms ‘89 & Heather Harms Brian Hart

Jean Hartman ‘76 & James Hartman Jeanette Hauschild Steve Hawkinson Carlos & Criquet Hazim Cynthia Hebrink ‘95 & Randall Hebrink Larry Hebrink ‘72 & Linda Hebrink Steven Hedberg ‘71 * Shawn Hedman ‘86 & Nancy Jo Hedman ‘87 Lisa Hedrick ‘87 & Mark Hedrick Carol Heen ‘71 & Charlie Boone Lowell & Gladys Hellie Peter Hellie ‘84 & Joy Hellie ‘88 Thomas Hellmann ‘81 & Diana Hellmann Christopher Helvig ‘83 & Lisa Helvig Pepper Henkel ‘91 Larry & Barbara Henle John & Terry Hennen Steve & Melissa Hennen Michael Henning ‘91 Robert Henrichs * Kristine Henspeter ‘74 & Kim Henspeter * Rick Herder Dan & Deb Herrmann Marcellan & Kevin Hertz Thomas Hey ‘86 & Jennifer Hey ‘86 Greg Higdem ‘77 Lucas & Jessica Hilgemann Jeffrey Hill ‘77 & Amy Hill Scott & Shirley Hiller Max Hinneberg ‘78 & Michele Hinneberg Lisa Hochhalter ‘89 & Barry Hochhalter Thomas Hoff ‘87 & Cheryl Hoff ‘87 Dennis Hoffbeck ‘03 Jason Hoffman ‘99 & Pam Hoffman Jennifer Hoffman ‘99 James Hofmann ‘84 Tim Holinka ‘87 & Kris Holinka Sharon Hollatz ‘01 & Tom Hollatz * Diana Holmes ‘12 Karen Holmes Carl Holmquist Dennis Hoogeveen ‘85 & Brenda Hoogeveen ‘88 David Horn ‘78 Linda Horsager ‘71 & Les Horsager James Horton & Kerri Delaney-Horton Quinn Horvath & Kari Horvath ‘98 Mark Hotzler ‘80 & Jane Hotzler Carol & Mark Hruby Mark Huebsch

Angie & Courtney Hughes Jason Huss ‘97 & Dongi Huss Steve Iano ‘77 & Pamela Iano Lee Isenberg * Jeffrey & Nicolle Jennings Mark Jennings ‘77 & Dorothy Tischer Dennis Jensen ‘71 Kevin Jensen ‘01 Mary Joy Jensen ‘84 & Mark Jensen Neil Jensen ‘71 & Karen Jensen Robert & Sharron Jensen Laura Jenson ‘08 & Jake Jenson Jon & Jill Jeseritz * Denise Jesse ‘98 & Paul Jesse ‘98 Philip Jessen ‘84 & Gayleen Jessen ‘85 Brad Johnson ‘73 & Deborah Johnson Curtis Johnson ‘81 & Ruth Johnson Joel & Stacy Johnson Marcia Johnson ‘72 & Van Johnson Nancy Johnson ‘73 Paul & Lois Johnson Steve Johnson Thomas Johnson ‘72 & Kathleen Johnson ‘71 Thomas Johnson ‘75 Thomas Johnson ‘80 & Kristen Johnson Darrel Johnsrud David Johnsrud Richard Jones ‘73 & Jeanne Jones ‘86 Gary Jongerius ‘77 & Debra Prairie ‘79 * Karen Kaas ‘94 * Sharon & Dave Kabes Gary Kahl * Daniel Kaiser & *Sheryl Kaiser ‘06 Merlyn Karjala ‘80 & Linda Karjala ‘82 Janell Kassel ‘04 & Tyson Kassel ‘02 Gary & Candy Kellen Paula Kelly ‘89 & John Kelly Timothy Kerkaert ‘92 & Carol Kerkaert Keith & DeNell Kern * Anthony & Ami Kerr Gary & Lorie Kidrowski Richard Kidrowski ‘94 Mark & Carol Kiemele Elmer & Joyce Kienitz Linda Kimber ‘83 * Stephen Kingsbury Christy Klatt ‘92 & Bob Klatt ‘92 LeAnn & Jason Klein Andy Kleindl ‘83 & Julie Kleindl

* Denotes SMSU employee **Denotes Retired SMSU Employee

22

FOUNDATION ANNUAL REPORT

2012-13

Gary Klimmek ‘73 & Marion Klimmek ‘74 Bradley Klinkefus Nicole Klinkefus Douglas Kmetz ‘77 & Susan Kmetz ‘79 Brian & Andra Knapek Kathy & Tim Knapek Kevin Knetsch & Mary Knetsch ‘05 Rick Knoll ‘05 Maxine Knox Marlys & Ken Knuth Judith Koch Teresa Kock Wayne & Kerry Koepp James Koewler ‘72 & Vicki Koewler ‘76 Thomas Kolb ‘09 & Emily Kolb ‘10 Christine Konold ‘87 James Konradi ‘73 & Roberta Konradi Jim & Jill Kontz Gary Koosmann ‘73 Andrea Kopfmann ‘07 Ronald Kopischke ‘82 & Judy Kopischke ‘81 Roger Koster ‘84 & Joan Koster ‘86 Curt & Luci Kovash Michael Kraemer ‘70 & Candice Kraemer Emily Kram ‘06 Michael & Mary Krantz David Krause ‘84 & Carolyn Krause Tom Kremer ‘72 Tom Krenik Robert Krogman ‘87 & Tamara Krogman Ryan Krome ‘09 Ryan Krueger ‘01 & Tessa Krueger ‘03 Brian & Bonnie Kruse Andrew Kubat ‘76 & Dona Kubat ‘76 Douglas Kunde ‘83 & Marissa Kunde Shane Kussatz ‘96 & Heather Kussatz Daniel Labat ‘82 Dick & Kathy Labat Duane & Gerri Labat Kirk & Jane Landman Rolf & Sheryl Lang **Cletus & Lorraine Lanners Dave & *Maggie Larsen Danny & Tracy Larson Deborah Launer ‘77 & Russell Launer Steven Leaf ‘76 Steven Lecy & Marsha Lecy ‘88 Daniel Lee ‘83 & Karolee Knudson-Lee Darwin Leek ‘79 & Virgean Leek Michael Leischner ‘09 Tharan Leopold ‘92 & Ruth Lillquist

* Diane Leslie ‘91 & Bill Leslie Judith Letrud ‘77 & Dan Dallman Lavilla Levtzow Ronald Levtzow Melissa Lies ‘92 & Jeff Lies Kelly Lindeman Peter Linder ‘94 & Rhonda Linder Gary Lindert ‘75 & Mary Lindert Kaye Link ‘73 Robert Long * Janice Louwagie ‘79 & Jerry Louwagie ‘77 **Jo & Joe Louwagie James Louwagie ‘86 & Julie Louwagie Kirk & Valerie Lovsness Brian Lucker ‘77 & Janeen Lucker Doug Luepke ‘73 Brian Luke ‘75 & Jane Luke ‘75 Barbara Lynch ‘75 Vito & Lisa Macchio Todd Madden ‘86 & Karen Madden Roger & Donna Madison Jolayne Madson ‘87 Jon Maker ‘78 & Rhonda Maker Janine & Keith Malbrue Steven Malecek ‘73 & Roxane Malecek ‘75 * Karen & Jim Malmberg Ralph & Debra Malz Cherie Manderschied ‘71 & Randall Manderschied Patricia Maris David Marquardt & Julie Marguardt John & Diane Marshall Richard & Carol Martin Wilbur Masat Don Massa Brad Mathiowetz ‘92 Jeffrey Mauland ‘78 & Lynn Mauland Bruce Maus ‘74 David Mbonu ‘80 & Emilia Mbonu Becki & Mike McGlauflin Kevin & Pamela McGuire * Susan McLean Kathryn McNally-Bova ‘93 & Gregory Bova Perry & Kristin McNeil ‘05 Michael Meier ‘98 & Cat Abbott ‘09 Beau Meinert ‘93 & Tracy Meinert Steven & Karen Meister David Meyer ‘93 & Becky Meyer Daniel & Rosmari Mihin Janna & Marc Milbradt Alan & Shelly Miller James MIller Roger & Julie Miller Michael Mills

Alan Miner ‘84 Karen Minge ‘88 & David Minge Julie Miramontes ‘83 & Thomas Miramontes E.J. Moberg ‘98 & Shannon Moberg * Regina & Jeffrey Modica Thomas Moehn ‘76 & Olga Moehn Brad & Linda Mohns James & Laura Molenaar Melvin & Susan Monsen Lawrence & Lavonne Moorse Bruce Morgan ‘73 & Anne Morgan Scott Morin ‘76 & Mahree Morin Randy Morken ‘80 & Mary Morken ‘78 Julie Mortier ‘91 & CJ Mortier Paul Muecke ‘09 Kristi Muller ‘89 * Michael Munford ‘05 & Cinara Munford Rebecca Munns ‘93 & Thomas Munns Denise Myhrberg ‘81 Lawrence Naber Gary & LouAnn Nagel Michael Nash ‘75 & Elizabeth Nash Keith Nelsen ‘71 & Jane Nelsen ‘88 * Jesse & Julie Nelson * Linda Nelson ‘92 & Jon Nelson Jess & Linda Nelson Keith Newman ‘88 & Tamara Newman ‘90 Jackson Nichols Jennifer Nielsen Elisabeth Noel Mark Nordrum ‘78 & Barbara Nordrum Dale Norell ‘74 & Deborah Lien Michael Norgaard ‘02 & Susan Norgaard Jim Norton ‘78 & Cynthia Norton Tracy Oey ‘02 & Alexander Oey ‘03 Erling & Charlotte Oie * Julia & Dean Olson * Marcy Olson ‘93 & Ryan Wendland ‘02 Brad Olson Jerry & Suzanne Olson * Raphael & Lillian Onyeaghala * Ray & Jane Oster Loren Overgaard Mabel Overgaard Mark Overgaard Sandra Owens Todd Pack ‘77 & Debi Pack ‘89 Tom & Denise Palmer Mark & Colette Patzer

Kevin & Barb Paulsen David Paulson Allison Payne Mary & Gary Payne Thomas Pearcy Andrew Peschong ‘10 Michael & LeaAnn Peschong Paul Petan ‘86 & Rebecca Petan Shawn Peterka ‘04 Nathan Petersen ‘00 Svend & Maren Petersen * Scott & Peggy Peterson Bryan & Jill Peterson Gary Peterson ‘77 & Patricia Peterson Mary Lou Peterson ‘71 Sue Peterson ‘89 & Bradley Peterson Wayne & Colleen Peterson Scott Petrich ‘87 & Connie Petrich ‘87 Kevin Pfingsten ‘81 & Ra’Keeta Pfingsten William & Tamara Pierce Brian Pioske ‘87 & Patricia Pioske ‘87 Karen Pirozzoli ‘80 & Michael Pirozzoli Phillip & Alonna Pointon James Polejewski ‘87 & Gail Polejewski ‘93 Steven Polkow ‘71 & Linda Polkow Erik Porter ‘05 & Andrea Porter Roberta Porter ‘79 Duane Possail ‘87 & Jeanna Possail ‘89 Prudence Precourt Nickolaus Pribyl Jerry Priester & Sara Priester ‘86 James & Jane Prokop Mike & Jodi Prokop Carol Purrington Daniel Radel ‘08 & Kelli Radel ‘93 Warren Radel ‘89 & Melissa Radel ‘90 Charles Rahm ‘72 Karl Ramey ‘91 & Karen Ramey Dale Raschke ‘75 Dennis Rasmussen Steven & Peri Rasske Paul & Marcia Rehkamp Todd Reif ‘84 & Mary Reif ‘85 Jerry & Renae Reu Carol Reuvers Roger Reuvers ‘81 & Linda Reuvers ‘82 Lee Richmond ‘80 & Jeffrey Richmond * Heather Rickgarn ‘07 & John Rickgarn ‘06 Mark Riebel ‘85 & Kathy Riebel Dennis & Lois Ries

Timothy Rignell ‘76 & Kristine Rignell Dan & Marie Ritter Brad & Gina Roberts Ann Roemen ‘84 & Daniel Beacom Richard Roesler Brian Rowell ‘77 & Susan Rowell Christopher Rowell ‘05 & Michele Rowell ‘07 Russell Royce ‘78 Thomas Runck * Eric & Anna Runestad Tom & Muriel Runholt Betsy Ruppert-Kan ‘91 & Dan Ruppert-Kan Chelsea & Dustin Russell Dolores Rysdahl ‘71 Thomas Sahlstrom ‘83 & Cindy Sahlstrom Peter & Jackie Sames Michael & Nancy Sandager Ruth Sanders ‘73 & Doug Sanders Russell Sanow ‘76 & Deidre Sanow ‘77 Scott & Staci Saugstad * Kathy J Schaefer ‘84 & Jerry Schaefer ‘12 Kevin Schaefer ‘94 & Linda Schaefer ‘96 Alan Schafer ‘73 & Juliane Schafer Benjamin & Kristel Schamber John Schatzlein ‘71 & Helen Schatzlein ‘71 Ronald Schilling ‘72 & Donna Schilling Terry Schiro ‘75 & Susan Schiro Terry Schleif ‘76 & Robin Schleif Andrew Schlichting ‘06 Corey Schmid ‘89 & Julie Schmid * Nadine & Karl Schmidt Kelly Schmidt Kent Schmidt ‘85 & Shaneen Schmidt Troy & Erica Schmitt Dan Schneider Angie Schneiderman ‘98 Joshua Scholten ‘05 & Melissa Scholten ‘07 Paul & Nancy Schons Dean Schoolmeester ‘94 & *Wendy Claussen ‘87 David Schoper Tracy Schramm ‘01 Wayne & Darlene Schreurs Alex Schuh ‘08 Dianna Schultz ‘07 Kirk Schultz Charles & Patricia Schuveiller Mary Schuveiller Bradley Schwartz ‘78 & Deborah Schwartz Nick & Jill Schwarz

Dave Seidler Linda Seifert ‘73 & Michael Seifert Richard Sether Marie Setnes ‘02 & Kristopher Setnes Krishna Shah ‘97 Laurie Shaw ‘82 & Michael Qualls Craig Shea ‘80 & Barb Shea Colleen Shupe ‘86 & Dean Shupe Bruce Siegling * Douglas Simon ‘94 & Molly Simon ‘07 Greta & Harley Simonson Ann Simpson & Aju Fenn Brian Skalbeck ‘73 & Dee Skalbeck Brad Skoglund ‘83 & Teresa Skoglund John Skogstoe ‘73 & Susan Skogstoe * Anthony Smith John Smith ‘74 & Becky Smith Kirk Smith ‘79 & LouAnn Smith ‘77 Steven & Rhonda Smith **Gary Sneide Scott Snobl ‘94 & Saundra Snobl John & Pam Soderholm Maureen Sorensen ‘80 & Grant Sorensen Elvera Specht Chad & Joy Springborg Sharon Springer ‘71 & Ron Springer Steven Squibb ‘92 & Kelly Squibb Gary St Aubin ‘82 & Wendy St Aubin Gary & Jean Staeffler Daniel Stanley ‘82 Craig & Mary Staufacker Kathy Steffen ‘83 & Robert Steffen Dennis Stemen Betty Ann Stensgaard ‘70 * Conni & Stan Stensrud * Michele Sterner & Oak Kelsey Rod Stevens Leon Stoel ‘89 & Tammy Stoel ‘90 Mark & Janelle Streed Norma Streich ‘80 Mark Stumm ‘82 Timothy & Julie Stupka * David & Gwen Sturrock * Matthew Suby & Deanna Suby ‘09 Becky Suedbeck Harbarth ‘97 & Jon Suedbeck Jim Sullivan ‘83 & Terry Sullivan Matt & Linnea Surprenant April Sutor ‘80 Valerie Swanson ‘76 & Neil Sussenguth

* Denotes SMSU employee **Denotes Retired SMSU Employee

FOUNDATION ANNUAL REPORT

2012-13

23

Shane Sweetland ‘94 Peter Swenson ‘90 & Bonnie Swenson James & *Sheila Tabaka * James & Mary Tate Loren Tauer ‘73 & Janelle Tauer Dan & Michele Tennissen Jeff Tetrick ‘72 & Chris Tetrick Todd & Julie Thedens Bradley Theis Andrew Theisen ‘80 & Carol Theisen Robert & Julie Thiel Lyle Thies ‘77 & Joyce Thies Ralph & Kari Thissen Alan Thom ‘71 & Sharon Peterson-Thom ‘73 * Gloria Thompson Jennifer Thompson Matthew Thompson ‘06 & April Thompson ‘06 Ronald & Becky Thompson Wayne & Mary Thompson John Thomsen ‘02 Justin Thordson ‘98 & Jamie Brink-Thordson ‘06 Bradley Thorson Matthew Tiffany ‘03 Gary Tigges ‘78 Barbara Tighe ‘98 & Earle Tighe Delmar Timm ‘73 & Pat Timm Janel Timm ‘01 & Joel Timm Terry Timm ‘71 & Rebecca Timm Constance Tinklenberg-Hays ‘71 Steven Titus ‘87 & Sara Titus ‘87 Richard Toews ‘75 & Jeanne Toews ‘74 Kent & Jennifer Tonsager Wade Tornquist ‘81 & Mary Tornquist Thomas Trollen ‘78 & Lynn Trollen Lee Trotman ‘07 & Kara Brockett ‘08 * Joan & Steve Tutt Paul & Lola Twedt Karen Utt ‘90 & Michael Utt Rodney VanderZiel ‘80 & Kimberly VanderZiel ‘80 * Michael VanDrehle ‘08 * Debbie VanOverbeke ‘89 & Gary VanOverbeke Gary Veenstra & Diana Veenstra ‘72 Steve Venteicher ‘89 Lisa Verschaetse ‘83 & Randall Verschaetse Terry & Cindy Verschaetse

Joel Vinkemeier John & Stacey Voit Jane Vold Michael Voss ‘72 Jason & Jill Vote Steve Waldstein Kathy Waletzko ‘81 & Gerald Waletzko Doug Wallace ‘77 & Debra Wallace ‘79 Eugene Walter ‘83 & Nancy Walter Jack Warnemunde ‘73 & Jodi Warnemunde Lawrence Warner Mark & Shawna Warner John Warnert ‘86 Phillip & Mischelle Watts Michael & Debra Weg Ronald & Donna Weidauer Harry & Jaen Weilage Michael Weinand ‘94 & Rachelle Weinand ‘93 John & Pat Weir Bradley Wendland ‘89 & Pamela Wendland ‘90 Ray & Marcia Wenk Devlon Werkman ‘01 & Bobbi Werkman Bruce Werner ‘77 & Beverly Werner Tom & Melanie Werner Jocelyn Wester ‘02 & Tim Wester Amy Westermeyer Dwayne Westra & Beth Westra ‘74 Randy & Sima Wewetzer Matthew & Kristi Wickett Ryan Wieman Sandy Wilcox ‘82 & Timothy Wilcox Jason Wilhelm ‘02 Mark Wilson & Elaine Halverson Robert Wilson ‘76 & Mary Kay Wilson ‘76 Marlin & Beverly Winkelman Bruce Winter ‘79 Steve & Mary Winther William Wojcik Ronald Woldengen ‘72 & Karol Woldengen Reginald Wolsky Teresa Woodworth ‘79 & Mark Woodworth Roberta Wyatt & Edwin Yerka Gary & Elaine Wyffels Greg Wymer ‘95 & Amy Wymer Gary Wynia ‘75 & Joan Wynia Kevin Wynia ‘84 & Sara Lee Wynia ‘89

Timothy & Beth Wynne Michael & Kellie Yackley James York ‘82 & Rosemary York Brian Yost ‘93 & Nicole Yost Thomas & Cheryl Zager Donald Zierke ‘77 & Barbara Zierke Business 25th Street Storage, Inc. AB Vacuum Center Activeaid, Inc. AgVenture Feed & Seed, Inc. Alliant Techsystems, Operations, LLC AmericInn-Marshall American Family Insurance Archer Daniels Midland Avon Products Foundation, Inc. B & A Sundance Bancwest Investment Services Inc. Barnes and Noble BASF BH Electronics, Inc. Bramhall Golf Shop, Inc. Canterbury Park Caseys General Store Computer Man, Inc. Computers and Beyond Daniels-Peterson Construction, Inc. Deruyter Pallets Dodge County Farm Bureau Dow Corning Matching Gifts Program Dulas Construction Dybsetter Farms, Inc. Eastern Farmers Cooperative Edward D. Jones - Neil Frost Enterprise Rent A Car First National Bank First Security Bank First Security Bank Freeborn County Farm Bureau Association Fulda Area Credit Union Goods Eavespouting Guthrie Theater Hamilton Funeral Home Hampton Inn Hiller Commercial Floors Hiller Rentals Hostelling Int’l - American Youth Hostels, Inc Illinois Tool Works Foundation

ING Insurance Service Agency Jackpot Junction Casino Jeseritz Electric Jim Brust, Inc. Johnson Family Dental Care Johnson Trenching Co. KAB Farms, LLC Kesteloot Enterprises Kluksdal Piano Tuning Listul Seeds Lockwood Motors Employees M & B Farms, Inc. Malz Bros. Farm Marco Marshall Aquatic Center Marshall Area Stage Company Martin County Farm Bureau Massa Dental Offices, P.C. Maurices, Inc. Mayo Employees Federal Credit Union McDonald’s of Marshall MDI Minnesota Association for Teachers Retirement Minnwest Bank - Dawson Nicollet County Farm Bureau Nolting Farms Incorporated Norm’s GTC - Car Quest North Dakato State University Orphanage AntiquesStrawberry Fields Patzer’s Hardware Hank PAX - Program of Academic Exchange Pehrson Farms PNC Foundation Purple Iris Yarn Shop Ralph Olson & Sons, Inc. Rehkamp & Horvath Funeral Directors Rice County Farm Bureau, Inc. Runholt Family Farm Partnership Rycan Technologies,Inc. Sanken Seeds Schneider Development, Inc. SMSU Admission Office SMSU English Department SMSU Faculty Association Sole-Mates, LLC Southwest Pro Painting LLC

Star Foundation State Farm Insurance State Farm Insurance Mark Priegnitz Steele County Farm Bureau Agency Studio B Stueven Farms Sunsational Tanning The Daily Grind Thelen Funeral Home Thirty-One, Ami Kerr TK Steakhouse Toni’s Depot Town & Country Agency Tyler Golf Club United Ag Resource LLC VanderHagen Skogrand & Associates VanderZiel Tax & Accounting Service Werkman Mechanical, LLC Winona County Farm Bureau Federation Witzel’s Pronto Auto Parts & Service Wood Lake Lumber Wrolson Grain Unit Ziegler Inc. Heritage Society ‡ Michelle Anderson ’88 Michael Bjerkesett ’71 John & Jean Brobst Timothy Burns ’72 & Julie Burns Marylee Dallman ’94 & Dennis Dallmann David & Cecelia Danahar Donald & Phyllis Danielson Mitch Glover ’85 & Jane Glover ’84 Deeann Griebel ’80 Chris Grosz ’82 Sheldon & Margery Haaland Jason Hoffman ’99 & Pam Hoffman Richard Jorgensen ’72 & Barbara Jorgensen Grant & Nancy Joy Marilyn Kontz ’71 Sally A. Magnuson & Burton M. Magnuson ‘04 Marilyn McLaughlin **Charles Myrbach Doris Olson

‡ Heritage Society was established to recognize and honor, during their lifetime, those persons whose vision and generosity move them to support SMSU through an estate plan gift. * Denotes SMSU employee **Denotes Retired SMSU Employee

24

FOUNDATION ANNUAL REPORT

2012-13

Front row (l-r) Murielle Shimba, Anja Bjorklund, Marissa Mann. Back row (l-r) Rachael Posusta, Abby Rist, Kassi Hague.

Get Linked up Alumni Fund Drive focuses on capturing Southwest Stories

Located in the depths of Founders Hall on the campus of Southwest Minnesota State University exists a critical operational center for the SMSU Foundation — the Call Center. Nearly every night, a group of talented and dedicated SMSU students clock-in, log-on, and aim to “Get LinkedUp!” “Get LinkedUp!” — the theme for the 2013-14 SMSU Alumni Fund Drive Phonathon campaign — is a unique way for SMSU student fundraising associates to connect with alumni.

“Our theme of ‘Get LinkedUp’ sprung out of the LinkedIn® concept,” said Erik Vogel, Director of Annual Giving and SMSU Foundation Call Center staff manager.

LinkedIn® has become a major online professional network, connecting professionals all over the world. While the Phonathon is the SMSU Foundation’s largest annual fundraising initiative, it also serves as a way for SMSU students to get exposed to the history of the university through the stories of its alumni.

“We have made it a priority for our student fundraising associates to capture these stories,” said Vogel. “The students helped to create the theme ‘Get LinkedUp’ and incorporate it into the Phonathon.”

The result so far: over 150 stories shared by SMSU alumni across the country.

“We have heard some incredible stories,” said Abby Rist, a junior Social Work major from St. Cloud, Minn., and Call Center Student Supervisor.

Here is how it works: Each caller writes the Southwest Story they are told over the phone on a different color of paper, or “link.” Then, Rist “LinksUp” all of the collected Southwest Stories from each call session, creating a massive chain of historical anecdotes on the Mustang Wall in the Call Center.

At the end of the year, the caller with the most Southwest Story links will receive the elite award, “Best Story Catcher.”

“It is really fun to hear from our alumni about all the interesting and sometimes crazy things they did while they were students here,” said Rist.

“To think that we share some of the same experiences with alumni who were students here 10, 20, or even 40 years ago does form a special bond.”

The SMSU Alumni Association plans to create a bank of Southwest Stories that can be used in communication pieces highlighting SMSU alumni. In the future, an online repository of these stories will also be available for viewing through the Alumni Association web site.

The Alumni Fund Drive will continue throughout the school year.

If you have not done so already, please make your gift to support SMSU students through The Southwest Fund at www.SMSUFoundation.org.

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SMSU Alumni Office 1501 State Street • Marshall, MN 56258 Change Service Requested

If FOCUS is addressed to a son or daughter who has graduated or no longer maintains a permanent address at your home, please email alumni@SMSU.edu to provide the current address or call toll-free 1-800-260-0970 to notify us of the change.

Upcoming Events 2013

November 29— December 1-8— December 14—

2014

Minnesota Wild, Xcel Energy Center, St. Paul (SOLD OUT) Western Caribbean (SOLD OUT) The Wizard of Oz, Ordway Theater, St. Paul

February 1— Hawaiian Night, SMSU, Marshall February 14— Mustang Gold Rush, SMSU, Marshall April 11— The Inauguration of President Gores May 10— SMSU Commencement, Marshall July 25 — Minnesota Twins Event, Target Field, Minneapolis September 12-14 — Family Weekend at SMSU October 11— Save the Date: Homecoming 2014