The magazine of Saginaw Valley State University
Reflections The Rising Role of
ASIA
The economic, human, social and cultural impact
A performer at SVSU’s Intercultural Night
Fall 2011
Welcome Letter
W
Connecting us... to each other and to the university Perhaps even before reading this “welcome,” you have noticed some changes to this magazine. There are 24 additional pages so we can share more interesting profiles and “meet” more people, photographically showcase this beautiful campus, and expand the length of our feature stories so that we can dig a little deeper into various topics. If you’re super-attentive, you noticed that the shape of the magazine is a bit different (it’s wider); and
This is an exciting time to be part of REFLECTIONS2013. Just like this university, we are changing and growing, and working every day to deliver a better and more informative issue than the issue before. We are also increasing the magazine’s distribution to include each new SVSU graduate, as well as parents of prospective students and the families of our freshmen Cardinals. And we are tiptoeing into new technological territory with video support of the online magazine. REFLECTIONS2013 doesn’t happen in a vacuum. The editorial board works diligently to choose the features and profiles that will appeal to our readers. The writers and photographers try not only to write about and capture interesting topics and people, but to do so in a way that is engaging and that connects us to each other and to the university. And you, our readers, have a role in sharing with us topics you would like us to report on, and stories of meaningful careers and life choices that were shaped by your experiences at SVC, SVSC or SVSU.
REFLECTIONS2013 SENIOR CONSULTANT Andy Bethune, B.B.A., ’87 EDITOR Jan Poppe, M.A., ’01 MANAGING EDITOR Tim Inman, B.A., ’89, M.Ed., ’96 WRITERS Rashauna Arnold Angela Bauer J.J. Boehm, M.A., ’06 Ann Branch Tim Inman Jan Poppe Carlos Ramet GRAPHIC DESIGNER Jill Allardyce, M.A., ’06 PHOTOGRAPHERS Adam Baudoux, B.A., ’08 Tim Inman Krystal Kast Kendra Mills Phil Shockley VIDEOGRAPHER Dan Goodell CONTRIBUTORS Emmie Busch, B.A., ’89, M.A., ’93 David Cline Jason Swackhamer, B.A., ’97, M.A., ’04 EDITORIAL BOARD Jill Allardyce J.J. Boehm Ann Branch Tim Inman Jan Poppe Carlos Ramet Kevin Schultz, B.A., ’92 Kristen Wenzel, B.A., ’93 REFLECTIONS2013 Magazine is published twice a year. Comments, suggestions and inquiries contact: Alumni Relations at Saginaw Valley State University • 7400 Bay Road University Center, MI 48710 Phone: (989) 964-4196 CONTACT THE UNIVERSITY
for the uber-attentive, the name is changed from REFLECTIONS to REFLECTIONS2013. It’s this last alteration that speaks most directly to why all of the changes. SVSU will commemorate its 50th anniversary in fall 2013. Since the magazine is printed twice a year, we didn’t want to wait until fall 2013 to “celebrate.” We thought that by outlining five issues in advance (fall 2011 through fall 2013), we could dedicate appropriate space to telling our best stories. We feel that the name, REFLECTIONS2013, supports that effort – it lets us look back thoughtfully and deliberately, while at the same time, it notes our significant anniversary and propels us toward the future where the next chapters of SVSU’s history will be written.
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This is REFLECTIONS2013. Enjoy. Jan R. Poppe, editor
ADMISSIONS admissions@svsu.edu; P: (989) 964-4200 ALUMNI RELATIONS alumni@svsu.edu; P: (989) 964-4196 SVSU FOUNDATION foundation@svsu.edu; P: (989) 964-4052 CAREER PLANNING & PLACEMENT careers@svsu.edu; P: (989) 964-4954 CENTER FOR BUSINESS & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT lhaas@svsu.edu; P: (989) 964-7015
The editorial board recently met in the new executive conference room in Curtiss Hall. In addition to an enlarged conference room, the expansion included an extension of the banquet facilities and new pre-function space. Members of the board are, from left: Carlos Ramet, Jill Allardyce, J.J. Boehm, Tim Inman, Ann Branch, Andrew Bethune, Kristen Wenzel, Kevin Schultz and Jan Poppe.
CONFERENCE & EVENTS CENTER (Box Office) BoxOffice@svsu.edu; P: (989) 964-4261 DIVERSITY PROGRAMS: mtthorns@svsu.edu; P: (989) 964-4068 GRADUATE PROGRAMS: blasch@svsu.edu; P: (989) 964-6096 MARSHALL M. FREDERICKS SCULPTURE MUSEUM mfsm@svsu.edu; P: (989) 964-7125 OSHER LIFELONG LEARNING INSTITUTE jap@svsu.edu; P: (989) 964-4310
Reflections
Reflecting on our past as we approach our 50th anniversary.
TABLE OF CONTENTS Spotlight on 15 Student Success
Before they are alumni, students make their mark in various endeavors, from giving presentations at national conferences to being elected to national organizations.
16 A Brief Lesson in History A Brief history of higher education: svsu perspective 18 an
The 1960s decade is highlighted in a timeline that includes significant events at SVSU and in world history.
A view of the history of higher education from the vantage point of a personal journey in academia.
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COVER STORY: The Rising Role of Asia
The changing landscape of how the U.S. does business and how SVSU prepares its students to succeed on a global level.
40 NEW TO REFLECTIONS2013: OUR PROFILES Red Pride 66
This edition includes features of “alumni” – including graduates, supporters and honorary alumni.
Read about your fellow alumni milestones.
We want to hear from you! Your fellow SVSU alumni are very interested in reading about the milestones in your life. Send your updates, photos and ideas to: Kevin Schultz, director of alumni relations, Saginaw Valley State University, 7400 Bay Road, University Center MI 48710; Fax: (989) 964-7038; E-mail: alumni@svsu.edu.
Thanks to a team approach to the online version of REFLECTIONS2013, video enhancement is part of the profiles of Ruvell Martin (page 48) and Todd Herremans (page 63), and of the news brief that features a campus construction update. To view the online magazine, go to svsu.edu/reflections.
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SPORTS ROUNDUP
Cardinals play on national television When the Saginaw Valley State University football team opened its 2011 season Sept. 10, fans took note of a number of changes to Harvey Randall Wickes Memorial Stadium. SVSU upgraded its football facility by replacing the grass with a modern synthetic playing surface, added lights for night games, and installed a new scoreboard in the south end zone. The Cardinals are playing all five home games under the lights, with kickoffs moving from the traditional noon starting time to 7 p.m. (Oct. 20 is at 8 p.m.) The addition of the new surface and lights led to an opportunity to have the Oct. 20 home contest against Ashland University carried on national television. CBS Sports Network and the NCAA are partnering to air six NCAA Division II
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football games on regional and local networks and simulcast live on NCAA. com. The game will be available to more than 95 million U.S. households through a variety of cable and satellite providers. This marks the first appearance by the Cardinals and Eagles on national television; the agreement to broadcast NCAA II football is in its sixth year. The Detroit Lions organization had the stadium’s previous grass surface installed in 1998 during a time when the NFL franchise was holding its training camp at SVSU. Only two other schools in the 14-member Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference in which SVSU competes have natural grass football fields. The expected useful life of a synthetic surface is 14 years, nearly double what can be expected of a grass
surface, and maintenance and upkeep costs for an artificial surface are much less than with a natural grass field. Harvey Randall Wickes was founder and president of Wickes Corporation from 1941 to 1964. The Harvey Randall Wickes Foundation assisted with many projects at the university, including a $1 million contribution toward the original purchase of land. The previous major renovations to Wickes Memorial Stadium occurred in 1989 when the former 2,400-seat Cardinal Stadium was upgraded to 4,028 seats and named for the Saginaw industrialist during a September 1991 dedication ceremony; in 2005, an earthen berm was added in the north endzone to configure the stadium’s current horseshoe shape and brought total seating capacity to 6,800.
SPORTS ROUNDUP
Second Annual
Hall of Fame Class Announced
2011 Cardinal Athletic Hall of Fame inductees
The SVSU athletic department announced the second class of the Cardinal Athletic Hall of Fame. The 2011 inductees include Doug Hansen, Ed LaBair, Beverly Sanders and the 1989 Cardinal softball team. Doug Hansen was the man who created the Cardinal track and cross country programs in 1975. The 1977 cross country team finished second in the nation in the NAIA. For the next seven seasons, Saginaw Valley dominated the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference and District 23 of the NAIA, winning 41 of 42 possible track and cross country titles under Hansen’s leadership until he retired after the 1984 season. Hansen coached 44 different studentathletes who earned All-American honors and more than 60 in his career. From 1977-84, his cross country teams never finished lower than fourth in the nation. His track teams claimed a pair of national championships in the 1982 and 1983 seasons. He was both the men’s GLIAC Indoor & Outdoor “Coach of the Year” for the 1981-84 seasons. Hansen was named NAIA National “Coach of the Year” in both 1982 and 1983 and was inducted into the NAIA Hall of Fame in 1987. Ed LaBair was a member of the men’s track & field team during the 1981-84 seasons. LaBair was a seven-time AllAmerican during his career, and he still holds seven different records. He holds top SVSU indoor marks in the 1,000-yard run, 1,000-meter run and
distance medley relay, along with both indoor and outdoor records in the 3,200-meter relay and 1,500-meter run. LaBair currently holds Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Championship meet records in the 1,000-yard run, the 1,000-meter run and the 1,500-meter run. LaBair was a captain and main catalyst for the men’s indoor track & field back-to-back national championship teams of 1982 and 1983. Beverly Sanders was a member of the women’s basketball program from 1982-85. She earned All-American honors in 1983, 1984 and 1985. Sanders is the school’s all-time leader in points (1,922) and is tied in the record book for most career rebounds (816). She holds the single game record for rebounds in a game (27) as well as a pair of season records: most rebounds in a season (410) and rebounds per game (13.2). Sanders is the career leader in field goal percentage (55.5), free throws attempted (460) and rebounds per game (10); she is fifth all-time with 121 games played and seventh in free throws made (290). Sanders also holds two GLIAC records: one for most rebounds in a season (231) and most rebounds per game (14.4). Over her four-year career the Cardinals accumulated an
overall record of 114-13 (.897), making appearances in the NAIA postseason each season. She also helped lead Saginaw Valley to a pair of Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference championships. The 1989 Softball Team claimed the school’s first and only national championship for a female sport. The Cardinals marched to a 39-13 overall record and defeated Kearney State (Neb.), 3-0 to claim the NAIA National Championship. The 1989 Cardinals were coached by Art Tolfree, who was also selected as the NAIA National Coach of the Year. Two Cardinals, Julie Bydalek and Mary Murphy, received AllAmerican honors; five players – Murphy, Alice Foster, Brenda Eiseler and Beth VanderBrooks – who were selected to the NAIA World Series All-Tournament Team, including the tournament MVP, Bydalek. The 1989 Cardinals still hold two records that rank among the best all-time at Saginaw Valley in single season: batting average (.328) and runs scored in a season (331). The 2012 class was formally inducted into the Hall of Fame on September 9, at a dinner ceremony, and was honored the following night at halftime of the Cardinal football game against Ferris State University.
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SPORTS ROUNDUP
Cardinals make impressive and historic run
through the NCAA tournament
The softball team finished the 2011 season ranked no. 6 in the National Fastpitch Coaches Association Division II final poll. The Cardinals (42-18 overall) lost to eventual national champion UC San Diego, 2-1, in the semi-finals of the NCAA Division II Softball Championship, May 28. It marked the Cardinals’ first-ever trip to the NCAA national championship, which took place in Salem, Va. The Cardinals had an impressive and historic run through the NCAA tournament. SVSU rolled-off five straight wins in the Midwest Regional and Super Regional to claim its spot as the only unranked team in the 2011 championships. After dropping their first game of the championships and the tournament, the Cardinals posted two impressive wins over then no. 25 C.W. Post (2-0) and no. 2 North Georgia (7-1) to move into the semi-finals. In all, the Cardinals claimed 11 wins on the season against teams that were ranked or received votes in the final NFCA poll, which is voted on by 16 NCAA Division II head coaches (two from each of the eight NCAA regions). Senior pitcher Jade Fulton (Byron, Mich.) was named a 2011 Daktronics Honorable Mention All-American. She also was the 2011 GLIAC Softball “Pitcher of the Year” and was named to the Daktronics and NFCA All-Midwest Region First Teams. For the season, she pitched 282 innings, picking-up 31 wins compared to just 11 losses and five saves. She recorded a GLIAC singleseason record 426 strikeouts, which ranked her second in the nation overall, and had a 1.19 ERA. Fulton finished her SVSU career with a 71-21 overall record and 19 saves, ranking her third all-time in wins and first all-time in saves. Her 907 career strikeouts also rank her first all-time in SVSU history, 391 ahead of the next closest player.
The Cardinals were visitors on the scoreboard for the Super Regional game against GVSU.
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SPORTS ROUNDUP
SVSU earns Division II
Community Engagement Award of Excellence For the second time in as many years, the Saginaw Valley State University athletic department has been awarded the NCAA Division II Community Engagement Award of Excellence as the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference’s award recipient. The SVSU athletic department claimed the award for the 2010-11 academic year for its Third Annual Breast Cancer Awareness Recognition Event that took place in February. Saginaw Valley invited breast cancer survivors to home basketball games against Northern Michigan, where the survivors were honored at halftime of the men’s game and provided with a gift basket. SVSU women’s basketball players escorted the survivors to mid-court, where they received baskets that were filled with donated items from businesses in the community. All survivors were invited to a special reception following the men’s game. Fifty-eight survivors participated in the event, which has raised a total of $9,519 in contributions to the Covenant Foundation for the Breast Health Center CARE Fund during the past three years. The 2011 Breast Cancer Recognition event was made possible from the generous contributions provided by Arbonne Agent Beth LeBlanc, Avon Regional Manager Kristy Dashnier, Burt Watson Chevrolet of Freeland, Dr. Ernie Balcueva, Envision Eye Care and Wildfire Credit Union. The fourth-annual recognition is tentatively scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 18, 2012. “Our breast cancer awareness event was a great success this year,” commented program director and head athletic trainer Jackie Detrick. “We almost doubled the
number of survivors we honored compared to last year and were able to raise money for a great cause. It was great being able to meet all of these phenomenal women and a joy to be involved in such an excellent event. We’re privileged to have our event recognized nationally and are looking forward to an even bigger and better breast cancer awareness event next year.” The Community Engagement Award of Excellence recognizes Division II institutions that successfully “build bridges” with the communities in which they are located. The commitment to help member institutions build stronger civic relationships is a central part of the Division II philosophy.
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AWARDS, RECOGNITIONS & APPOINTMENTS
SVSU welcomes new dean to College of Health & Human Services SVSU has hired a distinguished nurse educator to serve as dean of the Crystal M. Lange College of Health & Human Services. Judy Ruland began her Judy Ruland duties Oct. 3. She comes to SVSU from the University of Central Florida where she has been an associate professor and coordinator of UCF’s Master of Science in Nursing nurse educator program. “Judy has a successful track record in curriculum and program development,” said Donald Bachand, SVSU provost. “That, combined with her strong leadership and communication skills,
will provide valuable direction for a recently formed college.” In 2008 the departments of kinesiology and social work joined the health profession disciplines that had comprised the College of Nursing & Health Sciences to form the College of Health & Human Services. Ruland already was familiar with SVSU, having served as a consultant on curriculum development for the nursing department over the past year. “I came away really impressed with what is happening at Saginaw Valley,” Ruland said. “I see a spirit of excellence in terms of access to education, and a true community of learners with a commitment to the student-centered learning process.” Ruland intends to reinforce the existing collegiality and is looking forward to working with community partners to further build the high quality programs in this new college. “Faculty know each other and know their students, and teaching is paramount. That’s what drew me.
I welcome the opportunity to work across disciplines and build on the sense of excitement that is evident throughout the college. The new building is state of the art with outstanding opportunities for simulation and innovative teaching and learning.” SVSU’s Health & Human Services Building opened in August 2010. The facility has nearly 90,000 square feet of floor space for 12 classrooms, 13 laboratories and faculty offices. Ruland serves on a number of national organizations including the National League for Nursing’s Task for Curriculum Innovation and is an accreditation site visitor for the College Commission of Nursing Education. Her area of research is the scholarship of teaching and learning especially the impact of curriculum on student outcomes. Ruland completed a Ph.D. at SUNYAlbany, and holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Russell Sage College in Troy, N.Y.
Ombudsman Retires, Ombudsman Returns When Burk Foster announced his plans this past summer to retire from SVSU as university ombudsman, SVSU determined that the perfect man to replace him is the same man he replaced: Dick Thompson. “I missed the students and I missed university life,” said Thompson, who after 38 years stepped down from the ombudsman’s role in 2008 in a move that has proven to be more sabbatical than retirement. “My batteries have been overcharged,” he chuckled. Thompson originally joined SVSU in the admissions office in 1970, and also during his SVSU career held the titles of registrar, director of admissions and dean of students prior to accepting the ombudsman assignment for the first time in 2003. Foster came to SVSU in January 2006 as a visiting professor of criminal justice after serving more than 30 years on the faculty of the University of Louisana-Lafayette. “I came for six months and stayed for six years,” Foster quipped. Foster said he “thoroughly enjoyed” the ombudsman’s role, too – especially serving as advisor to the Student Association. Thompson returns to a familiar role with similar aspirations. “For me, it’s always about helping students,” Thompson said. “I still have a little fire in my belly to continue to do that.”
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Dick Thompson does a “stop-and-chat” with prospective families on a tour of campus.
AWARDS, RECOGNITIONS & APPOINTMENTS
Inventor and Entrepreneur to College of Business & Management SVSU has hired Joseph Affholter as its new Dow entrepreneurin-residence in the College of Business & Management. In that role, he will teach courses and work with students interested in starting or Joseph Affholter developing a business, while also serving as a resource for the college and the community to help regional businesses innovate and grow. “He is an inventor and entrepreneur with a deep understanding of innovation-based business development,” said Jill Wetmore, dean of the college. “His ability to bridge academic content and research with ‘real world’ entrepreneurship will complement existing faculty to create an entrepreneurship program that addresses the interests of SVSU students, and helps the university address the economic needs of the region.”
Affholter brings diverse technical and entrepreneurial expertise to the position. He has run his own consulting business since 2000, working with clients in the chemical, biotechnology and education industries. From 2005 to 2009, Affholter also served as chief executive and chief scientist for GANTEC, a natural products technology enterprise based in Midland. He remains a special advisor for the company whose initial products are natural supplements that allow professional growers and consumers to increase resilience and yield of fruits, vegetable and flowers. An accomplished inventor and scholar, Affholter has 10 patents to his credit and another 12 pending or published patent applications in areas such as novel antibody derivatives for use in cancer diagnosis and treatment, molecular breeding technology, and automated protein engineering. In addition, he has authored more than 15 peer-reviewed and invited scholarly articles. Prior to starting his independent business ventures, Affholter worked in the corporate sector as a research leader and biotechnology advisor for The Dow Chemical Company for eight years. He also spent five years with Maxygen, a biotechnology company in Redwood City,
Calif., serving as a vice president and later as chief strategist-analyst. Affholter also has prior higher education experience, having taught for the University of the Nations, a Hawaiibased institution with a nontraditional learning model and more than 250 locations nationwide. In addition to his teaching role, he has served on the school’s international advisory board since 2003. Affholter also taught as a visiting scholar at the California Institute of Technology in 1997. Affholter completed a Ph.D. in molecular pharmacology from Stanford University’s School of Medicine, and a bachelor’s degree from Michigan Technological University. He replaces Ken Kousky, who left SVSU to become CEO of the MidMichigan Innovation Center. Affholter began his duties at SVSU Monday, Aug. 15. The entrepreneur-in-residence and Entrepreneurship Institute are supported by a $2 million endowment from the Herbert H. And Grace A. Dow Foundation received as part of SVSU’s “Promise for Tomorrow” campaign.
Governor appoints new board members Scott Carmona and Jenee Velasquez joined the Saginaw Valley State University Board of Control, appointed in July 2011 by Gov. Rick Snyder. Carmona, who earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering and applied science from SVSU, is the president of Sunrise National Distributors Inc. The Bay City resident also develops, owns and manages several real estate developments. He is the president of the board for the YMCA of Bay City and volunteers on the SVSU Board of Fellows. Velasquez, a Midland resident, is the executive director of the Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow Foundation. She is chairwoman of the Delta College Foundation Board, the Midland Brownfield Redevelopment Financing Authority and the Midland Entranceway Initiative Task Force. The SVSU Board of Fellows member earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Kansas State University and an M.B.A. from Michigan State University. The two board members replace Dr. K.P. Karunakaran and Lawrence Sedrowski. They will serve eight-year terms expiring on July 21, 2019.
SCott carmona
jenee Velasquez
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acade m ics & progr am s of di sti nction
Students receive funding for scholarly and creative ventures A vast array of scholarly and artistic student projects received funding from Saginaw Valley State University’s Student Research & Creativity Institute. Five exemplary student projects were awarded, ranging from an opportunity to perform in an international music festival in Rome to the development of a trapping device for flying insects. Any SVSU student may submit a proposal to receive financial support for research or other creative endeavors. Each student project is eligible to receive up to $10,000. Students serve as the primary researcher, author or creative agent for each project but are guided by SVSU faculty and staff. The following students were selected to receive funding for their projects:
Chris Applin, an English major from Saginaw, received $2,033 for his research on gender studies. Using primary and secondary sources, he will focus on historical, theoretical and psychological perspectives of gender, focusing on popular 20th century authors such as Ernest Hemingway and Virginia Woolf. Applin hopes to develop his essay into a graduate thesis and ultimately submit it to scholarly journals. In her letter of support, Elizabeth Rich, professor of English, stated Applin’s work “not only benefits an individual student to do the kind of work that Christopher proposes in his application, but it also benefits his classmates who can see him as a resource and role model to improve their own learning, which benefits the Department of English and its programs.” Danzell Calhoun, a double major in theatre and communication from Saginaw, received $5,535 for the research and development of an independent film based on Saginaw author Abdur-Rahim
Rashada’s book A Seventy-Five Year Old School Boy: Still Finds Joy in the Classroom. The book explains Rashada’s life growing up in the south and how racial segregation, discrimination, and oppression, even from his own race, forced him to move to Saginaw in 1975. Similar to the book, Calhoun’s 45 minute short film strives to replace negative stereotypes of African Americans with sincere, positive images depicted through interviews with the Rashada and scenes of African American culture from 1925 through 2010. In his letter of support, David Rzeszutek, lecturer of theatre, references Calhoun’s stringent work ethic to an old quote used in entertainment, “work begets work.” He goes on to add that Calhoun is “someone who knows how to multitask, meet deadlines, and work at a caliber that sets the standard for those around him.”
Erik Gibelyou, a music major from Bay City, received $6,573 for travel and other expenses for his performance as a featured solo guitarist in the 2011 Chamber Music Seminar of the Rome Festival Thursday, June 16 through Friday, July 8. The Rome Festival is a professional international classical music festival where renowned musicians, orchestras, ballets and choruses gather from around the world to perform. As part of his visit, Gibelyou will be rehearsing and performing on classical guitar in small ensembles. In her letter of support, Jane Girdham, professor of music, described Gibelyou as “one of our top music majors, both in academic courses and as a performer. I was delighted when Erik told me he had been accepted to the Chamber Institute. He was in competition with guitarists internationally, which shows us all that he is indeed a gifted guitarist.”
Oliver Keller, a biology major from Harbor Beach, received $4,595 to develop the Taber-Keller trap, used for the collection of flying insects that the centuryold device currently in use fails to retain. The trap will be used to discover new insect species and develop more complete biodiversity sampling experiments. The trap was developed as a modification of the original Berlese funnel, developed by entomologist Antonio Berlese in the 19th century to extract small arthropods from leaf litter, soil, and other organic materials. Through his project, Keller will develop 25 traps in collaboration with SVSU’s Independent Testing Laboratory. In his letter of support, Stephen W. Taber, professor of biology, described Keller as “the only student I have ever worked with whom I think of as a born entomologist. When I taught the entomology course in 2009, Keller attended the labs without being enrolled because of his interest in the subject.” Ashley Tupper, a nursing major from Saginaw, received $2,827 for the development of a six-month patient fall prevention initiative, “No Falls on My Watch.” Through her three phase program, Tupper will present to nurses at five mid-Michigan hospitals, sharing best practice literature and tools, and educating them on current standards of care related to fall prevention. Patients’ falling is one of 15 indicators with a distinct correlation between nurse care and patient outcome, according to The American Nurses Association’s National Database of Nursing Quality Indicators. In her letter of support, Bonnie McKay Harner, assistant professor of nursing, described Tupper as an “intelligent, enthusiastic and knowledgeable student. She is passionate and conscientious in her approach to learning and in her devotion to caring for others.”
Graduate programs address needs of region Saginaw Valley State University has added two new graduate degree programs: Master of Science in energy and materials, and Master of Education in principalship. “Energy has become a key technical area regionally, nationally and globally,” said Deborah Huntley, dean of the College of Science, Engineering & Technology. “This program is designed to provide advanced scientific and engineering education to support the growth and demand for technologies that reduce dependence on
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fossil fuels, and to prepare students for the dynamic challenges related to alternative energy, energy storage industries, and advanced materials.” The curriculum was developed with input from leading local employers, as well as regional chemists, engineers and physicists. “It is uniquely interdisciplinary,” Huntley said. She expects the program to appeal to a variety of professionals in engineering and science fields, and to adapt as industry needs change.
The M.Ed. degree program is uniquely designed for educators aspiring to become building-level principals. Field work projects, cutting-edge technology, leadership and global thinking are emphasized throughout the curriculum. Designed to be completed within 24 months, program courses are delivered in a hybrid format, combining online, classroom and field work learning, meeting in person a maximum of five times per semester. Courses for both degree programs began being offered in the fall 2011 semester.
acade m ics & progr am s of di sti nction
Students selected for elite international leadership program After being selected for one of Saginaw Valley State University’s most prestigious undergraduate fellowships, the Roberts Fellowship Program, eleven outstanding students will learn what it takes to become exceptional leaders. Students selected for the 2011-12 academic year have demonstrated extraordinary scholarship and leadership potential. Fellows will be supported through a two-semester program including academic and extracurricular projects designed to develop their potential as future political, economic and civic leaders. The program concludes with a trip to Asia to provide the Fellows with an international perspective on leadership. To qualify, students must have completed between 48 and 100 credit hours with a minimum grade point average of 3.40 and undergo a rigorous selection process. Students are chosen based upon their academic accomplishment, a record of university and community service, and other evidence of leadership potential. Students selected to be Roberts Fellows will be required to complete a three-credit “Leadership Seminar” in the fall and winter semesters within one or more academic departments. During the year, the Fellows will also meet for informal seminars and discussions with various political, business and civic leaders from throughout the Great Lakes Bay Region. Drew Hinderer, SVSU’s Finkbeiner Endowed Chair in Ethics, and Andrew Swihart, professor of psychology serve as the group’s advisors. Established in 1999, the program is named in honor of Donna Roberts of Midland, who has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to SVSU through her personal generosity and prior service on the board of control and the board of fellows. A respected attorney, business leader and philanthropist, Roberts retired from The Dow Chemical Company, where she was secretary and assistant general counsel. She is an honorary director of the SVSU Foundation board.
The 2011-12 class of Roberts Fellows:
Front row, from left: • Mara Berton, a theatre major from Howell • Yeyi Jei, a public administration major from China’s Hunan province • Hannah Wenzlick, an elementary education major from New Lothrop • Kyle Rexer, a double major in psychology and sociology from Troy • Hailey Kimball, a double major in political science and criminal justice from Millersburg • Ashley Hanson, a double major in political science and criminal justice from Sanford • Alicia Flynn, a double major in mathematics and chemistry secondary education from Monroe Back row, from left: • Drew Hinderer, Roberts Fellows advisor • Elizabeth Wolf, a nursing major from Midland • Colin Ohl, a professional accountancy major from Saginaw • Megan Gerulski, an international studies and management major from Bay City • Sean Hammond, a biology major from Potterville • Andrew Swihart, Roberts Fellows advisor
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ARTS & CULTURE
Youths sculpt, draw and paint at
Marshall M. Fredericks Museum camp The Marshall M. Fredericks Sculpture Museum annually offers art camp sessions for children ages 8 to 13 years. The art camps focus on sculpting, drawing and painting projects. Each session is limited to 12 children, who bring varying levels of artistic ability to the camps. As one young participant commented, “I learned you can do anything if you put your mind to it. I liked making the portfolios and the stocking sculpture. The teachers were very nice to me and they helped me a lot.” For more information on educational experiences at the museum, contact the curator of education at (989) 964-7096 or visit svsu.edu/mfsm.
Slate of activities celebrate
nationally-renowned poet The Theodore Roethke Poetry & Arts Festival will feature various events, programs and a concert during a five-day celebration, Nov. 12-16. The anchor event is the awarding of The SVSU Board of Fellows Triennial Theodore Roethke Memorial Poetry Prize on Wednesday, Nov. 15, on the campus of SVSU. The 2011 recipient is David Baker for his 2009 book of poetry Never-Ending Birds. Baker is a professor of English at Denison University and is also poetry editor of The Kenyon Review. Activities begin on Saturday, Nov. 12, with a 7 p.m. poetry slam at the Marshall M. Fredericks Sculpture Museum. An afternoon “Rhyme and Wine” event, a tasting of poetry and wine, is scheduled for Sunday, Nov. 13, at Creative 360 in Midland. On Monday, Nov. 14, the River Junction Poets will sponsor a Roethke reading at the Zahnow Library, on the SVSU campus. Additionally, a late afternoon program is scheduled at the Dow David Baker
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Gardens in Midland, in honor of Roethke’s family business roots in the greenhouse business. The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute coordinates a “Haunts of Roethke” guided tour from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 15. The award event is scheduled for 7 p.m. in the Rhea Miller Recital Hall; a book signing follows. A grand finale concert is scheduled in Bay City on Wednesday evening, Nov. 16 at First Presbyterian Church at 7:30 p.m. All events are open to the public. The poetry slam, River Junction Poets event, award event and grand finale concert are offered at no cost. Learn more at svsu.edu/ roethke. This year’s triennial celebration events that are SVSU-based are dedicated to the late Mark Morley, president of the Morley Foundation and long-time supporter of the Roethke triennial event.
SVSU NEWS BRIEF ph ysical cam pus
CONSTRUCTION UPDATE Over a 10-year period, more than $175 million in new construction and renovations have taken place on campus, with several new buildings completed this year. All construction projects, whether new or updates, are done with an eye toward cost savings, efficiency and enhancing the learning environment.
Curtiss Hall PRE-Function space
campus recreation center
Bookstore
Dining Services – “Marketplace at Doan” (formerly RFoC)
Check out more construction updates around campus at: www.svsu.edu/newSPACES
REFLECTIONS2013 MAGAZINE 13
SVSU NEWS BRIEF
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OUTREACH & ENGAGEMNT
NATIONAL COMPETITION
draws athletes from 26 states More than 200 athletes competed for eight days in the 27th National Junior Disability Championships, which started July 16 at SVSU. Competitive events included track and field, archery, swimming, power lifting and table tennis. The athletes, ages 7 to 22, are the best in their age group, stated Michigan Sports Unlimited Director Jeff Coupie. “This isn’t an event that anybody can just show up to compete in,” he said. “The participants had to meet certain standards.” The disabilities of the athletes range from amputations, spinal cord injuries, deafness, blindness and other physical disabilities. Coupie said he devoted about 18 months preparing for the championships, which are in its 27th year but first in Michigan. Athletes hailed from 26 states as well as Bermuda and Canada, and Coupie also noted that the 1,000 volunteers necessary to host the nationals largely came from the Great Lakes Bay Region. Michigan Sports Unlimited of Saginaw, The Dow Chemical Company and U.S. Paralympics were hosts for the event. The Saginaw Community Foundation granted Michigan Sports Unlimited $5,000 to fund the event.
University welcomes
visitors from India Teachers and students from Kittur, Karnataka, India, who participated in an exchange program with SVSU and Carrollton Public Schools in April and May 2011, visited the Saginaw Children’s Zoo during their stay in Michigan. Located in Kittur, Karnataka, the Rani Channamma Residential School for Girls is part of an educational collaboration that was officially established on June 21, 2008, with SVSU and Carrollton Public Schools. The teachers from Rani Channamma learn best educational practices from SVSU and Carrollton faculty; conversely, teachers from SVSU and Carrollton then travel to India to assist in implementing those practices. Most recently, David Cline and Jonathon Gould, teacher education faculty from SVSU, four SVSU students and two Carrollton teachers participated in the exchange program. From left are students Naintara Patil, Laxmi Odugoudar and Aditi Kulkarni; teachers Sheela Madiwalar and Savita Lembi; and student Jyotsna Patil.
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SVSU NEWS BRIEF
Ns p o t l i g h t
on student success Chemistry major receives internship
to research optical physics With plans to graduate from SVSU in 2012 and then head off to graduate school, senior Anthony Lucio (chemistry and Spanish double-major) had an unbelievable summer, thanks in part to assistant professor of chemistry Ken Kearns, who helped Anthony receive a Ken Kearns and Anthony Lucio National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) award. The research internship took place in Gaithersburg, Maryland. The work in optical physics has been “interesting, challenging and fun,” noted the St. Charles native who in addition to being president of the Chemistry Club, helped create the Saggawockeez Dance Team. Kearns, himself an SVSU undergraduate alumnus before earning his Ph.D. at the University of Wisconsin, says that being mentored at SVSU by so many great faculty set the tone for how he now wants to be seen as a teacher – caring, yet pushing students to work hard, and making them think. “I tell my students it’s not about learning how to do a particular thing – it’s about understanding how to take a complicated process, tear it apart and figure it out. Whether you’re an engineering, chemistry or nursing student, it’s about critical thinking.”
Video essay project leads to invited presentation at national conference
Assistant professor of English Geof Carter first met student Scott Merrow in English 212, “Memory and Digital Writing.” When Carter was invited to present at the national Conference on College Composition and Communication in Atlanta, he remembered Merrow’s solid video work and offered him the chance to do an independent study. Merrow’s contribution was “ccchora: tracing a decade,” a video essay supporting the presentation Carter and two colleagues made at the April 2011 conference: “The Chora of the Twin Towers: Contesting and Documenting the Struggle for Rebirth of the 9/11 Site.” In the audience was Sondra Perl, professor of English Geof Carter and Scott Merrow at Lehman College and the Graduate Center of the City University of New York, where she also serves as director of the Holocaust Educators Network. So impressed was Perl that she invited Carter and Merrow to New York for a presentation Sept. 11, the 10th anniversary of 9/11. As Perl noted in her letter of invitation, “Our work normally focuses on using the Holocaust as a lens for teaching about social justice; but after seeing your presentation in Atlanta, I realized that your work on trauma and the absence of the
World Trade Center would help us connect the traumas of the past related to genocidal practices to the losses that we, as Americans, now suffer following the terrorist attacks on our country.” Merrow is a third-year rhetoric and professional writing major, minoring in political science and history. He also is an intern in the SVSU Writing Center. Carter is in his fifth year teaching and doing research on online video and participatory cultures at SVSU. The work has been prepared for publication in Enculturation: A Journal of Rhetoric, Writing and Culture. It can be viewed at http://www.enculturation.net/the-chora-of-the-twin-towers.
Student elected to high position for international student housing organization
As college students across the county prepared to move into their dorm rooms for another academic year, they had an SVSU student speaking out on their behalf. Alex Straley attained an elite national leadership position when she was elected to serve as the new national associate for administration for the National Association of College and University Residence Halls. A health science major from Waterford, Straley is the first SVSU student to hold a national leadership position – one of only three nationwide – in the world’s largest student-run organization to promote quality student housing. She was elected as the new national associate for administration for the National Association of College and University Residence Halls during its annual conference May 27-30 at Western Illinois University. Straley was elected by the ALEX STRALEY organization’s 24-member board, based on her previous role as director of one of its eight regional chapters, the Great Lakes Affiliate of College and University Residence Halls. In her new leadership role, Straley will serve as the national chairperson in his or her absence, oversee training for new national communication coordinators and maintain all national records and meeting notes. In addition to her new position, Straley will serve as president of the National Residence Hall Honorary, a network of the top one percent of student leaders living on college campuses around the world. Previously, she was president and national communications coordinator for SVSU’s residential housing groups. The National Association of College and University Residence Halls is the world’s largest student run organization, representing over 400 schools from the United States, Canada, Mexico, Austraila and Qatar. The organization promotes campus living as a significant part of the college experience, and offers resources to help schools create the ultimate residence hall experience.
REFLECTIONS2013 MAGAZINE 15
World/SVSU History
1960s
The Beatles make their first major television appearance on BBC. The term “Beatlemania” is coined.
1958
1963
The Russell Report endorses the potential candidacy of the Saginaw region for a future, state four-year college.
Saginaw Board of Directors chooses name (Saginaw Bay State College).
1960
The world’s largest airplane, Boeing 747, makes its first commercial flight.
1969
President Richard Nixon proclaims he will end the Vietnam War in 1970.
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1963
Development of an institution; Articles of Incorporation are developed for SVC.
SBSC
A Report to the Valley College Association recommends the establishment of an area baccalaureate degree-granting institution.
1969
Martin Luther King Jr. gives his famous “I Have a Dream” speech at Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C.
Leonardo da Vinci painting of Mona Lisa was unveiled in America’s National Gallery of Art.
this is the first of 5 world and svsu comparative timelines from the ’60s, ’70s, ’80s, ’90s and ’00s, leading up to the 50th anniversary
The United States population reaches 200 million.
1963
1963
1969
SVC’s No. 1 Instructional Facility (Wickes Hall), Doan Center and the Great Lakes Hall are completed.
1969
SVC Board of Control approves plan to construct Cardinal Gymnasium. With bowling already established as an intercollegiate sport, golf becomes SVC’s second intercollegiate sport, and earns SVC’s first intercollegiate athletic victory.
1968
President Lyndon Johnson signs a bill removing the gold backing from U.S. paper money. Martin Luther King Jr. is assassinated at the Lorraine Hotel in Memphis, Tenn. U.S. Senator Robert Kennedy is assassinated in the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles. The assassin was identified as Sirhan B. Sirhan and he is currently serving a life sentence in Pleasant Valley State Prison.
1968
SVC Board of Control approves plan to build a summer theatre, seating 450 people.
1968
Harold W. Peterson joins SVC as dean of the College of Education, marking the first formation of a separate school. Prior to that, all instruction was within the College of Liberal Arts.
1964
1964
William Hoffman is hired as the first SVC faculty (history and social science) member.
Samuel D. Marble is appointed first president of SVC.
1965
Fundraiser is held to raise $4.5 million to purchase and build a site for Saginaw Valley College.
1964
The United States Mint releases the John F. Kennedy half-dollar coin. President Lyndon Johnson signs into law the Civil Rights Act.
1964
First class of 119 SVC students are enrolled as juniors and seniors; freshmen are not permitted until fall 1965.
1967
Aretha Franklin records the famous song “Respect.” The first flight of Boeing 737 took place. DNA is created in a test tube for the first time.
1965
United States orders the first combat troops to Vietnam The Rolling Stones’ “I Can’t Get No Satisfaction” reached no. 1 on the music charts.
1966
Veterans Readjustment Benefits Act, also known as the G.I. Bill, was signed into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson.
The Michigan House of Representatives votes 96-0 in favor of renaming the institution Saginaw Valley College.
1966
Leslie Whittaker joins the English Department and goes on to become the faculty member with the longest fulltime service.
1965
Construction of the St. Louis Gateway Arch completed. The 630-foot high parabola was built to commemorate President Thomas Jefferson’s Louisiana Purchase of 1803.
1966 1967
SVC’s Project ’66 Building is completed and ready for occupancy. Contract is awarded for the construction of the campus water tower. United States Freedom of Information Act goes into effect, allowing disclosures of previously unreleased information secured by the government.
“Star Trek” television show premieres on NBC.
SVC’s first permanent building, Instructional Facility No. 1, is presented to Board of Control; it later will be named for H. Randall Wickes.
1966
The Valley Vanguard publishes its first edition.
REFLECTIONS2013 MAGAZINE 17
A Brief History of Higher Education:
18 SAGINAW VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY
An SVSU Perspective
change – and perhaps even some progress – in the higher education industry. It is worth reflecting on these changes from this half-century perspective.
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President Eric Gilbertson presented a talk, which has been revised for Reflections2013, to the Saginaw Torch Club April 5.
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t was almost 50 years ago that I first started thinking about a college education. I was something of an unprecocious high school sophomore, looking forward to just two more years of legally-mandated public education, when my parents asserted quite forcefully to me that there would be four years more after that. At the time, this abusive exercise of raw parental power came as a crushing disappointment to me – after all, I was soon to get a driver’s license, maybe my own car ... a job. Another four years of school was fundamentally “uncool.” Like most young teenagers – then and since – I was not “into” delayed gratification about such matters, but in reluctant obedience to my parents’ arbitrary mandate, I began to search in earnest for the most socially promising and least academically inconvenient college-going option. Alas, my plans didn’t work out. Little did I understand that this was the beginning of a halfcentury odyssey for me in the groves of academia. It became not just a temporary tour of duty but a career ... and a passion. In fact, my own personal journey in academia happened also to coincide with a remarkable half century of
s it happens, the origins of public higher education here in the Saginaw Valley – what we now call the Great Lakes Bay Region – also can be traced to just about this same seminal moment in time and history. Delta College is about to celebrate the 50th anniversary of its emergence from Bay City Junior College; and in only two years, Saginaw Valley State University will likewise remember the 1963 initiative by community leaders from which it was created. Those events here were not just isolated movements but rather part of a very significant nationwide commitment to educational opportunity. The idea is really very American, very Jeffersonian: the notion that a free enterprise economy could not prosper and a democratic form of government could not endure unless there was an openness of opportunity for people to improve upon the station into which they were born. And the best and most effective means of improvement was education. From this openness of opportunity would emerge what Jefferson called “the aristocracy of the talented” – defeating an artificial aristocracy which was fixed in place at birth. This is, again, a very American idea, and inspired by it, Jefferson went on to create the University of Virginia – the initial model of American public higher education. The Northwest Ordinance also enshrined this bold notion and led to the creation of other public institutions of education across the upper Midwest. There have since been other significant movements in our history that advanced this Jeffersonian imperative. In the 1860s, Senator Justin Morrill of Vermont sponsored the great “Land Grant Act” providing support to the states for the creation of public institutions of education that would, among other
things, bring the benefits of agricultural science to farmers across the fruited plain. From this, of course, emerged our state land-grant universities. Following that, in the later nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, there was a burst of creative energy by religious denominations as many of our private, liberal arts colleges were formed under clerical sponsorship and control. About this time, for example, Alma College was founded – in 1886. These smaller, sectarian institutions developed all across the country. Yet another consequential period in this sporadic expansion of educational opportunity came at the end of the Second World War, as the so-called “G.I. Bill” made college education affordable to a generation of returning veterans from across a broad spectrum of social and economic backgrounds. The end effect was to change America in profound ways by developing a whole “greatest” generation of business and civic and political leaders; another effect was to change colleges and universities in profound ways as well.
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ut back to the early 1960s. Memory and imagination can return us to that moment in time to contemplate what was about to happen. The so-called “Baby Boom” generation was about to begin graduating from high schools and many, like me, were blessed and burdened with the parental expectation that we would “make something” of themselves. Kindergarten through twelfth grade public education had been expanded dramatically to accommodate this unprecedented demographic bulge – as evidenced by the vintage of so many of the buildings in our urban school systems – and now these high school graduates were about to go off to college. In the early ’60s, our nation was still frightened by the specter of a monolithic communism that had not only threatened to dominate us but had also demonstrated with “Sputnik” that it might well be capable of doing just REFLECTIONS2013 MAGAZINE 19
A Brief History of Higher Education:
An SVSU Perspective college movement” – a movement that. And so, in response to President in size; former teacher colleges were that continues today with much of the Eisenhower’s dire warnings and the given expanded missions and grew same zeal. inspiration of President Kennedy’s swiftly beyond previous recognition; And along with the creation and lofty rhetoric, Americans were looking and whole new institutions were development of public institutions, a created – in particular, regional urban to education at all levels, particularly number of private, often specialized universities and community colleges. in the sciences and technologies, as a institutions were created through These new universities were, unlike national defense priority. entrepreneuring initiatives. And about the same time, the politi- so many older institutions, most Northwood, which opened in Midland often created in populous regions cal moods of the nation were conduin 1961, was one such development. – where the people were. Many cive to an even greater momentum in In many states, whole systems historic universities had been placed this “democratization” of educational of higher education were planned opportunity. As part of President John- in locations like Champaign, Ill.; or from some state capital – the State Bloomington, Ind.; or State College, son’s “Great Society” programs of the University of New York System, for Pa.; or Ann Arbor, Mich. In that mid-1960s, the federal government example, or the California Master Plan sense, they were rather like Oxford took up the cause of placing a college for Higher Education. Some governors, or Cambridge – places chosen to take education within the financial reach young men away from the temptations like Nelson Rockefeller in New York, of lower-income citizens to whom this sought to develop consolidated of wicked cities like London. would have previously been only an systems which placed idle dream. specific institutions Many of the In sum, the early ’60s were a time of enormous creativity in communities student financial and expansive thinking and prodigious growth. Things like Plattsburgh aid programs that were poised for another major extension of the American and Buffalo and still serve our stuexperiment and the Jeffersonian idea and ideal. Fredonia – all with dents today were the goal of making enacted back higher education both affordable and then, nearly 50 years ago. What started But the new universities of the convenient to their citizens. 1960s were built in places like out as Basic Educational Opportunity Michigan, of course, has its own Cleveland, Ohio, and Fresno, Calif.; Grants, we now call “Pell Grants.” And longstanding tradition of strong local like Grand Rapids and Oakland what were originally “National Decontrol. The institutions that were County, Mich.; and, yes, like what was fense Student Loans” have morphed expanded or created in our state then called the “Golden Triangle” of into what are now known as “Stafford came about largely as the result of Saginaw, Bay City, and Midland, Mich. Loans.” This was, at the time, a region with one local initiatives. And so it was with In sum, the early ’60s were a time Delta College and Saginaw Valley State of the highest per-capita income levels of enormous creativity and expansive University – both created initially and thinking and prodigious growth. Things in the nation; and it was also one of sustained since by the people around the largest metropolitan areas without were poised for another major extenthem. a baccalaureate degree-granting sion of the American experiment and the Jeffersonian idea and ideal. institution in its midst. These were also times of great And along with these new o what was happening here in foment – in American colleges and universities, states were also this flat valley of ours was not universities and in American society busy creating a whole new kind just an isolated set of initiatives generally. of institution; the comprehensive – which makes them no less farsighted community college – associate and heroic – but also part of larger degree-granting institutions that ith all this as backdrop, and nationwide movements. were open to all citizens, of whatever with all that was before An initial group of 300 people began age or background, as a convenient them, the states were work on the creation of a community and inexpensive means for selfbusy expanding existing colleges and college as far back as the mid-1950s. improvement. The creators of these universities and creating new ones to Following the passage of enabling institutions were so enamored with accommodate the huge enrollment legislation in 1957 and the sale of the Jeffersonian ideal that they came expansion that was to come. Major bonds in 1958, the conversion from to call themselves “the community universities were to double and triple Bay City Junior College (originally
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In 1961, just over 4 million Americans were enrolled in these postsecondary institutions; today, there are nearly 20 million students enrolled in colleges and universities in our country. established in 1922) was undertaken and Delta College was formally opened in 1961. Later, in 1963, another group of 300 leaders came together to initiate discussions that would lead to the creation of Saginaw Valley College – later to become Saginaw Valley State College and then Saginaw Valley State University. To make a longer story shorter, a “deal” was cut by which the Governor and Legislature agreed to convert SVC – then a shell of a private baccalaureate institution – into a public college if local interests could raise money to purchase land for the campus. By 1965, some $4.2 million had been raised and Governor George Romney had signed into law the bill, which had been introduced by Representative William A. Boos of Saginaw, creating Saginaw Valley State College. Interestingly, that same $4.2 million would be equal today to about $28 million – evidencing the level of commitment made by the people and businesses of this region to this cause. Like the rest of the country, what happened then – and is happening still – in this valley was part of the ongoing story of the democratization of educational opportunity in Jefferson’s America.
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ow let us flash forward to 2011, some 50 years or so later. In 1961, there were about 2,004 colleges and universities – “post-secondary institutions,” as we now call them. By 2011, that number had grown to some 4,409, an increase of 120 percent. In 1961, just over 4 million Americans were enrolled in these postsecondary institutions; today, there are nearly 20 million students enrolled in colleges and universities in our country. This is an increase of nearly 400 percent. That enrollment figure for 1961 would indicate that about 2.3 percent
of the American population was enrolled in college; today, about 6.4 percent of Americans are college students. In 1961, approximately 1.3 percent of the Gross Domestic Product of the United States was spent on higher education; today, higher education represents some 3.5 percent of our GDP. So, taken only in terms of scale, the higher education “industry” has become a vastly more important factor in the nation’s culture and economy – as indeed it has been in this flat valley. Today, the aggregate enrollments of Delta and SVSU total more than 22,000 students. Employment totals exceed 2,500 persons; and literally tens of thousands of alumni of these institutions live and work in this region. Indeed, it is scarcely possible to imagine our communities without Delta and SVSU.
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f course, since the early 1960s, there have been other changes in higher education – some more durable and important than others. The expansion of institutions and enrollments has brought more and more students from previously underrepresented social and racial and economic backgrounds to college. This also includes more “non-traditional” students – that is, those chronologically older than the typical 18-22 yearolds and who bring with them larger and longer life experiences and more developed career goals. The overall demographic profile of college-going students has changed dramatically by the addition of these Americans to the mix on campus. In the early 1960s, most college students were pursuing degrees with a major in some “traditional” arts and sciences academic discipline: e.g., history or English or biology. As more and more students from different backgrounds came to colleges – often with parental expectations of direct
if not immediate economic return on their investment of time and treasure – students were drawn to the pursuit of degree programs that were more vocational and professional in nature: business; accounting; engineering; the medical professions, and so forth. And colleges and universities were quick – perhaps too quick – to accommodate their “customers’” wishes in this regard. Today, what we still call higher education is “sold” largely on the proof of its economic value. And evidence does clearly indicate that those who possess college degrees, on average, earn much more than those who do not. One recent study, reaching conclusions that are similar to and consistent with several other studies, found that the average annual earnings for baccalaureate degree holders was more than $22,000 above earnings for high school graduates – an earnings gap that continues to grow. And the earnings gap widens even further as the differences in educational degree attainment levels increase. And so, today, more than 76 percent of all college students have selected or will select a “major” in one of the professional disciplines: 13.9 percent in business; 7.1 percent in teaching; 14 percent in the health professions; 10.3 percent in engineering; and so forth. Only some 11.8 percent expect to major in one of the more traditional liberal arts. This may or may not be a good thing. Academic purists have always decried this movement away from the liberal arts. And as far back as the 1930s Robert Maynard Hutchins (president, University of Chicago) lamented that “love of money” had corrupted academic life and academic ideals. But there is no doubt that vocational goals have overtaken intellectual curiosity as the primary motivator for college attendance. A recent survey of college freshmen found, to the surprise of virtually no one, that 72.9 percent REFLECTIONS2013 MAGAZINE 21
A Brief History of Higher Education:
An SVSU Perspective of them – the highest share since the survey was first administered – agreed that the chief benefit of college is that it increases earning power; that is up from only 52.9 percent some 30 years ago.
as the acquisition of information. Still, no one can seriously argue that the education of college students is not significantly different from what it was in generations past because of the sheer volume of information – good, bad, reliable and unreliable – that is available with a speed and convenience that was once unimaginable. Moreover, each of us now has the capacity to develop and transmit information – good, bad, and otherwise – with astonishing ease and profligacy. Having said all that, however, the effects of technology on education do not come cheaply. Whereas in most industries technology is employed to achieve efficiencies, in education – as
was generally considered a societal good – the logical extension of Horace Mann’s public schools and the Jeffersonian ideal. Public colleges and universities were funded primarily through tax support, augmented by minimal charges to students and their families – just enough to make certain s in most aspects of life, the efthey were serious about learning. fects of expanding and evolving Private institutions were frugally information technology have managed and funded in some measure also profoundly changed at least some by religious denominations and alumni of what happens in the higher educagenerosity, and higher levels of tuition tion enterprise. In the early 1960s, were discounted for persons of lesser memory typewriters were yet to be means by newly adopted federal and developed, and mimeograph machines state financial aid programs. were the most efficient means of mak The typical financial model for a ing copies. We waited until the next public college or university in the 1960s day’s newspaper or the next month’s included tax support for magazine to read about current events, What happened over these past 50 or so years was a dramatic about 77 percent of its core operations and only and university librar- shifting of the costs of higher education – and especially 23 percent funded through ies were primarpublic higher education – from taxpayers to students. charges to students. Today, ily storehouses of in health care – much of the technology these ratios have been just about musty-smelling books – and, of course, used is designed to improve capabilities reversed, with the largest share of costs places to scout out prospective dates but not necessarily to lower costs. now being borne by students and a for the weekend. In banking, for example, ATMs can significantly smaller share coming from In today’s universities, libraries are replace tellers; in manufacturing, ropublic sources. centers of information, and reference Closer to home, in Michigan today librarians are skilled at searching online bots replace workers. But the availability of more information does not mean students at public universities pay, on databases. Classrooms are equipped that a university can replace reference average, some 72 percent of the cost of with not just overhead projectors – a librarians or English instructors – quite their education. Just 30 years ago that 1950s bowling alley technology – but the contrary. It only helps to make figure was only 34 percent. a variety of video equipment that them more effective – and even more What happened over these past 50 can bring information from websites necessary. or so years was a dramatic shifting of around the world into view almost To be sure, colleges and universities the costs of higher education – and instantly. And no serious question have employed technology to achieve especially public higher education need go unanswered for long – most efficiencies in some administrative – from taxpayers to students. It did students can find an astonishing array functions – class registration, the mannot happen overnight or even in a of facts and figures on their hand-held agement of money, energy conservasingle year or decade or during the devices in mere seconds. administration by one or another Much has been made of so-called on- tion, and so forth. But overall, the uses political party. The trend started line courses. Whole academic programs of technology in the core business of education – teaching and learning – slowly in the ’60s and ’70s and then and, indeed whole institutions, are accelerated in the ’80s and ’90s. Simply organized around teaching and learning make things better but not, alas, less expensive. put, year after year, as state budgets via the Net. But what is becoming ever grew tighter, appropriations for public more clear, however, is that this mode colleges and universities shrank – both of instruction is most effective with ll this leads to yet another in inflation-adjusted dollars and, more skilled and committed learners – genermajor change over the past recently, in actual dollars. ally, at the graduate level. For most unhalf century: the economic dergraduates, education is best when The result was an unplanned and fundamentals of the higher education still largely a social exercise – as much undebated public policy shift: no industry. personal and motivational development Back in the 1960s, higher education politician or political party ran for
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DEVELOPING HUMAN TALENT AND POTENTIAL. IT office on a platform of making students pay more – it just happened. No one – except a few think tanks and policy wonks and prescient observers of the changing scene – raised the question as to what share of the cost of public higher education should be borne by taxpayers and what share by students and their families. Instead, steadily and somewhat insidiously, when the difficult decisions were made and state budgets were passed, allocations for higher education were set aside and other imperatives – health care, corrections, and other pressing political priorities – got the money. And the obvious result was rapidly escalating tuition rates. Again, no one planned this; no one schemed to make this happen; there was never any serious public policy discussion about this dramatic shift. And here we are today – public colleges and universities funded largely through user charges rather than as a public or social good. One can applaud or bemoan it, but this is what has happened – for better or for worse. I happen to think the latter.
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o, now it is a mere 50 years later. In many ways, public higher education is different from what it was and what it might have been. In many ways, it is stronger and even more vital than anyone might have imagined – and in other ways even more fragile. What does it all mean? And what are we to make of all this now, in the second decade of the new century and millennium?
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here have been so many other changes over the past half-century – in higher education and in America, and indeed in the world. There is a relatively new and remarkable diversity of American college students – racially, ethnically, culturally – and there has been a
growing predominance of women in both student ranks and the ranks of academic faculty and staff. And today, no self-respecting institution can call itself a college or a university without participating in the global marketplace of ideas and people – both as an importer and exporter. Higher education is no longer merely a provincial or domestic business. There are new buildings and new forms of competition among institutions. Academic research has grown in importance, in some institutions eclipsing teaching as the primary reason for being. And the importance of charitable donations and endowments to all institutions – public as well as private – has elevated fundraising into almost an obsession. And you will note that I haven’t even mentioned the changed landscape of intercollegiate sports.
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ut in the face of all this change – or perhaps in spite of it – what might be most remarkable is what has been relatively changeless about this business of higher education, as demonstrated by the attitudes of this year’s freshman class according to recent surveys. We know that some 82 percent still think it is important to learn about new things, and 50 percent of them acknowledge the need to pick up a little culture as well. They were a little more politically liberal than their parents: more than half supported gay people adopting children and 78 percent wanted the federal government to do more to control pollution. But still, less than a third of them want the federal government to raise taxes to reduce its deficit. And while still a little worried about their academic success, some 75.8 percent rated their drive to achieve as “above average,” and more than 71 percent rated themselves as “above average” in intellectual ability – a statistical anomaly, or what is best
STILL IS.
called the “Lake Wobegon effect.” It is written in Ecclesiastes that one generation passes and another comes ... and there is no new thing under the sun. I have that sense from time-totime, working on campus. In short, today’s students will, like all of so many decades ago, begin to become what they will be during these incredibly formative moments and years in college. Nothing … or at least nothing much ... has changed about that – thankfully. And over the next four or so years – on the average probably five or six years, actually – they will struggle to construct random words and ideas into sentences and then into coherent themes; they will marvel at what the scientific method has revealed; they will struggle to grasp the meaning of mathematical formulas and the meter of a poem; and they will make friends and fall in love, fall out of love and find new friends all over again. Fifty years ago, and every year since, uncertain youths have appeared on campuses looking for something more, even if they weren’t entirely certain what that would entail. For some, it was the fulfillment of a family’s aspirations; for others, it was an opportunity to prolong childhood and enjoy what they hoped would be a robust schedule of social and romantic opportunities; for others still, it was in search of not just a vocation but a sense of meaning. What followed for many if not most was a life-changing experience. They were pushed and challenged and tested; they learned to appreciate and to think; they were influenced by people and ideas in ways that would last a lifetime. If things worked out well – as they so often do – they would emerge not just more competent but more considerate, not just more confident but more compassionate, not just more knowledgeable but more appreciative. Higher education was always the business of developing human talent and potential. It still is. REFLECTIONS2013 MAGAZINE 23
Forward Thinking: Promoting Regional Resources and Building Bridges of Collaboration
College of Business & Management and College of Science, Engineering & Technology — By Angela Bauer
Finding Community in Focus
Inspired by regional needs and driven by collaboration and outreach, the colleges of Business & Management (CBM) and Science, Engineering & Technology (SET) promote fresh thinking that benefits the Great Lakes Bay Region. And at the core of this thinking is a drive to incorporate the student-learning experience in ways that reach well beyond 24 SAGINAW VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY
the classroom into the region, and around the world. This last article in our series looking at SVSU colleges provides insight – not so much into classroom learning, but learning in co-ops and internships, through networking and working in student team situations, study abroad, research and through post-graduate studies.
Engineers + Marketing + Accounting Students = a Winning “formula”
Collaboration between the two colleges is not a new concept. For more than a decade, the students of CBM and SET have worked together to achieve success on the racetrack. The Cardinal Formula Racing Team offers accounting, marketing and engineering students an opportunity to team up, and has combined technology with business savvy to speed past the competition with four top 20 finishes in the past decade. This annual competition pits SVSU against schools from around the world. More traditionally, CBM and SET provide ways to prepare a well-rounded student with forward-thinking curriculum. When referring to the elective course available in CBM on sustainable business, George Puia, associate dean of the College of Business and Management and The Dow Chemical Company Centennial Chair in Global Business, says, “It takes different skill sets to run a business than it does to develop technology; it takes a team. In pairing (CBM and SET) students, we’re exposing business students to technology and innovation while engineering students are introduced to business.”
CBM
Looking beyond the emphasized skills of the CBM programs such as problem solving, critical thinking and communication, one finds a plethora of opportunities and advantages available to students in the college, including regional partnerships, international experience through faculty-led study abroad, and engagement in various business initiatives. When asked about the college’s focus, dean Jill Wetmore stated, “We take our job seriously, ensuring that our students are not only academically prepared for the workforce, but are prepared to be good citizens of the world.” Here, in the Great Lakes Bay Region, that might mean providing quality employees, entrepreneurs and future leaders to area businesses, but beyond that it includes an awareness and understanding of global markets.
Fourteen students visited Bulgaria in May.
Across Seas, Outside Classrooms
Like many of the other programs at SVSU, the College of Business & Management encourages hands-on experiences for students, and sometimes those experiences offer oncein-a-lifetime opportunities. In May of this year, 14 students went on a faculty-led study abroad trip to Bulgaria, co-led by Puia and assistant dean Mark Potts. Partially funded by a Business International Education grant, the program required students to learn the Bulgarian language and culture in the weeks preceding the trip, and engage in an intensive 10-day study abroad experience. The choice of Bulgaria gave the students a great opportunity to learn how to do business in an emerging market, a country not necessarily at a high awareness level for many economic development organizations interested in doing global business. Yet with its fast-emerging solar industry, Bulgaria is a relevant choice for an SVSU study abroad program, as it introduced the university’s regional profile to potential international partners.
The Cardinal Formula Racing Team offers accounting, marketing and engineering students an opportunity to team up, and has combined technology with business savvy that culminates in a world competition.
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Regionally
Speaking In the Great Lakes Bay Region, CBM offers students
opportunities that often create and fuel their futures. Sent to attend the 25th European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference and Exhibition in Valencia, Spain, on behalf of the Great Lakes Bay Solar Alliance in August 2010, Lindsey Zion (2011, B.B.A.) ultimately turned an internship and recruiting trip into a full-time job. An SVSU Roberts Fellow and well-traveled candidate prior to her representation at the show in Spain, Zion was required to do minor translating, shadowing of Saginaw Future CEO JoAnn Crary on business calls, and prospective client research prior to the event. Zion, a former resident of Fenton and now an assistant economic developer at Saginaw Future, said of the event, “I was meeting with top executives from around the world.” She credits her success to the relationships developed at SVSU. “From my freshman to senior year, I always had mentors who were ‘real’ people, giving me real advice.” Like Zion, John Kunitzer (1973, B.B.A.) appreciates his SVSU education. The 1973 accounting alumnus graduated on a Saturday and started as a staff accountant at Yeo & Yeo on Monday. Twenty-four years later, in 1997, Kunitzer became the president and CEO of the company and
John Kunitzer, president and CEO of Yeo and Yeo.
continues to look to SVSU for successful employees. “We’ve had a good track record with SVSU students. They come to us well-prepared with the core accounting knowledge that’s so important.” With its headquarters in the heart of Saginaw, Yeo & Yeo appreciates area graduates. “We like the fact that many SVSU students are local (regional). Many SVSU graduates aren’t necessarily interested in living in a big city so that small town connection is part of the right ‘fit.’” Part of CBM since 1999, the Stevens Center for Family Business creates a unique opportunity for students to examine the dynamic of family business, offering presentations, academic coursework and a membership program to students. Board chair Julia Stevens highlights the foundation of the center’s success: “The integration of academics with the family business community enhances the students’ practical learning, while giving family business leaders the opportunity to contribute to the development of future leaders.”
SE&T Inspired by investments and innovations in local
Lindsey Zion attended the 25th European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference and Exhibition in Valencia, Spain.
26 SAGINAW VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY
industry, the College of Science, Engineering & Technology has developed a new curriculum to give students a competitive edge: a new minor, alternative energy, and graduate program, Master of Science in Energy and Materials (M.E.M.). Acquiring input from regional leaders, SET designed the new programs to benefit industry with suitable grads and collaborative ties to the university. Dean Deborah Huntley acknowledges that in both programs, “Students will gain skills applicable to the region, but relevant worldwide.” While the new M.E.M. program is accepting its first students this fall, CBM has just entered its 34th year of offering its M.B.A. degree. Evolving to keep the curriculum timely and connected to regional businesses, the Master of Business Administration provides individuals interested in continued professional development a local choice for additional education.
Designing for
the Future Knowing that more is expected of today’s graduates, Alan Freed, The Clifford Spicer Endowed Chair in Engineering, is writing a textbook to fit a new course, Mechanics of Continuous Media. Designed for seniors, the course aims to better prepare students for industry. “As materials behave differently based on conditions, perspectives of loads and deformations, it’s important to teach the students how to design for those behaviors without falling into the trap of classical linear theories. I’m teaching them the way I wish it’d been taught to me.” The course will be taught using the new materials in 2012. When he isn’t overseeing the Cardinal Formula Racing Team, Brooks Byam, professor of mechanical engineering, coordinates the mechanical engineering department’s senior design projects. Partnering with local clients, 89 projects have been completed since 2002, totaling an investment of $211,650 in private funds. Byam says about the collaboration, “Students take real world, full scale projects that affect a client’s bottom line from concept to
competition.” The program’s success speaks for itself, as clients continue to return year after year. “Understanding Solidification Based Grain Refinement in Steels,” a project headed by Bob Tuttle, associate professor of mechanical engineering, and funded by a grant from the Office of Naval Research, continues research started three years ago to understand how rare earth oxide compounds reduce the crystal (grain) size of steels. Research assistants Stephany Castignola and Jeremiah Winkel, seniors majoring in mechanical engineering, agree that the hands-on research is priceless. In his second year of the project, Winkel is excited about his acquired experiences. “Not only have I been able to pour liquid metal,” he says, “but I’ve built patterns, developed my computer-aided design skills and performed analysis on cast parts.” Beyond the classroom and lab setting, Tuttle and his student workers visit local foundries for industrial trials, making certain their processes in research will integrate into the real foundry process. Once completed, this research has the potential to provide foundries with a method to produce stronger castings, which would reduce weight, materials used and energy consumption – an industrial-sized benefit for a world concerned with sustainability.
Mechanical engineering professor Bob Tuttle includes students in research on how rare earth oxide compounds reduce the crystal (grain) size of steels.
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“Students take real world, full scale projects that affect a client’s bottom line from concept to competition.” Waves of
Study When the Bay County Health Department received
a grant from the Environmental Protection Agency and needed a partner, they turned to SVSU for collaboration. The Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Grant is funding collaborative research that will develop rapid testing methods for surface water quality on beaches. The specialized technique will reduce the 24-hour window for receiving results to six hours, improving and preventing public health and safety concerns. Tying together the expertise of Tami Sivy, assistant professor of chemistry; David Stanton, professor of biology; and David Karpovich, H.H. Dow Endowed Chair of Chemistry, the project will measure and analyze bacterial DNA. Organizing the SVSU collaboration, Karpovich explains the mutually beneficial partnership this way, “By partnering with the Bay County Health Department, we’re ensuring that the public beaches are safer, while providing real research experience to our students.” The multi-year project will make strides to improve and understand the environmental water quality and ecology in the region. To better study the underwater ecology and conduct behavioral field studies of the Saginaw Bay and Great Lakes, Biology Club members have been gearing up with SCUBA certification classes. Inspired by the club’s adviser, Art Martin, assistant professor of biology, and partially funded by the SVSU Foundation Resource Grant program, members of the club prepared for a summer of analyzing population densities and genetic variations in zebra and quagga mussels, species invasive to the Great Lakes. Data gathered in this study will be used to identify population shifts throughout the Saginaw Bay watershed and could provide insight into understanding the species’ movement. SCUBA, a unique opportunity for students at the undergraduate level, was an exciting prospect for biology senior Louise DuRussel. Familiar with institutional research as a student laboratory technician, DuRussel admits, “It’s a whole new world beneath the waves.” The grant supplied the biology department and club equipment for students to use in this and other SCUBA diving projects around
28 SAGINAW VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY
Students Meaghan VanWert and Jason Cornell collaborate with David Karpovich on water quality research.
Michigan. “SCUBA is a skill that allows divers to view and interact with an environment that very few people have the opportunity to see,” says Martin. “Once certified, a trained diver can explore and study aquatic environments all over the world.” Whether it’s on the racetrack, in the foundry or underwater, students of CBM and SET are taking their education to the next level. Placing a priority on producing graduates suitable to regional industry, the colleges of Business & Management and Science, Engineering & Technology provide students with opportunities and experiences that encourage innovative thinking and collaborative efforts, creating resources proven to benefit the larger community, the Great Lakes Bay Region.
The Rising Role of Asia at SVSU, in the Great Lakes Bay Region, and Our World The Rising Role of
ASIA
At SVSU, in the Great Lakes Bay Region, and our world.
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I
ts vast industrial expanse has served as a symbol of Saginaw for generations. Known to old-timers simply as “Steering Gear,” the massive factory complex employed some 10,000 people during its General Motors heyday of the 1970s and ’80s. The facility still stands and produces steering components, but today it serves as a symbol of change to the thousands who drive by every day along I-75. In November 2010, the property was sold to Nexteer Automotive. The Wall Street Journal called it “one of the landmark deals of the era, the first time Chinese investors have bought a U.S. industrial operation of such scale and history.” The sale made headlines for its scope as well as its novelty. Nexteer’s news release described the purchase as “the single largest Chinese investment in the global automotive supplier industry.” Journalists from around the world descended on Saginaw to cover the story. Saginaw County’s largest private employer is now owned by Pacific Century Motors (PCM), a joint venture of private investors and the Beijing government. Foreign journalists wondered aloud if their own country’s major manufacturing operations would be next. Adding to this anxiety, the chairman of PCM told Bloomberg News that more U.S. acquisitions are being considered. For many auto workers in the factory, it was a move that would have made their grandfathers shudder. Today it is a sign of the times as commerce is increasingly international and corporations are going global.
30 SAGINAW VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY
The sale completed a transition that began when GM spun off its parts division in 1995. That new company, Delphi Automotive Systems, filed for bankruptcy 10 years later, a harbinger of what lay ahead for U.S. auto makers. In a decision still hotly debated and defended, the U.S. government provided an $80 billion bailout of GM and Chrysler in 2008 and 2009. Most of that sum has been repaid as the companies returned to profitability, but the state and the industry – that in the words of Henry Ford “put the world on wheels” – have irrevocably changed. A future that once seemed predictable is now unclear, and answers lie not only in the industrial heartland, but across the Pacific, as well.
Asia: A Market and Partner for the Great Lakes Bay Region China has long been the most populous nation on earth. With more than 1.3 billion inhabitants, it has more than four times as many people as the United States. But China’s emergence as an economic power is a more recent development. While U.S. and European economies struggle to recover from a recession, China’s gross domestic product grew by an annual rate of 9.7 percent in the first quarter of 2011 and shows no signs of slowing down any time soon. As a chief engineer and product line executive for Nexteer, Rick Nash, 1988, B.S., supervises teams producing steering columns and other automotive components for more than 60 customers, many of them international. “The economic growth is very, very quick,” he said, “and the reason it’s
in China is because that’s where the automotive market is currently growing the fastest.” Such a rapidly expanding market has U.S. corporations seeking to improve their foothold overseas, as well, and not just in the automotive industry. In June, the Midland-based Dow Chemical Company confirmed plans to invest billions of dollars in a coal chemical project in northern China. No stranger to the Asian nation, Dow established its first office in mainland China in 1979 and presently has seven manufacturing sites there. While China receives the most attention and makes many Americans the most uneasy, Japan and Korea are significant global players and are increasingly important to the Great Lakes Bay Region’s economy, as well. In July, Dow Chemical announced an advanced battery joint venture with Ube Industries of Japan that is expected to result in a new 60,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Midland. U.S. Vice President Joe Biden attended the June 2010 Midland groundbreaking of a new battery plant for Dow Kokam, a joint venture with Korean (and French) partners. A few miles south, Hemlock Semiconductor, which produces the raw polycrystalline silicon used for solar panels and computer chips, has invested billions of dollars into its Saginaw County facility, thanks to growing demand and foreign investment. Two Japanese companies, Shin-Etsu Handotai and Mitsubishi Material Corporation, have a combined ownership stake of nearly 37 percent. Those who seek to grow the Great Lakes Bay Region’s economy recognize that Asian markets provide an opportunity to sell locally produced goods, and Asian investors provide capital to expand local production and
“...the single largest
Chinese investment in the global automotive supplier industry.”
add jobs. Nexteer employs some 9,800 people globally, including nearly 3,800 in the United States, and more than 200 SVSU graduates. “The Chinese investment in Nexteer Automotive clearly shows the global significance of the company’s technology, skilled workforce, customer base and global reach,” said JoAnn Crary, President of Saginaw Future, Saginaw County’s economic development corporation. “As the County’s largest private employer, Nexteer continues to grow and is seeking additional engineers to join their team. Their story is a great way to showcase resources and assets unique to the Great Lakes Bay Region and Michigan.” Decades of producing premier auto components has earned Saginaw a sterling reputation in the auto industry and especially in Asia. “It has huge recognition with global automotive engineers because of the products manufactured historically,” Nexteer’s Nash said. He should know. After graduating from SVSU, Nash started his career with GM’s Saginaw division before accepting long-term assignments in Asia and Europe in the 1990s. That history – combined with modern innovation – continues to pay dividends in the present. Nexteer recently launched two new steering columns that will be produced in its Plant 6.
with Tokushima in 1961. More recently, SVSU welcomed two sister universities in Taiwan: Shih Hsin University (in 2002) and Ming Chuan University (in 2003). SVSU offered an M.B.A. program in Taiwan for several years, and also was at the forefront of recruiting Chinese students to pursue their college education in the United States, which explains the 155 Chinese citizens enrolled last year. The person most responsible for the numerous ties to Asia is Robert S.P. Yien. A Taiwan native, he grew up dreaming of becoming a college professor in the United States and saw his dream realized at SVSU. Yien retired in 2006 after serving as vice president for academic affairs for 28 years, but his work in building relationships in international education has continued. He worked with Ming Chuan to receive accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, a goal that was achieved in October 2010, making Ming Chuan the first U.S. accredited institution of higher education in Asia.
Chuan Lee, president of Ming Chuan University in Taiwan, and Robert S.P. Yien, vice president emeritus for academic affairs, greeted guests at an Aug. 24 reception at SVSU.
Saginaw Valley: Early to Asia
E
xploring new frontiers and increasing knowledge and understanding lie at the heart of a college education. While east Asia’s emergence has only registered on the radar of the average American in recent years, and while many American colleges and universities are racing to introduce increased offerings there, SVSU has been building relationships in the Pacific Rim for three decades. SVSU established a sister university relationship with Shikoku University in Tokushima, Japan, in 1981. Students and faculty have learned and taught at their cross-Pacific counterpart ever since. Saginaw – with its authentic Japanese Tea House, a rarity in the U.S. – began its sister city relationship
Kami Gibbs stands on a dock at the Port of Yokohama to the Tokyo Bay, where she has been working on a project for the U.S. Navy through the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
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“Every Possible Mode of Leadership Has Been Tried There”
K
Rachel Snell led a group of 10 Coleman High School students on a trip to Asia in 2004.
“I was motivated and inspired by the gift I’d been given through the Roberts Fellowship,” she recalled. “It opened me to see global potential.” 32 SAGINAW VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY
ami Gibbs, 2006, B.A., spent her childhood in Saginaw and never imagined she would one day rack up frequent flier miles traveling to Japan and Korea on business. “I never thought of that prior to the Roberts Fellows,” she said. When building the curriculum for the Roberts Fellowship, a leadership development program for select undergraduates at SVSU, sister university relationships were an important factor, as were signs of the region’s rise and its rich and diverse history. “Even 14 years ago, it was obvious to us that Asia was emerging as a hugely significant region economically, politically, and in terms of foreign policy,” said Drew Hinderer, Finkbeiner Endowed Chair in Ethics and Roberts Fellows faculty advisor. Asian history and culture also provide fertile ground to study leadership models that depart from Western tradition. “Over its 5,000-year history every possible mode of leadership has been tried there, especially in China,” Hinderer said. “So Asia becomes a laboratory for what happens when charismatic leadership, very authoritarian leadership, permissive leadership, engaged leadership, disengaged leadership, etc., is actually tried.” Rachel Snell, 2002, B.A.; 2005, M.Ed., studied those lessons as a Roberts Fellow, and as a high school teacher built a social science curriculum that emphasized Asia, which led to taking a group of students to China. She returned to Asia in June as a Gerstacker Fellow, an SVSU leadership development program for select K-12 educators. “I was motivated and inspired by the gift I’d been given through the Roberts Fellowship,” she recalled. “It opened me to see global potential.” Snell was determined to open her students’ eyes to the same possibilities. Located some 20 miles northwest of Midland, Coleman is home to Dow Chemical and Dow Corning executives who travel abroad regularly, to farmers whose families have been rooted in the community for generations, and to families struggling to get by. Roughly 25 percent of Coleman children live in poverty, according to the 2000 census.
Snell assigned a group of 10 students a project to study China. Their lives were never the same. Before she knew it, the students were pleading with her to take them to the Far East. “I thought, ‘I’ve got to make this happen,’” Snell recalled. After dozens of after-school extracurricular discussions and untold numbers of fundraisers, Snell led all 10 – and some of their parents – on a trip to China in 2004. “These are kids from Coleman,” she said. “Some of them came from extreme poverty. All of them have college degrees today.” Even those who do not go on to college will see their lives affected by events on the other side of the globe, so Snell remains adamant about educating them. “The kids have to know what their world looks like,” she said. “This is the world. You have to be ready for it. We talk about the changing economy and how it affects us back at home.” Snell often uses agricultural examples to make her point, such as how a drought overseas can affect crop prices here. In another example of how it is a small world, even when seen from the confines of a small town, the most recent class of Roberts Fellows to travel to Asia this past summer included Coleman native Stacy Stremlow. Her elder sister had been among the 10 to travel with Snell to Asia, and her mother had been a chaperone. “It was great for Coleman,” Stremlow said. “She (Snell) saw an area of great need. Coming from a small town, people get hung up on superficial aspects. They miss the overall picture of traveling and interacting with other cultures. It’s so much more about you and your place in the world and your understanding of it.” Still, Stremlow was reluctant to follow her sister’s high school path precisely, so once at college, the SVSU history and international studies major studied abroad in Greece and Russia before applying for the Roberts Fellowship. As her SVSU experience continues this fall, she will serve as a resident assistant in the section of Pine Grove apartments where domestic and international students will live together. “I’m really excited to be working with the global community,” she said. “It’s just going to be a hotbed of activity.” Our frequent flier, Gibbs, doesn’t remember hearing much rhetoric or
With more than 1.3 billion inhabitants, China has long been the most populous nation on earth.
recitation about Asians as a high school student in Saginaw. “I don’t think I had enough familiarity to develop a stereotype,” Gibbs said. “It was just so foreign. It was a place I only saw in the movies.” Today she knows her way around Japan better than most. A project engineer for defense contractor LVW electronics, she specializes in installing physical security systems for the U.S. Army in Japan. Beyond that, “I can’t talk about my projects,” she said with a laugh. What Gibbs can say is where she’s been, and earlier this year she was working in northeastern Japan. She returned home to Colorado just two weeks prior to the devastating March earthquake. “It was surreal to hear firsthand what everybody else was watching on TV,” she said. “I could have been there.” While some might get cold feet after hearing others’ harrowing tales, Gibbs looks forward to future business trips to Asia. “I’d love to continue working over there,” she said. “I love my line of work as a defense contractor.” GIbbs, Snell and Stremlow: Three past and present students from the Great Lakes Bay Region who have seen their horizons expanded and their global understanding deepened. It’s why Donna
SVSU Selected for Partnership Program to Enhance U.S. Relations with China The U.S. Department of Education sees relationships with China as critical to this nation’s future and supplied funding for the International Academic Partnerships Program’s 2011 China initiative. SVSU is one of 10 higher education institutions nationwide selected for the program, and is participating in a series of activities designed to implement and sustain partnerships in China.
REFLECTIONS2013 MAGAZINE 33
Rick Nash holds a Nexteer Automotive steering column bracket designed for a next generation General Motors vehicle.
International Automotive Engineer It’s 8:30 on an August Friday morning. Rick Nash already has been on conference calls to China, France and Turkey. His business card lists the same address as when he completed his SVSU mechanical engineering degree and went to work in 1988: 3900 Holland Road, Saginaw, Mich. Little else is the same as it was 23 years ago. Nash has seen the world through a steering column. He used to track the number of miles he has flown; in 2007, he reached 1.2 million and stopped counting. While working for GM, he spent three years stationed in Tokyo and another three in Paris. “We started a globalization trend in the automotive industry about the time I jumped in, and I would say it’s been growing exponentially since,” Nash said. 34 SAGINAW VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY
Roberts, a respected attorney, business leader and philanthropist who retired from The Dow Chemical Company, endowed the Roberts Fellows program. “We wanted the Roberts Fellows to get out of their comfort zone and function successfully in a truly alien environment,” Hinderer explained. For Gibbs, Snell and Stremlow, what was once alien has become familiar.
Changing Face of Asia
W
hile Americans commonly see Asian influence on U.S. society and commerce, Western influence is evident in the Orient, as well. The effects of capitalism can be seen in communist China, as Snell saw firsthand this summer. “One of the biggest things that struck me,” she said, “is that there are more Chinese tourists in China.” Snell saw it as a clear sign that many more Chinese people now have money to spend, something she didn’t see in her prior trips. While the standard of living is on the
rise, progress comes at a price. China’s pollution problems have been well documented since the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, and as more Chinese drive automobiles, Hinderer says traffic congestion has become “hideous” in major cities such as Beijing. Construction cranes are an omnipresent part of the skyline, and as new buildings are erected, our seasoned travelers say much of China’s charm is lost. “The hutong neighborhoods, the neighborhood restaurants and back alleys are being replaced with faceless modern high rises,” Hinderer described. On a positive note, the emphasis on education in Asian culture is readily apparent and stands in contrast to what Americans often see back home. “They value higher education and family so much,” Gibbs said. “It’s a tremendous way to live.” Snell visited Chinese schools and found that they typically have two teachers in every classroom and 40 to 45 students per class. Snell noticed reduced stress among students and teachers compared to what she sees in Coleman but has reserved judgment as to whether it is more effective than the
traditional U.S. model. “In China,” she said, “they’re very proud about their institutions of learning. We could use more of that.”
Forecasting the Future
M
ichigan and the Great Lakes Bay Region have rebounded before when dominant industries died off. In the 19th century, Saginaw gained fame and achieved prosperity as a booming lumber town. At the turn of the 20th century, while the lumber mills began to close, the automobile began to emerge, and three Saginaw men, John L. Jackson, Edgar D. Church and Melvin L. Wilcox, used local backing to develop an innovative steering gear, founding their company in 1906. Three years later, they sold their company, Jacox, to Buick and Saginaw has been an auto hub
ever since. It continues to be, but on a smaller scale and a larger stage, much like the United States. According to the International Organization of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers (OICA under its original French name), more than 7.7 million vehicles were produced in the United States in 2010. China more than doubled U.S. output with 18.2 million vehicles and topped the international list; Japan placed second, cranking out more than 9.6 million vehicles. Nexteer’s Nash spent most of his childhood in greater Saginaw. His employer inherits the Jacox legacy of ingenuity. He understands those who have doubts about foreign ownership, but having endured years of an uncertain future, calls the Chinese purchase of his company “a blessing.” “We have ownership of our future as a company,” he said. “We have the ability to grow globally. Our new
owners have a mission for us to grow aggressively in China. They have a commitment to our global footprint, including North America. It feels like our new owners have the confidence in us and we can map our future.” Most of Saginaw’s original lumber barons were outsiders. Some settled locally; others remained remote. For decades, Saginaw auto factories attracted workers from around the nation and the world. There are indications that this “All-American City” – an honor earned in 1968 – and its neighbors are poised to undergo their next major transformation. Economic recovery will likely entail increasing involvement with Asia, and SVSU stands ready to increase understanding, draw upon existing relationships and build new ties within the region and across the Pacific to partner in progress.
Global Impact Here and Abroad
SVSU Professor Honored by Top South Korean University
Chinese Students Bring Much to Campus... and Vice Versa
Hong Park, SVSU professor of economics, received the Person of the Year Award from Kyung Hee University in South Korea. The award was presented July 23 at the Kyung Hee Alumni Association’s North American meeting in Seattle. Park is widely recognized for his work with the Korea-America Economic Association, a group that provides a platform to address economic relations between North America and South Korea. He is a past president of the association and also has served in several other positions within the organization. Park joined the SVSU faculty in 1975.
A native of Shenyang, China, Chunchun Tang says SVSU “provided me everything I need to fulfill my professional goals.” Those goals are high. Tang expects to pursue graduate school in the U.S. after completing her degree in English this December. She is already certified to teach English as a second language. For the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, Tang coordinated a staff of 210 volunteers helping visitors navigate China’s public transportation system. At SVSU, she and her countrymen have introduced their native culture. The Chinese New Year celebration is well attended; the ping pong club is thriving; learning is enhanced. “Chinese students are given many opportunities,” Tang said. “In return, our presence in the classrooms serves to diversify the campus.”
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SVSU PHOTOBOOK
Saginaw Valley State University – A Seasonal Portrait If you are an alumnus who has not visited the campus in the past decade, you would be amazed at the face-lift that your alma mater has received! The images included on these four pages, which depict the transformation that has taken place in recent years, are a selection of the nearly 300 shots included in an award-winning souvenir photo book that recently was published by SVSU. As noted in the book’s forward: “SVSU … This memorable destination is a place through which thousands of alumni have passed and, in so doing, have crossed the threshold from youth to adulthood. This location is a space where countless teachers and professionals, skilled employees and support staff, have spent some of their finest hours while becoming better at what they do or becoming better friends with colleagues. This venue for events and celebrations, for orientation and commencement, for weddings and farewells, is itself tied to the cycle of the year. Like the people who comprise it, a university lives and breathes and, like them, marks the passage of time through the seasons.”
$29.95
Contact the SVSU bookstore to order a copy: svsu.bncollege.com, or call (989) 964-4277
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REFLECTIONS2013 MAGAZINE 37
SVSU PHOTOBOOK
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SVSU PROFILE
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Jessica morrison Under the Microscope: Enzymes that Impact the Body
One hundred and ten minutes each week, for 13 weeks, is the requirement for one SVSU introductory lab-based course each semester, while advanced lab courses require two to four hours each week. With 17 lab-based courses taken at SVSU, it’s safe to say that recent graduate Jessica (Szczepanik) Morrison knows her way around a laboratory. As a Cardinal with an interest in science, Morrison majored in both biology and medical technology, earning her Bachelor of Science in May 2010, a feat that included lab-based courses such as microbiology, immunology, zoology, botany, analytical chemistry and genetics, just to list a few. A commuter student from Bay City, Mich., Morrison made the most of her undergraduate career. Now, she’s a successful grant writer fulfilling work as a research assistant and Ph.D. student in the microbiology and molecular genetics program at Oklahoma State University. Thrilled to be making her dream a reality, Morrison knew by her third year at SVSU that she’d be in graduate school. After completing a number of the required courses for her degree, she sought a co-op related to her field and found her way to the Office of Career Service’s Cardinal Career Network. “I applied for as many as I could and the one I got was the best possible fit. It was through SVSU that I had the chance to work at Dow Corning. While I was there, I worked with a lot of great people; they had all gone through a graduate education and it was then and because of that opportunity that I knew I wanted one too.” Although her responsibilities did shift slightly to reflect Dow Corning’s corporate needs, Morrison participated in the co-op for three years, working with mentor and colleague Regina Malczewski, who offered invaluable guidance and support through the experience that fostered the continuing friendship.
Morrison is thrilled about the doors her degree from SVSU has already opened for her, including an easier-than-expected transition into grad school. The rigorous schedule from her first semester of graduate school – which included coursework, serving as a teacher’s assistant for two sections of Introductory Biology, and attending mandatory seminars – was something she didn’t struggle with, having managed the co-op in addition to her coursework during her undergraduate degree program. An added benefit found in pairing her pre-graduate responsibilities was the time spent in each facility’s lab. “I found that when I got here not everyone had lab experience. I feel like the time I had in the lab at SVSU and Dow Corning really helped me get started here. It was a definite advantage.” Rather than searching for a foundation of lab experience and a research project that most students take up to a full year or so to find, Morrison jumped right in, finding her advisor in her first semester. Together, they discussed possible research opportunities and an available grant opportunity with a fastapproaching deadline. Like a whirlwind, her month of hard work and dedication to fulfilling the grant application paid off. She was awarded a National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship that will fund three full years of her doctoral degree. “It was definitely a blessing,” she says of the award. Although she has at least four or five years of research ahead of her, Morrison is excited about her work in microbiology on the bacterium Enterococcus faecium. This intestinal bacterium has an enzyme that is able to reduce AZo dyes, common colorants in foods and drinks we consume. She’ll be studying the effects of this enzyme because it’s been found that when these enzymes reduce AZo dyes to aid digestion, it produces carcinogens. The study aims to look at how the enzyme works as well as the impact it has on the human body and the bacteria itself. Eventually, Morrison
hopes that the research will lend itself to environmental mediation, such as using the enzyme to reduce AZo dyes in waste-water streams. When discussing her research project that began June 1 and her expectations for it, Morrison stated, “It’s a lot of give and take; things may not go as planned, but I might end up with something better than expected. Research is a lot of expecting the unexpected. Nothing ever goes as planned.” But, as she is well aware, that’s life. Like all recent graduates, Morrison hoped her degree and experience at SVSU would lead to great opportunities, but she never imagined it would happen so quickly. When asked how her degree helps shape her work, she stated, “I knew that the biology and medical technology degrees would work together, but the chemistry background I started at SVSU and expanded through my co-op, coupled with my degree, gives me a great footing for when projects come to a standstill. I’ll always have those backgrounds to draw upon to help move this and other projects forward.” When finished with graduate school, Morrison and her husband, Shane (2010, B.S.), who also is attending OSU, hope to return to Michigan. Proud of her broad science-based education, Morrison expects that her background from SVSU and Ph.D. will continue to open doors. As for advice she has for students currently enrolled at her alma mater: “Take as many courses as you can … get that breadth of knowledge. Make the time to find a co-op or job that is related to your degree; it will help you directly with your courses and can create a foundational footing for you.”
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DOUG KOSINSKI, JIM THOMPSON DENNIS FOLEY, GARY MALLON Friends for Life
For the past 40 years, Dennis Foley, Gary Mallon, Doug Kosinski and Jim Thompson have chided and verbally sparred with each other, played cards and golf together, one-upped each other, studied together, poked fun at each other, gotten in minor trouble together, supported each other, and cared for each other at a place they insist on calling “SVC.” In many ways, they fit to a “T” the description of a typical SVSU student from the late 1960s and early 1970s: All were local commuters, most comfortable with a small school, and looking for an affordable way to get a college degree and create a comfortable life for themselves and their families. They succeeded and, on the way, took from their experience deep friendships they enjoy to this day, still getting together once or twice a year, still reminiscing about a college experience they wouldn’t trade for anything. When asked how this inseparable group met, time disappears and it is almost as if it is another moment, another world – it is a tiny site with a gated parking lot, and the “hub” of the three-building campus is Wickes Hall, where on the third floor were housed administrative offices, the Valley Vanguard, student government and a concourse area where chess and pinochle games ruled the day. Dennis doesn’t hesitate, doesn’t
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seem to need to think hard about “back then.” “I met Doug in summer 1970 in a medieval history class with (lecturer in history) Levi Nwachuku. Then I met Gary. I was the editor of the Valley Vanguard and one day this guy came into the office and said, ‘I can do better than this’ (referring to the paper) and I said, ‘OK’ and in 1971, we became co-editors of the paper.” Jim entered the picture through various concourse games played routinely with Doug and Gary. Before long, an inseparable collegial group was formed. Not only do these guys speak warmheartedly and in brotherly fashion of each other, but they share a real affection for “SVC” and some of their favorite professors. Doug recalls in particular a one-on-one study class with history professor Tom Renna. “I’d go to Tom’s on Friday night and we’d sit for hours and talk about medieval history.” Jim speaks as fondly of George Eastland, professor of chemistry, who he says was academically “one of the most talented men I ever met.” Then Jim chuckles and adds, “and the most bizarre sucker I ever met was (the late) Les Whittaker (professor of English). I remember one night he came into class fuming. He had overdrawn his checking account and a check bounced and he spent the three-hour class ranting about the evils of banking.” On a more serious note,
Dennis speaks with admiration and respect about history professor (the late) John Willertz, who was “young, active and very interested in the students.” Gary agrees with Dennis that another favorite was (the late) Bill Hoffmann (history) who, according to Dennis, “shouted at the top of his lungs for the entire lecture. On top of that, his southern accent would come out and he would boom, ‘Mah assistant Bah-Bra …’ – yet (always) go on in a way that brought history alive.” Gary adds, “When it came to American history and Jefferson and Jackson, he was a scholar who knew more than anyone I’ve ever met.” What pulled these guys together back then, Doug thinks, was a sense of balance they all shared. “These guys were a ton of fun, yet we were all serious about getting our education.” SVSU was the venue that brought them together; where they played cards and helped co-found intramural football; where they wrote the official and underground newspapers; and where they fought with the administration. Top on their list of gripes? PARKING! Fast forward to 2011, and what persists as the #1 gripe of SVSU students? PARKING! So perhaps, the more things change, truly the more they do stay the same, at least in one important way. Forty years ago and 40 years hence, SVSU makes memories – and friendships – that last a lifetime.
Meet the "Fearsome" Foursome
An annual golf outing in August 2011 culminated in a gathering at a favorite SVC haunt – Berger’s. Doug Kosinski, 1972, B.A., political science. Originally from Saginaw, after graduating from SVSU Doug went on to earn his master’s degree. He spent time as a probation/parole officer before settling into the job he has had for the past 34 years, doing research for the State of Michigan’s department of social services and department of corrections. Doug lives in Lansing.
Bay City native Jim Thompson completed the course work for an English major and needed only his student teaching to complete his bachelor’s degree when he viewed the 1973 teaching landscape and opted to pursue an apprenticeship at General Motors. Jim spent his career as a journeyman tool and die maker, but has stayed connected to education through his work with Essexville Garber High School, where he designs and builds theatre sets. He resides in Essexville.
Dennis Foley, 1973, B.A., political science. From Saginaw, Dennis came from a blue collar, Irish family. He was the first in his family to go to college and has spent his career in the newspaper business. The former editor of the Valley Vanguard (and writer for the underground newspaper, “Rosemary’s Baby”), he was a stringer sports reporter for the Saginaw News. An internship in Pontiac led to positions in California with the San Diego Tribune and the Orange County Register, where he still works. In January 2012, Dennis will become editor-inresidence at Chapman University in Orange, Calif.
Gary Mallon, 1973, B.A., history. From Tawas, Gary started at SVSU in 1968, was drafted and went to Vietnam, and then returned to finish his degree. Deciding that a teaching job was too difficult to find in 1973, Gary shifted his focus to the department of social services, first in Pontiac and then, in 1977, transferring to Tawas. He retired in 2002.
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ERNIE PAULICK
When the Marshall M. Fredericks Sculpture Museum was dedicated in 1988, the ceremony commenced with a procession led by a bagpiper in full Scottish regalia. That bagpiper was Ernest E. (Ernie) Paulick, who cut a striking, if somewhat unusual, figure at that time and place. Yet, while the sight of Ernie in full regalia may be unusual, the sight of Ernie himself, is not unfamiliar; he has become a fixture at campus events and a mainstay in the university’s cadre of loyal supporters. His impact on SVSU and its students earned Ernie honorary alumnus status and the 1995 Distinguished Service Medallion, which is SVSU’s most prestigious award for a community member.
Into the Fold
Ernie’s relationship with SVSU began in a somewhat roundabout way. Through business associations in the mid 1970s, Ernie had become friends with Marshall Fredericks’ son Carl and the Fredericks family. When the university was preparing for the establishment of the Marshall M. Fredericks Sculpture Gallery in the late 1980s, Marshall Fredericks asked Ernie to serve on its board of advisors, a position he still holds. Then in 1989, while working at First National Bank of Bad Axe, Ernie got to know Herb Gettel, owner of a local John
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Deere franchise and a member of SVSU’s Board of Fellows. Gettel recruited Ernie to serve on that board. Ernie quickly became immersed in the university, generously offering his time and his talents, as well as his financial support. Ernie also serves on the College of Business & Management Advisory Board and is an honorary member of the SVSU Foundation Board. He routinely participates in a variety of SVSU activities and events, including the Cardinal Athletic Club, golf outings and athletic events. He supports the university financially through two scholarships he has established. The Elizabeth D. Paulick Endowed Scholarship Fund, which Ernie and his sister, Margaret Watson, set up in honor of their mother, supports female students enrolled in the College of Business & Management, with preference given to women who have children at home and are returning to school after age 25. “After becoming a young widow with two small children, my mother went to work and became a successful businesswoman,” said Ernie. “My sister and I wanted to help other women, especially those who are trying to make a better life for their families.” Ernie also established the Paulick Presidential Piper Scholarship, to honor his Scottish heritage (on his mother’s side). That heritage was an important part of Ernie’s childhood and still influences him today.
Marching to the Beat of a Scottish Drummer
Growing up in East Detroit (now Eastpointe), Ernie spent a lot of time with his maternal grandparents, who had emigrated from Scotland to the United States, via Canada. When Ernie’s work took him to Bad Axe, he settled on a farm, which he named Dalwhinnie Farms in tribute to his grandparents’ home district in Scotland. While Ernie rents much of his land to local farmers, he does grow a few runs of grapes and makes about 30 gallons of his
signature “rough red” wine every year. As befits his home’s name – Dalwhinnie means “meeting place” in Gaelic – Ernie regularly hosts a Burns supper in celebration of Scotland’s most famous poet, Robert Burns. Ernie often invites SVSU students from the Bad Axe area to participate. That encouragement to participate and share cultural traditions is typical of Ernie’s commitment to students and SVSU. “When I was on the SVSU Foundation Board, a group of international students made a small request for funds. They wanted to put on a program at the university to showcase the songs and dances of their countries and cultures. I was a bit dubious, thinking this might just be a lark. But I went to the program and was amazed by the talent, diversity, and dedication of the students. It was a great program.” That program has evolved into Intercultural Night, an evening of performances that draws people from throughout the region.
Have Grill, Will Travel
Like many men, Ernie likes to cook on a grill ... but not just burgers and dogs, or even steaks. When Ernie fires up the grill, he thinks big – a couple hundred pounds big. “I like to do pig roasts with whole pigs. Or I’ll grill 300 pounds of pork roasts, which I’ve done for the spring football game for many years,” Ernie says. For nearly 20 years, he has also cooked and presented the meal at an annual lamb roast hosted by SVSU President Eric Gilbertson and his wife, Cindy. Ernie also provides a bit of musical entertainment while he’s manning the grill. “I’ll usually play a few tunes on the bagpipes while the meat is cooking,” Ernie said. “Then I’ll pipe in the first serving of lamb.” One year, Ernie almost didn’t have any dinner to present. “I had begun grilling the lamb early in the morning, then left for a while, not realizing two burners were still on high,” Ernie said. “When Eric returned
to his home, he noticed the smoke pouring out of the grill in the back yard. He turned off the burners, so it wasn’t a complete disaster.” Ernie said that cooking for SVSU events has offered the opportunity to meet a lot of people – students and student-athletes, faculty, staff, and other supporters of the university. One encounter, in particular, stands out in Ernie’s mind. “I often cook for the homecoming tailgate and save food for the players to have after the game,” Ernie said. “One year, three big kids came out to have some food and thanked me for making it. One of them asked me why I do it. I told him that I like the university, that it’s important to my community, and that I like the way the team plays. They were so appreciative; it just reinforced how important involvement is. And I hope it helps people understand how they can make a difference, too.”
Giving and Receiving
With his support, involvement, and obvious interest in helping students, Ernie has made a difference in the lives of countless students. And he says SVSU students have made a difference in his life and in his community. “In the Thumb, many of the teachers, medical staff, and police have received their training at SVSU,” he said. “This has had a positive impact on the quality of life. “Our community wouldn’t be what it is without SVSU,” he said. “More collegebound students from Huron County go to SVSU than to any other school. The university is a mainstay of this area. It provides education to our young people, the students and faculty do original research, and there are many community outreach programs; it’s a cultural center, and the university provides a variety of high-caliber sporting events. I was raised with the idea that things like this deserve our personal support.”
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Three Generations Call SVSU "Home" To say that SVSU has left a lasting impression on Judy (Batterbee) Gasco and her family is an understatement. Through the years, at least four of her immediate family members have attended the school, including her mother, Virginia Batterbee, and son, Daniel Wagner; together they represent three generations of graduates at SVSU. More than providing memories, their time at the school went beyond career preparation and education, introducing them to spouses, life-long friends, and memorable faculty mentors. When Judy enrolled as an undergraduate in 1971, SVSU was still in its adolescence – four academic buildings were on the campus – the ’66 Building, Wickes Hall, the Doan Center, Cardinal Gymnasium – and tuition was $13 a credit hour. Inspired by her mother’s interest in learning and the pursuit of a college degree, Judy started fulfilling her general education requirements. Stumbling upon a general psychology course, she soon found a passion for the subject and declared it as her major, graduating with a B.A. in psychology and human services psychology in 1975. Her mother, Virginia, a full-time nurse at Caro Regional Center, took classes one at a time until she earned a B.A. in sociology in 1977. By the time Gasco’s son attended in 1999, the number of buildings on campus had more than doubled. Providing family members with the means for success, it wasn’t a huge surprise that Daniel chose his parents’ alma mater when he was offered a scholarship as valedictorian of his graduating class in Boyne Falls, Mich. In his time at SVSU, Daniel studied communication, earning his B.A. in 2003. Irrefutably influenced by theatre professor and mentor Marc Gordon, Daniel admits that his experience
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would not have been complete without the time he spent in the theatre department. As a theatre minor, the now Internet-based entrepreneur reminisces about making friends and meeting his wife (Regina [Groth] Wagner, 2005, B.A. in communication & theatre) and friends. “Being part of that community meant more to me than what part or role I’d receive in the production,” he says. “There’s something about the college experience that pulls you together.” As one of the members on the first Cardinal volleyball team, a cheerleader for basketball and soccer games, and a two-year resident in the “Zoo,” Judy can relate to her son’s experience of finding camaraderie at SVSU. “I’ll never forget some of the things I did with my suitemates, like getting up for breakfast at the Doan Center just to go back to bed and barely make it to our 8 a.m. classes.” As a non-traditional student commuting from her home in Fairgrove, Gasco’s mother, Virginia had a slightly different take on campus life. Although she wasn’t in any of the campus organizations already established, she comments, “I was involved with checking up on the goings on …” – meaning checking up on her “Zoo” – based daughter. “[Judy] always seemed to know I was coming; her bed was always made.” Taking classes that worked with her busy schedule of family and career, Virginia mostly took courses offered at night, only one of which overlapped with Judy’s full-time student schedule. Taking only four years to complete her double psychology major, Judy was also interning in Tuscola County at Caro Mental Health and then Caro Regional Center. A week after graduation she started her career in Grand Rapids; it was the beginning of her 36 years
working in the field of vocational rehabilitation that has included her own entrepreneurial undertaking when in 1991 she started her own company, using her years of experience and contacts to form the business. Although the definition of her job has shifted through the years, Judy is proud of the career her degree has afforded her. “Times have changed,” says Daniel. “‘Gram’ went to school because of her love of learning – she says it was a better extracurricular alternative than bowling, less smoke and carrying on – and mom attended in order to try new things; I grew up knowing that [because of the economy] college was an expectation, not an option.” Knowing it was at SVSU that his mother and father met, and that the same institution provided his mother and grandmother with degrees, only added to the gravity Daniel felt as being part of the shared family experience. Judy, Virginia and Daniel are happy with the paths their lives have taken since SVSU, and attribute their success to the knowledge and experiences gained during their time at the university. Although few things have stayed the same in the four decades that span the family’s enrollment at SVSU, there’s a love for the school that remains constant. “We would go back to campus for Dan’s plays and we’d hardly recognize it; it’s grown so much in recent years,” admits Judy. “But SVSU will always feel like home.”
From left to right: Virginia Batterbee, Judy Gasco, Daniel Wagner
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To hear an interview with Ruvell go to: www.svsu.edu/NFLcards
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RUVELL MARTIN Making a Move: Grateful and Giving Back
For a student athlete, there are some games that are unforgettable, no matter how many years pass between the game’s end and the moments taken to reflect upon them. For Ruvell Martin, it’s the NCAA playoff game against Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) SVSU hosted during his sophomore year in November 2001. Although the team was playing hard, a 32-7 score at halftime made IUP’s success look inevitable with the 25-point lead. The Cardinals, resilient as can be, would not be outdone on their home field and rallied to win the game 33-32, scoring 19 points in the final quarter. Martin was an integral part of the university’s first NCAA playoff victory, scoring the team’s first three touchdowns. When interviewed after the game about the short pass, dodged defender, and long touchdown of 55 yards he’d managed, he said plainly, “I closed my eyes, made a move, and when nobody hit me, I just kept running.” A remarkable memory for a remarkable player, Martin, a Muskegon native and high school quarterback, has made football a career, playing in the NFL for the past six seasons. As an SVSU freshman, Martin took in all he could from the upperclassmen he considered to be role models. “We always had a good group of guys there; guys who tried hard and definitely gave it their best effort.” As a sophomore, Martin was named Most Valuable Wide Receiver for his team and, in following years, gained recognition from the All-Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. Martin credits his time at SVSU as an opportunity to grow as a man. “College is full of ups and downs … you have a lot of turmoil from friends, teammates, opponents; it’s all about how you handle it. But that’s life. You have to learn how to handle adversity.” Finishing his career in college athletics in 2003, Martin returned to Saginaw Valley State University to graduate with a Bachelor of Business Administration in marketing in 2006. And although football is still a huge part of his life right now, he’s proud to have spent the hours he did in the classroom. “There definitely would have been something
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missing if I would have spent those years at school and didn’t walk away with a degree. My degree is hugely important. Knowing that I have it sets me apart; I can use it in the future and that’s something that no one can ever take away from me.” Balancing the responsibilities of sports and class wasn’t the easiest thing to do but Martin, like other student athletes, did just that. “You have to set up a schedule for managing your time,” he said, “and I think that’s what prepares you for life after football, after college.” This lesson, among others, Martin wanted to share with a group of 12- to 17-year-olds this past June. Hosting the first Ruvell Martin Youth Football Camp was his venue to do so. Inspired by his elder brother, Anthony, who passed away earlier this year, Martin knew it was time to come back to his hometown to make a difference. Feeling as though he wasn’t a star in high school or college, he didn’t realize how much the people from Muskegon cared about him. “But when I went back for my brother’s funeral, I saw firsthand the people he talked about and I saw their response to me in my troubled time and I thought, I’ve got to do something.” The following day Martin approached his former football coach Mike Holmes from Muskegon Catholic Central High School about organizing the day camp. Inviting former SVSU teammate and six-season Philadelphia Eagles offensive lineman Todd Herremans was an additional treat for camp-goers. The free camp provided the 73 attendees a day of football skills, training sessions and time on the field. Martin was determined to get the head coaches from area high schools involved, knowing that the camp participants would soon be under their tutelage. Not only was it a chance for the two groups to meet, but it was a great opportunity for the kids to learn as much as they could about the game. “The coaches did a great job and the kids all had great attitudes.” Pleased with the success of this year’s camp, Martin was excited to give the kids a chance to realize that a dream like playing in the NFL is possible. “They got to see that there are actually NFL players from their hometown, their area, their school that are doing what they dream to do.
I want to help those kids who are going through football now to experience some of the things I got to experience, and to get even better.” Martin was similarly inspired knowing that SVSU had NFL connections, “It was cool to know alumni had made it, that it could be attainable.” The chance these kids had to meet two NFL players was momentous, but what Martin wanted them to take away from the day was an understanding of the responsibility each child holds for himself. “We tried to harp on them that something as big as the NFL doesn’t have to be a main goal; it can be a side goal, and if it happens, great. There are so many things that are important in their lives that they need to focus on as well, and they need to balance that all together.” It was for this reason that Martin and the camp’s organizers arranged three different speakers as part of the day’s activities, focusing on staying out of trouble, and on how classroom achievement and education offers a lasting benefit for life off the field. Martin knows better than anyone how choices made on and off the field have lasting impressions. Hesitant at first to consider SVSU because of its distance from his hometown, his decision to visit led him down a path he least expected and, upon enrolling, opened doors to opportunities he’d only imagined. Reflecting on his own journey Martin said, “When I first came to Saginaw Valley, I was blown away by the coaching staff, the players who showed me around, the facilities. Now when I return, I hardly recognize the place because it’s grown so much. I’m definitely proud to be part of it.” When asked about playing professional football, Martin commented, “I know better than to take it for granted. I’m in my sixth season, but looking around the field with 70,000 fans I can’t help but think, ‘Take it all in, cause you never know when it will be gone.’” Grateful for everything he’s accomplished and where he is today, this family man and NFL player still takes (RED) pride in where he comes from as well as his academic, professional and personal achievements.
Ruvell Martin, a wide receiver for the Buffalo Bills, works with kids during the Ruvell Martin Youth Football Camp at Muskegon Catholic Central on Friday, June 17.
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ROBERTO GARCIA
Angelo Vallego, who transferred to SVSU to study social work, has benefitted from the mentoring he received from Roberto Garcia
Today's Lesson: Fold Up, or Stand Up
Every morning, Roberto Garcia’s first task when he arrives at his office in 111 Curtiss Hall is to compare the appointments in his online calendar with what he already had written in his notebook planner. It’s not uncommon, during peak advising periods, for Roberto in his role as assistant director of multicultural programs to meet with 20 or more SVSU students in one day. Good time management, Roberto has learned, is key. It’s a lesson that Roberto himself had to learn the hard way. “I lacked study skills and motivation when I was in high school,” Roberto admits. In contrast, today Roberto is working toward his Education Specialist degree at SVSU, which he expects to complete by May 2012. He’s earned his associate’s degree from Delta College, and completed a bachelor’s in criminal justice (with a history minor) and master’s in education from SVSU. Prior to joining the multicultural services department at SVSU
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in 2009, Roberto had worked with at-risk students from five school districts in the Great Lakes Bay Region. Roberto’s focus now is on helping minority students to “transition” into college. A significant amount of his time is spent advising and mentoring first- and secondyear students – providing assistance in resolving academic and personal issues that are having an impact on the student’s ability to experience success in college. He also is an adjunct instructor of a Basic Skills writing course (English 080), which is an introduction to the requirements of college-level writing. Both roles enable Roberto to demonstrate his passion for student success. “I try to help students make a connection so that they feel ‘at home’ here at SVSU,” Roberto said. “Most of the time, students lack confidence and focus. In some cases, they haven’t been taught the importance of study skills or how to manage their time. So I follow-up weekly with ‘my students’ to make sure they have what they need to make it through college.
“The key to my personal and academic success was finding great teachers who coached and mentored me, and who showed a personal interest in me,” Roberto said. “I like to remind students that when things aren’t easy or nothing seems like it’s going your way, you either fold up or stand up.” Roberto notes that not every set of ears will hear his message and put into practice the advice that he offers. “The way I see it, the goal is to teach students how to problem-solve in every aspect of their life. They need to see what impact their decisions will have on their success.” Roberto said he tells his students, “We have to really watch what we do because our decisions and our actions determine who we are.” Students often will stop by to show Roberto assignments that they successfully completed. “Because of what I’ve been through, I guess what I do is provide my students with hard lessons … free of charge.”
SVSU PROFILE
Kelly Czeiszperger Meaningful Career. Momentous Life.
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mbitious and driven, Air Force Major Kelly (Mahoney) Czeiszperger never guessed that a career in social work would take her to all corners of the world, doing important work for her country. “I just kind of stumbled onto it,” she admits. “I needed one more course for my semester and decided to try Introduction to Social Work.” Excited about the curriculum, the Chesaning native applied to the program and graduated in 1995 with a Bachelor of Social Work degree. Since then, it’s taken her to Europe, Asia and the Middle East. Reflecting on her experiences thus far and having to adjust to various cultures, Kelly notes, “It’s just embedded in you to take whatever skills you have wherever you are and use them. All of those things you get taught in your basic social work classes that I had at SVSU: the systems approach, recognizing human behavior, maintaining good listening skills, and asking open-ended questions; that’s
what got me through my assignments, no matter where I was.” After graduation Kelly stayed local, working at the Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Saginaw as a case manager. In 1997, she finished her Master of Social Work degree and worked as a civilian with a psychiatric rehab program in Maryland. Her husband, Daniel, already in the Navy when they married, encouraged her to look into military careers. By 2003, Czeiszperger was serving active duty in the Air Force as a social worker. From 2005-09, Czeiszperger was stationed at Ramstein Air Force Base in Germany, working as a program manager for the base’s Family Advocacy Program, which works to prevent, intervene and treat domestic violence in Air Force communities. She comments about her responsibilities, “I was also working with families, overseeing a program for families with orphans or special needs.” While stationed in Germany, Czeiszperger was deployed to Iraq in fall 2008, serving on a mental health team. For the 205 days she was deployed, she
served as an Air Force social worker in a Joint Expeditionary Tasking deployment with the U.S. Army. While there, she was the sole mental health provider for more than 1,900 military members, providing individual counseling, group counseling, trauma counseling, support for unit leadership and information to break down the mental health stigma for soldiers and airmen. In August 2009, Czeiszperger returned home to her family – husband Daniel and three kids, Megan, Ryan and Brett – and has been stationed at Eielson Air Force Base in Alaska, roughly 26 miles southeast of Fairbanks. From where she is now and all that she’s been through, it seems like such a long time ago that she was searching the course catalog to complete her semester schedule. Her experiences at Saginaw Valley – her neighborhood four-year university – are things she fondly recalls. “It’s about what you learn at college and how well you can apply it. Saginaw Valley gave me the tools I needed to be successful.”
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After working in the court for nearly 10 years, Republican Governor John Engler appointed Marylin, a Democrat, to the prestigious 36th district chief judge position.
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Marylin Atkins Where There's a Goal, There's a Way
The year is 1971. Twenty-five-yearold Marylin Atkins is already a mother of two and a student at Saginaw Valley College. Married to a man who was more than two decades her senior, she remembers it like it happened yesterday: Playing with her two daughters on the living room floor, Marylin realized that by the time they reached college age, her husband would be well into retirement. “That’s how I decided to go to law school,” Marylin said. “I thought, ‘I have to get into a profession where I can put my kids through college.’” And so the young woman whose mother wanted her to be a pianist began her college studies with the hope of becoming a clinical physician. Atkins graduated from SVC in 1973 with her B.A., having switched her major to psychology, which started her on a path that would ultimately lead to a Juris Doctorate degree. Highlights of her career include being named the first woman and African American appointed to the Worker’s Compensation Appeal Board, and she is the longest-serving chief judge of the 36th District Court in Detroit. The old adage “Where there’s a will, there’s a way” could certainly be rephrased for Marylin as “Where there’s a goal, there’s a way.” With every achievement throughout her life, Marylin set a goal for herself and dauntlessly accomplished it, doing so with an intense work ethic she learned from her parents. “They would tell me, ‘A job is a job, and you need to do your job to the best of your abilities.’” Earning a college degree was an important goal for Marylin. In the 1960s and early ’70s, there were many students just like her at SVSU – nontraditional students who were either coming back to school after spending years in the work force, or had to support families by working full-time jobs. On a small campus with a population of about 2,100 students, everyone knew everyone, and teachers often had an “open door” between classes for students seeking advice or direction. Marylin recalls the setting as a positive one. “There weren’t many big classes. And so we got to know our professors and our professors got to know us. They wanted us to actually
understand the information they were giving us.” Marylin reflects on two professors who had the most influence on her college experience: psychology professor Margaret Cappone and sociology professor Robert Yien. For Marylin, Cappone was not a professor who distanced herself from student interaction when classes ended, but rather was a warm, caring soul who amiably shared her life with students beyond school. “She often entertained students at her home and we always had a great time. I remember her teaching me how to make a cabbage salad in her kitchen, which I make to this day.” Though Yien’s classes tended to be larger, Marylin still recalls a personal connection to the popular professor. She knew she would always leave class with a smile since “he taught with a sense of humor mixed in with the academics.” Marylin suspects that it was these lessons on the importance of empathy and listening that at least in part influenced her, years later, when she decided to mentor at-risk youth. Over the course of 12 years, she would pick up eight youths from their homes once a month and provide a day of fun and relaxation that could include anything from watching a movie to simply having a casual conversation with them. It was in those simple yet caring moments that Marylin believes she made her greatest impression on them, just as her college professors had with her. “All whom I mentored had parents who weren’t giving them direction or guidance, and I felt what better person than a judge to mentor them because I could actually show them the consequences of their actions in the court’s lockup area.” And though she has not continued her mentorship in the past few years, she still keeps in contact with the “kids,” who now are in their late 20s and engaged in successful careers. Marylin thinks that aside from the great peer relationships and professorial interactions she had at SVSU, she took with her an ability to seize any opportunity placed before her successfully. The first test of her relentless will was as a claims examiner at the Michigan Employment Security Commission (MESC). While many of the new
employees were focused on training for their current positions, Marylin foresaw her future as an administrative judge. In a fateful meeting with attorneys during her training at MESC, she learned that if she completed a law degree she could become an administrative law judge. It was at this time that Marylin was accepted into the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law. She completed her J.D. in 1979. Marylin’s next destination was the Legislative Service Bureau, where she set a new goal to become an assistant attorney general. Eight months later she became an assistant attorney general for the State of Michigan in the Workers’ Compensation Division. Marylin’s hard work caught the attention of then-Governor James Blanchard, who appointed her to the Michigan Worker’s Compensation Appeal Board in 1983; she became the chairperson of the board just two years later. Her appointment marked the first time in the board’s 50year history that a woman and African American led the committee. Being the “first” wasn’t always easy; she recalls being “interviewed” by four men who, by virtue of their questions, seemed to wonder whether she could do the job. “When they left my office, they were very satisfied that I could do the job.” For the following six years, Atkins would oversee 44 attorneys, 60 staff members and five worker compensation offices. Marylin’s career reached new heights when she was appointed magistrate of the 36th District Court in Detroit in 1991. After working in the court for nearly 10 years, Republican Governor John Engler appointed Marylin, a Democrat, to the prestigious 36th district chief judge position. After six terms, Marylin completes her final term as chief judge December 31, and will serve one additional year before retiring, with plans to devote time to her 13-yearold grandson. Marylin attributes her successes as a judge mostly to her years at SVSU. “What I took away from my SVSU experience was a confidence that I had received the best education possible, which prepared me for an advanced degree. I was proud to be on the ground floor of what I knew would become a wonderful institution. I am so proud to say that I am an SVSU alumna.”
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SVSU PROFILE
RAJESH RAJARAM A True International Experience Rajesh Rajaram, 1989, M.B.A., managing
The Rajaram Family
In 2008, SVSU signed a tripartite memorandum of understanding with Carrollton Public Schools in Michigan and Kittur Rani Channamma Residential School for Girls in India to promote cultural understanding and international exchanges. David Cline, associate professor of education at SVSU, was part of a recent exchange visit to Kittur, India, and conducted this interview with Rajesh Rajaram on the terrace of the Ebony Restaurant in downtown Bangalore.
54 SAGINAW VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY
director of Aswati Inns Private Limited Company, looks out over Ulsoor Lake, a refreshing retreat in the middle of the largest city in the state of Karnataka, India. From the thirteenth floor of the Barton Center, a building that headquarters his company, Rajesh has a bird’s eye view of downtown Bangalore. Clearly a successful businessman today, Rajesh has the breadth of experience to look back whimsically at his salad days. Before entering a graduate program at SVSU, he explained that he “used to mess around in my father’s office.” He had completed a bachelor’s degree in commerce at an Indian university and helped with the family tea business. “I was no great use,” he notes, “but knew I wanted to study more.” A contact in the United States encouraged him to apply for an overseas graduate experience, specifically at SVSU. “I was there for two years,” Rajesh clarifies, “from 1987 to 1989. It was a perfect experience.” When asked why, Rajesh points out that it “was a true international experience. At one point, I had six Americans and a Japanese student as roommates. One was a nursing student who broadened my business experience by talking about hospital management.” Another was fellow business student and current Flint-area restauranteur Tim Walli, 1991, B.B.A. They found they had a lot in common, not only with family backgrounds in the restaurant and hospitality industry, but also with a love of intramural sports and racquetball. “My roommates accepted me within the first two weeks,” Rajesh says. “We were brothers after that.” Over the years and on several occasions, Tim and Rajesh hosted each other in their respective homes, in Michigan and India. “I still keep in contact with some of my old roommates,” Rajesh says. Today, his family includes his wife Monika and two sons, Nakul and Vishnu, and a daughter, Mayuri. Rajesh recently accompanied his eldest son, Nakul, to the Midwest for the start of his sophomore year in college – a trip that also provided an occasion for the reunion of two old friends. “So while I was in Chicago, Tim and his family came down to be with us for three days,” Rajesh explains. He adds that the friendship that goes back almost a quarter century provided “great fun catching up after more than 10 years!” Rajesh also speaks favorably of the diversity of his SVSU professors in the late
1980s. He mentions Joseph Ofori-Dankwa, originally from Ghana, who lent an African perspective to his management classes, and Hossain Najmaie, a native of Iran and former faculty member in accounting, who provided information about doing business in the Middle East. Above all, classes at SVSU were “flirting with real life, not bookish. It was really refreshing.” When Rajesh returned to India, he was able to apply much of what he had learned about management and marketing to the South Asian environment. About that time, Rajesh says two floors came open in the Barton Center on Mahatma Gandhi Road – the epicenter of Bangalore. “The plan was to open a residential business hotel serving breakfast only,” he explained. Not everything has had the sweet smell of success for Rajesh, however. As he notes, “we did well initially, but when the first Gulf War happened, the markets tanked, the ‘dot.com’ bust occurred – so I decided to demolish two of the hotel rooms and create a destination lounge called ‘The Thirteenth Floor.’” He chuckles, “People said, ‘You have to have guts to call it the Thirteenth Floor,’ but I said I can’t help it — that’s where it’s located. So from the start it had an aura.” Perhaps his resilience comes in part from his days in the Midwest. “My time at SVSU, you know, with the weather and driving in the snow, it was a total educational experience.” In 2004, Rajesh expanded out of the Barton Center and opened an Indian restaurant in the nearby Kingfisher Center. More recently, he has been expanding into Information Technology Parks with Indian food service for lunch. Sometimes, he has made his way in the world through trial and error. “One massive failure was a venture into food courts,” he admits. “When the concept of food courts came to the malls in Bangalore, we opened eight locations. It was stressful and the profits were small. It was also hard to keep food quality high and consistent. Soon, there were complaints, and I got out of the food court business after three years.” Maybe success comes from having the courage to change directions, advice he shares readily when asked what he would say to Indian students who might decide to study at SVSU today. Above all, “Speak English every day. Knowing ‘book English’ isn’t enough. Speak the language, learn the idioms. Risk making mistakes. The better your English, the better your interaction with the professors and the Americans you meet.”
Classes at SVSU were “flirting with real life, not bookish. It was really refreshing.”
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SVSU PROFILE
JACK RYDER WHat's in a name?
Two incidents stand out for Dr. Jack M. Ryder, who received an honorary doctorate from SVSU and is one of its own – and both of them involve fire. On his first day of official campus duties as the institution’s second president, a student brought a complaint to the Board of Control. Someone had thrown a smoke bomb into a classroom and the bomb had burned a hole in the student’s leather coat. He demanded compensation. “I was used to student protests during the Vietnam War,” Dr. Ryder recalled recently, “but this was unusual. I had to ask myself what in the heck have I gotten myself into.” Eventually the culprit was found and made personal restitution; the College – still called SVC at the time – had not been negligent. The year was 1974. Then, towards the end of his nearly 15-year tenure as president, a devastating fire of suspicious origin destroyed all or part of the temporary mobile buildings that housed administrative offices. The 1985 fire was a defining moment for Jack Ryder. The institution might have closed for good; it might have been the final blow to a campus already threatened by the economic woes of the 1980s and a legislature considering turning the site into a correctional facility. According to long-serving administrators who worked closely with Dr. Ryder, he just never gave up. He was determined to rebuild the institution and make it a university, and so he called his staff to a meeting the next morning in the old theater on the south side of campus. “We have a few burning issues to discuss,” he began in classic dead-pan humor. “But let’s look at the other side of this calamity. You’re finally going to get new typewriters and new offices. We’re going to end up with a permanent replacement building.” Insurance monies and legislative support allowed for the construction of a 30-office “South Campus Complex,” but there were other ways in which Dr. Ryder, with quiet
determination, wanted to build on the beginnings established by his predecessor, Sam Marble. He thought it was important to reorganize the institution, moving it from divisions to today’s colleges. He wanted the institution to be more responsive to the needs of business and industry by preparing an educated workforce while strengthening liberal arts programs. Above all, he wanted to enhance the academic capability of the institution and encouraged the hiring of classroom-oriented faculty who would hold the highest terminal degrees in their disciplines. “A lot of attention has been paid to the buildings that went up at that time,” Dr. Ryder observed, “but we placed a lot of attention on advancing academic quality.” An individual who led through confidence and conviction, he remained attuned to Michigan’s economic cycles, in particular through its key indicator, the automobile industry. “It was a barometer of resources for higher education,” he said. “When the auto industry was down, we’d have to wait a year or so for a capital outlay. When the auto industry was going great, the resources would be there. You had to understand the cycle and be ready to take advantage of it.” Dr. Ryder was both persistent and methodical. But not everyone exuded such confidence or believed so firmly in the future of the institution. Some state legislators were outright opposed to the continued growth of the institution, and one elected official, at a luncheon on campus, stated publicly that there was no way in the current economic climate that a capital outlay was forthcoming to construct what would become the Brown Hall–Zahnow Library–Science West wedge. As the host of the event, Dr. Ryder could offer closing remarks, and did so politely and courteously, but in his usual confident and determined style. “I hate to disagree with the honorable representative,” he is reported to have said, “but we are going to
S V C t o S V S U – B y th e n umb e rs
Total Enrollment Growth: Total Square footage: Full-Time Employees: International Sister Colleges:
1974 2,638 329,518 165 0
get that money. We will get that money for Instructional Facility 2. We won’t give up on what is a very important request.” Groundbreaking took place a year later. Other achievements include establishing an identity for the institution as a fouryear college of higher education, rather than a two-year college with which it was sometimes confused. The U.S Army veteran and former head of the Anglo American high school in Greece believed firmly in the value of international education and encouraged and enhanced sister-college relationships. He also promoted the arts, through the acquisition of the works of internationally renowned sculptor Marshall M. Fredericks, and promoted sports programs, with varsity football playing its first season in his first year as president. During his time as president, Dr. Ryder oversaw an increase in enrollment from some 2,300 students when he arrived to nearly 6,000 students by the time of his departure. And Dr. Jack and Mrs. Lila Ryder, who are both originally from parts south of Michigan, brought a certain charm and graciousness to the carefully planned social functions that were starting to distinguish the institution. When the time was right, he sought, and successfully achieved, a name change for the institution, with the state legislature approving the designation “State College” in Dr. Ryder’s first year as president and “State University” some 12 years later, an accomplishment of which he is justly proud. But his greatest legacy, according to those who worked with him and lived through those parlous times, is that he saved the university from going up in smoke. As he stated in a commencement ceremony one week after the great fire, “[we] have devoted time and effort to the development of policy, procedure, and tradition, to a constantly improving image of achievement, and to building a foundation for new generations of faculty, students, and administrative staff.”
1989 percent change 5,924 876,298 387 6
125% 166% 135%
B ui l d i n g a b e tt e r f o u n d ati o n – 1 9 7 4 - 1 9 8 9 Facility Year built cost
Pioneer Hall: South Campus Complex: Brown Hall: Zahnow Library (Floors 1-3): Science Building West: Pine Grove Apartments: Fine Arts building: Ryder center:
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1978 1985 1986 1986 1986 1986 1988 1989
$1.8 Million $979,000
$23.6 million $2.5 Million $6.3 Million $18.7 Million
Dr. Jack and Mrs. Lila Ryder at the Cardinals first-ever night game on September 10.
REFLECTIONS2013 MAGAZINE 57
Historical Photo Contest
As part of SVSU’s 50th anniversary celebration in 2013, a historical photo contest will be included in several upcoming editions of Reflections 2013 magazine. If you can correctly provide the answer to the trivia question that accompanies each photo, a complimentary copy of “SVSU – A Seasonal Portrait” will be sent to you (a drawing will determine the winner if multiple correct answers are received).
’70s Decade
Submit your contest entry via e-mail to alumni@svsu.edu by December 2, 2011.
In 1968, the university’s board of control approved a proposal to build a summer theatre that would seat about 450 people. In the 1970s, the facility was “winterized” – essentially transforming it from an “outdoor” theatre to an auditorium that could be utilized year-round. The question is: Where was the photographer shooting from?
<< RESULTS FROM SPRING 2011 ISSUE There were no correct answers among all the entries that were sent to us. The correct answer to the question, “Can you name the campus building that is under construction in this historical photo?” is: “Project ’66 Building.”
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Four RECENT leadership gifts commemorate the occasion:
CB WEALTH MANAGEMENT GIFT
Throughout the university’s history, the Charitable Trusts Administered by Citizens Bank Wealth Management have provided support for scholarships, facilities, lectures and performing arts events that benefit both the campus and regional communities. Recently, the Arnold and Gertrude Boutell Fund granted $250,000 to construct a new greenhouse on campus, replacing two aging, off-site facilities. It will be a center for research in alternative energy and food production and will facilitate new opportunities for undergraduate research as well as collaborations with Michigan’s alternative energy, agriculture and greenhouse industries.
Jim Van Tiflin, chairman of the advisory board, Citizens Bank Tri-Cities, believes SVSU is the kind of investment their clients are looking for. “We at Citizens Bank Wealth Management on behalf of the Arnold and Gertrude Boutell Charitable Trust are proud to support SVSU and the Greenhouse project. Arnold and Getrude Boutell were strong supporters of this community and no doubt would be proud of the accomplishments of SVSU and its contributions to our community.”
GERSTACKER FOUNDATION GIFTS
The Rollin M. Gerstacker Foundation funded The Carl A. Gerstacker Endowed Chair in Education in 1996. In 2005, SVSU identified a need for leadership training for K-12 educators, and the trustees at the Gerstacker Foundation responded generously to establish an innovative program that has provided outstanding leadership development and international travel experience for 56 competitively-selected teachers and administrators. A recent $1 million grant for the Gerstacker Fellowship II will endow a program of study of advanced leadership topics and travel within the United States to meet with other educational leaders engaged in reform activities.
Ellis N. “Ned” Brandt, vice president of the Gerstacker Foundation, says that he and his fellow trustees believe the fellowship program approaches the improvement of K-12 education from a unique perspective. “Without wellprepared, visionary leadership, even wellequipped schools cannot do their best work in helping our children achieve their fullest potential. We’re proud of the graduates of the Gerstacker Fellowship Program, and believe that furthering their leadership training is a solid investment in the future of our K-12 students.”
Leadership gifts to SVSU that lay the foundation for the 50th anniversary campaign include funding to construct a greenhouse on campus, renovations to the pool in Ryder Center, and an endowed chair in nursing.
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50 Just as our magazine has changed its name to “REFLECTIONS2013” as a way of building up to the university’s 50th anniversary, so too has the SVSU Foundation begun its plan that lays the foundation for a 50th anniversary campaign.
The Gerstacker Foundation, through the Midland Area Community Foundation, has also granted $183,500 to renovate SVSU’s swimming pool, one of the few Olympic-sized pools north of Detroit. With the completion of essential upgrades, SVSU will be able to host a variety of swim meets and competitions for regional swimmers and spectators of all ages.
HARVEY RANDALL WICKES FOUNDATION GIFT
The support of SVSU by the Harvey Randall Wickes Foundation began with a $1 million gift to help purchase the land for the campus. Subsequently, three endowed chair positions have been created: The Harvey Randall Wickes Endowed Chair in International Studies (1996), The James V. Finkbeiner Endowed Chair in Ethics (2000), and most recently, The Harvey Randall Wickes Endowed Chair in Nursing, funded by a $1.5 million grant. A key responsibility of the new position will be to position SVSU appropriately for the credential changes facing the degree of nurse practitioner; a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree will become the standard requirement by 2015. “We are pleased to be a part of the solution to the new challenges facing health care education,” notes Hugo E. “Ted” Braun Jr., president of the Wickes Foundation, “especially by supporting the recruitment of a top healthcare professional to guide the establishment of the university’s first doctoral program in the nursing field.”
REFLECTIONS2013 MAGAZINE 59
SCHOLARSHIP
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hat admiration is the impetus for the Gregory and Helayne Brown Annual Scholarship, which supports students in SVSU’s nursing program. When the Browns first established a scholarship in 2003, it was intended for any freshman that had graduated from Saginaw Public Schools and met the financial and merit criteria. As time went by, Greg explained, the couple recognized “that a better ‘fit’ for the scholarship and for a couple owing so much to the healthcare field was a scholarship that targeted a major component of the field, nursing.” Greg is a nephrologist with Dialysis Associates PC, and Helayne (Layne) works in provider network management at HealthPlus of Michigan. Neither Greg nor Layne attended SVSU, but they are strongly committed to the region and appreciate SVSU’s role in providing opportunity. Both Browns are “Michiganders by birth.” Greg grew up in Flushing; Layne, in Bay City. “Our lives took circuitous routes before settling for good in Saginaw,” Greg said. “In my case, a good part of my post-graduate medical training was through Saginaw Cooperative Hospitals (now Synergy Medical Education Alliance), so when I decided to return to Michigan, it was natural to look at Saginaw again. I knew the medical community and welcomed the opportunity to become part of it again.” Upon returning to Saginaw in 1988, Greg joined Dialysis Associates, a five-partner group that provides service for patients with kidney ailments and the need for dialysis in Saginaw, Bay City, and much of Northeastern Michigan, as far north as Oscoda. In 1989, he met Layne at St. Luke’s Hospital (now Covenant HealthCare), where she was working. They have two adult sons, Jonathan and Jordan, and a 15-year-old daughter, Gillian. As parents, the Browns are aware of the challenges of financing a child’s education. Because
of their professions, they understand and appreciate the value of nursing. “We have all seen major advances in the technical side of disease management,” Greg said, “but, at the risk of sounding cliché, they don’t call it “nursing one back to health” without reason. Illness has a nasty way of rendering its victims vulnerable, frightened, angry, and often resentful. Nurses must deal with all of this, while at the same time contending with demands of anxious family members, frustrated physicians, and bureaucratic overseers. It is a most challenging career, and I highly respect those individuals who follow that path.” They also recognize the opportunities nursing presents. “Healthcare has become a major player (and employer) in the Tri-Cities,” Greg said. “It is a rare patient that requires outside referral for more cutting-edge care. Nursing opportunities are a natural spin-off from such medical advancement and growth. You find those opportunities in physician offices, on hospital floors and critical care units, behind masks in operating rooms, and in busy cardiac catheterization labs. Nurses help to rehabilitate patients prior to the final trip home from the hospital and visit them there to be sure that wounds heal, strengthening continues, and independence is achieved. Finally, with additional training as nurse practitioners, they now serve ‘physician extender’ roles in nearly all subspecialties of medicine. “SVSU is a springboard for all of these nursing opportunities. It offers an outstanding nursing program, and I can speak to the high quality of its graduates. Nurses trained locally will more likely seek employment locally when that training is complete. We need their healing touch here. To that end, any role that our scholarship can play is our good fortune and pleasure to provide.”
update In the seven years since the Gregory and Helayne Brown Annual Scholarship was first awarded in the 2004-05 academic year, nearly $70,000 has been presented to seven students, including three students who received the scholarship for the 2011-12 academic year.
From Left: Gregory Brown, M.D., Smriti Pant, and Helayne (“Layne”) Brown.
Smriti Pant, who graduated in May 2011 with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, came a long way to get her degree. One of 22 children born with meningitis, pneumonia, and septicemia in a remote hospital in Kathmandu, Nepal, Smriti was the only survivor. “My mother calls this a blessing and a miracle,” said Smriti. “The circumstances surrounding my birth have given me a sense of purpose in life ... that compels me to make a substantial difference for those in similar situations around the world. My goal in life is to become a leader in the health community ... and SVSU is where I began to realize that goal.” Smriti said the Browns’ scholarship helped alleviate some of the concern about college costs and enable her. “I do not come from a well-to-do family. Through Dr. and Mrs. Browns’ generosity, my financial burden was greatly relieved, and I was able to channel more energy into pursuing my nursing education.”
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FOCUS ON FACULTY
Andrew Chubb
Previous Landee Award Winners
2010-11 Dr. Andrew Chubb, CHEMISTRY 2009-10 Dr. Drew Hinderer, PHILOSOPHY 2008-09 Dr. Kenneth Jolly, History 2007-08 Dr. M. Patricia Cavanaugh, English 2006-07 Dr. Anne Tapp, Educational Technology & Development 2005-06 Dr. Gladys Hernandez, Modern Foreign Languages 2004-05 Dr. Brooks Byam, Mechanical Engineering 2003-04 Dr. Andrew Swihart, Psychology 2002-03 Dr. Sally Decker, Nursing & Health Sciences 2001-02 Dr. Ranjana Dutta, Psychology 2000-01 Dr. Jeffrey S. Ashley, Political Science 1999-00 Dr. Paul Teed, History 1998-99 Dr. Matthew Margres, Psychology 1997-98 Dr. David Barker, Modern Foreign Languages 1996-97 Ms. Mary Graiver, Nursing 1995-96 Dr. John Willertz, History 1995-96 Ms. Marilyn Knight, Accounting 1994-95 Dr. Stephen Lawrence, Chemistry 1993-94 Dr. Bradley Miller, Political Science 1992-93 Dr. Rosalie Riegle Troester, English 1991-92 Dr. Elaine Stephens, Teacher Education 1990-91 Dr. Garry Johns, Mathematical Sciences 1990-91 Mr. Mohammad Bidgoli, Computer Science 1989-90 Dr. Leslie Whittaker, English 1989-90 Dr. Robert Braddock, History 1988-89 Dr. Enayat Mahajerin, Mechanical Engineering and Technology 1987-88 Dr. Eric Petersen, History 1986-87 Dr. Donald Bachand, Criminal Justice 1985-86 Dr. Shyamalendu Sarkar, Economics 1984-85 Mr. John Clinkenbeard, Accounting 1984-85 Dr. Susie Emond, Education 1983-84 Dr. Thomas Renna, History 1982-83 Dr. Terry Ishihara, Mechanical Engineering and Technology 1981-82 Dr. John Jezierski, History 1980-81 Dr. Walter Rathkamp, Biology 1979-80 Dr. George Eastland, Chemistry 1978-79 Mr. Donald Novey, Economics 1978-79 Dr. Harriet Tillock, Sociology 1977-78 Dr. Robert Meadows, Education 1976-77 (None awarded) 1975-76 Dr. Phillip Kumler, Chemistry 1974-75 Dr. Daniel Nussbaum, Mathematics 1973-74 Dr. Robert S.P. Yien, Sociology 1973-74 Dr. Curtis McCray, English 1972-73 (None awarded) 1971-72 Dr. William Hoffmann, History 1971-72 Dr. Gamal Elashhab, Education
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Since his arrival at SVSU in 2002, associate professor of chemistry and pre-health professions advisor Andrew Chubb has earned the respect of peers and students alike, most notably for his interactive approach to teaching organic chemistry and his compassion for students beyond the classroom. His acumen landed the Kearney, Neb., native the 2011 Franc A. Landee Teaching Excellence Award. Chubb sat down with Reflections2013 to discuss the award and the value of a nurturing teacher-student relationship. What does receiving the Landee award mean to you? It’s still surreal, I guess. It’s very flattering and humbling. There are so many great faculty that deserved the award, people who I have learned from and who give feedback to my ideas. Describe a day in your classroom: Organic chemistry is considered a nightmare to most students. It’s a very tough class. I love using analogies, so if I can simplify something in everyday terms, I will. For example, when describing different energy levels, I stand on a chair or on the front desk. I am afraid of heights, so I will say the higher I go the more unstable I become, just as the higher energy goes, the more unstable it becomes.
Tell us about your interactions as a pre-med advisor with students: At a school our size, one-on-one advising is critical. The better I know students, the better I can help them. The first thing I ask them is why they want to be what they want to be, and that is to get at the heart of what their intended career path is. How do you balance being an associate professor and a pre-med advisor? Delicately [laughs]. Fortunately, in my classes I have a lot of pre-med students, so that helps. What is the one thing that inspires you to continue working with students? I just love my job. You get so many amazing stories, so many amazing individuals. By the end of the semester I get to know my class very well. And then I get a new class and begin to worry if I will work well with them. But then I like them as well. And you continue to start the process over again and it is brand new each time. Outside of work, what are your hobbies? I love bicycling, although I haven’t been able to do it as much as I’d like. I enjoy outdoor stuff like camping and gardening. I play tenor drum with a bagpipe band called the White Pine Pipes and Drums.
ALUMNI
NEWS
Football alumnus stands out as a supporter of SVSU student-athletes As a starter on the SVSU offensive line for four consecutive years, Todd Herremans was a standout on the field. Now a starting right tackle on the Philadelphia Eagles’ offensive line, Herremans is still standing out, this time as a supporter of SVSU studentathletes. This past March, Herremans made a multi-year pledge to create the Herremans Family Weight Room, which will raise the caliber of training available to SVSU student athletes. “Saginaw Valley has a proud tradition,” Herremans said. “It’s not about what your team does; it’s about the name of the school.” “Todd’s donation will have a tremendous impact on our football team and the athletic department,” said Cardinal football coach Jim Collins. “Being able to train our student-athletes in a state-of-the-art facility will enhance their abilities to levels that were more difficult to reach in our old weight room. This, in turn, will be significant in our ability to compete at the highest level.”
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Todd HerremanS with SVSU Football coach Jim collins. To Hear an interview with Todd, go to: www.svsu.edu/nflcards
REFLECTIONS2013 MAGAZINE 63
ALUMNI
NEWS
African American Alumni Chapter (AAAC)
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The first-ever SVSU African American Alumni Chapter (AAAC) was formed this past winter, with 23 alumni becoming the founding chapter members. This affinity group has several goals, chief among them reconnecting African American alumni to the SVSU campus community and each other, mentoring current students, building scholarship support, serving as a voice to be an advocate for minority student issues and opportunities, and assisting with the recruitment of the “best and brightest” African American students to SVSU. Chapter coordinators include Billy Dexter, 1984, B.A.; Craig Tatum, 1984, B.A.; LaDonna Young, 2009, B.A.; and Samuel Tilmon, 2010, B.B.A.
The first event for the SVSU AAAC, which was held on Feb. 28, brought together 23 African American alumni and 53 current students. Panelists included, from left, Billy Dexter; Eugene Marve, 1995, B.A.; Christopher Pryor, 1995, B.A., M.A., 2000; and Terri Tilford-Burt, 1987, B.A.
distinguished and outstanding ALUMNI More than 75 people attended a special dinner held Friday, May 6, to celebrate the 35th anniversary of SVSU’s distinguished and outstanding awards program. Among the guests attending were Jan Botz, 1974, B.A., Tom McIntyre, 1971, B.A., and Laverne Weber, 1979, B.B.A. L to R: A.T. “Tom” Lippert, Jr., Jan Botz, Gene Hamilton
L to R: Laverne Weber, Tom McIntyre
distinguished alumnus guides space shuttle's final mission On July 21, 2011, SVSU alumnus Tony Ceccacci, 1979, B.S., and a 2006 Distinguished Alumni Award recipient, guided the shuttle Atlantis safely back to earth on the 135th and final NASA shuttle mission. As the entry flight director, it was the fourth time that Tony managed the critically important responsibility. In all, he worked on 17 shuttle flights from Houston’s Mission Control. Although the shuttle missions are concluded, Tony’s role with space travel isn’t over. He is now a flight director to the International Space Station program and remains based in Houston.
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ALUMNI
Q&A
NEWS
Nick Surian
What was the campus like in 1968-69?
“Wickes Hall was just being built and my classes were in the Project ’66 building. For our biology classes, the equipment was up on shelves. We’d take down what we needed, work at banquet tables, and then put away the equipment for the next class. The ‘labs’ were what we made them.”
Favorite professors? “I was a biology major and chemistry minor. After I took a poetry class from Dr. (Raymond) Tyner, I added creative writing as a minor. Dr. Tyner got me involved in two publications – I was poetry editor of The Cloven Hoof and the sports editor of the student newspaper, The SV Spectrum. I covered intramural bowling and the fledgling basketball team.” Nick chuckles and adds, “That was it for athletics then. I guess my very favorite professor was Dr. (William) Owsley, who taught biology. He was such a fantastic teacher, and always made time for you. He worked with me on two independent study courses so that I could finish my degree.” As we look back on the early years, and forward to the 50th anniversary, what would you like readers to know about “SVC”? “‘SVC’ was a life-saver. For me and
many others like me, college would have been impossible without it. I don’t know if people can understand how much this school meant to people like me. In my last year, I’d have classes and I would have to bring my (two-yearold) son with me. The gals in the cafeteria would babysit while I was in class. Can you imagine that? Everyone pitched in to help. I am proud of what SVSU has become, but you cannot imagine what this school means to me.” Nick Surian in Owsley Grove.
Nick Surian, a Saginaw native, is representative of many “Saginaw Valley College” students from the 1960s, which is a far cry from describing a “typical” Saginaw Valley State University student today, who likely is a teenager right out of high school and is looking for a comprehensive university experience that includes living on campus. Nick was none of those things, yet he exemplifies the kind of student who, in the early years, called “SVC” home. He graduated from St. Stan’s High School (Bay City) in 1957, started junior college, ran out of money, signed up for the Army, came back to Delta College for an associate’s degree and, in 1964, began attending classes at Saginaw Valley, going to school mostly at night until 1968-69 when he became a full-time student. At his graduation ceremony in 1969, Nick was a 30-year-old veteran, married and the father of one son.
Now? Nick spent his career as a lab technician, clinical chemist and sales and marketing executive in the medical services and pharmaceutical fields. He now divides his time between his Bay City home, his cottage in Oscoda and six months in Ft. Myers, Fla. William B. Owsley, professor emeritus of biology, taught from 1967-1975. Raymond Tyner, professor of English, taught from 1968-1988.
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Cardinal Classnotes Email your alumni news to alumni@svsu.edu; Mail to SVSU, Alumni Relations, 7400 Bay Road, University Center, MI 48710; Submit Online at: svsu.edu/alumni
GUIDE TO DEGREES
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) Bachelor of Business Administration (B.B.A.) Bachelor of Professional Accountancy (B.P.A.) Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering (B.S.E.E.) Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering (B.S.M.E.) Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.S.N.) Bachelor of Social Work (B.S.W.) Education Specialist (Ed.S.) Master of Arts (M.A.) Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) Master of Education (M.Ed.) Master of Science (M.S.) Master of Science in Nursing (M.S.N.) Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (M.S.O.T.)
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1970s
Patrick Williams, 1971, B.A., has moved his business, P.R. Williams Communications, from Chicago to Bay City, Mich. He is a professional consultant in strategic internal communications. Retired journalist Ronnie D. Smith, 1972, B.A., who writes crime fiction under the name R.D. ByronSmith, has published his latest novel, “Wrongful Termination.” His previous fiction includes “Image of Evil” and a collection of short stories, “Casualties.” He lives in Riverside, Calif. Edward Campbell, 1974, B.S., has recently retired after more than 20 years of service in the Wyandotte school district as the director of operations. He and his wife Marcia moved to Missouri.
David J. Abbs
In July 2011, Dave was elected chair of the SVSU board of control. He is the first alumnus to serve in this role. He earned his B.B.A. degree from SVSU and has 30 years experience in investment management. He is a Certified Financial Planner, a Certified Fund Specialist, and president of Abbs Retirement Planning Advisors. He is a former member of the SVSU Alumni Association board of directors and serves on the boards for four area nonprofit organizations, including the SVSU Foundation. Dave resides in Saginaw with his wife, Kathleen, and their son, Cullen.
Scott Carmona
Governor Rick Snyder appointed Scott to the SVSU board of control in July 2011. Scott graduated from SVSU with a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering and applied science. He is president of Sunrise National Distributors Inc., managing member of several real estate developments, and a founding member of the Blue Water Angels and the 100 Club of Bay City. He is president of the board for the YMCA of Bay City and volunteers on the Bay County Growth Alliance and SVSU Board of Fellows. Scott and Nancy have two sons: Ryan, a 2008 SVSU graduate, and Eric, a current SVSU student.
SVSU Alumni Association Board of Directors 2011-2012 James M. Maher, President 1982, B.S. Terry Lutz, Vice President 1985, B.B.A. Shawnette Markey, Secretary 1999, B.A. Joe Biskner, Executive Committee Member 2003, B.S. Deborah Schneider, Executive Committee Member 2001, B.A.
Barbara Appold, 1998, B.A. Dennis J. Buda, 1981, B.S. Sonya D. Dudley, 1996, B.A. Richard Gill, 1981, B.A. Emily Hratchian, 2006, B.A. David V. Kowalski, 1979, B.B.A. Scott G. Lange, 1992, B.A. Jennifer K. Pahl, 2000, B.B.A.; 2002, M.B.A. Melissa Reinert, 2009, B.A.; 2011, M.B.A. Trisha L. Stantz, 1999, B.A.; 2004, M.Ed. Jan Sternberg, 1981, B.S. Marcia Thomas, 2001, M.B.A. Keith Wenzel, 1990, B.B.A.
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Lee Gibbs, 1976, B.A., was nominated for Yuma County’s Teacher of the Year award. He is a parttime professor at Arizona Western College who also teaches high school math at Yuma County Juvenile Center and science at Aztec High School. Donald K. Whittington, 1978, B.S., is the vice president and chief information officer for Florida Crystals Corporation, a large sugar company in Florida. He also serves as a director of America’s SAP user group (ASUG) and chairperson of ASUG CIO customer council. Tony Ceccacci, 1979, B.S., is an entry flight director for N.A.S.A. and helped the last shuttle mission, Atlantis, land safely back to earth.
1980s
Ron Roberts, 1981, M.A.T., was recently hired as the superintendant of Chippewa Valley school district. He was previously a first- and fifth-grade teacher, a principal at several schools, and more recently, the assistant superintendent of educational services.
1990s
Matthew Reno, 1993, B.S.M.E., was appointed to the Construction Code Commission by Gov. Rick
Snyder. Reno is also the director of community development for Saginaw Charter Township. Chris Watz, 1993, B.S.E.E., was named by the Midland Daily News as coach of the year for the second consecutive year. He is the varsity boys’ basketball coach at Bay City Western High School. Randy Alpin, 1995, B.B.A., has been named project manager at Saginaw Habitat for Humanity where he will manage construction, deconstruction, home repair and revitalization projects. Steve Pfundt, 1996, B.S.M.E., was promoted to the quality manager of plants 4 and 5 at Nexteer Automotive after working as the senior quality engineer for 15 years. Shih-Jye Cheng, 1997, M.B.A., is the C.E.O. of ChipMOS Technologies with headquarters in Taiwan. He was featured the Semiconductor’s Report in The Wall Street Transcript. Thomas Zirkle, 1999, B.B.A., has been promoted to chief operating officer at Catholic Federal Credit Union after working for nine years as the vice president of loans and member services.
2000s
Michael Nowak, 2000, B.S., was featured on the cover of RDH, the national magazine for dental hygiene professionals, during its 100th anniversary. Penny Knapp, 2002, B.F.A., presented her art with Beatriz Henoa at their show “Voices From Within” at the Northwood University Gallery’s summer show. Kathryn Pickens, 2002, B.S.W., published a children’s book about bullying called “The Day We Stopped Billy Bully.” She works as career facilitator at a mid-Michigan school system. Jennifer Nutt, 2003, B.B.A., has been promoted to Independent Bank’s office manager at the Fashion Square office after working there for eight years.
Grandparents at SVSU Camp help June 29
Carolyn Wierda
William Ostler M.A.T. in classroom teaching, 1980
Robert Szczypka B.B.A. in general business, 1999
SVSU’s Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) sponsored its first Grandparents at SVSU camp in June 2011. Grandparents – including SVSU alumni Robert Szczypka, 1999, B.B.A., and William Ostler, 1980, M.A.T. – had the chance to experience college with their grandchildren at SVSU. SVSU’s interim associate dean and executive-in-residence in the College of Education, Carolyn Wierda, also participated in the camp. The full day program gave young students a glimpse into college life and older students a chance to relive college days! The agenda included a choice of three classes taught by SVSU staff/faculty, fun activities, campus tours and much more. Class topic included: Be a Mathemagician, Chemistry Lab 101, CSI: SVSU, Magic in the Theatre, Don’t Scramble the Eggs, Cell Biology Can Be Yummy and Spaghetti Factory. (Photo by Ed Sederlund, 1999, M.B.A.)
Adrianne Coker (Grauf), 2004, B.S.W., was promoted to the director of the Sexual Assault Center at Child and Family Services in Saginaw County after working as a sexual assault therapist for the same agency. Kendra Stochowitz, 2004, B.A., is employed at Krafft Farms in Frankenmuth Township. Tara Barancik, 2006, B.A., received her Master of Arts degree in international affairs from The George Washington University and will now work at the U.S. Department of State in the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. Jacquetta Dantzler, 2006, B.A., has created her own business in Birch Run, Mich., called Success Solutions Group. The company offers consultant services, seminars, workshops, assessments and training materials for businesses. Dwight W. Mayo, 2006, M.Ed., is a sergeant who has served in the military for 26 years and is a member of the 489th Civil Affairs Battalion. He is being deployed to Afghanistan.
Jerome Recker, 2006, B.S., won the 10K Blue Water Hospice River Run for the eighth time in nine years. He finished the race in 32:13. M. Jon Dean, 2007, Ed.S., was one of the five finalists for the Royal Oak superintendent position. Andy Hoag, 2007, B.A., received the 2011 State Bar of Michigan Wade H. McCree Award for the Advancement of Justice along with a Michigan Associated Press Editorial Association award for his investigative reporting with The Saginaw News. Alison Taylor, 2007, B.A., was hired as controller at Dow Chemical Employee’s Credit Union after serving as the director of business services for the Bullock Creek School District for 10 years.
Holly Snelenberger, 2008, B.S.W., has been awarded a scholarship from the Midland branch of the American Association of University Women to pursue her master’s degree in counseling at Michigan State University. Jennifer Bellsky, 2009, M.B.A., was the top area female finisher of the Boston Marathon in April 2011. She finished the race in 3:31:55. Jessica Rolfe, 2009, B.P.A., received her Certified Public Accountant license and was promoted to senior accountant at Yeo & Yeo P.C. in Saginaw. Corinna (Holz) Scharf, 2009, B.P.A., has joined the staff of Weinlander Fitzhugh as a junior accountant.
Benjamin Watkins, 2007, B.P.A, received his Certified Public Accountant license and was promoted to senior accountant at Yeo & Yeo P.C. in Saginaw.
Mary Marta Abbott, 2009, M.Ed., has been appointed superintendent of Catholic Schools for the Diocese of Knoxville.
Lindsay McNalley, 2008, B.S., was hired as sales account leader for Impact Analytical in Midland, Mich. She will focus in medical device industry sales.
2010s
chamber partnership manager. He previously served as director of government affairs at the Midland Area Chamber of Commerce. John Jacobs, 2010, B.S., as a player for the Saginaw Sting, helped the team win its first-ever United Football League inaugural Ultimate Bowl, which took place at The Dow Event Center against the Eastern Kentucky Drillers. Ashley Wehner, 2010, B.S.W., was a guest columnist in The Huron County View. Hillary Grigonis, 2011, B.A., was promoted to a full-time journalist position for The Tri-County Citizen and will begin writing for the sports section in addition to her other duties. Chelsie Hurst, 2011, B.S., won $7,000 by placing in the top five at the Hooters 15th annual international swimsuit competition. She plans to use the winnings to pursue a master’s degree in nutrition at Logan Chiropractic University in Missouri.
Jason Geer, 2010, B.A., has joined the Michigan Chamber of Commerce as small business advocate and REFLECTIONS2013 MAGAZINE 69
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Matthew Gronda, 2007, B.A., is engaged to marry Angela Knoll.
Billy Dexter, 1984, B.A., and his wife announced the birth of their twin daughters, Alissa and Alexis in May 2011.
Katie (Ross) Roebuck 2007, B.A., married Mike Roebuck in December 2010.
Weddings Jill Stachowiak, 1999, B.A., is engaged. Wendy Jones, 2003, B.A., married Gary Vuorenma in August, 2011.
Benjamin Younkin, 2010, B.S., and Stacy Engelhart, 2011, B.S.N., are engaged to be married December 10, 2011. Jessica Brabaw, 2011, B.S.W., and Bryant Barnes, 2011, B.S.E.E., were married August 27, 2011.
Chelsea Berger, 2008, B.B.A., married Brian Miller in July.
Amber Catlin, 2011, B.S.N., married Brett Powell in May 2011.
Kendra L. Brown, 2010, B.S.N., married Christopher G. Brown on July 30, 2011.
Obituaries
Jill Butch, 2010, B.S.N., is engaged.
Eric Houle, March 27, 2011.
Jennifer M. Geyer, 2005, B.A., married Matthew Rodgers on July 30, 2011.
Thomas Minkler, 2010, B.S.M.E., and Katie Mae Jimpkoski, 2011, B.B.A., were married in August, 2010.
Matthew Voss, 2005, B.S.M.E., and Noelle Abend were married in March 2011.
Amanda Straus, 2010, B.P.A., married Edward Schafer in June 2011.
Kathleen E. Warren, 1988, M.A.T., July 4, 2011.
The Diploma you can wear! It is never too late to order your Official Saginaw Valley State University Ring. Show your RED PRIDE! View our rings at: college.jostens.com Call 1-800-854-7464
70 SAGINAW VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY
THE LAST WORD WITH JIM MAHER When I think back to my time as a student at Saginaw Valley College, I can’t help but look in awe at the changes that have transpired since my commencement walk in 1982. When I started in fall 1978, the campus architecture consisted of Wickes Hall, Doan Center (much smaller than it is today), Ryder Center, the newlyconstructed Pioneer Hall, and a smattering of portable, temporary units that held the bookstore and some classrooms. So many academic and support facilities have been erected since then that I often have to reference the campus area maps to find events and meeting rooms. We were known to our athletic rivals as the “small college in the middle of the corn fields.” As I was fortunate to be on the Fighting Cardinals football team, I recall marching down the “Ho Chi Minh Trail,” quietly but anxiously preparing for battle, crossing Davis Road and onto the grassy flats of Cardinal Field. This fall, the Cardinals are playing night games and have a game that will be nationally televised. The “tranquils”
and the “zoo” housed 500 on-campus student residents. Today, housing provides accommodations for 2,700 students. In 1982, there were approximately 4,500 students enrolled at SVSC ; for fall 2011, 10,800-plus are expected to attend SVSU. As SVSU and “Reflections” have grown and are changing, so has the Alumni Association. Transitioning from dues-paying to an all-inclusive, no cost membership, the Association now comprises 35,000 members. As the university approaches its 50th anniversary in 2013, the association membership will span six decades! Some of us still reside in the Great Lakes Bay Region, while others live in other states and other countries. No matter what our age or current geographic location, we all have at least one thing in common. Attendance at SVSU has changed our life in some way, helped mold us into who we are or are becoming. It is that realization and appreciation that the Alumni Association board of directors hopes to foster. We are here to extend that ”connection” and af-
finity we’ve experienced while on campus, to promote the relationship between the university and its alumni. Simply, we’re here to serve. We do this, as a team, with varying degrees of time, treasure and talent. Also, and quite importantly, the alumni board works to support current SVSU students. Whether it’s championing events to grow and maintain the Alumni Endowed Scholarship Fund, participating in selection committees to choose outstanding full-time and adjunct faculty, or mentoring those students looking to get a “taste” of what their field of endeavor may look like once they’ve received their diplomas, we on the alumni board all agree that we want to make an impact, make a difference in the lives of our future alumni. As you read and re-read this magazine, attend the on-campus and alumni-related events, or re-connect with fellow SVSU friends and classmates, please let us know how the alumni board can help. You can reach us at alumni@svsu.edu.
James M. Maher II, 1982, B.S., has served on the SVSU alumni board since 2008; in 2011, he was elected to a one-year term as president. Jim graduated cum laude from SVSU, then completed an M.B.A. at Central Michigan. He is manager of information technology/EMR project manager at Covenant Healthcare, and is involved in his community through Christ Lutheran Church, Habitat for Humanity, Junior Achievement, and the Job Shadow Program for Saginaw Public Schools.
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7400 Bay Road â&#x20AC;˘ University Center, MI 48710
Join fellow Cardinals to celebrate Red Pride! 2011-12 SVSU Alumni Celebration (formerly held in November) Saturday, FebRUARY 11, at 5 p.m. For ticket information, contact Alumni Relations (989) 964-4196 or alumni@svsu.edu. Purchase tickets online at svsu.edu/alumni and go to the events page.