Spring 2006 by Southwest Alumni

Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 97 Marshall, MN

Published by: SMSU Alumni Office 1501 State Street Marshall, Minnesota 56258

MAGAZINE FOR ALUMNI

FRIENDS OF

SOUTHWEST MINNESOTA STATE UNIVERSITY SPRING 2006

The

If Focus is addressed to a son or daughter who has graduated and no longer maintains a permanent address at your home, please clip the address label and return it with the correct address to the address above or E-mail the updated address to alumni@SouthwestAlumni.com

Campaign for

A member of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System.

Join us for Homecoming 2006 SEPTEMBER 24-30, 2006 Highlights of the week: Sunday, September 24 Miss Tootsie

Thursday, September 28 Homecoming Coronation

Friday, September 29 Alumni Awards Luncheon University Gala

Saturday, September 30 Homecoming Parade Mustang Football vs. University of Mary 176 Keys Dueling Piano Show

For more details, visit

www.SouthwestAlumni.com/Homecoming

Southwest

2006 SMSU Alumni Events

June 9

Down the Stretch at Canterbury Park Come enjoy live horse racing with SMSU alumni and friends.

June 11-12 SMSU Golf Classic The Mustang Booster Club sponsors it twenty-first golf classic at the Marshall Golf Club.

ow! Act N : s d a t Gr Recen grace in your e il h w ional date an addit e Consoli iv e c e nd r period a f 0.6%1 to discoun July 16

Xtreme Fun at Valleyfair Don’t miss one of our most popular events last year! Enjoy thrilling rides and meet & greet SMSU alumni and friends.

July 17

Wicked at the Orpheum Theatre—SOLD OUT If you think you know the two iconic witches from Oz — the Wicked Witch (Elphaba) and the Good Witch (Glinda) — think again. Benefit from group pricing for this night at the theatre!

June 22 Hit a Home Run with the Sioux Falls Canaries Enjoy a great night of baseball action from our private deck in right field! June 23 Alumni Night with the Twins and Cubs Holy Cow! Don’t miss the hottest Twins ticket of the year. Enjoy a pre-game gathering on the Plaza and then watch the Minnesota Twins face the Chicago Cubs. The Minnesota State College & University that sells the most tickets will be able to select an alumnus to throw out the first pitch! July 10

SMSU Twin Cities Golf Open Help support Mustang Athletics and the SMSU Alumni Association by participating in the inaugural Twin Cities Open at Deer Run Golf Club in Victoria, MN

Photos, clockwise from top left: 1. Tyler Engquist ’02; Nathan Burns; and Tyson Kassel ’02 enjoy the meeting with SMSU alumni and friends at the Hawaiian Night luau. 2. Michael Fallon ’76; Bill Mulso ’93, Assistant Vice-President of Advancment; Susan Fallon; President David Danahar; Clayton Schwerin ’77; Patrick Wiese ’72; Barbara Wiese; and Tyler Bowen, Alumni Director enjoy their SMSU update at a dinner in Fort Collins, CO.

GIVE YOURSELF A GIFT THAT WILL LAST FOR YEARS.

Aug. 9

Lock-in a low interest rate and reduce your monthly payments for the life of the loan.

CALL (800) 747-3514 or visit us at www.southwestalumni.com/studentloans Brought to you by: 1

Throw a strike with the Rochester Honkers An August tradition! Enjoy a fun night of Honkers baseball on the Sports Deck at Mayo Field.

Sept. 29-30 Homecoming 2006 Take a look for yourself at the changes on campus while enjoying all the Homecoming activities. Oct. 6-14 Enchanting Ireland Mark your calendars and make plans to travel with fellow SMSU alumni and friends to Ireland.

In order to receive grace rates, your application must be received prior to the first grace end date on the loans being consolidated.

Irish

Classic

October 6–14, 2006

Space is s available till Call toda ! y!

from Minneapolis/St.Paul (other departure cities are available)

3. Katy (Pivec) Hansen ’95; Tom Hansen ’94; Charlie Boeyink ’95 and Sheri (Mathieu) Boeyink ’95; gather for an SMSU alumni dinner in Scottsdale, AZ. 4. Tracy Jensen ’85 Chris Demarest ’87 and Joan (Anderson) Fangrow ’83 relive Southwest glory days at a Denver, CO alumni dinner.

For more information, updated events, or to register visit www.SouthwestAlumni.com

Ireland is a country unlike anywhere else in the world, a land of constantly changing colors, magnificent and varied landscapes, a land of folklore and legend. Experience it for yourself from the colorful towns of Killarney and Galway, the “Capital of the West.” Visit Blarney Castle, and enjoy the spectacular scenery of the Dingle Peninsula from Killarney. From Galway, perhaps journey to the Aran Islands or the spectacular Cliffs of Moher. Discover this beautiful land where a hundred thousand welcomes await you.

The trip includes: • Round-trip trans-atlantic air transportation from MSP to Shannon, Ireland • Seven nights in first-class hotels • Professional tour guide • Full Irish breakfast daily • Round-trip transfers between airport & hotels • Sightseeing via deluxe motorcoach • Luggage handling & related tips • Local government & hotel taxes • Complete pre-flight information

Call 1-800-260-0970 for details or go online at www.SouthwestAlumni.com

Spring 2006 volume 26 number 2

A magazine for alumni & friends of Southwest Minnesota State University

The Campaign for Southwest President Danahar sits down for a Q & A on the campaign, its progress, and his vision for the future of Southwest.

B C

Serving Those Who Serve A new Veteran’s Center opens at SMSU.

E G

Faculty, staff, students, alumni, and community members will help support the Campaign for Southwest. On the cover: A. Mary Hickerson B. David Marshall C. David Danahar D. Deb Mitlyng ’85 E. Jack Hickerson F. Sheldon Haaland G. Samantha Stenzel Photo by Greg Devereaux

Alumni Spotlight Two alumni talk about their careers and how Southwest helped them get there.

In every issue 3 Southwest News 9 Profiles 10 Alumni Connections 13 Mustang Athletics 15 Class Notes

President Dr. David C. Danahar Vice President for Advancement Dr. Vincent M. Pellegrino pellegrino@SouthwestMSU.edu Editor Tyler Bowen ’95 bowent@SouthwestMSU.edu Designer Marcy Olson ’93/MBA’05 olsonm@SouthwestMSU.edu

Senior Writer and Photography Jim Tate tatej@SouthwestMSU.edu Contributors Kelly Loft ’97 Sara Granheim ’02/MBA’04 Jake Strait ’03 Ryan Wendland Cover Photograph Greg Devereaux Photography Feature Story Photograph Todd Finlo, Prairielight Photography

Focus (USPS 565-770) is published twice each year for alumni and friends of Southwest Minnesota State University by the Alumni Office. Opinions expressed in Focus do not necessarily reflect official University policy. Send correspondence, name changes and address corrections to: Focus, Alumni Office, Southwest Minnesota State University, 1501 State Street, Marshall, MN 56258 or call (507) 537-6266. Focus is not copyrighted. Unless otherwise noted, articles may be reprinted without permission if credit is given to Southwest Minnesota State University. Southwest Minnesota State University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action educator and employer. Southwest Minnesota State University is a member of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system. This document can be made available in alternative formats to individuals with disabilities. Please make your request by calling 507-537-6266, 1-800-260-0970, or through the Minnesota Relay Service at 1-800-627-3529.

FOCUS MAGAZINE

SPRING 2006

dear friends

A letter from the President of SMSU

As I write to you, I am completing my fifth year as president of Southwest Minnesota State University. While my association with SMSU may not be as long as yours, I hope you know that I take tremendous pride in this institution and want to see it continue to accomplish great things. With your help, I know my next five years as president will be highly productive and exciting.

I would welcome the opportunity to meet personally with all of SMSU’s alumni and friends. As this campaign has moved forward, I have traveled across the country to spend some time with those who love Southwest, but cannot always make a trip to campus. I do want to invite those that can to join me on campus to see firsthand how significantly the campus has been transformed. Homecoming would be a wonderful time to do that.

In looking to the future, I am pleased to announce the Campaign for Southwest. This campaign is our first major comprehensive campaign to raise funds to enhance the University. As you read this issue of Focus, you will learn the details and goals of this campaign.

So, when you get the chance, please return to your college home and join me and all the other friends of the University in celebrating our past accomplishments and the future accomplishments that your gift will make possible. Your support and participation will make the Campaign for Southwest a success.

Southwest Minnesota State University cannot be the great institution it is without you. Your participation in and support of this campaign will signal your continuing commitment to the growth and prosperity of your University.

Sincerely,

Dear Alumni and Friends,

Alumni Board President: Jason P. Hoffman, Esq. ’99 Faribault, MN jphoffmanlaw@hotmail.com Term Expires: 2006/2009 Vice-President: Bill DeLay ’85 Orono, MN billd@mtaa.com Term Expires: 2003/2006 Secretary/Treasurer: Karen VanKeulen ’87 Ghent, MN vks6@frontiernet.net Term Expires: 2007/2010

SPRING 2006

David C. Danahar, President Southwest Minnesota State University

G. David Peterson ’75 West Des Moines, IA gdavid001@msn.com Term Expires: 2007/2010

Jason Mortvedt ’78 Blue Earth, MN mortty2000@yahoo.com Term Expires: 2006/2009

Amanda Romaine ’03 St. Cloud, MN amromaine@yahoo.com Term Expires: 2009/2012

Kathy Paxton ’69 Marshall, MN jkpax@yahoo.com Term Expires: 2003/2006

Carole Jean Toft-Ness ’80 Hendricks, MN nbgolf@itctel.com Term Expires: 2005/2008

Jan Craig Nelson, ’73 Redwood Falls, MN jcnrflaw@mchsi.com Term Expires: 2009/2012

Sedric McClure ’94 Brooklyn Park, MN mcclure@macalester.edu Term Expires: 2007/2010

Bruce Bossuyt ’96 Sioux Falls, SD bossuytbruce@katewweb.com Term Expires: 2008/2011

Robert Walker ’98/’04 Marshall, MN pyrgnic@chartermi.net Term Expires: 2009/2012

Chuck Larsen ’75 Minneapolis, MN seapee@att.net Term Expires: 2006/2009

Michelle Anderson ’88 Rochester, MN alwysko@yahoo.com Term Expires: 2008/2011

Executive Director Tyler Bowen ’95 Marshall, MN bowent@southwestMSU.edu

FOCUS MAGAZINE

The Alumni Board is the governing body of the SMSU Alumni Association. The Board promotes the social and educational interests of fellow alumni. Meetings are held three times per year.

southwest news

Southwest Awarded $100,000 Ford Foundation Grant outhwest Minnesota State University is one of 27 S institutions from across the nation that has been awarded a Ford Foundation grant of $100,000 as part of its Difficult Dialogues Initiative. Nearly 700 grant applications were submitted for consideration. The grant will be coordinated by the Thomas Jefferson Center for the Protection of Free Expression in Charlottesville, Va. The Ford Foundation was started in 1936 by Edsel Ford and two Ford Motor Company executives to create political, economic and social systems that promote peace, human welfare and the sustainability of the environment. Associate Professor of English Judy Wilson was the grant’s author, and said the Ford Foundation grant grew out of an idea she had for the creation of a journal for indigenous peoples. “I’m always looking for grant opportunities,” she said. “I had been talking to (former faculty member) Lupe Solis about creating a journal called the Yellow Medicine Review.” She came upon information about Ford Foundation grants and saw that it fit in with the goal of her project. “But I found that we would need to develop a bigger project [than the journal],” she said. She put together a team including faculty members Chris Mato Nunpa, Jeff Kolnick, Stewart Day, Eric Markusen, Vicky Brockman and herself, along with Office of Cultural Diversity Director Don Robertson, and together, they came up with four projects that are the basis for the grant. The SMSU Difficult Dialogues project, which will be spread out over two years, includes: • Sponsoring the 2006 and 2007 Indigenous Nations and Dakota Studies spring conferences, and giving the event a stronger national presence with greater visibility. • Creation of Faculty Awareness & Development Sessions. This will be worked into regular

professional development periods in the fall and will include awareness of indigenous issues and immigrant populations, as well as a diversity trainer to work with faculty. • Establishment of four new classes in the curriculum, including Breaking Native American Stereotypes, Issues of Immigration, Islamophobia and Homophobia & Sexualities. • Publication of the Yellow Medicine Review, a semi-annual journal of indigenous literature, art and thought. The 27 institutions will update one another on their progress via the Web, said Wilson. The Web site will act as a resource for the institutions to discuss the progress of their individual projects and help answer questions as they come up. The SMSU team will also attend seminars throughout the two-year cycle of the grant. “It’s great to have this happening at institutions all across the country,” said Wilson. “The others to receive a Ford Foundation grant represent a wonderful cross-section of institutions.” Her ultimate goal for SMSU as it relates to the Difficult Dialogues initiative? “To have a healthier atmosphere on campus,” she said. “I’ve noticed that we are at a crossroads on campus, that feelings have quietly been bottled up, and that the feeling is we are preventing conflict by not talking about it.” “Too often, I have heard of classes where professors shut down discussion. We want to invite it; it should be an atmosphere where healthy discussions can take place, where people listen.” Wilson credits the SMSU administration for being fully supportive of the grant’s goals. “It’s a favorable environment here, which enhances difficult dialogues,” she said. “We want our faculty and students to be able to talk about anything with no bias.”

Judy Wilson

More information about the SMSU Difficult Dialogues initiative and the Ford Foundation may be found online at: www.SouthwestMSU.edu/DifficultDialogues

Do you remember? E-mail alumni@SouthwestAlumni.com if you recognize any of the people in these photos.

For more great moments, visit the photo history section of the Alumni Web site at www.SouthwestAlumni.com/history FOCUS MAGAZINE

SPRING 2006

southwestnews

Southwest Marketing Advisory Center Blazing a Trail ike Rich will be the first to tell M you, there’s nothing better for a graduate looking for a job then a

Top photo: Mike Rich. Bottom photo, students compile data from a recent marketing survey.

resume that includes practical experience. “I just had an e-mail from (an employer) the other day, and she told me one of our marketing students had the best interview she’s ever been a part of, and she wants me to point future grads toward (her company),” he said. Rich is a marketing professor and director of the Southwest Marketing Advisory Center, an oncampus marketing business. It hires and pays students to conduct marketing projects for clients from southwest Minnesota. To date, over 180 jobs have been completed, “both big and small,” he said. The largest? A $32,000 study on renewable fuels for Sen. Norm Coleman, underwritten by the Minnesota Corn Growers and Soybean Growers Associations. Other recent projects have included a survey about the demand for modified housing, and market research about whether a Kentucky Fried Chicken and A&W restaurant would work in Marshall (it opened recently). Students are paid $10 per hour, and anywhere from 12 to 20 are on the payroll at any given time. “It depends on the size of the jobs we have,” said Rich. Each student averages 10 hours in the Center per week, said Rich. The Center has gained attention. Bemidji State University recently sent a delegation to SMSU to see how the Center works. “They wanted to model theirs

after ours,” he said. “The Southwest Marketing Advisory Center is an opportunity for our graduates to differentiate themselves from other marketing grads from other institutions,” he said. “They graduate with experience in the field, and there are becoming more and more local opportunities for them. Before, you’d have to go to Sioux Falls, the Cities, Omaha, but now, more and more businesses are realizing the importance of having a marketing person on board.” He defines marketing as “giving the customer what they want, and helping the customer realize what that want is.” Rich is involved in the community through boards and civic organizations, and those contacts have helped the Center get new jobs. “A lot of it is word of mouth,” said Rich. “We are in our fourth year now, and people are starting to realize what the Center is, and what it can do.” Rich also is a member of the national faculty of the American Marketing Association and as a result has the opportunity to make contacts all over the country. “Recently, we were asked to bid on an extensive marketing project for a publisher in St. Louis,” Rich said. “That lead came from an attendee at one of the national AMA programs I taught.” The number of marketing majors has increased, as well. “When I got here, we had 28. We have over 75 now,” he said. “Students today know what they want, they have more street smarts, and the Center helps them get a leg up when it comes time to look for a job.”

Southwest Marketing Advisory Center 1501 State Street, Marshall MN 56258 Phone: (507) 537-7241 Fax: (507) 537-7179 smac@SouthwestMSU.edu www.SouthwestMSU.edu/smac

SMSU Selected to Host Legion Boys State 2007-2011 outhwest Minnesota State University has been selected to host S Minnesota Legion Boys State from 2007-2011. The announcement was made at a press conference held at SMSU on January 20. Legion Boys State centers around hands-on experiences about the principles of the representative form of government while nurturing an interest in governmental affairs. Participants learn about city, county and state government and the two-party system while at Legion Boys State. They elect their own legislature, governor, and introduce and vote on bills. Approximately 450 male seniors-to-be annually participate in Legion Boys State. Each Legion post in Minnesota can nominate one or more boys to participate.

SPRING 2006

FOCUS MAGAZINE

The 2007 event will run from June 10-16. Legion Boys State participants also hear from speakers from the Minnesota State Legislature. A Minnesota Supreme Court associate justice also makes an annual visit. “These are the leaders of tomorrow,” said Director of Enrollment Services Richard Shearer, who was a member of the SMSU team that made its presentation to Minnesota Boys State during the selection process. “We are happy to be able to host this outstanding event. It will be good exposure for the University, the city and the region, and brings to campus outstanding young men whom we hope will be impressed with what SMSU has to offer when it comes time to make a college choice.”

Photo by Jerry Swanson

The Campaign for Southwest he Campaign for Southwest is a 17.2

continued success in the future.

build support for Southwest Minnesota State

changed the lives of its students, its employees,

University. SMSU is a university of choice for

and the citizens of the region. The funds raised

Southwest Minnesota and beyond, and the

from this campaign will allow the University to

campaign will ensure that choice for

continue its distinctive role in transforming the

generations.

lives of those associated with the University.

million dollar fund-raising campaign to

Southwest is committed to sustaining an

Southwest has played a critical role in and

You are invited to join those who believe in

enriched learning environment that provides a

Southwest Minnesota State University.

host of supportive and challenging

Consider donating to this campaign and making

opportunities. Alumni, faculty, staff, and

a difference in the lives of future. Please join

friends are being asked to participate in this

the Campaign for Southwest.

campaign so that they can contribute to SMSUâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

For more information on how to support the campaign, visit

www.SMSUFoundation.org

Campaign for Southwest

Q&A with

President

Danahar

Q: What is the Campaign for Southwest?

Danahar: The Campaign for Southwest is the first major comprehensive campaign for the University in its 38-year history. It is a fundraising campaign, and it is also a friend-raising campaign. It provides an important opportunity to connect or reconnect with our alums and at the same time, it will allow us to explain future directions and make new friends.

Q & A by R ya n We n d l a n d â&#x20AC;˘ P h o t o by To d d Fi n l o , P r a i r i e l i g h t P h o t o g r a p h y

Campaign for Southwest

Q: What are the goals and priorities of the campaign?

Danahar: The goals and priorities are set out in five significant areas. First, the campaign seeks support for our financial aid and scholarship needs. Second, we will be seeking support for faculty development and in areas such as curriculum development, research and scholarly growth. The third priority will be to seek support for student services in areas as diverse as facilities, international education, and residence hall life. We also have two other areas where we will seek support: Funds for “bricks-andmortar” and undesignated funds in support of our endowment. Our campus is 38 years old and we have many areas that need to be upgraded, including academic space, residence halls, and laboratories. Undesignated support for our endowment will be used for our academic programs, international education initiatives, and student research opportunities.

Q: How were the campaign priorities identified?

Danahar: The priorities emerged in great measure from our annual campus-wide planning sessions. Each year we have been able to bring the campus community together and ask for input on direction, priorities and needs. Additionally, we used outside consultants to survey the larger university community regarding direction, future needs, and potential support. Both this survey and our internal planning sessions shaped the priorities for this campaign.

Q: Since you have been traveling for fundraising, how has the campaign been received?

Danahar: It has been very well received. Alumni, friends and parents have been attentive and very supportive. I’ve gone to Phoenix, Denver, New York City, and Washington, D.C. During these trips, I’ve met with a wide range of alums who have been very supportive, and want to know where the university is and where it intends to go. My conversations have been direct, and practical financial responses and commitments have been made by a wide range of alums and friends.

Q: Where is the campaign right now?

Danahar: We have commitments today of $12.7 million toward an overall goal of $17.2 million. So that is roughly 73 percent of the goal. This is a very significant step forward, and it has been accomplished in a relatively brief period of time, two and a half years. As I look at it right now, I am positive about meeting our overall goal, and I hope that we will not only meet that goal, but also exceed it by the close of the campaign in the summer of 2008.

Q: Who is joining you in providing leadership for the campaign?

Danahar: Leadership comes from the directors of our Foundation—the president, vice president, secretary, and treasurer. Obviously, I also take a leading role in the campaign. Others have stepped forward, including Dorene Kronke-McCourt, an alumn from the early 70’s, who has assumed a leadership role, particularly in the East and along the East Coast. On the campus front, we have been fortunate that Jack and Mary Hickerson have stepped forward to help. Other faculty and staff have expressed a willingness to become involved, and our Alumni Director, Tyler, Bowen, will also play a prominent leading role.

Q: What is the role of alumni in the campaign?

Danahar: They are key to the success of this campaign. We have approximately 14,000 living alumni. It is very important to me that they participate in this campaign. It is not so much a question of the financial level at which they participate but rather that they make a commitment. The alumni’s commitment makes a very strong statement to the rest of the SMSU community. The alumni phase of the campaign is about to be formally launched and Tyler Bowen will have a lead role.

Campaign for Southwest

Photos courtesy of the marshall independent

Q: What has been the response of the campus community?

Danahar: It has been quite positive. I’ve worked closely with my cabinet, and they have been very generous with their time, commitment, and funds. We are now moving forward to work with faculty and staff, both current and retired. In terms of the response so far, people have been upfront, positive, and generous.

Q: Have you been surprised by the response?

Danahar: I have been delighted by the level of support. It is reassuring to the staff, our students, and our faculty, and it assures me that Mustang Fever and Mustang Pride are alive and well.

Q: What have you learned about Southwest while meeting with alumni and going through this process?

Danahar: One thing I’ve learned is not to have any particular stereotypical image. We have a wonderful collection of alumni who reside within a wide range of locations and who are busy in a rich spectrum of careers. It’s been fun to engage them and meet with them. For example, when I was in Denver two months ago, I had a wonderful evening with some 30 alumni. They had a wide range of interests and backgrounds and represented the 70s, 80s, 90s and the first decade of the 21st century.

Q: What is your vision for the future of Southwest, and how is this campaign going to bring that vision to fruition?

Danahar: I have a phrase that I use when this question is put to me. My hope is that Southwest Minnesota State University will become “a University of Choice.” What do I mean by that? Simply put, it is my hope that

when students and their families begin to consider higher education options, SMSU automatically becomes an option to be considered. It would be wonderful if the university was on most students’ lists for consideration when they are thinking about a university education. If the university can become “a University of Choice” for the residents of Minnesota as well as the residents of the five surrounding states, that would be a wonderful transformation. In terms of the campaign helping to enhance the university of choice issue, it should fundamentally assist us in providing the resources needed to move the university forward on all fronts. Additionally, our recognition by US News and World Report and other national organizations does help enhance our positioning and recognition. I have every reason to believe that SMSU will be a university of choice and will be such beyond the upper Midwest region.

Q: Is there anything else you’d like to mention about the campaign?

Danahar: You have to give credit to many people for whatever successes you have, and I realize that whatever success I have had and whatever successes I am going to have with this campaign are really made possible by the support I continue to have on campus as well as off campus. I cannot emphasize too much the importance of that support. People like to talk about “the president’s leadership” and all the rest, but that doesn’t happen without a great deal of support. And that is very important and very rewarding.

To find out more about the Campaign for Southwest, visit www.SMSUFoundation.org

get to know us

Idriss Njike gets involved to feel comfortable at SMSU Idriss Njike, coming to SMSU was a leap F“Iorofhadfaith. a good vibe about the school; they replied quickly to my e-mails, answered all my questions,” said Idriss, a senior Marketing and Business Management major from Douala, Cameroon, a western Africa country of 16.5 million people about the size of California. He had a cousin in Eden Prairie, Minn., who helped him look for schools in the U.S. “It was SMSU or one other, but I liked the way I was treated here,” he said. When he arrived, he had to overcome a language barrier. “My first language is French. It would have been easier to go to college in France, but I wanted to learn English, so I thought, ‘Why

not the U.S.?’” He’s a familiar face on campus. Idriss has been a Resident Assistant for three years, and works in Public Safety. “Those jobs really helped me get to know people and made me feel comfortable here,” he said. “The people I’ve met, they have made a difference.” He’s active in the International Student Organization, Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE), Campus Crusade for Christ and serves on the Student Health Advisory Committee. “I got involved on campus, and for me, that was the difference,” he said. “There are so many opportunities to get involved.” For Idriss, SMSU is where he belongs. “I really love SMSU,” he said.

Idriss Njike, senior, marketing and business management major from Douala, Cameroon.

Ray Oster is still happy to be at Southwest Oster’s wife Jane hadn’t written his letter IwhofofRayapplication to Southwest State University, knows where he’d be today. “She was from Illinois, and I had attended college in the Midwest too,” said Ray, an Associate Professor of Theatre Arts at SMSU. “She asked me one day about this school in the Midwest. The only thing we knew is that we didn’t want to go to the west or the south, so she wrote the letter, and I’m in my 25th year here.” Oster is a New Jersey native who came to SMSU via Florida and The Hamptons. He attended Parsons College in Fairfield, Iowa, and transferred to Southampton College in Southampton, N.Y. He earned Fine Arts degrees in Visual Arts and Theatre from there in 1972. “I thought I’d go right to work at the

Metropolitan Opera at the Lincoln Center. I was naïve,” he said. A number of ‘right place at the right time’ events took him to theater jobs in Florida and New York, where he gained experience in lighting and set design. He earned a Master of Arts in Theatre from the University of Wisconsin-Superior. Timing was right when his wife Jane penned the letter to Southwest, where he has been ever since. “I love it here,” he said. “The Theatre faculty work well together. When I arrived, I was the new kid, and now, I’m the old man.” In his spare time, he likes riding horses and spending time in the Black Hills. He and Jane have a daughter, Hayley, who is a freshman at SMSU.

Ray Oster, professor of theatre at SMSU.

Lisa Kratz leads the way in the new Student Center alk into the new Student Center at W Southwest Minnesota State University, and chances are good you’ll bump into Lisa Kratz. She has an office, but spends most of her time in the spacious Student Center, talking to people and making sure everything is going right. Kratz is the Student Center Director. She came to SMSU in March 2005 from Iowa State University, where she was the assistant Memorial Union Director and Manager of Programs at the Ames, Iowa institution. It’s her job to oversee the Student Center and the Conference Center, two buildings that have transformed the face and feel of the University since opening at the end of the 2004-2005 academic year. “It’s a wonderful space for the students,” she said of the new Student Center. “It has a living

room feel–warm and inviting.” It’s a busy place, too. From Aug. 19, 2005 through Jan. 6, 2006, there were 307,270 total visitors to the Student Center, an average of 3,073 per day. “The traffic patterns are evolving,” she said. “It depends on what is going on.” Plenty is going on. The Student Center is a place where students gather, where they eat, and where events are held. Likewise, the Conference Center offers a space unique to the region. It can host small meetings and large, and has quickly become a favorite spot to host wedding receptions. “It’s our goal to make this a vibrant, alive and busy space on campus,” she said. “Now that we’ve fully moved in, that’s what we are trying to do on a day-to-day basis.”

Lisa Kratz, director of the Student Center at SMSU

FOCUS MAGAZINE

SPRING 2006

alumni connections

A New Veteran’s Center Opens on Campus he willingness with which our young people are likely to serve in T any war, no matter how justified, shall be directly proportional to how they perceive the veterans of earlier wars were treated and appreciated by their nation. —George Washington Jim Hubley ’74.

That quote is displayed prominently in front of the new SMSU Veteran’s Center, which opened at the start of the spring semester in Social Science 218-220. “I’d been working with veterans out here for over 24 years, but we never had a place of our own,” explained Jim Hubley, the Lyon County Veterans Service Officer who is also an adjunct English faculty member. Hubley graduated from SMSU in 1974 with a Sociology degree. He went on to earn master’s degrees in English and Creative Writing. During his years in college, he became acutely aware of the void that existed when it came to services that were available to veterans. He served in the U.S. Army from 1966 to 1969, which included a tour of duty in Vietnam. “I started at SMSU in 1970, and the transition was difficult. I was asked to use a side of my brain that hadn’t been challenged for a while. “Two Korean War veterans who were faculty members, Jim Hayes and Bob White, encouraged me to begin a support group, and that’s what started it all. Back then, there wasn’t the sensitivity

toward veterans’ issues there is now. There were a number of guys falling through the cracks.” What does Hubley do? Act as a resource for veterans attending SMSU. Much of his work deals with questions about education benefits as they relate to the GI Bill. Hubley knows the various veterans system well enough — national, state and local — so that even if he doesn’t know all the answers, he knows where to go to get them. Hubley began as the county Veterans Service Officer in 1982. “There weren’t that many veterans attending SMSU back then, but after the Gulf War ended, a few more showed up. “In the ’70s we were behind the curve as far as the services that were offered veterans, and the services we have now grew out of too little, too late. It’s nice to see us being proactive like this.” Hubley is at the campus two afternoons per week, and a member of the local National Guard unit staffs the space two other afternoons per week. “Sometimes, veterans just want to come in and talk. It’s nice that we can have this space. We want to think of this office in the long-term, to have it grow and be a real resource, not just a brochure place. Word has gotten out, we’ve been busy.” He said there are approximately 100 veterans attending SMSU now, probably more. “It takes time for the lists to be updated,” he said. Hubley and his wife Barb (Bot ’75) are the parents of three children: Dan, 22; Adam, 19; and Jessie, 14.

Mustang Memories Print Available Now “Mustang Memories” by Terrence Fogarty, SMSU Class of 1982. Only 509 limited edition prints are available for $150. All proceeds benefit the SMSU Alumni Heritage Scholarship Fund. Prints and framing options available in Marshall at Johnson’s Paint and Wallpaper or order online at www.SouthwestAlumni.com. For a color brochure call 507-537-6266 or 1-800-260-0970.

SPRING 2006

FOCUS MAGAZINE

Alumni Spotlight JoAnn Fredrickson Business Administration, 1984 About her career Joann Fredrickson is the Provost and Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs at Bemidji State University, a position she has held since 2002. Her ties to SMSU run deep. The Hector, Minn., native graduated from SSU in 1984 with a degree in Business Administration. She stayed at SSU and received an accounting degree in 1987. She took a position with Dr. Lynn Cupkie as an Assistant to the Vice President for Student Affairs in 1987, and soon was approached by Jan Kraft to see if she’d be interested in a two-year appointment to replace two faculty members who were going on sabbaticals. “That decision, to begin teaching, changed my life,” she said. “Within the first quarter, I had fallen in love with teaching.” While serving in various capacities as a faculty member at SMSU, she earned a master’s in Accounting from St. Cloud State in 1991 and a Ph.D. in Sociology from South Dakota State in 1996. While at SMSU, she was a faculty member, chair of the Department of Business Administration and Political Science, interim dean of the College of Business, Education, Professional and Graduate Studies and interim Vice President for Academic Affairs. “Those positions really helped me prepare for my current position,” she said. As Provost at Bemidji State, she is responsible for the university’s Strategic Plan and related annual Work Plan. She advises the president and serves as chief executive officer in his absence. As Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs, she serves as

Brian Luke Chemistry and Secondary Education, 1975

SMSU alumni shine brightly in their chosen fields.

the chief academic and chief student affairs officer, and has primary leadership duties and responsibilities in the areas of policy development and administration, human resources planning and leadership, fiscal stewardship and support of outreach and partnerships. About her SMSU days When it came time to choose a college, Joann followed the path paved by her family. She was the fourth of an eventual six siblings or cousins to attend SMSU. “The fact that Southwest was located in a rural area was a plus for me. Looking back, I could not have selected a better school to fit my needs.” She remembers the SMSU faculty fondly. “They were committed to being excellent teachers and mentors. They recognized several of us were coming into college as first-generation college students who were fairly unaware of what it meant to be an educated citizen. Faculty like Babcock, Kraft and Hugh Curtler, and numerous others, challenged my understanding of both myself and the world around me. “I remember my time at SMSU as challenging, rewarding and a heck of a lot of fun.” About the value of a liberal arts college “SMSU is an example of an outstanding liberal arts university, with a commitment to their students and the region,” she said. “They produce educated students. So much of our culture and fabric is related to people being a part of a community, and what you get at a liberal arts university like SMSU helps you become a contributing citizen.” a weight room for three or four years, we try to develop whole body strength—that’s what swimming is.”

About his career Luke is one of the most successful swimming coaches in the state of Minnesota. He received a degree in Chemistry and Secondary Education from what was then Southwest Minnesota State College in 1975 and is currently a ninth-grade Physical Science teacher at Oak-Land Junior High School, part of the Stillwater School District. Brian coaches both the boys and girls teams at Stillwater High School. That tenure has included 980 meets. He’s won his share of individual honors, and has seen many of his swimmers go on to compete in college. But it’s not the swimming that keeps him going, it’s the kids. “I like working with them, watching them grow and mature,” he said. Each year, he presents to a swimmer his own “Coach’s Award” which goes to someone who exemplifies what a student-athlete should be: dedicated to school and community, a good student, and well-rounded. He is finishing up his 31st year as a swimming coach at Stillwater.

About his time at SMSU He arrived at SMSU when the University was still being built. “Some of the buildings were just going up, and there are more today.” Brian is a Hopkins native who was recruited by Don Palm. He swam four years at SMSU, and every three years hosts a reunion of Mustang swimmers. “We get about 20 or so at each of them,” he said. “I really enjoyed everything about SSU, I got a good education and made lifelong friends.” Con Eckstrom, former SMSU registrar and diving coach, and his wife, Marcie, remain close friends. Marcie ran the town club team at the time, and Brian helped coach that group as a junior and senior. “I learned a lot of the philosophy of coaching from her,” he said. “Don’t overdo it with younger kids, keep it fun for them.”

The girls’ season is in the fall, and the boys compete in the winter. His boys’ team recently finished eighth in the state meet. His girls’ team won the state title in 2005, and the true team state championship in 2004 and 2005. He’s in the pool from June to March every year, and it never gets old. “The techniques are changing,” he said of the sport. “There is more investigation of fluid physics, that’s why we are seeing times drop. Now it’s core body strength rather than pushing weights. We haven’t been in

About his family Brian and his wife Jane are the parents of four children: Melanie Mahowald of Vermillion, S.D.; Taylor, a senior at the University of Minnesota; Maggie, a sophomore at Gustavus Adolphus College; and Marnie, a junior at Stillwater High School. They are all swimmers. Melanie’s husband Jason is the head swimming coach at the University of South Dakota. FOCUS MAGAZINE

SPRING 2006

alumni connections

2005 Alumni Award Winners ach year, the Southwest Minnesota State E University Alumni Association honors individuals with a pair of awards—Alumni Achievement Awards and Honorary Lifetime Membership Awards. Alumni Achievement Awards honor those who have excelled since graduating from SMSU. Honorary Lifetime Membership Awards go to individuals who did not graduate from Southwest but who have shown their commitment through their years of service and support to the University.

ALUMNI ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS Jeff Gadbois

AWARD WINNERS From top left photo: Jeff Gadbois, Mick Joyce, Sandy Nelson, William Hezlep, Lyle and Cheri Weismantel.

You may not know his face, but you certainly know his voice. Jeff Gadbois is a 1975 graduate with a degree in Theatre. Following an accomplished acting career, he found his niche doing voiceovers for radio and television commercials from his home studio in Chanhassen. He did over 6,500 voiceovers last year alone, and, on a national level, is the TV voice for Breathe-Right Nasal Strips, Papa John’s Pizza and the radio voice of Consort Hair Care. His voice is heard regionally and nationally on a daily basis. During his television days, he performed with such names as Louis Anderson, Ben Affleck and Shannon Dougherty. He was also a regular at The Jungle and the Old Log Theatres. Jeff and his wife, SMSU graduate Sally Curtis, have three children: Jon, Tom and Libby.

Mick Joyce

Contact the Alumni Office at 1-800-260-0970 or visit www.SouthwestAlumni.com to find out how you can nominate someone who is deserving of an Alumni Association Award.

SPRING 2006

Joyce is a 1975 graduate with a degree in Literature and Individualized Interdisciplinary, Social Science. He has earned two master’s degrees, in Public Policy and Urban and Regional Planning. Currently, Mick works as a private contractor researching grants and contracts and consults on disability-related issues and assistive technology. He is a tireless advocate of the disabled and disability issues, and his interests include politics, poetry and outdoor activities. He was the first editor of the campus rehab newspaper, “Quenching Quill” and was a key player in bringing the Southwest Center for Independent Living to Marshall. Mick is a Huron, S.D., native and chose SMSU because of its proximity to his home, its writing program and its wheelchair accessibility.

HONORARY LIFETIME MEMBERS Sandy Nelson Sandy is a mother away from home for the international students at SMSU. She has been at the University since 1988, and currently works as the coordinator of International Student Services and as support in the Office of Cultural Diversity. She has seen the number of international students swell from

FOCUS MAGAZINE

just a handful when she started to an all-time high of over 220 this year. Sandy goes out of her way to help international students adjust to life in rural Minnesota, taking care of everything from handling ground transportation to setting up orientation and helping establish bank accounts. If there’s a problem, Sandy is the person to go to for the answer. Her warmth and generosity have endeared her to international and minority students on campus. Sandy and her husband, Larry J. Nelson, have three children: Jeff, Kristine and Kimberly.

William Hezlep William Hezlep has just about seen it all, be it from the deck of a navy ship, as part of touring theater groups, from the stage, the big and small screen, or from the classroom on the prairie of Southwest Minnesota. William, a Professor Emeritus of Theatre at SMSU, came to the University at the request of Bob Oram, the first chair of Theatre at SMSU. He stayed for 37 years. He is a Pennsylvania native and entered the Navy out of high school. He had his sights set on being a radio and television star when he enrolled at Westminster College in New Willmington, Pa., but when he was recruited to play a part in Hamlet, acting soon won out. His acting career took him across the nation. He is a member of the Screen Actors Guild, and has appeared in movies and television commercials. He has been listed in Outstanding Educators of America, and Who’s Who in Entertainment. He has written many plays, and continues to write today. William maintains friendships with many of his former students, who today work in all areas of the theater, film and television. He has two children, Dirk and Erin.

Lyle and Cheri Weismantel Lyle and Cheri Weismantel have been active supporters of the University since coming to Marshall 10 years ago. Lyle retired as the president of Bremer Bank in December of 2005. He is a Columbia, S.D. native and has been on the SMSU Foundation Board for nine years, also serving a term as president. He has been active in Mustang Booster Club projects, including the membership drive, the reverse raffle and the golf tournament. Cheri is a Ruthton native and worked in the social services field before retiring 10 years ago. She helped organize the recent Senior College Vital Aging Conference, has served on the University Gala committee and enjoys taking Senior College classes. Lyle and Cheri are the parents of two children, Lisa Jurik, and Stacy Taylor. They have four grandchildren.

Mustang Flashback DAN KOSTER

Mike Jewett Named Head Coach of Women’s Basketball

Mike Jewett speaking at a press conference on April 18. n April 17, Southwest Minnesota State O University director of athletics Dr. Howard Gauthier announced the hiring of Mike Jewett as the head women’s basketball coach at SMSU. Jewett comes to Southwest Minnesota State following a two-year stay as an assistant coach at St. Cloud State University. Jewett becomes the sixth head coach in the program’s 37-year history. “We are extremely excited to have found one of the top coaches in the region in Mike Jewett,” Gauthier said. “With what he has been able to accomplish as a head coach at Franklin College and the past two seasons as an assistant at St. Cloud State he’s a perfect fit at SMSU. He brings a proven track record of success and his knowledge of the region will help make SMSU one of the best programs in the NSIC. I am happy to have him join the Mustang family.” Jewett recently completed his second season at St. Cloud State University. During his two years on staff, the Huskies recorded 52 victories which includes two NCAA regional

championships and a Final Four appearance this past season. Prior to joining the SCSU staff, Jewett was the head women's basketball coach (2001-04) at Franklin College in Franklin, Ind., for three seasons. During his tenure he compiled a 6220 overall record and in his final season in 2003-04, led his team to the second round of the NCAA tournament, a conference championship and was named conference coach of the year. Jewett began his college coaching career in 1997 serving as an assistant coach at Augustana College for four seasons (19972001), where he help lead the Vikings to 76 victories and an appearance in the NCAA tournament in 2001. He coaching career began in 1994 as the head girls’ basketball coach at Brandon Valley High School in Brandon, S.D., where he spent three seasons (1994-97) before moving to the college ranks. “I’m excited about the opportunity and challenge to take over the SMSU women’s basketball program,” Jewett said. “I look forward to getting things going right away. I want to meet with the current members of the team as soon as possible and also begin recruiting for the upcoming season.” Jewett received his bachelor’s degree in English education from Augustana College (S.D.) in 1994, where he also was a member of the Viking men’s basketball program for two years. He earned his master’s degree from the University of South Dakota in physical education in 1999. Jewett, a native of Flandreau, S.D., and his wife Michelle, have two children, daughter Michaela (5) and son Kaden (2). The position became available on Mar. 21 when Mike Power was assigned to instructional duties on campus. Power served as head coach for one season leading SMSU to a record of 721 overall, 4-10 in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference.

SMSU Twin Cities Golf Open Monday, July 10, 2006

Sports at SMSU: Basketball, three years. Football, four years as quarterback. Graduation Year: 1985 Major: Agribusiness with emphasis in economics and finance.

Sport Memories: I have many fond memories of playing sports at SMSU (SSU). The one that stands out above the rest was the last game of my football career. We played the University of Wisconsin, River Falls at the Metrodome (the first time and only time I played there). River Falls was ranked 13th in the nation and SSU had only won a few games. Our offense came out smoking and the Mustang defense was solid. I believe we truly stunned River Falls beating them 35-24 (a great way to end my football career). The thing I cherish the most, over and above the team’s accomplishments and my personal accomplishments, are the people I met over the years, fellow students, faculty, roommates, teammates and coaches. Since Graduation: After graduation I worked one year for Navistar Financial and then accepted a job with Minnwest Bank in Redwood Falls, Minn. I have been with Minnwest Bank for almost 20 years and am currently the Senior Vice President in charge of commercial and agricultural lending. I credit SMSU for my quality education and specifically my advisor, the late Jim Babcock, who suggested an internship at Minnwest Bank. Personally: I married my best friend, my wife now for 20 years, Joan Nordmeyer. We have three great children: Jackson, 16; Bailey, 14; and Alec, 11. They are active in school and keep us busy following their events (football, volleyball, basketball, track, golf, baseball, dance, band & choir). Athletic Involvement Today: I enjoy playing golf and I stay involved with sports by coaching youth flag football and youth traveling basketball. It has been great going to youth tournaments, running into college friends and watching our kids compete!

Deer Run Golf Course in Victoria, Minnesota To Benefit Mustang Athletics & the SMSU Alumni Association

Call 507-537-6257 or visit www.SouthwestAlumni.com/TCGolf

Dan is pictured with Coach Gary Buer.

mustang athletics

Two Mustangs Earn All-American Honors

T Contons

Wipperfurth

wo Mustang athletes earned All-American status for the outstanding achievements on the court and mat during their respective seasons. After helping guide the Mustang volleyball team to their second consecutive trip to the NCAA Tournament, Erin Contons hauled in an impressive list of postseason awards. The two most notable were from the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) and Daktronics. Both named Erin to the AllAmerica second team. The AVCA was the first to honor her with the award which made her the first volleyball player from SMSU to earn All-America status since SMSU moved to Division II in 1995. Contons joins Beth (Elliot) Lanoue (1990), Monica

Green-Connell (1991) and Jenai (Hutchinson) Wright (1992) as All-Americans at SMSU. Elliot was the first player to be named to the All-America team when she was selected to the first team in 1990. Elliot, Green and Hutchinson all received honors at the NAIA level. Joel Wipperfurth, a senior 197-pound wrestler became an NCAA All-American for the first time in his career at the national tournament in Findlay, OH. He finished in sixth place at the NCAA Division II National Tournament to earn All-America status. Wipperfurth went 3-3 at his first ever national tournament. Wipperfurth finished the season with a 21-10 record.

UPDATE • UPDATE • UPDATE • UPDATE • UPDATE • UPDATE • UPDATE Mustang senior football player Eric Oldenkamp (Chandler, Ariz.) was named to the 2005 ESPN The Magazine Academic College Division All-District V second team. Oldenkamp was one of just 12 studentathletes from NCAA Division II schools among the 49 individuals selected either first or second to earn all-district. Oldenkamp has compiled a 3.68 GPA while majoring in justice administration and sociology. Oldenkamp finished his three-year career booting 20 field goals which ranks second alltime in school history. Another Mustang football player, junior punter Andy Schlichting (Chaska, Minn.) earned several postseason honors. Schlichting, who led the Northern Sun Conference with a 39.9 yard average, was named Daktronics first team allregion, Football Gazette first team all-region and D2Football.com second team all-region, along with being named first team All-NSIC. SMSU men’s basketball sophomore guard Matt Fletcher (North Branch, Minn.) was named second team All-NSIC, the only SMSU player to garner postseason accolades this season. Fletcher lead SMSU in scoring, averaging 13 points per game while shooting 49.8 percent from the field (121 of 243). He also led the squad with 84 three-point field goals and set an SMSU single-season record

for three-point field goal percentage at 48 percent (84 of 175). Two SMSU men’s basketball juniors were honored as players of the week by the NSIC this past season. Junior Chad Orum (LeRoy, Minn.) earned the award on Jan. 3, while junior Jeremy VanKlompenburg (Canby, Minn.) earned the award on Jan. 30. Mustang senior baseball player Colby Pack (Lamberton, Minn.) was named the 2006 NSIC preseason player of the year. Pack, the 2005 NSIC Player of the Year, became SMSU’s first ever NCAA AllAmerica last spring batting .414 with 15 home runs, 13 doubles and 50 RBI. Despite a difficult a season, the Mustang women’s basketball team had a couple of players receive postseason honors. Sara Leidall (Rochester, Minn.) was named the NSIC’s Freshman of the Year as well as second team All-NSIC. The senior guard Kelly Crimi (Jordan, Minn.) was also named to the All-NSIC second team. She leaves SMSU as one of the most prolific three-point shooters in school history. Crimi ended her career with 142 three-pointers, good for fourth on the all-time career record. Tim Johns (Harrisburg, S.D.) was named

the NSIC Co-Wrestler of the Year. He joins Troy Mentzer (1993) and Jared Cooley (2003) as the only two other Mustangs to earn the award. Johns finished the season with a 28-8 record as he made his third trip to the NCAA National Tournament. Johns also joined teammate Joel Wipperfurth (Lodi, Wis.) on the NSIC All-Conference team. A pair of Mustang softball players have been busy re-writing the SMSU record books. Freshman Amanda Johnson (Fremont, Neb.) has already broken the school record for single game strikeouts as well as the single season strikeout record. She struck out 16 batters in SMSU’s 8-4 win over Minnesota-Duluth on Mar. 15 in Orlando, Fla. She then broke the single season strikeout record on April 5 against South Dakota when she struck out ten batters, to give her 149 strikeouts at that point and breaking the old record of 140. She has twice been named NSIC Pitcher of the Week this season. Erin Dickhausen (Watertown, Minn.) set the SMSU record for home runs in a game on April 5 against South Dakota. The sophomore catcher hit three home runs, one of which was a grand slam. She was then named NSIC Player of the Week following her efforts.

Nominations Sought for 2007 Athletics Hall of Honor Nominations are now being accepted for the 2007 class of the SMSU Athletics Hall of Honor. The inducted ceremony will take place in January, 2007. The Hall of Honor is the highest athletic award recognition given to any individual or team at SMSU. To nominate an individual or team, please contact Kelly Loft, Hall of Honor chairperson, at 507-537-7177 or loftkr@SouthwestMSU.edu. More information is also available at www.SMSUmustangs.com

SPRING 2006

FOCUS MAGAZINE

classnotes

1970s STEVEN JANSEN ’71 has become a member of the faculty of Donnelly College in Kansas City, Kan. Steven and his wife Kathryn live in Lawrence, Kan. JIM DESCHEPPER ’72 was recently promoted to vice president and general manager of WKOW-TV in Madison, Wis. Prior to that, he was vice president and general manager of KTIV-TV in Sioux City, Iowa. NANCY NIELSEN MANKIN ’72 was selected for the 2005 edition of Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers. She is a school library media specialist at Bethel Elementary School in Simpsonville, S.C. and was selected as the 2004-2005 Teacher of the Year and the 2003-2004 PTA Teacher of the Year. Nancy and her husband, Jim, relocated to Forest, Va., last July. PETER HEIKES ’74 returned to work full-time in November 2005, after being on medical leave from his work at Electronic Data Systems so he could fight leukemia. “Though the first week was physically challenging, mentally, it has been very good for me,” he writes. DEBRA BANKS ’75 works at the U.S. Agency for International Development, where she is helping track tsunami relief efforts. She is also overseeing the development of a pilot management information system/geographic information system for the Asian and Near East region. 1980s PETER BREYFOGLE ’80 continues to enjoy his early retirement while being the primary caregiver for his 12year-old son, Alex. The two completed the CANDISC bike tour in North Dakota last summer. DEEANN GRIEBEL ’80 was recently named Managing DirectorInvestments of Wachovia Securities in Mesa, Ariz. She was selected to the 2005 Arizona “Winner’s Circle” recognizing her commitment to

providing superior service to her clients while sharing her best practices with others. JOHN RADZILOWSKI ’89, a University of Minnesota history professor, recently published a book, Minnesota: On-the-Road Histories, a panoramic view of the cultural, historical and geographic aspects of the sprawling, multi-ethnic state. RENEE (BURG) WINICK ’89 and her husband Mark welcomed twins, Caiden and Lydia, on Nov. 30, 2005. They live in Prior Lake, Minn. 1990s JODI RUIS ’90 is a litigation paralegal in St. Paul, Minn. She and her husband, Brian, flew to Seoul, South Korea in 2004 to bring home their son, Caleb Jee Hoon, who was eight months old when he came to the U.S. “He is the biggest blessing of our lives,” she writes. She continues to keep in touch with former classmates Alexis Fehrman (’88), Deb Lustig (’90), Teresa Joens (’90), Hugh Curtler (’91), Maureen Garrahay (’90), Eric Koester (’90) and Bonnie Witt (’92), who is Caleb’s godmother. CHRISTY (MILLER) KLATT ’92 has finished veterinary school at the University of Minnesota and currently works as the assistant commission veterinarian at Canterbury Park in Shakopee, Minn. BETH MUCHLINSKI-REISBIG ’94 and her husband, Mike, welcomed their third child, Jack Michael, on March 16. He joins sisters Madelina, 4, and Maggie, 1-1/2. She teaches at Millard North High School in Omaha, Neb. HEIDI (WHITCOMB) WEINAND ’94 stays at home with her three children — Morgan, 4-1/2; Riley, 2-1/2; and Brenna, born last May. She had worked for State Farm Insurance for nine years. She is married to husband Mike and lives in Stillwater, Minn.

has been for 5-1/2 years. He lives in Jordan, just 7 miles from his hometown of Belle Plaine. He enjoys Homecoming at SMSU, and other alumni get-togethers. M. JABRAN MUSTAFA (former student) is the sole proprietor of a successful business in Willmar, Minn. He writes it would be great to have former ISO members get together to trade stories and catch up. OLUBUNMI ADEKUNLE ’99 is the mother of a baby girl, Anu, born last August. Adekunle is in the U.S. Army “and love every minute of it.” She plans on attending Homecoming 2006. 2000s AMY (STUEBER) NORDAUNE ’00 is a financial analyst for construction bonds at Golflead Financial in Montevideo, Minn. Amy and her husband, Dave, live in Granite Falls, Minn., and have two children, Tyler and Kayla. BECKY LIEN ’01 was recently promoted to Study Director of In-Vitro Testing at AppTech Labs in St. Paul, Minn., where she has been employed the past two years. AMANDA GOEBEL ’02 is a senior Environmental Specialist for Washington County, Minn. She gave a presentation “Groundwater Sustainability and Contamination Issues in Washington County” on the SMSU campus in April. KATIE SINKSEN ’02 is a third-grade teacher in Sioux Falls, S.D. She is pursuing her master’s degree at the University of Sioux Falls.

RETIREMENTS From top, left to right: Randy Abbott, Michael Boedigheimer, Edward Carberry, Mary DeAustin, Ronald Douglas, Jon Harback, Lloyd Petersen, and Lloyd White all retired during the 2005-06 academic year. With over 220 years of service, the SMSU community says ‘thank you’ to all of you!

SHEILA TOERING ’02 has started her M.S. studies in Experiential Education at Minnesota State, Mankato. She has gained valuable experience in the field working as a wilderness therapy counselor in Florida, a domestic violence counselor in Sioux Falls, S.D., and as a camp director for those with disabilities.

BRETT KRUSCHKE ’96 is an editor at Thomson/West in Eagan, where he FOCUS MAGAZINE

SPRING 2006

classnotes

CLASS NOTES If you want your information included in FOCUS, contact the Alumni Office: call 800-260-0970, email alumni@SouthwestMSU.edu, or submit your news online at www.SouthwestAlumni.com

JAYME MCGHAN ’03 is a student at the University of Nevada-Las Vegas and recently wrote a play, Ragtown, about Irish immigrants who helped build the Hoover Dam. He is a MFA candidate in playwriting.

JENNIFER PICKERING ’04 married Corey Carlen in February. She works at Russell Associates in Le Sueur, Minn.

In memoriam JESSICA OLSON ’03 does adult day treatment and inhome visits for a counseling center.

ROBERT HAYES, Class of 2003 and MBA 2005, passed away on Feb. 25, 2006.

ELAINE LADWIG ’04 is the new SMSU Program Director for New Horizons Crisis Center. New Horizons Crisis Center’s SMSU outreach office is located on campus and provides free and confidential services to crime victims.

KEVIN M. MATHER, Class of 1977, passed away on Feb. 20, 2006. LORETTA R. WOELFEL, Class of 1973, passed away on Aug. 19, 2005.

SMSU EDUCATION CONNECTION Dick Jones ’73 named Minnesota Middle Level Principal of the Year he Minnesota Association T of Secondary School Principals (MASSP) recently announced Richard "Dick" Jones, SMSU Class of 1973, of John Adams Middle School in Rochester, Minn. as the Middle Level Principal of the Year. Dick was selected based upon his use of collaborative leadership, knowledge and implementation of programs that enhance student achievement, and ability to provide a positive school climate. He will continue on to the competition for the National Principal of the Year awards sponsored jointly by Metropolitan Life Insurance Company (MetLife) of New York City and the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP). MASSP is a school leadership organization that serves as a state voice and resource for middle level and high school principals, assistant principals, and aspiring school leaders. The staff at John Adams has worked

collaboratively with Dick to plan and implement programs to enhance the education of their students. Through their unified efforts, technology and software for students, staff, and parents have been upgraded. Learning programs for at risk students have been instituted and curriculum has been adjusted. The school has also instituted a Saturday tutorial program, an intensive School Within a School for grade 6 students in need of a smaller learning community with more attention and direction, a site council, and a Respectful Schools program that works to encourage positive student behavior. MASSP Executive Director, Robert J. Schmidt states, "Dick is an outstanding representative for middle school principals in Minnesota. He truly exemplifies commitment to educational leadership that best serves the needs of students." "It is humbling to be recognized by your peers for the job that you do,” said Dick, when asked how he felt about this honor. He will join other state honorees at the Principals Institute to be held in Washington, D.C. in the fall of 2006. Out of 50 teachers in the Medford, Minn. school district, nine have a degree or have attended SMSU. Mustang Pride is alive in Medford! Pictured are (front row, left to right): Lia (Proell) Peterson ’94; Mary (Bottke) Osborne ’76;Adam Drever ’02; (back row, left to right) Todd Berglund MSE ’01; Steve Hammer ’79; Teresa Johnson, Master’s degree student; Kathy Johnson MSE ’01; and Jenny (Sanow) Kellen, Attd 96-97. Not pictured Brett Haugen MSE ’05.

SPRING 2006

FOCUS MAGAZINE

2006 SMSU Alumni Events

June 9

Down the Stretch at Canterbury Park Come enjoy live horse racing with SMSU alumni and friends.

June 11-12 SMSU Golf Classic The Mustang Booster Club sponsors it twenty-first golf classic at the Marshall Golf Club.

ow! Act N : s d a t Gr Recen grace in your e il h w ional date an addit e Consoli iv e c e nd r period a f 0.6%1 to discoun July 16

Xtreme Fun at Valleyfair Don’t miss one of our most popular events last year! Enjoy thrilling rides and meet & greet SMSU alumni and friends.

July 17

SMSU Twin Cities Golf Open Help support Mustang Athletics and the SMSU Alumni Association by participating in the inaugural Twin Cities Open at Deer Run Golf Club in Victoria, MN

GIVE YOURSELF A GIFT THAT WILL LAST FOR YEARS.

Aug. 9

Lock-in a low interest rate and reduce your monthly payments for the life of the loan.

CALL (800) 747-3514 or visit us at www.southwestalumni.com/studentloans Brought to you by: 1

Throw a strike with the Rochester Honkers An August tradition! Enjoy a fun night of Honkers baseball on the Sports Deck at Mayo Field.

In order to receive grace rates, your application must be received prior to the first grace end date on the loans being consolidated.

Irish

Classic

October 6–14, 2006

Space is s available till Call toda ! y!

from Minneapolis/St.Paul (other departure cities are available)

For more information, updated events, or to register visit www.SouthwestAlumni.com

Call 1-800-260-0970 for details or go online at www.SouthwestAlumni.com

Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 97 Marshall, MN

Published by: SMSU Alumni Office 1501 State Street Marshall, Minnesota 56258

MAGAZINE FOR ALUMNI

FRIENDS OF

SOUTHWEST MINNESOTA STATE UNIVERSITY SPRING 2006

The

Campaign for

A member of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System.

Join us for Homecoming 2006 SEPTEMBER 24-30, 2006 Highlights of the week: Sunday, September 24 Miss Tootsie

Thursday, September 28 Homecoming Coronation

Friday, September 29 Alumni Awards Luncheon University Gala

Saturday, September 30 Homecoming Parade Mustang Football vs. University of Mary 176 Keys Dueling Piano Show

For more details, visit

www.SouthwestAlumni.com/Homecoming

Southwest