MSyou Fall 2014

Faces from the campus of Minnesota State University, Mankato

2 • MSU Reporter

MSyou Fall 2014

Breaking boundaries and forging friendships Ashley Strom aims to enthusiastically improve campus.

PRATAKSHYA BHANDARI Staff Writer Ashley Strom loves being around people, and people love being around her. When you find her interacting with students, you will wonder if she is a staff member, or a student herself.

People are her passion.

“I need to be surrounded by people. I need to have thoughtful conversations with people,” she said.

She is the Assistant Director for Non-Traditional Students, Registered Student Organizations and Leadership.

While she was in college at St. Cloud State University, she didn’t know what she wanted out of life. So she followed her dreams, and let her career take its shape.

Strom graduated from St. Could State University with a Bachelor’s degree in communication studies with minors in marketing and travel and tourism. After graduation, she temporarily focused on her travel and tourism minor; she went to South Korea and taught for six months.

She experimented with a

career in corporate for two years before refocusing on learning and went back to St. Cloud State University to get her Master’s degree in College Counseling and Student Development.

When she was first offered the position at MSU, she was skeptical but open to possibilities.

“I knew I needed experience,” she said.

She joined Student Activities in 2011, for experience and to continue of the adventure. She didn’t have any experience programming for leadership. To be better prepared for the position, she did her research, found out what other universities did and what she worked on what she thought was leadership. When she started working on different programs, her previous teaching experience also helped.

She currently programs for student organizations and assists them through their annual recognition process. She also does programming for nontraditional students, leadership programming, and is responsible for planning and organizing the annual leadership retreat.

When passion meets career,

wonderful things can happen. In just two years, Strom has grown along with the leadership programs at MSU. She is currently involved in RSO leadership and recognition process. When RSOs transition from one student leader to another, she would like to see the “passion of the torch” passed consistently and without glitches. She wants the process of annual recognition to be “smooth as butter.” Her vision is to have more leadership programming and have more collaborations with academic programs and garner more support from faculty members.

Her passion for leadership stems from her love of people.

When the tools that MSU provided for RSOs weren’t helping, she went around looking for a web platform that was more intuitive and helpful. And then a collaboration with the student senate and student activities led her to Orgsync. She sees potential and hopes that students will begin to understand and use Orgsync before stepping out of college. She wants more students to use the involvement transcript feature as well as the portfolio builder.

STROM • Page 10

Pratakshya Bhandari • MSU Reporter Ashley Strom, who has always been dedicated to bringing a welcoming atmosphere to campus.

Fall 2014 History Forum Lecture Thursday, November 20th 4:00 p.m.

Centennial Student Union 201

“Claiming Absolute Power: Manhood, Nationalism, and the French State under the Sun King” History remembers Louis XIV as the “Sun King,” the monarch who wielded absolute power over the strongest nation in Europe. But how did he attain this power, and why did the people of France accept his strong claims to rule? This talk will look at the early days of Louis’ 75year reign, when the nationwide civil war called the Fronde tore France apart. The King rebuilt, and even expanded royal power in the wake of this disaster, by making creative use of ideas that the rebels themselves had championed. The Sun King’s extraordinary power hinged on his ability to convince his subjects that honor and duty bound them to obey.

Louis XIV terrassant la Fronde/Louis XIV crushing the Fronde

Presented by Minnesota State University, Mankato Visiting Assistant Professor Jim Coons Everyone Welcome! Refreshments will be served.

For more information, contact the Department of History 507-389-1618.

MSU Reporter • 3

Faces on Campus

An ambitious journey across the continent Rudy Correa has travelled miles to get to the point he is now.

YUSEON JEON Staff Writer

Yuseong Jeon • MSU Reporter Rudy Correa, an established MAD member and staff worker at the Kearney International Center,

Rudy Correa, a staff member at the Kearney International Center as well as a chairman of Mavericks After Dark (MAD) under Impact, was recently interviewed for the special edition MSYou in The Reporter.

He was interviewed as an exceptional student for this special edition because of his outstanding school activities at Minnesota State University, Mankato.

Regarding his background, Rudy Correa, from Mexico, went to an American high school in his country. Under International Baccalaureate (IB) program, he fulfilled many credits in the competitive collegelevel classes in his high school and graduated with a diploma and honors.

While he was looking for a university with a graduation ahead, Thomas Gjersvig, director of the Kearney International Center, came to his high school in Mexico to recruit students to MSU. Gjersvig kept encouraging Correa to choose Minnesota State Mankato and Correa eventually decided to go to MSU. Correa made the excellent deci-

sion considering the opportunities he can get at MSU and also the fact that he has a family in Minneapolis.

As offered job opportunity in the Kearney International Center

by Gjersvig, he became to work from his freshmen year. More importantly, however, he endeavored to attain opportunities to be involved in more school activities, besides his job.

First of all, he volunteered a lot for the Recognized Student Organization (RSO) programming. As a result of his effort, the RSO team offered him a position of programming MAD for a year.

Moreover, he was offered a leadership retreat by Ashely Strom, the assistant director for Non-Traditional Student, Registered Student Organizations, and Leadership, who was fascinated by his works.

“The leadership retreat was a networking leadership program,” Correa said. “I met a lot of inspirational students outside campus from the opportunity.”

Furthermore, because of his growing involvement with school activities and a high GPA in his academics, he was also invited to join the Honors Program. Honors Program’s

purpose is to enhance academics in the field of research, global citizenship and leadership.

Correa stated, “I like the Honors Program because it provides individual education and a great opportunity to meet important faculty members through research and conference.”

During his summer break, he also participated in a special program called the ETS Mentorship Program of a federal-funded organization.

The purpose of the program is to introduce college life to high school minorities, share unique experiences in college with them and boost their confidence to go to college.

“I took two trips to Duluth and Minneapolis and St. Paul to guide the high school minorities through the special experience. I love to contribute to international community and help people as a leader role model of them,” Correa said.

According to Correa, these opportunities he attained are open to everyone. “Most importantly, I learned in my college life that opportunity is open to each opportunity. One opportunity came to another and it

CORREA • Page 10

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4 • MSU Reporter

MSyou Fall 2014

Resident author, writing prof strikes again His father has killed himself and his mother is a hippie, and he finds himself growing too fast and changing quickly. He takes advantage of his growth and begins his life as an athlete.

The Stupid Fast collection is a three-piece series that has rocked the nation. Schools everywhere are rushing their

Geoff Herbach, one of Minnesota State University, Mankato’s resident authors and Creative Writing professor, has started to become a household name. Since 2011, which marked the release of his novel Stupid Fast, Herbach has been a wrecking ball of success. From topping the charts of recommended reading lists for teenagers, to being contacted by singer and guitarist of Blink 182 Tom DeLonge to collaborate on an upcoming novel, Herbach has made it clear that he’s here to stay.

He’s done more than proclaim his efforts as an author.

Since he began his career at MSU in 2010, he’s dominated the classroom, utilizing his experiences and projecting his successes and failures into everyday lectures. Through workshops and short stories, he’s given students the tools to not only better their writing, but themselves.

However, Herbach hasn’t always struck gold. His first

can with his family. His family consists of his wife, Steph, previous adjunct professor for MSU and current senior editor for the Minneapolis-St. Paul Magazine, his two children, Leo, 16, and Mira, 13, and Steph’s two children, Christian, 14, and Charlie, 12. They’ve briefly entertained the idea of getting a dog, though

“One day my son asked me “Dad, what is that smell?” and we searched the house trying to find what smelled. Then we walked past each other and I realized it was him.”

Hannah Kleinberg • MSU Reporter Geoff Herbach, author and professor at MSU. His experiences outside of the classroom help increase what he gives back to students.

HANNAH KLEINBERG News Editor

Before he began giving back to the world, Herbach studied English and Sociology in his undergraduate. He also receives his Masters of Fine Arts in Creative Writing. He even got his Masters in Urban and Regional Planning.

“My dad told me all writers are depressed, and I got scared,” Herbach explained in response

novel, The Miracle Letter of T. Rimberg, in which the life of T. Rimberg is recorded through suicide letters, was “a spectacular failure,” according to Herbach. It debuted in 2008, when the recession had just begun and the economy was in the slumps.

By the time his book had finalized, most of the crew who had worked to get it published had been laid off and the company had been turned inside out.

Herbach hadn’t planned on bouncing back. But when his son, Leo, hit puberty, things changed.

“One day, my son asked me “Dad, what is that smell?” and we searched the house trying to find what smelled. Then we walked past each other, and I realized it was him,” Herbach explained. “It was just one armpit—the other was still the armpit of a child.”

From this smelly incident birthed Stupid Fast, as well as the two novels that followed.

“My son’s left armpit was the inspiration,” he laughed.

Stupid Fast covers the life of a boy who’s just begun puberty.

students to read the books with many hopes in mind.

“It’s given me a passport,” Herbach said in response to what the series has done for him. Herbach has been invited to countless conferences across America, speaking to children and adults alike about his series.

Most of his past summer was spent travelling nationwide.

Herbach’s most recent novel, Fat Boy vs. the Cheerleaders, should be highly anticipated, as well.

Herbach’s talents stretch beyond novel-writing. Before he began writing novels, he worked for radio shows, writing scripts, as well as publishing bits and pieces of his personal comedy writing. Because of this experience, Herbach plans to write screenplays along with all of his novels from here on out.

Because of his experience in the writing world, Herbach feels that he has a lot to offer in the classroom.

Rather than focus on workshops, as most English classes do, Herbach believes in incorporating the editor-feel in workshops. With this method in mind, students are provided effective feedback and learn how to edit more efficiently.

“I try to play the role of the editor from what I’ve learned,” Herbach said.

Since he’s started at MSU, he couldn’t be happier.

“I love it—it’s the dream job,” Herbach exclaimed. “It’s a weird privilege to get paid to talk about writing all the time; I’d be doing it for free anyway.”

to his Masters in Urban and Regional Planning. “I thought it was building cities, but it was just a lot of math.”

Herbach’s favorite place on MSU campus is the pizza counter in the basement of the Centennial Student Union “It’s so cheap,” he said “It’s crazy.”

Besides writing and teaching, Herbach spends what time he

they feel it’d be torture with their current schedules.

To all Herbach fans, be expecting a new novel by late summer of 2015. A “paranormal skate punk” book should be released in collaboration with Tom DeLonge, lead singer and guitarist of the famed band, Blink 182. This one should be just as promising as the last.

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MSU Reporter • 5

Faces on Campus

Residential Life Director Janney strives for the best Cindy Janney has been improving student lives for years.

HANNAH KLEINBERG News Editor Throughout her 18 years at Minnesota State University, Mankato, Director of Residential Life Cindy Janney has been fixated on one goal: helping the students achieve all that they can.

“There’s a lot of phrases; fastpaced, a lot of different things.

Watching students grow and develop, too,” Janney explained about her role as director of Residential Life. “We are privileged to provide for students in the most challenging moments of their life.”

Janney came to MSU in 1996 as the associate director of Residential Life. Six and a half years later, she was promoted to director, and has tirelessly worked toward making students’ experiences here the best that they can be ever since.

Janney doesn’t work alone in all of this, though.

“The only way we can be successful in serving students is by working with other partnerships.”

These partnerships vary.

Most noted partnerships include University Security, Student

Conduct, the Student Union and Student Activities, Dining Services, IT, Academic Affairs, Finance and Administration, and as well as countless other efforts around campus.

“I’m deeply invested in the work here and that connects me all around campus,” Janney explained.

There are three fundamental things that Janney, her Associate Director Torin Akey, and numerous others work on to achieve optimum success in Residential Life: facilities, student experience, and administration.

Facilities include what students want, renovations, repairs, cleaning and other hands-on jobs that keep a business moving.

Student experience involves a multitude of things; conduct, crisis intervention, student and staff members, leadership development, events and activities, the Residence Hall Association (RHA), and other things that deviate where a student’s time is spent.

Administration illustrates the more professional side of the job; marketing, finances, and getting out to the public what we have to offer. This may include

postcards, ads, and bulletin boards, as well as conferences with board members.

Janney’s everyday routine is dictated by the time of the year.

While every year has the same general routine, it’s the season that keeps things changing. Either way, each phase of her job strives to make the university a better place.

Janney stressed that there is more to her job than just business, though. Janney recalls the fun little projects they had over the summer. One instance was the ice machine situation, where they installed ice machines on each floor of the building. However, students wanted them in the lobby, as well, so they made a minor renovation to each lobby to house an ice machine. A ribbon cutting ceremony followed the event.

There are also “What’s on Wednesday” (WOW) events that keep the students engaged.

Community Advisors, or CA, run these fun-filled times.

Janney even gives back to students she personally interacts with by writing recommendation letters. She recently wrote a recommendation letter for a past graduate student, in hopes of at-

Hannah Kleinberg • MSU Reporter Cindy Janney, the Director of Residential Life. Behund her is a detailed map of the MSU campus.

taining a long-awaited job.

Despite the hard work it can take, Janney couldn’t be happier with where she is.

“I think this university is a really good place,” Janney said.

“I really like our students—we

can be transformational for students here.”

We hope for many more years of success to come with Janney as our Director for Residential Life.

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6 • MSU Reporter

MSyou Fall 2014

The teachings and morals of Dr. Hamilton Theatre professor finds solace in acting, daughter.

Chelsea Dively • MSU Reporter Heather Hamilton, a longtime Theatre professor here at MSU.

CHELSEA DIVELY Staff Writer Heather Hamilton is a professor at Minnesota State University, Mankato who teaches Acting, Theatre History and Theatre of Diversity. Inscribed in each of her classes are lessons of critical

In order to fully understand Hamilton’s morals and love of theatre, it’s important to look at her influences in her life, starting from the beginning. In junior high, Hamilton was bullied but she discovered that while acting on stage she received positive attention and thus the stage became a place of sanctu-

ary for her.

An as undergrad she doublemajored in philosophy -- which she describes as her “first love because of it asks the most fundamental questions and everything else comes from that” -- and theatre. She then went on to work as a professional actor.

Hamilton worked primarily on the east coast and also

But the most worthwhile experience of her life comes from her daughter, Nora. Originally, she never thought she’d have a child but Nora “rewired her brain.” She describes her daughter as being devilishly entertaining which is clear from the story of Hamilton explaining Halloween to Nora.

After explaining Nora replied “Don’t worry Mommy I’ll protect you from any ghosts. I’ll hit him, I’ll kill his face!” Hamilton finds this interesting because her daughter is extremely verbal it allows the new mother to see her child going through the developmental phases, such as faces being the most important aspect of a person.

Hamilton is an amazing, understanding, brilliant, and easily approachable professor. Her classes are riddled with laughter as well as informative information on the hard questions in life. Any theatre major or other former students would highly recommend a class with her or just a conversation.

acted on the west coast, and in some films. However, over time Heather became bored with acting due to her being unable to explore her other interests and the cut-throat attitude of the theatre world.

“Doing professional acting made me self-absorbed and competitive, which I’m not natu-

“Doing professional acting made me selfabsorbed and competitive, which I’m not naturally, but it was forcing me to be surrounded by negativity.” thinking and social responsibility in order to help students see the world clearly and cut through the redirect.

This has led to a recurring discussion of the importance of the Milgrim experiments in all of her classes. The Milgrim experiments were conducted after WWII to try and explain why citizens in Germany complied with Nazi rule.

advising for the play Gabriel, as well as writing a book about theatre in conflict zones. This was based on her contacts from Turkey this summer after she won a grant to attend the Cesran International Global Peace Workshop.

Her pride and joy of classes is Theatre of Diversity because of how she is able to learn from students and is “amazed at their courage for being able to share their stories and themselves in the shoes of others,” which further helps to aid students in taking responsibility for the world.

Outside of the theatre Hamilton has many hobbies. According to Hamilton her “cool factor is gone from child bearing” but this easily contested by students when she incorporates Dungeons and Dragons (DnD) in the classroom.

She enjoys playing music on piano and guitar, as well as singing, paintball, videogames, reading, knitting and, of course, DnD. She even plays DnD with other faculty members every Wednesday via Google chat.

rally, but it was forcing me to be surrounded by negativity.”

This inspired Hamilton to teach because teaching allowed her to explore the better parts of theatre and allow time for other interests.

Here at MSU Hamilton is highly involved with campus life and her students. She’s currently directing To Kill a Mockingbird,

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Faces on Campus

MSU Reporter • 7

Johnston’s retirement to be the end of an era Mary Johnston, professor of English literature will be retiring in May 2015.

NICHOLAS JOHNSON Staff Writer Dr. Mary Johnston is a Professor of English Literature at MSU, and after 26 years as part of its faculty, after teaching thousands of students, studying twice in England and having been recognized with two Teaching Scholar Fellowships, she is retiring in May of 2015 at the proudly stated age of 64 years young. Johnston recalls when she first joined the faculty that she had an IBM electric typewriter, and that messages and meeting notices were passed along with a note put into a box in the department office with their name on it. She also remembers when she received her first computer which was “a big old thing with a tower.”

Besides many of the mundane things that have come and gone during her time at MSU she also recalls some of the more poignant times, like the Halloween Blizzard of 1991 that had almost trapped her in the cities for four days with a group going to a performance at the Guthrie save that her mother had

told her “Don’t go.” She also remembers the day she walked into the English Department and a plane had just hit a building in New York, but she said that the happy memories far exceed the sad ones.

In 2013, Johnston received the Arts and Humanities Diversity Award from MSU and that she had felt both “shocked and overwhelmed” at the honor of being recognized and along with that as one of the many high points in her long and remarkable career she said that she feels an incredible amount of pride at “the students that I’ve had that have gone on to do great things” and that she “keeps in touch with so many students that have now become such good friends.”

Looking back on her time at MSU, Johnston reflects on “just how far we’ve come.” When asked about what wisdom she has distilled in that time as advice for current students she said, “Quit spending your lives texting—get your heads out of your phones!”

Asked by this reporter, after explaining the premise based

on the 1960 sci-fi classic The Time Machine, what three books would she take with her if she was going to educate a new society far in the future. Johnston replied, “Keats’ poetry and letters, which are all so good, the Bible, and the Bahaya Vegeta, which are these great Indian teachings.”

Johnston’s plans for the future are as modest as her reflections when asked about the impact she has had on the entire institution that is Mankato State University – students, staff, faculty and the surrounding community, though for those who have come to know her as a passionate educator, thoughtful colleague and consummate professional, she has been and will always be the excellence we strive for both professionally and personally, possessing those fine qualities that are timeless. Her departure from MSU will mark the end of an era.

Johnston looks forward to spending time with her Llewellyn setters and visiting with the friends she has made during her time at MSU.

mnsu.edu Mary Johnston, a unique professor who has given back to our campus community in countless ways.

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8 • MSU Reporter

MSyou Fall 2014

Composing a legacy Karen Boubel has had accomplishments at MSU ranging from department chair to university president, but has always put students first.

“It was such a privilege to represent the university and have people come up to me and tell me how much this university means to them.”

ing in 2003 with an offer to teach Music Theory and Aural Skills, classes Boubel instructs to this day.

“I had always wanted the last segment of my career to be teaching because that’s how I began.”

Boubel’s passion for music started early when she took up piano at the age of 8, remarking that she inherited the “good ear” from both of her musical parents, making music an enjoyable and somewhat effortless route to take. That same passion is something Boubel sees and shares with her students.

“When I ask on a written survey when I see them [music students] in their first class, I say “Why are you choosing music?” and they say “I have a passion for it and I can’t imagine doing anything else.””

In addition to her continued work in Music Theory and Aural Skills, Boubel teaches Composition, overseeing the works of many up-and-coming music writers. Outside the university, she has kept busy in recent years James Schuyler Houtsma • MSU Reporter as the conductor of the Mankatoarea choir, Musicorum, a piano Dr. Karen Boubel looks forward to even more educational opportunities performer at area rest communipost-MSU. ties, a Blue Earth County domesoften.”

JAMES HOUTSMA Hailing from Superior, Wisc., tic violence victim advocate for 8 Editor in Chief where she earned her B.A. in Mu- years and a licensed mediator for individual disputes in the state of In her 18 years at Minnesota sic before going on to the Univer- Minnesota.

State University, Mankato, Dr. sity of Madison for her Masters, Retirement certainly won’t Karen Boubel has worn many Boubel originally started her be a step down in activity either, figurative hats. Among the many MSU career in 1996 as vice pres- as both Boubel and her husband include those of a professor, men- ident of academic affairs. For six John, a history professor at Bethtor, provost, composer, depart- years, she used her administra- any Lutheran College, will both ment chair and interim president. tive know-how to help students be retiring at the end of fall seNow after a long legacy of succeed, until a unique opportu- mester. With their dog Shep, a making a difference in students’ nity arose in 2001. When former sheltie, the two plan on moving lives as both administrator and University President Dr. Richard to the Twin Cities area to engage instructor, she will call this se- Rush left in 2001, Boubel served in the wider variety of culture as interim president for MSU for mester her last at MSU. and activity – “more of the un“There are so many singular a full year.

“It was such a privilege to usual,” as she puts it – as well as days where I go into a classroom partake in more traveling, be it for those 50 minutes and then represent the university and have to their cabin in Northern Wiswalk out later and it has been people come up to me and tell me consin, Colorado where their son such a wonderful experience for how much this university means lives, or across the Atlantic to me,” Boubel said. “I was engaged to them,” Boubel said.

After a year of representing England or Italy. with them. We were linked in And don’t think Boubel is some wonderful learning. There MSU at the highest level, Boubel finished with universities postisn’t one particular day or event returned to her previous provost MSU. The music professor has because that happens to me so position until the campus De- expressed interest in both teachpartment of Music came knock-

ing and taking some of the more unique classes offered by the universities in the Twin Cities.

The allure of the college campus is too good to pass up.

“I think that those of us who are at universities, who spend our careers on a campus, have a life that has so many of the best features in your professional life because the whole environment is about what’s best for students.

That’s what it really should boil down to,” Boubel said. “Faculty are hired to build curriculum and degree programs and take good care of those for the sake of the students. That’s what it’s all about. The university doesn’t exist in order to give jobs to various people.”

In her time at MSU, Boubel has played many roles, all of which had the clear goal guiding

and helping students to achieve greatness. From the mouth of a former student, it is a mission to be highly grateful for.

“We get to focus on what the students really, really need and how can we be at our best to give it to them. To have that as your goal all the time means it’s not about how much money can you make for your business, how much product can you sell, it’s not about competition -- what an incredible opportunity to have.”

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MSU Reporter • 9

Faces on Campus

Shar Shoo hopes to achieve the “American Dream” Shoo has big plans for his life, and plans to meet all of his goals.

JOE OLKIVES Staff Writer The gentleman you see pictured is Shar Shoo. Shar Shoo shares a lot of similarities in comparison to any traditional college student. He enjoys going out with friends, watching sports, playing video games, and trying new things. He enjoys cooking and is pretty skilled at it. He enjoys cooking many different types of food from any American meals to a selection of Asian dishes. He also likes to try new things. Lately he has been learning how to cook goat. He compared it to steak and lamb, and mentioned the similarity of its taste and texture.

While Shar has a lot in common with most of us, he comes from a background culturally different from most students.

He can speak four languages.

He was born in Thailand where he spent the first nine years of his life before moving to Dallas, Texas. There he lived for about half a year until his family migrated to St. Paul, Minnesota.

In St. Paul he attending Harding High School. He made a lot of his close friends in St. Paul, played baseball and football, and

Photo Courtesy of Shar Shoo

also met his current girlfriend of five years. They both attend MNSU and live together.

While choosing Mankato, Shoo was like most college students, seeking to get away and experience something new and challenging. He came to Mankato after graduating high school in 2009. He was excited for the opportunity to get out of his comfort zone and meet a variety of new people. He had toured several other schools but he liked the environment of Mankato. He was undecided his first year but quickly came to the decision of Law Enforcement.

Regarding why he chose Law Enforcement, he replied, “The police in my community did a good job helping out my family and keeping the area safe. I chose law enforcement because I wanted to be a leader in the community, and also a challenging, rewarding career path.”

Currently Shoo is in his fifth year at MNSU and plans to graduate in the spring. Shoo has many plans in mind for after he finishes his time in Mankato. He said, “I hope to live back in the

Shar Shoo, a five-year student at MSU who is more than happy with his choice of school.

SHOO • Page 12

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10 • MSU Reporter

MSyou Fall 2014

Buchanan a staple of Psych department Jeff Buchanan has diligently served MSU throughout his years.

TEREASA HATTEN Staff Writer Dr. Jeffrey Buchanan, Dr. Buchanan or even Jeff to his students, is an instructor within the psychology department here at Minnesota State University, Mankato. He earned his Bachelor’s degree at the University of Northern Iowa and then came to MSU for his Master’s degree in clinical psychology in 1997.

Lastly, he attended the Universi-

doctoral fellow, before coming to Mankato. Buchanan is currently in his 11th year of teaching at MSU, and in those 11 years he has taught several courses. The undergraduate courses include: Psychology Today, Health Psychology, Introduction to Clinical Psychology, Workshop: Dementia, and Abnormal Psychology (which he is teaching this semester).

His favorite of these has been Abnormal Psychology because the material is so interesting.

research is in the areas of managing challenging behaviors in dementia patients, the analysis of communication styles used by nursing assistants when caring for persons with dementia, and evaluating cognitive training programs for individuals with dementia.”

In the future he hopes to reenter clinical work on a part-time basis. This may be while he is still at MSU or after his career here has ended. His more immediate future involves his family,

“The overarching goal of my research is to improve the quality of life of individuals with dementia and their caregivers.” ty of Nevada, Reno for his Ph.D. and graduated in 2003.

One of the reasons he chose to become a teacher is his love for the academic environment.

As an undergraduate student Buchanan was a part of Psi Chi and he is currently a member of several organizations, some of which include the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies, as well as the American Society on Aging.

After graduation, he worked at the VA Hospital in Minneapolis for two years, the first as an intern and the second as a post-

Buchanan has also taught a few graduate-level courses: Behavioral Assessment, Clinical Case Management, and Behavior Therapy. He enjoys teaching graduate students due to their motivation and eagerness to learn.

Outside of teaching, Buchanan has a family that keeps him very busy. His current research focuses on older individuals.

“The overarching goal of my research is to improve the quality of life of individuals with dementia and their caregivers,” Buchanan said. “My current

namely continuing to teach and raise his children. When finished with teaching, Jeff would like to “travel, play a lot of golf, and work with kids in some capacity, although not as a psychologist.”

He also says he’ll probably start taking classes again to keep his mind active and learn new things. After all, we never truly stop learning.

STROM “She has visions that go well beyound her time at MSU.” continued from 2

She has visions that go well beyond her time at MSU. She hopes to build leadership traditions that will only continue to grow as more student leaders will want to be involved. Her enthusiasm is audible when she talks about the annual leadership retreat that was started last year. She wants to see the program grow to accommodate more student leaders and may be have “all of Camp Omega” instead of just having spots for 35 students.

Just as she began, she is still open to possibilities and wants the rest of her career to take its own shape. Her only defining criteria is to continue working in higher education. She wants to be an integral part of student development. She loves seeing people develop into their best potential.

“I love watching someone who, may be in the begin-

ning, didn’t know what they were doing. And suddenly you watch them bloom and feel comfortable in their own skin, and start to bloom. That is my favorite thing to watch,” she said.

The Moorhead resident is a triplet with an identical twin sister and a not-so-identical twin brother. When she isn’t molding student leaders, she loves to play soccer and loves music.

Everything about her reflects her love for people.

She hopes to encourage the same kind of enthusiasm from her students. For Strom, what students learn outside is just important as what they learn from textbooks.

“If you don’t get involved in something outside campus, you have really missed out of something,” Strom said.

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CORREA “Gjersvig kept encouraging Correa to choose Minnesota State Mankato and Correa eventually decided to go to MSU.”

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continued from 2 became more advantage for me. Doors are open. If you have a faith in yourself, you can also achieve the opportunity,” Correa continued.

The most favorite part about MSU for him is that MSU is a college driven by students. MSU helps students to be involved in everywhere on campus from a job to their academic depart-

ments and be in contact to each other.

Correa explained, “This is an amazing part of networking with students at the same stage.

It benefits students not only by improving their academics but also by learning new experience through other students from difference background.”

Beyond these fascinating in-

volvements in school activities, his next step is to focus on his academics more enthusiastically.

“My goal next year is to participate in the Undergraduate Research Center (URC) and get involved in more Honors Program. It will be another important opportunity,” Correa said.

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MSU Reporter • 11

Faces on Campus

Progressive media professor keeps things interesting Dr. Amy Lauters is driven to keep things intriguing for her students.

BROOKE EMMONS Staff Writer Many students at Minnesota State University, Mankato have had the pleasure of learning from Dr. Amy Lauters. When thinking of her class, a first thought that comes to mind is her wonderful sense of humor. Always sure to utilize an opportunity for a good pop culture or Wisconsin joke, Dr. Lauters keeps her class upbeat and awake by never being too serious.

Lauters has an extensive amount of education.

“I got a bachelor’s degree in print journalism from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, a master’s degree in mass communication from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, and a doctorate in mass communication from the University of Minnesota,” said Lauters.

“I’ve always loved to write and tell stories, and print journalism offered a viable career in writing and telling stories.

I was between that and music, vocal. I also considered elemen-

tary school teaching. Mostly, I wanted to write for a living, and print journalism was the best way to do that in the beginning.”

When asked how she went from print journalism to becoming a professor, Lauters said, “Being a professor now lets me teach and tell stories, so it’s a win-win for me. When I was an undergrad, I had the opportunity to teach basic English composition and work oneon-one tutoring students, and I really enjoyed the “click” of comprehension that came from a student who finally understood something. I had the idea of being a professor in the back of my mind when I graduated and went out into the field as a journalist, and after a few years in the field, I realized that becoming a professor would allow me to research and tell stories in depth as well as teach, and that my impulse toward volunteerism and service would be valued. After that, I just went for it.”

After beginning her work as a professor at Wichita State University in Kan., Lauters discovered the opening at MSU. “I liked Kansas, but I’m a

beyondlittlehouse.com Shown above is professor Amy Lauters, displaying her award won for Laurapalooza in 2010.

Wisconsin girl and I was missing being close to family,” said Lauters, having grown up in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin.

With many years and

memories here at MSU, Lauters has had many experiences. Her favorite is Laurapalooza 2010 and 2012.

“I enjoyed hosting the first

and second conferences devoted to the legacy of Laura Ingalls Wilder, called Laurapalooza.

LAUTERS • Page 14

Five Reasons for the Master of Accounting (MAcc) at Minnesota State University: 1. Affordability: It is among the most affordable offerings available in the region.

2. Availability: It is available at two locations, Mankato and Twin Cities, during evening hours.

3. Two for One: It prepares you for the CPA exam while you attain a Master's degree.

4. Technology: We use the best technology available anywhere to optimize the learning experience.

5. Accreditation: The MAcc is part of an AACSB accredited college and is the highest accreditation available.

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12 • MSU Reporter

MSyou Fall 2014

C. J. Franklin: hard worker with a bright future DEREK LAMBERT Staff Writer More often than not, summer doesn’t provide a lot of news in the college hockey world. Most early departures for the NHL leave immediately following the conclusion of their season, and many incoming freshman have been drafted out of high school, prior to playing junior hockey.

Last summer, the Minnesota State University, Mavericks made big news when they landed a late commitment from a high profile recruit in Zach Stepan after the Hastings, Minn. native withdrew his commitment to Ohio State. This summer created another buzz in Mankato surrounding the Maverick hockey team.

C.J. Franklin, a freshman this fall at MSU, was selected in the fifth round of the NHL draft when the Winnipeg Jets selected him with the 129th pick. A Forest Lake, Minn. native, Franklin graduated from Forest Lake High School in 2012 before spending two seasons in the Tier 1 United States Hockey League with the Sioux Falls Stampede. Usually, NHL teams select players out of high school, or 18-year-old players who have junior hockey experience, so Franklin’s case was a bit different.

“It’s definitely a surreal feeling being drafted,” Franklin said.

“Getting passed over just made me work harder over the past few years, and it’s definitely nice getting recognized by the Jets and I couldn’t be happier with where I’m at.”

After leading the Stampede in goals as a rookie in 2012-2013 with 32 tallies on the season, Franklin went on to lead the team in points last season with 51.

Known as an “old school” style player who is a workhorse with grit, it seems Franklin found a scoring touch during his time in Sioux Falls. This is good news for MSU, who has to replace captain Johnny McInnis’ 21 goals from last season. Franklin’s tenure in Sioux Falls clearly caught the attention of NHL scouts prior to the 2014 draft in June.

Though it will be a few years before he takes his shot at the NHL, Franklin now has the assurance that it will be an option when his college playing days are over. He joined a roster that includes fellow NHL draftees Teddy Blueger (Pittsburgh), Max Gaede (San Jose), Zach Stepan (Nashville) and Stephon Williams (New York Islanders).

For the time being, Franklin joins a Maverick team that has exploded onto the national scene the past two seasons. After Mike Hastings was hired as head coach in the summer of 2012, MSU has seen a significant turnaround. The past two seasons have seen WCHA Final Five Appearances, including the Final Five Championship in 2014 and a pair of NCAA Tournament appearances as well. With success like that and the newly constructed WCHA conference that took effect last season, it’s hard for recruits not to consider MSU as a hockey program where they could win a National Championship. Players like Franklin now see MSU as a top option, not an afterthought.

“I would have to say the success that MSU has had in recent years and I really got along well with the coaches,” Franklin said.

“Also, playing in my home state helped make the choice a little bit easier for me.”

Even though Franklin played

Reporter Archives All eyes will be on freshman Maverick hockey player C.J. Franklin this year.

the past two seasons in Sioux Falls, away from home, there is still a transition period for a freshman athlete, even if he’s only 100 miles from home.

“It’s definitely been a change coming from juniors, being on a schedule, and getting up early everyday took a while to get used to.” he said. “But I’m loving it so far and classes are going well. I can’t wait to get the season started.”

In the two seasons Mike Hastings has been behind the Maverick bench, the lineup has seemingly gotten deeper. Franklin adds to that depth and can be expected to be a player who comes in and contributes right away with two years of junior hockey under his belt.

“I want to be an impact player

SHOO “I chose law enforcement because I wanted to be a leader in the community, and also a challenging, rewarding career path.”

team for opponents. While plenty of freshmen bring some attention to themselves, there will be plenty of eyes on C.J. Franklin in the world of college hockey this winter.

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continued from 9 cities, maybe somewhere more suburban than St. Paul. I hope to work out there, raise a family, get married, and just live the American Dream.”

Shoo is currently working security in Mankato at a local apartment complex. He enjoys working there, and it has given him a chance to experience many different scenarios. It can be potentially dangerous

and make a difference to help the team win games.” Franklin said. “I hope that we can get off to a great start and keep it rolling throughout the season. If we play our game I feel we could really go far this season.”

With a solid roster and a WCHA Final Five Championship to defend this season, the Mavericks should be a scary

and unpredictable. He likes knowing he can make a difference in keeping the community safe.

“Working security is fun, you never know what people are going to say or do. It’s going to help me a lot for when I become a Police Officer.”

Ultimately, Shar is not all that different from the rest of us. He is a U.S. citizen and like

anyone else, just wants to live “the American dream.”

All wish Shoo luck as he begins his post-college adventure.

If you see him around, don’t be afraid to say “Hi.” While he might seem shy at first, if one gets to know him he can be quite the personality.

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MSU Reporter • 13

Faces on Campus

Hyttsten seeks to make friends with all students and peers Since travelling out west, he’s accomplished many achievements.

BROOKE EMMONS Staff Writer Hall Directors on campus have a huge role on the experience of students living in the on campus dorms. One of the favorites is John Hyttsten, the Julia Sears North Hall Director.

“The best part about this job is being a caring support for people”, Hyttsten said.

Hyttsten grew up in small town Minnesota. He went to a small college in Minnesota for undergrad before moving to the West coast for a master’s degree.

“Moving out west was one of the best decisions of my life,” Hyttsten said.

When in school for his undergrad, Hyttsten was a Residential Assistant or RA. Through these experiences he discovered that he wanted a career in college dorms, but never expected Minnesota State University.

“I had only gone to small, private colleges and never saw myself at a large public university, like MSU.” Hyttsten said.

“Going out west was fantastic, but we liked it enough here that

we wanted to come back.” Hyttsten said, referring to his decision with his wife to move back to Minnesota.

There are many aspects in the Hall Director’s job. “I don’t have all the answers but I know where to find them. Sometimes I feel like a hub of information. You may need help with scheduling to make sure you are on the right track for your major. I can’t help specifically, but I can get you in contact with your advisor. Most of the time, I can get you the resources you need,” he said.

“As well as being an information hub, I spend a lot of time with the floors. I go to things like floor dinners as well as W.O.W. every week.” Connections are extremely important to Hyttsten, and building relationships is a huge part of why he loves his job.

“Supervision is another big part of the job, as I supervise 7 CAs on Julia Sears North. We cover a lot of conduct. As for duty rotation, one of the eight Hall Directors is constantly on campus. When we are on duty we are working for all of residential life building. “

If you ask Hyttsten what the most rewarding part of the job has been, he will reminisce on the nights of on call duty.

“I can’t talk about the specific situations, but 3 a.m. is often when students need the most guidance. This is why a Hall Director is always here.” He said.

“This is maybe redundant, this job is surprisingly exhausting. But, we do it because we love making those connections with people. But we have had a lot of awesome things happen.

And that’s what made this job worth it” Hyttsten explains.

His advice for students is, “Introduce yourself to your hall director cause that’s what we are here for. We want to meet you we want to get to know you. I sit at my computer all too often. Yeah, I have administrative work to do sometimes, but that’s not why I am here. I am doing this to be a positive support for people in good times and bad.”

Brooke Emmons • MSU Reporter John Hyttsten, a Julia Sears Hall Director who has made a statement on campus.

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14 • MSU Reporter

MSyou Fall 2014

Friendly smile, caring attitude

Calyce O’Connor may be one of the best Community Advisor MSU has ever seen. She strives to bring diversity to the campus, help her residents in any and every situation she can, is devoted to her classes and studies, and most importantly, is an extremely caring person.

She grew up in the suburbs of Chicago, and moved to Mankato on June 1, 2013 to be closer to school.

“I graduated from high school a semester early, and went to community college for two years before transferring to Minnesota State University, Mankato,” O’Connor said. “When I transferred to Mankato, I realized that I actually wanted to try and get better grades than just okay grades.”

She wants to continue onto graduate school and major in Organizational Industrial Psychology, with a minor in Human Resources Management.

“I plan on working with companies with their diversity initiatives. I took interest because it is interesting to see the way people work. I like to see what motivates people. It’s also interesting to see

The conferences brought together people from all over the world to share that interest, and we all enjoyed talking shop with recognized experts and celebrities, and participating in typically “Laura” activities like baking Long Winter bread. We were spread out between Sears and the CSU, and bonnets and braids were the order of the day. We had a great time.”

After her years in school in Eau Claire, Milwaukee and Twin Cities, Lauters advice on college is highly credible.

“Stay organized. And take advantage of the opportunities college gives you.”

Not always a midwestern girl, Lauters traveled in college. “I studied abroad my junior year, in England, and it

Andrew Vanden-Broeke • MSU Reporter

that more diverse companies are more successful,” O’Connor said.

Calyce wanted to become a CA because she didn’t enjoy her experience living on campus so she decided to do something about it, and change the way freshman are treated in the dorms.

“I have really enjoyed the people I have met here. My friends make the whole experience worthwhile,” O’Connor said. “My residents brighten my day. They have even helped to cheer me up, although, they can be difficult to handle. My floor is the most dramatic floor ever.”

Calyce gives a great deal back to campus. She works hard in all of her classes. She gives back diversity to the campus that other students may not be able to offer because she is queer. She can provide a point of view that differs from other students. She gives her residents wisdom and advice that helps them in countless situations. She is honest, yet insightful, and always reliable.

“My favorite places on campus are the Sears front desk, the LGBT Center, and Armstrong Hall. These are my favorite places because it’s where I spend pretty much all of my time. My life is one giant repeated sched-

ule of events. My favorite part of being a CA is encountering uncomfortable situations,” O’Connor said.

Some facts about Calyce are: her favorite book is A Brave New World by Aldous Huxley. Her favorite movies are Watchmen, Across the Universe, and Kinsey. Her favorite bands are the Beatles, Stars, and Brittney Carlisle. Her favorite color is “the rainbow.” Her favorite foods are avocados and peanut butter. Her favorite animals are goats. Her favorite place to eat is anywhere but the café and Chik-Fil-A. Her hobbies include running, yoga, doing beautiful bulletin boards, and dealing with residents and their issues.

When asked how she would feel if one of her residents became a CA, she said, “I would be very happy. I would feel like I made their experience good enough that they wanted to pass on the experience. I would feel like I had an impact on their experience in the dorms. I want to see my residents succeed and being a CA is a successful thing.”

Calyce O’Connor is an intensely caring, funny, and devoted person. She provides MSU with a level of diversity that is like no other. She is definitely worth getting to know.

was one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever done in my life. Meet people. Experience things. You’ll never regret that,” she said.

While she is not teaching Mass Media at MSU, Lauters is continuing to develop her writing skills.

“I’m trying my hand at writing fiction.”

Also, she said, “I also keep my hands busy with knitting, crocheting, and rubber stamping while watching movies and catching up on pop culture.”

Dr. Amy Lauters is an inspiring professor that MSU is very lucky to have. Take one of her favorite classes, MASS 260 or MASS 436, to get to know her.

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continued from 11

YOUR

CA Calyce O’Connor takes pride in making student’s time worthwhile.

LAUTERS “I realized that becoming a professor would allow me to research and tell stories in-depth as well as teach”

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MSU Reporter • 15

Faces on Campus

Critical thinking part of everyday life for Murray-Davis ALEX KERKMAN Staff Writer Many people consider critical thinking as nothing more than a class option in a university setting. However, for Professor Marge Murray-Davis, of the Department of Health Science, and her class, critical thinking is much more than a curriculum; it’s a way of life.

“Critical thinking is very important. It provides us with a different way of thinking, a different way of questioning and understanding,” Murray-Davis said. “And it definitely can be used apart of everyday life.”

All semester, Murray-Davis and her students have been working on a way to best illustrate the critical thinking model, which is used internationally and comes from the Center of Critical Thinking in Sonoma, Cali., having been used at their conferences for the past 34 years.

The model, which in this case is in the form of a fire, can be broken down into three sections.

The class chose to use fire in their example, because fire needs all the necessary components to be maintained.

The first section of the critical thinking model are Standards.

Murray-Davis described these as similar to quality checks.

“With standards, we ask ourselves things like it is it clear to understand, is the basis in depth?” Murray-Davis said. “It

is designed to help the quality of our thinking.”

The second section of the model are the elements, or as one student described them as “guide posts”.

“It’s the purpose and questioning behind the way we think,” said Justin Heskett, and student of Murray-Davis. “The elements include things that guide us every day such as our assumptions, conclusions and implications.”

The third and final part of the critical thinking model are traits.

Traits are how a person behave and acts.

“Humility, courage, reason.

Traits are how you stay true to yourself,” Murray-Davis said.

“It’s a driving force and a motivator. We want our traits to make is fair-minded and leave us with our integrity.”

Similar to the U.S. Government, the three part critical model works as a check and balance system. All three parts of the model work together to keep thinker unbiased and reasonable.

It also keeps us open to all possibilities of thinking, something that people don’t do well all the time, due to natural prejudices and beliefs.

“We like to ‘deconstruct’ ideas instead of concluding them,” Murray-Davis said. “It gives the thinking process more richness.”

Though all three parts of the critical thinking model, they are still not all necessary for good

critical thought. The class made it clear just about anyone is capable of critical thinking.

“Most people critically think as a part of everyday life,” another student explained. “You just don’t realize it until you are introduced to all the steps.”

Murray-Davis starting working with the critical thinking program at MSU in 2006 after receiving a grant along with Dr. Richard Liebendorf of the Department of Philosophy “to promote excellence and student learning” and to teach critical thinking to faculty, who can in turn teach it to students.

Murray-Davis was originally from the Menominee area of Wisconsin, before moving to the Twin Cities at a young age. She received her degree in Physical Education and Health from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, before getting her Masters at MSU in 1982.

After school, Murray-Davis taught high school at Lake Crystal for 8 years, teaching physical education and health classes, before taking a job as a professor in the Department of Health Science at MSU. She received her PhD in Education in 1995.

“My favorite part about MSU is the kids,” Murray-Davis said.

“I love seeing their work ethic, having a job, going to school, but still having enthusiasm.”

Murray-Davis has two children, born in 1990 and 1993. The oldest is current in pilot train-

Yohanes Ashenafi • MSU Reporter For Marge Murray-Davis, critical thinking extends far beyond the classroom.

ing at the Air Force, while the youngest is enrolled at Gustavus Adolphus in St. Peter.

Apart from being a professor and teaching classes on campus.

Murray-Davis is also the School

Health Program Coordinator at MSU, and the Curriculum Committee Chair.

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MSyou Fall 2014

Dilling making fast tracks in second year as MSU coach high jump, including two in indoor of 2006 and 2007 and two in outdoor in 2005 and 2007. He was also a six time all American in the event. Dilling is a four time North Central Conference champion and three time indoor champion in high jump as well as a two time North Central conference champion in long jump.

Even though long jump wasn’t his primary event, he finished ninth at the 2006 NCAA DII National meet, just outside of the All-American crown. Jim is the holder of the NCAA DII high jump meet record that still stands at 7’6’’.

Leaving Mankato, Jim is the holder of both the indoor and outdoor high jump school records that are 7’6 ½’’ and also the conference records.

Dilling went on and was the 2007 USA Track and Field High Jump Champion. He went and represented Team USA at the IAAF Track and Field championships in Osaka Japan, where he finished 16th in qualifying.

His record daunting season left him ranked 4th in the US and the 19th best high jumper in the world in 2007. He went on to

DENZELL CASTROOATS Staff Writer Former Minnesota State Mankato Maverick Jim Dilling is entering his 2nd year as head coach for the Men’s Track team, a job he took over only two summers ago. And since then he has done nothing short of assembling the most talented athletes possible in hopes for a National Title something the program has never seen.

To recap the program’s success last year, Jim’s first year, the men’s track team won both the indoor and outdoor conference meets, qualified x individuals for the indoor national meet where they finished fourth as a team, qualified x individuals for the outdoor national meet where they finished 9th. Jim has seen and coached the potential of many athletes and several AllAmericans including Keyvann Rudd, David Pearcill, Nathan Hancock, Chris Reed.

As a student athlete in his days here at Minnesota State Mankato, Dilling accumulated 4 national championships in the

Former MSU athlete Jim Dilling is entering his second year as MSU track coach.

continue his five year professional career and qualified five times for both the indoor and outdoor USA Championships.

“I attest a lot of my success in my career to my many coaches and mentors that helped me along the way. They took the time out to develop me as an athlete. Which partially attracted me to coaching at the collegiate level” says Dilling As a coach for the Mankato

Maverick’s Jim aims to lead the program to one of the best the school has ever seen. He does this with diligent recruitment of top notch talent and a passion for coaching and excelling that is contagious.

Speaking with 2014-2015 team captain David Pearcill, he describes Jim as a “Special Coach”.

“He’s so knowledgeable in what he coaches that you’re go-

today.mnsu.edu

ing to get better regardless. And this program is fortunate to have him as a head coach” he goes on to say.

The 2014-2015 senior captain crew are Mike Sandle, Emmanuel Matadi, David Pearcill, and Anthony Gustafson.

The 2014 indoor season will start December 6th here in the Myers Field House with the Chuck Peterson Open.

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