St. Cloud State Magazine Fall 2023/Winter 2024

FALL 2023 / WINTER 2024

ST. CLOUD STATE MAGAZINE

INNOVATIVE

GROWTH Online MBA program sees strong results by meeting student expectations

SAKINA

Afghanistan refugee maintains hope despite turbulent 12 months

JIM EISENREICH

Alumnus and retired MLB player uses platform to advocate for others with Tourette syndrome

twitter.com/stcloudstate facebook.com/stcloudstate Huskies, share your story at scsu.mn/ourscsu

youtube.com/stcloudstatehusky

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10

instagram.com/stcloudstate

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35 TABLE OF CONTENTS

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FROM THE PRESIDENT 4 President's message NEWS 5 Herberger Business School earns

innovation award for MBA program 6 Husky Impact Fund supports University priorities 8 Three facilities workers provide 90+ years of combined service 9 Phi Theta Kappa Transfer Honor Roll recognition for fourth year in a row 10 A forever Husky: Remembering Jo McMullen-Boyer

16 INNOVATIVE GROWTH: BY MEETING STUDENT EXPECTATIONS The Herberger Business School's online MBA program is a great example of how students can tap into the expertise of SCSU's faculty to get the specific skills they need to attain their personal goals on their timeline.

stcloudstate.edu

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FEATURES 13 On-campus living has always had

big benefits for students 16 Innovative growth: Online MBA program sees strong results by meeting student expectations 20 Generations of SCSU swimmers give program a family feel 24 #OurSCSU – Celebrating SCSU community: Sakina and her courageous journey (pg. 24); Alumnus and retired MLB player, Jim Eisenreich, advocates for others with Tourette syndrome (pg. 28)

ALUMNI NEWS 31 Class notes on scsu.mn/ourscsu 32 Couple makes Autism Discovery Center a reality 35 Huskies Athletics inducts Hall of Fame Class of 2023

twitter.com/stcloudstate facebook.com/stcloudstate Huskies, share your story at scsu.mn/ourscsu

youtube.com/stcloudstatehusky

20

10

instagram.com/stcloudstate

9 32

35 TABLE OF CONTENTS

28

FROM THE PRESIDENT 4 President's message NEWS 5 Herberger Business School earns

innovation award for MBA program 6 Husky Impact Fund supports University priorities 8 Three facilities workers provide 90+ years of combined service 9 Phi Theta Kappa Transfer Honor Roll recognition for fourth year in a row 10 A forever Husky: Remembering Jo McMullen-Boyer

16 INNOVATIVE GROWTH: BY MEETING STUDENT EXPECTATIONS The Herberger Business School's online MBA program is a great example of how students can tap into the expertise of SCSU's faculty to get the specific skills they need to attain their personal goals on their timeline.

stcloudstate.edu

34 32

FEATURES 13 On-campus living has always had

big benefits for students 16 Innovative growth: Online MBA program sees strong results by meeting student expectations 20 Generations of SCSU swimmers give program a family feel 24 #OurSCSU – Celebrating SCSU community: Sakina and her courageous journey (pg. 24); Alumnus and retired MLB player, Jim Eisenreich, advocates for others with Tourette syndrome (pg. 28)

ALUMNI NEWS 31 Class notes on scsu.mn/ourscsu 32 Couple makes Autism Discovery Center a reality 35 Huskies Athletics inducts Hall of Fame Class of 2023

FROM THE PRESIDENT

NEWS

DrRobbynWacker

HERBERGER BUSINESS SCHOOL EARNS INNOVATION AWARD FOR MBA PROGRAM REVISIONS AND GROWTH

By Zach Dwyer The Herberger Business School was honored this fall as a recipient of the 2023 Innovation in Business Education Award by the MidAmerican Business Dean’s Association (MADBA).

BOLD CHANGES BUILD ENROLLMENT, STUDENT SUCCESS

4

As our University’s new president in 2018, I outlined in my first SCSU Magazine message a commitment to building on the good work underway on campus, taking charge of our future and leading St. Cloud State to new heights of excellence, reputation and extending our reach into new student markets. The goal? To become the university of choice for students near and far, traditional and nontraditional. The plan? To create It's Time, a strategic framework to lead and coordinate a campus-wide approach to reimagining how we serve a changing student demographic with skills that will last them a lifetime.

Five years later, I’m delighted to report exciting progress in these efforts. Our It’s Time approach has successfully helped us evolve and reach greater numbers of students as a campus community that is bold, innovative and focused. We have accomplished our first year-to-year student enrollment increase since 2015. Our enrollment numbers were up significantly over last fall in every key demographic category. We are more than 10,000 Huskies strong!

Our It’s Time framework has contributed to these positive enrollment trends.

Through this redefinition of how we operate, and despite the setbacks and upheaval of an unprecedented pandemic, we have continued to build on our academic distinctions, support teacher-scholars and individualized success of our students and extend our regional reach.

We could not have accomplished these intentional planning and implementation efforts without the ingenuity, creativity, hard work and dedication to student

success of our incredible faculty, staff and administrators and all the committed, hard-working professionals who are involved in making our campus a welcoming, stimulating environment.

I also can’t say enough about the quality and character of our students who amaze us with their enthusiasm for learning and discovering their own potential for becoming the thinkers, doers and leaders who take on the challenges and opportunities of generations to come. They inspire us to continue making St. Cloud State University the best we can be.

In this issue of the SCSU Magazine, you will find stories about some of the programs that are supporting our students in greater numbers as they strive to achieve their hopes and dreams of having a wonderful college experience, fulfilling their potential and taking their careers to the next step.

Our feature about the positive aspects of living in a St. Cloud State residence hall are sure to take many of you who are alumni back to the days when you first arrived on campus, found the room that was to be your home for your freshman year and discovered how new friends from different places could enrich your view of the world and of your future. Then and now, living on campus can be a turning point in student life and the beginning of lifelong friendships that never would have happened without that on-campus living experience.

The article about the impact the online MBA program is having on graduates’ professional lives and satisfaction with their

HT TP S://TODAY.STCLOUDSTATE.EDU/MAG | FALL 2023 / WINTER 2024

The school’s submission of “MBA Program Revisions and Growth” was presented at the 2023 MADBA Annual Meeting, where the theme was “Leveraging Market Disruption for Growth: How to Plan for the Future.”

experience is reflected in the 350 percent enrollment growth in this great program, as well as the enthusiastic support from those who have benefited from it.

The advancements and enhancements we continue to make in our academic and support programs are aimed at helping us achieve our mission of preparing all our students to succeed in life and in the careers they will have.

We have so much to celebrate, and celebrate we did at this year’s joyous Homecoming 2023 events. In this issue see the images and stories about our vibrant week that pulled out all the stops as we honored traditions old and new. It also was a special time to recognize the tremendous importance of our alumni and friends.

Their support and, in some cases, incredible vision and generosity are responsible for creating amenities that greatly enhance St. Cloud State’s impact on students and the community.

We are so very grateful for the support that our alumni and community partners offer on behalf of our students. These ambassadors powerfully share the special experience of a St. Cloud State University education and our role in strengthening their communities wherever they are in the world.

Thank you for your interest and support.

Dr. Robbyn Wacker President, St. Cloud State University

The MBA program at St. Cloud State is undergoing rapid growth with a significant increase in enrollment since Spring of 2022. It offers both online and in-person options in a modular format to align with students’ learning needs, work-life demands and career trajectories.

“HBS faculty and staff have showcased how innovative and visionary we can be when we focus on providing exceptional programs to our students,” said Katherina Pattit, dean of the Herberger Business School. “In awarding us this honor, the award committee noted that the way HBS redirected our strategy in response to fundamental change in higher education is first-class. I could not agree more!”

Dean of the Herberger Business School Dr. Katherina Pattit (left) and interim director of SCSU’s MBA program Matthew Trombly (right) pictured with the 2023 Innovation in Business Education Award.

5

SCSU, VEEVA OFFERING MEDTECH STUDENTS UNIQUE, REAL-WORLD CLINICAL TECHNOLOGY EXPERIENCE

By Mitchell Hansen ’17 St. Cloud State University and Veeva Systems announced this summer a partnership to enable MedTech clinical research students with unique, hands-on technology training.

SCSU integrated Veeva Vault electronic Trial Master File (eTMF) into its graduate curriculum for the applied clinical research program located in Plymouth, Minnesota at the start of the Fall 2023 semester, integrating it into four courses centered around the initiation, execution and reporting of clinical studies.

Faculty in these courses are instructing students on how to use the eTMF system to review, approve, track and report on critical study documents required for the successful management of clinical research.

Instructors will also leverage this state-ofthe-art technology to facilitate the learning objectives of the courses and programs in a more real-world environment.

“Partnering with Veeva will enrich our curriculum and provide students with an applied understanding of industry-leading technology,” said Will Collis-Prather, assistant professor and director of the applied clinical research program at SCSU. “Students’ familiarity with a modern digital clinical operations application improves their job readiness so they can quickly deliver value to current or future employers.”

Students in SCSU’s applied clinical research program are either MedTech industry professionals looking to grow their careers, or experienced individuals seeking to enter the clinical research profession. With access to advanced clinical applications, they will learn how to manage a digital trial master file (TMF), perform audits to ensure inspection readiness, measure process completion cycle times and use metrics to assess the health of a study.

“With this partnership, we are excited that we have taken the “applied” component of the applied clinical research graduate program to the next level,” Collis-Prather said. “When our graduates join one of the many medical device companies that use this platform, they will be well-prepared to enter the workforce as clinical research professionals and will be able to make significant contributions to their employers right when they walk in the door.”

More than 450 biopharma and MedTech companies use Vault eTMF to manage and automate trial processes and improve information exchange across stakeholders.

SCSU is the latest to integrate this training to meet industry demands and help better serve the workforce with prepared and well-trained professionals that come out of SCSU.

FROM THE PRESIDENT

NEWS

DrRobbynWacker

HERBERGER BUSINESS SCHOOL EARNS INNOVATION AWARD FOR MBA PROGRAM REVISIONS AND GROWTH

By Zach Dwyer The Herberger Business School was honored this fall as a recipient of the 2023 Innovation in Business Education Award by the MidAmerican Business Dean’s Association (MADBA).

BOLD CHANGES BUILD ENROLLMENT, STUDENT SUCCESS

4

As our University’s new president in 2018, I outlined in my first SCSU Magazine message a commitment to building on the good work underway on campus, taking charge of our future and leading St. Cloud State to new heights of excellence, reputation and extending our reach into new student markets. The goal? To become the university of choice for students near and far, traditional and nontraditional. The plan? To create It's Time, a strategic framework to lead and coordinate a campus-wide approach to reimagining how we serve a changing student demographic with skills that will last them a lifetime.

Five years later, I’m delighted to report exciting progress in these efforts. Our It’s Time approach has successfully helped us evolve and reach greater numbers of students as a campus community that is bold, innovative and focused. We have accomplished our first year-to-year student enrollment increase since 2015. Our enrollment numbers were up significantly over last fall in every key demographic category. We are more than 10,000 Huskies strong!

Our It’s Time framework has contributed to these positive enrollment trends.

Through this redefinition of how we operate, and despite the setbacks and upheaval of an unprecedented pandemic, we have continued to build on our academic distinctions, support teacher-scholars and individualized success of our students and extend our regional reach.

We could not have accomplished these intentional planning and implementation efforts without the ingenuity, creativity, hard work and dedication to student

success of our incredible faculty, staff and administrators and all the committed, hard-working professionals who are involved in making our campus a welcoming, stimulating environment.

I also can’t say enough about the quality and character of our students who amaze us with their enthusiasm for learning and discovering their own potential for becoming the thinkers, doers and leaders who take on the challenges and opportunities of generations to come. They inspire us to continue making St. Cloud State University the best we can be.

In this issue of the SCSU Magazine, you will find stories about some of the programs that are supporting our students in greater numbers as they strive to achieve their hopes and dreams of having a wonderful college experience, fulfilling their potential and taking their careers to the next step.

Our feature about the positive aspects of living in a St. Cloud State residence hall are sure to take many of you who are alumni back to the days when you first arrived on campus, found the room that was to be your home for your freshman year and discovered how new friends from different places could enrich your view of the world and of your future. Then and now, living on campus can be a turning point in student life and the beginning of lifelong friendships that never would have happened without that on-campus living experience.

The article about the impact the online MBA program is having on graduates’ professional lives and satisfaction with their

HT TP S://TODAY.STCLOUDSTATE.EDU/MAG | FALL 2023 / WINTER 2024

The school’s submission of “MBA Program Revisions and Growth” was presented at the 2023 MADBA Annual Meeting, where the theme was “Leveraging Market Disruption for Growth: How to Plan for the Future.”

experience is reflected in the 350 percent enrollment growth in this great program, as well as the enthusiastic support from those who have benefited from it.

The advancements and enhancements we continue to make in our academic and support programs are aimed at helping us achieve our mission of preparing all our students to succeed in life and in the careers they will have.

We have so much to celebrate, and celebrate we did at this year’s joyous Homecoming 2023 events. In this issue see the images and stories about our vibrant week that pulled out all the stops as we honored traditions old and new. It also was a special time to recognize the tremendous importance of our alumni and friends.

Their support and, in some cases, incredible vision and generosity are responsible for creating amenities that greatly enhance St. Cloud State’s impact on students and the community.

We are so very grateful for the support that our alumni and community partners offer on behalf of our students. These ambassadors powerfully share the special experience of a St. Cloud State University education and our role in strengthening their communities wherever they are in the world.

Thank you for your interest and support.

Dr. Robbyn Wacker President, St. Cloud State University

The MBA program at St. Cloud State is undergoing rapid growth with a significant increase in enrollment since Spring of 2022. It offers both online and in-person options in a modular format to align with students’ learning needs, work-life demands and career trajectories.

“HBS faculty and staff have showcased how innovative and visionary we can be when we focus on providing exceptional programs to our students,” said Katherina Pattit, dean of the Herberger Business School. “In awarding us this honor, the award committee noted that the way HBS redirected our strategy in response to fundamental change in higher education is first-class. I could not agree more!”

Dean of the Herberger Business School Dr. Katherina Pattit (left) and interim director of SCSU’s MBA program Matthew Trombly (right) pictured with the 2023 Innovation in Business Education Award.

5

SCSU, VEEVA OFFERING MEDTECH STUDENTS UNIQUE, REAL-WORLD CLINICAL TECHNOLOGY EXPERIENCE

By Mitchell Hansen ’17 St. Cloud State University and Veeva Systems announced this summer a partnership to enable MedTech clinical research students with unique, hands-on technology training.

SCSU integrated Veeva Vault electronic Trial Master File (eTMF) into its graduate curriculum for the applied clinical research program located in Plymouth, Minnesota at the start of the Fall 2023 semester, integrating it into four courses centered around the initiation, execution and reporting of clinical studies.

Faculty in these courses are instructing students on how to use the eTMF system to review, approve, track and report on critical study documents required for the successful management of clinical research.

Instructors will also leverage this state-ofthe-art technology to facilitate the learning objectives of the courses and programs in a more real-world environment.

“Partnering with Veeva will enrich our curriculum and provide students with an applied understanding of industry-leading technology,” said Will Collis-Prather, assistant professor and director of the applied clinical research program at SCSU. “Students’ familiarity with a modern digital clinical operations application improves their job readiness so they can quickly deliver value to current or future employers.”

Students in SCSU’s applied clinical research program are either MedTech industry professionals looking to grow their careers, or experienced individuals seeking to enter the clinical research profession. With access to advanced clinical applications, they will learn how to manage a digital trial master file (TMF), perform audits to ensure inspection readiness, measure process completion cycle times and use metrics to assess the health of a study.

“With this partnership, we are excited that we have taken the “applied” component of the applied clinical research graduate program to the next level,” Collis-Prather said. “When our graduates join one of the many medical device companies that use this platform, they will be well-prepared to enter the workforce as clinical research professionals and will be able to make significant contributions to their employers right when they walk in the door.”

More than 450 biopharma and MedTech companies use Vault eTMF to manage and automate trial processes and improve information exchange across stakeholders.

SCSU is the latest to integrate this training to meet industry demands and help better serve the workforce with prepared and well-trained professionals that come out of SCSU.

NEWS Editor-in-chief Kathryn Kloby, Ph.D.

HUSKY IMPACT FUND SUPPORTS UNIVERSITY PRIORITIES

Managing editor Zach Dwyer

By Colleen Harrison The world is changing, and so is St. Cloud State University.

Content producers Mitchell Hansen ’17 Colleen Harrison Marsha Shoemaker

Through the It’s Time framework, SCSU is taking bold new steps to focus on its strengths, innovate for the future and meet the demands of its students and society.

REMOVING BARRIERS TO EDUCATION & STUDENT SUCCESS Provides scholarships and financial aid along with crucial support structures and interventions to ensure student success.

It’s Time directs the #OurSCSU community to be bold, innovative and focused as it rethinks the way it delivers higher education. St. Cloud State is unique because being bold, innovative and focused means the University is improving the way it supports its students, expanding its student base and creating academic distinction by working closely with expert faculty and partners in St. Cloud, across Minnesota and around the country, along with industry leaders around the globe, to offer programs that are in demand and impactful.

Design Marie Madgwick ’91 VIBRANT CAMPUS LIFE Support campus traditions and student experiences with robust programming that builds strong community bonds.

University Communications ucomm@stcloudstate.edu 320-308-3152 stcloudstate.edu/ucomm

Most importantly, SCSU is proudly sharing its story so that the University is recognized for its excellence, institutional pride and the impact Huskies have in their communities and the world.

6

INNOVATION & ACADEMIC SUCCESS Fosters innovation across campus to enhance research and hands-on learning for our students.

DYNAMIC LIVING & LEARNING SPACES Investment on campus to develop dynamic spaces that foster learning and community engagement.

HT TP S://TODAY.STCLOUDSTATE.EDU/MAG | FALL 2023 / WINTER 2024

To support the vision of It’s Time and provide the crucial flexible funding the University needs for the success of its students, staff and strategic goals, SCSU is investing in five priority areas to engage its community and leverage new relationships.

St. Cloud State’s focus is on removing barriers to education and student success, advancing innovation and academic success, creating dynamic and state-of-theart living and learning spaces and ensuring a vibrant campus life and strong athletics program. To make this possible requires philanthropic support from SCSU’s alumni and friends. Now is the time for the #OurSCSU community to invest in St. Cloud State and its new vision — through sharing expertise, giving time as leaders and mentors across the University and through philanthropy.

The Husky Impact Fund delivers vitally important, flexible philanthropic funds to address the complexities of delivering top quality learning paired with robust individualized student support in alignment with the University’s priorities. The Husky Impact Fund addresses the greatest needs on campus, furthering St. Cloud State’s strategic priorities, investing in new initiatives and managing unforeseen opportunities that arise.

Any investment — no matter the size — in the Husky

Contact us: ST. CLOUD STATE UNIVERSITY 720 Fourth Ave. S. St. Cloud, MN 56301-4498

Alumni Engagement alumni@stcloudstate.edu 320-308-3177 or 866-464-8759 stcloudstate.edu/advancement HUSKIES ATHLETICS Strengthens our athletics programs in its quest to improve student athlete performance, athletics facilities and the fan experience.

Impact Fund will have the most immediate impact on SCSU’s students, campus and the University as a whole.

“To those of you who already support SCSU – thank you. We hope you will continue your support by making a gift to the Husky Impact Fund, which supports our key priorities and advances our University,” said SCSU President Dr. Robbyn Wacker. “For those of you who haven’t yet made a gift, I hope you will join us on this exciting journey. Your support will make an immediate impact and will ensure a stronger generation for our fine institution.”

Those interested in supporting the Husky Impact Fund can do so at scsu.mn/give or by calling 320-308-3984.

To learn more about how philanthropy supports St. Cloud State University, visit scsu.mn/ourscsu.

St. Cloud State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, disability, marital status, status with regards to public assistance, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or status as a U.S. veteran.

For additional information, contact the Office for Institutional Equity & Access, (320) 308-5123, Admin. Services Bldg.

Rm 121.

To learn more about the impact of philanthropy, go to scsu.mn/impact23

ST. CLOUD STATE MAGAZINE

7

NEWS Editor-in-chief Kathryn Kloby, Ph.D.

HUSKY IMPACT FUND SUPPORTS UNIVERSITY PRIORITIES

Managing editor Zach Dwyer

By Colleen Harrison The world is changing, and so is St. Cloud State University.

Content producers Mitchell Hansen ’17 Colleen Harrison Marsha Shoemaker

Through the It’s Time framework, SCSU is taking bold new steps to focus on its strengths, innovate for the future and meet the demands of its students and society.

REMOVING BARRIERS TO EDUCATION & STUDENT SUCCESS Provides scholarships and financial aid along with crucial support structures and interventions to ensure student success.

It’s Time directs the #OurSCSU community to be bold, innovative and focused as it rethinks the way it delivers higher education. St. Cloud State is unique because being bold, innovative and focused means the University is improving the way it supports its students, expanding its student base and creating academic distinction by working closely with expert faculty and partners in St. Cloud, across Minnesota and around the country, along with industry leaders around the globe, to offer programs that are in demand and impactful.

Design Marie Madgwick ’91 VIBRANT CAMPUS LIFE Support campus traditions and student experiences with robust programming that builds strong community bonds.

University Communications ucomm@stcloudstate.edu 320-308-3152 stcloudstate.edu/ucomm

Most importantly, SCSU is proudly sharing its story so that the University is recognized for its excellence, institutional pride and the impact Huskies have in their communities and the world.

6

INNOVATION & ACADEMIC SUCCESS Fosters innovation across campus to enhance research and hands-on learning for our students.

DYNAMIC LIVING & LEARNING SPACES Investment on campus to develop dynamic spaces that foster learning and community engagement.

HT TP S://TODAY.STCLOUDSTATE.EDU/MAG | FALL 2023 / WINTER 2024

To support the vision of It’s Time and provide the crucial flexible funding the University needs for the success of its students, staff and strategic goals, SCSU is investing in five priority areas to engage its community and leverage new relationships.

St. Cloud State’s focus is on removing barriers to education and student success, advancing innovation and academic success, creating dynamic and state-of-theart living and learning spaces and ensuring a vibrant campus life and strong athletics program. To make this possible requires philanthropic support from SCSU’s alumni and friends. Now is the time for the #OurSCSU community to invest in St. Cloud State and its new vision — through sharing expertise, giving time as leaders and mentors across the University and through philanthropy.

The Husky Impact Fund delivers vitally important, flexible philanthropic funds to address the complexities of delivering top quality learning paired with robust individualized student support in alignment with the University’s priorities. The Husky Impact Fund addresses the greatest needs on campus, furthering St. Cloud State’s strategic priorities, investing in new initiatives and managing unforeseen opportunities that arise.

Any investment — no matter the size — in the Husky

Contact us: ST. CLOUD STATE UNIVERSITY 720 Fourth Ave. S. St. Cloud, MN 56301-4498

Alumni Engagement alumni@stcloudstate.edu 320-308-3177 or 866-464-8759 stcloudstate.edu/advancement HUSKIES ATHLETICS Strengthens our athletics programs in its quest to improve student athlete performance, athletics facilities and the fan experience.

Impact Fund will have the most immediate impact on SCSU’s students, campus and the University as a whole.

“To those of you who already support SCSU – thank you. We hope you will continue your support by making a gift to the Husky Impact Fund, which supports our key priorities and advances our University,” said SCSU President Dr. Robbyn Wacker. “For those of you who haven’t yet made a gift, I hope you will join us on this exciting journey. Your support will make an immediate impact and will ensure a stronger generation for our fine institution.”

Those interested in supporting the Husky Impact Fund can do so at scsu.mn/give or by calling 320-308-3984.

To learn more about how philanthropy supports St. Cloud State University, visit scsu.mn/ourscsu.

St. Cloud State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, disability, marital status, status with regards to public assistance, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or status as a U.S. veteran.

For additional information, contact the Office for Institutional Equity & Access, (320) 308-5123, Admin. Services Bldg.

Rm 121.

To learn more about the impact of philanthropy, go to scsu.mn/impact23

ST. CLOUD STATE MAGAZINE

7

NEWS

HIDDEN GEMS: THREE FACILITIES WORKERS PROVIDE OVER 90 YEARS OF COMBINED SERVICE

BY ZACH DWYER

I enjoy working with the students and being around the students ... we don't understand how much we've impacted their lives.

– PATTY SKROCH

8

As you arrive on the St. Cloud State campus, it’s easy to not notice the small details.

Paths are clear as you approach well-maintained buildings. As you walk into your office or classroom, the lights flick on. The space is already at a comfortable temperature, warm or cool depending on the season.

But dozens of individuals work behind the scenes to make that happen. Facilities Management, comprised of building service, physical plant and grounds workers, constantly maintains SCSU’s campus footprint.

“We have a hand in everything that happens on this campus,” said Mark Hedlund, interim assistant vice president of Facilities Management. “Because of that, so much of it is just taken for granted. You don’t always appreciate the work getting done, but that’s our job. That’s what we do.”

From parking lots and hallways to event setup and more, the department plays a crucial role in nearly everything you see on campus.

Facilities Management is home to multiple workers who have kept SCSU running for over 30 years. What makes them commit so many years of their life to the University?

“It’s been an opportunity to grow,” Hedlund said, who has worked his way all the way up from general maintenance worker to interim AVP since starting in 1992. “Providing that clean, safe environment for students, visitors, employees, faculty/staff is what the job has been. When you’ve been at a place a long time, you get to know the people. I think that’s been a big part of it.”

Big events like Commencement bring

We have a hand in everything that happens on this campus.

– MARK HEDLUND

a special joy, where Hedlund and his staff play a role in the final day of a student’s SCSU journey.

They also have recently begun playing a bigger part in a student’s first day on campus. Last year was their first time playing a big role in New Huskies Convocation.

“It really came together as a last-minute plan and decision,” Hedlund said. “It turned out good or better than we could’ve hoped for. It was a very satisfying event as it all came together.”

Even after 30 years, new challenges are thrown at SCSU’s diligent Facilities staff.

PUTTING THE PIECES TOGETHER Patty Skroch has been at SCSU for 32 years in a variety of roles. Currently serving as the building services foreman, she has worked in the dorms, Halenbeck Hall and Atwood Memorial Center.

Holding previous titles like general maintenance worker, building lead and building supervisor has given her a unique perspective on her new role. In the past places like Atwood or the dorms were her entire focus, but she now gets to look at a broader picture of campus.

“I enjoy putting the pieces of the puzzle together,” Skroch said about her role in helping campus events run smoothly.

“Bringing my knowledge and meeting with

HT TP S://TODAY.STCLOUDSTATE.EDU/MAG | FALL 2023 / WINTER 2024

people on campus, I like that a lot … connecting the people to make it happen.”

The Holdingford native loves the variety of the job, where she gets to interact with all types of people.

“I enjoy working with the students and being around the students,” she said. “I enjoy getting to know the students; in the dorms you worked where they live, and in Atwood you work where they played. We don’t understand how much we’ve impacted their lives … it’s pretty special.”

While she has over three decades of experience on campus, she has only about two years in her current position.

“I’ve got a lot to learn,” she said with a laugh. “I learned a lot through all my positions here on campus, and I learned more about the management and eventtype things in Atwood. But there’s more to learn. I’m excited about it, I like the challenge of it.”

TIGHT-KNIT GROUP Bob Schueller started on campus only weeks after Skroch and has also achieved over 30 years of service at SCSU. He grew up about 15 miles away in Foley, going to technical college to become an electrician. After about a decade of working for various electrical contractors, he began searching for something that

Far left, Mark Hedlund, left, Bob Schueller and above, Patty Skroch, are part of the campus Facilities team that maintains SCSU's 100-acre footprint.

would keep him close to home. A steady and secure position.

SCSU was the answer. Schueller started as a standard electrician, eventually moving up to lead electrician. He’s held that title for the past 12 years and carries the electrical license for the campus.

Some of the biggest roles the electricians play in Facilities involve any fire alarm or elevator issues on campus. In-house renovation projects also are part of a job that keeps the 100-acre campus operating. “(There’s) a lot of behind-the-scenes stuff that people don’t see,” Schueller said.

“You show up in the morning and fans are running, buildings are warm, you turn the light switch on and lights work, it’s constant maintenance with lamps and light fixtures.”

Memories that stick out through the years don’t only include what happened on the job. Schueller remembers gatherings of 20-plus people fishing on Mille Lacs Lake or joining up to ice fish. While recent retirements have slightly changed that dynamic, Schueller still enjoys his coworkers.

“It’s a tight-knit group down in Facilities, people work well together and help each other,” he said.

That quality of the staff is what made Mark Hedlund want to take on the challenge of interim assistant vice president in the first place.

“I knew I had a great staff to work with that knew their job and would do their job; they just needed someone to help guide them,” Hedlund said. “I’d put my staff up against anyone right now because they’re good at what they do. We’ve got good people.

“You can’t spend 30-plus years at a job and not have a connection to it. Am I proud of St. Cloud State? Absolutely … do we have work ahead of us? Absolutely.

We’re gonna work our way through it and figure it out. I’ve got to believe that.”

SCSU RECEIVES PHI THETA KAPPA TRANSFER HONOR ROLL RECOGNITION FOR FOURTH CONSECUTIVE YEAR

By Mitchell Hansen ’17 St. Cloud State University has been named to Phi Theta Kappa‘s 2023 Transfer Honor Roll for excellence in the development and support of dynamic and innovative pathways for community college transfer students.

“This award shows the effort our campus community has put into making the transfer process smooth for transfer students,” said Michael Hanna, associate director of admissions & transfer student recruitment at SCSU. “The Phi Theta Kappa Transfer Honor Roll shows potential students how SCSU cares about their success. Beyond that, SCSU offers a $500 scholarship for any Phi Theta Kappa member nationwide.”

SCSU is the only Minnesota State system institution, the only public institution in Minnesota, and one of just 208 colleges and universities nationwide to receive this honor. Showing a track record of excellence, SCSU was named to the Transfer Honor Roll in 2020, 2021 and 2022.

Phi Theta Kappa’s Transfer Honor Roll is determined by 40 key metrics related to the support and success of transfer students, including college cost and financial aid, campus life for transfer, admission practices and bachelor’s degree completion.

ST. CLOUD STATE MAGAZINE

9

NEWS

HIDDEN GEMS: THREE FACILITIES WORKERS PROVIDE OVER 90 YEARS OF COMBINED SERVICE

BY ZACH DWYER

I enjoy working with the students and being around the students ... we don't understand how much we've impacted their lives.

– PATTY SKROCH

8

As you arrive on the St. Cloud State campus, it’s easy to not notice the small details.

Paths are clear as you approach well-maintained buildings. As you walk into your office or classroom, the lights flick on. The space is already at a comfortable temperature, warm or cool depending on the season.

But dozens of individuals work behind the scenes to make that happen. Facilities Management, comprised of building service, physical plant and grounds workers, constantly maintains SCSU’s campus footprint.

“We have a hand in everything that happens on this campus,” said Mark Hedlund, interim assistant vice president of Facilities Management. “Because of that, so much of it is just taken for granted. You don’t always appreciate the work getting done, but that’s our job. That’s what we do.”

From parking lots and hallways to event setup and more, the department plays a crucial role in nearly everything you see on campus.

Facilities Management is home to multiple workers who have kept SCSU running for over 30 years. What makes them commit so many years of their life to the University?

“It’s been an opportunity to grow,” Hedlund said, who has worked his way all the way up from general maintenance worker to interim AVP since starting in 1992. “Providing that clean, safe environment for students, visitors, employees, faculty/staff is what the job has been. When you’ve been at a place a long time, you get to know the people. I think that’s been a big part of it.”

Big events like Commencement bring

We have a hand in everything that happens on this campus.

– MARK HEDLUND

a special joy, where Hedlund and his staff play a role in the final day of a student’s SCSU journey.

They also have recently begun playing a bigger part in a student’s first day on campus. Last year was their first time playing a big role in New Huskies Convocation.

“It really came together as a last-minute plan and decision,” Hedlund said. “It turned out good or better than we could’ve hoped for. It was a very satisfying event as it all came together.”

Even after 30 years, new challenges are thrown at SCSU’s diligent Facilities staff.

PUTTING THE PIECES TOGETHER Patty Skroch has been at SCSU for 32 years in a variety of roles. Currently serving as the building services foreman, she has worked in the dorms, Halenbeck Hall and Atwood Memorial Center.

Holding previous titles like general maintenance worker, building lead and building supervisor has given her a unique perspective on her new role. In the past places like Atwood or the dorms were her entire focus, but she now gets to look at a broader picture of campus.

“I enjoy putting the pieces of the puzzle together,” Skroch said about her role in helping campus events run smoothly.

“Bringing my knowledge and meeting with

HT TP S://TODAY.STCLOUDSTATE.EDU/MAG | FALL 2023 / WINTER 2024

people on campus, I like that a lot … connecting the people to make it happen.”

The Holdingford native loves the variety of the job, where she gets to interact with all types of people.

“I enjoy working with the students and being around the students,” she said. “I enjoy getting to know the students; in the dorms you worked where they live, and in Atwood you work where they played. We don’t understand how much we’ve impacted their lives … it’s pretty special.”

While she has over three decades of experience on campus, she has only about two years in her current position.

“I’ve got a lot to learn,” she said with a laugh. “I learned a lot through all my positions here on campus, and I learned more about the management and eventtype things in Atwood. But there’s more to learn. I’m excited about it, I like the challenge of it.”

TIGHT-KNIT GROUP Bob Schueller started on campus only weeks after Skroch and has also achieved over 30 years of service at SCSU. He grew up about 15 miles away in Foley, going to technical college to become an electrician. After about a decade of working for various electrical contractors, he began searching for something that

Far left, Mark Hedlund, left, Bob Schueller and above, Patty Skroch, are part of the campus Facilities team that maintains SCSU's 100-acre footprint.

would keep him close to home. A steady and secure position.

SCSU was the answer. Schueller started as a standard electrician, eventually moving up to lead electrician. He’s held that title for the past 12 years and carries the electrical license for the campus.

Some of the biggest roles the electricians play in Facilities involve any fire alarm or elevator issues on campus. In-house renovation projects also are part of a job that keeps the 100-acre campus operating. “(There’s) a lot of behind-the-scenes stuff that people don’t see,” Schueller said.

“You show up in the morning and fans are running, buildings are warm, you turn the light switch on and lights work, it’s constant maintenance with lamps and light fixtures.”

Memories that stick out through the years don’t only include what happened on the job. Schueller remembers gatherings of 20-plus people fishing on Mille Lacs Lake or joining up to ice fish. While recent retirements have slightly changed that dynamic, Schueller still enjoys his coworkers.

“It’s a tight-knit group down in Facilities, people work well together and help each other,” he said.

That quality of the staff is what made Mark Hedlund want to take on the challenge of interim assistant vice president in the first place.

“I knew I had a great staff to work with that knew their job and would do their job; they just needed someone to help guide them,” Hedlund said. “I’d put my staff up against anyone right now because they’re good at what they do. We’ve got good people.

“You can’t spend 30-plus years at a job and not have a connection to it. Am I proud of St. Cloud State? Absolutely … do we have work ahead of us? Absolutely.

We’re gonna work our way through it and figure it out. I’ve got to believe that.”

SCSU RECEIVES PHI THETA KAPPA TRANSFER HONOR ROLL RECOGNITION FOR FOURTH CONSECUTIVE YEAR

By Mitchell Hansen ’17 St. Cloud State University has been named to Phi Theta Kappa‘s 2023 Transfer Honor Roll for excellence in the development and support of dynamic and innovative pathways for community college transfer students.

“This award shows the effort our campus community has put into making the transfer process smooth for transfer students,” said Michael Hanna, associate director of admissions & transfer student recruitment at SCSU. “The Phi Theta Kappa Transfer Honor Roll shows potential students how SCSU cares about their success. Beyond that, SCSU offers a $500 scholarship for any Phi Theta Kappa member nationwide.”

SCSU is the only Minnesota State system institution, the only public institution in Minnesota, and one of just 208 colleges and universities nationwide to receive this honor. Showing a track record of excellence, SCSU was named to the Transfer Honor Roll in 2020, 2021 and 2022.

Phi Theta Kappa’s Transfer Honor Roll is determined by 40 key metrics related to the support and success of transfer students, including college cost and financial aid, campus life for transfer, admission practices and bachelor’s degree completion.

ST. CLOUD STATE MAGAZINE

9

NEWS

A FOREVER HUSKY: REMEMBERING JO MCMULLEN-BOYER

She had the most captivating voice. Her can-do spirit and contagious laugh were uplifting.

BY MARSHA SHOEMAKER

– HEIDI EVERETT ’92 ’94

10

Friends, family, former students and colleagues of Jo McMullen-Boyer gathered Aug. 31 in St. Cloud State University’s Ritsche Auditorium to celebrate her life of purpose and accomplishment, courage and generosity of spirit that cancer ended at age 54.

Jo had opened and closed her career at the top, serving as KVSC’s second-ever station manager for more than three decades.

Jo’s life was intertwined with SCSU from childhood. Her dad was a chemistry professor at SCSU, and she came to campus in the late ’80s to begin to make her mark on the local broadcast, music and arts scene with infectious enthusiasm and fierce professionalism.

“I like to think that it was because her fiery spirit – her intensity for life – her infinite curiosity – her ability to talk to anyone, anywhere – sometimes stubbornness – those traits that made Jo the person we

She was a person who opened doors for people to pursue dreams and goals. Through her welcoming spirit, as well as skills and drive – she made the world a better place.

– JUDI GAY ’98

loved – that those traits were present from the very beginning,” said Lisa Foss ’01 ’04, who remained Jo’s close friend from the time they were students through decades as colleagues at St. Cloud State.

A 1991 mass communications graduate, Jo was given responsibility at age 21 for leading the single campus radio station and applying her education, talent and incredible enthusiasm to transforming it into eight FM stations on a digital platform that brought in listeners from far and wide – a respected community resource for music, news and diverse programming that truly is “Your sound alternative.”

But it was transforming lives at the KVSC end of downstairs Stewart Hall that gave her the most career satisfaction.

When she retired from her position in April to spend more time with her family, Jo said she considered her greatest success as manager of KVSC to be the development and achievements of the more than 1,000 students and community members who had been part of the radio station during her tenure. She said the best part of her job was watching and helping new on-air hosts and student leaders find their radio voice and their confidence.

Upon her death, tributes from former students were a testament to her impact.

“Jo mentored me at KVSC and thereafter,” wrote Judi Gay ’98. “She was a person who opened doors for people to pursue dreams and goals. Through her welcoming spirit, as well as skills and drive - she made the world a better place.”

“Jo hired me as a DJ more than 20

HT TP S://TODAY.STCLOUDSTATE.EDU/MAG | FALL 2023 / WINTER 2024

years ago, and since then served as a trusted mentor, colleague and friend,” wrote Heidi Everett ’92 ’94, now a member of the Department of Mass Communications faculty at SCSU. “She had the most captivating voice. Her can-do spirit and contagious laugh were uplifting.”

“Jo exemplified the greatest strength of our University – our people who teach and mentor and serve to help students discover their individual capabilities and achieve their full potential,” said President Robbyn Wacker.

“Like me, ‘Mama Jo’ truly cared for our students on a personal level,” said Jim Gray, director of operations at KVSC and team partner with Jo for 27 years. “She knew that their success was dependent on more than just passing a class or learning a skill.

She was more than an educator; she was a life coach.”

The team made KVSC a learning environment, a place to discover potential, develop skills and love of media on state-of-the-art equipment in a professional environment.

Prospective and current students and alumni felt the warmth of Jo’s enthusiasm for good radio and the professionalism she applied to her work.

“She was a great ambassador for KVSC and the University,” said Dale Zacher, professor of mass communications, who was chair of the department during Jo’s last nine years at KVSC. He often brought prospective students to Jo for a station tour.

“She would literally drop everything she was working on and come out with a

smile and engaging conversation that began with, ‘Where are you from?’” Zacher said.

Jo reached out to former students who willingly came back for KVSC reunions and to share their experiences as broadcast professionals in the “Be the Broadcaster” panel discussions she started seven years ago as a teaching tool.

“To KVSC alumni, she was the person you could always reconnect with,” Zacher said.

KVSC’s most far-reaching campus and community/alumni engagement event remains the legendary Trivia Weekend, which Jo and her team transformed from a fun February activity for winter-weary students in SCSU residence halls into an event involving hundreds of competitors and volunteers. With its digital reach, students, alumni and friends of KVSC from near and far came together year after year to compete in the 50-hour marathon.

Jo also applied her love of music and the arts to leadership roles in the local arts community and to innovative entertainment opportunities, including speakers and concerts on campus and off. When there were opportunities to engage with the community and develop partnerships with the

arts community, she followed through with her signature enthusiasm.

She pursued grants to support Granite City Radio Theatre, now in its 12th season, and relished producing interviews with notable guests. She was immensely proud of KVSC’s first podcast, featuring Holocaust survivor Dr. Henry Oertelt and based on his book detailing how he survived five Nazi concentration camps. She organized Oertelt’s final public presentation to an overflow audience in Ritsche Auditorium, where he shared his life story with students,

Jo smiles for a photo with colleague Derrick Silvestri, UTVS TV studio manager.

staff and members of the community.

She was a member and past president of the Association of Minnesota Public Educational Radio Stations, an organization which recognized her with a lifetime achievement award for her unrelenting vision for how public radio and the arts can bring people together and contribute to the vitality of their communities. She also served on the Minnesota Associated Press Broadcasters board. Jo never forgot the importance of truth in journalism as she advised student news producers and broadcasters.

Like so many of her colleagues at SCSU, Jo had the vision and drive, creativity and skill to take her experience to other places, but she loved investing her life work in KVSC and the students she mentored.

“She knew it was really satisfying to trace a line between the work you’re doing and the impact it has on your students and your community,” said Abby Faulkner, who became friends with Jo while working in local media, including WJON and the St. Cloud Times. “She realized she was helping to form the next generation of media.”

ST. CLOUD STATE MAGAZINE

11

NEWS

A FOREVER HUSKY: REMEMBERING JO MCMULLEN-BOYER

She had the most captivating voice. Her can-do spirit and contagious laugh were uplifting.

BY MARSHA SHOEMAKER

– HEIDI EVERETT ’92 ’94

10

Friends, family, former students and colleagues of Jo McMullen-Boyer gathered Aug. 31 in St. Cloud State University’s Ritsche Auditorium to celebrate her life of purpose and accomplishment, courage and generosity of spirit that cancer ended at age 54.

Jo had opened and closed her career at the top, serving as KVSC’s second-ever station manager for more than three decades.

Jo’s life was intertwined with SCSU from childhood. Her dad was a chemistry professor at SCSU, and she came to campus in the late ’80s to begin to make her mark on the local broadcast, music and arts scene with infectious enthusiasm and fierce professionalism.

“I like to think that it was because her fiery spirit – her intensity for life – her infinite curiosity – her ability to talk to anyone, anywhere – sometimes stubbornness – those traits that made Jo the person we

She was a person who opened doors for people to pursue dreams and goals. Through her welcoming spirit, as well as skills and drive – she made the world a better place.

– JUDI GAY ’98

loved – that those traits were present from the very beginning,” said Lisa Foss ’01 ’04, who remained Jo’s close friend from the time they were students through decades as colleagues at St. Cloud State.

A 1991 mass communications graduate, Jo was given responsibility at age 21 for leading the single campus radio station and applying her education, talent and incredible enthusiasm to transforming it into eight FM stations on a digital platform that brought in listeners from far and wide – a respected community resource for music, news and diverse programming that truly is “Your sound alternative.”

But it was transforming lives at the KVSC end of downstairs Stewart Hall that gave her the most career satisfaction.

When she retired from her position in April to spend more time with her family, Jo said she considered her greatest success as manager of KVSC to be the development and achievements of the more than 1,000 students and community members who had been part of the radio station during her tenure. She said the best part of her job was watching and helping new on-air hosts and student leaders find their radio voice and their confidence.

Upon her death, tributes from former students were a testament to her impact.

“Jo mentored me at KVSC and thereafter,” wrote Judi Gay ’98. “She was a person who opened doors for people to pursue dreams and goals. Through her welcoming spirit, as well as skills and drive - she made the world a better place.”

“Jo hired me as a DJ more than 20

HT TP S://TODAY.STCLOUDSTATE.EDU/MAG | FALL 2023 / WINTER 2024

years ago, and since then served as a trusted mentor, colleague and friend,” wrote Heidi Everett ’92 ’94, now a member of the Department of Mass Communications faculty at SCSU. “She had the most captivating voice. Her can-do spirit and contagious laugh were uplifting.”

“Jo exemplified the greatest strength of our University – our people who teach and mentor and serve to help students discover their individual capabilities and achieve their full potential,” said President Robbyn Wacker.

“Like me, ‘Mama Jo’ truly cared for our students on a personal level,” said Jim Gray, director of operations at KVSC and team partner with Jo for 27 years. “She knew that their success was dependent on more than just passing a class or learning a skill.

She was more than an educator; she was a life coach.”

The team made KVSC a learning environment, a place to discover potential, develop skills and love of media on state-of-the-art equipment in a professional environment.

Prospective and current students and alumni felt the warmth of Jo’s enthusiasm for good radio and the professionalism she applied to her work.

“She was a great ambassador for KVSC and the University,” said Dale Zacher, professor of mass communications, who was chair of the department during Jo’s last nine years at KVSC. He often brought prospective students to Jo for a station tour.

“She would literally drop everything she was working on and come out with a

smile and engaging conversation that began with, ‘Where are you from?’” Zacher said.

Jo reached out to former students who willingly came back for KVSC reunions and to share their experiences as broadcast professionals in the “Be the Broadcaster” panel discussions she started seven years ago as a teaching tool.

“To KVSC alumni, she was the person you could always reconnect with,” Zacher said.

KVSC’s most far-reaching campus and community/alumni engagement event remains the legendary Trivia Weekend, which Jo and her team transformed from a fun February activity for winter-weary students in SCSU residence halls into an event involving hundreds of competitors and volunteers. With its digital reach, students, alumni and friends of KVSC from near and far came together year after year to compete in the 50-hour marathon.

Jo also applied her love of music and the arts to leadership roles in the local arts community and to innovative entertainment opportunities, including speakers and concerts on campus and off. When there were opportunities to engage with the community and develop partnerships with the

arts community, she followed through with her signature enthusiasm.

She pursued grants to support Granite City Radio Theatre, now in its 12th season, and relished producing interviews with notable guests. She was immensely proud of KVSC’s first podcast, featuring Holocaust survivor Dr. Henry Oertelt and based on his book detailing how he survived five Nazi concentration camps. She organized Oertelt’s final public presentation to an overflow audience in Ritsche Auditorium, where he shared his life story with students,

Jo smiles for a photo with colleague Derrick Silvestri, UTVS TV studio manager.

staff and members of the community.

She was a member and past president of the Association of Minnesota Public Educational Radio Stations, an organization which recognized her with a lifetime achievement award for her unrelenting vision for how public radio and the arts can bring people together and contribute to the vitality of their communities. She also served on the Minnesota Associated Press Broadcasters board. Jo never forgot the importance of truth in journalism as she advised student news producers and broadcasters.

Like so many of her colleagues at SCSU, Jo had the vision and drive, creativity and skill to take her experience to other places, but she loved investing her life work in KVSC and the students she mentored.

“She knew it was really satisfying to trace a line between the work you’re doing and the impact it has on your students and your community,” said Abby Faulkner, who became friends with Jo while working in local media, including WJON and the St. Cloud Times. “She realized she was helping to form the next generation of media.”

ST. CLOUD STATE MAGAZINE

11

HUSKY PLAZA The gathering place on campus featuring a bronze Husky statue designed by a commissioned artist.

Purchase an engraved brick for the plaza and add to the 650+ bricks already purchased.

scsu.mn/bricks

To help strengthen the collective power of that connection, we are launching an alumni survey in the next St. Cloud State Magazine.

12

In advance of our launch, we ask you to take a moment to share your story at scsu.mn/ourscsu.

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!

SCAN THE QR CODE AND UPDATE YOUR INFO BY FEB. 29 FOR A CHANCE TO

win an iPad

BY THE NUMBERS

More than 131,000 Huskies Alumni worldwide.

HT TP S://TODAY.STCLOUDSTATE.EDU/MAG | FALL 2023 / WINTER 2024

BUILDING COMMUNITY

13

some aspects of campus On-campus living While residence hall living have changed through the years, has big benefits dramatically starting college life in a place filled for SCSU students with new friends and supportive

BY MARSHA SHOEMAKER

staff always has offered priceless benefits for students at SCSU.

“There’s a prevailing desire among students to live on campus, to have that one-one-one connection,” said Patrick Call, executive director of Residential Life at SCSU. “They learn how to interact with people through community involvement and gain a sense of security. They flourish when they come in and make friends.

“The goal is to give them that foothold, to feel safe and secure but also to live into their true selves.”

ST. CLOUD STATE MAGAZINE

HUSKY PLAZA The gathering place on campus featuring a bronze Husky statue designed by a commissioned artist.

Purchase an engraved brick for the plaza and add to the 650+ bricks already purchased.

scsu.mn/bricks

To help strengthen the collective power of that connection, we are launching an alumni survey in the next St. Cloud State Magazine.

12

In advance of our launch, we ask you to take a moment to share your story at scsu.mn/ourscsu.

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!

SCAN THE QR CODE AND UPDATE YOUR INFO BY FEB. 29 FOR A CHANCE TO

win an iPad

BY THE NUMBERS

More than 131,000 Huskies Alumni worldwide.

HT TP S://TODAY.STCLOUDSTATE.EDU/MAG | FALL 2023 / WINTER 2024

BUILDING COMMUNITY

13

some aspects of campus On-campus living While residence hall living have changed through the years, has big benefits dramatically starting college life in a place filled for SCSU students with new friends and supportive

BY MARSHA SHOEMAKER

staff always has offered priceless benefits for students at SCSU.

“There’s a prevailing desire among students to live on campus, to have that one-one-one connection,” said Patrick Call, executive director of Residential Life at SCSU. “They learn how to interact with people through community involvement and gain a sense of security. They flourish when they come in and make friends.

“The goal is to give them that foothold, to feel safe and secure but also to live into their true selves.”

ST. CLOUD STATE MAGAZINE

14

Fall of 2023 across-the-board enrollment increases at SCSU include a 14 percent jump in its on-campus population over fall 2022, to a total of 1,037 living in campus residence halls and enjoying the benefits of campus living.

When junior criminal justice major Taylor Gaston started college, it was during COVID and, like many others, she lived at home in Coon Rapids. When she transitioned to campus living her sophomore year, everything was new to her.

“I didn’t know anybody, but the campus was extremely welcoming,” said Gaston, who had weathered a difficult year that included an abusive relationship.

She reached out and found the on-campus support she needed to move forward from sources including her residence hall community advisor, Counseling Services, Title IX Office and the Women’s Center.

“Everybody made me feel safe.”

“I think it’s amazing to have a roommate, to get different perspectives, figure out how to resolve differences,” Gaston said. “It can be a fun thing and a frustrating thing. It’s kind of awesome.”

Now a junior with campus jobs as desk advisor in Stearns Hall and office worker for Public Safety, Gaston has the experience and empathy to help other students ease into campus life. “In my desk assistant job, I greet students with a smile and hope they open up to me,” she said.

Erin McClure, who has lived or worked around SCSU residence halls for 22 years, also has gone from the receiving end of benefits from living in a residence hall to helping give students the same fantastic experience she had her freshman year in Case-Hill Hall.

“Because of my experience meeting so many people and getting involved on campus that first year, I applied to be a CA (community advisor),” she said. “I wanted to encourage other students to engage in activities on campus, like the staff in my residence hall did for me.”

She was a CA for four years, graduating in 2007. She married Dan McClure, currently a sergeant with the St. Cloud Police

Now we have the most affordable campus housing among MinnState universities.

– PATRICK CALL, executive director of Residential Life

A residence hall is more than just a place to sleep.

It's a place for students to put down their books and enjoy their new home surrounded by friends and activities.

– ERIN McCLURE

Department, who at the time was hall director for W.W. Holes Hall. Their first home together was the Holes Hall director apartment. Erin joined the Department of Residential Life staff and currently is room assignments coordinator.

Through ups and downs of enrollment numbers and the impact of COVID, student housing has made big steps, Call said, including most recently improving security in bathrooms, having single-occupancy rooms available and free laundry.

“COVID took the wind out of everyone’s sails, on campuses everywhere,” Call said. “SCSU responded with giving students what they wanted with more amenities at the right price point.

HT TP S://TODAY.STCLOUDSTATE.EDU/MAG | FALL 2023 / WINTER 2024

“Coming into this year we reduced the cost of housing rate by 15 percent. Now we have the most affordable campus housing among MinnState universities.”

The University is attracting students to on-campus living with new opportunities, including an overnight program that invites incoming students to spend a night in a residence hall as part of their advising and registration days during the summer before freshman year. “From the feedback, this program has been very well received,” Call said. “We’re also engaging in better marketing and have upgraded our website with a 3D view of our residential rooms.”

Just as residence hall living has evolved over the years, so have the challenges for

helping new students adjust, said Call.

“Many students aren’t used to the level of sharing on-campus living entails. We’ve found that the majority had their own rooms; half had their own bathrooms,” he said. “Hearing someone else breathe in the same room is a new experience.”

Early 20th century roommates in Lawrence Hall for women shared a double bed and a study table. Up through the 1950s, residents of “Larry” and Shoemaker halls were required to wear dresses and stand for prayers at meals served in basement dining halls. Their phone conversations were carried out on the single phone serving the entire “dorm”, and curfews for freshmen were strictly enforced by housemothers. Restrictions reflected the mores and practices of the times.

“For today’s students, life in general is different,” McClure said. “The development of technology has changed how we do things on campus. When I was a

freshman, I bought a laptop and a printer for in my room but didn’t use it as much as students do now. I would go to the library and use the computers there.”

McClure recalls there was more interaction among residents in earlier times, before cell phones and video games occupied much of their time.

“Everyone on our floors had the doors open and we would go from room to room visiting with floormates, working on homework, watching what the popular show was at the time,” she said. “I see students now able to do almost everything they need to do from within their room, with their door shut. I’m sure COVID had a lot to do with that. Besides the pressures of academic life, students are facing the new experience of sharing personal space.”

The hundreds of international students who come to campus each year have even greater adjustments to overcome as they get comfortable in a new country and interact-

ing with people from other cultures.

“I have one student from Japan who is rooming with a student from Minnesota,” said Simi Lifwatila, a community advisor in Shoemaker Hall who came to St. Cloud State from Zambia last year with his twin brother Kalumba, also a residence hall community advisor. “They’re getting to know each other” he said. “It takes a while to get used to having a roommate.”

Lifwatila said “being there for them” is an important part of his role.

“We sit down and talk about their issues or problems and try to help them find common ground,” he said.

Mitchell Hall community advisor Grant Kiley moved into Case Hall from his hometown of Holdingford his freshman year.

“I was really excited about the fact that I got to meet new people and had a campus to explore,” he said. “I learned having good social network of people, having that community, is important.”

“I like being a community advisor a lot,” added Kiley, who is a music education major. “It’s a really good opportunity to get to help build a hall community. I think living on campus is good way for everyone to start.”

“We do everything we can in Residential Life to have students engaged with constant activities going on,” McClure said. “A residence hall is more than just a place to sleep. It’s a place for students to put down their books and enjoy their new home surrounded by friends and activities.”

IT’S TIME IN ACTION Individualized support of students is a key advantage of living in the residence halls at St. Cloud State University.

Learn more at scsu.mn/itstime

ST. CLOUD STATE MAGAZINE

15

14

Fall of 2023 across-the-board enrollment increases at SCSU include a 14 percent jump in its on-campus population over fall 2022, to a total of 1,037 living in campus residence halls and enjoying the benefits of campus living.

When junior criminal justice major Taylor Gaston started college, it was during COVID and, like many others, she lived at home in Coon Rapids. When she transitioned to campus living her sophomore year, everything was new to her.

“I didn’t know anybody, but the campus was extremely welcoming,” said Gaston, who had weathered a difficult year that included an abusive relationship.

She reached out and found the on-campus support she needed to move forward from sources including her residence hall community advisor, Counseling Services, Title IX Office and the Women’s Center.

“Everybody made me feel safe.”

“I think it’s amazing to have a roommate, to get different perspectives, figure out how to resolve differences,” Gaston said. “It can be a fun thing and a frustrating thing. It’s kind of awesome.”

Now a junior with campus jobs as desk advisor in Stearns Hall and office worker for Public Safety, Gaston has the experience and empathy to help other students ease into campus life. “In my desk assistant job, I greet students with a smile and hope they open up to me,” she said.

Erin McClure, who has lived or worked around SCSU residence halls for 22 years, also has gone from the receiving end of benefits from living in a residence hall to helping give students the same fantastic experience she had her freshman year in Case-Hill Hall.

“Because of my experience meeting so many people and getting involved on campus that first year, I applied to be a CA (community advisor),” she said. “I wanted to encourage other students to engage in activities on campus, like the staff in my residence hall did for me.”

She was a CA for four years, graduating in 2007. She married Dan McClure, currently a sergeant with the St. Cloud Police

Now we have the most affordable campus housing among MinnState universities.

– PATRICK CALL, executive director of Residential Life

A residence hall is more than just a place to sleep.

It's a place for students to put down their books and enjoy their new home surrounded by friends and activities.

– ERIN McCLURE

Department, who at the time was hall director for W.W. Holes Hall. Their first home together was the Holes Hall director apartment. Erin joined the Department of Residential Life staff and currently is room assignments coordinator.

Through ups and downs of enrollment numbers and the impact of COVID, student housing has made big steps, Call said, including most recently improving security in bathrooms, having single-occupancy rooms available and free laundry.

“COVID took the wind out of everyone’s sails, on campuses everywhere,” Call said. “SCSU responded with giving students what they wanted with more amenities at the right price point.

HT TP S://TODAY.STCLOUDSTATE.EDU/MAG | FALL 2023 / WINTER 2024

“Coming into this year we reduced the cost of housing rate by 15 percent. Now we have the most affordable campus housing among MinnState universities.”

The University is attracting students to on-campus living with new opportunities, including an overnight program that invites incoming students to spend a night in a residence hall as part of their advising and registration days during the summer before freshman year. “From the feedback, this program has been very well received,” Call said. “We’re also engaging in better marketing and have upgraded our website with a 3D view of our residential rooms.”

Just as residence hall living has evolved over the years, so have the challenges for

helping new students adjust, said Call.

“Many students aren’t used to the level of sharing on-campus living entails. We’ve found that the majority had their own rooms; half had their own bathrooms,” he said. “Hearing someone else breathe in the same room is a new experience.”

Early 20th century roommates in Lawrence Hall for women shared a double bed and a study table. Up through the 1950s, residents of “Larry” and Shoemaker halls were required to wear dresses and stand for prayers at meals served in basement dining halls. Their phone conversations were carried out on the single phone serving the entire “dorm”, and curfews for freshmen were strictly enforced by housemothers. Restrictions reflected the mores and practices of the times.

“For today’s students, life in general is different,” McClure said. “The development of technology has changed how we do things on campus. When I was a

freshman, I bought a laptop and a printer for in my room but didn’t use it as much as students do now. I would go to the library and use the computers there.”

McClure recalls there was more interaction among residents in earlier times, before cell phones and video games occupied much of their time.

“Everyone on our floors had the doors open and we would go from room to room visiting with floormates, working on homework, watching what the popular show was at the time,” she said. “I see students now able to do almost everything they need to do from within their room, with their door shut. I’m sure COVID had a lot to do with that. Besides the pressures of academic life, students are facing the new experience of sharing personal space.”

The hundreds of international students who come to campus each year have even greater adjustments to overcome as they get comfortable in a new country and interact-

ing with people from other cultures.

“I have one student from Japan who is rooming with a student from Minnesota,” said Simi Lifwatila, a community advisor in Shoemaker Hall who came to St. Cloud State from Zambia last year with his twin brother Kalumba, also a residence hall community advisor. “They’re getting to know each other” he said. “It takes a while to get used to having a roommate.”

Lifwatila said “being there for them” is an important part of his role.

“We sit down and talk about their issues or problems and try to help them find common ground,” he said.

Mitchell Hall community advisor Grant Kiley moved into Case Hall from his hometown of Holdingford his freshman year.

“I was really excited about the fact that I got to meet new people and had a campus to explore,” he said. “I learned having good social network of people, having that community, is important.”

“I like being a community advisor a lot,” added Kiley, who is a music education major. “It’s a really good opportunity to get to help build a hall community. I think living on campus is good way for everyone to start.”

“We do everything we can in Residential Life to have students engaged with constant activities going on,” McClure said. “A residence hall is more than just a place to sleep. It’s a place for students to put down their books and enjoy their new home surrounded by friends and activities.”

IT’S TIME IN ACTION Individualized support of students is a key advantage of living in the residence halls at St. Cloud State University.

Learn more at scsu.mn/itstime

ST. CLOUD STATE MAGAZINE

15

BY MARSHA SHOEMAKER

W

hen Hope Williams decided last year to get her MBA while furthering her career, she found that St. Cloud State, her dad’s alma mater, had the accredited business school and 100 percent online program she wanted with an accelerated pace and specialized courses that prepared her for every aspect of her career.

“I always knew I wanted to get my MBA, and I had looked at a few different options before deciding on the Herberger Business School,” said Williams, who had earned her undergraduate degree in finance at the University of Minnesota just a year before starting at SCSU. “I got my bachelor’s during the COVID pandemic, and most everything was online,” Williams said. “Taking courses at my own pace came easily to me, so I knew going to school and working full time was an ideal situation for pursuing my MBA. The program was a great fit for me personally.”

“Now I am 23 years old, with an MBA, and am an executive director of a great organization,” said Williams, who heads the Economic Alliance economic development organization that serves all of Minnesota’s Wadena County.

“Almost everything I do on a daily basis was part of the MBA program at St. Cloud State. I focus daily on economic concerns and helping businesses succeed, whether that be writing a business plan, finding funding options or discussing the steps to a start-up.”

The Herberger Business School has been offering MBA programs that fit the changing needs of graduate students

INNOVATIVE

GROWTH Online MBA program sees strong results by meeting student expectations

HT TP S://TODAY.STCLOUDSTATE.EDU/MAG | FALL 2023 / WINTER 2024

More people can access this program in which their learning takes place alongside their work life.

We meet them where they are.

– MATT TROMBLEY, MBA interim director

ST. CLOUD STATE MAGAZINE

17

BY MARSHA SHOEMAKER

W

hen Hope Williams decided last year to get her MBA while furthering her career, she found that St. Cloud State, her dad’s alma mater, had the accredited business school and 100 percent online program she wanted with an accelerated pace and specialized courses that prepared her for every aspect of her career.

“I always knew I wanted to get my MBA, and I had looked at a few different options before deciding on the Herberger Business School,” said Williams, who had earned her undergraduate degree in finance at the University of Minnesota just a year before starting at SCSU. “I got my bachelor’s during the COVID pandemic, and most everything was online,” Williams said. “Taking courses at my own pace came easily to me, so I knew going to school and working full time was an ideal situation for pursuing my MBA. The program was a great fit for me personally.”

“Now I am 23 years old, with an MBA, and am an executive director of a great organization,” said Williams, who heads the Economic Alliance economic development organization that serves all of Minnesota’s Wadena County.

“Almost everything I do on a daily basis was part of the MBA program at St. Cloud State. I focus daily on economic concerns and helping businesses succeed, whether that be writing a business plan, finding funding options or discussing the steps to a start-up.”

The Herberger Business School has been offering MBA programs that fit the changing needs of graduate students

INNOVATIVE

GROWTH Online MBA program sees strong results by meeting student expectations

HT TP S://TODAY.STCLOUDSTATE.EDU/MAG | FALL 2023 / WINTER 2024

More people can access this program in which their learning takes place alongside their work life.

We meet them where they are.

– MATT TROMBLEY, MBA interim director

ST. CLOUD STATE MAGAZINE

17

18

for several years at locations in St. Cloud and at the University’s Plymouth campus. Students tended to have full-time jobs and often families and other responsibilities that would make it difficult for them to enter a traditional MBA program.

The online MBA program evolved to help greater numbers of students figure out their own capabilities and access the education that will allow them to reach their career potential.

“It’s becoming less common for people to have the means and lifestyle to step out of the workforce and take two years out of their life to earn an MBA with in-person classes on a campus,” said Matt Trombley, interim director of the 100 percent online program that students can finish in as few as 10 months. “More people can access this program in which their learning takes place alongside their work life. We meet them where they are.”

Trombley also pointed out that because the online program reaches more potential students, it is accommodating more women and more people of color, making the program more diverse.

Adrina Johnson, who lives in Sandstone, was drawn to the program based on the length of the semesters.

“I loved getting to go at my own pace and not having to rush or drag through each course,” she said. “I was a little nervous about returning to school being a mom of two and working full time, but I had the best support from my family and was awarded a scholarship from my current employer to pay for one whole semester.”

Johnson’s area of focus was on management and leadership. “I want to progress quickly in my career and someday have my own business,” she said. “I have been able to apply many of the skills and tools I learned in many of the management courses. I work in

human resources and tiptoe a little into the IT world, and taking the MBA classes has allowed a new light to shine on what is happening in front of me.

“I want to go much further with my degrees, but my MBA has already helped me grow so much as an employee that I hope to return to SCSU to piggyback off my current degrees and continue growing my education.”

A big part of St. Cloud State’s It’s Time strategic framework is offering individualized options and programs to help all students succeed. The evolving, changing educational landscape demands that institutions do just that, and the fact that SCSU’s programs, including the online MBA program, are attracting greater numbers indicates that the strategic planning is working.

“Fundamentally we think through what we need to do every step of the way,” said Katherina Pattit, dean of the Herberger Business School. “Professors are challenged to be very mindful of the student’s experience and how to get them to arrive at the place they need to be. We know that some students do better online, just as some still need at least some in-person classes.”

Students select an MBA concentration, tapping into the expertise of SCSU’s faculty. They can concentrate on these specialties to get the specific skills they need to attain their personal goals.

Faculty have modified courses, refining, updating and polishing them to help students meet their specific needs. “The faculty have done a great, great job,” Pattit said. “Some have optional or Q & A sessions, or offer bonus material. They present the material in a way that works, building an individualized program that fits how they interact with students. Quality matters, and professors and students

ONLINE MBA FITS REAL-LIFE SCENARIOS Dr. Julie Weber-Kramer illustrated how the accelerated online MBA program is allowing many students to earn their degree while also maintaining their careers and needed income, participating in activities with family and friends and even enjoying a favorite hobby.

Here are anecdotes about some of her students she has taught in eight sections of courses:

An elder care administrator who was newly promoted into this role from a nursing leadership position pursued the program in order to develop her business knowledge to complement her clinical expertise. Both are critical to the success of an administrator. She was able to apply what she learned in real time, benefitting her, the organization and its employees and residents.

A vice president who travels frequently for his job and is a husband and father of a toddler excelled with rigorous planning. He would often study on the road, at night or on the weekends while his child was resting. His professors were responsive to his questions during these non-typical “business hours” to ensure that he stayed on track. He often applied what he was learning in his work with the executive team he was part of. He and his family were even able to enjoy their treasured “Minnesota cabin time” while he was in the program.

A recent college graduate, working full time but with limited work experience, took advantage of his class and group discussions to learn about various industries and professions and various methods of conducting business. He sought out practical advice from his peers and found it accelerated his learning curve at work.

HT TP S://TODAY.STCLOUDSTATE.EDU/MAG | FALL 2023 / WINTER 2024

always will be interacting.”

“The asynchronous format ensures the learning process is available to students anywhere, anytime so they may fit it into their busy schedules,” said Dr. Julie Weber-Kramer, an instructor in SCSU’s Department of Management and Entrepreneurship. “It requires discipline and commitment to complete the program successfully. But the payoffs in professional development, networking opportunities, career advancement and other benefits are valuable.”

“The workload is demanding, and students are expected to put in about 18 hours a week reading and doing case analysis,” added Professor Rajesh Gulati, who is chair of the Department of Marketing in the Herberger Business School and has been teaching MBA courses for more than a decade. “That is a heavy load. They have to be devoted.”

“We are offering seven-week sessions with intensive course work,” he added. “With accelerated classes, we’re seeing full classes.”

Overall, SCSU has seen an 11.6 percent increase in the number of graduate students, including MBA students, for fall semester 2023. The MBA program has experienced dramatic growth over the past year, with 350 percent growth since May of 2022, currently enrolling over 340 students.

“We are definitely giving students what they need,” Gulati said. “We are attracting people in an area around St. Cloud maybe 150 miles. These students benefiting from the online program wouldn’t otherwise be able to complete a graduate degree.”

We are definitely giving students what they need ... these students benefiting from the online program wouldn’t otherwise be able to complete a graduate degree.

– PROFESSOR RAJESH GULATI

LIFELONG LEARNING St. Cloud State University’s Professional and Continuing Education (PACE) is offering lifelong learning in a non-traditional way.

PACE allows individuals or teams within organizations to gain certificates, digital badges or customized training to move them forward in their career. Different than enrolling within a college, PACE allows an accelerated path to success.

PACE offers courses for all members of the community, and it works with businesses to design customized programs for specific needs of their associates.

MORE ACCELERATED ONLINE PROGRAMS While SCSU offers six different concentrations of online accelerated MBA programs, that isn’t the only degree you can get on an accelerated timeline.

The Master of Science in Educational Administration and Leadership is also offered, which is part of SCSU’s College of Education and Learning Design.

The flexibility of the online program fits with a busy lifestyle, and course content is designed with the experiences and views of today’s educators in mind. This degree enables educators to become a dynamic leader of a school or school district.

IT’S TIME IN ACTION The online MBA program is extending St. Cloud State University's reach in Minnesota and the world, creating new opportunities for educational access to adult learners.

Learn more at scsu.mn/itstime ST. CLOUD STATE MAGAZINE

19

18

for several years at locations in St. Cloud and at the University’s Plymouth campus. Students tended to have full-time jobs and often families and other responsibilities that would make it difficult for them to enter a traditional MBA program.

The online MBA program evolved to help greater numbers of students figure out their own capabilities and access the education that will allow them to reach their career potential.

“It’s becoming less common for people to have the means and lifestyle to step out of the workforce and take two years out of their life to earn an MBA with in-person classes on a campus,” said Matt Trombley, interim director of the 100 percent online program that students can finish in as few as 10 months. “More people can access this program in which their learning takes place alongside their work life. We meet them where they are.”

Trombley also pointed out that because the online program reaches more potential students, it is accommodating more women and more people of color, making the program more diverse.

Adrina Johnson, who lives in Sandstone, was drawn to the program based on the length of the semesters.

“I loved getting to go at my own pace and not having to rush or drag through each course,” she said. “I was a little nervous about returning to school being a mom of two and working full time, but I had the best support from my family and was awarded a scholarship from my current employer to pay for one whole semester.”

Johnson’s area of focus was on management and leadership. “I want to progress quickly in my career and someday have my own business,” she said. “I have been able to apply many of the skills and tools I learned in many of the management courses. I work in

human resources and tiptoe a little into the IT world, and taking the MBA classes has allowed a new light to shine on what is happening in front of me.

“I want to go much further with my degrees, but my MBA has already helped me grow so much as an employee that I hope to return to SCSU to piggyback off my current degrees and continue growing my education.”

A big part of St. Cloud State’s It’s Time strategic framework is offering individualized options and programs to help all students succeed. The evolving, changing educational landscape demands that institutions do just that, and the fact that SCSU’s programs, including the online MBA program, are attracting greater numbers indicates that the strategic planning is working.

“Fundamentally we think through what we need to do every step of the way,” said Katherina Pattit, dean of the Herberger Business School. “Professors are challenged to be very mindful of the student’s experience and how to get them to arrive at the place they need to be. We know that some students do better online, just as some still need at least some in-person classes.”

Students select an MBA concentration, tapping into the expertise of SCSU’s faculty. They can concentrate on these specialties to get the specific skills they need to attain their personal goals.

Faculty have modified courses, refining, updating and polishing them to help students meet their specific needs. “The faculty have done a great, great job,” Pattit said. “Some have optional or Q & A sessions, or offer bonus material. They present the material in a way that works, building an individualized program that fits how they interact with students. Quality matters, and professors and students

ONLINE MBA FITS REAL-LIFE SCENARIOS Dr. Julie Weber-Kramer illustrated how the accelerated online MBA program is allowing many students to earn their degree while also maintaining their careers and needed income, participating in activities with family and friends and even enjoying a favorite hobby.

Here are anecdotes about some of her students she has taught in eight sections of courses:

An elder care administrator who was newly promoted into this role from a nursing leadership position pursued the program in order to develop her business knowledge to complement her clinical expertise. Both are critical to the success of an administrator. She was able to apply what she learned in real time, benefitting her, the organization and its employees and residents.

A vice president who travels frequently for his job and is a husband and father of a toddler excelled with rigorous planning. He would often study on the road, at night or on the weekends while his child was resting. His professors were responsive to his questions during these non-typical “business hours” to ensure that he stayed on track. He often applied what he was learning in his work with the executive team he was part of. He and his family were even able to enjoy their treasured “Minnesota cabin time” while he was in the program.

A recent college graduate, working full time but with limited work experience, took advantage of his class and group discussions to learn about various industries and professions and various methods of conducting business. He sought out practical advice from his peers and found it accelerated his learning curve at work.

HT TP S://TODAY.STCLOUDSTATE.EDU/MAG | FALL 2023 / WINTER 2024

always will be interacting.”

“The asynchronous format ensures the learning process is available to students anywhere, anytime so they may fit it into their busy schedules,” said Dr. Julie Weber-Kramer, an instructor in SCSU’s Department of Management and Entrepreneurship. “It requires discipline and commitment to complete the program successfully. But the payoffs in professional development, networking opportunities, career advancement and other benefits are valuable.”

“The workload is demanding, and students are expected to put in about 18 hours a week reading and doing case analysis,” added Professor Rajesh Gulati, who is chair of the Department of Marketing in the Herberger Business School and has been teaching MBA courses for more than a decade. “That is a heavy load. They have to be devoted.”

“We are offering seven-week sessions with intensive course work,” he added. “With accelerated classes, we’re seeing full classes.”

Overall, SCSU has seen an 11.6 percent increase in the number of graduate students, including MBA students, for fall semester 2023. The MBA program has experienced dramatic growth over the past year, with 350 percent growth since May of 2022, currently enrolling over 340 students.

“We are definitely giving students what they need,” Gulati said. “We are attracting people in an area around St. Cloud maybe 150 miles. These students benefiting from the online program wouldn’t otherwise be able to complete a graduate degree.”

We are definitely giving students what they need ... these students benefiting from the online program wouldn’t otherwise be able to complete a graduate degree.

– PROFESSOR RAJESH GULATI

LIFELONG LEARNING St. Cloud State University’s Professional and Continuing Education (PACE) is offering lifelong learning in a non-traditional way.

PACE allows individuals or teams within organizations to gain certificates, digital badges or customized training to move them forward in their career. Different than enrolling within a college, PACE allows an accelerated path to success.

PACE offers courses for all members of the community, and it works with businesses to design customized programs for specific needs of their associates.

MORE ACCELERATED ONLINE PROGRAMS While SCSU offers six different concentrations of online accelerated MBA programs, that isn’t the only degree you can get on an accelerated timeline.

The Master of Science in Educational Administration and Leadership is also offered, which is part of SCSU’s College of Education and Learning Design.

The flexibility of the online program fits with a busy lifestyle, and course content is designed with the experiences and views of today’s educators in mind. This degree enables educators to become a dynamic leader of a school or school district.

IT’S TIME IN ACTION The online MBA program is extending St. Cloud State University's reach in Minnesota and the world, creating new opportunities for educational access to adult learners.

Learn more at scsu.mn/itstime ST. CLOUD STATE MAGAZINE

19

BY ZACH DWYER

MAKING WAVES

Generations of SCSU swimmers gives program a family feel

Olivia and Amelia Travis pose for a photo at the NSIC Championships.

HT TP S://TODAY.STCLOUDSTATE.EDU/MAG | FALL 2023 / WINTER 2024

Family.

It’s not just a reference to the group of people you shared a home with growing up.

It’s a feeling, a sense of belonging that most athletics teams strive for. It’s conveyed in support, friendship, love for one another.

What about when you combine both ideas?

Last season five different St. Cloud State University swimmers had parents who also swam for the program simultaneously in the early 1990s, showcasing the multi-generational talent that the Huskies take pride in.

Jeff Hegle ’93 has been the head coach of the men’s and women’s swimming & diving teams for the past 23 years, a key figure in building a positive team culture that can span decades.

“Kids want to go where they know where they’re going to have a good experience,” Hegle said. “It’s helpful to know the parents, who know what our program is about.

“The talent level has improved so much, and the number of good, quality student athletes. Swimmers and divers want to be around kids who are successful and fast.”

That competition has generated some of the strongest team performances in history. The women’s team has won conference titles five times in the past decade, annually sending athletes to the Division II national meet. The men’s team finished 13th at nationals in 2023, nearly their

highest finish in the program’s 58-year history.

But awards aren’t what makes the SCSU program special.

“It’s not just all about swimming,” Hegle said. “It’s important to us that the kids have good balance. That’s refreshing for a lot of kids, who come from where swimming has been their whole life and it defines them. There are also other things in life that are important.”

BEING A HUSKY Hegle’s daughter Caitlin was convinced she wouldn’t attend SCSU. Her dad had been the Huskies head coach her entire life, and she was ready to make her own path.

But the moment she stepped on campus for an official visit, her perspective quickly changed. She knew she would be a Husky.

“What’s cool is I have a different perspective than a lot of student athletes,” Caitlin Hegle said. “I saw the coach side of it way before I saw the athlete side, since my dad started coaching the year I was born. I knew the heart and effort and passion that my dad put into this team, I knew what that looked like.”

Whether it was having 70 people in her childhood home for team dinners every few months or seeing her dad work 60plus hour weeks during the season, Caitlin believes no one is more hardworking than Jeff Hegle.

And that type of leadership tends to rub off on a team.

“He does it all while encouraging others and being a great role model and

great person,” Caitlin said about her father.

“Not many people are like that; I’m lucky enough to not only be his kid but have him as a coach.

“Being a Husky is defined by this team.

The hard work, passion, dedication and love for one another; I’m willing to do just about anything for my teammates.”

Those teammates only get to compete directly against each other once each year in the leadup to the regular season at the highly-anticipated red vs. black intra-squad meet.

Hundreds of signatures adorn the red team’s massive flag, making it hard to distinguish specific names.

But the name Pete “Meat Head” Travis stands out in bold blue letters. Over 20 years later the name Olivia Travis was added directly below in 2018, and four years later the name Amelia Travis made an appearance.

Their mom Andrea ’94 ’12 is the lone Travis to compete on the black team, creating a friendly rivalry between the family.

Pete Travis ’95 ’01 was an All-American in the 200-freestyle relay in 1992, joined

by Dave Hobza. Hobza was a two-time AllAmerican in 1991 in the 100 and 200 Fly. Nearly 30 years later, Dave’s daughter Ashton Hobza ’23 and Pete’s daughters Olivia and Amelia were also able to swim together on the same team. Coach Jeff Hegle was a captain on the 1991-92 team, and his daughter Caitlin swam multiple years with Ashton and Olivia at SCSU. “Being able to swim with a teammate whose dad was with my parents was crazy; ST. CLOUD STATE MAGAZINE

21

BY ZACH DWYER

MAKING WAVES

Generations of SCSU swimmers gives program a family feel

Olivia and Amelia Travis pose for a photo at the NSIC Championships.

HT TP S://TODAY.STCLOUDSTATE.EDU/MAG | FALL 2023 / WINTER 2024

Family.

It’s not just a reference to the group of people you shared a home with growing up.

It’s a feeling, a sense of belonging that most athletics teams strive for. It’s conveyed in support, friendship, love for one another.

What about when you combine both ideas?

Last season five different St. Cloud State University swimmers had parents who also swam for the program simultaneously in the early 1990s, showcasing the multi-generational talent that the Huskies take pride in.

Jeff Hegle ’93 has been the head coach of the men’s and women’s swimming & diving teams for the past 23 years, a key figure in building a positive team culture that can span decades.

“Kids want to go where they know where they’re going to have a good experience,” Hegle said. “It’s helpful to know the parents, who know what our program is about.

“The talent level has improved so much, and the number of good, quality student athletes. Swimmers and divers want to be around kids who are successful and fast.”

That competition has generated some of the strongest team performances in history. The women’s team has won conference titles five times in the past decade, annually sending athletes to the Division II national meet. The men’s team finished 13th at nationals in 2023, nearly their

highest finish in the program’s 58-year history.

But awards aren’t what makes the SCSU program special.

“It’s not just all about swimming,” Hegle said. “It’s important to us that the kids have good balance. That’s refreshing for a lot of kids, who come from where swimming has been their whole life and it defines them. There are also other things in life that are important.”

BEING A HUSKY Hegle’s daughter Caitlin was convinced she wouldn’t attend SCSU. Her dad had been the Huskies head coach her entire life, and she was ready to make her own path.

But the moment she stepped on campus for an official visit, her perspective quickly changed. She knew she would be a Husky.

“What’s cool is I have a different perspective than a lot of student athletes,” Caitlin Hegle said. “I saw the coach side of it way before I saw the athlete side, since my dad started coaching the year I was born. I knew the heart and effort and passion that my dad put into this team, I knew what that looked like.”

Whether it was having 70 people in her childhood home for team dinners every few months or seeing her dad work 60plus hour weeks during the season, Caitlin believes no one is more hardworking than Jeff Hegle.

And that type of leadership tends to rub off on a team.

“He does it all while encouraging others and being a great role model and

great person,” Caitlin said about her father.

“Not many people are like that; I’m lucky enough to not only be his kid but have him as a coach.

“Being a Husky is defined by this team.

The hard work, passion, dedication and love for one another; I’m willing to do just about anything for my teammates.”

Those teammates only get to compete directly against each other once each year in the leadup to the regular season at the highly-anticipated red vs. black intra-squad meet.

Hundreds of signatures adorn the red team’s massive flag, making it hard to distinguish specific names.

But the name Pete “Meat Head” Travis stands out in bold blue letters. Over 20 years later the name Olivia Travis was added directly below in 2018, and four years later the name Amelia Travis made an appearance.

Their mom Andrea ’94 ’12 is the lone Travis to compete on the black team, creating a friendly rivalry between the family.

Pete Travis ’95 ’01 was an All-American in the 200-freestyle relay in 1992, joined

by Dave Hobza. Hobza was a two-time AllAmerican in 1991 in the 100 and 200 Fly. Nearly 30 years later, Dave’s daughter Ashton Hobza ’23 and Pete’s daughters Olivia and Amelia were also able to swim together on the same team. Coach Jeff Hegle was a captain on the 1991-92 team, and his daughter Caitlin swam multiple years with Ashton and Olivia at SCSU. “Being able to swim with a teammate whose dad was with my parents was crazy; ST. CLOUD STATE MAGAZINE

21

From left, Ashton Hobza, Caitlin Hegle and Olivia Travis all had their dads compete on the same SCSU swim team in the early 90s.

it’s just the coolest thing ever,” Olivia Travis said.

22 Another former teammate from the early 90s, Chuck Jacobs ’93,

saw his son Nick Jacobs begin as a Husky last year on the men’s team.

SCSU swim and dive alumni are clearly proud of their program. The men’s and women’s teams rank near the top for annual giving in the alumni challenge, having the second and third most donors of any SCSU team in 2022.

And to see a former friend and teammate taking that same program to new heights? Who wouldn’t want their child to experience that same feeling?

“You spent so much time together and you took care of each other; it really became such an important part of my life,” Andrea Travis recalls. “It taught me a lot … Jeff has established such a strong community there.”

BLAZE YOUR OWN TRAIL With parents Pete and Andrea both enjoying long tenures as high school swim and dive coaches, Olivia and Amelia Travis were around the pool deck their entire lives.

Four years apart in age, the only two years the sisters competed together at the high school level were Olivia’s final two years at Dassel-Cokato while Amelia was still a middle schooler.

After setting multiple school records that still stand, including in the 100 backstroke, Olivia had to decide where to go to college and continue her swim career. But she knew one thing for sure: she didn’t want to go where her parents graduated.

HT TP S://TODAY.STCLOUDSTATE.EDU/MAG | FALL 2023 / WINTER 2024

Being a Husky is defined by this team …

The hard work, passion, dedication and love for one another; I’m willing to do just about anything for my teammates.

– CAITLIN HEGLE

“I just remember my parents saying go try it out and see …

I fell in love with it,” Olivia Travis said. “My coach made me feel like I really was going to be taken care of, he’s like another dad … when I had that feeling that this is where I’m meant to be for my college years, it felt right.”

She almost never made it to the college level. Between her freshman and sophomore year of high school in 2015, she suffered a compound fracture of her tibia and fibula. A rod was put in her leg, and while she could still swim, it was unclear if she’d ever be able to compete at her previous level.

But she was determined, managing to be back in the water that fall and qualifying again for the state meet.

“For her to overcome that she worked very hard; for her to get to the level she did at SCSU was pretty phenomenal,” her dad Pete said. “She has resiliency, and SCSU has built that with her. For her to make it to nationals and podium multiple times at conference, it goes to her dedication and what Jeff does with the program. The

coaching staff is top notch.”

After a successful four-year career, Olivia graduated with a degree in communication sciences and disorders in 2022.

Staying at SCSU for her master’s program to become a speech-language pathologist, she had a decision to make.

Would she keep swimming as a graduate student in 2022-23?

“What came down to my decision was getting to swim in college with my sister,” Olivia Travis said. “I thought it would be a great opportunity … to not only be with my team again that I love very much, but be able to experience college swimming with my sister. I think that was one of the best decisions I’ve made because of how close we’ve been able to be.”

And it nearly never happened. Without a shortened season due to COVID-19 in 2021, Olivia likely would’ve already been done with swimming by the time Amelia arrived at SCSU. While Olivia was initially hesitant about becoming a Husky, Amelia never had a doubt.

SCSU was the only school she visited before committing to swim in late spring of her senior year. Any negativity she received about following the same path as her parents and sister were quickly pushed aside.

“Just because I’m going to the same

school as my parents and sister and swimming doesn’t mean I’m not my own person,” Amelia said. “I’m still going to have my own experiences and choosing what I want to do with my life. I’m really happy with all of the decisions I made … the team really is like family.”

LAST SWIM Olivia and Amelia’s parents were thrilled they had a full season to watch both daughters compete together. Able to shed their usual roles as coaches, they could truly be swim parents and travel the Midwest each weekend following both their daughters.

That culminated at SCSU’s conference meet, where Olivia completed her final race as a Husky. The tears had already started flowing during her last 25 yards, and after finishing, she scanned the crowd for her parents.

She gave a bow. A career complete.

“Now I get to join the party; I get to travel with my parents and just watch, so I’m excited for that.”

Amelia was able to come straight up to her for a hug, creating a memorable photo: two sisters embracing post-race, with so many emotions tied to that moment.

It mimicked a similar moment earlier in the year at the St. John’s meet, with Amelia being congratulated after dropping

huge time in one of her races.

“I think those two pictures of us … are probably my two favorite we’ll ever get of us,” Amelia said. “Those were our raw reactions; having that sister moment.”

Amelia made huge strides her freshman season, surpassing what herself or even her coaches could’ve predicted. She displayed dedication and a hardworking mentality that instantly impressed her old sister.

Having her sister’s support was a benefit every step of the way.

“Knowing that she was going to be there at the end of my races was always super comforting for me,” Amelia said about her older sister. “I knew that no matter what, she would be proud of me and come up to me and hug me … even though she was focused on her own races, we were always there for each other.”

“I’m struggling with thinking of my team coming back and not doing what I’ve done for five years,” Olivia added. “But the experience of my fifth year was the coolest thing I’ve ever experienced.”

Amelia’s Instagram caption after that last meet was simple: One Travis left.

But she won’t be alone.

With family as big as SCSU Swimming & Diving, she will have a multi-generational pack of support cheering her on.

The team really is like family.

– AMELIA TRAVIS

Olivia and Amelia Travis embrace after a race.

ST. CLOUD STATE MAGAZINE

23

From left, Ashton Hobza, Caitlin Hegle and Olivia Travis all had their dads compete on the same SCSU swim team in the early 90s.

it’s just the coolest thing ever,” Olivia Travis said.

22 Another former teammate from the early 90s, Chuck Jacobs ’93,

saw his son Nick Jacobs begin as a Husky last year on the men’s team.

SCSU swim and dive alumni are clearly proud of their program. The men’s and women’s teams rank near the top for annual giving in the alumni challenge, having the second and third most donors of any SCSU team in 2022.

And to see a former friend and teammate taking that same program to new heights? Who wouldn’t want their child to experience that same feeling?

“You spent so much time together and you took care of each other; it really became such an important part of my life,” Andrea Travis recalls. “It taught me a lot … Jeff has established such a strong community there.”

BLAZE YOUR OWN TRAIL With parents Pete and Andrea both enjoying long tenures as high school swim and dive coaches, Olivia and Amelia Travis were around the pool deck their entire lives.

Four years apart in age, the only two years the sisters competed together at the high school level were Olivia’s final two years at Dassel-Cokato while Amelia was still a middle schooler.

After setting multiple school records that still stand, including in the 100 backstroke, Olivia had to decide where to go to college and continue her swim career. But she knew one thing for sure: she didn’t want to go where her parents graduated.

HT TP S://TODAY.STCLOUDSTATE.EDU/MAG | FALL 2023 / WINTER 2024

Being a Husky is defined by this team …

The hard work, passion, dedication and love for one another; I’m willing to do just about anything for my teammates.

– CAITLIN HEGLE

“I just remember my parents saying go try it out and see …

I fell in love with it,” Olivia Travis said. “My coach made me feel like I really was going to be taken care of, he’s like another dad … when I had that feeling that this is where I’m meant to be for my college years, it felt right.”

She almost never made it to the college level. Between her freshman and sophomore year of high school in 2015, she suffered a compound fracture of her tibia and fibula. A rod was put in her leg, and while she could still swim, it was unclear if she’d ever be able to compete at her previous level.

But she was determined, managing to be back in the water that fall and qualifying again for the state meet.

“For her to overcome that she worked very hard; for her to get to the level she did at SCSU was pretty phenomenal,” her dad Pete said. “She has resiliency, and SCSU has built that with her. For her to make it to nationals and podium multiple times at conference, it goes to her dedication and what Jeff does with the program. The

coaching staff is top notch.”

After a successful four-year career, Olivia graduated with a degree in communication sciences and disorders in 2022.

Staying at SCSU for her master’s program to become a speech-language pathologist, she had a decision to make.

Would she keep swimming as a graduate student in 2022-23?

“What came down to my decision was getting to swim in college with my sister,” Olivia Travis said. “I thought it would be a great opportunity … to not only be with my team again that I love very much, but be able to experience college swimming with my sister. I think that was one of the best decisions I’ve made because of how close we’ve been able to be.”

And it nearly never happened. Without a shortened season due to COVID-19 in 2021, Olivia likely would’ve already been done with swimming by the time Amelia arrived at SCSU. While Olivia was initially hesitant about becoming a Husky, Amelia never had a doubt.

SCSU was the only school she visited before committing to swim in late spring of her senior year. Any negativity she received about following the same path as her parents and sister were quickly pushed aside.

“Just because I’m going to the same

school as my parents and sister and swimming doesn’t mean I’m not my own person,” Amelia said. “I’m still going to have my own experiences and choosing what I want to do with my life. I’m really happy with all of the decisions I made … the team really is like family.”

LAST SWIM Olivia and Amelia’s parents were thrilled they had a full season to watch both daughters compete together. Able to shed their usual roles as coaches, they could truly be swim parents and travel the Midwest each weekend following both their daughters.

That culminated at SCSU’s conference meet, where Olivia completed her final race as a Husky. The tears had already started flowing during her last 25 yards, and after finishing, she scanned the crowd for her parents.

She gave a bow. A career complete.

“Now I get to join the party; I get to travel with my parents and just watch, so I’m excited for that.”

Amelia was able to come straight up to her for a hug, creating a memorable photo: two sisters embracing post-race, with so many emotions tied to that moment.

It mimicked a similar moment earlier in the year at the St. John’s meet, with Amelia being congratulated after dropping

huge time in one of her races.

“I think those two pictures of us … are probably my two favorite we’ll ever get of us,” Amelia said. “Those were our raw reactions; having that sister moment.”

Amelia made huge strides her freshman season, surpassing what herself or even her coaches could’ve predicted. She displayed dedication and a hardworking mentality that instantly impressed her old sister.

Having her sister’s support was a benefit every step of the way.

“Knowing that she was going to be there at the end of my races was always super comforting for me,” Amelia said about her older sister. “I knew that no matter what, she would be proud of me and come up to me and hug me … even though she was focused on her own races, we were always there for each other.”

“I’m struggling with thinking of my team coming back and not doing what I’ve done for five years,” Olivia added. “But the experience of my fifth year was the coolest thing I’ve ever experienced.”

Amelia’s Instagram caption after that last meet was simple: One Travis left.

But she won’t be alone.

With family as big as SCSU Swimming & Diving, she will have a multi-generational pack of support cheering her on.

The team really is like family.

– AMELIA TRAVIS

Olivia and Amelia Travis embrace after a race.

ST. CLOUD STATE MAGAZINE

23

BY ZACH DWYER

SAKINA SCSU alumni, staff, students and friends are bold thinkers, influencers, change makers and leaders in the region, around the country and the globe.

24

Afghanistan refugee maintains hope despite turbulent 12 months Note: Sakina’s last name has been omitted out of respect for her safety

Be Huskies proud. Be part of #OurSCSU. Share your story and find others. scsu.mn/ourscsu

Courage is a characteristic that speaks through actions.

Sakina, a 2021 graduate of St. Cloud State University, has displayed it throughout her entire life.

It took courage to attend university in her home country of Afghanistan, a path often not supported for women.

Courage to move thousands of miles away to earn a master’s degree at St. Cloud State and return home to use her new skills to better her country.

And it also took courage to flee when her safety was no longer guaranteed.

Aug. 15, 2021, was the day her life suddenly became unsafe.

Afghanistan’s capital city of Kabul was captured by the Taliban. Her country’s government had officially collapsed.

“I’ll never forget that in my whole life, because that was one of the two worst days in my life,” Sakina said. “The second worst day in my life was Aug. 21, 2022, (when) I had to leave my country. Now I’m out of my country and I don’t know if and when I’ll be able to go back.”

FINDING HER WAY Sakina first came to America in August of 2019, attending SCSU to earn a master’s degree in psychology. She had earlier received a bachelor’s degree in psychology and educational sciences from Kabul University in Afghanistan, working in multiple roles in psychology and later finance and human resources.

Words cannot describe how difficult that time was. We were feeling left behind. All of these allies and the countries that have been helping us (for) 20 years have just left us, and all our neighbors closed their borders to us.

Sakina ’21 is pictured at Clark University, where she is now pursuing a second master’s degree.

HT TP S://TODAY.STCLOUDSTATE.EDU/MAG | FALL 2023 / WINTER 2024

– SAKINA

ST. CLOUD STATE MAGAZINE

25

BY ZACH DWYER

SAKINA SCSU alumni, staff, students and friends are bold thinkers, influencers, change makers and leaders in the region, around the country and the globe.

24

Afghanistan refugee maintains hope despite turbulent 12 months Note: Sakina’s last name has been omitted out of respect for her safety

Be Huskies proud. Be part of #OurSCSU. Share your story and find others. scsu.mn/ourscsu

Courage is a characteristic that speaks through actions.

Sakina, a 2021 graduate of St. Cloud State University, has displayed it throughout her entire life.

It took courage to attend university in her home country of Afghanistan, a path often not supported for women.

Courage to move thousands of miles away to earn a master’s degree at St. Cloud State and return home to use her new skills to better her country.

And it also took courage to flee when her safety was no longer guaranteed.

Aug. 15, 2021, was the day her life suddenly became unsafe.

Afghanistan’s capital city of Kabul was captured by the Taliban. Her country’s government had officially collapsed.

“I’ll never forget that in my whole life, because that was one of the two worst days in my life,” Sakina said. “The second worst day in my life was Aug. 21, 2022, (when) I had to leave my country. Now I’m out of my country and I don’t know if and when I’ll be able to go back.”

FINDING HER WAY Sakina first came to America in August of 2019, attending SCSU to earn a master’s degree in psychology. She had earlier received a bachelor’s degree in psychology and educational sciences from Kabul University in Afghanistan, working in multiple roles in psychology and later finance and human resources.

Words cannot describe how difficult that time was. We were feeling left behind. All of these allies and the countries that have been helping us (for) 20 years have just left us, and all our neighbors closed their borders to us.

Sakina ’21 is pictured at Clark University, where she is now pursuing a second master’s degree.

HT TP S://TODAY.STCLOUDSTATE.EDU/MAG | FALL 2023 / WINTER 2024

– SAKINA

ST. CLOUD STATE MAGAZINE

25

I was glad there was such a broad base of help, there was probably close to 100 people that contributed to her journey.

– JOHN FENNIG

26

“I (wanted) to learn how to use psychology in an organization, because I was able to see government and non-government organizations’ troubles and issues,” Sakina said from her work experience. “I started looking for programs abroad, and we have the Fulbright program, which is a cultural exchange program between governments.”

Sakina received the Fulbright scholarship in addition to the P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship, which provides scholarships for international women students to pursue graduate studies in the U.S. or Canada.

These scholarships, along with Sakina’s work experience, passion for learning and desire for high-quality education, compelled her to start in industrial-organizational psychology at SCSU. “I had a really nice time at SCSU; I enjoyed the program a lot,” she said. “I was learning what I was looking forward to.

Because I had experience, I could connect the learning with what I used to do … (the professors) were really generous in helping me learn more and more.”

During her time at SCSU, Sakina also became involved in MPPAW (Minnesota Professionals for Psychology Applied to Work). SCSU has been an active participant in MPPAW, sending a large number of students through the annual program.

Dr. John Fennig, founder of DRI Consulting, spoke virtually at an MPPAW meeting in 2020 and would later go on to serve as the organization’s president. When Sakina signed up for the mentorship program, they were paired up. She described him as “amazing”, helping guide her through the process of looking for work post-master’s degree.

“She has a profound desire to serve; she’s very poised,” Fennig said in describing Sakina. “(She) has very high emotional intelligence. Hats off to any international student learning and performing in a second language … I really admire that.”

Compelled to return back to Afghanistan, Sakina was pleased with the preparation she received in her two-year stint

HT TP S://TODAY.STCLOUDSTATE.EDU/MAG | FALL 2023 / WINTER 2024

in the United States.

“SCSU and the program and my professional community in St. Cloud helped me to achieve (my) goal,” she said. “I was feeling so good after graduation. Now I’m going to go back home with all I’d learned so far, and I had all these plans and hopes to give back to my home country.”

Despite never getting to meet in person before her graduation in May 2021, Sakina and Fennig had already created a strong bond.

But there was no way to predict how deep that bond would grow over the following year.

FEELING LEFT BEHIND Sakina joined the International Assistance Mission (IAM) upon her return to Afghanistan, taking the role of national human resources manager. IAM is the oldest non-governmental organization in the country, and her position was responsible for leading HR across all of Afghanistan.

“It was challenging and a big position; but the organization gave me flexibility, authority and responsibility to make changes as needed. Everything was going well for 2.5 months.”

But then the government collapsed.

And Sakina’s world turned upside down.

“It wasn’t just about staying home and not being able to go to work as a woman, it was about life threat,” she said.“I belong to a minority called Hazaras, and we are the most hated group by the Taliban. When they took the government, we thought this was the end of life for us.”

Sakina being a woman who had studied in the United States and earned an education put her life at greater risk than the average citizen.

“It was a very, very difficult time,” she said. “Words cannot describe how difficult that time was. We were feeling left behind.

All of these allies and the countries that have been helping us (for) 20 years have just left us, and all our neighbors closed their borders to us.”

“She courageously showed up at anti-Taliban rallies; I was scared for her, but she wanted to have a voice,” her mentor John Fennig said. “She did heroic stuff in her organization as head of HR.” Where do people go when there’s big problems? Human Resources.

This forced Sakina to summon an incredible strength within herself. With young nieces terrified, she said she would comfort them and pretend everything was okay.

Whether at work or at home, Afghanistan’s difficulties were always front of mind.

“I didn’t have enough time to analyze my feelings and my thoughts,” she said. “I needed to be available for my family, I needed to be available for my colleagues; at the same time, I had this life

threat. I was afraid of putting my family at risk because of my work experience and education in the U.S.” She was losing her faith in humanity, and her hope was starting to fade.

But she hadn’t been left behind.

Sakina still had a group of allies in the U.S. ready to do whatever it took to get her to safety.

LIFE-CHANGING CALL It was just an average August day at the Baker National Golf Course in Medina, Minnesota for John Fennig. But then his phone rang, and he saw Sakina was calling.

“I will never play a round of golf without thinking of how fortunate we are and how much privilege we have, because at that moment on the course she was telling me how her government had fallen and an enemy of the Hazara tribe is now in power,” Fennig said. “My life changed significantly in August of 2021.”

Fennig was in contact with Sakina over the following months as she navigated the toughest time of her life. She was extremely grateful for that connection and care.

“He has a great heart; he provided financial, professional, emotional support,” Sakina said. “John’s support was lifesaving at that time … I could share my emotions and fears. He was giving me hope and praying to help me feel strong.”

The decision to leave her country was difficult, but she eventually left for Pakistan to apply for a visa to return to the United States. PEO, a philanthropic organization of women who support women’s education, started a fundraiser for Sakina. To come to the U.S. as an international student, showing financial support is essential.

John and his company DRIC, former professors, classmates and friends in St. Cloud all contributed to make sure Sakina had the financial proof required. The vast network of support went beyond monetary contributions.

“They helped me while I was in Afghanistan in a time of crisis by trying to put me on an evacuation list, and then they tried to help me financially, professionally and psychologically during the year I was in Afghanistan,” Sakina said.

And those efforts were a success. She was able to pass the application for a visa, eventually finding her way back to the United States.

HOPE When she arrived in Worcester, Massachusetts from Pakistan, there was a huge feeling of relief from her support network.

“I was glad there was such a broad base of help, there was probably close to 100 people that contributed to her journey,” Fennig said. “We’re eager to help her.”

Sakina is now earning a second master’s degree in data analytics

from Clark University. She loves working with data and statistics, and she began her new program in Spring 2023.

Since Sakina is not allowed to officially work off campus during the first year with her F-1 Visa, she’s volunteering at two different companies: DRI Consulting and International Coaching Federation.

With DRIC she’s helping lead a project on helping clients recruit and maintain employees, while also learning from others in a professional and supportive team.

At ICF she has the chance to get more experience in data analytics, pairing well with her current coursework at Clark.

“Everything here has been going amazingly well so far, (but) the concern is the situation in Afghanistan is still bad and it’s getting worse,” Sakina said. “My family are still there, and every day I’m worried about their safety.”

Not only does fear for loved ones occasionally shake her concentration; so does the uncertainty of her future. Last time she was in a master’s program, Sakina had a very clear plan for post-graduation. This time, she has no clear indication of when she can return home.

Sakina had a good life in Afghanistan, progressing in her career and holding leadership positions. But something outside of her control shifted her future.

“It’s like starting from zero when you go to a new country,” she said. “I’m safe, and I’m achieving my goals … but at the same time I always have these fears and stress because of my family and my country. I still have sorrow and pain in my heart. Sometimes I’m happy and laughing, but deep in my heart I’m sad. I have no country.

“It’s very complicated, but I’m thankful for everyone who has helped me so far.”

That thankfulness was on display during a happy hour at a national conference last year. With SCSU faculty and former classmates finally able to see Sakina safe, there were plenty of hugs and love in the room.

“One thing which I strongly believe is we really need people. Even though (people) says there’s an individualistic culture in the U.S., in the real world it’s not like that,” Sakina said. “In that difficult time, all of those people and friends in the U.S. were the only ones I had. I’m a God believer, and I’m strongly thankful to God and all those people in the U.S. who supported me. Otherwise, I don’t know how I would’ve survived that time. Nice people and good people are the treasure we have in life.”

People came through for Sakina when she needed them most. And that helps her keep one emotion alive: hope.

“I have hope; I don’t know when, I don’t know after how many years, but I’m sure one day I’ll be able to go back to my country.”

ST. CLOUD STATE MAGAZINE

27

I was glad there was such a broad base of help, there was probably close to 100 people that contributed to her journey.

– JOHN FENNIG

26

“I (wanted) to learn how to use psychology in an organization, because I was able to see government and non-government organizations’ troubles and issues,” Sakina said from her work experience. “I started looking for programs abroad, and we have the Fulbright program, which is a cultural exchange program between governments.”

Sakina received the Fulbright scholarship in addition to the P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship, which provides scholarships for international women students to pursue graduate studies in the U.S. or Canada.

These scholarships, along with Sakina’s work experience, passion for learning and desire for high-quality education, compelled her to start in industrial-organizational psychology at SCSU. “I had a really nice time at SCSU; I enjoyed the program a lot,” she said. “I was learning what I was looking forward to.

Because I had experience, I could connect the learning with what I used to do … (the professors) were really generous in helping me learn more and more.”

During her time at SCSU, Sakina also became involved in MPPAW (Minnesota Professionals for Psychology Applied to Work). SCSU has been an active participant in MPPAW, sending a large number of students through the annual program.

Dr. John Fennig, founder of DRI Consulting, spoke virtually at an MPPAW meeting in 2020 and would later go on to serve as the organization’s president. When Sakina signed up for the mentorship program, they were paired up. She described him as “amazing”, helping guide her through the process of looking for work post-master’s degree.

“She has a profound desire to serve; she’s very poised,” Fennig said in describing Sakina. “(She) has very high emotional intelligence. Hats off to any international student learning and performing in a second language … I really admire that.”

Compelled to return back to Afghanistan, Sakina was pleased with the preparation she received in her two-year stint

HT TP S://TODAY.STCLOUDSTATE.EDU/MAG | FALL 2023 / WINTER 2024

in the United States.

“SCSU and the program and my professional community in St. Cloud helped me to achieve (my) goal,” she said. “I was feeling so good after graduation. Now I’m going to go back home with all I’d learned so far, and I had all these plans and hopes to give back to my home country.”

Despite never getting to meet in person before her graduation in May 2021, Sakina and Fennig had already created a strong bond.

But there was no way to predict how deep that bond would grow over the following year.

FEELING LEFT BEHIND Sakina joined the International Assistance Mission (IAM) upon her return to Afghanistan, taking the role of national human resources manager. IAM is the oldest non-governmental organization in the country, and her position was responsible for leading HR across all of Afghanistan.

“It was challenging and a big position; but the organization gave me flexibility, authority and responsibility to make changes as needed. Everything was going well for 2.5 months.”

But then the government collapsed.

And Sakina’s world turned upside down.

“It wasn’t just about staying home and not being able to go to work as a woman, it was about life threat,” she said.“I belong to a minority called Hazaras, and we are the most hated group by the Taliban. When they took the government, we thought this was the end of life for us.”

Sakina being a woman who had studied in the United States and earned an education put her life at greater risk than the average citizen.

“It was a very, very difficult time,” she said. “Words cannot describe how difficult that time was. We were feeling left behind.

All of these allies and the countries that have been helping us (for) 20 years have just left us, and all our neighbors closed their borders to us.”

“She courageously showed up at anti-Taliban rallies; I was scared for her, but she wanted to have a voice,” her mentor John Fennig said. “She did heroic stuff in her organization as head of HR.” Where do people go when there’s big problems? Human Resources.

This forced Sakina to summon an incredible strength within herself. With young nieces terrified, she said she would comfort them and pretend everything was okay.

Whether at work or at home, Afghanistan’s difficulties were always front of mind.

“I didn’t have enough time to analyze my feelings and my thoughts,” she said. “I needed to be available for my family, I needed to be available for my colleagues; at the same time, I had this life

threat. I was afraid of putting my family at risk because of my work experience and education in the U.S.” She was losing her faith in humanity, and her hope was starting to fade.

But she hadn’t been left behind.

Sakina still had a group of allies in the U.S. ready to do whatever it took to get her to safety.

LIFE-CHANGING CALL It was just an average August day at the Baker National Golf Course in Medina, Minnesota for John Fennig. But then his phone rang, and he saw Sakina was calling.

“I will never play a round of golf without thinking of how fortunate we are and how much privilege we have, because at that moment on the course she was telling me how her government had fallen and an enemy of the Hazara tribe is now in power,” Fennig said. “My life changed significantly in August of 2021.”

Fennig was in contact with Sakina over the following months as she navigated the toughest time of her life. She was extremely grateful for that connection and care.

“He has a great heart; he provided financial, professional, emotional support,” Sakina said. “John’s support was lifesaving at that time … I could share my emotions and fears. He was giving me hope and praying to help me feel strong.”

The decision to leave her country was difficult, but she eventually left for Pakistan to apply for a visa to return to the United States. PEO, a philanthropic organization of women who support women’s education, started a fundraiser for Sakina. To come to the U.S. as an international student, showing financial support is essential.

John and his company DRIC, former professors, classmates and friends in St. Cloud all contributed to make sure Sakina had the financial proof required. The vast network of support went beyond monetary contributions.

“They helped me while I was in Afghanistan in a time of crisis by trying to put me on an evacuation list, and then they tried to help me financially, professionally and psychologically during the year I was in Afghanistan,” Sakina said.

And those efforts were a success. She was able to pass the application for a visa, eventually finding her way back to the United States.

HOPE When she arrived in Worcester, Massachusetts from Pakistan, there was a huge feeling of relief from her support network.

“I was glad there was such a broad base of help, there was probably close to 100 people that contributed to her journey,” Fennig said. “We’re eager to help her.”

Sakina is now earning a second master’s degree in data analytics

from Clark University. She loves working with data and statistics, and she began her new program in Spring 2023.

Since Sakina is not allowed to officially work off campus during the first year with her F-1 Visa, she’s volunteering at two different companies: DRI Consulting and International Coaching Federation.

With DRIC she’s helping lead a project on helping clients recruit and maintain employees, while also learning from others in a professional and supportive team.

At ICF she has the chance to get more experience in data analytics, pairing well with her current coursework at Clark.

“Everything here has been going amazingly well so far, (but) the concern is the situation in Afghanistan is still bad and it’s getting worse,” Sakina said. “My family are still there, and every day I’m worried about their safety.”

Not only does fear for loved ones occasionally shake her concentration; so does the uncertainty of her future. Last time she was in a master’s program, Sakina had a very clear plan for post-graduation. This time, she has no clear indication of when she can return home.

Sakina had a good life in Afghanistan, progressing in her career and holding leadership positions. But something outside of her control shifted her future.

“It’s like starting from zero when you go to a new country,” she said. “I’m safe, and I’m achieving my goals … but at the same time I always have these fears and stress because of my family and my country. I still have sorrow and pain in my heart. Sometimes I’m happy and laughing, but deep in my heart I’m sad. I have no country.

“It’s very complicated, but I’m thankful for everyone who has helped me so far.”

That thankfulness was on display during a happy hour at a national conference last year. With SCSU faculty and former classmates finally able to see Sakina safe, there were plenty of hugs and love in the room.

“One thing which I strongly believe is we really need people. Even though (people) says there’s an individualistic culture in the U.S., in the real world it’s not like that,” Sakina said. “In that difficult time, all of those people and friends in the U.S. were the only ones I had. I’m a God believer, and I’m strongly thankful to God and all those people in the U.S. who supported me. Otherwise, I don’t know how I would’ve survived that time. Nice people and good people are the treasure we have in life.”

People came through for Sakina when she needed them most. And that helps her keep one emotion alive: hope.

“I have hope; I don’t know when, I don’t know after how many years, but I’m sure one day I’ll be able to go back to my country.”

ST. CLOUD STATE MAGAZINE

27

BY COLLEEN HARRISON

JIM EISENREICH Alumnus and retired MLB player uses platform to advocate for others with Tourette syndrome

28

Jim Eisenreich went decades without answers for why he felt the way he did. Why did he make noises or movements he didn’t want to make, drawing attention to himself that he didn’t want? Why did the symptoms only get worse the more he tried to control them?

Throughout his childhood and through high school, doctors kept telling Eisenreich and his parents it was a behavior problem. He had too much energy and just needed an outlet.

“I had a hard time. My parents took me to the doctor many times and the only diagnosis they would ever do was that ‘Well, Jim’s a little hyperactive. If he can do all the normal things — school and play sports … he’ll probably grow out of it,’” he said.

“And that was what we got. There was no diagnosis.”

So he took to the ice rink and to the ball field, competing in both hockey and baseball until he graduated. The activity helped, in a way. Eisenreich said sports probably masked his symptoms more than anything.

When it was time to think about college, he had two offers to play collegiate hockey and one for baseball. At that time, sports were a hobby to Eisenreich, and he was more focused on getting an education in order to join the workforce. Having grown up in St. Cloud and in a family of Huskies, he said the choice was easy to attend St. Cloud State University. He joined SCSU’s baseball team and fell into an easy rhythm with his school work and time on the field. The independence and freedom that came with college agreed with him. Not having an assigned seat up front in the classroom where he felt everyone watched him as he unintentionally moved or made noise helped him relax and settle in.

I was able to use my platform of Major League Baseball to help kids and their families deal with the effects of it (Tourette syndrome). I’m very lucky, blessed, the whole nine yards — it’s unbelievable.

– JIM EISENREICH

HT TP S://TODAY.STCLOUDSTATE.EDU/MAG | FALL 2023 / WINTER 2024

Eisenreich played baseball for the Huskies until 1980, when he was drafted by the Minnesota Twins.

Fast forward to the end of his junior year in 1980, and Eisenreich and the Huskies were playing a tournament they’d eventually win in Bemidji. Some Major League Baseball scouts were at the tournament, and following the Huskies victory, approached both Eisenreich as well as his friend and senior teammate Bob Hegman about their interest in playing professionally.

“It’s kind of an easy question to answer for a young kid,” Eisenreich said.

MAJOR LEAGUER With no guarantees of what could happen, he and Hegman worked out for two weeks before being drafted in the 16th round of the MLB draft — Hegman to the Kansas City Royals and Eisenreich to the Minnesota Twins. Starting off with rookie baseball in Elizabethton, Tennessee, Eisenreich played two seasons before he was called up to attend spring training with the Twins in 1982. In what he considers to be a fluke due to the starting center fielder injuring himself during training, Eisenreich made the team.

“I made the team, I’m the starting center fielder, the leadoff hitter in the first games of the Metrodome, and I grew up 80 miles north of the Metrodome,” he said. “It was a dream come true.”

He played a few seasons with his homestate team before past problems started coming back to haunt him.

“I’m playing really well, doing everything I’m supposed to do. And somewhere about into the second month of the season in May, we’re in Boston, and I don’t know what made me think of it, but for the first time I started to think ‘Are the fans watching me play, or are they watching me do all my tics?’ And I became self conscious,” Eisenreich said. “I’d never felt this afraid on a ball field or on a hockey rink or wherever I was at. But now I think I’m going to pass out and die right on the field. It scared me.

So I ended up coming out of the games three nights in a row and one thing led to another.”

Former MLB player and SCSU alumnus Jim Eisenreich (center) has dedicated his adult life to advocating for children and families living with Tourette syndrome. In the hopes of helping other families find answers, he started the Jim Eisenreich Foundation for Children with Tourette Syndrome.

When he got back to Minneapolis, Eisenreich went to the hospital and underwent numerous physical and psychological tests. Doctors kept giving him diagnoses — agoraphobia, claustrophobia, “every phobia known to man.” Twins medical staff assumed it was stage fright, and Eisenreich didn’t know how to explain to anyone that it wasn’t.

“That started the process of getting help,” he said.

Eventually, Eisenreich found a doctor who finally found the answer: Tourette syndrome. While it helped to finally have an answer, Eisenreich, then 23 years old, said it probably took him two to three years to understand and then accept his diagnosis.

“I wondered what this thing was all this time. And I thought I was the only one — not just in my family or St. Cloud — in the world,” he said. “I felt I was on that island and now I knew for the first time I wasn’t. And the other part that was really uplifting was: there’s help. I had no idea what that involved, but there’s help.”

SECOND CHANCE As he worked his way through his diagnosis, Eisenreich started to claim his life back.

Around that time, Hegman — now a minor league assistant coordinator in the Royals’ front office — reached out to his friend and former teammate. While absent from MLB play in 1985 and 1986, Eisenreich had played in amateur leagues, and Hegman wanted to know if he still had any interest in the show. He did.

“I didn’t know what to expect, but I knew I was getting a chance. And if I got the chance and took it, and I made it, that’s fine,” Eisenreich said. “If I didn’t make it, I was okay with that, too. At least I tried.”

The Twins released him — after having replaced him with Kirby Puckett, and Eisenreich joined the Royals for spring training in 1987. He would go on to play five seasons with the Royals — some of them with Bo Jackson — and loved every one of

ST. CLOUD STATE MAGAZINE

29

BY COLLEEN HARRISON

JIM EISENREICH Alumnus and retired MLB player uses platform to advocate for others with Tourette syndrome

28

Jim Eisenreich went decades without answers for why he felt the way he did. Why did he make noises or movements he didn’t want to make, drawing attention to himself that he didn’t want? Why did the symptoms only get worse the more he tried to control them?

Throughout his childhood and through high school, doctors kept telling Eisenreich and his parents it was a behavior problem. He had too much energy and just needed an outlet.

“I had a hard time. My parents took me to the doctor many times and the only diagnosis they would ever do was that ‘Well, Jim’s a little hyperactive. If he can do all the normal things — school and play sports … he’ll probably grow out of it,’” he said.

“And that was what we got. There was no diagnosis.”

So he took to the ice rink and to the ball field, competing in both hockey and baseball until he graduated. The activity helped, in a way. Eisenreich said sports probably masked his symptoms more than anything.

When it was time to think about college, he had two offers to play collegiate hockey and one for baseball. At that time, sports were a hobby to Eisenreich, and he was more focused on getting an education in order to join the workforce. Having grown up in St. Cloud and in a family of Huskies, he said the choice was easy to attend St. Cloud State University. He joined SCSU’s baseball team and fell into an easy rhythm with his school work and time on the field. The independence and freedom that came with college agreed with him. Not having an assigned seat up front in the classroom where he felt everyone watched him as he unintentionally moved or made noise helped him relax and settle in.

I was able to use my platform of Major League Baseball to help kids and their families deal with the effects of it (Tourette syndrome). I’m very lucky, blessed, the whole nine yards — it’s unbelievable.

– JIM EISENREICH

HT TP S://TODAY.STCLOUDSTATE.EDU/MAG | FALL 2023 / WINTER 2024

Eisenreich played baseball for the Huskies until 1980, when he was drafted by the Minnesota Twins.

Fast forward to the end of his junior year in 1980, and Eisenreich and the Huskies were playing a tournament they’d eventually win in Bemidji. Some Major League Baseball scouts were at the tournament, and following the Huskies victory, approached both Eisenreich as well as his friend and senior teammate Bob Hegman about their interest in playing professionally.

“It’s kind of an easy question to answer for a young kid,” Eisenreich said.

MAJOR LEAGUER With no guarantees of what could happen, he and Hegman worked out for two weeks before being drafted in the 16th round of the MLB draft — Hegman to the Kansas City Royals and Eisenreich to the Minnesota Twins. Starting off with rookie baseball in Elizabethton, Tennessee, Eisenreich played two seasons before he was called up to attend spring training with the Twins in 1982. In what he considers to be a fluke due to the starting center fielder injuring himself during training, Eisenreich made the team.

“I made the team, I’m the starting center fielder, the leadoff hitter in the first games of the Metrodome, and I grew up 80 miles north of the Metrodome,” he said. “It was a dream come true.”

He played a few seasons with his homestate team before past problems started coming back to haunt him.

“I’m playing really well, doing everything I’m supposed to do. And somewhere about into the second month of the season in May, we’re in Boston, and I don’t know what made me think of it, but for the first time I started to think ‘Are the fans watching me play, or are they watching me do all my tics?’ And I became self conscious,” Eisenreich said. “I’d never felt this afraid on a ball field or on a hockey rink or wherever I was at. But now I think I’m going to pass out and die right on the field. It scared me.

So I ended up coming out of the games three nights in a row and one thing led to another.”

Former MLB player and SCSU alumnus Jim Eisenreich (center) has dedicated his adult life to advocating for children and families living with Tourette syndrome. In the hopes of helping other families find answers, he started the Jim Eisenreich Foundation for Children with Tourette Syndrome.

When he got back to Minneapolis, Eisenreich went to the hospital and underwent numerous physical and psychological tests. Doctors kept giving him diagnoses — agoraphobia, claustrophobia, “every phobia known to man.” Twins medical staff assumed it was stage fright, and Eisenreich didn’t know how to explain to anyone that it wasn’t.

“That started the process of getting help,” he said.

Eventually, Eisenreich found a doctor who finally found the answer: Tourette syndrome. While it helped to finally have an answer, Eisenreich, then 23 years old, said it probably took him two to three years to understand and then accept his diagnosis.

“I wondered what this thing was all this time. And I thought I was the only one — not just in my family or St. Cloud — in the world,” he said. “I felt I was on that island and now I knew for the first time I wasn’t. And the other part that was really uplifting was: there’s help. I had no idea what that involved, but there’s help.”

SECOND CHANCE As he worked his way through his diagnosis, Eisenreich started to claim his life back.

Around that time, Hegman — now a minor league assistant coordinator in the Royals’ front office — reached out to his friend and former teammate. While absent from MLB play in 1985 and 1986, Eisenreich had played in amateur leagues, and Hegman wanted to know if he still had any interest in the show. He did.

“I didn’t know what to expect, but I knew I was getting a chance. And if I got the chance and took it, and I made it, that’s fine,” Eisenreich said. “If I didn’t make it, I was okay with that, too. At least I tried.”

The Twins released him — after having replaced him with Kirby Puckett, and Eisenreich joined the Royals for spring training in 1987. He would go on to play five seasons with the Royals — some of them with Bo Jackson — and loved every one of

ST. CLOUD STATE MAGAZINE

29

ALUMNI NEWS

ARE YOU ON THE LIST?

CLASS NOTES Check out class notes online by visiting scsu.mn/ourscsu

If your information isn't up-to-date, you could be missing out on: » Event invites » #OurSCSU stories » SCSU news » Husky Bookstore deals » Networking opportunities » Tickets and other prize drawings » And more!

Share your milestones, changes or recent additions to your family — update your profile and information at scsu.mn/updateinfo

Eisenreich maintains a strong relationship with his alma mater’s baseball program, frequently visiting and meeting with players and coaches over the years.

30

them. Eisenreich made his home in Kansas City, eventually getting married there and having four children. Once 1992 rolled around, the Royals were heading in a different direction and Eisenreich — then 34 — was too old to follow. He was offered contracts with both the Philadelphia Phillies and the Atlanta Braves. Feeling he had a better chance at seeing the field with the Phillies, he signed and headed to Pennsylvania.

His first season with the Phillies brought with it a trip to the 1993 World Series, where Eisenreich would hit a home run in Game 2. The team eventually lost the series to the Toronto Blue Jays, and Eisenreich would spend three more years with the Phillies before joining the then-Florida Marlins. Once again, he would take a trip to the World Series and hit a home run, this time in Game 3. The Marlins went on to defeat the then-Cleveland Indians to win the 1997 Series — “a dream come true” for Eisenreich.

ADVOCACY Throughout the second chapter of his MLB career, he made a point in meeting with families before Sunday games to talk about Tourette syndrome. He’d be asked about the syndrome in postgame press conferences, and the conference following his 1997 home run was no different. As Eisenreich talked about the syndrome and how it manifested for him, the man who caught his home run ball was listening to the conference on the radio. He realized his daughter exhibited many of the same symptoms — some of them tics — that Eisenreich described.

“It was a neat story. I think it proved why I was a ballplayer and had Tourette — there was a reason,” he said. “I wasn’t the greatest ballplayer, but I made a long career out of it and have been able to talk to a lot of kids and families. I’ve been the beneficiary of being a ballplayer, but I feel like I’ve done that to help these kids and their families get the questions answered that maybe my mom and dad were looking for when I was a kid.”

He started the Jim Eisenreich Foundation for Children with Tourette Syndrome, as he wanted to continue helping families with a Tourette diagnosis following his 1998 retirement.

“It’s been unbelievably gratifying for me. Every time I talk to a family or even just the kids themselves; it may have helped them, but it was helping me, too,” he said.

“I was able to use my platform of Major League Baseball to help kids and their families deal with the effects of it. I’m very lucky, blessed, the whole nine yards — it’s unbelievable.”

For Eisenreich, children being able to feel accepted among their loved ones and among their peers is the greatest deciding factor in them finding personal success.

That acceptance is something he found during his time at SCSU, even before he had his answers.

“My heart is still in St. Cloud,” he said. “The people I met: unbelievable.

“There’s another generation of families now looking for the same answers. ... I think when we can be more understanding of those differences, it helps move things along.”

UPDATE YOUR INFO

BY FEB. 29 FOR A CHANCE TO

WIN AN

iPad

Huskies, share your story at scsu.mn/ourscsu

CONNECT WITH US We encourage you to use the following handles and hashtag in your social media messaging:

Update your email, phone and mailing address

by Feb. 29, 2024, at scsu.mn/updateinfo or

/scsualumni

SCAN THE QR CODE AND UPDATE TODAY Social icon

Rounded square Only use blue and/or white.

For more details check out our Brand Guidelines.

@scsugrad St. Cloud State University Alumni (groups/52275) /scsualumni #OurSCSU

HT TP S://TODAY.STCLOUDSTATE.EDU/MAG | FALL 2023 / WINTER 2024

ST. CLOUD STATE MAGAZINE

31

ALUMNI NEWS

ARE YOU ON THE LIST?

CLASS NOTES Check out class notes online by visiting scsu.mn/ourscsu

If your information isn't up-to-date, you could be missing out on: » Event invites » #OurSCSU stories » SCSU news » Husky Bookstore deals » Networking opportunities » Tickets and other prize drawings » And more!

Share your milestones, changes or recent additions to your family — update your profile and information at scsu.mn/updateinfo

Eisenreich maintains a strong relationship with his alma mater’s baseball program, frequently visiting and meeting with players and coaches over the years.

30

them. Eisenreich made his home in Kansas City, eventually getting married there and having four children. Once 1992 rolled around, the Royals were heading in a different direction and Eisenreich — then 34 — was too old to follow. He was offered contracts with both the Philadelphia Phillies and the Atlanta Braves. Feeling he had a better chance at seeing the field with the Phillies, he signed and headed to Pennsylvania.

His first season with the Phillies brought with it a trip to the 1993 World Series, where Eisenreich would hit a home run in Game 2. The team eventually lost the series to the Toronto Blue Jays, and Eisenreich would spend three more years with the Phillies before joining the then-Florida Marlins. Once again, he would take a trip to the World Series and hit a home run, this time in Game 3. The Marlins went on to defeat the then-Cleveland Indians to win the 1997 Series — “a dream come true” for Eisenreich.

ADVOCACY Throughout the second chapter of his MLB career, he made a point in meeting with families before Sunday games to talk about Tourette syndrome. He’d be asked about the syndrome in postgame press conferences, and the conference following his 1997 home run was no different. As Eisenreich talked about the syndrome and how it manifested for him, the man who caught his home run ball was listening to the conference on the radio. He realized his daughter exhibited many of the same symptoms — some of them tics — that Eisenreich described.

“It was a neat story. I think it proved why I was a ballplayer and had Tourette — there was a reason,” he said. “I wasn’t the greatest ballplayer, but I made a long career out of it and have been able to talk to a lot of kids and families. I’ve been the beneficiary of being a ballplayer, but I feel like I’ve done that to help these kids and their families get the questions answered that maybe my mom and dad were looking for when I was a kid.”

He started the Jim Eisenreich Foundation for Children with Tourette Syndrome, as he wanted to continue helping families with a Tourette diagnosis following his 1998 retirement.

“It’s been unbelievably gratifying for me. Every time I talk to a family or even just the kids themselves; it may have helped them, but it was helping me, too,” he said.

“I was able to use my platform of Major League Baseball to help kids and their families deal with the effects of it. I’m very lucky, blessed, the whole nine yards — it’s unbelievable.”

For Eisenreich, children being able to feel accepted among their loved ones and among their peers is the greatest deciding factor in them finding personal success.

That acceptance is something he found during his time at SCSU, even before he had his answers.

“My heart is still in St. Cloud,” he said. “The people I met: unbelievable.

“There’s another generation of families now looking for the same answers. ... I think when we can be more understanding of those differences, it helps move things along.”

UPDATE YOUR INFO

BY FEB. 29 FOR A CHANCE TO

WIN AN

iPad

Huskies, share your story at scsu.mn/ourscsu

CONNECT WITH US We encourage you to use the following handles and hashtag in your social media messaging:

Update your email, phone and mailing address

by Feb. 29, 2024, at scsu.mn/updateinfo or

/scsualumni

SCAN THE QR CODE AND UPDATE TODAY Social icon

Rounded square Only use blue and/or white.

For more details check out our Brand Guidelines.

@scsugrad St. Cloud State University Alumni (groups/52275) /scsualumni #OurSCSU

HT TP S://TODAY.STCLOUDSTATE.EDU/MAG | FALL 2023 / WINTER 2024

ST. CLOUD STATE MAGAZINE

31

ALUMNI NEWS

COUPLE MAKES AUTISM DISCOVERY CENTER A REALITY FOR SCSU

BY COLLEEN HARRISON

32

A St. Cloud State University alumna and her husband have made a gift that will benefit not just SCSU, but the regional community as well.

The Linda ’74 and Richard Offerdahl Autism Discovery Center was publicly announced in April inside St. Cloud State University’s Brown Hall. The Autism Discovery Center aims to teach clinicians of all levels and backgrounds proper treatments for clients and their families in central Minnesota and beyond. Students of the applied behavior analysis program at SCSU will be involved in all services provided at the Center, supervised by doctoral-level and nationally certified faculty. Students will receive hands-on training in running sessions, developing programs, collecting data, evaluating progress, meeting with families and training other student clinicians.

“Most importantly, the OADC is here for families and autistic children,” said Dr. Odessa Luna, assistant professor of applied behavior analysis at SCSU. “The OADC will be a source of relief for families in the St. Cloud area who have been waiting desperately for services. With time, the OADC will build through its graduates more service opportunities for autistic children in the region and the state, extending its reach well beyond its walls.”

Linda, who earned her bachelor’s in elementary education from SCSU, and

Left, The Center’s observation rooms make it possible for instructors to supervise their students and allows parents or caregivers to monitor their children or clients in sessions.

Below, the discovery den in the Autism Discovery Center includes a rock wall, trampoline and other games and activities.

SCSU President Robbyn Wacker and donors Linda and Richard Offerdahl cut the ribbon to officially open The Linda ’74 and Richard Offerdahl Autism Discovery Center.

Richard Offerdahl said they have “worked to make the world a better place” throughout their lives, and their $1 million gift to St. Cloud State University to establish the Autism Discovery Center was made with that in mind. In their visits to SCSU, they were impressed with the applied behavior analysis program and said they have long felt that more resources needed to be provided to those on the autism spectrum.

“Both of us, from the education we did receive, have been able to accomplish much within our lives,” the Offerdahls said.

“We’re grateful that such an autism center could live in St. Cloud where it could reach outstate Minnesota in particular.”

Dr. Shonda Craft, dean of the College of Health and Wellness Professions at SCSU, said an autism clinic has been a dream for the applied behavior analysis program for years.

“Our faculty are committed to innovation, evidence-based practice, collaboration and curiosity. Together these are the building blocks of discovery,” she said.

“Our faculty will be discovering how best to serve children with autism and their families. Our students will be discovering who they are as clinicians, as researchers, as educators and as partners. The children and families who will utilize our Center will discover how to continue building upon their strengths and find new ways to support their goals.”

HT TP S://TODAY.STCLOUDSTATE.EDU/MAG | FALL 2023 / WINTER 2024

According to SCSU President Dr. Robbyn Wacker, the Center aligns with SCSU’s It’s Time framework and highlights the importance of individualized attention to students and how it can be critical to their success — whether they’re children with autism receiving services to help them live their lives to the fullest extent, or SCSU students being mentored and educated by highly qualified teacher-scholars dedicated to helping them achieve their potential.

“There is a great need in our region for the services that the Center will provide and a growing need for more responsible, caring practitioners and leaders in this field,” President Wacker said. “The work students complete in the Center will give them real-world experience in applying what they learn in the classroom. Their hands-on experience at the Center will prepare them to develop respect for the tremendous effect their work will have on the children and families they come in contact with.”

The Linda ’74 and Richard Offerdahl Autism Discovery Center is comprised of multiple session and observation rooms, reception and waiting areas, a telehealth area, kitchen, conference room, director’s office and discovery den. The handicap-accessible bathroom across from the Autism Discovery Center entrance has been outfitted with an adult-size changing area. The

observation rooms make it possible for instructors to supervise their students and allow parents or caregivers to monitor their children or clients in sessions. The discovery den is outfitted with a rock-climbing wall, trampolines, balance bar and other activities for visitors to use, all on top of a rubber floor. All of the rooms within the Center have flexibility in that the furniture and decor in each room can be easily modified to make each client or visitor comfortable and provide them with privacy. The Autism Discovery Center also features paintings made by artists living with autism from around the world. Visitors to the Center can learn more about the artists by scanning the QR codes near their paintings.

Progress has continued at the Center, as Dr. Michele Traub and Dr. Luna worked to become Early Intensive Developmental and Behavioral Intervention providers through the state of Minnesota. By obtaining an EIDBI provider status, they will be able to provide behavioral supports to autistic children and their families while also having source of revenue to support the Center and its students’ and clients’ needs.

Graduate student orientation has started at the Center, with behavior-analytic experience hours being earned by three second-year students and two first-year students in the applied behavior analysis program over the fall semester. Dr. Charryse

Luckey has joined the Center, serving as a qualified supervising provider to oversee clinical services and student training.

She brings a decade of experience to the Center’s team and is dual-credentialed in behavior analysis and psychology.

“In the classroom, in business settings, raising children, throughout life — we have all encountered people who could have benefited from the kind of services that will be found in the Offerdahl Autism Center,” the Offerdahls said. “In much the same way as people with physical disabilities have been accommodated, St. Cloud State University is at the forefront of efforts to accommodate and enable people with communication disabilities to maximize their capabilities and be accepted in the world.”

Nic Katona, vice president for Advancement & Alumni Engagement, said the Autism Discovery Center will have lasting effects for SCSU and supports important teaching and research priorities moving forward.

“The Offerdahls’ generous gift to St. Cloud State made the Autism Discovery Center a reality,” Katona said. “It is a wonderful example of the impact philanthropy has at SCSU and on our community.”

IT’S TIME IN ACTION St. Cloud State University is focused on diversity, equity and inclusion and implementing it across all of campus to provide educational access to everyone.

Learn more at scsu.mn/itstime

Those interested in supporting St. Cloud State can go to scsu.mn/give or call 320-308-3984 to learn more.

ST. CLOUD STATE MAGAZINE

ALUMNI NEWS

COUPLE MAKES AUTISM DISCOVERY CENTER A REALITY FOR SCSU

BY COLLEEN HARRISON

32

A St. Cloud State University alumna and her husband have made a gift that will benefit not just SCSU, but the regional community as well.

The Linda ’74 and Richard Offerdahl Autism Discovery Center was publicly announced in April inside St. Cloud State University’s Brown Hall. The Autism Discovery Center aims to teach clinicians of all levels and backgrounds proper treatments for clients and their families in central Minnesota and beyond. Students of the applied behavior analysis program at SCSU will be involved in all services provided at the Center, supervised by doctoral-level and nationally certified faculty. Students will receive hands-on training in running sessions, developing programs, collecting data, evaluating progress, meeting with families and training other student clinicians.

“Most importantly, the OADC is here for families and autistic children,” said Dr. Odessa Luna, assistant professor of applied behavior analysis at SCSU. “The OADC will be a source of relief for families in the St. Cloud area who have been waiting desperately for services. With time, the OADC will build through its graduates more service opportunities for autistic children in the region and the state, extending its reach well beyond its walls.”

Linda, who earned her bachelor’s in elementary education from SCSU, and

Left, The Center’s observation rooms make it possible for instructors to supervise their students and allows parents or caregivers to monitor their children or clients in sessions.

Below, the discovery den in the Autism Discovery Center includes a rock wall, trampoline and other games and activities.

SCSU President Robbyn Wacker and donors Linda and Richard Offerdahl cut the ribbon to officially open The Linda ’74 and Richard Offerdahl Autism Discovery Center.

Richard Offerdahl said they have “worked to make the world a better place” throughout their lives, and their $1 million gift to St. Cloud State University to establish the Autism Discovery Center was made with that in mind. In their visits to SCSU, they were impressed with the applied behavior analysis program and said they have long felt that more resources needed to be provided to those on the autism spectrum.

“Both of us, from the education we did receive, have been able to accomplish much within our lives,” the Offerdahls said.

“We’re grateful that such an autism center could live in St. Cloud where it could reach outstate Minnesota in particular.”

Dr. Shonda Craft, dean of the College of Health and Wellness Professions at SCSU, said an autism clinic has been a dream for the applied behavior analysis program for years.

“Our faculty are committed to innovation, evidence-based practice, collaboration and curiosity. Together these are the building blocks of discovery,” she said.

“Our faculty will be discovering how best to serve children with autism and their families. Our students will be discovering who they are as clinicians, as researchers, as educators and as partners. The children and families who will utilize our Center will discover how to continue building upon their strengths and find new ways to support their goals.”

HT TP S://TODAY.STCLOUDSTATE.EDU/MAG | FALL 2023 / WINTER 2024

According to SCSU President Dr. Robbyn Wacker, the Center aligns with SCSU’s It’s Time framework and highlights the importance of individualized attention to students and how it can be critical to their success — whether they’re children with autism receiving services to help them live their lives to the fullest extent, or SCSU students being mentored and educated by highly qualified teacher-scholars dedicated to helping them achieve their potential.

“There is a great need in our region for the services that the Center will provide and a growing need for more responsible, caring practitioners and leaders in this field,” President Wacker said. “The work students complete in the Center will give them real-world experience in applying what they learn in the classroom. Their hands-on experience at the Center will prepare them to develop respect for the tremendous effect their work will have on the children and families they come in contact with.”

The Linda ’74 and Richard Offerdahl Autism Discovery Center is comprised of multiple session and observation rooms, reception and waiting areas, a telehealth area, kitchen, conference room, director’s office and discovery den. The handicap-accessible bathroom across from the Autism Discovery Center entrance has been outfitted with an adult-size changing area. The

observation rooms make it possible for instructors to supervise their students and allow parents or caregivers to monitor their children or clients in sessions. The discovery den is outfitted with a rock-climbing wall, trampolines, balance bar and other activities for visitors to use, all on top of a rubber floor. All of the rooms within the Center have flexibility in that the furniture and decor in each room can be easily modified to make each client or visitor comfortable and provide them with privacy. The Autism Discovery Center also features paintings made by artists living with autism from around the world. Visitors to the Center can learn more about the artists by scanning the QR codes near their paintings.

Progress has continued at the Center, as Dr. Michele Traub and Dr. Luna worked to become Early Intensive Developmental and Behavioral Intervention providers through the state of Minnesota. By obtaining an EIDBI provider status, they will be able to provide behavioral supports to autistic children and their families while also having source of revenue to support the Center and its students’ and clients’ needs.

Graduate student orientation has started at the Center, with behavior-analytic experience hours being earned by three second-year students and two first-year students in the applied behavior analysis program over the fall semester. Dr. Charryse

Luckey has joined the Center, serving as a qualified supervising provider to oversee clinical services and student training.

She brings a decade of experience to the Center’s team and is dual-credentialed in behavior analysis and psychology.

“In the classroom, in business settings, raising children, throughout life — we have all encountered people who could have benefited from the kind of services that will be found in the Offerdahl Autism Center,” the Offerdahls said. “In much the same way as people with physical disabilities have been accommodated, St. Cloud State University is at the forefront of efforts to accommodate and enable people with communication disabilities to maximize their capabilities and be accepted in the world.”

Nic Katona, vice president for Advancement & Alumni Engagement, said the Autism Discovery Center will have lasting effects for SCSU and supports important teaching and research priorities moving forward.

“The Offerdahls’ generous gift to St. Cloud State made the Autism Discovery Center a reality,” Katona said. “It is a wonderful example of the impact philanthropy has at SCSU and on our community.”

IT’S TIME IN ACTION St. Cloud State University is focused on diversity, equity and inclusion and implementing it across all of campus to provide educational access to everyone.

Learn more at scsu.mn/itstime

Those interested in supporting St. Cloud State can go to scsu.mn/give or call 320-308-3984 to learn more.

ST. CLOUD STATE MAGAZINE

ALUMNI NEWS HALL OF FAME CLASS OF 2023 INDUCTED

By Mitchell Hansen ’17 SCSU Athletics has built a strong tradition of excellence in competition, in the classroom and in the community. As a result of that excellence from our Huskies around the globe, many former student-athletes and those connected with SCSU throughout history have received the honor of joining the prestigious Hall of Fame.

SCSU celebrated the University’s biggest red and black celebration of the year, Homecoming 2023, on Oct. 2-7 with special events for students, families, prospective students, faculty and staff, alumni, community members and more.

SCSU held several events throughout the week to unite our Huskies on campus, reconnect with old friends, create new memories, relive the nostalgia of Homecoming and celebrate what it means to be a Husky.

Activities included athletic events, events for students and employees, alumni reunions, showings in the SCSU Planetarium, the #OurSCSU Gala, Homecoming in the Community Garden, Family and Friends Day, Husky Fest leading into the SCSU Men’s Hockey game and much more.

Revisit Homecoming 2023 by viewing photo galleries at scsu.mn/homecoming2023

HT TP S://TODAY.STCLOUDSTATE.EDU/MAG | FALL 2023 / WINTER 2024

Nine individuals and one team were inducted as part of the Class of 2023, adding those Huskies to a membership that now stands at 211 individuals and four teams. SCSU honored the Class of 2023 during Homecoming 2023 weekend, the 32nd induction ceremony since the Hall of Fame was announced in 1982.

“The 2023 Athletics Hall of Fame induction ceremony was a memorable event that honored the hard work and dedication of those being inducted. It was an afternoon to reconnect former teammates with each other and with St. Cloud State University,” SCSU Director of Athletics Holly Schreiner said.

“These inductees exemplify what it means to be a Husky, day in and day out, and for that I could not be more proud,” Schreiner said. “They represent the core values of the student-athlete experience and have paved the way for our current Huskies. It is truly our honor to be adding these new inductees.”

1986-87 ST. CLOUD STATE MEN’S BASKETBALL TEAM

KIM CORBIN MATANICH Women’s Soccer

MATT CULLEN Men’s Hockey

KATHY DAVIS GJENGDAHL Volleyball

NATE JIMERSON Men’s Swimming & Diving

JASON KRON Men’s Basketball

RANDY MARTIN Football

SHAMUS O’GRADY Wrestling

ERIKA QUIGLEY Women’s Basketball

JORDAN SMITH Baseball ST. CLOUD STATE MAGAZINE

35

ALUMNI NEWS HALL OF FAME CLASS OF 2023 INDUCTED

By Mitchell Hansen ’17 SCSU Athletics has built a strong tradition of excellence in competition, in the classroom and in the community. As a result of that excellence from our Huskies around the globe, many former student-athletes and those connected with SCSU throughout history have received the honor of joining the prestigious Hall of Fame.

SCSU celebrated the University’s biggest red and black celebration of the year, Homecoming 2023, on Oct. 2-7 with special events for students, families, prospective students, faculty and staff, alumni, community members and more.

SCSU held several events throughout the week to unite our Huskies on campus, reconnect with old friends, create new memories, relive the nostalgia of Homecoming and celebrate what it means to be a Husky.

Activities included athletic events, events for students and employees, alumni reunions, showings in the SCSU Planetarium, the #OurSCSU Gala, Homecoming in the Community Garden, Family and Friends Day, Husky Fest leading into the SCSU Men’s Hockey game and much more.

Revisit Homecoming 2023 by viewing photo galleries at scsu.mn/homecoming2023

HT TP S://TODAY.STCLOUDSTATE.EDU/MAG | FALL 2023 / WINTER 2024

Nine individuals and one team were inducted as part of the Class of 2023, adding those Huskies to a membership that now stands at 211 individuals and four teams. SCSU honored the Class of 2023 during Homecoming 2023 weekend, the 32nd induction ceremony since the Hall of Fame was announced in 1982.

“The 2023 Athletics Hall of Fame induction ceremony was a memorable event that honored the hard work and dedication of those being inducted. It was an afternoon to reconnect former teammates with each other and with St. Cloud State University,” SCSU Director of Athletics Holly Schreiner said.

“These inductees exemplify what it means to be a Husky, day in and day out, and for that I could not be more proud,” Schreiner said. “They represent the core values of the student-athlete experience and have paved the way for our current Huskies. It is truly our honor to be adding these new inductees.”

1986-87 ST. CLOUD STATE MEN’S BASKETBALL TEAM

KIM CORBIN MATANICH Women’s Soccer

MATT CULLEN Men’s Hockey

KATHY DAVIS GJENGDAHL Volleyball

NATE JIMERSON Men’s Swimming & Diving

JASON KRON Men’s Basketball

RANDY MARTIN Football

SHAMUS O’GRADY Wrestling

ERIKA QUIGLEY Women’s Basketball

JORDAN SMITH Baseball ST. CLOUD STATE MAGAZINE

35

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