SMSUFOCUSA magazine for alumni & friends of Southwest Minnesota State University

Fall 2015 Edition | Inside: 2014-2015 Foundation Annual Report

Jon Vezner ’76 gets unplugged in

Grand Marais pg. 6

SMSUFOCUSA magazine for alumni & friends of Southwest Minnesota State University

FALL 2015 | VOL. 35, NO. 1

Table of Contents 1 Around Campus: Provost Watson Joins SMSU 2 Phil Dacey Returns 4 Marshall Festival 2015: What Feeds Us 5 Mustang Sculpture Installed 6 Jon Vezner Gets Unplugged in Grand Marais 8 Alumni Spotlight 10 Exercise Science Student Changes Man’s Life 11 Mustang Athletics 12 2015 Alumni Award Recipients 14 Class Notes 16 Foundation Annual Report 2014-15

PresidentDr. Connie J. GoresVice President for Advancement/Executive Director of FoundationBill Mulso ’93Director of Alumni RelationsMichael VanDrehle ’08/MBA’10Focus Editor and DesignerMarcy D. Olson ’93/MBA’05Senior Writer and PhotographerJim Tate

ContributorsStacy Frost ’93Karen Kaas ’94Kelly Loft ’97/MS’11Mary MeadenBrittany Larson ’14Erik VogelSpecial Thanks on Jon Vezner StoryGreg Wright, Executive Director, and the North House Folk School

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

Send correspondence and story ideas to: SMSU Communications & Marketing, Attn: FOCUS1501 State Street, Marshall, MN 56258 Contact the Focus Editor: Marcy.Olson@SMSU.edu or 507-537-7374

Southwest Minnesota State University has been ranked fourth in the country by U.S. News and World Report magazine for the lowest out-of-state tuition in 2015-16.

SMSU tuition and fees for out-of-state students for 2015-16 are $8,094, placing it fourth in the top 10 rankings. In-state and out-of-state students pay the same tuition and fees at SMSU.

The average out-of-state tuition and fees for all public colleges and universities that submitted data to U.S. News are $20,822 for the 2015-16 academic year.

“We’re delighted to be recognized by U.S. News and World Report for our affordability,” said SMSU President Connie J. Gores. “By keeping our tuition costs down, we are an attractive college choice for students from neighboring states, and across the country,” she said.

The designation is the latest in a series of accolades for the University, which has also been honored for its affordability by The Chicago Database, and for its return on investment by AffordableCollegesOnline.

To see the complete top ten list, find a direct link at: www.SMSU.edu/focus

SMSU’s Ranked for Lowest Out-of-State Tuition

The SMSU Foundation Board of Directorsand President Connie J. Gores invite you to

Saturday, February 6, 2016

11:30 a.m.—1:00 p.m.SMSU Conference Center

Please join us as we recognize our scholarship

recipients and the people and organizations that help make their scholarships possible. Select

scholarship recipients will be featured speakers.

$15 per person. Please register by Feb. 1.

www.SMSUFoundation.org,Toll-free 1-800-260-0970.

The AnnualSCHOLARSHIP RECOGNITION

Luncheon

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FOCUS | 1

Dr. Dwight C. Watson Takes Provost Role at SMSUSMSU Provost and Vice President for Academic

and Student Affairs Dr. Dwight C. Watson has been an elementary classroom teacher and a college administrator, and brings with him a broad background to his new position at SMSU.

He began his duties this past July.Provost Watson came to SMSU from the

University of Northern Iowa (Cedar Falls), where he was Dean of the College of Education. Prior to that he spent four years at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire as Associate Dean of the Teacher Education program and department chair. He has past experience at Hamline University in St. Paul, where he was interim Director for the Center for Excellence in Urban Teaching, and chair of the Department of Education.

Watson earned his doctorate in curriculum and instruction with a concentration in reading and writing literacy from North Carolina State University, Raleigh, N.C. He earned his M.A. and B.A. in elementary education from the University of South Carolina, Columbia, S.C., and his A.A. (general education) from the University of South Carolina, Sumter.

He began his distinguished career as a teacher in his hometown of Sumter, S.C., first at the junior high school level, then elementary school. He’s had over 30 years of experience in education, and of that, 18 have been in the Midwest. He knows both the South, and the Midwest.

Provost Watson grew up in segregated elementary schools in South Carolina. “And that was in the 1970s. Brown v Board of Education (in which the Supreme Court ruled “separate but equal” public schools for blacks and whites were unconstitutional) was in 1954. This was 20-some years later, and there was still segregation,” he said.

This past summer, Provost Watson spoke to his high school classmates at Sumter, S.C., as part of a class reunion. During his talk, he reflected on segregation, and how his classmates were pioneers in many ways. “Our class moved from segregation to integration. We were a large class, and we had to find commonality. We all came from different neighborhoods, different walks of life, but we were also students being

given an opportunity, and we were all Gamecocks (the high school mascot).

“My navigation through segregation enabled me to do the work I do today. Sometimes I am the only African-American person (in a social/job situation), but I am comfortable with that through my experiences, I learned how to adapt, adopt, and recalibrate.”

And while he considers himself an ambassador of the South, he also finds himself in the dual role of being an ambassador of the Midwest. He’s lived in both places, and understands.

Those from the South, he said, might have preconceived notions about where he lives now. “Near the South Dakota border, the perception is it’s isolated. I am something of a cross-cultural ambassador for (the Midwest), too,” he said. “If I shape perceptions of Southerners, I also need to shape

perceptions of Midwesterners about the South.”Diversity is a broad term, he feels, and can include “diversity of

thought, of ideas, and people — race and ethnicity. But everyone coming from different backgrounds should still have the opportunity for transformational experiences. “

Watson talks about the importance of the job teachers have. “You are teaching other people’s children, our nation’s most precious resource,” he said. One of his favorite quotes is from Lisa Delpit, author of Other People’s Children: Cultural Conflict in the Classroom: “We need to teach learners the functional, navigational skills so that they can have access to opportunity. That is the work of every teacher and professor,” he said.

He started in the classroom, and worked his way — progressively— up the ladder. ”I am an experiential learner. I didn’t want to skip any steps.” So he taught in the classroom, learning “all the facets there before I moved to all the facets of administration. I’ve moved from department chair to director to assistant dean to dean and now to provost. I always try to situate myself in the best place, at the best time, with best people. I am humbled and honored to be the Provost and Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs at Southwest Minnesota State University and to call Marshall home.

SMSU Earns Reaccreditation from Higher Learning CommissionSouthwest Minnesota State University was

recently notified that it has been reaccredited by the Higher Learning Commission for a 10-year period.

The reaccreditation process is a long one, said English Professor Dr. Lori Baker, who coordinated a 16-person steering committee which produced SMSU’s self-study document, which is the cornerstone of the re-accreditation process.

The self study “is a thorough examination of our own practices and processes, everything about the institution, which specifically looks at five criteria for accreditation,” said Baker.

The criteria include university mission; integrity: ethical and responsible conduct; teaching and learning: quality resources and support; teaching and learning: evaluation and improvement; and resources, planning and institutional effectiveness.

The HLC visit team was on campus Oct. 20-22, 2014, for its site visit, part of the process of re-accreditation.

“We are delighted to learn that our accreditation was re-affirmed by the Higher Learning Commission,” said SMSU President Dr. Connie J. Gores.

President Gores serves as a site reviewer for the HLC at other institutions. “It’s a lengthy

process which includes taking a critical look at ourselves, at what we do and how we do it,” she said. “The entire University community played a part in the process, and I’d like to thank them all for their meaningful work.”

The HLC is changing the reaccreditation process, said Baker. In the future, the process will be more ongoing and done primarily online, she said. “It will still be a lot of the same process as far as the internal review, and we still have to address the five criteria and the various components associated with that,” she said. “The new process is called the Pathway Process, and it’s more of an ongoing process over a 10-year period, instead of everything done near the end of that 10-year period.”

A member of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system. ADA Accessible. Equal Opportunity Educator and Employer.

Southwest Minnesota State University is seeking comments from the public about the University in preparation for

its periodic evaluation by its regional accrediting agency. SMSU will host a visit on October 20-22, 2014, with a team representing the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association. Southwest Minnesota State University

has been accredited by the Commission since 1972.

The team will review the institution’s ongoing ability to meet the Commission’s Criteria for Accreditation.

The public is invited to submit comments regarding the University. Comments may be submitted by mail:

Public Comment on Southwest Minnesota State University The Higher Learning Commission

230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500 Chicago, IL 60604-1411

The public may also submit comments online. A link to the the HLC’s public comment page is published on our website:

www.SMSU.edu/go/HLC Comments must address substantive matters related to the quality of the institution or its academic programs. Comments must be in writing, either by mail or online.All comments must be received by September 20, 2014.

2 | FOCUS

[ around campus ]

Philip DaceyCelebrates HisHomecoming

The Godfather of Marshall Festivals. How else would you describe Phil Dacey?The poet, former SMSU English professor and originator of Marshall Festivals

gave a rare public reading on Friday, Oct. 23, at the “Marshall Festival ’15: What Feeds Us” event.

Dacey organized the first Marshall Festival back in 1986. The recently-concluded event was the eighth, and they are held every five years or so.

“That first one was five days, and there were overlapping events,” he said. “And it was done without email,” he added, eyes widening, as if all that statement implies just hit him. “It took a couple of years to pull together. All we had was mail and the telephone.”

He didn’t write poetry until in his 20s, after dropping out of graduate school at Stanford. “It was as if an angel came to me, tapped me on the shoulder and said ‘Philip, you need some help. Sit down and write.’”

He’s written 13 books of poetry, co-edited a book about contemporary American poetry and has lived life fully, on his own terms, and in his own voice.

He firmly believes there’s no such thing as writer’s block. “Write whatever comes to mind,” he said. “Write as regularly as you can. And don’t wait until you’re inspired,” he said.

Marshall Festival 2015The Godfather Returns

FOCUS | 3

Many people struggle with poetry — writing, and reading. “Some poetry uses language that’s not conventional,” he said. “It can lead one into areas of human nature that are uncomfortable. It’s an art.”

And Dacey is an artist. He’s a self-effacing individual who has overcome so much recently. He has undergone treatment for leukemia in the last year, which is in remission. “I had chemotherapy, and then had an experimental treatment at the University of Minnesota, where they transplanted some of my son’s ‘killer cells’ in me. So far it’s proven to be a success, it’s in remission, though there’s a hint of leukemia lurking in the shadows. I feel terrific now though, I run or bike around Lake Calhoun, I take no meds, and take Chinese herbs.”

A St. Louis native, he has come to love Marshall and Minnesota. Dacey taught at SMSU from 1970 until 2005, when he retired and moved to Manhattan’s Upper West Side. He returned to Minnesota in 2012, where he now lives with his partner, poet Alixa Doom, in Minneapolis. He is the father of three grown children: Austin, Emmett and Fay.

He thoroughly enjoyed his time in New York, also. “My mother was born there, and we’d get on the Greyhound bus every year for about 10 years and visit family there. It’s a very livable city. And it may seem like a bit of a paradox, but I tell people it’s a good place to live, but not a good place to visit.”

He loves the camaraderie and spirit of the Marshall Festivals, the feel-good atmosphere. “There’s no competition, and it has a community feel. It’s rare, too, to have these festivals in a rural setting.”

What kept him at SMSU? “I had the opportunity to influence students in poetry and literature,” he said. “Everyone can’t be a professional writer, but I still hope the students’ time with me gave them an appreciation and openness to the arts, a new point of view toward language and what language can offer.”

He’s humbled by the fact that Marshall Festival continues today. “Marianne (Zarzana) has done a great job with this one, and I’m grateful that the college has continued with Marshall Festival. “

He has many memoires of past Marshall Festivals. One of his favorites is of the late Eugene McCarthy, former Minnesota senator who three times sought the Democratic nomination for president.

“He loved poetry, and called me and asked if I’d like for him to give a presentation on Yates,” said Dacey. “For an hour, he recited poem after poem. (The late SMSU English Professor) Bill Holm came walking down the aisle, tears in his eyes, and said ‘He could have been our president!’”

Dacey, now 76, doesn’t think his poetry over time has matured, but it has changed. He came from a working-class background, and approaches his craft the same way. He sits down and writes. “Comic poems, free verse, formal, sonnets. I write them all,” he said. “I didn’t want to be known for just one type.”

He doesn’t make it back to Marshall that often — the last time was in 2010, at Marshall Festival ’10.

“But I still call the Midwest home. I may feel at home in New York, but the Midwest is my home.”

[ around campus ]

4 | FOCUS

[ around campus ]

Marshall Festival ’15: What Feeds Us proved to be a rousing success during its performance days of Oct. 22-24.

“People loved it,” said event coordinator, Assistant Professor of English Marianne Zarzana. “We have received positive feedback from the community, the participants, faculty, staff and students. We were fed.”

This was the eighth Marshall Festival and had a distinct Native American flavor.

“I went to (Office of Diversity and Inclusion Director) Jefferson Lee early in the planning and asked if he might be willing to help us diversity the festival by making a connection with Native American writers we’ve published in Yellow Medicine Review,” explained Professor of English Dr. Judy Wilson, executive editor of the Yellow Medicine Review and the festival organizer in 2010.

The Yellow Medicine Review is the University’s journal of indigenous voices. Its origin dates back to a Difficult Dialogues grant Wilson wrote in 2006. The biannual publication is an international journal of indigenous literature, art and thought and includes the work of renowned and emerging writers, artists and scholars.

“The title Yellow Medicine Review is significant in that it incorporates the name of a river in southwest Minnesota. The Dakota came together at the river to dig the yellow root of a special plant that was used for medicinal purposes for healing. Such is the spirit of Yellow Medicine Review,” said Wilson.

A total of nine Yellow Medicine Review contributors presented at Marshall Festival ’15 and joined a host of other talented writers, performers and artists who helped make the three-day festival one to remember.

“I had someone ask me if we could do it every month,” said Zarzana.

Familiar faces and emerging writers were featured. The festival opened at noon on Oct. 22. Thursday and Friday sessions had two tracks, and Saturday’s session had a single track.

SMSU alumnus Bart Sutter, the only author to ever win a trio of Minnesota Book Awards in three separate categories, performed with his baritone-voiced brother Ross on Saturday evening. The two have appeared regularly at Marshall Festivals and are a regional favorite.

English Professor Emeritus Phil Dacey gave a mesmerizing reading on Friday evening, reciting a number of humorous poems five years removed from his last Marshall Festival appearance. As one social media observer noted, “it wasn’t so much a reading as a performance.”

There were several discussion panels also, including creating a market for locally-produced writing; promoting and preserving rural literature; The Power of Place; creative writing alumni discussing their craft; writing about the North Dakota oil boom; spoken word; and what poetry can do that free verse can’t.

And fitting with the theme — What Feeds Us — there was a potluck supper Saturday evening at the Campus Religious Center.

Several unusual events included the performance of “Ady” by Rhiana Yazie in the Black Box Theatre; a children’s book reading by Cheryl Minnema at the new children’s wing of the Marshall-Lyon County Library; and a Spoken Word Night at the Brau Brothers Tap Room featuring spoken word artists Trevino Brings Plenty, Sarah Agaton Howes and Nick White, followed by selected SMSU students and community members.

“There was so much going on, and so much energy,” said Zarzana about Marshall Festival ’15.

“We are so appreciative of the Office of Diversity and Inclusion, and the Access, Opportunity Success program for helping fund our Native American writers, and the SMSU Foundation for their financial support,” said Zarzana.

“There were so many people who helped put this event together,” she continued. “It takes a lot to coordinate such an event, and everyone was so helpful. In the end, we all were fed.”

Above: David Allan Evans reads. Right: Sarah Agaton Howes at the final Spoken Word event.

Above: The Fall 2015 Yellow Medicine Review release party: (l-r) Natanya Ann Pulley, Pauline Danforth, Rhiana Yazzie, Carter Meland, and standing, Trevino Brings Plenty. Below: recent SMSU Alumni Gabrielle Cohrs ’15, Madeline Robertson ’14 and Daniel Kilkelly ’15 presented on a panel.

Above: Gordon Henry and LeeAnn Roripaugh share a laugh before their opening night reading. Left: Ross and Bart ’72 Sutter finished out the week in grand style.

[ alumni spotlight ]

FOCUS | 5

A sculpture by 1991 SMSU alumnus and adjunct art instructor John Sterner which completes the major portion of the University’s entrance project was unveiled on Sept. 23, 2015.

“This isn’t the work of one guy,” said Sterner. “This is the work of a whole community.”

The sculpture, on the north side of the retention pond near the intersection of Highways 19 and 68, is entitled “Šúŋkawakhaŋ wičhúŋhduhapi” and is a nine-and-a-half-foot long, six-foot tall bronze Mustang.

“Translated (from the Dakota language), the sculpture is named ‘Our Horse,’” said Sterner. “It’s a community horse. We’re this huge community of people who are Mustangs.”

The sculpture is at the apex of the entire project, which also includes large, rectangular steel panels, with cut-outs of running Mustangs. The

steel panels are back lit to give the impression of a herd of running Mustangs, and the bronze Mustang, leading the herd, is lit with spotlights. The entire display is especially impressive at night.

The project is almost complete. Landscaping will be added in the spring, and a formal dedication of the project will take place sometime in the spring semester.

Sterner is art teacher and head football coach at Lakeview High School in Cottonwood. He is also an adjunct art instructor at SMSU. He got some help from his Lakeview art students, who were excited to see the project progress. Most of the initial work was done in the art studio at Lakeview, then transported to the Anurag Art Foundry in Stillwater, Minn., for the Mustang’s bronze casting.

“We hope this will remind students to focus and stay on target on their path to success,” said Sterner.

Sterner’s Vision Becomes Reality

DOWNLOAD THE MUSTANG

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The MUSTANG App is a geo-location app that rewards you for supporting Southwest Minnesota State University athletics. Check-in to this app when you arrive at events and accrue points to unlock prizes.

The Mustang app provides features that allow you to keep track of events, share your photos on the Fan Cam, see the latest from the Mustangs on social media, take advantage of special offers from our sponsors, and more!

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FAN CAMUpload your game day pics and share them with other Mustang fans.

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EVENTSStay up-to-date with a consolidated schedule listing events, game times, and point values.

SOCIALA one-stop spot for the latest social media post from Mustangs athletics.

AWARDSUse your points to earn rewards ranging from merchandise to exclusive sponsor discounts.

Not able to attend? Stay up to date with live coverage for all SMSU athletic events.

*Enable your bluetooth to unlock additional rewards from sponsors

DOWNLOAD THE MUSTANG

APP NOW

The MUSTANG App is a geo-location app that rewards you for supporting Southwest Minnesota State University athletics. Check-in to this app when you arrive at events and accrue points to unlock prizes.

The Mustang app provides features that allow you to keep track of events, share your photos on the Fan Cam, see the latest from the Mustangs on social media, take advantage of special offers from our sponsors, and more!

GET THE APP. EARN POINTS. Be REWARDED.

OUR GREAT SPONSORS

ADDED

HORSEPOWER

FAN CAMUpload your game day pics and share them with other Mustang fans.

AUDIO/VIDEO

EVENTSStay up-to-date with a consolidated schedule listing events, game times, and point values.

SOCIALA one-stop spot for the latest social media post from Mustangs athletics.

AWARDSUse your points to earn rewards ranging from merchandise to exclusive sponsor discounts.

Not able to attend? Stay up to date with live coverage for all SMSU athletic events.

*Enable your bluetooth to unlock additional rewards from sponsors

6 | FOCUS

[ alumni spotlight ]

Jon Vezner Gets Unplugged in Grand Marais

Grand Marais, Minnesota is not a place you stumble into. It lies on the northern shore of Lake Superior just 40 miles down Highway 61 from the Canadian border. If you’re visiting this place, you’re here for a reason. And you’ll very likely be back.

Something about Grand Marais speaks to people. There’s something about the lake, the harbor, the arts, the outdoors, and the people of this community of 1,300 that make a lasting impression.

Jon Vezner has been coming to Grand Marais since he was a child. His parents and grandparents parked trailers at the municipal campground right on the harbor. He’s seen the community evolve and has made annual treks there his entire life.

He knows Grand Marais well. Or so he thought.

ABOUT JON VEZNERVezner grew up in Brooklyn Center, Minn. He’s a 1976 Music

Education alumnus and a 2011 Alumni Achievement Award winner. The Grammy® Award-winning songwriter came to SMSU for two reasons: to study music, and to get away from the city.

“I received an AA degree from North Hennepin Community College and got out for a while,” he explained. “I decided to go back to school. I had friends in Minneapolis, some had graduated, some were in school. I knew I had to get as far away as I could,” he said, laughing.

“I knew about Southwest from a couple of friends I went to school with, Fred and Deb (Lindblad) Almer,” he said. “What sold me were the people in the program. John Rezatto, he was a character and I loved him to death; True Sackrison in orchestra, I knew she graduated from the Curtis Institute; and Bob Whitcomb, he and I were kindred spirits,” he said.

HIS SONGWRITING CAREERAfter graduating Vezner worked on the computers at his father’s

business. “Dad finally said, ‘If you’re going to do this, then do this,’” he said of his dream of becoming a songwriter. “Within five years, he saw me win all these awards,” he said.

In 1983, Vezner made his first trip to Nashville, Tenn., where he attended the Nashville Songwriters Association spring symposium. Soon, he had established a working relationship with Rees Guyer of Wrensong Music, a music publishing company with offices in St. Paul and Nashville. In 1986, he moved permanently to Nashville, and within a year had songs recorded by Reba McEntire and Ronnie Milsap, as well as Lorrie Morgan’s first single, “Train Wreck of Emotion,” which he co-wrote with Alan Rhody.

Vezner is married to country/folk music star Kathy Mattea, who he met when she lived upstairs at a publishing house in Nashville. “I would come in to write, and we’d run into each other in the hall,” said Vezner.

Vezner has written songs for many country music legends, but his most acclaimed piece is perhaps the poignant, “Where’ve You Been?” which he wrote with Don Henry. That song—performed by Mattea—won Song of the Year honors by the Country Music Association (CMA) and the Academy of Country Music (ACM) in 1990. It was honored with a Grammy® Award for Best Country Song, and Vezner was named Songwriter of the Year by the Nashville Songwriters Association.

“Where’ve You Been?” is based on the true story of Vezner’s grandparents. Married over 60 years, they found themselves both hospitalized at the same location, but in different rooms. Vezner discovered they had not had the opportunity to see each other, so he wheeled his grandfather up to see his grandmother. When they entered her room, she asked, “Where’ve you been?” It was a searing moment for Vezner. He knew he had a song. He wrote it, and those he played it for sang its praises.

ABOUT THE NORTH HOUSENorth House Folk School is a community of learners and teachers

who share traditional crafts of the northern hemisphere inspired by Scandinavian folkeshoskoles developed in Denmark in the mid-1800s to share skills and traditions with the next generation.

The North House was founded in January 1997 by a volunteer board of directors following the success of a number of hand-craft course offerings

Photos courtesy ofNorth House Folk School

FOCUS | 7

Vezner, left, performs with Don Henry at the North House Folk School featured fundraising performance on Sept. 19.

in 1995 and 1996. Working with the City of Grand Marais, North House secured grant funding to restore two waterfront buildings and the campus was born.

PATHS COLLIDEOne trip to Grand Marais made an impact on Vezner and changed the

course for the small folk school in the process. In 2002, Vezner and his father were heading to Canada fishing when the elder Vezner became gravely ill. Staying in the family’s old RV at the campground while his father was hospitalized, Vezner became acquainted with his father’s physician, Dr. Woods, who was a member of the North House Folk School board of directors.

“I was staying in the campground next door. Walking around one day I saw that the school was teaching how to build canoes. I love to work with wood and make things with my hands.

“The North House just had a fire in one of the buildings and they were reroofing it. The school was small but I liked what I saw,” said Vezner. “So I talked to Dr. Woods, he said they had $25 in the bank and didn’t know what was going to happen. I told him we should do a benefit, even though I didn’t know what that meant.”

UNPLUGGED FESTIVAL IS BORN“I got in contact with Greg Wright over the course of the next year to

put something together,” said Vezner. “The first year I got local musician, Michael Monroe; Eagles member Bernie Leadon; Michael McDonald from the Doobie Brothers; and my wife, Kathy.

“We did two shows at the school that first year. The first one was sold out, the second one wasn’t—which was amazing considering who we had joining us—but you have to remember Grand Marais is kind of in the middle of nowhere. Over time, they got a tent because it’s just grown so much over the years.”

The name Unplugged came from the desire to bring the music to its roots, about the craft of song and acoustic performance, in much the same way that the North House preserves and celebrates traditional hand-crafts.

The first “Unplugged” performance in 2002 helped the North House raise the funds to establish an educational endowment fund and soon became an annual event. Musical performances by well-known songwriters and a thoughtful auction played a major role in building momentum for this effort. The auction continues to be a major part of the fundraising effort. One of the surprise events this year was a “Home Concert” featuring Vezner.

THE UNPLUGGED IMPACT“Jon’s gift of Unplugged and his steady nurturing of it has been a real

gift to us,” said Greg Wright, executive director of North House Folk School for the past 14 years.

“When he found us, he saw something he loves: people working with their hands, people building community, people creating and rediscovering the power in their hands,” Wright explained. “The idea [of a benefit] was pretty simple but it’s become one of our three anchor events that programmatically define North House Folk School.

North House has become a worldwide community of artisans, craftspeople, and learners. Students have come from 36 states and five foreign countries. That wide-reaching recognition is due in large part to the success of Unplugged and the five-year partnership with Mountain Stage Radio.

“The bigger thing that I think that Jon has given us is a sense and fundamental belief that we are here to touch the world. Unplugged’s evolution has highlighted that,” Wright said. “What’s so incredible about Jon is the seeds of purpose and sense of connection that he plants in all the people he brings to North House. And for him to believe in North House when he’s here and when he leaves, it’s inspiring.”

TEACHING THE CRAFT“Music kind of saved my life,” said Vezner. “I had some physical

problems as a kid so I spent a lot of time alone and music was the one thing that really spoke to me. It spoke to me on a visceral level so I started writing songs. I remember thinking I’d like to do that for someone else. But I didn’t know what that meant, that you could write songs for other people to sing.”

In addition to his songwriting and performing, Vezner has conducted residencies including one at North Hennepin Community College that was published on YouTube as the “Trust Yourself ” Educational Project. He also teaches songwriting workshops at the North House.

“I really think that creativity comes from that child side of us; that’s where that spark comes from. And it’s really a spiritual thing for me,” Vezner explained. “I like speaking to kids and I still feel like a kid at heart.

“I think it’s important to give kids experience with music and songwriting. It gives them permission when the world is constantly telling them ‘no.’”

THE UNPLUGGED LEGACYSeptember’s event marked the 14th Annual Unplugged Festival

which has become the North House Folk School’s signature fall event. Performers and collaborators over the years have included: Charlie Parr, Trampled by Turtles, Haley Bonar, Don Henry, and NPR’s Mountain Stage Radio, to name a few. Next year’s event is already scheduled for September 15-18, 2016.

“What it’s really done is raised awareness and helped the North House become a self-sustaining entity. Executive director, Greg Wright, he’s a great facilitator. Greg is a joy to work with. It’s easy for me to have the sexy part of founding it, but I don’t forget that none of this would happen if it wasn’t for Greg Wright.

“I don’t how long we’ll continue to do it (Unplugged). I’m not going to be here forever. I also know that I don’t want it to be about me,” said Vezner. “I want to let it become what it can be going into the future. I can’t believe it’s going on 15 years.”

Regardless of what the future may bring, Vezner knows the North House will be sustained long into the future, supporting the community of learners and preserving traditional crafts through hands-on learning and personal connections. Connections that keep Vezner coming back to unplug and recharge both the North House and himself.

For more information about the North House Folk School: www.northhouse.org and Jon Vezner: www.jonvezner.com

8 | FOCUS

[ alumni spotlight ]

Trevor Fleck, coordinating producer of Fox Sports North and Fox Sports Wisconsin, recalls the hands-on experiences he had at SMSU as being instrumental to his professional success.

“When I went there I learned not just in the classroom but also hands-on through the daily newscasts. I learned all the different positions and aspects,” said Fleck, a 1991 alumnus who recently won six Emmy Awards at the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences Upper Midwest banquet Oct. 3 in Minneapolis.

Six SMSU TV-Radio alumni were nominated in 24 categories, and four were presented a total of 11 Emmy Awards. They winners and their respective categories included:

• Trevor Fleck, ’91, coordinating producer of Fox Sports North and Fox Sports Wisconsin, earned six Emmy Awards for being coordi-nating producer in the categories of Sports Program Story, One Time Sports Special, Sports Documentary, Sports Interview/Discussion, Sporting Event/Game-Live Unedited-Program/

Special, and Sporting Event/Game-Live Uned-ited Series;

• Christy (Batien) Clark, ’97, content pro-ducer, KTIV-TV, Sioux City, Iowa, won three Emmy Awards as content producer for Daytime Newscast, Evening Newscast and Weekend Newscast (she has since taken a position as the executive director of the Ronald McDonald

House Charities of Siouxland);• Eric Vasgaard, ’98, Midco Sports Network,

Sioux Falls, S.D., earned an Emmy for Sports Programs Series (Outside of News);

• Lynn Petersen, ’93, KARE-TV, earned her Emmy in the category Director ACP Operator for the May 16, 2015 newscast.

SMSU Radio-TV Grads Shine at Regional Emmys

Fleck Clark Vasgaard Petersen

Isiah Whitlock, Jr. ‘76 Immortalized in Bobblehead A drawn-out expletive has spawned a cottage industry

for SMSU alumnus Isiah Whitlock, Jr.The 1976 Speech Communication: Theatre Arts alumnus

lives in New York City, where he is living every actor’s dream — he’s working.

Currently, he’s shooting a big-screen movie of the popu-lar television series CHIPS, which ran from 1977-83. “I’ve done a lot of TV lately, and have guest starred on a number of shows. There’s been a couple of independent features in New York, too. ‘Law and Order: Special Victims Unit’ has kept me busy lately, too, and I have a couple of other irons in the fire.”

Yet it’s his character, politician Clay Davis from the HBO series ‘The Wire,’ and, more specifically, that long, drawn-out baritone expletive, that he’s best known for.

And now, Whitlock fans can purchase a bobblehead of the SMSU alumnus. The replica uses Whitlock’s famous phrase — sheeeeeeeee-it — three different ways.

And yes, Whitlock said one of the keys to pronouncing it is using nine e’s.

He’s had the idea for the bobblehead for several years. “I walk down the street and 10 times a day, I swear, I get hit up with that word,” he said. “So I thought, OK, if I’ve got to live with it, I’ll have fun with it.”

Working with the firm Levity Department, which handles his social media, the project was funded through Kickstart in less than a day. They not only made his bobblehead idea become reality, but also started some-thing called the Whitlock Academy, a fictitious place you can attend to learn the proper way to say “sheeeeeeeee-it.”

“You go there for four years, learn to say it properly, and along with an SMSU degree, you should be set,” he said with a chuckle.

Almost 5,000 of the bobbleheads have been sold, and 2,500 of a second edition are being made just in time for the holidays. “I’ll be the first to

tell you I’m a bit mystified by the legs this whole thing has had,” he said. “Never in my wildest dreams did I think it would be something that took on a life of its own.”

President Barack Obama was given the prototype of the bobblehead by ‘The Wire’ creator David Simon after a White House meeting between the two. “He told David it would save his voice about five times a day,” said Whitlock.

For clarification, said Whitlock, he first used the expletive, in that way, in two Spike Lee movies, “25th Hour” and “She Hate Me.” “Then I got on ‘The Wire’ and they started writing it into the script. That’s when it took off.”

The bobblehead can be ordered at: sheeeeeeeeeit.com. Make sure you include 9 e’s.

FOCUS | 9

[ southwest stories ]

National Education Association Student Program chair Chelsey Herrig, a Southwest Minnesota State University senior, gave a talk to the SMSU community on Sept. 22.

Herrig is in her second year as the NEA-Student Program chair. She was elected in June 2014 for a two-year term.

As the Student Program chair, she works full time from the NEA headquarters in Washington, D.C. to provide visibility on cam-puses and organize future educators. She leads the 60,000 student members, which represents 1,100 college and university chapters in 50 states.

She has traveled the country, but perhaps her biggest thrill was on Oct. 7, when she traveled across town to participate in the Millennial Worker Voices panel at the White House.

Herrig is a Jackson, Minn., native. She has just her student teaching requirement remaining before she receives her degree. She plans on returning to SMSU in the fall semester 2016 for her student teaching experience.

In addition, she spoke to a number of education classes during her three days at SMSU.

The daughter of Kristi Herrig and Chuck Paine, she picked SMSU “because when I was growing up, everyone told me the best edu-cators come from SMSU. I knew the program would challenge me

to be the best I can be. I visited and I liked the atmosphere — I knew I belonged there.”

She travels extensively as part of her NEA-Student Program position, and has been collecting souvenirs for her future classroom. “I am certified K-8 in special education and math, but I think my heart lies with kinder-gartners,” she said.

Herrig has become an advocate for public service student loan forgiveness, and is a supporter of the teaching profession in general. “Why wouldn’t you want to be a teacher?” she asked. “It’s rewarding, you change the lives of students. As a member of the NEA, you will never be alone and face your challenges alone,” she said.

What’s your Southwest Story? We’d love for you to share it with us today at www.SMSU.edu/go/SouthwestStories.

NEA-Student Program Chair, Chelsey HerrigSOUTHWEST STORIES

Grant Will ’08 Joins Ag Program in Marketing RoleGrant Will has been named the Director of Marketing, Recruitment

and Outreach for agricultural programs at Southwest Minnesota State University.

As director, Will will promote and recruit for the agriculture-related degrees being offered at SMSU.

Will grew up on a dairy farm near Underwood, Minn. He attended Ridgewater College for two years and transferred to SMSU, where he earned degrees in Sociology and Speech Communication: Radio-TV.

As the director of Marketing, Recruitment and Outreach, he’ll recruit specifically for the six ag programs at SMSU: Agribusiness Management, Agriculture, Ag Solutions, Agronomy, Agricultural Education and Agri-cultural Communications and Leadership.

“We’re in the heart of ag country here in southwest Minnesota, and there is a real demand for the students that come out of our programs,” said Will. “There is a huge demand right now for agricultural education instructors. All of our students who graduate with an ag degree start out in well-paying jobs.”

Will said SMSU has solid relationships with agribusinesses in the area. “SMSU students can participate in internships with these businesses, which often lead to full-time jobs,” he said. “Internships are a critical component to our degrees, except for ag education, which has a student teaching component,” he said. “Through these internships the students receive real-life experiences.”

Prior to coming to SMSU, Will was the Lyon County 4-H program coordinator and before that, a social studies teacher and coach in the Lakeview school system in Cottonwood.

“I was interested in this position because I’ve always had a passion for agriculture,” he said. “I enjoy working at a learning institution and I have a lot of friends and acquaintances at SMSU. I look forward to helping our agriculture programs expand.”

He attended the national FFA convention Oct. 28-31 in Louisville, Ky., where he had the opportunity to connect with the 60,000 FFA members in attendance there and to talk to them about the opportunities at SMSU.

Will is the father of two children, Hudson, 12, and Cooper, 9.

Last February, Mike Berg hadn’t even met Kristy Leopold. Today, he considers the SMSU senior a part of his family.

Berg works with the Schwan Food Company and Leopold is an exercise science major from Fox Point, Wis. The two were paired as part of a wellness program between the Schwan Food Company and the exercise science program at SMSU.

Each semester, approximately 60 clients work with SMSU exercise science students, said Dr. Kris Cleveland, assistant professor of exercise science. Exercise science is one of the fastest growing majors at SMSU, and there are 162 majors this semester.

The client and student meet and discuss wellness goals, how to reach those goals and agree to a wellness plan. Each client’s goals are different.

In Berg’s case, the challenges were many. Twenty years ago he was in a car accident that left him a paraplegic. Fast forwards to Aug. 22 when he completed the Tiger 5000 Run.

With the support of family and friends, and a very special SMSU friend, Berg was able to do what was unthinkable several years ago. “She has changed my life,” he said of Leopold.

His is an amazing story. “I fell asleep at the wheel,” he said of the crash. “I went into the ditch, hit an embankment and flew 60 feet in the air. My L1 vertebrae exploded, and I fractured my 2-up and 3-down vertebrae. I had a severed spinal cord.”

He was in a wheelchair for about three years, and received his occupational and physical therapy through the Sister Kenny Institute in Minneapolis. For the first six months, he could feel nothing.

“Then I had some sensation in my big toe. And then in the muscles on the top of my kneecaps. Two physical therapists helped me off hours to build my muscles and get my brain to work with my muscles,” he said.

Berg moved to Marshall nine years ago to work for the Schwan Food Company. Walking, even sitting in a chair for a long time, were not easy tasks for him. He had no stamina.

“But after he learned how to walk, his physical therapy was over due to insurance regulations, but he wasn’t happy where he was at,” said Cleveland. “That’s where a personal trainer was a perfect fit for him.”

Berg saw the notice about the Schwan-SMSU wellness initiative, and called right away. He hit it off immediately with Leopold. “There’s a reason certain people cross your path,” he said. “Kristy has become a daughter to us, and a close friend.”

Berg calls himself a “walking paraplegic” and his progress is nothing short of amazing. Since starting his program with Leopold, he has lost 20 pounds, and has dropped his body fat to 12 percent. “Walking for him wasn’t easy, he was at risk of falling when he climbed stairs, and sitting in a chair was a process,” said Leopold.

She convinced Berg to follow a healthier diet — gone was the Mountain Dew — and her individual work with him resulted in steady progress. He cut 10 minutes off of his walking mile time, and “he’s no longer in pain after a long duration of activity,” said Leopold.

Berg, an Annandale native, attended college the University of Minnesota-Duluth, where he was on the hockey practice squad for

a couple of years — the ice version of “Rudy.” He’s also an avid bass and walleye fisherman, and had been active all his life.

His progress was immediate, said Berg. So much so that he didn’t want to end their program together at the end of the spring semester. “She very easily could have handed me off to someone else,” he said. “I asked her to continue during the summer, and she agreed.”

Such an extended arrangement is unusual, said Cleveland. But then again, Berg’s situation is usual. “We worked out every day of the week this summer, and every day we can now that school has started,” he said. “She always tried

to find a new and different ways to work with me, to break it down to the fundamentals. We are both competitive, and I wanted to do better; I didn’t want to let Kristy down.”

When they began, he walked a mile — 7 ½ laps around the PE Gym walkway — in 25 minutes. That time is now below 14 minutes. “Then she threw out the idea that I have got to do the 5K,” he recalled.

Back in February, he had trouble going up and down stairs without assistance. They worked on that, to the point “that I was running up and down the stairs of the Regional Event Center three of four times just to warm up. In the past, you would have to put me on a cot and take me to the hospital after that, and that was just a warm-up,” said Berg.

Leopold is a goalie on the SMSU soccer team and understands physical limitations. Since enrolling at SMSU, “I have had four procedures to correct a collapsed vein in my chest. It has limited me in my ability to play soccer. I was out of school for a while my sophomore and junior years, and the people in exercise science were accommodating. What I have experienced has helped me empathize with Mike.”

As the Tiger 5000 approached, Leopold went to head coach Erin Kasmarik-Mallett and explained she would be late for practice on race day. “Then I got to thinking how important it is to Mike and how he’s helped the soccer team. I approached the captains and the rest of the senior class and asked if they would be willing to meet Mike at the finish line. Through this all he’s met my teammates, my friends, and I know they’re tired of listening to me talk about Mike’s progress.”

So with a quarter mile to go before the finish line, with Berg struggling — “he was on his fifth wind,” said Leopold — she told him to look up. Walking with him were his wife Kate, daughter Grace and a nephew. Ahead, he saw his parents, Don and Jadynne Berg, along with the SMSU soccer team cheering him on with every step.

“There wasn’t a dry eye after that,” she said.Leopold will graduate this month and enter an accelerated nursing

program at South Dakota State. “I’ll finish in a year,” she said. “I want to have a wellness career. I prefer a job where I am able to work with people like Mike. I want to change someone’s life, like I have Mike’s.”

And she won’t forget Berg when she leaves. “Being paired with Mike changed my life. He has changed mine more than I have changed his. He has given me confidence in myself and confidence to apply what I have learned in the classroom to a client.”

“Kristy is a first class young lady. If there is anything I can do for her, I will do it. She has given a lot back to me and my family, and she is a second daughter,” said Berg. “She has given me a second chance.”

10 | FOCUS

Mike Berg, left, with his daughter, Grace; wife, Kate; and Kristy Leopold, right.

Exercise Science Major Helps Change Man’s Life[ athletics ]

SMSU rushed for 317 yards—including 217 in the second half—to earn a hard-fought 33-28 victory over Winona State in the inaugural “Battle for the Sledge” trophy game on Nov. 14 at the Schwan Regional Event Center.

SMSU finished the regular season 8-3 in the NSIC, good for fourth place tie in the 16-team Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference.

The eight victories ties the 1990 team for the second most wins in program history and is a new school record for wins at the NCAA Division II level (since 1995).

SMSU senior running back Davontay Stevens rushed for a career-high 184 yards and two touchdowns on 34 carries to pace the Mustang offense. Stevens finished the regular season with 1,066 yards—ranking as the third-highest in team history. He is just the sixth player in team history to reach 1,000 yards in a single season.

The game was the first “trophy” game in SMSU history. The “Battle for the Sledge” game was sponsored by BIG Athletics/Adidas. Both SMSU and WSU are contracted programs with BIG Athletics.

HISTORY OF THE SLEDGEDuring the 2008 season, Winona State would name a defensive player

of the game from the previous week’s contest and award that player a sledgehammer for the next week. During warm-ups of the WSU/SMSU game on Oct. 4 2008, a WSU player brought the sledgehammer

to mid-field prior to the game while SMSU players looked on. SMSU went on to earn a 35-28 victory over WSU, snapping the Warriors’ seven-game winning streak in the series. Following the game, SMSU players ran over to the WSU sideline and grabbed the sledgehammer, celebrating the victory at midfield. With emotions running high for both teams following a hard-fought game, a WSU player went over to the SMSU sideline to get their sledgehammer back. SMSU gave the sledgehammer back and a rivalry was born. WSU leads the

series 4-3 since the 2008 game. The trophy is a 7-foot tall Sledgehammer with the team logos of both

WSU and SMSU on each side of the trophy. In addition to the sledge trophy, two smaller sledgehammer MVP trophies were awarded to the most valuable player on each team. Stevens was presented with the MVP Award for SMSU.

SMSU sophomore quarterback Blake Gimbel finished the season completing 273 of 411 pass attempts for a school record 66.4 completion percentage. He closed the season passing for 3,053 yards and 26 touchdowns, which are both school records by a sophomore quarterback, breaking the 1990 records held by Jeff Loots.

SMSU senior defensive end AJ Page finished the season first on the team in tackles for loss with 17.5 and also first in sacks with 7.5. He closed his career ranking third in school history in tackles for loss (52), fourth in sacks (20.5) and ninth in total tackles (276).

SMSU junior cross country runner Hannah Palmeter placed fourth overall to lead the Mustangs to a 10th place finish at the 15-team Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference Championships.

Palmeter finished the 6k (3.73 miles) race in 22 minutes, 37 seconds and for her efforts earned All-NSIC honors and was named the NSIC Newcomer of the Year. She is the first SMSU runner at the Division II level to earn All-NSIC accolades.

Palmeter placed 18th of 208 runners with a time of 21:46.10 at the NCAA Central Region Championships on Nov. 7 in

Joplin, Mo. She also earned All-Region honors from the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) for her performance. She is the first SMSU female cross country athlete to earn all-region honors at the Division II level.

A total of 395 student-athletes (198 men and 197 women) from 142 schools earned the distinction by finishing among the top 25 individual finishers at one of the eight regional sites across the country.

Palmeter is a native of Bessemer, Mich., in her first season at SMSU after transferring from North Iowa Area Community

College. She twice earned NSIC Athlete of the Week honors this season.

[ athletics ]

SMSU’s Palmeter Named NSIC Newcomer of the Year

FOCUS | 11

Mustang Football Captures Sledge

Complete Fall Recaps: Cross Country / Football / Golf / Soccer / VolleyballFor the latest headlines, winter sports news and more, visit SMSUMustangs.com

The SMSU volleyball team will be making its 12th consecutive NCAA tournament appearance—and 13th all-time—as the team was selected as the No. 3 seed in the Central Region tournament announced on Nov. 23.

SMSU (25-5) faced No. 6 seed Washburn in the first round on

Thursday, Dec. 3, in St. Paul, Minn. Concordia-St. Paul, the No. 1 seed, hosted the eight-team tournament. The semifinals were set for Dec. 4, with the championship match on Dec. 5. For results from the tournament, visit www.SMSUMustangs.com.

Volleyball Makes 12th Consecutive NCAA Appearance

Five alumni and one retired faculty member received Alumni Association awards at during SMSU Homecoming on Sept. 25.

GRADUATE OF LAST DECADE (GOLD) AWARDMarri Carrow

As 2008 alumna Marri Carrow will tell you, you can take the girl out of the farm, but you can’t take the farm out of the girl.

Carrow is the Regional Director for the Western Hemisphere at the U.S. Grains Council, a position she has held since 2014. Before that, she was the Director of Communications for the Grains Council from 2008 to 2014. She has also been communications assistant with the Minnesota Corn Growers.

While studying Literature at SMSU, she took advantage of study abroad opportunities in England, France and Belgium, which “got my feet wet and whetted my taste buds for the international lifestyle,” she said. That has helped her acclimate to her new home in Panama City, Panama.

She grew up on a farm near Marshall and the work ethic she learned there is a big part of her success. She appreciates professors like Dave Pichaske and Jim Zarzana, and is an international advocate for SMSU.

“I feel really connected to Marshall and the rural community,” she said. “What I do all comes back to family roots in agriculture.”

HONORARY LIFETIME MEMBERSHIPMike McHugh

Former Speech Communication: Radio-TV Professor Mike McHugh has helped launch many a successful television career over the years.

Mike, who retired following the 2013-14 academic year, taught at SMSU for 24 years.

His National Broadcasting Society (NBS) chapter at the University was twice honored with National Chapter of the Year honors. He was regional Advisor of the Year eight times and National Advisor of the Year two times.

He estimates he was the executive producer for 2,200 news shows and 720 sporting events while at SMSU. “I liked the opportunity to work one-on-one with the students. It gave them the opportunity to be on the air, producing, writing, all of it. It’s definitely hands-on at SMSU.”

Mike and his wife — the parents of two grown children — recently celebrated 40 years of marriage. He’s humbled by his Alumni Association award. “SMSU is a very special place, and to be recognized is very touching,” he said

ALUMNI ACHIEVEMENT AWARDSSteve Baumann

Steve Baumann has taken his 1974 Mechanical Engineering degree to the top of the ice fishing world.

Steve is the president and owner of Vexilar, a marine electronics company known as the “Cadillac” of the ice-fishing world. Vexilar is simply the best.

He first heard of the company while working part-time at BH Electronics while he was a student at Southwest. He began with Vexilar in 1977, and has been with them 38 years.

He and a partner — who has since passed — had the opportunity to purchase Vexilar when it was going through bankruptcy. Today, ice fishing is 85 percent of Vexilar’s business.

He grew up on a farm near Lamberton and chose SMSU because “it was close to home; I was the youngest and SMSU offered an opportunity to help out on the farm when needed in the fall.” His sister, Kathy Johnson, is a 1971 Charter Class member.

Baumann met his wife Robin (Carlson) while at SMSU, and was married after his sophomore year. They recently celebrated 43 years of marriage.

Gene and Lucy TokheimIt’s not often that artists have branded their work as successfully as

Gene and Lucy Tokheim. Say the words “Tokheim pottery” today, and you automatically think of the Scandinavian-inspired work that comes from their studio and gallery located in rural Dawson, Minnesota.

Gene is a Charter Class 1971 member, while Lucy (O’Laughlin) gradu-ated in 1975. Together they own Tokheim Stoneware.

Gene began creating their wheel-thrown pottery in 1973, yet it wasn’t until they started creating Scandinavian folk art pieces that their business took flight. They had found their artistic niche.

Gene creates each piece on a potter’s wheel, and Lucy does the design work. Their individual talents mesh beautifully during the creative pro-cess. Gene also makes traditional Scandinavian knives, silver spoons and silver jewelry, while Lucy is a talented print maker and painter.

Artists have many influences during their lives, and the Tokheims are no different. Joseph Pizzat, Miriam Murphy, Ed Evans, Ralph Peotter and Gordon Dingman are mentioned as influences during their SMSU days.

The two create Tokheim Stoneware together, and find time individually for other artistic pursuits. It’s an arrangement that works for the couple, who are the parents of three grown children: Sam, Luke and Ben.

Mark DiekmannMark Diekmann has led an interesting life since graduating in 1983.Mark works for Paragon Dental Practice Transitions, based in

Mississippi, a company that helps young dentists find an appropriate practice, or retiring dentists find potential practice buyers.

He oversees all of the consultants in the northern United States. And he does so from his home in the Dominican Republic.

Most recently, his energies have gone into creating a non-profit group called Dogs and Cats of the Dominican Republic. The organization is dedicated to the health of animals on the northern coast of the Dominican Republic, where he lives.

“We have a bus that has been converted into a mobile spay and neuter clinic,” he said. “We have volunteer veterinarians come down here and drive it into poor neighborhoods, and the Dominicans bring their animals to us. We spay and neuter them to keep the animal population under control.

“We also pick up and rescue needy street animals and help them find new homes. About every month we are sending 35 to 45 dogs and cats to either Canada or the U.S. to new forever homes.”

Mark graduated with Chemistry and Math degrees from SMSU. He went on to dental school at the University of Minnesota, where he met his wife, Deborah.

For the complete biographies of this year’s award recipients or to nominate someone for next year’s awards, visit us online at www.SouthwestAlumni.com/Awards

[ alumni connections ]

2015 Alumni Award Recipients

12 | FOCUS

From left: front row: Mike McHugh, President Connie J. Gores, Gene Tokheim, Lucy Tokheim; back row: Steve Baumann, Marri Carrow, Mark Diekmann.

[ alumni connections ]

Linda (Fluegge) Manyara ‘11 and her husband Ralph (’12) shared their Mustang Pride at Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. Linda and Ralph are the winners of this issue’s Mustang Pride in Amazing Places. They receive a $50 gift card to Barnes & Noble Campus Store so they can get even more brown and gold gear. Congratulations, Linda and Ralph!

You can show your Mustang Pride in Amazing

Places! 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.

*Digitally manipulated photos will not be eligible.

FOCUS | 13

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 AWARDThis 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) AWARDThis 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 the University.

JOHN & KATHY PAXTON ALUMNI SERVICE AWARDThis 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

Nominations Accepted for 2016 Alumni Achievement Awards

We Are Mustangs: Homecoming 2015

Clockwise from top left: Ryan Stanley, Laura Johnson ’13, Justin Knakmuhs ’13, Elise Kazmerzak ’13, Jenna View ‘13. Alumni award winners, Alumni and Foundation board members, and SMSU administration enjoyed the game from the University Suite. President Gores greeted her presidential colleague, Thomas Jackson ‘85, who is president of Black Hills State University. Jason Swenson ‘01 stole the show at Dueling Pianos. Bill ’94 and Tracy Toulouse were all smiles at the University Gala. A show of hands at the Alumni Awards Luncheon revealed the number of alumni in attendance.

Rowell ’07

1972John Harley retired after 43 years as a high school math instructor. He will continue part-time teaching as an adjunct instructor of mathematics at Concordia University-St. Paul.

Bart Sutter is retired from his job as a professor at UW-Superior and is as busy as ever, writing and reading poetry, and appearing with his brother Ross throughout the Upper Midwest. He participated in a panel on poetic form and gave a performance with Ross at the Marshall Festival ’15.

1979Neil Kruse is the boys and girls cross country coach at Centennial High School. He was inducted to the Minnesota State High School Coaches Association Hall of Fame on August 3 at the coaches’ fall clinic and luncheon in Eastview, Minn.

1981Larry Gavin’s poem “Priming the Pump” appears in the November/December issue of The Minnesota Conservation Volunteer. Gavin is the author of four volumes of poetry: Necessities; Least Resistance; Stone and Sky; and The Initiation of Praise. He is an avid fly fishermen who finds inspiration in outdoor activities. He lives in Faribault, Minn. He gave a poetry reading with Michael Catherwood at the Marshall Festival ’15.

1982Incredibly detailed and ultra-realistic paintings by Terrence Fogarty were featured in the William Whipple Gallery on the campus of SMSU from Aug. 20 through Sept. 21. Fogarty concentrates on sports-related artwork, a genre he has been perfecting since high school.

1985Kenergy, an energy cooperative in Kentucky, recently named Jeff Hohn as its new CEO.  Jeff has worked in the electric utility business for 29 years, acting as the general manager for High Plains Power, Inc., in Riverton, Wyo., for the past nine years.

1986David Bornus graduated from the State of Minnesota’s Emerging Leaders Institute on March 27, 2015. He works for the Minnesota Department of Human Services as Policy and Compliance Director of the Minnesota Sex Offender Program.

1991Artist Debra Evans-Paige, rural Le Sueur, uses her cozy two-level home to create and fire ceramic jewelry. She uses ceramic beads and other small items to create jewelry, mostly necklaces. Her jewelry received several awards, including third place in the handmade beads category at the Bead Dreams international competition in Milwaukee, Wis.

John Sterner (MS ’02) was inducted into the NSIC Hall of Fame on July 14, 2015. He is the SMSU’s first national champion, in wrestling, and later coached the Mustangs. He is an art teacher at Lakeview High School in Cottonwood and an adjunct art teacher at SMSU. His latest sculpture was installed at the University Entrance sign this September. (See pg. 5)

1992Shawn Mueske is the chair of the Willmar Charter Commission and is a commissioner on the Mid-Minnesota Development Commission. He is currently working on a doctorate degree in Higher Education Administration.

1994Kristin (Kompelien) Dolan is the new CEO of the Runestone Electric Association in Alexandria, Minn. Her duties began on July 1, 2015. For the previous 11½ years, she had served as the manager of finance and membership services for Meeker Cooperative Light and Power Association in Litchfield.

1996Kari (Nelson) Loft (MS ’07) earned her English as a Second Language licensure at SMSU in the spring of 2015. She is now in her fourth year teaching English language learners at Marshall High School.

2000Thayne Johnson began his new duties as activities director of the Hutchinson School District in August 2015.

Pete Wilson (MS) joined the staff at Sturgis Brown High School, Sturgis, S.D., as the new principal.

2001Ryan Sims recently accepted the position of athletic director at Reed High School in Sparks, Nev.

2002Brad Bigler (MS ’09) is in his seventh season as head coach of the Southwest Minnesota State University men’s basketball team. He continues to be an advocate against drinking and driving and provides several presentations for high-school students about his experiences. He lost his son Drake to a drunk driver on July 28, 2012.

Angela (Gackstetter) Larson, her husband Tom, and their five children have returned to make their home in Marshall after living for the last few years in Estherville, Iowa. Angela is the Community and Family Support Director for Western Community Action in Marshall. 2003Nicholas Lanners and his wife, Amanda, welcome a son, Henry Patrick, on Jan. 6, 2015.

2004Angela (Reiser) Dingmann and her husband, Steven, welcomed Sawyer Michael on Aug. 11, 2014. The family resides in Monticello.

Lorrie (Garder) Grems, a former SMSU athlete, has been coaching the Independence High School girls’ basketball team in Glendale, Ariz., for 10 years.

Julie (Sellner) Wilson has joined the lending team at United Prairie Bank in New Ulm. She and her husband also operate a dairy farm.

2005Bill Kehoe (MS) is the new principal at Morris Area High School in Morris. He lives there with his wife, Amy, and three children.

Jon Thorson accepted a math teaching position at Pequot Lakes High School in Pequot Lakes.

Kristin (MBA ’08) and Brandon Tilus (’07), with son Lincoln, welcomed Alette Roslyn on Sept. 12, 2015.

2006Jennifer Eisenbeis and her husband, Ross, welcomed Annie Irene on Oct. 9, 2015. They live in Garland, Texas.

Lori (Meyer) Engebretson and her husband, Michael (‘07), welcomed a second child, Simon, on June 5, 2015.

Jennifer Mayer is teaching fifth grade at Sturgis (S.D.) Elementary School.

Andy Schlichting (MS ’08), who has served as the sports information director at Metro State University in Denver, Colo., since 2009, has been named an assistant SID at the University of Colorado. He was also recently honored as the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference SID of the Year for his work at Metro State.

2007Michele (Tomschin) Rowell and her husband, Chris (’05), welcomed Nathaniel Shawn on March 21, 2015.

Jason Vercruysse and his wife, Kelsey, welcomed Charlie Joseph on Sept. 29, 2015.

Kristin Walerius opened Rising Hope Ministries in the Armory Business Center in Worthington, Minn. She offers support groups for children and teens dealing with grief, divorce or pregnancy.

2008Stephanie (Huso) Bragg and her husband, Jeff, welcomed Alden Merritt on Sept. 16, 2015.

Justin Brown became the new activities director and assistant principal at Litchfield High School in June of 2015.

Annette Kremer has accepted the position of activities director at Maple Lawn Senior Care in Fulda.

Heidi (Demuth) and Kyle Nickles welcomed Beau Randall on May 7, 2015.

Nick and Mariam (Warner) Schultz welcomed Nathan James on Sept. 15, 2015.

Angie (Siegfried) Steinbach is the assistant city manager in Montevideo. Prior to that she was the community development director there. She is pursuing a master’s degree in public administration.

[ class notes ]

14 | FOCUS All cities are in Minnesota unless noted.

Gavin ’81 Bornus ’86Fogarty ‘82 Dingmann ’04 Eisenbeis ’06 Engebretson ’06 Peterson ’09Lanners ’03

Mark VanMeveren and his wife, Kari, welcomed Maddie Lynn on July 20, 2015.

Dana Yost is an author living in Forest City, Iowa. He’s published two books and is working on a third, about life in southwest Minnesota. He gave a reading at the Marshall Festival ’15 called “Power to the Prairie: Ed Gits and Minneota Go Electric.”

2009Emmanuel Blimie is running for Florida State Senate, District 33. He is CEO and founder of ROLTE (Reach Out Locally Together and Educate).

Cat Abbott and Mike Meier (’98) welcome a baby girl, Lana Luella, on May 19, 2015.

Allison (Krause) and Alex (’07) Peterson welcomed Adilyn Marie on June 18, 2015. She joins sister Brylee at home. Alex recently became Marshall’s Studio One cable access TV manager. Allison is a kindergarten teacher at St. Edward’s Catholic School in Minneota.

Angela Rohne married Steven Falck on October 3, 2015 in Austin, Minn. They live in Coon Rapids.

Emily Schroder married Shawn Krzmarzick on June 13, 2015.

2010Bethany Breakus (MBA) married Mark Hartung on Sept. 1, 2015.

Bethany (Nigon) Cargill, her husband, Jeff, and their daughter, Ellie, welcomed Tate Matthew on July 22, 2015.

Trina (Dammann) and Logan McAlpin (’11) welcomed Maddox Everett on July 1, 2015.

Jacob Richter (MS) is a teacher at Walker-Hackensack-Akeley High School.

Trisha Schilling married Tylor Fenske on Sept. 12, 2015.

2011Megan (Lewis) Bonstetter is a teacher in the Westbrook-Walnut Grove school system.

Kasha Fuerstenan married Jared Fritsch on Sept. 12, 2015.

Linda Fluegge married Ralph Manyara (’12) on Sept. 6, 2015 in Mankato.

Dr. Allison Zollner joined Complete Health in Marshall as an associate doctor of chiropractic in the fall of 2015.

2012Michael Dokkebakken (MS) married Elizabeth Honebrink on July 18 at St. Francis Catholic Church in Benson.

Derek Klinkner (MS ’14) and Audra Ross were married on Sept. 5, 2015.

Amanda Meine married Greg Lang on Aug. 8, 2015. Amanda works at Christensen Farms & Feedlots, Inc. as a business development/agronomy administrative assistant.

Laura (Kramer) and Blair Miller welcomed Colby Allen on June 1, 2015.

Emily Schoephoerster is a teacher in the Westbrook-Walnut Grove school district.

2013Michael Hagen (MS) is a teacher at Sturgis Elementary School in Sturgis, South Dakota.

Nick White participated in Marshall Festival ’15 appearing on a panel discussing spoken word poetry and was a featured performer in the closing event at the Brau Brothers Tap Room.

2014Kassi Hague and Lucas Tietz (’13)and were married on Aug. 29, 2015.

Following an outstanding playing career at Southwest Minnesota State University, Autumn Hayes has been named an assistant soccer coach at Towson University, Towson, Md.

Haley Jacobsen is a program assistant at the Hutchinson Center for the Arts located in Hutchinson.

Steven Kremer married Courtney Meir on Sept. 5 in Wilmont.

Jeremy Labat and Maria Gilland were married on June 15, 2015.

Luke Nelson and Ashley Sandbulte are both teaching in the Westbrook-Walnut Grove school district.

Madeline Robertson writes a column for the Independent, Marshall’s daily newspaper, and lives in Marshall. She was on a discussion panel as part of the Marshall Festival ’15 event.

2015Gabrielle Cohrs works for both Running’s and Borch’s Sporting Goods in Marshall and continues to follow her passion of writing. She was a discussion panel contributor at the recent Marshall Festival ’15.

Daniel Kilkelly participated in a panel discussion at the Marshall Festival ’15 featuring SMSU Creative Writing Alumni called “Don’t Quit Your Day Job…Yet: How to Make Your Creativity Marketable.”

Jayme Wiertzema is teaching at the Prairie Elementary School, Worthington, as an art instructor to all third- and fourth-grade students.

Haley Zacharias is the new 7th and 8th grade language arts teacher in the Colman-Egan school district (S.D.). She will also be working with K-12 students in the library and helping with the speech team.

MEMORIUMTerry Cunningham (’76)passed away peacefully with loved ones at his side on March 19 ath the University of Iowa Hospital in Iowa City.

Thomas Bernard Rignell (’76) passed away on May 18 at the age of 62 at St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester.

Philip J. Wohlhuter (’79), sibling to Rex Wohlhuter, Gerald Wohlhuter and Jan (Wohlhuter) Snell, passed away on Aug. 10, 2015.

Richard Nisleit (’84) passed away on October 4, 2015.

Lynelle Peterson Spain (‘85) passed away on June 5. She graduated from SMSU with a B.A. in Sociology.

Pam (Bot) Haukom (’85) passed away on October 12 following a long battle with cancer.  She is survived by her husband Jeffery (’84) and children Nick, Kristen, Nathan, Craig and Brent.

Laurel L. Molen (’89) passed away on April 6, 2015 from cancer.

Michael Branco (’03) passed away on July 26 from cancer.

Thomas Worden (‘07) passed away on August 11, 2015.

Frederick Bursack (’08) passed away on September 23, 2015.

Debra “Debbie” Carrow, (’94) former Director of the Upward Bound program at SMSU, died August 10 at the age of 59.

Weldon “Bill” Garrison passed away Aug. 15, 2015. He tought in the Hotel Restaurant Program from 1972-79.

Mary V. Smith, former Secretary to the head of the Physical Education department, passed away on August 22, 2015 at the age of 96.

[ class notes ]

FOCUS | 15

WHAT’S YOUR STORY?Share news with other alumni:email alumni@SMSU.educall 800-260-0970click SouthwestAlumni.com mail SMSU Alumni Office 1501 State St. Marshall, MN 56258

A group of Alumni from the mid 1970’s pose with the new Bronze Mustang statue during Homecoming 2015.

All cities are in Minnesota unless noted.

Garrett Conn ’15 took part in the “World’s Toughest Mudder” 24-hour-Obstacle/Endurance race in Las Vegas and represented SMSU Exercise Science! He was a part of the Pit Crew for a team of four men who ran the race and ended up taking 6th place in the world! Garrett was recruited to be part of race strategy, training programs, nutrition intake, and overall support of the team which he credits to his Exercise Science degree from SMSU.

Annual ReportFOUNDATIONDear Fellow Alumni and Friends,

It is my pleasure to share with you our Annual Report and Honor Roll of Donors for 2014-15. The Southwest Minnesota State University Foundation Board of Directors and staff are very thankful for the generosity and support of our many alumni and friends who make our work possible. Raising scholarship dollars to ensure access and opportunity for all students, providing program support to enrich learning opportunities, and promoting the work of our students, faculty and alumni are efforts that we can all take great pride in advancing. The year was highlighted with the culmination of two major efforts. The first was the completion of the Minnesota State Colleges & Universities system “Access to Excellence” campaign, a two-year campaign to collectively raise $20 million in scholarship support across the entire MnSCU system through our respective foundations. Together the system-wide foundations within the MnSCU raised $39.5 million in new scholarship money. This allowed our campuses to award over 28,000 scholarships to students across the state.

The second major project that was led by our alumni and Foundation was the creation of a beautiful new entrance sign welcoming visitors to SMSU and the community of Marshall. There is no doubt now when you come to campus that this is Mustang Territory! A beautiful bronze Mustang created by alumnus John Sterner proudly adorns the entrance to campus leading the stampede of Mustangs. The project was made possible entirely with private contributions from alumni and friends led by a generous challenge grant from alumna Deeann Griebel.

Every gift to SMSU, no matter the size, is important and appreciated. There are many worthy projects that have been and will be made possible through the generosity of our alumni and friends. While this report lists the many individuals and businesses that have supported SMSU this past year with a gift of $100 or more, please be sure to visit our website at www.SMSUFoundation.org to see a complete listing of everyone who made a contribution this past year

Many of you may have already received that phone call from our students or a 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 opportunities and support for our students in the years ahead.

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 MulsoVice President for AdvancementFoundation Executive Director

16 FOUNDATION ANNUAL REPORT 2014-15

Foundation Support for FY 2015$2,993,367

Scholarships $817,309

Academic and Program Support

$545,457

Total Net Assets and Foundation Support FY 2009–FY 2015

$5,338,918FY 2009

FY 2010

FY 2011

FY 2012

FY 2013

FY 2014

FY 2015

$2,578,221

$3,394,660

$6,682,038

$3,087,727$6,839,030

$8,600,180

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

$12,646,210

Foundation Support

Total Net Assets

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

$2,993,367$13,337,874

Foundation Support for FY 2015$2,993,367

Fundraising $477,018

University Development $1,153,583

Scholarships $817,309

Academic and Program Support

$545,457

$5,338,918FY 2009

FY 2010

FY 2011

FY 2012

FY 2013

FY 2014

FY 2015

$2,578,221

$3,394,660

$6,682,038

$3,087,727$6,839,030

$8,600,180

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

$12,646,210

Foundation Support

Total Net Assets

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

$2,993,367$13,337,874

Total Net Assets and Foundation Support FY 2009–FY 2015

FOUNDATION ANNUAL REPORT 2014-15 17

Board of Directors

2014-2015Foundation

PresidentDorene Kronke-McCourt ’73

1st Vice President

Brian Knochenmus ’00

2nd Vice PresidentBruce Saugstad ’89

Secretary/TreasurerKristi Mukomela 80

Past President

Diane Taylor ’75

Robert Aufenthie

Julie Bleyhl ’84

Jerry Bly ’71

Deb Boulton ’93

Timothy Burns ’72

Vicki Brockman ’82

Bill DeLay ’85

Lee French ’72

Robert Gunther ’77

Jim Kontz

Dan Koster ’85

Jefferson Lee ’96/MS’11

Roger Madison

Marilyn McLaughlin

Mary Meaden

Charles Myrbach

Rachael Posusta ’15

Mike Rich

Karen Sweetland

Bill Toulouse ’94

Brad Winkelman ’91

July 1, 2012-June 30, 20132012-2013

Honor Roll of Donors 2014-2015Presidential Benefactors Society $1,000,000 + cumulativePresidential Patrons Society $500,000 - $999,999 cum.Presidential Fellows Society $250,000 - $499,999 cum.

Cornerstone Society $100,000 - $249,999 cum.Landmark Society $50,000 - $99,999 cum.Benefactors Society $25,000 - $49,999 cum.

University Society $10,000 - $24,999 cum.President’s Society $5,000 - $9,999 cum.

Bellows Club $1,000 - $4,999 annualFounders Club $500 - $999 annualCentury Club $100 - $499 annual

Presidential Benefactors SocietyBusiness

Aramark CorporationSchwan’s Corporate Giving

FoundationSchwan’s Shared Services,

LLCThe Schwan Food Company

Presidential Patrons SocietyAlumni & Friends

Deeann Griebel ‘80Business

Oscar and Cora SatherPresidential Fellows SocietyAlumni & Friends

Karen LeShufyBusiness

Archer Daniels Midland Company

Bremer BankCHS FoundationMinnesota Corn Growers

AssociationMinnesota Soybean Growers

AssociationOtto Bremer FoundationRalph Manwarren Charitable

TrustUS Bancorp

Cornerstone SocietyAlumni & Friends

**David & Cecelia DanaharMark Edelmann ‘75Brian & Kristin Gruhot ‘93Robert LockwoodThomas McCourt & Dorene

Kronke-McCourt ‘73Dorothy McGuigganOrian Muecke ‘75 & Sue

MueckeBusiness

Avera Marshall Regional Medical Center

Bremer Financial Corporation

Buuck Family FoundationEcolab IncHy-Vee Food StoreLeAnn Tolk Charitable FundMarshall RadioR & G ConstructionRalco Nutrition, Inc.Southwest Initiative

FoundationUniPro Foodservice, Inc.

Upper Midwest Employers Association

Landmark SocietyAlumni & Friends

**Doug & JoAnne Fraunfelder

Sheldon & Margery Haaland**William HezlepMarilyn Kontz ‘71**Robert & Premjit Larsen**Kenneth & Gwen

MukomelaThomas & Linda Sanders**Dan & Mary Snobl ‘88Michael & Jennifer

Thomas ‘95**Joseph & **Eileen VanWieBeth Weatherby & Steve

KramerDarrel Wiener ‘75 &

Karen Wiener ‘74Business

AgStar Financial ServicesAnnexstad Family

FoundationBank of the West - MarshallBarnes & Noble College

Booksellers, LLCCarr PropertiesD & G ExcavatingEast River Electric Power

CooperativeEdelmann Management

CompanyFirst USA Bank, N.A.Great Plains Natural Gas CoHardeesHormel Food CorporationKHC Construction, Inc.Lockwood Motors, Inc.Lyon-Lincoln Electric

CooperativeMarshall Public School

District 413McLaughlin & Schulz, Inc.Midwest United Insurance

Services, Inc.Minnesota Pork BoardSchwan Food Company

Fund of the Bank of America

Slumberland of MarshallSouthwest Tour & Travel/

Southwest Coaches, Inc.Southwest Marketing

Advisory Council

The McFarland CompanyUS Bancorp Foundation Wells Fargo Foundation -

MinneapolisWells Fargo Foundation -

Educational Matching GiftBenefactors SocietyAlumni & Friends

Frederick & Debra Almer ‘76**Joseph & Cathy AmatoBradley BauneMichael Bjerkesett ‘71Diane Cohen ‘72 &

Jerrold Cohen*Connie GoresDavid Grong ‘76 & Linda

GrongBarbara Habstritt**Jack & **Mary Hickerson* Chris Hmielewski ‘98 &

Mary Jo Hmielewski ‘04Robert Jacobson & Jill

VromanDave & *Sharon KabesDennis Larson ‘71 &

**Maren Larson ‘89Chet & Nicole Lockwood ‘10John (Jack) McLaughlinTom & Liz McLaughlin* Bill Mulso ‘93 & *Stacie

Mulso ‘94*David Pichaske & Michelle

Payne Pichaske ‘88Doug Pilgrim & *Jan LoftLenny & Judy Pippin**Lloyd & Linnea Raymond*Michael & Arlene RichKim & Carolyn RunholtThomas SandBruce Saugstad ‘89 & Linda

Saugstad ‘90**David & Marlys Simpson**Michael & **Karen Sterner**Mary Jane StriegelDan & Kathy SussnerKaren SweetlandJim & Teah SwensonDavid & Diane Taylor ‘75Ronald & Sandra Wood**James & *Marianne

ZarzanaBusiness

Affiliated Community Medical Center

Ameriprise Financial - Tom VanderHagen

Basin Electric Power Cooperative

Bisbee Plumbing & HeatingBorch’s Sporting Goods, Inc.Bremer Trust Company of

MNBuffalo Ridge Concrete, Inc.Burger King of MarshallCattoor Oil Company, Inc.CHS Inc.CHS Inc. - MarshallDavisco Foods International,

Inc.Great River EnergyHeartland Consumers Power

DistrictHelena Chemical Company -

MarshallHenle Printing CompanyHoffman & Brobst, PLLPING ReliaStar Life Insurance

CompanyK.T.’s Kitchens, Inc.Land O’Lakes FoundationMardag FoundationMarshall IndependentMaterial Distributors, Inc.Merck FoundationMidwest Ag Enterprises, Inc.Minnesota Farm Bureau

FederationMinnwest Bank, M.V.North Star Mutual Insurance

CompanyNorthwestern Mutual Life

Foundation, Inc.Pepsi Cola Bottling

CompanyPPG Industries FoundationQuarnstrom & Doering, P.A.Rock-Tenn CompanyRunnings Farm and FleetSchott FoundationShooters Sporting ClaysState Farm Companies

FoundationSubwayThe Farm Credit System

Foundation, Inc.United FCSUS Bancorp FoundationViking Coca ColaWalter L. Mann EstateWells Fargo Bank

Minnesota, NAWestern Printing Company

University SocietyAlumni & Friends

**Randy Abbott & Jill Buitendyk ‘92

* Timothy Alcorn ‘89 & Bobbie Alcorn

Michelle Anderson ‘88Harvey Angel ‘73Kevin Anundson ‘82 & Karla

AnundsonRobert ArchboldRobert Aufenthie & Ramona

NagelBonnie Babcock* Daniel Baun ‘83 & *Linda

Baun ‘85Thomas & Gayle Birath* Paul & Nancy BlanchardGreg & Paula Boerboom ‘91Charles & Katherine BonifasTyler Bowen ‘95 & Susan

Bowen ‘95Carol BraggBrian & Kathy BrandtLeland Bush ‘73 & Pamela

Bush ‘72**Edward & Linda CarberryDuane & **Deb Carrow ‘94Jim CheckelJim & Kim Christianson* Scott & *Laura Crowell* Terrence Culhane ‘78 &

Sandra Culhane ‘78Donald & Phyllis DanielsonDebbie DenbeckRick & Linda DennisJohn & Stephanie DeVos ‘12David & Carol DrownEric & Neenah Eben ‘04Terry & Roxanne Eberle**Conrad & Marcia

EckstromBradley Engebretson ‘76 &

*Jill EngebretsonJames & Michele EngelsDave & Pam Epperly**Ed & **Connie EvansRobert & Sandra Fenske*Sara Fier ‘93 & Bryan FierDaniel Fischer & Jan Nordin-

FischerTerrence Fogarty ‘82 &

Karen Fogarty* Mark FokkenJoann Fredrickson ‘84

This Honor Roll of Donors lists annual contributors of gifts of $100 or more for the period between July 1, 2014 and June 30, 2015, 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 at www.SMSUFoundation.org.

18 FOUNDATION ANNUAL REPORT 2014-15

* Denotes SMSU employee **Denotes Retired SMSU Employee

Neil Frost ‘93 & *Stacy Frost ‘93

Darrell & Marilyn FuhrJim & Jan Fuhrmann*Vaughn Gehle ‘82Mitch Glover ‘85 & Jane

Glover ‘84Mabel GrongRobert Gunther ‘77 & Jill

McCartneyTom & Sue HandelandLois Henkel ‘72Mike & Jean HenlePatrick & Sharon HennenJames & Deb HeyTom & Fran Hill**Keigh & Arlene HubelJames Hubley ‘74 & Barbara

Hubley ‘75* Brent & Mary Jeffers ‘02Randy & **Deb JohnsonViolet JohnsonRichard Jorgensen ‘72 &

Barbara Jorgensen**Charles KauffmanJames & *Debra Kerkaert ‘88John Kern ‘75 &

Lynda Kern ‘77*Jeff Kolnick & Rosa Tock**Michael Kopp & *Vicky

Brockman ‘82Michael Kramer ‘94 &

Alecia Kramer ‘94Vincent & Anne LaPorteTherese LarsenGregory & Rebecca LecyRena LockwoodJohn & Kathy Loe* Kelly Loft ‘97 &

Kari Loft ‘96Sandy & Peggy LudemanJoe & Kim LudoweseSusan MadsenIrene MaertensSally A. and Burton M.

Magnuson ‘04C. Paul & Carole MartinBill & Roz McCormackMarilyn McLaughlin**George & Rise MitchellBruce & Debra Mitlyng ‘85**Roger & Constance MohrJames MolineGordon & Jenice MolitorRuth MortierDoug & **Sandy Mosch ‘79Kristi Mukomela ‘80Charles & *Rosalie Muller

‘85**Charles MyrbachJames Ness & Carole Toft-

Ness ‘80Kenneth & Janice Noyes*William & Pam PavotJohn Paxton ‘71 & Kathy

Paxton ‘69Vincent & Marcy PellegrinoNathan Polfliet ‘00 & Angel

Polfliet

Karl Porisch ‘03 & Shirley Anderson-Porisch

Warren & Ardella Quarnstrom

**Thaddeus RadzilowskiLeland & Norma RaskeDennis & Adele ReedDavid & Bette ReederThomas Roberts & Deanna

Getschel Roberts*Don Robertson ‘84 &

Marci RobertsonAnthony & Michelle

Rossman**Alvin & **Joan Rusk ‘82Steve & Juli SandersMatt SchnoorBrandon & Lauri SkewesMichael Springman ‘73 &

Tracey Springman* Tim & Christy SteinbachMark & Claudia StensonMark Sunwall ‘74 &

Deborah Sunwall**Eileen Thomas*William & Candace

Thomas ‘08*Gerald & Mary Toland ‘96William Toulouse ‘94 &

Traci ToulouseDoug & Carole TreadwayPat & Karen VanKeulen ‘87Ronald VanLerbergheRobert Walker ‘98 &

Nancy Walker ‘02Patrick Wands ‘85Mike & **Lorraine WeverkaDaniel & Carleen WiersmaScott & Terri WilliamsChad & Sandy WyffelsDale W. Youngern

Business212 Strategies, LLC3M FoundationAction Manufacturing, IncAgriBankAgStar Financial ServicesAlden Merritt Enterprises

LLCAlltel CorporationAmerican Insurance

Administrators, Inc.American Legion Post #113Breyfogle Auto SalesBurger King CorporationCarlson & Stewart

RefrigerationCars LimitedCoca Cola Bottlers’

FoundationCottonwood Co-op Oil

CompanyCredit Bureau of Marshall,

Inc.Domino’s PizzaDuane Anderson CharteredDuPont Hi-Bred

International

Dupont Pioneer-Northern Business Unit

F & M Bank Minnesota - Clarkfield

First Independent BankGeneral MillsGranite Falls BankGreat Plains Sports, LLCGregory G. Lecy, D.D.S.Harvest Land CooperativeHeartland Corn ProductsHitching Post of Marshall,

Inc.Hubbard FoundationJennie-O Turkey StoreJim’s Clothing & Sporting

GoodsJohn V. or Esther

McLaughlin FoundationKyle B. Petersen FarmsMarshall Area Chamber of

CommerceMarshall Convention and

Visitors BureauMcNeely FoundationMDU Resources FoundationMeier Electric, Inc.Midwest AviationMinn-Dak Farmers

CooperativeMinnesota Pork Producers

AssociationMinnesota Turkey Research

& Promotion CouncilMinnwest Bank, M.V.National Collegiate Athletic

AssociationNational Endowment For

The HumanitiesNationwide FoundationNB Golf Cars, Inc.Papa John’s PizzaPerkin’s Family RestaurantPrairie Pride CooperativePreferred OnePrudential FoundationRamada MarshallRed Rock Rural Water

SystemReinhart Food Service, LLCResearch Chefs AssociationSkewes JewelrySmile Designers Southern Minnesota Beet

Sugar CooperativeSouthwest Ophthalmology

Associates, P.A.State Farm Mutual

Automobile Insurance Company

Strategic Marketing Services, Inc.

Titan MachineryTraveler’s Lodge MotelVeterans of Foreign Wars

Post #742Wachovia Foundation

President’s SocietyAlumni & Friends

Bruce & Mary Ahrendt* John Alcorn ‘89 & Susan

AlcornTony Alcorn ‘90 & Patricia

Alcorn ‘91David Anastasi ‘82 & Joyce

AnastasiAdrian & Claudia Anderson

‘81Brad & Monica AndersonDouglas AndersonJoseph & Helen AndriesWilfredo & Alice ApostolShirlee BaileyLee Barrett ‘83Gregory & Mary BartzGary & Marjory BeckerGreta BerryFrank Belmont ‘76 &

Rebecca BelmontDale Berkner ‘78 &

Dianne BerknerEli & Mary BerryJames Beyer ‘97 &

*Noelle Beyer ‘97Steven Binder ‘79 &

Debbie BinderBrian & Krista Bjella ‘96Michael Blum ‘77 & Louise

BlumEric Bly ‘02 & Erica Bly ‘02Jerald Bly ‘71 & Ricke Bly

‘73Todd & Jane BockJeff & *Rhonda

Bonnstetter ‘96John & Margaret BornhoftGreg & *Carol Bossuyt ‘15Mark BosveldMark & Deborah

Boulton ‘93*Patricia BraceCal & Deb Brink**Glen Bruns ‘85 & Mary

Bruns ‘75Thomas Brutscher ‘85Don & Susan BuhlJulie CaronDavid Caslavka ‘91Greg & Sue CattoorJohn Chute ‘77 & Debbie

ChuteStanley & Katherine

ClaussenEdmond & Nina Conway**Verna CornishBruce Cox & Constance

Smith-CoxChad Crow ‘72 & Marilyn

Crow**Hugh & Linda CurtlerJeremy DaberkowKevin & Nancy DahlmanFran & Syl DeBaere**Carmen DeKosterTim & Jennifer Deutz ‘84Betsy & Martin Draper

Harlan & Teri DreessenJohn & Patricia Drown ‘71Scott Dubbelde ‘84 & Diane

Dubbelde ‘87Tim & Marlene DufaultFaye EckternachtEric & Brandy EidsnessJoe & Sarah Ektanitphong**Robert & **Maryann

EliasonMichael & Pamela EllingsonCurtis Enestvedt ‘71 &

Debra EnestvedtCameron & Joanne FanfulikWilliam Fenske ‘84 &

Anne FenskeOliver & Mary FordShawn Foy**Gary & Mary

Frandson ‘71James & *B.C. FransonCharles Freiss & Catherine

Schlagel ‘76Steve & Linda FruechteRandy & Pamela

Galbraith ‘80* Stuart Galstad ‘72Everett Garlisch ‘72Julia Gaskell ‘83 & Pete

Gaskell**Pat & LaVern GawareckiDavid & Linnea Genereux*John & Leanna GinocchioJeffery Gladis ‘87 & *Pam

Gladis ‘95George & Jenifer Goblish ‘99**John & *Denise

Gochenouer ‘02Thomas Good ‘73 & Annette

GoodForrest Gorter ‘73 & Mary

FerronCurtis & Kristy GriffinJoanne Groenewold ‘76Randy Groff ‘84 & Patty

GroffJason Gruhot ‘88 & Danielle

GruhotSharon GruhotWilliam Hanson ‘77 & Jan

Hanson ‘75Jonathan Harley ‘72 &

Donna HarleyShane Hastings ‘92 & Penny

HastingsDarin & Nancy Hegland**Don & **Julie Hein ‘71Marvin & Jan HeyMichael Hickman ‘74 &

Sharon HickmanMark Hodder ‘87 & Xunyu

Qian**Sandy Hoffbeck ‘74Brian & Sandi HoffmanDaniel & Ronaele HoffmanKen & *Cyndi Holm ‘79* Diana Holmes ‘12Michael Holmes ‘85

* Denotes SMSU employee **Denotes Retired SMSU Employee

FOUNDATION ANNUAL REPORT 2014-15 19

Bryon Hotzler ‘72 & Laura Hotzler ‘72

**Marcia & Jerry HubnerOwen Jensen ‘71 & Darlene

JensenJames & **Ann John ‘77David Johnson ‘72 &

Lourdes Vasquez De Johnson

Richard & Margaret JolstadLyn Kaczmarek Kienholz &

Mike KaczmarekRalph & Mena KaehlerRandy & Susan KamrathMarc & Melissa KlaithKaren & Don KlinknerCarlos & Jean KnakmuhsTodd Konietzko ‘85 & Kelly

Konietzko ‘84Brian & Nancy Kor ‘83George & Jane Korver* Charles Kost & *Elizabeth

DesyDavid & *Brittany Krull ‘04Robert & Donna KruseRuss & *Debra Labat**Marilyn LeachDaniel & Kim Lippert**Max & Mary LordJon Maker ‘78 & Rhonda

MakerDavid & Julie MarquardtJoel MathiowetzDarlene Mattke ‘74Patrick McCoyDavid Meier ‘84 & **Nancy

Gerber-MeierThomas Meulebroeck ‘73 &

Veronica MeulebroeckPerry & Lou Ann MeyerKeith & Cheryl Miller ‘89Tim Moberg ‘71 & Judy

MobergDwight & Dawn MorkLarry & Michelle MuffDavid Musser ‘81 & Tammy

Musser ‘81Diane Nagel ‘73 & Gregory

Posch**David & Judith NassJan Nelson ‘73Paula Nelson ‘72 & Stephen

KrumpeDaniel Nesdahl ‘97Ron & Karen ObermollerThomas Odland ‘72 &

Pamela OdlandSteven Otto ‘79 & Teresa

Otto**Girard Parnell ‘71 & Diane

Parnell**David & Marica PattersonMary & George PeichelCraig Pellerin**Lloyd & Rennae Petersen

‘86Les & Mary Jo Plumley ‘81Lynn & Kelly PlumleyDuke Pogatchnik

MaJa PogatchnikDon & Mary PolflietJohn & Kathy PollockDavid Potter ‘77Anne Pryor ‘82Thomas Quarnstrom ‘75Brian & Lisa Rademacher

‘93Daniel Reed ‘76Dawn Reed ‘74 & Doug

Thiesen**Roger & Karen ReedeRobert Reinhart ‘75**Jean ReplingerMichael & Rosemary RizzoJoe Roers ‘05 & **Betty

Roers ‘05Marsha Rose ‘94**James & Aileen RoweDolores Rysdahl ‘71Larry & Dawn SchiavoMike SchneiderMatt SchnoorSteven & Loronda Schuler* Robert Schwoch ‘02**George & Peggy SeldatRandy Serreyn ‘82 &

Roxanne Serreyn ‘82**Lew & Judith Shaver ‘95Richard & Mary Shearer**Sherwin Skar & Kathy

JonesJames Smalley & Sara

Runchey* Connie & Paul SmisekAlan Smith ‘71 & Evelyn

SmithCynthia Sorenson ‘80**Richard & Carol Spencer

‘97Greg Stemen ‘01David Strom ‘75 & Vicki

Strom ‘75Mike & *Elizabeth StruveJohn SuedbeckJerry & Linda SvobodaLonnie & Jeannie SwensonRandy & Leann TatgeAlison & John TauerJeff Tetrick ‘72 & Chris

TetrickDoug TheisDavid ThomasJeff & Colleen ThompsonEric & Tamara ThornBruce & Ann TiffanyKathy TjosaasPaul & Cindy TorkelsonThomas Vandendriessche

‘77 & Janet Vandendriessche

Gary & *Debbie VanOverbeke ‘89

Joseph & Shirley VanOverbeke

David Verkinderen ‘90 & Krista Verkinderen

**Gene & Brenda Verschelde

Timothy & Mary Jean Waibel

* Ross Webskowski ‘02 & Heather Webskowski ‘98

Mark & Michelle WilcoxJoe & Jane WillettHarmon Wilts & Gina Kelly-

WiltsBradley Winkelman ‘91 &

Alison Winkelman ‘91Michael & Susan WudelTerry Wynia ‘87 & *Lori

WyniaHans & Shana ZahrbockThomas & DeVonna ZeugJohn & Kara ZimmermanJames & Emily Zwach

Business509 DesignA & WAction Sports, IncAll My FavoritesAlliance Pipeline L.P.American Hotel Foundation,

Inc.AmericInn Motel & SuitesAmeriprise Financial -

Randy GroffAwards Plus of Southwest

Minnesota, Inc.BENCO Electric

CooperativeBeverage Wholesalers, Inc.Big Stone Therapies

Marshall, LLCBladholm Construction, Inc.Bot Appliance & ElectronicsBrownlee & Hayes, Inc.Buysse Roofing Systems &

Sheet Metal Co.Charter Communications

CompanyChase Manhattan

FoundationChemical BankChevron Humankind

Matching Gift ProgramCity LooksComfort InnCommunicating for

AgricultureComplete Health CenterDaley Farm of Lewiston,

LLPDental Health CenterDoom & Cuypers, Inc.Eickhoff Enterprises, Inc.The Equitable FoundationFarmland FoundationFirst Independent BankFloor to Ceiling StoreFran’s CommunicationsGene’s Sporting Goods, Inc.

of MarshallGene’s Sporting Goods, Inc.

of MinneotaHelena Chemical CompanyHennen SeedsHome Federal Savings Bank

Hormel Foods Charitable Trust

Horty Elving & Associates, Inc.

IBM Matching Grants Program

J. R. Farms, Inc.Jimmy John’s Gourmet

SandwichesJohnson Family Dental CareKruse Auto SalesLarson’s Home Furnishings

- MarshallH. W. LinderLockheed Martin

CorporationLudowese, A E Inc.Lyon County Farm Service

JVMarcoMarcotte Jewelry LTDMarshall Area YMCAMarshall Pizza Partners,

LLCMcDonald’s of Redwood

FallsMedtronic FoundationMike’s CafeMinnesota FFA FoundationMinnesota Turkey Growers

AssociationMinnesota Valley

Communications, Inc.Mister Cool’s ClothingMonsanto CompanyMoving Forward Advisory

Council, IncNE Foods, Inc.New Life Farms, LLLPNorthrop Grumman

FoundationNorthwestern Farm

ManagementOlson & Johnson

International, Inc.On Campus Marketing,

LLC.Pine Lake Wild Rice FarmPrairie’s Edge CasinoPreferred Health

ChiropracticPrinsco, Inc.R & R Imdieke FarmsRandall W. Johnson, D.D.S.Renville County Farm

BureauSandra L. Fuhr Family TrustSanford HealthSenspire LLCSherman Chiropractic &

RehabilitationSilvercrest CharolaisSMSU Accounting ClubSMSU Alumni AssociationSMSU HRS/CulinologySMSU President’s OfficeSMSU Theatre DepartmentSouthwest Cattlemen’s

Association

Southwest MN Arts & Humanities Council

Southwest PalletsSouthwest SanitationState Farm Insurance -

Charlie AufenthieState Farm Insurance

Company - Kevin Anundson

Stearns County Soil & Water Conservation District

Stoneberg, Giles & Stroup, P.A.

Sussner Construction, Inc.Tanner Systems, Inc.Thalmann Seeds, Inc.The Rosen Family

FoundationTorgerson PropertiesTrue Value Home CenterTRW FoundationTSPTwin Oak AcresUnited Southwest BankUS BankVarsity PubWherley Moving & StorageWilson O’Brien RealtorsYellow Medicine East

Independent School Dist. 2190

Bellows ClubAlumni & Friends

Susan AndersonDavid & Pam BednarAdam Bergren ‘01 &

Suzanne BergrenHomer Chan ‘77 & Betty

ChanNathan Dahlager ‘98 &

*Cori Ann Dahlager ‘98Kevin DeBoer ‘87 & Nicole

Johnson-DeBoer ‘90Mark Diekmann ‘83 &

Deborah DiekmannAl & Mary EggermontMarc Fritz ‘03 & Amanda

Fritz ‘02Kory & Amy GrantBenjamin KirbyJan & J.E. LefflerDavid & Marlyce LoganEric & Karla LutherThomas Sahlstrom ‘83 &

Cindy SahlstromTim & Donna SwensonJennifer ThatcherTimothy WandsDan Wellik

BusinessAffiliated Community

Medical Center PAAL-CORN CLEAN FUELEdward Jones - Neil FrostEdward Jones - Mike LearyEdward Jones - Mike

SnodgrassFellowship of Christian

Athletes

* Denotes SMSU employee **Denotes Retired SMSU Employee

20 FOUNDATION ANNUAL REPORT 2014-15

InFaith Community Foundation

Lyon County Corn and Soybean Growers Assocation

Midwest Dairy AssociationMN Driver License

DepartmentNova-Tech EngineeringSchwab Charitable FundSilver Spring Foods, Inc.South Dakota Soybean

ProcessorsStaples Enterprises, IncWands Family Trust

Founders ClubAlumni & Friends

Bruce Aamot ‘76 & Lori Aamot

* Barb Berkenpas ‘08Mark BiglerThomas Boerboom ‘74 &

Susan BoerboomCindy BohlerTroy BoumanThomas & Candace

BuchholzTina Cartwright ‘97 &

Chad CartwrightTom Ellingson* Lee French ‘72 & Joann

French ‘75Craig Gifford ‘71 & Ann

Marie Gifford ‘71Gary & Sarah Gimbel* Vinay GonelaJoy Hellie ‘88 &

Peter Hellie ‘84Larry & Barbara HenleLucas & Jessica HilgemannGary Johnson ‘75 & Susan

JohnsonPaula Kelly ‘89 & John

KellyAnthony & Ami KerrStephenice & Michael

KilroyGary & Joleen KochCarlton Lance ‘94 & Angela

Lance ‘92Thomas & Sherri

LandmarkNicholas & Kasey Linde ‘11James Louwagie ‘86 & Julie

LouwagieMyrnalee Mania* Jessica Mensink ‘04 &

Tony MensinkDavid Meulebroeck ‘76 &

Karen MeulebroeckBeth & Brent Nelson* Linda Nelson ‘92 & Jon

NelsonMark OvergaardMatt & Melanie

Pedersen ‘98Sigmund Peterson ‘78 &

Karen Peterson

Sue Peterson ‘89 & Bradley Peterson

Scott & Staci SaugstadAndrew Schlichting ‘06John Smith ‘74 & Becky

SmithGary St Aubin ‘82 & Wendy

St AubinWayne & Mary ThompsonDustin Vierstraete ‘14 &

*Sonya Vierstraete ‘01* Allan & Becky VogelJohn Warnert ‘86Angela WenningDavid Wolter ‘78 & Dianna

Wolter ‘80Business

Al’s Enterprises, Inc.AURIBaytex Energy USA Inc.Bladholm PropertiesExtra InningsFidelity Charitable Gift

FundMinnesota Beef CouncilMinnesota Cooperative

Education FoundationPrinscoRabo AgriFinanceThe Baxter International

FoundationThe Benevity Community

Impact FundCentury ClubAlumni & Friends

Brett Aasen ‘89Tim AbersonDarcy AcherCarl AckerSusan AckerChad Adams ‘96 & Ann

Adams ‘97Jason Adams ‘94 & Kami

Adams ‘95Mary Adkins ‘74 & Buddie

Adkins* Jorun & Alan AhmannSonya Alexander ‘89 &

Robert AlexanderLinda Allen ‘84 & Jeffrey

AllenJeff & Bonnie AllenBrian Anderson ‘74 & Lea

AndersonCourt Anderson ‘00Dennis Anderson ‘92 &

Marjorie AndersonDiana & John AndersonPaul Anderson ‘93 & Julie

AndersonTrevor Anderson ‘04* Jessica Anderson ‘07Joyce Arends ‘98 & Paul

Arends* Bridget Arkell ‘00 &

Richard Arkell ‘06Julie Arvold ‘89 & Bruce

Arvold

* Kathleen Ashe & John Bunge

Adenuga & Murielle Atewologun

Annette Atkins ‘72 & Tom Joyce

Wallace AxelsonBradley Bacon ‘92 & Renee

BaconMarvin Bahn ‘75 & Janet

BahnScott & Brenda BakerDebra Banks ‘75 & Richard

BanksCalvin BarnettJ. Rodney & Linda BarstadJeffrey Bartz ‘85 & Jill BartzJean BaunWilliam Bechtol Jr. ‘76 &

Sharon BechtolEmily BellRichard Bendt ‘90 &

Shawna BendtDale & Marlene BergMichael & Donnietta

Bernard* Marcia & Scott

BeukelmanCynthia Bighley ‘83 &

Milton Bighley* Brad Bigler ‘02 & Heather

Bigler ‘05Michael Bird ‘95 & Jodi

Bird ‘95Nancy & Kevin BittermanJohn Blake ‘83 & Mary

Monnet-BlakeDean Bloemke ‘73 & JoAnn

BloemkeJohn Blomme ‘90 & Kristin

Blomme ‘89Adam Blume ‘06Noah BlyDean & Jeanette BoerboomWade Boerboom ‘94 & Joy

Boerboom ‘96Todd BonlanderGerald & Bernadette

BonlanderEric Born ‘93 & Danita

BornMark & Elizabeth BostwickMarshall & Susan

BosworthJohn Bot ‘95 & Becky Bot

‘02Jon Bot ‘80 & Susan BotTodd BoumanNathan & Terese Bourne* David BraatenDale Bradtke ‘85Patrick Brady ‘71Gerry & Jodie BredlowRonald Brinkman ‘80 &

Jayne Brisbois* Melissa Bromen ‘74 &

Brian Bromen ‘72* Jay & Judy Brown

Christina Brusven ‘02 & Daniel Brusven

James Buchanon ‘85 & Lois Buchanon

Robert Bueltel ‘84 & Sue Bueltel

Alana Bunkers ‘77 & William Bunkers

Jeffrey Burch ‘92 & Brenda Burch ‘93

Hal Burstein ‘87 & Gail Burstein

John Buseth ‘86 & Vicki Buseth

Steve Bush ‘76 & Sonya Bush

Charles Buysse ‘82 & Sharon Buysse

Larry & Valerie BuysseTracy & Thomas BuzzellTimothy & Deborah

CallahanRodney Cardinal ‘71 &

Mary Cardinal ‘71Brett Carlson ‘92 & Loretta

CarlsonMary Alice CarlsonSean Carmody ‘81 &

*Patricia Carmody ‘80James & Katherine CarochiAlan Carpenter ‘72 & Anne

Carpenter ‘75Elizabeth Carstens ‘74Steven Casavant ‘03 &

Catherine CasavantCharles Chalberg ‘73Alice & Ray ChavezPaul Choudek ‘82 & Julie

Choudek ‘84Amy Christensen ‘00 &

Carmen ChristensenDavid Christensen &

Julie Anne Solberg Christensen

Ray ChristensenGary Christianson ‘84 &

Jean ChristiansonMark & Tina ChristiansonMatthew Claeys ‘84 & Sue

ClaeysNancy Clark ‘00* Wendy Claussen

Schoolmeester ‘87 & Dean Schoolmeester ‘94

* Kris ClevelandMargaret ClineJohn & Charlene ClouseKatherine Coleman ‘71 &

Wayne ColemanNeil & Connie ColwellJohn Compton ‘80 & Renee

ComptonWendy ComptonRobert & Kathy CondonAlan ConnellDavid & Kimberly ConnellDiane & Jim CookGregory & Stacie CookZachery Corbin

Christy Coudron ‘92 & Steven Coudron

Darrell Courneya ‘73 & Celeste Courneya

Michael Cox ‘73 & Cheryl Cox

* Sandra CranerMatthew Crellin ‘76 & Joan

CochranJudy CrookerRichard Crumb ‘81 &

Helen Crumb* Sean Culhane ‘05**Philip Dacey* Michelle DahlRassoul Dastmozd ‘83Satyajit Dattagupta ‘04 &

Priyanka Dattagupta ‘08* Stephen & Carrie Davis* Stewart & Rebecca

Day ‘11Jane DeAustin ‘73 & Bob

DeAustin* Emily DeaverRoger & Deb DeBaereGayle & Lois DeglerDave Deines ‘93 &

Kimberly Deines ‘95Alan DeLeeuw ‘76 & Jane

DeLeeuwMark Derby ‘97Richard & Mary

DeslauriersBarbara DesnoyersScott & Melanie DethlefsenRoxanne & Michael

DettmerMark & Brenda DeutzAllen Deutz ‘07 & Kathleen

Deutz ‘06Brian & Dorothy DeVosMary Jo Dierickx ‘84Carolyn Dindorf ‘83Richard Dinello ‘78Bradley Dirckx ‘76 &

Margaret DirckxTodd & Brenda DirckxMary DiseJoe Dittrich ‘81Donald DohenyTracy Doherty ‘80 & Lisa

DohertyLon Dopp ‘93 & *Jill Dopp

‘93Harold & June DuebbertThomas DunhamSharon DunneGreg & Jody DuskeNorman & Joel DuskeKhalid Effendi ‘83 &

Faezeh Oskooi Effendi ‘81

Carol Egan ‘74 & Peter Egan ‘74

Bruce EgelandGale Ehle ‘78 & Michael

EhleBrian Ehlenbach ‘01 &

Shawna Ehlenbach

* Denotes SMSU employee **Denotes Retired SMSU Employee

FOUNDATION ANNUAL REPORT 2014-15 21

Charles & Kari Ehlers ‘99Margaret Eichenlaub ‘89 &

Robert EichenlaubPatrick Eichten ‘93 & Jenny

EichtenGary Eickhoff ‘73 & Joyce

EickhoffDorothy EischensKaren & Michael EischensGary & Carolyn EliasonRonald & Cathy ElkinsChristopher Ellingson ‘01 &

Andrea Ellingson ‘98Mark & Sandy EnemarkDavid Engel ‘72* Bonnie & Gordon

EngesmoeTyler Engquist ‘02 & Jill

Engquist ‘02Sarah Ericksen ‘97Christine Erickson ‘73 &

James EricksonEvelyn Ernst ‘71 & Carl

ErnstJames EvansAngela Fahl ‘04 & Jacob

Fahl ‘03Wendy & Kenneth FastStacey Feldman ‘98 & Craig

Feldman ‘99Maureen & Brian FennertyMolly Feterl ‘90Mark & Wren FeyereisenThomas FickGerald & Marylynne FieldsJohn Fischer ‘89 & Mary

FischerJeffrey FisherQuentin & Carla Fixen ‘11James & Barbara FjordbakSteve Fleck ‘90 & Cindy

Fleck ‘92Kevin FloydMichael Foutch ‘82 &

Shelley FoutchTom & Karen FrancisDouglas Franzen ‘82Michele FreyeScott FullerShane & Janelle FunkRonald & Patricia GallesLisa GaquinDavid Garman ‘76 & Nancy

GarmanJon Garrow ‘96 & Julie

GarrowJ & Shelley Gauer* Brett Gaul ‘00 & Anita

GaulLarry Gavin ‘81 & Patricia

GavinLoretta Gehl ‘71 & William

GehlRichard & Kathryn GeistThomas Gelhar ‘78 & Lynn

GelharRichard & Myrlette

GiddingsScott Gilbertson ‘90 &

DeAnn Gilbertson ‘90

Rachelle Gilbertson ‘98 & Chris Gilbertson

* Gary & Patricia GillinRobin Gillispie ‘74 & Carol

HeseltonDaryl Gillund ‘96William Gimmestad ‘07 &

Paula Gimmestad ‘86Gerald GinglesJerome Girton ‘73Brent Gish ‘73 & Gayle GishShirley Gladitsch ‘75 &

Miles GladitschThomas Goblirsch ‘75 &

Lisa GoblirschDiane & Terry GonnermanKay Gonzales ‘73 & Jamie

GonzalesSara Granheim ‘02Paulette Grausam ‘76 &

Greg Grausam* Jennifer Graven ‘03 & Kyle

GravenAllen GraysonDonald & Annette

GrebinoskiVirginia Gregg ‘72Leah Grobove ‘87 & Marvin

GroboveRichard Groothuis ‘78 &

Jane GroothuisJan Grote ‘79Scott GrothSanford Gruhn ‘76 & Joyce

GruhnGwenda GullicksonCameron Guthrie ‘78 &

Cathy Guthrie ‘79Steve & Lisa HaasDavid & Carrie HaasRichard Haberman ‘94Mark Hacker ‘74 & Marilyn

Hacker ‘77Bruce Hagen ‘71 & Lelia

HagenSteven HagenMichael Haig ‘76Dorothy Hamman ‘93Kurt & Judy HansonToni Harms ‘12Jean Hartman ‘76 & James

HartmanJerry HauckJeanette HauschildJosh & Michelle

Hawkinson ‘03Nathan HayCarlos & Criquet HazimLarry Hebrink ‘72 & Linda

HebrinkSteven Hedberg ‘71David Hedlund* Shawn Hedman ‘86 &

Nancy Jo Hedman ‘87Lisa Hedrick ‘87 & Mark

HedrickRichard Hegge ‘83 & Kari

Hegge ‘83Kyle HegreLowell & Gladys Hellie

Thomas Hellmann ‘81 & Diana Hellmann

Christopher Helvig ‘83 & Lisa Helvig

Stephanie HemsworthKeven & Jodi HendricksonPepper Henkel ‘91Roberta Henrich ‘74 & John

Henrich ‘76Karen Henry* Kristine Henspeter ‘74 &

Kim HenspeterShaun Herring ‘81 & Paula

HerringDan & Deb HerrmannGreg Higdem ‘77David Hilbrands ‘86 & Dori

Hilbrands ‘85Scott & Robbin HilgertJeffrey Hill ‘77 & Amy HillJane HillMax Hinneberg ‘78 &

Michele HinnebergLisa Hochhalter ‘89 & Barry

HochhalterThomas Hoff ‘87 & Cheryl

Hoff ‘87Jason Hoffman ‘99 & Pam

HoffmanGary Hoffmann ‘72 & Marie

HoffmannCorinne HohenwaldKristin HolickySharon Hollatz ‘01 & Tom

HollatzKaren HolmesRonald & Susan Honken ‘79Brenda Hoogeveen ‘88 &

Dennis Hoogeveen ‘85David Horn ‘78Linda Horsager ‘71 & Les

HorsagerMark Hotzler ‘80 & Jane

HotzlerTodd Howatt ‘07Carol & Mark HrubyRonald HuddlestonJason Huss ‘97 & Dongi

HussLauri HutchinsonRoger & Judy ImdiekeLee IsenbergClaire Jamal ‘73 & Ashraf

JamalJames & Jean JansenMyron Janssen ‘78Mark Jennings ‘77 &

Dorothy Tischer* Jeffrey & Nicolle JenningsKevin Jensen ‘01Mark & Mary Joy Jensen ‘84Neil Jensen ‘71 & Karen

JensenRobert & Sharron JensenDennis Jensen ‘71* Denise Jesse ‘98 & Paul

Jesse ‘98Philip Jessen ‘84 & Gayleen

Jessen ‘85Steve & Mary Johnson

Thomas Johnson ‘80 & Kristen Johnson

Thomas Johnson ‘75Steve JohnsonNancy Johnson ‘73Mary-Louise JohnsonThomas JohnsonMarcia Johnson ‘72 & Van

JohnsonKim Johnson ‘76Brad Johnson ‘73 &

Deborah JohnsonMatthew Johnson ‘94 &

Joleen Johnson ‘94Brian Jones ‘82 & *Susan

Jones ‘82Richard Jones ‘73 & Jeanne

Jones ‘86Brad JonesThomas Jorgensen ‘72 &

Kathy JorgensenMary Jorgensen-Haynes ‘80

& Tom HaynesRichard & Pam Jueneman* Sangnyeol Jung* Karen Kaas ‘94* Daniel & Sheryl Kaiser ‘06Merlyn Karjala ‘80 & Linda

Karjala ‘82Dean & Kendra KattelmannGary & Candy KellenMichael Kellen ‘88 &

Rhonda KellenBowen & Amy KellerRobert KernLaurie Kesteloot ‘11Richard Kidrowski ‘94Mark & Carol KiemeleArbutus KjentvetMarc & Melissa KlaithPaulette KlinglerJudith KochPaul & Laurie KonradGary Koosmann ‘73* Jim & Janet KorCharissa & Dustin KoskiRoger Koster ‘84 & Joan

Koster ‘86Curt & Luci KovashEmily Kram ‘06Mark & Gwen KranzRobb KrauseTom Kremer ‘72Tom KrenikSteve & Carol KrugerCraig & Rita KrugerBrian & Bonnie KruseJonathan Kubat ‘07 & Sarah

Kubat ‘10Andrew Kubat ‘76 & Dona

Kubat ‘76David Kuhlman ‘78 & Judy

Ann Kuhlman ‘84Brooks & Carol KummerDouglas Kunde ‘83 &

Marissa KundeShane Kussatz ‘96 &

Heather KussatzGregorie Kvilhaug ‘76 &

Diana Kvilhaug

Daniel Labat ‘82Duane & Gerri LabatDiane Ladner ‘93Ahren & Lynn LaFolletteBruce & Vicki LamprechtSteven & Peg Lange**Cletus & Lorraine

LannersKenneth & Cheryl LanoueAllen Larson ‘78 & Ramona

Larson ‘80Danny & Tracy LarsonDeborah Launer ‘77 &

Russell LaunerLeAnn Laycock-Ross ‘93Steven Leaf ‘76Rita Lear ‘89Daniel Lee ‘83 & Karolee

Knudson-LeeRobert & Betty LeeDarwin Leek ‘79 & Virgean

LeekDavid Legnani ‘14James LeichtnamSandi & Kevin LeightonMichael Leischner ‘09**Diane Leslie ‘91 & Bill

LeslieRonald LevtzowMelissa Lies ‘92 & Jeff Lies* Jim & Jeanette LillebergPeter Linder ‘94 & Rhonda

LinderSteven LindstromDan LittleDavid LobbDaniel & Michelle LodahlDebanjan Lodh ‘97 &

Mengjie Hou ‘97David Loe ‘94 & Melissa

Loe ‘94Paul & Jacqueline LoosePat Louwagie ‘83 & Laurie

Louwagie* Janice Louwagie ‘79 &

Jerry Louwagie ‘77Margaret Louwagie ‘94 &

Brad LouwagieDale & Deb LouwagieDavid & Chris Louwagie**Jo & Joe LouwagieBrian Lucker ‘77 & Janeen

LuckerDoug Luepke ‘73Richard & Becky LuftBrian Luke ‘75 & Jane Luke

‘75Adam Lund ‘05 & Chelsea

Lund ‘07Jerry Lupkes ‘84 & Jean

LupkesBarbara Lynch ‘75Roger & Donna MadisonJolayne Madson ‘87John & Cynthia MagesMark Maiers ‘88 & Cindy

Maiers* Karen & Jim MalmbergSujeeta Maskey ‘13

22 FOUNDATION ANNUAL REPORT 2014-15* Denotes SMSU employee **Denotes Retired SMSU Employee

Sandra Mathison ‘71 & Robert Mathison

Bruce Mattson ‘73 & Susan Mattson

Rick Mattson ‘81 & Sharon Mattson ‘81

Jeffrey Mauland ‘78 & Lynn Mauland

David Mbonu ‘80 & Emilia Mbonu

Tom McCoyRonald McDanielSusan McIntoshMarion McLaughlin* Susan McLeanKathryn McNally-Bova ‘93 &

Gregory Bova* Mary & Tim MeadenCarol Meagher ‘73 & Patrick

MeagherDonna MeeksMichael Meier ‘98 & Cat

Abbott ‘09Shane MeierLeAnn Melberg ‘97 & Brad

MelbergGunner (Jeffery) MensinkDavid Meyer ‘93 & Becky

MeyerGreg & DeeAnne MillerDavid & Ann MillerAllen Miller ‘74 & Christine

MillerAlan Miner ‘84Karen Minge ‘88 & David

MingeLaurie MinskE.J. Moberg ‘98 & Shannon

MobergJeffrey & Regina ModicaChris & Mindy MoedeSteven Mohwinkel ‘76 &

Jacki KniggeTim Moline ‘01 & Erin

MolineJoyce MonckG. Arne Monson ‘73Lon & Robin MoonBruce Morgan ‘73 & Anne

MorganDebra Morgan ‘79 & Dennis

GittingerScott Morin ‘76Terry MorrisonAngela MoseleySara MoseleyEsmail Mostaghimi ‘87 &

Barbara Mostaghimi ‘88Melissa Moulton ‘98Paul Muecke ‘09Richard MukomelaKristi Muller ‘89Rodney MulvaneyDale & Lisa Mulvaney* Michael Munford ‘05 &

Cinara MunfordRebecca Munns ‘93 &

Thomas MunnsDale & Cornelia Murphy

* Ken Murphy ‘88 & Sandra Murphy

* Patricia Myrvik ‘00 & Matt Myrvik

Michael Nash ‘75 & Elizabeth Nash

Keith Nelsen ‘71 & Jane Nelsen ‘88

* Jesse & Julie NelsonGarry Nelson ‘79 & Bonnie

Nelson ‘80Joel & Denise NeremKeith Newman ‘88 & Tamara

Newman ‘90Aaron Nielsen ‘96 & Kirsten

Nielsen ‘96C & D NissenRichard Noer ‘73 & Nancy

NoerMark Nordrum ‘78 &

Barbara NordrumRussell & Kathryn O’ Leary* Abby Oakland ‘09Chuck Obler & Lori

Vikesland OblerArlene Ochocki ‘71 &

Donald Ochocki ‘74Lynn O’ConnorDenise OdegaardBrooke & Nathan OdemRobbie Oden-WakelyErling & Charlotte OieDoug & Leanna Olsem* Christine Olson* Julia & Dean Olson* Marcy Olson ‘93 & Ryan

Wendland ‘02* Raphael & Lillian

OnyeaghalaJeffrey Orthaus ‘87 & Paula

Orthaus ‘87Lynne & Doug OsingLoren OvergaardTodd Pack ‘77 & Debi

Pack ‘89Bryce Pack ‘75 & Debra

PrinsChris PackDavid & Carla PalmerRuth PartainAllison PayneDouglas Peppers ‘83Andrew Peschong ‘10Frederick Peters ‘84Svend & Maren PetersenGary Peterson ‘77 & Patricia

PetersonJames Peterson ‘87* Scott & Peggy Peterson**Lynn & James PetersonScott Petrich ‘87 & Connie

Petrich ‘87James & Vivian PietrickMichael & Karen

Pirozzoli ‘80Phillip & Alonna PointonJames Polejewski ‘87 & Gail

Polejewski ‘93Dean Polkow ‘82

Steven Polkow ‘71 & Linda Polkow

Michael Pominville ‘84Robert Porter ‘80 & Helen

PorterDuane Possail ‘87 & Jeanna

Possail ‘89Timothy & Pamela PowellPrudence PrecourtDaniel & Doretta ProchaskaPeter QuinlanMelissa Radel ‘90 & Warren

Radel ‘89Daniel Radel ‘08 & Kelli

Radel ‘93Lorna Rafness ‘94 & John

RezmerskiDale Raschke ‘75Chris Rasmussen ‘75 &

Sharon RasmussenKendra Rechtenbaugh ‘91 &

Mark RechtenbaughMarcia & Paul RehkampPatrick Remick ‘87 & Mary

Remick ‘88Bruce Remme ‘01 & Carie

RemmeCarol ReuversRoger Reuvers ‘81 & Linda

Reuvers ‘82Mark Riebel ‘85 & Kathy

RiebelTimothy Rignell ‘76 &

Kristine RignellGary & Sylvia RobertsLisa RodenBrian & Tiffany RodningKent Roers ‘98 & Susan

RoersRichard RoeslerAmanda Romaine ‘03 &

Tony RomaineValerie Romberg ‘78Ruben RomeroJames & Ronda RoschBrian & Mary RoseneLaurence RoseneJason & Janet RossowBrian Rowell ‘77 & Susan

RowellTraci RubinScott & Ivy RuiterEric & Anna RunestadChelsea & Dustin RussellPeter & Jackie SamesElaine Sandager ‘74David Sanderson ‘78Russell Sanow ‘76 & Deidre

Sanow ‘77Rita Saugstad* Cory & Amy SauterKevin Schaefer ‘94 & Linda

Schaefer ‘96* Kathy J Schaefer ‘84 & Jerry

Schaefer ‘12Alan Schafer ‘73 & Juliane

SchaferRodney Schaffran ‘74 &

Debra SchaffranDaniel & Cindy Scheller

Amy & Gary Schimmelpfennig

Terry Schleif ‘76 & Robin Schleif

James Schlenner ‘79 & Joan Schlenner

Corey Schmid ‘89 & Julie Schmid

Karl & *Nadine SchmidtKent Schmidt ‘85 & Shaneen

SchmidtMark Schmitt ‘88Robert & Robin SchoeneckJoshua Scholten ‘05 &

Melissa Scholten ‘07Joe Schomacker ‘08Tawny Schotzko ‘05Tracy Schramm ‘01Jamie Schreurs ‘99 & Ryan

SchreursAlex Schuh ‘08Mark Schwanebeck ‘78Willard & Doris SchwartzVernon & Patricia SeemanMartin Seifert ‘95 & Traci

SeifertNancy Seifert ‘76Marie Setnes ‘02 &

Kristopher SetnesKrishna Shah ‘97Laurie Shaw ‘82 & Michael

QuallsCraig Shea ‘80 & Barb SheaAndrea ShearerKevin & Amy ShearrowSarah & Rick ShivelyChris & Barbara ShortPratik ShresthaColleen Shupe ‘86 & Dean

ShupeThomas Silverberg ‘75* Douglas Simon ‘94 & Molly

Simon ‘07Ann Simpson & Aju FennBrian Skalbeck ‘73 & Dee

SkalbeckJeff & Rachel SkieJeff & Mary SkogenJohn Skogstoe ‘73 & Susan

SkogstoePhil & Sue SkramstadGregg Slaathaug ‘05 & Tina

SlaathaugAlvin SmithKirk Smith ‘79 & LouAnn

Smith ‘77Selmer & Sandra SmithTimothy & Sharon Smith* Anthony SmithMatt Smude ‘06Darin & Beth SnazaDaniel Snaza ‘88 & Robin

SnazaBradly SnazaScott Snobl ‘94 & Saundra

SnoblMike & Susan SnodgrassJohn & Pam SoderholmMaureen Sorensen ‘80 &

Grant Sorensen

Jean Sorenson ‘89 & Bradley Sorenson

Darlene Sparkman ‘05 & Brian Sparkman

Lyle Sparrowgrove ‘74 & Bobbi Jordan

Tanya Sponholz ‘02Chad & Joy SpringborgSharon Springer ‘71 & Ron

SpringerSteven Squibb ‘92 & Kelly

SquibbDaniel Stanley ‘82A.G. StapletonJerry Stark ‘72 & Kathryn

Stark* Paulette Stefanick ‘86 &

Joseph StefanickKathy Steffen ‘83 & Robert

SteffenStephon Steinke* Bonnie & Byron SteltonBetty Ann Stensgaard ‘70* Conni & Stan StensrudAllen Stewart ‘74 & Diane

Stewart ‘79Christine Stout ‘00 & Keith

StoutSteven Strasko ‘10Norma Streich ‘80Daniel Struthers ‘92 &

Sharon StruthersMary StubbsMark Stumm ‘82* David & Gwen Sturrock* Matthew Suby ‘13 &

Deanna Suby ‘09Becky Suedbeck Harbarth

‘97 & Jon SuedbeckNeil Sussenguth & Valerie

Swanson ‘76Jeffrey & Shannon Sward**James SwartzShane Sweetland ‘94Andrew Swenson ‘01Leslee SwensonWilliam SwopeMichael Syverson ‘71 & Jane

Syverson* Sheila & James Tabaka* James & Mary Tate* Jacqueline Tauer ‘00 & Jim

TauerLoren Tauer ‘73 & Janelle

TauerGilbert & Jacqueline TavarezJo Ann TaylorKristina Taylor ‘87Rodney Tebben ‘86 &

Jeanine TebbenAndrew Thangasamy ‘98Todd & Julie ThedensAndrew Theisen ‘80 & Carol

TheisenChristopher Theobald ‘86 &

Elisa TheobaldRoger ThiedeLyle Thies ‘77 & Joyce ThiesKathryn & James ThissenJon & Michelle Thissen

FOUNDATION ANNUAL REPORT 2014-15 23 * Denotes SMSU employee **Denotes Retired SMSU Employee

24 FOUNDATION ANNUAL REPORT 2014-15

Ralph & Kari ThissenAlan Thom ‘71 & Sharon

Peterson-Thom ‘73Randy Thomas ‘78 & Rita

ThomasShirley & Wallace

ThompsonJennifer Thompson* Gloria ThompsonQuinn Tierney ‘73 & Gerald

HuerthDawn TietzGary Tigges ‘78Delmar Timm ‘73 & Pat

TimmTerry Timm ‘71 & Rebecca

TimmConstance Tinklenberg-

Hays ‘71Steven Titus ‘87 & Sara

Titus ‘87Richard Toews ‘75 & Jeanne

Toews ‘74Victoria Torres-VandemanSteven Trebesch ‘82 & Lora

Trebesch ‘81* Joan & Steve TuttPaul & Lola TwedtSandra UmholtzBruce VaalaMaren Van Moer ‘91 &

Scott VanMoerMark & Rita Vandeputte* Michael VanDrehle ‘08Daniel VanRider ‘97 & Sara

VanRider ‘98Glenn Variath ‘05Debrah Veeder ‘76 & David

SpennyDiane Viehauser ‘73 &

Michael ViehauserStanley VogelKaren & Brian VonWahldeMichael Voss ‘72* Scott Voss ‘08 & Kaitlyn

Voss ‘13David & Sandra WagnerMalcolm Wahlman ‘75 &

Debra Johnson-WahlmanKathy Waletzko ‘81 &

Gerald WaletzkoHarry WalshDavid Walters* John WardJack Warnemunde ‘73 &

Jodi WarnemundeGreg WasbergBrady Webb ‘01 & Jennifer

Webb

William WeberKim & Kristin WegnerRonald & Donna WeidauerHarry & Jaen WeilageMichael Weinand ‘94 &

Rachelle Weinand ‘93John & Pat WeirDavid WelkAmy Wellik & Anne GordePamela Wendland ‘90 &

Bradley Wendland ‘89Daniel Westby ‘89 & Debra

Westby ‘83Laurie Westerbur ‘75 &

John WesterburAmy WestermeyerBeth Westra ‘74 & Dwayne

WestraSylvester & Anne WeykerPamela & John WhartonGary Whitney ‘96 & Jodi

Whitney* Mara & John WigginsSandy Wilcox ‘82 &

Timothy WilcoxMargaret WileyJason Wilhelm ‘02Rich & Beth WilkieAdam Willert ‘05 & Heather

WillertJames Williams ‘78 &

Pamela Williams ‘03Jill WilliamsRobert Wilson ‘76 & Mary

Kay Wilson ‘76Marlin & Beverly

WinkelmanKen & Cindy WinnBruce Winter ‘79Ronald Woldengen ‘72 &

Karol WoldengenNathan & Lori WolfDavid & Kay WolfOtis & Tammy WoodsTeresa Woodworth ‘79 &

Mark WoodworthGreg Wymer ‘95 & Amy

WymerGary Wynia ‘75 & Joan

WyniaKevin Wynia ‘84 & Sara Lee

Wynia ‘89Brian Yost ‘93 & Nicole YostThomas & Cheryl ZagerDonald Zierke ‘77 &

Barbara ZierkeLarry & Marlys

ZimmermanLarry Zwach

BusinessACCOUNT-ability Plus,

LLCAgVenture Feed & Seed,

Inc.Alumacovers of California,

Inc.Anez Consulting IncAVERA Health - Sioux FallsB & A SundanceBarnes and NobleBH Electronics, Inc.Bill & Sandra Weyer Family

TrustBlueGreen Flower ShopBob Pehrson SeedsBoerboom Seed &

Consulting LLCBremer TrustBrownstown Command

Officers AssociationBST Marshall Inc. LLCCapital Equipment &

Handling Inc.Carl Acker ConstructionCarver County Farm

BureauCitizens Alliance BankCoco AvenueComputer Man, Inc.Connell Car Care, Inc.Crop Insurance SpecialistsDakota County Farm

Bureau FederationDaniel Snaza Farm AccountDiamond Lake Tool, Inc.Donovan’s Office BuildingDow Corning Matching

Gifts ProgramDuraiappa Dental Services

PCDust Bunny Cleaning

ServiceEye Time OpticalFernholz Crop Insurance

Agency LLCGamblerGislason, Inc.Gold College at SMSUGoods EavespoutingGrassmann MaintenanceGrays Bay Builders IncGuthrie TheaterHarley-Davidson Motor

CompanyHiller Commercial FloorsIllinois Tool Works

FoundationInsurance Service Agency

Investment RaritiesInvestors Choice Financial

Services, Inc.Jeseritz ElectricJim Brust, IncJoan Bullard Realty, Inc.Karen Leonard Family

Charitable FundKen Sather Construction

LLCLac Qui Parle Valley ISD

#2853Levy Restaurants

Headwaters Bar & Restaurant

Listul SeedsM & B Farms, Inc.Madden & MaddenMarshall Aquatic CenterMarshall Area Safe

Community CoalitionMarshall Area Stage

CompanyMarshall Municipal UtilitiesMarvin L. Zylstra TrusteeMaurices, Inc.Maxwell Food EquipmentMetric Tool And Stamping,

Inc.Midwest Country Feed LLCMilbank School District

No. 25-4Minnesota Community

FoundationMoline Products, Inc.NestleNorthern Plains

Construction, Inc.Osterberg Funeral HomePatzer’s Hardware HankPipestone Livestock Auction

Market, Inc.PromarkRandy Dyrdahl RentalsRed Rock Central School

District No. 2884Reinsma Ag Services, Inc.Rice Lake Dental, P.A.RLDJ Inc.Schurman Farms & Grain

Inc.Shell Oil Company

FoundationShelli’s Clip & CurlSleep Inn and SuitesSMSU English DepartmentSMSU Faculty AssociationSMSU Music ProgramSouthwest Pro Painting LLC

Specialized Health And Safety Management, LLC

State Farm InsuranceState Farm Insurance

Companies - Jack Warnemunde

Steve Alm TruckingStudio BTersteeg’s Holiday MarketThe 5968 Company, A

PartnershipThe Escape SpaThirty-One - Amy KerrTufto Equipment LeasingTyler Golf ClubVanderHagen Skogrand &

AssociatesVanderZiel Tax &

Accounting ServiceVoya FoundationWitzel’s Pronto Auto Parts

& ServiceWooden NickelXcaliber GunsmithingYellow Medicine County

Farm Bureau

‡ 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

Heritage Society ‡ Michelle Anderson ’88Michael Bjerkesett ’71John & Jean BrobstTimothy Burns ’72 &

Julie BurnsMarylee Dallman ’94 &

Dennis DallmannDavid & Cecelia DanaharDonald & Phyllis DanielsonMitch Glover ’85 &

Jane Glover ’84Deeann Griebel ’80Chris Grosz ’82Sheldon & Margery HaalandJason Hoffman ’99 &

Pam HoffmanRichard Jorgensen ’72 &

Barbara JorgensenGrant & Nancy JoyMarilyn Kontz ’71Sally A. Magnuson &

Burton M. Magnuson ‘04Marilyn McLaughlin

**Charles MyrbachDoris Olson

Kasey (Uran ’11) and Nick Linde know, at an early age, how important scholarships are to students. That’s why, in their 20’s, they established the Linde Scholarship through the SMSU Foundation.

Kasey is the Director of the Gustavus Annual Fund, a position within the Advancement Office at Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, Minn. “Right now I’m in the process of raising $4.2 million for the college,” she explained.

Nick is the Director of Development for the College of Business at Minnesota State University, Mankato. His work is “raising private support for programs, scholarships and new initiatives,” he explained.

“I was able to go to SMSU, with a combination of athletic and academic scholarships and family help, debt-free,” she said. “That’s a hot topic now.

I had a great experience in my major with Professors (Jeff) Bell and (Brent) Jeffers, in particular. They made my experience what it was, and it’s why I believe Southwest is special. You get a public school price and a private school experience.”

The two met while pursuing master’s degrees in higher education administration at Upper Iowa University. Nick is a Carroll, Iowa, native who earned his undergraduate degree at Northern Iowa University, where a second Linde Scholarship has been established.

The Linde Scholarship is awarded to freshmen who have an exercise science major or minor and who have demonstrated leadership performance and merit.

“Professor Jeffers was talking to me about the importance of recruiting top students, that once we get them to

campus, it’s a no-brainer,” said Kasey. “Someone who is intelligent, articulate and a great leader, those are students I know will thrive at SMSU,” she said.

Nick has been in college development for 10 years and is an adjunct instructor at Minnesota State. “In our class we talk about philanthropy. We both know what it means to be invested in a place. Once you attend an institution, if you become better due to those years, you are part of the family, and you should re-invest in the next generation. If you never put anything back into the pot, you do nothing to help the university advance.”

“I encourage other young alumni to give back,” Kasey said. “Every gift counts, it doesn’t matter whether it’s $50 or $50,000, it is going to help someone and that little bit could be the change in their life.”

To learn more about how you can make a difference in the life of a student at SMSU, contact the SMSU Foundation at 800-260-0970 or 507-537-6266.

Submitted photo. L-R: Jeff Bell; Aaron Bible, a freshman exercise science major and Linde Scholarship reciptient; Kasey (Uran ’11) and Nick Linde; and Brent Jeffers.

SMSU Alumni Office1501 State Street • Marshall, MN 56258

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PAIDPermit No. 97Marshall, MN

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.

2016January 7 – Minnesota Wild (Xcel Energy Center)

February 6 – Hawaiian Night (SMSU campus)

February 22 – GOLD on the ROAD (Palm Springs, CA)

February 23 – GOLD on the ROAD (Mesa, AZ)

April - Mustang Speakers (St. Louis Park, MN)

May 7 – Commencement (SMSU Campus)

October 1 – Homecoming 2016 (SMSU Campus)

For information and tickets, visit:WWW.SOUTHWESTALUMNI.COM

UPCOMING EVENTS

GOLD� on theROAD

www.SMSU.edu/

academics/Gold

College

No aqueous coating on top portion