SMSUFOCUS A magazine for alumni & friends of Southwest Minnesota State University
Taking Water Testing to a Whole New Level pg. 6
Fall 2017 Edition | Inside: 2016-2017 Foundation Annual Report
SMSUFOCUS A magazine for alumni & friends of Southwest Minnesota State University
FALL 2017 | VOL. 37, NO. 1
TABLE OF CONTENTS Education Program Reaccredited by state Board of Teaching The School of Education Teacher Education Program at Southwest Minnesota State University has been reaccredited through 2023 by the state Board of Teaching following a visit to campus on Nov. 5-7, 2017. “This was a unit review. Their last visit was in 2010,” said Dr. Sonya Vierstraete, Chair and Associate Professor of Education. “As part of the accreditation process, they evaluate our Teacher Education Program to validate that we are meeting the standards for reaccreditation.” Vierstraete said that the site team provided an oral report on their recommendation to the Board of Teaching while on site November 7th, and that the Education Program would be reaccredited until 2023. “We will receive the official report within 30 days,” she said. The site visit team consisted of five individuals—two Board of Teaching staff members, and one member from Metro State, Augsburg and St. Thomas. “We were able to demonstrate proficiency in the standards for unit approval until 2023,” said Vierstraete. “It provides us an opportunity to evaluate the entire Teacher Education program and make programmatic changes to improve the quality for teacher candidates.” The reaccreditation process is thorough, she said, and preparation for their visit began long ago. “We write an institutional report about our teacher program and submit it 60 days prior to their visit. We had been working on it steady since May,” she said. “That report is our narrative discussing how we meet the standards. The portfolio containing artifacts shows evidence of how we have met the standards. When they were on campus, they conducted interviews with stakeholders affirming the evidence.”
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Founders Day Celebration Campus News Partnership Spotlight: Redwood River Water Quality Testing Alumni Spotlight: The Keg Rollers Return Alumni Connections Mustang Athletics Class Notes
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Foundation Annual Report 2016-17
President Dr. Connie J. Gores Vice President for Advancement/ Executive Director of Foundation Bill Mulso ’93 Director of Alumni Relations Michael VanDrehle ’08/MBA’10 Focus Editor and Designer Marcy D. Olson ’93/MBA’05 Senior Writer and Photographer Jim Tate
Contributors Jessica Anderson ’07 Rita Fonder ’16 Stacy Frost ’93 Karen Kaas ’94 Kelly Loft ’97/MS’11 Alan Matzner Julia Stuckey ’15 Erik Vogel Photo Contributors Jenny Kirk, Marshall Independent Justin Oakman Photography
Send correspondence and story ideas to: SMSU Communications & Marketing, Attn: FOCUS 1501 State Street, Marshall, MN 56258 Contact the Focus Editor: Marcy.Olson@SMSU.edu or 507-537-7374 All cities and towns are located in Minnesota unless otherwise noted. Year(s) after names reference degrees obtained at SMSU. Year of undergraduate degree is listed first. Year of graduate degree is listed after MBA or MS.
Feature stories may be reprinted with the written permission of the editor at Marcy.Olson@SMSU.edu. Other articles may be reprinted without permission provided that credit is given to SMSU.
FOCUS (USPS 565-770) is published twice each year for alumni and friends of Southwest Minnesota State University by the Office of Communications & Marketing at SMSU. Opinions expressed in FOCUS do not necessarily reflect official University policy.
Southwest Minnesota State University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action educator and employer. A member of the Minnesota State system. ADA Accessible.
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Visit us online www.SMSU.edu and SMSUAlumni.com Follow the latest SMSU news at www.SMSU.edu/today
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SMSU Celebrates Founders Day President Connie J. Gores was the first to sign the 50th Anniversary Charter on Founders Day, Monday, Sept. 25, 2017, thus kicking off Homecoming week and a series of events celebrating the University’s golden year. The first Founders Day came 50 years earlier, when the University was named Southwest Minnesota State College. Students, faculty and staff were asked to sign a Charter, signifying the opening of the University. A second Charter was signed for the 25th anniversary. Students, faculty, administration and friends of the University signed the 50th Anniversary Charter document following a Mustang Family photo in the Alumni Plaza. The second person to sign was Warren Quarnstrom, a retired
Marshall lawyer who was on the original Marshall College Committee that first met back in 1956 to discuss the possibility of a college in this part of the state. All three Charters are displayed near the Alumni Heritage Gallery, on the second floor of the Student Center. Several Charter Class (1971) members were on hand to sign the 50th Anniversary Charter, and recalled an institution that at that time had three academic buildings (Bellows, PE and Fine Arts). They recalled the excitement of being a part of a new college on the prairie. In her remarks, President Gores talked about the maturation of the University, its importance to southwest Minnesota and the many lives it has changed during its short 50-year history.
Top photo: The Mustang Family poses for the group photo. Left: President Connie J. Gores was the first to sign the 50th Charter. Above: Members of the charter class were on hand to sign the historic document. Left to right, front row: Warren and Ardella Quarnstrom. Middle row: President Connie J. Gores, Rosemary Shippy, Kathy (Johnson) Paxton, Sandy (Hirdler) Hoffbeck, Sylvia (Guza) DeBaere, Samuel Tutt. Back row: Ed Connelly and Jerry Bly.
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Honors Lounge Named for Dr. Hugh Curtler “You usually have to die for the room and they were deep into something like this to happen,” it, so I just listened. The students quipped Hugh Curtler, retired knew each other from having been Philosophy professor and the in the Honors Program together founding director of the Honors for several years, so they felt Program. comfortable with one another and He was referring to the rethere was great discussion.” naming of the Honors Lounge His two sons, Hugh and Rudy, in his honor. His former student, were both Honors Program Philosophy Professor Dr. Brett participants, and they both Gaul, is now the Honors Program graduated in 1991. “As the head director and initiated the changing of Honors, I read their names at of the name. The Curter Honors commencement,” said Curtler. “It is Lounge — located in BA 109 — one of the highlights of my life.” was unveiled on Oct. 18, 2017. Gaul was an Honors Program Curtler was the first Honors student under Curtler and if it Program director, a role he enjoyed weren’t for him, Gaul said, he for “about 25 years” before his wouldn’t be at SMSU today. “He retirement in 2009. asked me, ‘If you could do anything From left: Dr. Brett Gaul and Dr. Hugh Curtler “I got the idea in the early ’70s,” you wanted, what would you do?’ I he said. “The Honors Program told him I’d study more Philosophy. draws top students, and they don’t need some courses,” he said. “It He told me, ‘Maybe that’s what you should do.’” allows the students to design their own Liberal Education Core (LEC) That led Gaul to pursue his dream, which has taken him full circle courses.” back to SMSU as a Professor of Philosophy and Honors Program The program leads to the Honors Senior Seminar, where a number director. of books are read and discussed throughout the academic year. “I owe so much to Hugh. This is just a way to recognize all that he “My job was to direct the conversation. Sometimes I’d come into has done for the Honors Program, and the University,” said Gaul.
Maren Larson Remembered with Sculpture It’s only fitting that a woman who had a nurturing profession would also have a nurturing hobby. Maren Larsen, a nurse and for 38 years the Health Services Director at Southwest Minnesota State University, passed away on April 25, 2017. A sculpture in her honor, “Maren’s Angel,” was recently commissioned and placed on campus in her honor. The sculpture is by Fargo, N.D., artist Brock Davis, who was approached by Maren’s daughter-in-law, Beth Larson. She is married to Maren’s son, Scott. “She went so fast, it was such a shock to everyone,” said Beth. “I wanted there to be something that would last forever in her memory. We’re very proud of her work at SMSU, it was the highlight of her life.” The sculpture is made of steel, and the face of the angel is made of shiny stainless steel, so that it will reflect the flowers that will surround it in years to come. “Beth and I sat down and she told me Maren’s story,” said the sculptor. “There’s a cross at the base, representing a (vintage) nurse’s cap. She
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Maren’s Angel
is holding a flower, and there are flowers growing up from the base. The wings are those of an angel, and the wings are also on the international nursing emblem, as well.” The sculpture sits near the entrance into the Bellows-Charter Hall link. A cement pad was poured, and the sculpture bolted to that pad. It will be further landscaped around the piece. Beth Larson’s daughter, Emily, is a graphic designer for Bernard Group in Eden Prairie, Minn. She gave Davis a rough sketch of her vision of the sculpture, and he took it from there. Maren was a Master Gardener and initiated the Campus Beautification Project and established The Gardens area on campus. A dedicated group of volunteers kept the gardens in pristine condition and helped make SMSU one of the most beautiful campuses within the Minnesota State system. Maren retired in 2012 and she and her husband Dennis moved to a lake home in Glenwood. Davis said he used 920 feet of eighth-inch steel rod in the seven-foot “Maren’s Angel.” The sculpture is a fitting tribute to a beloved past members of the University community, who gave so much of herself in a nurturing manner.
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SMSU Welcomes Dr. Aimee Shouse as Dean SMSU’s new Dean of the College of Arts, Letters and Sciences, Dr. Aimee Shouse, puts her job simply: “My job is helping people,” she said. Shouse comes to SMSU from Western Illinois University in Macomb, Ill., where she was Director of the Liberal Arts and Sciences Program. She was also the chair, and a professor, in the Department of Women’s Studies there. She is a Conway, Ark., native, who earned her B.S. degree in Political Science from the University of Central Arkansas, located in Conway, 30 miles north of Little Rock. From there, she would earn her Ph.D. in Political Science from Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tenn. She took a job as Assistant Professor of Political Science at Western Illinois and held several positions during her time there. Administrative positions included Department Internship Coordinator, Coordinator for General Education in the College of Arts and Sciences; Acting Chair of Political Science; Acting Chair, Interim Chair and Chair of the Department of Women’s Studies;
and Director of the Liberal Arts and Sciences Program. Her early impressions here? “I like the mission of the University, and the balance of liberal arts and professional programs,” she said. “I also like the size, and the fact you can get to know people here. “People here care about the institution and the students,” she continued. “It’s student-oriented. One of the hardest things for me, moving into this position, was the fact I wouldn’t be in the classroom anymore.” Shouse replaces longtime faculty member and dean Dr. Jan Loft, who retired at the end of June 2017. “She has been very helpful, as has Dean (Raphael) Onyeaghala. I’ve had a lot of people on Dr. Aimee Shouse my calendar who want to stop by and introduce themselves. SMSU, and the community, are very welcoming places.” Shouse and her husband Robert have two daughters, Emma, a graduate student studying design in Paris, and Meghan, who is pursuing a degree in fashion merchandising at Iowa State University.
MnSCU Board of Trustees Holds Meeting at SMSU Minnesota State Chancellor fourth-largest in the nation. Devinder Malhotra believes “All regions of the state are the Minnesota State postimportant to us,” he said. “Southwest secondary system does a good Minnesota has a large ag base,” he job of “providing an outstanding said. “SMSU and Minnesota West education at affordable rates.” and its five campus are institutions Malhotra was on the campus that provide social, cultural and of Southwest Minnesota State intellectual capital this region needs.” University for the November Devinder said he’s been on 52 meeting of the Minnesota State of the 54 campuses since April and Colleges and Universities Board of is “struck by the transformational Trustees. It marked the first time power of our institutions. Our the full board has met outside of colleges and universities provide the metro area. greater access to education from the “Coming here is intentional and lowest 20 percent of family incomes, by design,” he said. “The board and I’d venture an educated guess fully recognizes the broad range that an overwhelming number, when of institutions we have in the they graduate, move into the top 20 system and we want to schedule percent of income.” these meetings (outside of the Devinder said his travels have metro area) at least twice a year,” given him clarity, also. “It’s brought President Connie J. Gores, right, coordinates the agenda with Minnesota State he said. home to me the true purpose of Interim Chancellor Devinder Malhotra, center, and Board of Trustee chair “It’s a big, complex system,” he our calling and that is rid higher Michael Vekich. Photo courtesy of the Marshall Independent. added. “We consist of 30 colleges education of its elitist and insular and seven universities and have character.” 54 campuses throughout the state. We enroll over 250,000 students, Committee meetings took up the first day of the Board’s agenda on and have an additional 120,000 enrolled in continuing education, Nov. 14 and the morning of the 15th. The full board then met in the continuing training and certificate programs. We are a diverse system afternoon of the second day. — we have over 63,000 students of color or Native students, and over “We’re happy to have the opportunity to host the Board of Trustees,” 50,000 first-generation students. Our colleges and universities are said SMSU President Dr. Connie J. Gores. “It’s an opportunity to show places of hope and opportunity.” the Board what a special place SMSU is as we celebrate our 50th Minnesota State is the largest educational system in the state and the anniversary.”
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SMSU Sponsors High School Trap Shoot Minneapolis Star Tribune outdoor writer Lakeview, Redwood Valley and Wabasso. Dennis Anderson led his story about the Each school had two teams. Oct. 14, 2017 Governor’s Pheasant Opener Lt. Gov. Tina Smith was on hand for this way: “The institute of higher learning the competition and assisted in handing in this town, Southwest Minnesota State out team and individual trophies. The University, offers a major in hospitality Lakeview team of Jon Wyffels, Parker management and the belief Saturday Viane, Travis Engels, Austin Naab and afternoon at the conclusion of the Kyle Beck won first place. Wyffels was Governor’s Pheasant Opener here was that the boys’ Top Gun winner, and Ashlyn all of the community residents hold at least Doening of Redwood Valley won the girls’ a bachelor’s degree in the field, graduating Top Gun trophy. with honors.” Bill Mulso, Vice President for That shout out to the community, and Advancement at SMSU, said sponsoring SMSU, was a welcome tip of the hat for the first competition was a good fit for the efforts that went into the hosting, for Lieutenant Governor Tina Smith, left, presents Jon Wyffels Southwest Minnesota State University. the second time, the Governor’s Pheasant “Marshall has hosted the Governor’s of Lakeview with the boys’ Top Gun award. Bill Mulso, Opener. Pheasant Opener before,” he said. “We right, represented SMSU, the event sponsor. Part of the activities surrounding the were looking for an event that would opener was the inaugural SMSU High School Trap Shoot, sponsored involve youth. Clay target shooting is the fastest-growing high school by SMSU. The competition was held at Shooters Sporting Clays east of sport in the state, and it’s growing all across the country. It’s a sport that Marshall. This first-time event drew five high schools and 10 teams to combines both the individual and team aspects.” the facility, which features four new shooting stations. Mulso said the shooting competition will be an annual event. Participating high schools included Marshall, ECHO Charter School,
SMSU Students Intern for Minnesota Politicians Two SMSU students spent the summer The daughter of Amparo Cervantes, as interns for high-profile Minnesota her interest in politics was sparked as a politicians. Marlen Cervantes, a junior middle-schooler growing up in Marshall. Public Relations major with a Political “Diversity has increased over the years, Science minor, interned for U.S. Senator Al and as an immigrant myself, I always Franken. Ben Broze, a junior Professional wanted to be involved and make a change,” Writing and Communications major with she said. “I remember sitting in Mrs. a Political Science minor, was an intern for Deutz’s classroom and watching Barack Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton. Obama’s inauguration in 2008. Seeing a Both students were in the audience when person of color take on such a powerful Hannah Hankins, former Communications leadership role was a visual representation Director and Senior Policy Advisor for the that it is possible for anyone to have an Domestic Policy Council in the Obama impact.” Administration, spoke at SMSU in Broze is a native of North Mankato, Marlen Cervantes, left, and Ben Broze. Minn., and the son of Joe Broze and February 2017. “She was an example of the Maureen Gustafson. Broze has numerous crossroad between my passions for politics and communication,” political connections in his family. He is the great-nephew of Russ Cervantes said. “Her talk opened the idea of political communication Stanton, an SMSU alumnus who was involved in politics during his as a career option.” undergraduate years in Marshall, including a term on the Marshall City The two spoke with Hankins after the presentation, and she advised Council and the state House of Representatives. His mother helped them to apply for as many opportunities in politics as possible. The found MN Works, an organization that helps special-needs individuals efforts paid off for both Cervantes and Broze. — like Ben’s sister, Emily, who has Down Syndrome — to find jobs. As an intern for Senator Franken, Cervantes was assigned to the “I believe honest, hardworking people can make a difference in scheduling team. She assisted with administrative duties in Franken’s St. politics,” Broze said. “I want to help make a difference for people and Paul office, including answering phone calls from constituents, entering communities.” data and responding to scheduling requests. Cervantes attended Broze was one of seven interns assigned to Dayton’s communications meetings with the chief of staff and other directors to brainstorm team, where he worked with the press secretary and communications scheduling logistics. advisor on media monitoring. For Cervantes, the internship reinforced her interest in political “I loved the atmosphere,” he said. “Walking up the Capitol steps to communication and opened a wealth of opportunities. She will be get to work was surreal.” applying for internships in Washington, D.C. next summer, with Taking time to do their research and pursue internship opportunities hopes to gain experience in public policy. Her career interests include paid off for the pair, who said the experience has positively changed working as a legislative aide or advisor, and potentially pursuing a law them and will help them as they move from their academic careers to degree. post-graduation careers.
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Theatre Performs How To Talk Minnesotan
From left: Danny McDonnell, Raxson Rax, Paul Ragan and Morgan Benson perform one of the musical numbers. Below: director Mike Lenz presents author and playwright Howard Mohr with a copy of the show’s poster signed by the cast. President Connie J. Gores with Howard and Jody Mohr. What better way to help celebrate the University’s 50th anniversary than to have the first Mainstage production be Howard Mohr’s How to Talk Minnesotan: The Musical? The play is written by former SMSU English professor Howard Mohr. Mohr was a writer for A Prairie Home Companion, and later authored the book How to Talk Minnesotan, which became wildly popular upon its release. He worked with the Plymouth Playhouse to develop How to Talk Minnesotan: The Musical. Troupe America performed the play at the Plymouth Playhouse and in April 1998, traveled to SMSU to stage the production for the Marshall Festival. It was the first performance of the show by the original cast outside the Plymouth Playhouse. The play features Ed and Lucy Humde and their friends at the fictitious Lost Walleye Lodge, who present a series of lessons and songs on the fine art of living and talking Minnesotan. “We had seven performances, which is one show more than we usually do,” said Assistant Professor of Theatre Mike Lenz, the play’s director. “We had over 1,400 people attend, which is really good for a campus and a community of this size. We were really happy with it. “Howard and his wife, Jody, would drop by on occasion to rehearsals,” said Lenz. “I have to admit that was a little bit of pressure, having the guy who wrote the book and the play sitting there. Fortunately, I’ve been through that situation before so was prepared for it. It made me both nervous and excited. I was hoping I was doing the right thing for the show.” How to Talk Minnesotan: The Musical is based on Mohr’s original book, which pokes fun at some quirky things only Minnesotans
would understand. The music was written by Drew Jansen. The two collaborated on the lyrics to the songs. The play just recently was made available for public performance, and Lenz said himself and Theatre professors Nadine Schmidt and Sheila Tabaka thought it would be a great way to celebrate SMSU’s 50th anniversary. “The royalties opened up, which means it is available for anyone to perform, both professional and amateur companies,” he said. “I think one other group did the show before we did, and I think you’ll see this show produced all over the state in the near future.” Lenz has a couple favorite parts to the show. “The first was the song that ends the first act, ‘Hotdish Hallelujah.’ It’s a very rousing song, well written, and the cast did a great job performing it. My second favorite was the Minnesota wave scene,” he said, referring to the number of ways a Minnesota driver can wave to other drivers. “The biggest trick for us is that the original is written for the music to be performed by all the actors. While we had some musical actors in the show, having all of them sing was impossible for us so we had to make some adjustments as far as using recorded tracks that the actors were able to sing along with.” Lenz said that the script was crafted beautifully. “The show reinforced to me how important timing is in performance. When you have a good script that has those moments built in there where the jokes are finely crafted and set up, as long as you do the job as an actor and director, they work every time.” The show ran Oct. 19-21 and 26-29. There was a reception for Mohr following the final performance on Sunday, Oct. 29.
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Dr. Emily Deaver with Holly Knudson, Whitney Schwartz, and Dr. Carrie Sueker at this year’s water quality testing.
Dr. Emily Deaver checks the work of Marshall 7th grader, Abby Wendland, during the water testing on October 13.
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The Redwood River Monitoring and Mentoring Program is now in its 13th year and continues to be one of the most inclusive, handson initiatives at the University. The program was started by Environmental Science Professor Dr. Emily Deaver in 2004 as a way to monitor the Redwood River’s water quality as it meanders through Marshall. In order to do that, Deaver has included students from SMSU, Marshall High School and Marshall Middle School during the testing process. SMSU students work with high school students to instruct them about the various tests that are conducted twice a year — in the fall semester, and spring. Marshall High School students, in turn, work with Marshall Middle School seventh-grade students, who do the majority of the testing themselves. “It’s a real teacher-student relationship,” said Deaver about the testing process. “The SMSU students oversee the testing, the high school students work with the junior high students to do the testing and record the results. It’s a real educational experience for all three groups.” One student who has been a part of all three — SMSU, high school and middle school student — is Whitney Schwartz from Marshall. Schwartz, the daughter of Stacy and Kevin Schwartz, is a Marshall High School senior who is also taking Post-secondary Enrollment Option (PSEO) courses at SMSU, something she’s done since the summer following her sophomore year. Outside of two classes her junior year, she’s taken classes full-time at SMSU since then. She’ll graduate from MHS this coming May with 65 college credits. “When I was a seventh-grader I thought the water testing was a fun thing to do. I got to get out of class, but I didn’t give a lot of thought to it all. It was a bit intimidating to me, working
with high school and college students. It was interesting, but I didn’t know exactly what the (test) numbers meant. Eventually, I understood.” Schwartz said as a high school sophomore she participated, as well, working with middle school students. “We focused on one analysis, learned how do that. We went a lot more in-depth during class about what the measurements were about. I learned a lot more.” This year as an SMSU student, “I learned about everything, all the tests. We had to know how to do them all,” she said. “I’m technically in high school, but due to my participation in PSEO classes, I’m also an SMSU student,” said Schwartz. “Each phase was a learning experience — seventh grade, high school and college. Each time I learned something new, and it was interesting to see the different test results. It was also a great chance to meet new people in Marshall I don’t necessarily know.” Deaver has been at SMSU for 16 years and believes in the old adage that the best way to learn something, is to teach it. That’s why she created the monitoring project to include SMSU, high school and middle school students. The students test for a number of things, including dissolved oxygen, water temperature, pH, nitrates, phosphates, ammonia, turbidity, flow and alkalinity. The data is posted on the SMSU website and shared with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. A year ago she earned a Minnesota Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund Grant, which expanded the river monitoring project to include SMSU Agricultural Education students mentoring high school FFA students. The Redwood River Monitoring and Mentoring Project has expanded over the years to include more partners, including the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. “DNR and MPCA personnel now go into the seventh-grade and high school classrooms after we have monitored and help the students understand what the numbers mean. It helps the students better put into context what the monitoring project is all about. The presenters also get to talk about their jobs and what they do as part of river quality,” said Deaver. To date, over 3,494 students and 10 teachers have been involved with the project. Each year, about 250 students participate.
Monitoring is done at three sites, two times per year: Wayside Rest south of Marshall on Highway 23, the 7th Street/Justice Park bridge in the middle of town, and the bridge off of what locals call Skunk Hollow Road, north of Marshall. Deaver has worked with Marshall High School biology teacher Holly Knudson and Marshall Middle School science teacher Carrie Sueker over the years. Knudson and Sueker had started a water monitoring project with their students, and when Deaver arrived, the three decided to collaborate. All three were bundled up during the recent fall tests, which were held on October 13. That coincided with the Governor’s Pheasant Opener, and exposed the program to media who were in Marshall for the pheasant opener. To Deaver’s knowledge, Schwartz is just the second student to have participated in all three phases of the testing — as an SMSU, high school and middle school student. “I learned through all the phases,” said Schwartz. “Each time it wasn’t just a refresher, we were learning new things. It was good to see the numbers, and learn what they meant.” Schwartz has enough PSEO credits she can carry forward to college that she can graduate in two years. She recently signed to play volleyball for the University of Minnesota-Morris. “I’ll play there for two years, and will then play somewhere else for two years while I get my master’s,” she said. Schwartz was a member of the Marshall High School team that competed this past season in the state high school tournament. It gives Deaver satisfaction to see a student like Schwartz go through the water monitoring project in all its phases. “It’s nice to see students grow and realize the full extent of the project when they get to the college level,” she said. Deaver has an eclectic background, and worked for a Florida fish farming operation, an aquaculture venture in Virginia and for a construction company before returning to college to earn her Ph.D. She’s had a life-long interest in the environment and truly enjoys her interaction with students. She is a past winner of the Cathy Cowan Award, the University’s most prestigious award presented at Commencement. “The Redwood River Monitoring and Mentoring Program is valuable on so many levels,” said Deaver. “It gathers valuable data of the quality of the river, and is an opportunity to include SMSU and Marshall Public Schools students in the process.”
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1970 Keg Rollers Return to SMSU for 50th For Tom Karlson, it was a “magical weekend.” Karlson and a trio of former classmates were mini-celebrities for a weekend during Homecoming 2017, when they returned to campus to help celebrate the University’s 50th anniversary. Back in 1970 — on Thanksgiving Day — Karlson, along with Brad Kingeray, Windom, Minn.; Richard King, Jr., Minneapolis; and Ronald Hagen, Edina, started pushing a keg of Hamm’s beer from Marshall to St. Louis, Mo., a distance of 619 miles. It took them 13 days. Karlson is a Pipestone, Minn., native now living in Northfield, Minn. The idea for the journey began, appropriately, at a party. “Back then, groups from different colleges were doing that, pushing an empty keg for a distance record. As the weeks went by the record was 225 miles, and then it went up to 420 miles (Lea College in Albert Lea, Minn., since closed). We got a map out and took a look. We made a ring around Marshall and St. Louis showed up, at 600 miles.” Thus began an adventure that has become legend at SMSU. It was a four-person relay, a half-mile at a time, that took them on the backroads of the Midwest and saw them have a number of interesting, memorable interactions during their journey. They slept in fire halls, jails, homes — “we were at the mercy of the goodness of people,” said Karlson. The original key rolling team walked through the 2017 Homecoming Parade, from left: Brad Kingeray, He collected “a couple of hundred bucks” from friends Richard King, Jr., Tom Karlson and Ronald Hagen. for gas for the trip, and when they started, an unexpected storm left four inches of snow on the ground. “As we were Karlson had a photo of the team near the St. Louis arch copied and coming through the south side of Marshall we found a bike laying in handed them out during the weekend. “We had a lot of people ask for the ditch. We took one of its tires and wired it on the keg, so we had autographs,” he said. “It was a lot of fun.” better traction for a couple of days.” They rolled the original keg in the Homecoming parade, and then The empty keg made a lot of noise and drew attention. They were had a keg-roll relay during halftime of the Homecoming football game. interviewed by print and electronic media along the way and drew a lot “Richard (King) was my best man. When we were doing that halftime of attention to SMSU, just in its third year of existence. relay, I said to him, ‘It doesn’t get any better than this. Back then, Hamm’s gave the SMSU Foundation, in their names, $250 “We hadn’t gotten together in years. It was so much fun seeing all for student scholarships, a sum that was duplicated over Homecoming the guys, and just being back at SMSU. It’s changed so much. We all 2017 by the local Hamm’s distributor, Beverage Wholesalers. remarked on how much the University has meant to our success.”
Anniversary
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Now Available!: Contact the SMSU Foundation at 507-537-6266 or Foundation@SMSU.edu Visit the Foundation Office, 2nd Floor Founders Hall. 8 | FOCUS
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Saturday, September 30, 2017 | REd Baron Arena “Remember” was probably the most uttered word at the September 30th All-Southwest Reunion, one of the major events associated with the University’s 50th anniversary celebration. “Remember when … ?” Over 1,000 alumni, faculty, staff and friends of the University were on hand for the event, which was held just across Highway 23, at the Red Baron Arena & Expo. Alumni Director Michael Van Drehle said there were 51 affinity groups who contacted his office to reserve an area at the reunion. Those groups included everything from swimmers to English and Theatre majors, former F-Hall residents, Admission Ambassadors, Culinology majors and Enactus/SIFE members. And while each group had its designated table area, as the evening wore on, people began to walk around the arena to other affinity
1. John Glasgow ’72 2. Isiah Whitlock, Jr. ’76 and Stacy Frost ’93 3. Greg Higdem ’77, Bob Gunther ’77 and Jill McCartney 4. Eileen Thomas, President Connie J. Gores, Dave Simpson, Carmen DeKoster, and Mike Kopp. 5. Mark Fokken, Brianne (Wignes) Anderson ’03 and Scott Anderson ’03. 6. Kyle Berndt ’13, President Gores, and Rachel Posusta ’15 7. Russ Stanton ’74 and Debbie Kerrigan ’72 8. Katie (Freeman) Chapman and Emily Deaver 9. An overview of Red Baron Arena during the reunion.
groups, reconnecting with individuals they hadn’t seen in years. “I think the thing that struck me was just the sense of community and the faces of alumni who were able to meet a long-ago classmate,” said Van Drehle. “The crowd that attended far exceeded what we had anticipated. As the reunion drew closer, we kept getting more and more calls, many of them from people who hadn’t been back to campus since their graduation.” Hotels in Marshall were reserved months in advance, and some alumni stayed in a residence hall that was opened up specifically for the reunion. “You plan for months for an event and hope for the best,” said Van Drehle. “The All-Southwest Reunion exceeded our expectations. It was great to talk to alumni, hear their success stories, hear them relive what many said were the four best years of their lives.”
Alumni events take place all across the country throughout the year. Some are organized by the SMSU Alumni Association and some are organized by small groups of alumni who are committed to staying connected with each other. If you partake in a regular alumni reunion, we want to know about it! Send your photo and story to Alumni@SMSU.edu along with a description and identification of those in attendance. Thanks for celebrating the 50th with the Mustang Family!
FOCUS | 9
[ alumni connections ]
2017 Alumni Award Recipients Five individuals received Alumni Association Awards as part of the 50th anniversary Homecoming celebration. Alumni Achievement Awards were presented to Sheila Anderson ’ 95, Chief Financial Officer for Daktronics, the world leader in video display, headquartered in Brookings, S.D.; Craig Porter ’79, owner of PlastiCert, a custom plastic parts manufacturing company in Lewiston, Minn.; and Curt Weber ’80, co-owner of Midwest Machinery, a group of John Deere dealerships based in Glenwood, Minn. Alumni Achievement Awards are presented to alumni in recognition of their professional success and the positive reflection made on the University and fellow alumni. An Honorary Membership Award was presented to SMSU Environmental Science Professor Dr. Emily Deaver. This award is presented to an individual who is not an SMSU graduate, but who has given their time, talent and enthusiasm to the University. The Graduate of the Last Decade Award was presented to Ryan Hugh Ross ’08, a professional opera singer living in Cardiff, Wales. This award goes to an individual who has distinguished him/herself in the last 10 years since graduating.
From left: SMSU President Connie J. Gores, Ryan Hugh Ross, Curt Weber, Emily Deaver, Sheila Anderson, and Craig Porter.
The five were honored at a noon luncheon on Sept. 29 of Homecoming weekend. For the complete bios of this year’s honorees visit: www.SMSUAlumni.com/Awards
Nominations Accepted for 2018 Alumni Achievement Awards The SMSU Alumni Association is seeking nominations for the 2018 Awards to be honored at Homecoming on Friday, October 5, 2018. ALUMNI ACHIEVEMENT AWARD This award is presented to a graduate in recognition of professional success and the positive reflection made on the reputation of all Alumni of SMSU. HONORARY LIFETIME MEMBERSHIP AWARD This award is presented to an individual or couple who are not alumni, but give their time, talents, and enthusiasm as if they were.
GOLD (Graduate of Last Decade) AWARD This award is presented to an individual who has graduated from SMSU within the last ten years and has made an exceptional achievement and significant contribution to their profession, community, or university. JOHN & KATHY PAXTON ALUMNI SERVICE AWARD This award is presented to recipients who demonstrates outstanding service to Southwest Minnesota State University. To nominate someone, visit: www.SMSUAlumni.com/Awards
Cruise
with the Mustangs in Alaska Join your Fellow Mustangs on our 50th Anniversary
Alumni Cruise of a Lifetime! JUNE 23-30, 2018
7 Days, 5 Ports of Call. Sailing from Seattle, Washington
Interior state rooms starting at $1,199.00* per person. For more information or to book your room, contact Michelle Kindvall ’01 at 605-201-5445 or Michelle@CelebrateItVacations.com
*Book before January 1, 2018 to ensure best possible placement on the ship. Flexible payment options are available
10 | FOCUS
[ alumni connections ]
Businesses Recognize Impact of Alumni Employees Area businesses are taking to social media to share the impact of SMSU alumni on their workforce. With help of the SMSU Alumni Association and the Marshall Area Chamber of Commerce, signs were made available to any business that wanted to lift up the SMSU alumni they employ. Large and small, these businesses shared their photos on Facebook and Twitter. We encourage everyone at your workplace to be proud of their SMSU experience. Contact the Alumni office or the Marshall Chamber for a poster to proudly display. Take a photo of your employees or co-workers and share using #SMSU50. Show your SMSU Pride by displaying the sign at your business. Clockwise, from top right: Schwan’s Company, Ralco, United Way of Marshall, and the Marshall Area Chamber of Commerce.
Joyce Eischens shows off her Mustang Pride while visiting her niece and her husband in Hoonah, Alaska last July. Congratulations, Joyce! Thanks for sharing your photo with us! You can show your Mustang Pride in Amazing Places! Submit online at www.SMSUAlumni.com/AmazingPlaces. Winners will see their photo published in FOCUS and receive a $50 gift card to the SMSU Barnes & Noble Campus Bookstore. To be considered, photos must be high resolution, clear, with “SMSU” or a Mustang logo clearly visible. *We reserve the right to disqualify photos that we judge to be digitally manipulated., altered or photoshopped
SHOW YOUR MUSTANG PRIDE ON YOUR RIDE!
Collegiate license plates are more than a way to show off your alma mater. It is great a way to build awareness and help raise money for student scholarships. The new SMSU license plates are available from your local Automobile License Bureau. Next time you renew your tabs, renew your identity with SMSU collegiate license plates!
FOCUS | 11
[ athletics ]
Taylor Reiss Named DII National POY Southwest Minnesota State junior outside hitter, Taylor Reiss, was named the TeamSnap/American Volleyball Coaches’ Association Division II Player of the Year, making her the first recipient of the award in SMSU history. Reiss, a native of Taunton, Minn., was named first team All-American by both the AVCA and the Conference Commissioners Association, while earning Central Region Player of the Year accolades by both the AVCA and the CCA. She received AVCA/ Sports Imports Division II National Player of the Week honors on two occasions during the 2017 season after being named the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference Preseason Player of the Year in August.
Reiss garnered first-team All-NSIC honors after leading the Mustangs this season with 605 kills while hitting .305. She also had 363 digs, 73 total blocks and 24 service aces and was named the NSIC Player of the Year for a second straight year after leading the conference in both kills per set (4.9) and points per set (5.4) during conference play. Reiss tied an NSIC Tournament record in November with 31 kills in the Mustangs’ quarterfinal win over Upper Iowa and followed up by breaking the SMSU all-time single match record with 41 kills against Augustana in the NSIC semifinal round. In SMSU volleyball history, Reiss ranks second in kills per set (4.66), third in points per set (5.31), eighth in attack percentage (.310) and seventh in total kills (1,482).
Volleyball Wins NSIC Championship, Hosts Regionals
Photo Credit: Justin Oakman Photography
The SMSU volleyball team put together another outstanding season in 2017, recording 29 victories, capturing the NSIC Tournament championship and hosting the NCAA Central Region Tournament. SMSU earned the No. 1 seed and earned the right to host the eight-team NCAA Central Region Tournament for the second time in program history (2010). SMSU cruised past No. 8 seed and previously unbeaten Arkansas
Tech in the tournament quarterfinals in front of a packed PE Gym, before losing to No. 5 seed Minnesota Duluth in the semifinals in front of another near-capacity crowd. SMSU had four players—junior Taylor Reiss (1st), senior Megan Larson (2nd), junior Kaylee Burmeister (HM) and senior Brooke Borchardt (HM)—earn All-American honors for their outstanding play during the season. Larson finished her career holding the school
record for assists (5,574) and assists per set (11.3). SMSU opened the season winning its first 16 matches and was ranked No. 1 in the Division II Top 25 poll for five weeks. Terry Culhane completed his 14th season as SMSU head coach and has compiled a record of 369-97 with 14 straight NCAA Tournament appearances.
Complete Fall Recaps: Cross Country / Football / Golf / Soccer / Volleyball For the latest headlines, winter sports news and more, visit SMSUMustangs.com
12 | FOCUS
[ athletics ]
Bashir Aidrus Competes at Nationals Southwest Minnesota State University sophomore Bashir Aidrus placed 18th out of 249 runners to earn All-American honors at the 2017 NCAA Division II Championships held at Angel Mounds in Evansville, Ind., on Nov. 18. Aidrus, a native of Waite Park, Minn., becomes the first SMSU runner to earn All-American honors in school history. Aidrus finished the 10K race in 31:31.9 and was the second-highest finisher among Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference runners in the race. Aidrus closed the race with a pace of 5:05 per mile. His 1K split was 3:00.4, while his 2K split time was 6:11.2. At 3K, his split was 9:42.7, followed by 12:27.8 at 4K, 15:22.4 at 5K, 18:55.3 at 6K, 22:10.2 at 7K, 25:49
at 8K and 28:40 at 9K. Aidrus was the first SMSU athlete to compete at the NCAA Championships in program history. SMSU had three previous athletes compete at the NAIA Championships—the last in 1983. At the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference Championships in October, Aidrus led the Mustangs with an outstanding sixth-place finish in the 111-runner field with a time of 24:55 to earn first-team All-NSIC honors. It’s the highest finish ever for a Mustang runner at the NSIC Championships at the Division II level and the first to earn All-NSIC accolades since SMSU reinstated the program in 2012. He is the first Mustang men’s runner to record allconference honors since 1990.
Bigler Leads All-Time Wins for Men’s Basketball HORSEPOWER ADDED
Southwest Minnesota State University history the past 19 seasons. head men’s basketball coach Brad Bigler Bigler, the 2016-17 and 2012-13 NSIC became the program’s all-time leader in Coach of the Year, has led SMSU to five coaching victories following SMSU’s win winning seasons, including one 28-win over Winona State on Dec. 2. season and a pair of 19-win seasons. SMSU Bigler, in his ninth season as head coach, won NSIC Tournament titles in 2012 earned career victory 142, surpassing Greg and 2017, won the NSIC South Division The Mustang app provides features in that The MUSTANG App is a geo-location Stemen’s 141 victories from 2001-09. championship 2017 and advanced to SMSUyou men’stobasketball of NCAA Tournaments, including allow keep track ofa pair events, share app that rewards you for supportingBigler has seen from almost every angle. As a player, playingsee in the Central Region championship your photos on the Fan Cam, the Southwest Minnesota State University graduate assistant coach, assistant coach, game in 2017. latest from the Mustangs on social media, athletics. Check-in to this app when you associate head coach and now head coach, Brad and his wife, Heather, live in advantage of special offers from our arrive at events and accrue points Bigler to has been take a part of the most successful Marshall with their daughters, Taleigha and sponsors, and more! unlock prizes. period of Mustang men’s basketball in school Tatum, and son, Nash.
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The Mustang app provides features that The MUSTANG App is a geo-location allow you to keep track of events, app thatyour rewards you for Use points tosupporting earn Not able to attend? Stay up share your photos on the Fan Cam, see the Southwest Minnesota State University rewards ranging from to date with live coverage latest from the Mustangs on for social media, athletics. Check-in to this app when you merchandise to exclusive take advantage special offers from our arrive at events and accrue points to all SMSU athleticof events. sponsor discounts. sponsors, and more! unlock prizes.
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FOCUS | 13
[ class notes ]
Jauss ’72
1972 David Jauss is the author of 10 books, most recently Nice People: New & Selected Stories II, a companion volume to Glossolalia: New & Selected Stories. 1975 Artist Michael Sieve won the 2018 Minnesota DNR Pheasant Habitat Stamp contest. 1978 Dene (Trageser) Thomas is the president of Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colo., and has announced she will retire on June 30, 2018. She was the SMSU commencement speaker in 2017. 1981 Sarah (Worsech) Nelson retired in 2016 after 35 years of teaching. She currently resides in Sturgis, S.D. 1987 Karen (Traen) VanKeulen, along with her husband, Pat, and their family were named the 2017 Lyon County Farm Family of the Year. Karen is currently on the SMSU Alumni Board of Directors and both she and Pat are avid Mustang boosters. 1993 Jane (Krogman) Harmon began a new position as principal at Mountain View High School in Loveland, Colo. 1996 Chad Adams is currently the city manager of Albert Lea, Minn. Deb (Kahnk) Monahan recently accepted a position
14 | FOCUS
Sieve ’75
Thomas ’78
as the chief financial officer for Pioneer Public Television. The company is currently moving to a new facility in Granite Falls, Minn.
VanKeulen ’87
Peterson ’02
Senate. Bill and his wife, Cindy, have three children. 2005 Tori Austin was recently promoted to employee development manager at Discovery Benefits in Fargo, N.D.
1999 Aaron Sinclair has been named the assistant superintendent for Brainerd 2006 Public Schools. Tracy Mork married William DeSmet on May 2000 20, 2017. Jasmine (Lewno) DeSmet Judy Tebben (MS) is the is the new training new dean of instruction coordinator at the for Ridgewater College in Minnesota Emergency Willmar, Minn. Response and Industrial Dr. Brian V. Xiong is a Training (MERIT) Center member of the Board of in Marshall. Directors of the Hmong Heather Timm (MS) is the Archives and the East Side new assistant principal at Freedom Library. As part of Discovery Middle School in his dissertation research, he Alexandria, Minn. is studying how gay Hmong men navigate the challenges 2002 of traditional cultures and Veronica Ellingson (MS) values as they assimilate to has been teaching high American culture. school science in the Hudson School District in Hudson, Wis., since 1998. 2007 Jennifer (Fahey) Egerstrom Nate Beich and his and her husband, Steven wife, Alyssa (Frink ’11), (’04), welcomed a son, welcomed a daughter, Ellie Caleb, on June 14, 2017. Claire, on Oct. 23, 2017. Teresa Peterson (MS) was Jennifer Otto married elected to the Southwest Michael Mitterholzer on Initiative Foundation July 6, 2017 in Jamaica. (SWIF) Board of Directors Ashley Vorhies married Jon in the Upper Sioux Bender on June 3, 2017. The Community in June 2017. couple resides in Omaha, Neb. 2004 William Northey (MBA), 2008 current Iowa Secretary of Kayleigh Booker married Agriculture, was nominated Andrew Karppinen on May in Sept. 2017 by President 20, 2017. Donald Trump to be Under Marnie (Hicks) Davis and Secretary of Agriculture her husband, Jonathan, for Farm and Foreign welcomed a son, Cole Agricultural Services. Bradley, on Oct. 18, 2017. Northey’s nomination Kelley Jo (Fransman) still requires a vote by Heimerman and her the Senate Agriculture husband, Jake (MS ’13), Committee and the full welcomed Brooks Tyler
Northey MBA ‘04
Heimerman on Nov. 6, 2017. Julie (Pohlman) Kelly recently accepted a position as principal at Internationella Engelska Skolan, or the International English School, in Sweden. She is currently a fifth-grade teacher at Century Middle School in Park Rapids. Christy (Bernacchi) Langland and her husband, Nick, welcomed a son, Lincoln George, on Oct. 5, 2017. Ryan Hugh Ross played the role of “Onegin” in Eugene Onegin, one of Tchaikovky’s famous operas, which was performed in the United Kingdom in July 2017. Ross’ wife, Sian Cameron, also starred in the production as “Olga.” Miriam (Warner) Schultz and her husband, Nicholas, have relocated to Camarillo, Calif. Nicholas accepted a one-year pastoral internship at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church of Camarillo. 2009 Kristina (Nelson) Blackwelder and her husband, Jeremy (’11), welcomed a daughter, Hudsyn Marie, on July 29, 2017. Cari (Zitzow) Burnett and her husband, Matthew, welcomed a daughter, Lana Louise, on June 24, 2017. She joins siblings Jacoby and Jamis. Deanna (Vander Top) Hopkins and her husband, Todd (’09), welcomed Tydan Cruz on Oct. 1, 2017. Michael Leischner has been named the news director for WSAU in Wausau, Wis. Jenna Lukes married Tom Pribyl on Sept. 9, 2017. Jim Nelson accepted a
All cities are in Minnesota unless noted.
Ross ’08
position as a full-time writer at Fox News Channel. David Pennertz recently joined Heartland Glass Company as a project manager. Amie (Shirkey) Peterson and her husband, Nate, welcomed baby Barrett Allen James on June 18, 2017. 2010 Mitchell Dahlhoff married Dannica Dufur (’10) on Oct. 7, 2017. Dannica is an account manager at Verified Credentials, Inc. in Lakeville, and Mitchell is a business analyst at Ally Financial in Shoreview. Ivy (Hublou) Kruse welcomed a son, Charles Eric, on Aug. 14, 2017. Brittney (DeVos) Lien (MBA ’17) and her husband, Matt, welcomed a son, Walton, on Sept. 11, 2017. Greg Scanlan married Maddie Hale on Sept. 30, 2017. Jared Schwanz (MS) has been the defensive coordinator for the University of Jamestown since 2013. Sarah (Kelly) Smith and her husband, Dustin, welcomed a son, Braden, on Aug. 8, 2017. 2011 Jessica (Penning) Dibbern isserving her fourth year as a Minnesota Reading Corps tutor in Adrian, Minn. Jennifer Hanson (MBA) moved to Louisville, Ky., for a position as the Director of Game Production & Fan Experience at the University of Louisville. Stacy (Bottolfson) Hubert and her husband, Kyle, welcomed a daughter, Anna
[ class notes ] Beth, on Oct. 6, 2017. Dane Jensen (MS) married Dana Luehring on Oct. 7, 2017 in Kearney, Mo. Ben Nath and and his wife, ReNae (Clark ’13), welcomed a son, Henry Benjamin, on Nov. 2, 2017. Kristi Villar (MS) recently accepted an assistant softball coaching position at South Dakota State University in Brookings, S.D. 2012 Amy Christopherson began her career with State Farm in 2004 and is now a new agent in Alexandria, Minn. She most recently earned the chartered financial consultant professional designation from the American College of Financial Services. Amanda (Schmitz) Cook and her husband, John (’13), welcomed baby Raegan on April 7, 2017. Brittnee Michael welcomed a daughter, Nora Louise Besemer, on March 19, 2017. 2013 Megan (Gullickson) Boerboom and her husband, Brandon, welcomed a son, Gavin Timothy, on Oct. 23, 2017. Shayna McArthur welcomed a daughter, Everly Marianna, on May 12, 2017. 2014 Autumn Hayes joined the staff of the Winona State University women’s soccer team as a graduate assistant. She spent the past two seasons as an assistant coach at Towson University in Maryland. 2015 Alexis Beierman and Shane Erickson were married on Aug. 5, 2017. Sidne Gardner married Samuel Bofferding on
Aug. 12, 2017. Carolyn Halverson was recently certified as a QuickBooks ProAdvisor. She is a senior accountant at Conway, Deuth & Schmiesing and resides in Willmar. Linsey Ness (MS) and Robert Strand were married on June 24, 2017. Collin Nickel is a Farm Underwriting Technician for North Star Mutual Insurance Company. Kaley Scearcy is the head softball coach for Chadron State College in Chadron, Neb. Stephanie (Ziems) Trosen accepted an accounting position with the CPA firm of Karla Havemeier, Ltd. She will work in the firm’s New Ulm and Winthrop offices. She resides in Hutchinson with her husband, Paul, and daughters Molly and Betsy. 2016 Danielle Beekman was named WCCO Excellent Educator of the Week on Nov. 8, 2017. She is a fourth-grade teacher at Red Rock Elementary in Woodbury, Minn. Caleb Greene (MS) is a fifth-grade teacher at Morris Elementary in Morris. Bradley Jansma married Rachael Terhark on Nov. 4, 2017. Bradley is employed at Hubbard Feeds in Worthington. Shayna Smith is the assistant coach for the newly-organized Marshall High School girls’ soccer team. Jordan Twachtmann married Mackenzie Huls on Sept. 16, 2017 in St. Paul. Jordan is an application support analyst at General Mills. IN MEMORIAM Breezy Bryant ’01 passed away on Sept. 23, 2017. Dennis Olsen ’78 passed away June 2, 2017 in
SMSU Theatre Alumni were among the many smaller groups that gathered during the 50th Anniversary Homecoming Weekend. All in attendance posed for a photo on the mainstage.
Palm Harbor, Fla. at the age of 86 after a brief illness. Douglas Pearson ’84 of Edmond, Okla., passed away Aug. 18, 2017
from cancer. Judy Sudtelgte ’71 passed away March 13, 2017 at her home in Overland Park, Kan. She was 69.
WHAT’S YOUR STORY? Share your news with us: email alumni@SMSU.edu call 800-260-0970 click SMSUAlumni.com mail SMSU Alumni Office 1501 State St. Marshall, MN 56258
MUSTANGREFERRAL Share your love of SMSU!
DO YOU KNOW A STUDENT WHO WOULD BE A GOOD MATCH FOR SMSU? If so, please participate in our Mustang Referral Program. Referrals are a great source of qualified applicants because of your unique understanding of the type of students who would thrive here at SMSU. Help us showcase the amazing opportunities at SMSU by encouraging them to visit campus!
Referred students who visit campus receive: • • • •
A personal tour of campus Their application fee waived A chance to win a $250 scholarship And, of course, a free SMSU T-Shirt!
Make a referral before February 28, 2018 and you will be entered in a drawing for a copy of the 50th Anniversary Coffee Table Book!
To make a referral, visit:
SMSUAlumni.com/MustangReferral All cities are in Minnesota unless noted.
FOCUS | 15
FOUNDATION Annual Report Dear Fellow Alumni and Friends, It is my pleasure to share with you the annual report for the Southwest Minnesota State University Foundation. As a 1993 graduate of SMSU, it fills me with great pride to reflect on the wonderful support that we have received this past year and to share a few of the impactful stories that your gifts have helped write. Celebrating 50 years as an institution, while a heavy work load for our team, has been a very enjoyable and rewarding undertaking that reminds us each day how lucky we are to work at a place like SMSU. This year we were able to award nearly $1million in private scholarships to our students, ensuring that we continue to expand access and affordability for the next generation of students. We were able to continue investing in equipment to support undergraduate research and community partnerships in programs from Agronomy to Exercise Science and digital media. In addition, we saw continued growth in our affiliated boards’ efforts for Mustang Athletics and the MARL program ensuring resources in support of their missions. All of these projects and initiatives were made possible because of the support of alumni and donors like yourself. Each gift has a positive impact in its own way. On behalf of the Foundation Board, the students, faculty and staff at SMSU, I want to say thank you for your investment in us. We have much to be thankful for and appreciate the trust you have placed in us to steward your gifts for the betterment of this great University.
Sincerely,
Bill Mulso Vice President for Advancement Foundation Executive Director
President: Brian Knochenmus ’00 1st Vice President: Jerry Bly ’71 2nd Vice President: Bruce Saugstad ’89
Past President: Dorene Kronke-McCourt ’73 Executive Director: Bill Mulso ’93
Secretary/Treasurer: Kristi Mukomela ’80
16
FOUNDATION ANNUAL REPORT
2016-17
Members at Large: Robert Aufenthie Julie Bleyhl ’84 Vicki Brockman ’82 Timothy Burns ’72 Tina Cartwright ’97 Bill DeLay ’85 Lee French ’72 Robert Gunther ’77 Dick Jones ’73 Jim Kontz
2016-17 FOUNDATION
Board of Directors
Dan Koster ’85 Jefferson Lee IV ’96/’11 Mary Meaden Charles Myrbach Ken Mukomela Ashanti Payne
Mike Rich Karen Sweetland Diane Taylor ’75 Bill Toulouse ’94 Cindy Verschaetse Brad Winkelman ’91
FOUNDATION SUPPORT Foundation Support for FY 2016 FY 2017 = $3,305,004 $3,105,504 Fundraising $574,188
$3,105,504 $12,904,271
FY 2016
$2,993,367 $13,337,874
FY 2015
$3,394,660 $12,646,210
FY 2014
$3,068,921 $11,035,097
FY 2013
$2,704,687 $9,757,887
FY 2012
$2,578,221 $8,600,180
FY 2011
$3,087,727 $6,839,030
FY 2010
University Development $1,152,095
$3,305,004 $14,406,615
Scholarships $991,279
3,884 FY 2017
Academic and Program Support $587,442
Donors
$587,442 Academic Support
Total Net Assets
Foundation Support
NET ASSETS & FOUNDATION SUPPORT FY 2010–FY 2017
FY 2010
$3,087,727 $6,839,030
FY 2011
$2,578,221 $8,600,180
FY 2012
$2,704,687 $9,757,887
FY 2013
$3,068,921 $11,035,097
FY 2014
$3,394,660 $12,646,210
FY 2015
$2,993,367 $13,337,874
FY 2016
$3,105,504 $12,904,271
FY 2017
$3,305,004 $14,406,615
Student Scholarships
Total Net Assets
1,024
Scholarships Awarded
Contributing more than
60% $135,000 Faculty & Staff support the Campus Drive
$991,279
Foundation Support
Supporting
80
different funds & campus projects FOUNDATION ANNUAL REPORT
2016-17
17
Scholarships & Academic Works Noah Anderson is from the small town of Madelia, Minn. In the spring of 2010, he graduated valedictorian from Madelia High School. In the winter of 2013, he graduated Summa Cum Laude from Southwest Minnesota State University with a degree in Music Management. “I originally chose to attend SMSU because my mother had attended and my sister graduated from the University in the spring of 2010.” Noah recently returned to SMSU to pursue a degree in Music Education. “In my time back at SMSU, I have been enrolled in many diverse classes, was a former Student Activities Committee executive and I am a member of several music ensembles around campus, including the SMSU Jazz Ensemble, Concert Band, Chorale and Men’s Glee Club. The groups are all superb and each provides new tools to add to my future arsenal as an educator.” Noah is excited about his plans after college. “As I continue on after college, I plan on acquiring a job as an educator at a local school. Since I am working towards a dual certification, I will be able to teach either band or choir, or perhaps both. I also plan to continue writing original music. I believe that music is a lifelong gift that people can share with others.”
Noah is the recipient of an Education Department Scholarship, the Artus Musica Scholarship, the Gala Music Scholarship and the Foundation Distinguished Student Scholarship. “The scholarships that I have received are helping me greatly. The money is helping me pay for my tuition. In these tough times, every dollar helps.” Noah is one of over 500 students who applied for scholarships through AcademicWorks, SMSU’s new online scholarship management tool. Southwest Minnesota State University is one of over 300 colleges and universities that have selected AcademicWorks
to improve scholarship management services for students, administrators and the campus community. AcademicWorks is an online scholarship management tool that maximizes a student’s opportunity to be considered for campus scholarships using one streamlined application process. Student information is automatically imported from the campus’ student records system on a nightly basis, automatically matching students to relevant scholarship opportunities and minimizing the amount of information a student needs to enter on the online application. Scholarship selection committees are also able to review scholarship applications online, eliminating thousands of paper copies associated with the earlier process. Once scholarship selections have been made, students receive notifications directly from the AcademicWorks too. This allows them to review and accept their scholarship awards. At this point, they complete their donor acknowledgement, which helps ensure the continued support from those who fund scholarships for hundreds of students each year. To learn more about SMSU Scholarships and the AcademicWorks tool, visit www.SMSU.edu/ scholarships.
2017 University Gala By the Numbers Over
Since its inception over
$75,000 $800,000 was raised at the has been awarded in 2017 University Gala
18
FOUNDATION ANNUAL REPORT
scholarships & program support
2016-17
A record crowd over
370
attended the 2017 event
Foundation Partnerships The SMSU Foundation is proud to be the fiscal home of two very important affiliated organizations, the Mustang Booster Club and the Minnesota Agriculture and Rural Leadership (MARL) program. These two entities, both governed by their respective boards, play a critical role in supporting very distinct missions. The Mustang Booster Club seeks to provide scholarship dollars for SMSU athletics while enhancing the profile and visibility of SMSU athletic programs. The Booster Club plays an important role in the community by engaging alumni and community members to strengthen existing and build new relationships to SMSU athletics. Their commitment to raising private dollars ensures that SMSU student-athletes have the resources necessary to compete at the highest level within the NSIC and NCAA Division II. The Minnesota Agriculture and Rural Leadership program was established in 2000 by Southwest Minnesota State University in partnership with University
Members of MARL Class IX with Lt. Gov. Tina Smith, center, at the State Capitol in January 2016.
of Minnesota Extension and the SMSU Foundation. This dynamic leadership program is committed to developing the skills of Minnesota agricultural and rural leaders so they may maximize their
impact and effectiveness in local, state, national and international arenas. Nearly 250 participants have graduated from the program that is funded with private support as well as participant tuition.
Mission: Mustang Crowdfunding The SMSU Foundation launched a new online peer-topeer fundraising website this summer to generate support for programs and projects across campus. The interactive tool allows groups to share their story via video, pictures and messages across multiple social media platforms as well as text and email. Currently there are almost 20 active projects raising funds for scholarships and program needs. Projects are hosted on a special website: give.SMSU. edu.
FOUNDATION ANNUAL REPORT
2016-17
19
Student Success Grants Southwest Minnesota State University has initiated a Student Success Grant program to assist students who may be experiencing a temporary financial hardship. “The grants are to help students who are going through a short-term monetary situation,” said Robert Forget, Vice President for Enrollment Management and Student Success. “The grants are just that — grants. They do not have to be paid back.” The program started during the 2016-17 academic year. The grants are normally for $500, said Forget. They are funded through the SMSU Foundation and administered by the Financial Aid Office. A small committee reviews and awards the grants from applications submitted. “Tom” is an example of a student who has benefitted from a Student Success Grant (his name is fictitious to protect his identity). “I was faced with new challenges that I didn’t expect to face,” he said. “My car broke down completely weeks before the start of the semester.
My usual fees for credits was higher this semester because I needed to take more credits (than I normally do),” he continued. “To add to everything, my expected loans were lower than past semesters because I used up my loans in my past four years. I am a fifth-year senior. This grant was a life-saver. It gave me two months rent and time to really save up money. It helped me buy time to get back on my feet.” “The grants are a retention tool,” said Forget. He said the University has doubled the amount of Student Success Grant funds this academic year, and students are taking advantage of the opportunity. “It relieves some of the stress for students experiencing financial hardships. Many of their issues are nonuniversity related — cars, health bills, things out of their control. That happens. This helps retain students that may have had to take a break from college due to their situation. That’s why this program was initiated,” said Forget. “Tom” is a good example. “I have recommended it to a few friends that
Robert Forget, Vice President for Enrollment Management and Student Success.
could face a similar situation to mine,” he said. “The grant helped me give my full attention to school instead of having to take time away from school to work hours to be able to survive. I’m thankful for the Student Success Grant I received.”
Leveraged Equipment Impact The SMSU Ag programs continue to see monumental growth and development as increased numbers of students are enrolling and new partnerships are formed. With private support through the Foundation, the agronomy program was able to invest in a plot combine to assist with crop harvest and research data for a variety of classroom and private research projects. The combine allows students and faculty to capture real-time data at harvest and ensures accurate information to support their research.
Students in the SMSU School of Agriculture utilize a plot combine for their research.
$20,600 Foundation Special Grants were awarded in 2017: 20
FOUNDATION ANNUAL REPORT
2016-17
• Student Health Services • Research Chefs of America Student Competition • Biomechanics Lab
From left: Russ Oglesby, Clay Oglesby, and Warren Quarnstrom.
The Scholarship Impact on Generations of Mustangs
Scholarships do make a difference. Just ask Russ and Clay Oglesby. Russ started at what was then Southwest Minnesota State College in 1968 and it was a $300 scholarship he received from the Foundation that was the difference between attending the new college in Marshall, or another college closer to his Appleton, Minn., home. “I remember sitting at a luncheon across from Warren and Ardella (Quarnstrom) and thanking them for the scholarship,” recalled Russ. “In this year’s Homecoming parade, I saw them on the corner and went over and thanked them again. It meant a lot and was the deciding factor for me.” Forty-nine years later, his son, Clay, benefits from scholarships, also. There they sat, at a recent Scholarship Awards Luncheon, across from the Quarnstroms,
a second Oglesby receiving a Foundation scholarship. Clay is a senior Graphic Design major who has received several Foundation scholarships, including the Breening Scholarship, Business Administration Scholarship, SMAC Scholarship, Barnes & Noble Textbook Scholarship, Allis Scholarship and a Fine Arts Gala Scholarship. “They really have helped me not to have to work as much,” said Clay. “It’s enabled me to pursue my business.” He owns Clayo Creative LLC, a design services business he started in 2015. He’ll marry Katie Kaiser, a 2017 alumna, in June 2018. Warren, who moved to Marshall in 1955 and was an original member of the Marshall College Committee, said the SMSU Foundation started as the Marshall College Fund. “The people of Marshall
donated money to buy the land where the college sits today,” he said. “I think it was $225,000. It was easy to raise because the town was behind having a college here. It was then deeded to the state of Minnesota.” The Marshall College Fund then evolved into what is today the SMSU Foundation, which raises money for scholarships and SMSU projects. “In some cases, a scholarship is the difference between a student going to SMSU or not going; Russ is an example of that,” said Warren, a past president of the Foundation. “Scholarships attract good students, good people to the University. A college education costs money, and scholarships help these students afford a quality education at SMSU.”
To learn more about how you can make a difference in the life of a student at SMSU, visit us online at www.SMSUFoundation.org or call SMSU Foundation at 1-800-260-0970.
SMSU Alumni Office 1501 State Street • Marshall, MN 56258
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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 JANUARY 12: SMSU Night at the MN Timberwolves FEBRUARY 3: Hawaiian Night FEBRUARY 3: Alumni Board Meeting FEBRUARY 27: GOLD on the ROAD (Scottsdale, AZ) MARCH 7: Chicago (Washington Pavilion, Sioux Falls, SD) MAY 5: 50th Anniversary Commencement JUNE 23: 50th Anniversary Cruise to Alaska OCTOBER 6: Homecoming 2018
For information, tickets, and more events, visit: WWW.SMSUALUMNI.COM