TUESDAY JANUARY 14, 2020
University says goodbye to departing Provost Teachers and administrators came together to say farewell MARIA LY STAFF WRITER University members gathered together in a farewell celebration for former Provost, Marilyn Wells, Jan. 8 at Minnesota State University, Mankato. Wells has been appointed chancellor at Penn State Brandywine and has been serving in her roles at MNSU since July 2013. She has contributed to the university in many ways as she helped develop the first-ever integrated academic master plan, new faculty and student research opportunities, and more than 30 new academic programs in six different colleges, etc. At the farewell reception, staff, faculty, and university members, were able to share a meal with the former Provost and honor and thank Wells for her contributions. As part of the program, President Richard Davenport, staff and faculty around the university, and cabinet members spoke about Wells’ achievements, what it was like working with Wells, their different bonds with Wells,
President Davenport and former Provost Marilyn Wells embrace at her farewell celebration. Wells will go on to serve as the new chancellor for Penn State Brandywine beginning Jan. 13 and was joined by friends and colleagues this past Wednesday to celebrate her success. (Andrew Bravo/MSU Reporter)
and personal stories. Davenport reminisced about Wells interesting humor, her love for cooking, her love for the community, her thick skin, her strong work ethic, her leadership and
mentorship, etc. “We all know that she’s been a great mentor to many, not just students, but also to a lot of faculty and staff and a lot of young administrators,” said Davenport. “With my
A new year, a new decade for MNSU Mavericks MADISON DIEMERT EDITOR IN CHIEF Welcome back, Mavs. It’s a new semester, a new year and an entirely new decade. Over the past semester, Minnesota State University, Mankato has accomplished many things. The University built and inflated MNSU’s new sports bubble, our football team reached the national championship game, we brought tailgating back to campus and the Timberwolves even returned to MNSU after a few years. Outside of the sports world, Queer Prom made a comeback, Student Government’s food drive was incred-
ibly successful, Dr. Brenda Flannery was reinstated as Dean of the College of Business and we were even been paid visits from Governor Tim Walz and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan. So much has been achieved by MNSU and there is much more in store for the university. The beginning of the new year always feels like a fresh start and a chance to be better and greater than before. MNSU has the potential to keep improving and moving forward. Not only has the University been successful, but its students have been as well. Maverick football’s Alex Goettl was a finalist to win the William V. Campbell
award, sophomore Jenny Vetter scored 10 game winning goals in women’s soccer and Shane Zylstra became MNSU’s all-time leader in touchdowns and receiving yards. MNSU’s students have always gone above and beyond. This year there will be an entirely new set of students at MNSU who will break records, create, inspire others and become better versions of themselves. It’s a new year, a new decade and a new beginning for the university and its students. We accomplished much in the semester of 2019, and this semester is just the start of a long legacy for MNSU.
conversations with Marilyn, she’s told me, that’s probably the thing she takes the most pride in.” Davenport also shared during his speech, Wells “interesting background”. Her
family moved a lot around the states, she has a lot of knowledge about cars as her father was a used car salesman and worked in the military, and she was a first-generation college student. “If you’re car doesn’t start, call Marilyn. I understand she can jumpstart and hotwire anything on wheels,” said Davenport. Although some of his stories may or may not be exaggerated or false, Davenport poked fun at Wells as he shared stories of her alligator spearing days and obsession with martinis. “She had one of the most interesting jobs, spearing alligators, at a very young age she would spear alligators, dry the skin, make purses and shoes out of the hide and sold them for big money. So, I think she was an entrepreneur from the very beginning, by the way that’s a true story,” Davenport said. “She also worked at dozens of bars and has an insatiable taste for martinis.” Davenport shared that
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Missing MNSU alumni found MICHAEL MCSHANE NEWS EDITOR Minnesota State University, Mankato alumni and former president of Black Inteligent Gentlemen, Abdul-Hafeez Nakumbe, has been found after being reported missing in early December. Nakumbe was reported missing by family and friends on Dec. 2 after they lost contact with him when he went to Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport. A search party was organized on Facebook for Dec. 15 in the Northside community where family and friends set up flyers showing Nakumbe’s face hoping someone would come with information. Family members were eventually able to learn his
whereabouts and contact him on Dec. 16. It is confirmed he was not in Minnesota, but his family were able to establish that he was safe and where he was early in the day. “I want to personally thank everyone who was involved in this process. Again, without this collective and compassionate national community action we would not have been able to find him,” Sagirah Shahid, a family associate said. Nakumbe went to MNSU from 2011 to 2017 where he was involved in multiple organizations, including Black Inteligent Gentlemen.