SVSU engineering technology and management major Benjamin Lanning is working with professors David Karpovich, Chris Schilling and David Swenson on ways to develop biodegradable plastics from soybeans and corn. Read more about how SVSU is “Ahead of the Curve� on Page 16.
SVSU MAGAZINE Fall 2006
REFLECTIONS Volume 1, Number 2 Fall 2006 PROJECT LEADER Lucille Beuthin EDITORIAL BOARD Jill Allardyce, M.A., ’06 Andrew Bethune, B.B.A., ’87 Lucille Beuthin J.J. Boehm, M.A., ’06 Pamela Clifford, B.B.A., ’92 Tim Inman, B.A., ’89, M.Ed., ’96 Jan Poppe, M.A., ’01 EDITORS Tim Inman Jan Poppe WRITERS J.J. Boehm Tim Inman Nancy Lewis Jan Poppe CONTRIBUTOR Pamela Clifford GRAPHIC DESIGNER Jill Allardyce PHOTOGRAPHERS Tim Inman Brandon Kish PRODUCTION COORDINATOR Pamela Clifford Comments, suggestions and inquiries contact: Alumni Relations Saginaw Valley State University 7400 Bay Road • University Center, MI 48710 Phone: (989) 964-4196 SVSU Alumni Web Site: www.svsu.edu/alumni SVSU Web Site: www.svsu.edu SVSU Foundation Web Site www.svsu.edu/foundation REFLECTIONS Magazine is published twice a year. Letters and feedback are welcome! SVSU will provide reasonable accommodations for those persons with disabilities. Individuals who wish accommodations should contact the University Conference and Events Center at 964-4348 at least three days prior to the event. SVSU does not discriminate based on race, religion, color, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical impairment, disability or veteran status in the provision of education, employment and other services.
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n this and future issues of “Reflections,” you will occasionally see this icon throughout the magazine. It serves as an eye-catching reminder of an upcoming event, program, concert, play or presentation worth noting.
CONTENTS Outlook Features
A Spring Break Diary...
Student Carly Toyzan shares a personal look at her “Alternative Break” experience in Guyana, South America.
Academic Integrity...
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SVSU’s Student Association approves a University Honor Code, in an effort to uphold a high standard of academic integrity at SVSU.
Since Our Inaugural Issue... Two members of the Reflections editorial board have joined the ranks of SVSU alumni: J.J. Boehm and Jill Allardyce. Boehm completed his Master of Arts in Administrative Science and Allardyce now has her Master of Arts in Communication and Multimedia.
COVER story
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Ahead of the Curve
SVSU’s history of regional collaboration and leadership continues today and beyond.
SVSU Today From campus changes and a new Cardinal logo, to updates on faculty and students — new and exciting things are happening at SVSU.
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Foundation Notes “The Promise for Tomorrow: Our University. Our Region.” is the University’s largest campaign to date and is focused entirely on endowment support.
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Alumni Zone Have your former classmates been promoted? Are they growing their families? Read about your fellow alumni.
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Several years ago at a post-season banquet, a former coach of one of our athletic teams was working mightily to lift our spirits and instill in us a sense of optimism following a pretty discouraging season. Mustering all the passion he could under the circumstances, he implored us to look ahead to next season. “I firmly believe,” he earnestly intoned, “that the future is ahead of us.” Hmmm . . . the future is ahead of us. Even those waiting for an imminent apocalypse would find it hard to argue with that. The future is ahead of us, and the job of the University is to help people imagine that future — as it might be and as they wish it to be. But even as it looks ahead — “ahead of the curve” — the University also looks to the past, to history and literature and to philosophy, to bridge the past with the future. At its best, the University is a repository and a “professor” of what has been and what has been learned; and it is also giving birth to what will be learned and what will come to pass. This volume is about the University helping to invent the future — new ideas and new ways of thinking about things and doing things. The people of SVSU are about the business of creating these things, and this gives you a few glimpses into some of their work. It is fascinating and rewarding work for the teachers and scholars and learners alike. And it promises to shape our region and even our world. But as we look ahead to the future that surely is ahead of us, we must never fail still to look back to be informed and inspired by the people and the ideas that have brought us this far. Enjoy looking ahead of the curve with us. Best regards,
Contacting the University ADMISSIONS Email: admissions@svsu.edu; Phone: 964-4200 ALUMNI RELATIONS Email: alumni@svsu.edu; Phone: 964-4196 COLLEGES Arts & Behavioral Sciences Email: abs@svsu.edu; Phone: 964-4062 Business & Management Email: cbmdean@svsu.edu; Phone: 964-4064 Education Email: coe-dean@svsu.edu; Phone: 964-7107 Nursing & Health Sciences Email: nursing@svsu.edu; Phone: 964-4145 Science, Engineering & Technology Email: dsseeger@svsu.edu; Phone: 964-4144 SVSU FOUNDATION Email: foundation@svsu.edu; Phone: 964-4052 SELECTED OFFICES AND SERVICES Athletics (Ryder Center) Email: athletics@svsu.edu; Phone: 964-7300 Bookstore Email: bookstore@svsu.edu; Phone: 964-4277 Career Planning & Placement Email: careers@svsu.edu; Phone: 964-4954 Center for Business & Economic Development Email: lhaas@svsu.edu; Phone: 964-7015 Conference & Events Center (Box Office) Email: BoxOffice@svsu.edu; Phone: 964-4261 Diversity Programs Email: mtthorns@svsu.edu; Phone: 964-4068
Eric R. Gilbertson, President Saginaw Valley State University
Library Email: library@svsu.edu; Phone: 964-4240 Marshall M. Fredericks Sculpture Museum Email: mfsm@svsu.edu; Phone: 964-7125 Osher Lifelong Learning Institute Email: jap@svsu.edu; Phone: 964-4310 President’s Office Email: stanley@svsu.edu; Phone: 964-4041 University Communications Email: ucomm@svsu.edu; Phone: 964-4039
SVSU REFLECTIONS - 3
Getting to the
Next Level Kevin Clinesmith describes SVSU as “a small, close-knit regional university that excels at preparing students not only for careers, but for additional academic studies.” And Kevin should know about such “additional academic studies.” The 2003 political science/public administration and criminal justice graduate earned a full scholarship to Michigan State University College of Law. But this story isn’t primarily about Kevin’s success. It is more about academic preparation and one-on-one guidance from faculty at a university that helps direct its interested students in pre-professional preparation; this, in spite of the fact that SVSU does not offer a preprofessional major. According to Clinesmith, Professor Robert Lane (political science and pre-law coordinator), Associate Professor Andrew Chubb (chemistry and health — Geron Johnson, Senior Biology Major professions advisor), and senior biology major and pre-med student Geron D. Johnson, the lack of a formal program that offers a pre-professional major is compensated by the SVSU culture that fosters teachers being highly involved with their students, small classes, and students encouraged to be involved in research alongside faculty. Johnson, who rates his undergraduate preparation high, feels his SVSU experience “will give me a chance to compete with other students from various universities to get into postgraduate professional programs.” His edge, he feels, is due greatly to “the opportunity to do research with faculty members has helped to foster my critical thinking and analytical skills.”
“(My)...SVSU experience will give me a chance to compete with other students from various universities to get into postgraduate professional programs.”
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Learn more: www.svsu.edu
Chubb goes as far as to say that “no pre-professional major is actually a good thing. That’s the way the professional schools want it. The professional schools like to see other majors, such as philosophy, because the students are well rounded.” With that said, Chubb estimates that at least half of the SVSU pre-med students are biology majors, with a chemistry minor or, chemistry majors with a biology minor. This is due in great part to the heavy focus on science in the first two years of medical school. Chubb also likes to share anecdotal support of why SVSU’s teaching/learning culture is so important to student academic and career success, whether at an undergraduate or post-graduate level. “One of the students who was admitted to medical school this past year commented that when she went to her interview, she met some other prospective students who were complaining about how hard it was to get a letter of recommendation because they went to
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Professor Andrew Chubb
with people, they will call me up and ask if I will meet with a student who is interested in pre-law.” From there, Lane says emails, an annual Constitution Day, law school representative visits to campus and informal meetings seem to do the trick to assist the “100 students at any one time who are interested in law school.”
Geron Johnson sums up the value of the pre-professional guidance at SVSU. “I think it gives those with dreams of going into numerous professional fields an ideal vision of what to expect, and more importantly, what it takes to get to the next level.”
SVSU Today
Lane wants to do more, and hopes that area law firms and individuals might be interested in creating an endowed fund to support an annual trip to Chicago for students to attend a law school forum. The idea came to Lane after he won the House Teacher Impact Award in 2005. This award includes a stipend that the faculty person is expected to use for an impact experience. Lane used his to take four students to Chicago so they could meet with law schools from all over the country and attend workshops. “You can imagine the wonderful experience this was for the students.” Now Lane would like to see an endowed fund to support such a trip every year.
Geron D. Johnson Hometown: Saginaw College: Science, Engineering & Technology Degree: B. S. in Biology Year of Graduation: 2007 Scholarship: Presidential Scholar Extracurricular Activities: Mentor, Saginaw County Youth Leadership Institute; Roberts Fellow (Academic year 2005-06); math tutor for his high school, Buena Vista Long Term Goals: Medical degree in psychiatry, and possibly a master’s in public health.
Kevin E. Clinesmith Hometown: Kingston College: Arts & Behavioral Sciences Degree: Political Science, Public Administration and Criminal Justice
a large university and the faculty didn’t know them — they were just a number, and they needed this letter of recommendation. She said she never really thought about it, but she didn’t have any trouble getting hers. We know these students.”
Year of Graduation: 2003 Scholarship: Support from the Alumni Association Extracurricular Activities: Honors Program, Rotaract Club,
writer for the student newspaper, Valley Vanguard Beyond SVSU: Michigan State University College of Law
Lane supports the position that SVSU’s size and sense of community makes it relatively easy for students interested in law school to find him, and to learn more. He notes that he receives “a lot of referrals just from the advising office and admissions. When they are talking
SVSU REFLECTIONS - 5
Alternative Break experience provides a glimpse of third world countries.
By: Carly Toyzan
Carly Toyzan in South America
Carly Toyzan, double major in English (professional writing) and communication, with a minor in graphic design. A site leader for an Alternative Break trip to Guyana, South America. Carly is a mentor in the Writing Center, a University Foundations Scholar, member of the Honors Program, member of the Student Association board, Americorps Michigan Service Scholar and recent intern in the Student Life Center. She was a 2005-06 Roberts Fellow.
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In early March 2006, 11 of my peers and I journeyed to Guyana, South America, to work with the West Demerara Habitat for Humanity. We went as part of a program called “Alternative Breaks,” which educates students about a national or global issue, and sends them on a volunteer trip to work with a non-profit organization servicing that issue. During my group’s time in Guyana, we kept journals to track our thoughts. you read them all, you’d naturally find If similarities, as we spent 10 days together sweating, laughing and living. However, you would also find that we were all affected differently, and took something personal away with us, which would be reflected in the thoughts we wrote in our journals. Now, I have the chance to share some of my thoughts that I recorded in my journal.
able to see a lot of trash on the side of the road. After 45 minutes, we finally got to our house and were greeted with smiles, hugs and “praise the Lord” by our cook, Sister Ingrid. She had a meal waiting for us — curry. I don’t think it set well with everyone, but I loved it.
MARCH 4: Today was our first day at the work site. The drive there was long, but didn seem so because every thing was new and’t interesting. On one corner along the way, we saw a temple, a mosque, and a church located peacefully next to one another. left the city and crossed over the floatingWe bridge into West Demerara. We passed through towns and many houses with various flags in the yards. According to Marissa, they are Jandi flags, a part of Hindu tradition. Once at the work site, we took part in the groundbreaking ceremony for four new houses. After the ceremony, the lack MARCH 3: We left from Detroit early this morning of organization and direction from the contractors and Habitat representatives and flew to Miami. While there, we met left most of us feeling very unhelpful. another group of what first appeared to Nonetheless, we tried to find things to do. be students, but they were actually the Some people made stakes with machetes, Peace Corps. Before we got on the plane, they were taking a bunch of group photos, while others sawed planks for the foundations. capturing their last moments on U.S. soil It wasn’t too far into the day until the for two years — and I thought 10 days was sort of impressive. I just can’t imagine other girls and I started feeling that we weren’t really wanted. Whenever I tried leaving every thing behind for two full to pick up a shovel to dig the foundation, a years. man would come by and take it out of A few Habitat for Humanity hands. In my “Gender in Communicatimy representatives, Marissa and Camille, on” picked us up from the airport (in Guyana). course last semester at SVSU , I remember thinking that I had never really been Even though it was dark outside, I was made to feel extremely inferior because of
Did You Know? “Alternative Breaks” are opportunities for students to travel to a site outside of Michigan to work with a nonprofit organization. Small groups (10-12 students), led by a trained student Site Leader, meet weekly prior to the trip to prepare for the experience (the work, the social issues, the culture). Trips occur during winter break in December/January and spring break in February/March. “Alternative Breaks” is a program of the SVSU Student Life Center.
my gender, so my experience at the work site today was surprising. When we got back to the city today, we took a walk on the sea wall by the Atlantic Ocean. We were all disappointed to see that the beach had become more of the landfill. I am sun burnt and exhausted. The mosquitoes and an army of barking dogs made sure I didn’t sleep last night. We bought mosquito nets today, so, hopefully, I’ll manage to get a few hours of sleep tonight.
think all of us girls really did a good job proving to the men that we could contribute. MARCH 13: Today, our group experienced our first failure on the trip — we tried to go home, but were unsuccessful. Due to wind, our flight to Detroit was cancelled, and we got delayed in Chicago for the night. At least this gives me some time to reflect.
MARCH 10: We went to the work site for the last time today. We finished digging the fourth foundation and helped pour cement in one. Then, just when I was beginning to feel sad that it was our last day, our final task was to carry a huge pile of cement bags, each weighing about 80 pounds, over the ditch. Phew! I couldn’t believe I could actually pick them up. After work, we got to walk around the neighborhood in which we were building our houses. I’m not sure how to explain the conditions some of the people are living in. Some of the group was talking about how it reminded us of “Save the Children” commercials — kids bathing in dirty water, or walking around barely clothed. It really helped remind us why we endured the hard work all week. Before leaving, the men showed us how to play cricket, Guyana’s national sport. Over the week, the Habitat workers really warmed up to us. That was thanks mostly to Amanda Springer, who showed that she could cut the steel, and Ashley Verner, who showed that she could dig right along side everyone; but I
POSTSCRIPT: Our days off gave us the opportunity to experience Guyanese culture. Drinking coconut milk, dancing to Soca music in Parika, petting manatees, learning Guyanese folk songs in the dark of a blackout, touring an Amerindian village, and kayaking through the rainforest, were some of the best experiences of my life. But the greatest parts of this experience were the long, hard days in the sun with my 11 peers who set their goals and never let each other give up and, at the end of the week, looking at the foundations we dug that will make four families’ houses, and lives, stronger. I can’t deny that Guyana changed me. I understand now why the older couple I met at my Habitat for Humanity leadership training has done more than 10 of these Global Village trips. I also understand now how the Peace Corps members we met the first day could pick up and leave for two years. Perhaps these things can only be understood after an experience like Habitat — meeting and working with future homeowners who you help give a home that is safe for their children, a home they can be proud of, a home they can build their lives in.
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College News College of Arts & Behavioral Sciences Interim dean takes over for Bachand Mary Hedberg, who had been an associate vice president for academic affairs, moved into the interim dean’s position July 1, 2006. Also, Joni Boye-Beaman, professor of sociology and past coordinator of the Master of Administrative Science degree program, was named the new assistant dean. In addition, the newly-created non-partisan Center for Politics and Public Service, which is affiliated with the Department of Political Science, implements studentfocused citizenship activities involving a variety of non-profit organizations, area businesses, and government agencies.
College of Business & Management Assistant professor of economics joins business faculty Christopher J. Surfield has joined the College of Business & Management as assistant professor of economics. Surfield holds a Ph.D. in economics from the University of South Carolina. He comes to SVSU from Greenwood, South Carolina, where he taught economics at Lander University. Prior to teaching, Surfield served as a corporate banking analyst in Danville, Pa. Surfield’s work has been published in several economics journals, including the Journal of Labor Research.
College of Education Graduate Courses Available Online! Recognizing that graduate students have busy lives and complicated schedules, SVSU is taking its courses to the students via the Internet. In an effort to accommodate the working adult, the College of Education is now offering several of its master’s degree courses online. Courses such as Microcomputing for Administrators, Special Education Curriculum & Methods, Exceptional Children in General Education Settings and Technology in Education, can now be taken fully online. For a complete list of the education graduate courses now available online, see the education course listing in Cardinal Direct (cardinaldirect.svsu.edu).
Crystal M. Lange College of Nursing & Health Sciences Two new degree programs added Two new degree programs are available starting fall 2006. The Bachelor of Science in Health Science is designed to meet the regional needs in health care by providing a broad study of health care and its related critical issues. For individuals with no health care background, this degree provides the foundation for a variety of health-related professions. It is also ideal for individuals with two-year technical degrees in areas such as radiography and dental assisting who wish to acquire a more advanced degree. The second new degree program, Master of Science in Health Science Leadership, provides students with the breadth and depth of health care study needed for advancement in various health professions. This graduate degree includes the necessary business management and leadership courses required to meet the demands of a supervisory position.
College of Science, Engineering & Technology Independent Testing Lab continues to support regional business and industry With more than 20 years of operation, the Independent Testing Lab at SVSU continues to provide analytical services and technical support to regional business and industry. By tapping student and faculty expertise from the College of Science, Engineering, & Technology, Lab Manager Bruce Hart is able to help businesses solve problems or acquire critical performance information. Services the lab provide range from the writing of a technical manual to conducting strength and durability tests on products still under development. Students gain valuable work experience, while businesses receive assistance in making them more successful. Small companies especially appreciate the availability of the technical equipment the SVSU classroom labs provide — equipment that would be cost prohibitive for them to acquire. Businesses interested in utilizing the services of the Lab may contact Hart at (989) 964-4194.
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Learn more: www.svsu.edu
PoliticalAnimals Trips to the zoo are a common family activity, and for most, the attention is focused on the animals. But when the family includes a husband and wife team of political scientists, they also take interest in zoos as political institutions. Jesse Donahue and Erik Trump, associate professors of political science, chronicle political developments from the 1960s to the present in The Politics of Zoos: Exotic Animals and Their Protectors. The book arose from a desire by Donahue to incorporate political topics that she thought would interest students in her local government classes, as well as the couple’s observations while taking their children to zoos. “We wanted to understand how zoos were shaped politically,” she said. To research that question, they visited more than 30 zoos and aquariums, read through court cases, conducted interviews and purchased old newsletters of the American Zoo and Aquarium Association. As zoos came under attack from animal rights activists and other groups during the 1960s and ’70s, Donahue and Trump write that zoological organizations became much more politically active and astute. During this period, “leading zoos” began taking pro-environmental positions and supporting habitat conservation causes, according to Trump. The political battles between animal rights groups and zoos are “part of a deeper philosophical debate about how we best protect the environment and endangered species,” he said. The book also examines issues of local taxation, government regulation and animal welfare. It is published by Northern Illinois University Press.
Students Thrive Through
Research and Creativity Institute SVSU founded the Student Research and Creativity Institute in 2005 to support students’ outstanding research and creative endeavors. Eleven students were selected during a competitive application process and received a total of nearly $35,000 to fund their exceptional work, including those featured here. All students are eligible to apply. The selection committee includes representatives from each of SVSU’s five colleges.
Perfect Music
An important component of SVSU’s First Year Writing Program is the annual English 111 Writing Award. Begun by Dr. Robert S.P. Yien in 2001, and initially funded by him with monies he donated from his salary as an adjunct instructor of Chinese, the awards are presented at a ceremony each spring to five writers; prizes range from $500 for first place, to $100. “Because of Dr. Yien’s long-time interest in improving student writing, his generous support of the First Year Writing Program, and his initiation and support of the Writing Contest, the program coordinator and members of the First Year Writing Committee have long sought to name the award for him,” said Mary Harmon, professor of English. “Only each time we asked, he said ‘no.’ However, this year, knowing he is stepping down as vice president for academic affairs (retirement), we decided that we would name the award for him, regardless.”
SVSU Today
Writing Excellence Award Named for Long-Time Academic Affairs Vice President
Shana Hiser and Dale Huggard both attended the 2006 National Wind Ensemble in New York City and performed at Carnegie Hall, thanks to support from the Student Research and Creativity Institute. As a result of the experience, training, and boost in confidence in their ability, both are looking into graduate school to pursue performance and conducting. Says Shana, “There aren’t words great enough to describe how great it really was.” Adds Dale when talking about what he learned from the experience, “the hard work, determination, and heart are what get you there.”
Positive Chemistry Recent chemistry graduates Staci Wegener of Auburn and Ann Woys of Bay City presented their research at the annual conference of the American Chemical Society. “After doing a year and half of research, to be able to take it to the meeting and present it was a wonderful capstone,” said Woys. Working with Professor of Chemistry Deborah Huntley, Wegener and Woys studied cerium oxide and how the material may be able to improve catalytic converters and reduce auto emissions. “I worked directly with the faculty,” Wegener said, “and I feel like I made better progress on my research than I would have at a larger university where undergraduates seem to get the ‘busy work’ kind of stuff.” “I’ve actually heard from people that SVSU probably has one of the best undergraduate chemistry programs in the nation,” Woys added. Both have been accepted to Ph.D. programs to continue their chemistry education, Wegener at Northwestern University and Woys at the University of Wisconsin. n Ann Woys, Deborah Huntley, Staci Wegener.
Thus, this spring at the awards ceremony, the First Year Writing Award became, and will remain, “The Robert S.P. Yien First Year Writing Award” in thanks to, and in honor of, the award’s founder and consistent supporter.
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First Youth Leadership Institute Class Celebrates Graduation Graduates of the Saginaw County Youth Leadership Institute celebrated the completion of their program at a banquet on June 6 at SVSU’s Curtiss Hall. Co-sponsored by SVSU and the Bridge Center for Racial Harmony, the Institute brought together 51 students from 17 Saginaw County high schools for workshops on leadership, diversity, and service. Thirty-five SVSU student leaders served as mentors to the students throughout the year. The program culminated with a service project in April at three Saginaw Boys & Girls Clubs.
Innovative Program A Success SVSU’s Center for Business and Economic Development (CBED) collaborated with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and the Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center on an innovative program to introduce a pilot program to train staff at four Michigan hospitals in “Lean and Six Sigma” operational methods to increase efficiency. The program trained 226 workers and is expected to save the hospitals (Bay Regional Medical Center, Gratiot Health System, Mercy Hospital in Grayling and West Branch Regional Medical Center) more than $2 million in operating costs by applying the new methods. A May 2006 conference was hosted by SVSU at which hospital leaders shared what they learned through the program; also in attendance at this conference (from left) was Harold Leaver, executive director of SVSU’s Center for Business and Economic Development; James C. Epolito, president and CEO of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation; Robert Lyscas, director of the Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center; and Michael Coast, president of the Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center.
Academic Integrity In the 2005-06 academic year, SVSU’s Student Association approved a University Honor Code, written by the academic & leadership development committee. The student-driven, student-developed code is an effort to uphold a high standard of academic integrity at SVSU. Efforts to promote the Honor Code to the campus community started in 2006 with the distribution of an “integrity banner” for student signatures, posters with a message specific to each of the five colleges, and integrity wristbands.
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Learn more: www.svsu.edu
Runner Wins Scholar-Athlete Award
A two-time co-captain, Roach’s cross country team qualified for the NCAA Division II national championships and recorded a school-record fifth place finish in 2005. He was named the squad’s Most Valuable Athlete. In track, Roach qualified for both the indoor and outdoor Division II championships in 2006, posting an 11th place finish in the indoor mile and a 12th place finish in the outdoor steeplechase. He set a new SVSU record for the indoor mile with a time of 4:09.40. Roach was selected in voting conducted by the GLIAC’s faculty-athletic representatives. He also was voted to the United States Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association All-Academic Team. “This award is a great honor to me because it reaffirms the benefits of the time and effort I put into my past four years at Saginaw Valley,” Roach said. “Since my freshman year four years ago, I’ve realized the importance of achieving at the highest levels in both academics and sports. Even though I did not realize how difficult it could be to balance the two, I am proud of the fact that I was able to manage my efforts effectively and have excelled in both areas. Receiving this award will motivate me to continue to have high standards in everything I do.”
SVSU Today
Port Huron native Adam Roach was named “2005-06 Male Scholar-Athlete of the Year” by the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. Roach maintained a 3.92 grade point average while completing his bachelor’s degree in computer science.
4:09.40 Meet the new SVSU Cardinal, unveiled on August 24. In 2005 when University Communications was charged with updating key logos, creating graphic standards and developing a branding strategy for the University, a suggestion was made to also update the Cardinal logo to reflect the maturity of the University’s athletics image and sporting competitiveness. Graphic designer Jill Allardyce balanced both design trend with appeal when she illustrated the new Cardinal logo. The creation of the wordmark, Cardinals, was developed by a former SVSU design student, Matt Zelley — who also participated in the exploration of the new Cardinal symbol. Admissions Marketing Report awarded the new Cardinal logo a gold award in the category of Logo/Letterhead Design in its 2005-06 competition. SVSU REFLECTIONS - 11
Where do we start when we talk about the cultural offerings at SVSU? There’s music, exhibits, festivals, theatre productions, programs for kids and families, and so much more. And the best part for audiences is that all of these events are first class, not to mention that many have free admission. Why wait any longer to learn, explore, discover, and be inspired? Experience one of a number of exciting cultural attractions at a place that celebrates creativity and culture. For more information, visit the SVSU Web site at www.svsu.edu and click on the link for “Community Resources.”
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Two accomplished vocalists combined their talents during a concert titled “Songs of Struggle and Songs of Faith: Celebrating the African-American and Jewish Musical Traditions.” Daniel Gale and Oral Moses performed together Jan. 28 as part of the Rhea Miller Concert Series. 2 - The much-discussed topic of academic integrity was examined during the Albert J. Beutler Forum on Ethics and Practice. Donald McCabe, professor of organizational management at Rutgers University, presented “Understanding Academic Dishonesty from Student and Faculty Perspectives,” Tuesday, Jan. 31. 3 - Student vocalists took guests on a musical tour of France, Germany, Italy and Spain as 14 SVSU student musicians presented “Sunday Muse and Brunch: Café Euro,” Feb. 26. A light brunch with a European theme was served while the students sang art songs, folk songs and operatic selections – in the language in which the pieces were composed. 4 - Performing April 20 with the SVSU Jazz Ensemble was guest artist Joe Wright, an adjunct instructor in the music department at the University of Michigan-Flint. Wright teaches a class in jazz history. The concert featured music by Glenn Miller, Woody Herman, Count Basie, and Sammy Nestico. 5 - Chris Carrabba, lead vocalist for the popular alternative rock group Dashboard Confessional, performed in concert with a solo acoustical performance April 22. A singer and songwriter heralded for his storytelling ability, Carrabba achieved his most notable success with Dashboard Confessional, a group known for its evocative lyrics and intensely loyal fans. 6 - Internationally-renowned pianist Alexandre Dossin performed April 1 as part of the Rhea Miller Concert Series. The Brazilianborn Dossin has established himself as a critically acclaimed pianist with his varied solo and concerti repertoire. Since his debut at age 14 with the Porto Alegre Symphony (Brazil), he has performed more than 300 solo recitals and concerts with orchestras in 15 countries. 7 - Students in the SVSU History Club finished finals week with a bang – literally – by hosting a Civil War reenactment April 22. Trained Civil War reenactors from Michigan fired canons and simulated skirmishes on fields near SVSU’s Regional Education Center. The experienced reenactors were from the 5th Michigan Infantry of Saginaw and Bay County, the 14th Michigan Infantry of Shiawassee and Genesee County and the 2nd Michigan Battery B Hudson Artillery. 8 - The SVSU Theatre Department presented Oliver!, a musical based on the Charles Dickens novel Oliver Twist, with six performances between March 31 and April 9 inside the Malcolm Field Theatre for Performing Arts. The production featured music and lyrics by Lionel Bart and was produced by SVSU Assistant Professor of Theatre Richard B. Roberts. 9 - The well-traveled Names Project Foundation’s AIDS Memorial Quilt was displayed in the Ryder Center April 17-20. Since the project began in 1987, more than 83,000 people have been commemorated by friends and loved ones who have created pieces for the quilt in their memory. At an opening ceremony, guest speaker Anthony Rapp, a star of the Broadway and film renditions of Rent spoke about HIV and AIDS.
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Remodeled theatre has temporary labs for engineering.
Since 1976, Pioneer Hall has served as the “home” for students studying mechanical and electrical engineering. Now the facility is being updated and enlarged using $12 million from the state of Michigan, along with an additional $4 million that the University will add for construction costs. To accommodate the renovation and expansion project, faculty, students and teaching labs have relocated to what was originally SVSU’s first
performing arts theatre, which today looks almost nothing like what it did just a few months ago. “We renovated (the theatre) because we wanted to make better use of the building,” said Steve Hocquard, assistant vice president for campus facilities. “Right now, the plan is to use it for temporary engineering laboratories, but eventually it will become studio space for our art majors.” Presently, students who create sculptures and other art works have very limited space for that purpose in the Arbury Fine Arts Center.
Saturday, Nov. 11, BeBop Concert Saturday, March 17, Latin Jazz Concerts at 7:30 p.m. Information and ticket prices, call the SVSU Box Office at (989) 964-4261.
“Sculpture students have to share the same space with those doing paintings, and there just isn’t enough room to leave their work out while they’re creating it,” Hocquard explained. “Once the engineering labs are moved back into Pioneer Hall, art students will have a much larger area for creating and completing studio work.” Art courses still will be taught in Arbury, according to Hocquard.
Artist’s illustration of the new Pioneer Hall.
During the summer, foundations and underground utilities were installed for the addition to Pioneer Hall, which will become an L-shaped facility. When students returned to school for fall classes, steel was just beginning to be put into place. Hocquard noted that work will continue throughout the winter; the project is targeted for completion by August 2007. Robert Tuttle, assistant professor of mechanical engineering, is one of more than a dozen faculty who have been displaced when construction started last spring. In addition to moving his faculty office to the South Campus Complex, Tuttle had to assist with the relocation of the mechanical engineering labs to the temporary facility.
SVSU Today
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“Relocating my office and the engineering labs took almost a month to pack and move,” said Tuttle. “It was pretty hectic because we packed while finishing winter classes in Pioneer. Everyone is excited about the new classrooms, as well as foundry, bio-fuels, engine dyno, and automotive performance labs that are being added to Pioneer Hall. When all is said and done, the inconvenience of the move will be more than worth it.”
New to the U Projects that will add more uniqueness, assistance, or sense of community to the SVSU campus: • An electronic informational sign will replace the Cardinal sign at the corner of Bay and Pierce Roads. The scrolling marquee will highlight events and other special announcements. • Visitors to Cardinal athletic events will be able to visit a new concessions building that will be located near Wickes Memorial Stadium. The 1800-square-foot facility will have a new outdoor plaza, and provide food service, bathrooms for spectators, and a retail Cardinal apparel area. • SVSU will upgrade its softball and baseball stadiums to include fixed seating (similar to that in Wickes Stadium), new dugouts and a new press box. • An “International Sculpture Garden” will be added to the northwest corner of the campus quad (between the Zahnow Amphitheatre and Arbury Fine Arts Center). The garden will offer a serene environment for students and visitors. A number of other projects that would add to the distinctiveness of the SVSU campus could be included on the above list with the help of donors like you. For more information on ways that you can move a project from a blueprint to a reality, contact the SVSU Foundation at (989) 964-4052, or visit www.svsu.edu/foundation.
SVSU REFLECTIONS - 13
No Sleeping Giant When it Comes to Cars and Classes... Dean Arbour has two giant passions—cars and education. And his love of both of these drove him to SVSU. Back when Dean was finishing high school, getting a good job wasn’t all that tough. “When I graduated from high school, my family had many opportunities, so I didn’t have to go to college,” Arbour admits. But it’s different now, notes Arbour, who today owns five car dealerships in mid-Michigan, employing close to 175 people. Today, college “is a must,” and Dean sees a big difference between those with college degrees and those without. “By the time students get out of college, they are so much more polished. They can really think; their thought process is so much better.” Arbour sees the college degree as the ticket to success, and he wants to do his part to see that young people get that chance. And that desire led to his first real exposure to SVSU. Dean’s first opportunity to be connected to SVSU came when he offered to lend some cars to coaches in the athletic department. His second exposure came through his wife. “We moved to the SVSU neighborhood about 15 years ago, and my wife is very active. She walks every morning, and she took advantage of the SVSU campus for those morning walks. I would sometimes walk with my wife, and I noticed that there was always a building project going on. We saw the campus take on a new face with each passing year.” As Arbour became more acquainted with his neighbors, many of whom worked at SVSU, he was invited to participate in a focus group
“I thought it was time to do a little bit more than just talk about helping, so I made a pledge.”
— Dean Arbour
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Learn more: www.svsu.edu/foundation
through the foundation office. It became clear that the goals of the foundation aligned with his passion for helping others get a college education. “I thought it was time to do a little bit more than just talk about helping,” says Arbour, “so I made a pledge. We are asked by so many charities for donations. We can’t give to them all, but I think education is important. A superintendent once told me that his district looks for Saginaw Valley graduates because of their excellent teaching program. We need good educators out there. In my small way, I give a little money that will maybe help someone else along the way. “We have a ‘sleeping giant’ over there (SVSU),” Arbour continues. “I don’t think people really realize what an impact the university has on the Saginaw Valley. I’m in the car business, so when I’m on campus, I notice
where cars come from. I’m just amazed that there are people from all parts of the Thumb, from downstate, from up north. It’s really a magnet that is drawing people, not just from the Saginaw Valley, but also from all parts of Michigan.” Even the Arbour grandchildren get involved by participating in the summer programs offered on campus, and Dean takes advantage of programs aimed at keeping seniors active in retirement. “There’s always something going on at SVSU,” Arbour adds. There seems to be two sleeping giants in the neighborhood: SVSU … perhaps; but definitely another whose name is Dean Arbour. This quiet, unassuming businessman has helped make a difference in the lives of some of those pursuing college degrees. His leadership may just inspire others to do the same.
AConversationwithSuePiesko. Susan L. Piesko is a graduate of Frankenmuth High School, and holds a Bachelor of Science from the University of Michigan. Although she left Frankenmuth for a few years, she returned in 1973. Sue has served on the Frankenmuth City Council since 1999, as well as the City-Township Commission. She also is a member of the Wickson-Link Memorial Foundation Board of Directors and the SVSU Foundation Board. Sue is married to Robert J. Piesko, president of Miller Mold Company in Saginaw. The couple have two married sons, Jim and Steve, and two grandchildren, Derek and Courtney.
For years now, I have visited SVSU to participate in events at the Ryder Center, the Marshall M. Fredericks Sculpture Museum, adult learning classes, as well as plays and concerts. I know many people who have been students in both the undergraduate and graduate programs, as well as instructors and administrators. The University is such a vibrant and exciting place that it is fun to be involved.
Q: Why did you decide to serve on the
Foundation Board?
After serving on a private foundation board for many years, I was approached by a friend to join the SVSU Foundation Board. I looked at it as an opportunity to be a part of something good. If people believe in something like SVSU and its impact on our lives and the community in which we live, they have a responsibility to give back and enhance it for future generations.
Q: Who is your role model?
My mother is my role model. She never finished high school because of an illness and died young after a long battle with cancer. Through all of that, she never lost her zest for life. She taught me the value of education, the joy of being a volunteer, and a passion for seeing the world.
Foundation Notes
Q& A
Q:
What attracted you to become involved with Saginaw Valley State University?
Q: How would you define “philanthropy”?
To me philanthropy means the privilege and responsibility of sharing your blessing with others.
Q:
What do you think motivates people to give to SVSU?
Everyone has his or her own individual motivation, but some give because of the pride they feel for SVSU. They may be alumni, teachers, or business people in the area, but they recognize what a jewel SVSU is to our area. When the economic outlook is glum, SVSU shines bright with promise.
Q:
What would you tell someone who knows nothing about SVSU?
I like to share my experiences about all the exciting things going on at SVSU. It is filled with cultural, athletic, and educational adventures, and they are available to the whole community, not just registered students.
Q:
How do you think the community’s perception of SVSU has evolved over the years? Saints, Sinners + Spätzle on October 6 A fundraising event at The Marshall M. Fredericks Sculpture Museum. German music, food, dance and fun; featuring wood carvers, and Michigan artists’ original works of music boxes and nutcrackers for a silent auction. Proceeds benefit the Marshall M. Fredericks Sculpture Museum. Information: (989) 964-7125
SVSU’s prestige and popularity is growing by leaps and bounds. As more and more students realize what a great value and excellent education we have available to us so close to home, they see that this is the best use of their educational funds. Also local SVSU graduates have been very successful in job placement and graduate school acceptance. Those are two qualities that every student looks for when choosing a university to attend. SVSU REFLECTIONS - 15
Virtually any newspaper or any evening news program in the last several months has repeatedly used the words “biofuel,” “bioethanol,” “renewable energy,” and “biodiesel.” Many American consumers are mostly clueless as to precisely what these words mean. What they do know, however, is that gas prices keep rising and the U.S. depends on much of its oil supply from foreign countries in a part of the world that is either volatile or unstable, or both. While most Americans have had only a relatively recent heightened consciousness of the oil and alternative fuel issues, Dr. Chris Schilling, Strosacker Chair of Engineering, has been acutely aware of the problems and has been diligently working on solutions since his arrival at SVSU in 2001. And even more than “just” alternative fuel research, Schilling and other SVSU faculty and endowed chairs (Dr. David Swenson, H. H. Dow
Ahead of the Curve T I M E L I N E November 13, 1963: The state grants a charter to establish a private, four-year liberal arts institution known as Saginaw Valley College.
Chair in Chemistry; Dr. David Karpovich, associate professor of chemistry; Dr. George Puia, Dow Chemical Company Centennial Chair in Global Business) have been looking at fuel challenges in the context of this region, its economic development, and emerging entrepreneurial opportunities. Schilling says the work of turning agricultural waste into economical biofuels to heat buildings is nurtured by “a fertile environment for creative thinking.” Though the work Schilling does in the College of Science, Engineering & Technology is exciting and important, it is not the only example of innovation, leadership and partnerships that have placed SVSU “ahead of the curve.” One need only look
January 1973: Ten years after the charter was obtained, the college creates “Design for a Second Decade,” which outlines goals that campus officials hope to accomplish by 1983. Among those goals, the creation of programs to encourage student recreation and cultural activities.
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“It is important for the University to be engaged in visible, effective activities,” notes Marwan Wafa, dean of the College of Business & Management. “You cannot have entrepreneurship without innovation.” SVSU’s Center for Business & Economic Development was established in 2003 for that very reason.
1982: The Independent Testing Laboratory is created to provide local businesses with access to the expertise of faculty and staff, as well as to modern scientific instrumentation used in SVSU’s laboratories.
September 1977: Three Saginaw-area scientists develop and begin testing an anti-cancer drug at SVSU. The new drug discovery – dirhenium propionato sulfate – elicited enough interest that the National Cancer Institute agrees to provide funding for the new treatment.
May 1966: SVC graduates its first class of 10 students.
at the University’s history to see its emphasis on action, rather than merely responding or reacting to needs. SVSU has traditionally taken the lead in rallying the community around important regional issues. The Bridge Center for Racial Harmony, Saginaw Future, Vision Tri-County, Vision 2020, and the Family Business Program are examples of vital initiatives in which SVSU has played an important role.
1997: An endowment from the Dow Chemical Company enables SVSU to establish the Dow Chemical Company Centennial Chair in Global Business, which is filled by Dr. George Puia.
1992: SVSU partners with local businesses, the County of Saginaw, the City of Saginaw, 15 local municipalities and the Saginaw County Chamber of Commerce to establish Saginaw Future Inc., which is dedicated to fostering quality job creation through expansion of local industry and attraction of new business projects to the community.
June 4, 1986: Dow Corning announces a $20,000 endowment to fund the Earl L. Warrick Excellence in Research Award, which recognizes SVSU professors with significant scholarly accomplishment in research.
1981: The college secures an engineering program.
1995: SVSU supports the formation of the Bridge Center for Racial Harmony.
1993: SVSU establishes the Herbert H. Dow Endowed Chair in Chemistry, filled by Dr. David Swenson.
Since 1982, SVSU’s Independent Testing Lab has provided analytical services and technical support to business and industry in the area. According to Bruce Hart, the Lab’s manager, this state-ofthe-art research and development facility helps regional manufacturers become more successful while spending less money. Adds Bay County’s Hollister, “I think that it is really cutting edge in helping bring new technology and new ideas to the region.”
Much of SVSU’s work related to economic development, entrepreneurial initiatives, new technologies, and efforts to work with small to large companies likely contributed to SVSU’s involvement in the Workforce Innovation and Regional Development (WIRED) collaborative grant. Two of the $15 million grants were awarded in Michigan – one in mid Michigan (including the Saginaw Valley), and the other in west Michigan. A key element of this funding is to refocus the automotive industry to growing manufacturing markets, as well as the development of an alternative energy sector, including preparing workers for jobs in the bio-based,
Also in the area of regional support is the new Crisis Management Intervention Center, housed at SVSU. Packaged or customized crisis and conflict management training is available to law enforcement, healthcare and human resource organizations through this one-of-a-kind Center.
post-petroleum economy. “The provisions of the grant call for the creation of a center that
To address the healthcare systems shortages, SVSU’s College of Nursing & Health Sciences has added a new master of science in health leadership. It is designed to provide interdisciplinary preparation for those in leadership positions in health and human services systems.
JoAnn Crary, president of Saginaw Future, appreciates the support the University has provided in another forward thinking enterprise for the biomedical device cluster initiative. “We are trying to help companies in the medical device industry grow, as well as assist automotive or other industries to use their manufacturing expertise to enter the medical device industry. We are working very closely with SVSU on this initiative,” added Crary. Furthering SVSU’s ability to stay ahead of the curve is “having top scholars (endowed chairs) engage SVSU students and faculty in cutting edge research,” adds Jenee Valasquez, executive director for the Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow Foundation and former president of Midland Tomorrow. “Each serves as a unique resource to this region and has helped entrepreneurs take the next leap forward.” As Dr. Schilling notes, “Problems are really just opportunities.” And so SVSU continues to anticipate and respond to a fast-paced, ever-changing future that calls for more vision, outreach and better solutions. Put more simply, SVSU enjoys the challenge of staying ahead of the curve.
2005: The Saginaw County Youth Leadership Institute is established as a collaborative venture of SVSU and the Bridge Center for Racial Harmony to provide leadership training to high school students from diverse racial, cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds.
October 2000: Vision 2020 Citizens Summit meets on the SVSU campus, attracting some 600 people from Saginaw County.
1999: The James V. Finkbeiner Endowed Chair in Ethics is created at SVSU, and is filled by Dr. Francis Dane.
addresses the issues of entrepreneurship by engaging faculty and students in economic development. That center will be housed at SVSU,” reported Wafa, adding that SVSU’s new entrepreneurship minor will complement the WIRED initiative. “SVSU really took the lead on the WIRED initiative, and now SVSU is a partner,” added Hollister.
Foundation Notes
“The Center is a great asset for all of us working in economic development to have a key contact in the University who we can go to for anything,” comments Scott Walker, president of Midland Tomorrow. Adds Frederick Hollister, president of Bay Future, Inc., “The University (CBED) has been a very good partner in business development and research activities.”
2004: The Center for Rapid Prototyping and Innovation (CRPI) becomes the first such research center in Michigan to be able to work with ferrous metals, aluminum and plastic. 2005: Two new endowed chairs are created at SVSU: The E. June 2002: The Allen Foundation Inc. of Malcolm Field Endowed Chair Midland pledges $1 million to establish in Health Sciences, and the “The Allen Foundation Research Fund,” Clifford Spicer Endowed Chair a research endowment at SVSU for use in Engineering; both positions in areas of study related to human health. are to be filled by July 1, 2007.
1999: SVSU’s College of Education is awarded a $9 million Department of Education Title II Grant, which funds professional development and in-services, new teacher workshops, and leadership institutes for 147 school districts.
2003: Center for Business and Economic Development established.
1998: The Carl A. Gerstacker Endowed Chair in Education is developed; Dr. James Leming fills the position in 2001; and, The Charles J. Strosacker Endowed Chair in Engineering is added, with Dr. Christopher Schilling filling the position in 2001; plus, The Harvey Randall Wickes Endowed Chair in International Business is established, and the position is offered to Dr. Diana Lawson in 2003; she remained with SVSU until July 2006.
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2005-06 Academic Year: • Crisis Management and Intervention Center created • New entrepreneurship minor announced • First Gerstacker Fellows selected • Pioneer Hall remodeling begins • Master of Science in Health Science and Bachelor of Science in Health Science added • WIRED grant received (economic development) • Creativity and Research Institute’s first projects were funded
SVSU REFLECTIONS - 17
Roberts Fellowship Founder
is the Real Inspiration When Donna Roberts established the Roberts Fellowship Endowment Fund in 1999, she hoped that it would inspire its select group of students to develop their leadership skills through international travel, academic course work, seminars, and extracurricular activities. She might be surprised to hear that although all of these things motivated and changed the participants, it appears that the greatest inspiration came from the founder herself. The youngest of eight children, Donna Roberts grew up in Detroit and was the only child to graduate from high school. As a secretary in a law office, she became intrigued by the court system. With no college, she applied to the University of Detroit Law School and was accepted. From those humble beginnings, Roberts went on to a distinguished 25-year career in law with The Dow Chemical Company. She is also recognized for her tireless work as a civic leader, volunteer, and philanthropist. The Roberts Fellows will tell you, however, that she is most recognized for her character. To date, 88 students have participated in the Roberts Fellowship Program. Rachel Snell was a 2000-01 Roberts Fellow. “I was a non-traditional student,” said Snell. “I had two sons at home and was overwhelmed by the program and wondering why I was there. Then Donna Roberts came to our class and shared her own story. I found out she was a non-traditional student as well, raising her children while going to law school. But the whole time she spoke, she spoke from the positive. She didn’t complain; she didn’t whine. “It was then that things began to come together,” Snell continued. “I could really connect with her. Here was a mother who worked through law school. We had a lot of similarities, and for the first time, I felt empowered.” Snell has been a secondary social studies teacher at Coleman High School for four years and has completed her master’s degree. Two years ago she took a group of her high school
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Learn more: www.svsu.edu/foundation
students on a trip to China. One of those students returned this year to visit her. He is now a student at Georgetown University and is planning another four-week trip to China. Then he plans to go back there to live for a full year to study. “You learn about the circle of giving in the program,” recalled Snell, “and this came full circle. I could see what inspired me then inspired someone else. Now another young person is out there inspiring someone else.” Jim Schultz, another 2000-2001 Roberts Fellow, is now a special agent for the United States Secret Service. “I still find it difficult to put into words what it’s like to walk on the Great Wall of China or to visit Hong Kong or to walk the streets of Hiroshima. However, the greatest surprise of the program to me was not the overseas experience, but the lecture and classroom experience. “For people in my career field, it is vitally important to understand individuals from a variety of perspectives and to try to understand the complexities of differing cultures, social norms, and perceptions of reality. The Roberts Fellowship gave me the opportunity to practice that and to take that skill with me.” Heather Wordon, a 2001-2002 Roberts Fellow, vividly recalls her experience. “I can still taste the green tea served to me in the home of a Japanese professor and recall the superb hospitality shown to me by her mother as she made sure I was comfortable and well fed,” recalls Wordon. “There are times when I think about Donna Roberts and her generosity to every one of us who has been in the program, and I know that I have to make a difference in other people’s lives because this amazing woman cared enough to make a difference in mine.” The students speak highly of the Roberts Fellowship. They speak even more highly about the woman who made it all possible. Donna Roberts has inspired a whole new generation of leaders.
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Donna Roberts and best friend Spencer.
Did You Know? ROBERTS FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM: Students with 48-100 hours and a 3.2 GPA are eligible for consideration. Fellows are selected primarily on the basis of demonstrated academic accomplishment, campus and/or community service, and potential for leadership. The Program provides its select group of students with two seminars on leadership and an international study and travel experience in Asia, a total of 6 credit hours, all at no cost to the student.
Selected for Leadership Program Twelve leading Michigan educators have been selected for the inaugural class of the Gerstacker Fellowship Program. They will receive concentrated leadership training over a one-year period, culminating in a trip to Asia. “This is a very diverse group, in terms of both background and current responsibilities. We should see some fine synergy as ideas are exchanged to enhance their leadership capabilities,” said Stephen P. Barbus, dean of SVSU’s College of Education. Known as Gerstacker Fellows, the selected participants meet monthly on weekends. SVSU faculty from various disciplines will instruct the Gerstacker Fellows on subjects dealing with leadership ethics, political problem solving, financial planning, human resource management and education with a global perspective. “The program will lift their vision and improve their skills,” Barbus said.
“The experience will benefit not only these individuals, but their home communities, as well, because what they learn through the program can result in creative solutions to today’s educational challenges,” Barbus added. “They also will have a network of outstanding educators to utilize as a resource.” The participants were selected based on past academic and service accomplishments, along with outside recommendations. They were nominated by a supervisor from their home school districts. Funded by a gift from the Rollin M. Gerstacker Foundation in Midland, the program’s capstone will be an international experience that introduces the Fellows to one or more of SVSU’s sister universities in Japan, China or Taiwan. As a result of the endowment, there is no charge to program participants unless they elect to have the educational experience considered for graduate credit. The Fellows were formally accepted into the program during a banquet at SVSU Tuesday, May 23.
The individuals selected for the first class of the Gerstacker Fellowship are, from left: • Billy J. Erwin, principal of Webber Middle School in Saginaw • Sheila R. Dorsey, principal of Arthur Eddy Academy in Saginaw • Johanna L. “JoLynn” Clark, an English teacher at Frankenmuth High School • Theresa M. Schroeder, technology coordinator and curriculum leader for the Bullock Creek School District in Midland • Bethany A. Rayl, assistant principal at Lapeer West High School • Kimberly A. Prime, principal of Washington Elementary School in Bay City • Timothy J. Wedge, principal at Wilson Elementary School in Alpena • Amy M. Legacy, principal of Linsday Elementary School in Bay City • Jeffery J. Hall, principal of Eastlawn Elementary in Midland • Dacia Darbee, assistant principal at Handy Middle School in Bay City • Linda L. Engelhardt, supervisor of instruction and curriculum at the Bay-Arenac ISD Career Center • Rose M. Beane, director of compensatory education and grants/pre-kindergarten programs for Saginaw Public Schools
Foundation News
Top Michigan Educators
Your SVSU Alumni Association membership connects you to people, programs and great possibilities!
ALUM
GET CONNECTED... STAY CONNECTED!
• Networking with old and new friends • Exclusive Alumni Association events, including family programs • Discount on sports camps for family members • FREE “Cardmail” account and access to campus computer labs • FREE career counseling, resume posting and employment fairs • Discount on Ryder Center membership, including new fitness center • Discount on banquet/meeting facility rentals For more information about how to maximize your degree through SVSU Alumni Association membership, go to: www.svsu.edu/alumni or call (989) 964-4196. SVSU REFLECTIONS - 19
S
VSU President Eric R. Gilbertson has called it the region’s economic development conundrum. At an April 2006 presentation to the Saginaw County Chamber of Commerce’s “Percolator Club,” he put it another way — The “chicken and egg dilemma” when he asked, “what comes first: a more highly-educated workforce to bring about a new prosperity, or is it the good job opportunities that will retain that highlyeducated workforce?” Gilbertson’s response was that “both will have to emerge together.” Eric Gilbertson is not alone in his beliefs. Regional economic development and industry leaders agree that both issues are paramount to the future of the region and that SVSU is instrumental in leading both charges. “The time is now, and SVSU recognizes that,” notes Scott Walker, president of Midland Tomorrow. “They recognize that there are some systemic issues in our local economy, and they (SVSU) are proactively working on developing novel technology to meet emerging markets; but also, how do we provide a local job market for our graduates so that they stay in the region so that we aren’t exporting our greatest export, our highly educated kids, out of Michigan.” SVSU’s leadership role in attracting the best talent, developing more and better prepared graduates and, creating a culture and opportunity for innovative research and start-up businesses is at the heart of the University’s new endowment campaign, “The Promise For Tomorrow: Our University. Our Region.” According to Lucille Beuthin, vice president for public affairs and executive director of development and the SVSU Foundation, the priorities for the $20 million endowment campaign were
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almost two years in the making. “We have carefully researched this region’s needs and goals to arrive at a point where we are confident that our priorities align to the very real needs of the mid-Michigan region. Even naming the campaign was a process that took a few months,” added Beuthin, “because we so wanted it to precisely represent what the campaign is all about; and that is that we (the University and the midMichigan region) are connected in such ways that you cannot think about a prosperous and progressive future for this region without thinking about a prosperous and healthy SVSU.” Some $200 million in capital construction has been completed over the past decade, consequently creating a campus that is modern and state-of-the-art. The “Promise For Tomorrow” campaign is 100 percent endowment-driven, with goals that focus on attracting the best and brightest talent and creating programs of distinction that have meaning not only to the University, but to the people of the region. And that is what makes this campaign so vital to every resident of the region, not just prospective students, says Jerome Yantz, retired partner of Weinlander Fitzhugh CPAs and Consultants, and chairman of the SVSU Board of Control and member of the SVSU Foundation Board (pictured above). “This campaign’s priorities are really everyone’s,” Yantz said. “We all have a stake in this. The fact that this campaign is about regional economic development, school and government leadership, and attracting and keeping the best and the brightest talent here in our region is really what each of us wants, now and for future generations.”
By definition, an endowment is a bequest, gift or set of funds that are intended to be kept permanently and invested to provide income for continued support of an organization. For SVSU and its “Promise For Tomorrow” campaign, endowments are permanent ways to attract better talent, and to develop special programs and activities. Endowments will help SVSU do things and become something that it cannot through its basic state funding or student tuition. Simply, endowments provide support for those “extras” – the programs and qualities that define an institution’s distinctiveness.
In June 2006, Michigan Future Inc. released an extensive study on Michigan’s economic decline and concluded that it is in great part due to the state’s slow adaptation to a rapidly-changing global economy (A New Agenda for a New Michigan is available at www.michiganfuture.org). The report makes several observations and recommendations on ways to move Michigan to a more knowledgedriven and entrepreneurial economy, defining “knowledge-based enterprises” as those related to information, financial services and insurance, professional and technical services and management of companies. The report suggests that “states and municipalities are political jurisdictions” and not economic units, and that economies are regional. Therefore, a successful Michigan means successful regions, and the most successful regions will be those where economic growth is driven by knowledge and innovation. The report notes that valuing “learning, an entrepreneurial spirit and being welcoming to all” are ways to create regional success. Further, the report lists as a strategic priority higher education institutions as “the most important assets we have in developing the concentration of talent we need to be successful in a knowledge-based economy.” Additional key strategic priorities in this report call for developing educators, “from superintendents to classroom teachers, who are thoroughly grounded in the realities of the flat world.” (“Flat world” is a reference to Thomas Friedman’s The World is Flat, A Brief History of the Twenty-First Century). This best-selling book suggests that since today’s business can now be conducted anywhere and at anytime,
The Promise for Tomorrow
“Knowledge-based industries – where work is done in offices, schools and hospitals – now account for 43 percent of American jobs and have increased in employment by 32 percent since 1990.” — From A New Agenda for a New Michigan, June 2006
Foundation News
—ENDOWMENTS—
countries, governments and communities must be able to quickly adapt to change. This “flattening” of the world in which we live and work suggests that the best ways to adapt to this change include fostering entrepreneurship, technology and knowledge-based businesses to transform economies. An additional strategic priority in the report calls for developing “new leadership” to see Michigan and its regions into a bright future.
“Talent matters most,” suggest the authors of A New Agenda for a New Michigan, who define talent “as a combination of knowledge, creativity and entrepreneurship.” Accordingly, “regions without concentrations of talent will have great difficulty retaining or attracting knowledge-based enterprises, nor are they likely to be where new knowledge-based enterprises are created.” “We’re in a competitive environment,” adds SVSU’s Gilbertson. “The rest of the world’s not standing still, and this institution can’t stand still. We have to do more; we have to do better – constantly. The key to all of that is talent – how we can assemble here the best talent – the best faculty, the best students, the best staff – to create the best institution.”
“Higher education’s importance in preparing talent for a knowledge economy is clear. But it also is one of the most important assets – if not the most important – in retaining and attracting talent.” — From A New Agenda for a New Michigan, June 2006
The Promise for Tomorrow. Our University. Our Region. A New Agenda for a New Michigan focuses on the need for a better-prepared workforce, a knowledge-based economy, an entrepreneurial approach to learning, and concentrated efforts to attract and retain talent. SVSU’s “Promise For Tomorrow” campaign addresses these same issues. The SVSU endowment campaign addresses three strategic priorities. The first is aimed at strengthening the University’s role in regional development; the second prepares leadership for the region’s schools and governments, and the third is centered on programs and scholarships that attract the best talent for the region. Strengthening the University’s role in regional development, entrepreneurship, engineering, health sciences, family business and student research/projects are the hallmarks of this endowment priority. SVSU REFLECTIONS - 21
The Promise for Tomorrow
Strengthening the University’s Role in Regional Development • • • • •
Entrepreneurship Institute (H.H. & G.A. Dow Foundation) Spicer Endowed Chair in Engineering (Dr. E. Malcolm Field) Dr. E. Malcolm Field Endowed Chair in Health Sciences (Dr. Field) Family Business Program Student Research and Creativity Institute
$2 million $1.5 million $1.5 million $500,000 $1 million
(Endowments in italics have been secured)
T
he Entrepreneurship Institute and an enhanced Family Business Program will offer new training, learning and business leadership opportunities for students and businesses alike. According to Julie Stevens of Stevens Van Lines and member of the Executive Committee of SVSU’s Family Business Program, SVSU’s leadership in regional development is critical. “We are a global business, yet with mid-Michigan roots. Having SVSU as a resource that helps us and other mid Michigan-based businesses be more competitive and enjoy the value of peer networking is important to us and this region’s future.” New endowed chair positions in health sciences and engineering will provide expertise for education and research goals and activities that address health and healthcare issues, like obesity, workforce shortages and leadership training; the engineering position will lead important community partnership programs like the movement of automotive manufacturing facilities to ones focused on the creation of medical device manufacturing. Janalou Blecke, dean of the Crystal M. Lange College of Nursing & Health Sciences, notes, “Our dedication and ability to work directly in and with this region’s healthcare system has enabled us to create and maintain relevant curricula, and even add a new master’s degree program in health leadership that is designed to prepare this region’s healthcare professionals for the challenges of the future.”
WHY ARE ENDOWED CHAIRS IMPORTANT TO SVSU AND THE REGION? Endowed chairs are leading scholars in specialized fields. Funding permits endowed chairs to teach, in a more limited capacity, while conducting significant research and outreach programs with a regional focus.
Preparing Leadership for the Region’s Schools and Governments
SVSU’s “Promise For Tomorrow” campaign also includes endowments for the development of regional leadership in two areas of great importance to community residents and future generations: our schools and our governments. The Gerstacker Fellows Program for Excellence in Educational Leadership endowment has been funded and 12 regional teachers and administrators will spend the 2006-07 academic year in intensive administrative and leadership training. Over the course of several years, Gerstacker Fellows will not only benefit from their advanced education, but will form a network of peers for the continuation of dialogue and ideas about ways to improve education for our region. (See Page 19 for the inaugural class of Gerstacker Fellows).
Attracting and Retaining the Best Talent for the Region
“Any successful business is only as good as its people,” says Lloyd Yeo, retired managing partner of Yeo & Yeo P.C. and president of the Wickson-Link Memorial Foundation and Melvin and Hilda Zuehlke Charitable Foundation. “In fact, you can really extend that to include communities and institutions of higher learning. For SVSU, attracting and retaining talent is not only good for the University, but it’s critical to the region. Distinctive programs and scholarships are the best tools to finding the best people. Really, it’s education, philanthropy and cultural events that are fundamental to attracting new people to the Tri-City area.” Research suggests that employers pay particular attention to prospective employees who have had international experience, whether it is from a professional or personal perspective. Study Abroad programs teach skills and attributes like flexibility, independence and multi-cultural awareness. SVSU offered its first Study Abroad programs in 1983 and two students participated. In the 2005-06 academic year, that number had grown to more than 120 students who participated in programs in 11 countries. “Our demand for Study Abroad continues to grow,” notes Stephen J. Kazar, special assistant to the president for international education. “Additional support of this program not only benefits the studentparticipant, but it enables that person to come home with a more global perspective of the world and our place in it.”
Preparing Leadership for Region’s Schools and Governments • Gerstacker Fellows Program for Excellence in Educational Leadership $1.5 million • Center for Politics and Public Service $1.0 million (Endowment in italics has been secured)
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Learn more: www.svsu.edu/foundation
The Promise for Tomorrow
Attracting and Retaining the Best Talent for the Region • Braun Fellows Program for Outstanding Faculty & Staff, funded by the Harvey Randall Wickes Foundation $1.5 million • Foundation Scholars Program $1.5 million • Study Abroad Scholarships $1.5 million • Music and Theatre Scholarships $500,000 • Student Scholarships (academic merit, financial need/athletic excellence) $2 million
The public phase of the “Promise For Tomorrow” campaign, which began in fall 2006, is expected to successfully conclude within 24 months.
(Endowments in italics have been secured)
VSU Foundation Scholars Program began in 2001 with funding of $50,000 allocated by the SVSU Foundation Board. In 2005-06, 285 new and returning students participated in the program. Eighty-five new students are accepted as Foundation Scholars each fall.
Steering committee:
Our University. Our Region.
B.J. Humphreys Lippert, Humphreys, PC
Hugo E. (Ted) Braun Braun, Kendrick, Finkbeiner Dominic Monastiere Chemical Bank
“Not only have we been diligent in our efforts to design the best endowment priorities that match the needs of this region, but we have carefully selected our steering committee and regional committee members to match the strength of the region,” notes Beuthin.
Alan Ott The Rollin M. Gerstacker Foundation
“We have had tremendous start-up support for this campaign because the people involved truly understand what needs to be done to ensure that this region’s future is secure, and bright. They know at a very core level what it means to be community leaders. They understand the responsibility and promise handed down to them from past generations who carried this torch. They understand that we cannot just marginally exist as a university, as a community, as a region, but we must exceed and be better – much better. That is what this endowment campaign promises for the future.” Beuthin continued, “The ‘Promise For Tomorrow’ campaign recognizes we are in this together. We can’t do it alone. A strong and vital university needs a strong and vital community surrounding it. This future of the region is tied very closely to the future of the University.”
Lloyd Yeo Yeo & Yeo
Foundation News
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Burnett S. Kelly Saginaw Valley State University Margaret Ann (Ranny) Riecker The Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow Foundation
Jerome Yantz Weinlander Fitzhugh CPAs and Consultants
Regional committee: Peter Ewend Saginaw Bay Underwriters Susan (Sue) L. Piesko Community Volunteer & Leader Dominic (Dom) Monastiere Chemical Bank, Bay City
SVSU REFLECTIONS - 23
An Extraordinary Educational Experience Anita Collins and Lisa Workman have shared much in their lives – including an umbilical cord – and last May, they shared another special bond. Both received master’s degrees in early childhood education from SVSU in May 2006. “It was one of the most rewarding things I can think of, to graduate with my daughter,” Collins said. It was – and is – emotional, too. Months later, on a sunny summer day, Collins chokes up as those feelings flood back. “It makes me want to cry,” she says. The pair has a passion for education and a love of children. Collins has been the director/owner of Growing Years, a Saginaw Township day care center, since 1987, while Workman is beginning her fifth year teaching at Swan Valley Middle School. Collins “always has been an inspiration to me,” Workman said. Perhaps that explains why she was determined to attend graduation despite giving birth to her first child just 10 days prior. “It made me think that now that I have a daughter, I hope that she will look at me the way that I look at my mother, especially after she went back to school, because she didn’t have to.” Workman’s admiration is heartfelt because she knows the curriculum was no cakewalk. “Saginaw Valley did a nice job making sure you work hard,” she said. Collins continued her studies at SVSU for reasons beyond the opportunity to sit in class next to her daughter. She was challenged to return to school by Debbie Lively, associate professor of teacher education, and was motivated to provide the most educational experience possible for the 170 children whose care is her responsibility. “I want to be at the forefront of early childhood education for my parents (at Growing Years),” Collins explained. “I want to be a resource for them.” Meanwhile, Workman developed an online journal for her Swan Valley students to anonymously discuss sensitive subjects of teen life. “They loved it,” she said. “I had to ask them to stop at one point because I couldn’t grade all the responses.” Throughout their time together in grad school, Collins and Workman learned a lot about each other. “For a mother to call her daughter to better understand the assignment, it’s humbling, and yet it made me so proud,” Collins said. “I gained a whole new perspective on my daughter.” “We switched roles,” Workman said. “I was more calm, saying ‘we’ll get it done, don’t worry about it’ while she was worrying about the details. Once in a while she’d say, ‘Quit telling me what to do.’” They join in a laugh only classmates can share, possibly all the more heartfelt because of the special mother/daughter bond they likewise share.
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Anita Collins
Lisa Workman
Creating Character The next time you meet a child who says “please” or “thank you,” you may have Anita Collins and Lisa Workman to thank. They created a character education curriculum for teaching young children values such as trustworthiness, respect, citizenship, caring and fairness. In August, Collins and Workman learned that they had been awarded a grant of nearly $300,000 from the U.S. Department of Education to bring the program to 19 Head Start locations and students throughout the Saginaw Intermediate School District in 2006-07. The grant is renewable for up to four years. The program is an outgrowth of their graduate studies at SVSU. “I think our background in the master’s program helped us to be able to design the curriculum and make it age appropriate,” Collins said. Around 2,000 children from birth to age five are expected to receive character education instruction in the first year.
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Learn more: www.svsu.edu/foundation
Alumni Calendar
UPCOMING EVENTS
Saturday, October 28
ALUMNI CELEBRATION - 6 p.m. The Malcolm Field Theatre for the Performing Arts, SVSU The SVSU Alumni Association invites you to celebrate your SVSU past with an exciting alumni evening!
Michigan native, Jeff Daniels, is known as both a writer and actor. His writing credits include Escanaba in Da Moonlight; as an actor, Daniels has appeared in Dumb & Dumber, Terms of Endearment and the 2006 film R.V., with Robin Williams. A sold out evening is expected. Make your reservations today to celebrate with SVSU! Contact the Office of Alumni Relations at (989) 964-4196 or email alumni@svsu.edu. Tickets: $50 per person. Proceeds benefit the SVSU Alumni Association Endowed Scholarship.
Alumni Zone
Begin with a strolling dinner and cocktail reception at 6 p.m. Join us at 7:30 p.m. in honoring remarkable SVSU graduates with the presentation of the annual Alumni Awards. Continue the celebration at 8 p.m. with “An Evening with Jeff Daniels� a musical and comedy performance.
Saturday, September 30 HOMECOMING - 10 a.m.
Alumni Hospitality Tent, Wickes Memorial Stadium Before the big game against Northwood, all alumni and friends are invited to reconnect with former classmates. Enjoy free appetizers, beverages, football game tickets, and live music! Go to the Alumni website for more details at www.svsu.edu/alumni.
Cardinal Football and Alumni After Hours on the Road Join us as we take SVSU Alumni Relations on the road for Cardinal Football and other alumni events. Fan bus trips are planned to cheer the Cardinals to victory on October 13 at Michigan Tech and November 4 at Grand Valley State University. And, an Alumni After Hours will be held in metro-Detroit in the late Fall. For more information, visit www.svsu.edu/alumni.
Saturday, February 24, 2007 ALUMNI FAMILY FUN DAY Ryder Center Mark your calendar now for a family fun event! Free basketball clinics, SVSU t-shirts, food, and basketball game tickets, and more! SVSU REFLECTIONS - 25
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Warehere they
Now
Anthony Ceccacci, 1979 Bachelor of Science, Mechanical Engineering Technology Hometown: East Detroit (now Eastpoint), MI Current Residence: Houston, Texas
What activities were you involved in while attending SVSU? Football, baseball, and intramurals.
Did you have a nickname on campus?
What is your motto or philosophy of life? Treat people the way you want to be treated.
What advice would you give to SVSU students and young alumni? Don’t be afraid to take on challenges and never give up on your dreams.
What are your hobbies and interests?
Weightlifting, softball, biking, motor cycle rides and family activities.
Your family?
Five C’s.
Wife - Jennifer (from Nacogdochus, Texas) and two sons Austin (4) and Jordan (2).
Where did you live?
How often do you return to Michigan?
On campus in the “ZOO.”
Two to three times a year.
Fondest memories of your SVSU days?
What do you like most about your career with NASA?
The friends I met and the friendships I’ve retained throughout all these years.
Who were your influential professors and why?
I enjoyed all my professors, but I remember Dr. Mock, Dr. Gillespie, and Dr. Graham. They actually made learning engineering fun.
How well did SVSU prepare you for your career?
Going to college helps you realize that what you are learning is just the tip of the iceberg. My experience at SVSU basically showed me that I should never stop learning and to continue to ask questions and seek information. This is what I do daily here at NASA.
What did it take to get you where you are now? HARD WORK. I’ve been very lucky. There has never been a
day in my life that I dreaded going to work. I was (and still am) not afraid to go out of my “comfort zone” and take on new challenges.
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Learn more: www.svsu.edu/alumni
All the folks I get to work with here at JSC (Johnson Space Center) and all the other NASA centers and the contract personnel all over the world. Very brilliant and success-oriented individuals.
What has been your most significant accomplishment?
The successful completion of shuttle mission STS-121/ULF1.1 (which landed July 17th). It was my first mission as a Lead Flight Director. I enjoyed the added responsibilities of safely planning the entire mission (of course with the help of my entire team) then executing the plan, including two space walks.
What are your future plans and goals?
I’m currently Lead Shuttle Flight Director for STS-116/12A.1, scheduled to launch December 14, 2006. I’m also assigned as Lead Flight Director for the fourth servicing mission to the Hubble Space Telescope.
SVSU Alumni Association Board Spotlight Name: Christine M. Greve Degrees: Bachelor of Business Administration, Management, 1992 MBA, CMU, 1999
In the Spotlight
Hometown: Swartz Creek Current Residence: Midland Alumni Association Board Term: May 2000-May 2006 Career Highlights: In 1994, Christine served as Coordinator of Small Business Services at SVSU. Her job was to help new and growing businesses in the local area. In 2003, she began her current position as Regional Director of the Michigan Small Business & Technology Development Center at Delta College. Community Leader: Board or committee member of the following: Junior Achievement of Mid-Michigan; Bay-Arenac ISD Career Center Marketing & Management Technical Academy advisory committee, the Michigan Certified Development Corporation, and Saginaw County Vision 2020 Entrepreneur & Small Business Alliance. Regional coordinator for the Mid-Michigan Athena PowerLink program, and member of Leadership Midland Alumni Association, and of the SVSU College of Business and Management Advisory Board.
Family: Husband Steve Greve, senior at SVSU, and daughters Jen, Vermont and Becki, Lansing. SVSU Impact: “The opportunity to interact with faculty and students, who to this day, I remain connected to via various personal and professional efforts and opportunities.” Did you know?: “I am a professional organizer and have a business – “Clutter’s Last Stand.” I also have a large collection of Cardinal and bird figurines that I keep in my office at work.”
Alumni Zone
For Fun: Read, garden, camp with my family, and attend music festivals. “I would like to learn to kayak and spend more time in natural surroundings.”
What would you have printed on an SVSU vanity license plate?: Cardinal Collector. Then & Now: “As a commuter student, I had a family to care for and was pressed to find parking, get to class and finish my degree, so I didn’t join any clubs or take part in any activities on campus during my time at SVSU. Now I can attend SVSU events and participate in activities that are of interest to me. The new SVSU campus has much more to offer to the surrounding communities, and I like to bring my friends with me to share in all SVSU has to offer.” Recognition: In September 2006, Christine was recognized by the National Association of Small Business Development Centers as an outstanding performer and honored as Michigan’s 2005 State Star.
SVSU REFLECTIONS - 27
ALUMNI Name: Terrance E. Lerash Degree: Bachelor of Science in Nursing, SVSU, 1981; Master of Administration, CMU Hometown: Bad Axe Current Residence: Frankenmuth Alumni Association Board Term: May 2000-May 2006 Profession: Lerash has spent his career in the healthcare industry. He was a medic in the U.S. Army, prior to attending SVSU. He then began his career as a registered nurse, followed by hospital administration, including human resources. Lerash is currently President & CEO for Synergy Medical Education Alliance, Saginaw, www.synergymedical.org. Career Pinnacle: Leading a medical organization that is forward-thinking and progressive. “I always had a vision for myself as a nursing student. My vision was to take on leadership roles and develop people. My passion then and now was to continuously learn.” SVSU Students, Then & Now: “The biggest difference between nursing students of the ’80s and today is that today’s students benefit by the evolution of the University and the enriched campus life. Professionally, today’s nursing students are entering a very demanding profession (physically, mentally, and emotionally) compared to students of decades ago. The acuteness of patient care is much higher today than in the early ’80s.” Words of Wisdom: “Nursing students can become preoccupied with the clinical detail they are required to learn. I recommend students look at and consider leadership and mentorship opportunities early-on in their program. My hero was Dr. Crystal M. Lange who talked with me about leadership; she was my mentor and helped me to where I am today. I suggest students take the time to talk to the faculty and deans. Dr. Janalou Blecke, is also a great example of leadership.” SVSU Connection: “I maintain a role at SVSU and try to give something back. I am an advisor for the Nursing program, a SVSU Board of Fellows, and past president of the Alumni Association.” A Unique Region in Healthcare: “From my perspective, our region is the northern most healthcare community and it draws from a large geographic area. The patient population is more diverse and dispersed than across the state. The healthcare industry is growing in this region and has evolved to provide all aspects of services. Patients can receive services in this region that previously they would travel for to Detroit or Ann Arbor. Also, the lakeshore areas have increased in patient population as a result of retirements.” Spare Time: Spending time with family, golf, and coaching AYSO U16 soccer. Family: Wife Carmen (Castillo) B.S.N., Nursing ’91, 3 sons and 1 daughter. Favorite Place on Campus: Marshall M. Fredericks Sculpture Museum.
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Learn more: www.svsu.edu/alumni
Humor: “I like to build humor into whatever I do by telling jokes, especially to begin a meeting or presentation.”
NEW CARDINALS
IN MEMORIAM Mari C. (Caumartin) Sargent BA Sociology ’65, April 30, 2006
Julie (Abeare) Marsh, BSW Social Work ’92, BBA Management ’99, and her husband Ken, had a baby girl, Madison Rae on January 2, 2006. Trish (Welke) Gohm, BA Communication ’97, and her husband Chad, are the proud parents of a baby boy, Owen Paul born May 15, 2006. James MacDonald, BA Criminal Justice ’00, and his wife Rebecca, proudly announce the birth of their baby boy, Remmi James born March 13, 2006.
Barbara D. (Borch) Marr BA English ’71, July 14, 2006
Mary (Bilitzke) Stelts BBA Accounting ’74, February 17, 2006
Evelyn L. Wibirt MAT Elementary Classroom ’77, May 1, 2006 Kathryn Anderson BA Elementary Education ’78, June 1, 2006 Richard A. Urbain BBA Management ’78, February 24, 2006 Dianne T. (Capps) Garwood MAT Classroom Teaching ’79, March 2, 2006 John K. Iliff BA Sociology ’82, May 6, 2006 Myrlene F. Mapes BA Sociology ’82, June 16, 2006 Christopher L. Ball BBA Finance ’84, MBA ’89, May 4, 2006
Jennifer (Noonan) Ordway, BSW Social Work ’01, and her husband Todd, are the proud parents of a baby boy, Lukas Michael born March 6, 2006. Dawn (Briolat) Iseler, BBA Management ’02, and her husband Mark, had a baby boy, William Edward on January 6, 2006.
WEDDINGS Kent Sikora, BA English Education ’97, married Melissa (Boutwell) in November. Sikora also coaches varsity football at Trenton High School. Jason Swackhamer, BA Communication ’97, MA Communication & Multimedia ’04, and Amy (Denton) BA Elementary Education ’03, were married September 2, 2006. Shaun Johnson, BA History ’02, and his wife Jeanette, were married in July 2006. Johnson is an attorney with Dykema Gossett P.L.L.C. in Lansing.
Mark C. Roedel BS Electrical Engineering Technology ’92, May 20, 2006
Lori A. (Banycky) Cordes BBA Accounting ’95, February 27, 2006
Katie (McBride) Fryske, BA History Education ’05, married Michael Fryske in July 2006.
Thelma J. Jackson BSW Social Work ’00, April 22, 2006
GUIDE TO DEGREES
Kevin E. Girard BSEE Electrical Engineering ’05, February 8, 2006
Rick Kent, BA Sociology ’74, golf professional, is the head golf coach at Grand Blanc High School in Michigan. Kent’s Web site is: rickkentgolf. com.
Anthony Ceccacci, BS Mechanical Engineering Technology ’79, NASA lead flight director, commanded the Discovery space shuttle’s 32nd ascension into space in July 2006. (See “Where are They Now,” Page 26). Gary Homan, BS Chemistry ’79, is vice president at Dow Corning / Hemlock Semiconductor Corporation. Robert Metzger, BA Criminal Justice ’79, joined the Sylvania Township Police Department in Ohio as the new chief in July 2006.
1980s Sue (Mattice) Davidson, BA Social Work ’80, joined Top Producers Inc. in Bay City. She has been a licensed realtor since 1999 and a member of the National Association of Realtors. Scott Carmona, BS Applied Science-Mechanical Engineering ’81, received the 2006 Junior Achievement Business Hall of Fame Award. David W. Carmona, BA Music ’82, is currently singing with OPERA Elgin in Elgin, Illinois. He is also an air traffic manager for the Rockford Air Traffic Control Tower.
Michael C. Grandberry BS Mechanical Engineering Technology ’93, March 7, 2006
Ora L. Johnson BSW Social Work ’00, MA Leadership in Public Administration ‘03, February 22, 2006
Marty Alsgaard, BA Sociology ’74, is RJO Deputy IV/Clerk of the Courts for the Allen County Superior Court in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
Joe Vogl, BBA Management ’76, MBA ’82, graduated in 2006 from Leadership Bay County.
Marie E. (Zito) Simmons BA English ’72, June 20, 2006
Brad Trommer BS Biology ’76, March 6, 2006
1970s
Alumni Zone
Share your announcement, news, and information with other alumni in REFLECTIONS. Send an email to Pamela Clifford at pacliffo@svsu.edu, or mail your announcement to: SVSU, Alumni Relations, 7400 Bay Road, University Center MI 48710. Briefs may also be submitted online at www.svsu.edu/alumni.
Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) Master of Arts (MA) Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) Master of Business Administration (MBA) Master of Education (M.Ed.)
Bachelor of Arts (BA) Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) Bachelor of Science (BS) Bachelor of Science Electrical Engineering (BSEE) Bachelor of Science Mechanical Engineering (BSME)
Beth (Bouckaert) Rusch, BA Criminal Justice ’83, MA Criminal Justice ’88, was named Officer of the Year by the Saginaw Exchange Club. She was selected as the 2006 recipient from the Saginaw Police Chief’s Association. Robert Paul, BA Physical & Health Education ’84, is an operations manager at Wright-K Technologies and the proud father of two sons, Bo and Shane. Walter Reynolds, BA Criminal Justice ’84, was promoted to assistant special agent in charge of intelligence and security at the FBI’s bureau in Detroit.
SVSU REFLECTIONS - 29
Cynthia (Dutkiewicz) Orr, BA History Education ’95, graduated in 2006 from Leadership Bay County. Orr is employed with The Bay City Times.
Gail Goestenkors, BA Physical & Health Education ’85, head women’s basketball coach at Duke University, coached her team to the NCAA Division I women’s basketball championship game. This was Goestenkor’s fourth trip to the Final Four. Rob Grose, BBA Management ’86, was promoted by Saginaw Township as assistant manager and will oversee planning, economic development and human resources. Mark Kraynak, BSW Social Work ’86, was selected as the 2006 Outstanding Field Educator for Saginaw by the MSU School of Social Work. He is a primary therapist for the White Pine Mental Health Center based at HealthSource Saginaw. Andrew J. Bethune, BBA Marketing ’87, graduated from Leadership Saginaw in July 2006. David A. Lewis, BA Political Science ’87, MA Criminal Justice ’94, M.Ed. Educational Leadership ’00, is the new principal at Muskegon High School. Brenda S. Huber, BA Physical & Health Education ’89, is a physical education, health, and math teacher at Erie Mason High School. Paul Thomas, BBA Accounting ’89, was named head women’s soccer coach at Madonna University. Thomas is a native of England and is also head coach for the U-11 boys soccer teams at the Northville Premier Soccer Club in Michigan.
1990s Mary Ann Ackerman, M.Ed. Education Administration ’90, graduated in 2006 from Leadership Saginaw County. She is superintendent of the Frankenmuth School District. Kelly (Butcher) Bays, MAT Classroom TeachingElementary ’91, received The Gerstacker Teacher Proficiency Award, which celebrates teaching excellence. She teaches elementary students in Midland Public Schools. Russell A. Beaubien P.E., BA Communication ’91, has been promoted by the Spicer Group Inc. of Saginaw as a new associate with the firm. Russell is a project engineer/manager in the governmental services. Sylvester Jones Jr., BA Sociology ’91, is the new program officer with focus on youth at The Ruth Mott Foundation in Flint.
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Learn more: www.svsu.edu/alumni
Gary Rechsteiner, BBA ’95, recently opened his own business, Rapid Refill Ink, in Bay City. His Web site is: www.rapidrefillink.com. Sylvester Jones, Jr.
Celeste Conflitti, BS Biology Education ’92, MAT Classroom Teaching ’96, is an ambassador representing the state of Michigan for the North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement. She is also a teacher at Arthur Hill High School and an adjunct instructor in SVSU’s College of Education.
Michael McCauley, MBA ’96, graduated in 2006 from Leadership Bay County. John Carter III, BA Design ’97, MA Communication & Multimedia ’03, is a freelance graphic designer for the Movacci Agency in Austin, Texas. He also freelances in Saginaw through DESIGNEFXJC3. The Web site is: www.designefxjc3.com.
Christine Greve, BBA Management ’92, was recognized and honored in September 2006 by the national Association of Small Business Development Centers as Michigan’s 2005 State Star Performer. (profile pg. 27)
Darl J. Daniels, BA Political Science ’97, has been selected as an associate in the Office of Disability Adjudication and Review Leadership Development Program for the Social Security Administration in Falls Church, Virginia.
Karleen (Demaet) Helmreich, BA Criminal Justice ’92, graduated in 2006 from Leadership Saginaw County. Helmreich is Saginaw County deputy public works commissioner.
Sean Gallagher, BA History Education ’97, received the 2005 Ruby Award, sponsored by Interlude magazine. The award honors the upward, bright and young whose primary qualifications are professional success, community and non-profit service.
James Papajesk, BS Chemistry ’92, graduated in 2006 from Leadership Bay County. Papajesk is vice president of business lending at 1st State Bank. Jody Paradis, BA Physical & Health Education ’92, has been appointed vice president of commercial lending at Clarkston State Bank’s Loan Center. Lisa (Esckilsen) Gano, BSW Social Work ’93, is a hot-air balloon pilot. She owns and operates Sky Dancer Balloon Rides. Her Web site is: www. skydancerballoonrides.com.
Alicia (Rowe) Gardner, BSN Nursing ’98, of Swartz Creek, is a clinical nurse II at the University of Michigan Health System in Ann Arbor. Matt Reinbold, BBA Finance ’98, graduated in 2006 from Leadership Bay County. Reinbold is employed with Independent Bank. Andrew Booms, BA Psychology ’99, will be ordained a Transitional Deacon for the Diocese of Saginaw November 25, 2006.
Kari (Sanborn) Maples, BA Sociology ’94, is the owner of a new service Take Paws – Canine Adoption Counseling in Bay City. Her Web site is: www.takepaws.net.
Dan Sievert, M.Ed. Principalship ’99, became the new principal at Trinity Lutheran High School, Seymour, Indiana, in July 2006.
Tony Booker, BA History ’95, has been named director of admissions for Bethany College in Kansas.
Joel G. Toner, BSME Mechanical Engineering ’99, of Sterling Heights, is a test engineer with General Motors in Warren.
Troy Hendrickson, BBA Management ’95, was awarded the Curtin Business School New Teacher of the Year. Hendrickson is a lecturer for Master of Leadership and Management at Curtin University of Technology in Perth, Western Australia.
2000s
Martin Larsen, BA Criminal Justice ’95, Saginaw Township police lieutenant, graduated in 2006 from Leadership Saginaw County.
Stephanie Watt, BBA Accounting ’00, Teaching Certificate ’03, has been named boys tennis coach at Imlay City and assists with the girls tennis team. She also teaches eighth-grade math at the Imlay City Middle School.
David C. Maurer, BA Interdisciplinary Honors ’95, was honored with the 2006 Lifetime Achievement Award from the Michigan Associated Press Broadcasters Association.
Trent Mosley, M.Ed. Educational Leadership ’01, Longfellow Elementary School principal, graduated in 2006 from Leadership Saginaw County.
Jessica A. Powell, BA Criminal Justice ’01, resides in Rockford and is a police officer with the Grand Rapids Police Department. Jason E. Rasmussen, BS Computer Information Systems ’01, is the supervisor of network operations for the Saginaw Intermediate School District. John Bodner, Teaching Certificate ’02, former SVSU football player, has been named head football coach for Grosse Ile High School. Bodner also teaches at the high school and married Kim in June 2006. Brad Labadie, BA History Education ’02, is in football operations at the University of Michigan. Travis McAlpine, BBA Marketing ’02, is playing with the Rio Grande Valley Dorados as a wide receiver and linebacker in the Arena Football 2 League. Robert Robinson, BA Political Science ’02, of Lansing, graduated from the Thomas M. Cooley School of Law in January 2006 with a Juris Doctorate in Business Transactions. Nate Wakefield, BBA Marketing ’02, is golf pro at the new Saginaw Golf Centre. Keath Bartynski, BA Communication ’03, is currently with the Cineplexx Blue Devils in the Austrian Football League. Ali El-Khatih, BBA Management ’03, is an Arabic interpreter/recruiter with the U.S. Army in Detroit. Phil Garno, BA Theatre ’03, and Mary Ann Toskey Garno, BA Theatre ’05, have been cast in the Dallas Children’s Theatre’s national tour of A Midnight Cry: The Underground Railroad to Freedom. The tour begins in October 2006. Matthew R. Johnson, BBA Marketing ’03, is a research assistant in Dayton, Ohio, with the Kettering Foundation. Tara L. Maas, BA Elementary Education ’03, is a teacher in Union County Public Schools in North Carolina. Amos M. Mallek, Bachelor of Professional Accountancy ’03, joined Rehmann Robson in Saginaw as a staff accountant in the audit department. Andrea Manning, BS General Science Education ’03, is the resident director at Ohio University in Athens.
Matthew L. Sommer, MS ’03, of Decatur, Georgia, is a designer/network engineer for Norfolk Southern Corporation in Atlanta.
Carrie Lynn Dekoski, BSN Nursing ’06, accepted a position at the University of Michigan Hospital in Ann Arbor on the acute pulmonary floor.
Theresa (Booth) Walters, BSW Social Work ’03, provides clients mental health services as community outreach coordinator at Child & Family Services of Saginaw. Guoqiang Zhao, MBA ’03, is the director of International Affairs for Beiqi Foton Motor Co. Ltd., in Beijing, China. Luciano Gonzalez, BBA Marketing ’04, of West Bloomfield, is an area developer for the franchise Salad Creations. Christopher Hennessy, BA History ’04, is a research analyst for Michigan Senate Democratic Caucus in Lansing. Elishia Spitler, BSN Nursing ’04, is a registered nurse at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago. Michael Wiltse, MA Leadership in Public Administration ’04, was honored as 2006 Educator of the Year by SkillsUSA, a 280,000member national partnership of students and teachers focused on technical careers. Wiltse is director of Delta College’s Criminal Training Center as well as Delta’s softball coach. Terianne Carey, BBA Management ’05, graduated from Leadership Saginaw County in 2006. Carey is president and owner of Rex Corporation. Jermaine Jackson, BA Criminal Justice ’05, is a football player with the Port Huron Pirates in the Great Lakes Indoor Football League.
First Lieutenant Jason Eichler, BS Engineering Technology Mgt. ’06, of the Army National Guard’s 125th Infantry Unit, recently received two Purple Hearts. He is also the first graduate to complete studies at SVSU while serving overseas in the military. Bill Konesko, BA Communication ’06, has been promoted to media relations specialist and group account executive for the Saginaw Spirit Hockey Club.
Lindsay McDougal, BA History ’05, Port Huron native, was promoted by the Saginaw Spirit Hockey Club to merchandise director and Spirit store manager.
Brad Luczak, BSEE Electrical Engineering ’06, recently joined Spicer Group of Saginaw as a design engineer for the Municipal Services Group’s Electrical Area. He started as an intern with Spicer Group in 2002 while attending SVSU.
Mark Radlinski, BBA Marketing ’05, recently signed with the Tulsa Talons in the Arena Football 2 League. Radlinski wears number 18 and plays quarterback.
Ruvell Martin, BBA Marketing ’06, joined the NFL as wide receiver, and wears number 18 for the Green Bay Packers.
Barb Valliere, MA Leadership in Public Administration ’05, traveled to Chicago in July 2006 with four SVSU students to participated in the third annual Disability Pride Parade. April M. Bond, BBA Accounting ’06, accepted a position in the Finance Department at Delphi Automotive Systems, Saginaw. Wendy (Kenny) Buse, BSW Social Work ’06, joined the Center for Independent Living of Mid-Michigan in Midland as a disability resource consultant and will head “Ready,” a preemployment and skills readiness program.
Alumni Zone
Whitney Osentoski, BA Music ’01, is a “swing” member of the Tarzan cast at the Richard Rogers Theatre on Broadway. His role is to cover for six members of the ensemble when they are unable to perform in the Disney Theatrical Productions show.
NEW!
SVSU Alumni Chapters Interested in meeting SVSU alumni in your area? National alumni chapters are forming with opportunities to socialize, network, and establish an SVSU presence. Contact Pamela Clifford to start a chapter in your area or for information on the new Atlanta, GA, Lansing and Metro-Detroit, MI chapters. Phone: (989) 964-7462 Email: pacliffo@svsu.edu.
SVSU REFLECTIONS - 31
Rhea Miller Concert Series
2006 Fall Focus —
• Julie Smith, harp, November 4
The Challenge of Religion
• Audrey Luna, soprano, January 27, 2007
• NPR religious correspondent Barbara Hagerty on philosophy and religion, Sept. 28 (7 p.m.)
• April 21, 2007 – Aebersold & Neiweem, duo pianists Concerts at 7:30 p.m.; Admission is free of charge. Call (989) 964-4261.
• Dow Visiting Scholar Stephen Prothero presents “The American Jesus: Icon of a Nation”, Oct. 2 (7 p.m.)
The Play’s the Thing…
• Dow Visiting Scholar Harold Koening, “Spirituality in Patient Care” Oct. 12 (7 p.m.)
• Fat Pig, October 13-15 and 20-22
• Nobel Peace Prize recipient David Trimble on “Transforming Religious Conflict into a Lasting Peace”, Oct. 17 (7 p.m.)
SVSU Theatre Presentations:
• A Christmas Carol, Dec. 1-3 and 8-10 • The Princess and the Pea, Feb. 24-25 general public
• Eboo Patel, Dow Visiting Scholar, on “The Role of Religious Youth in the 21st Century”, Nov. 1 (7 p.m.)
• Angels in America, April 20-22 and 27-29
• SVSU History professor, Thomas Renna, offers the fourth Annual Hoffmann/Willertz Lecture and serves as a respondent to the series. Nov. 8 (7 p.m.)
For times and ticket prices, call the Box Office at (989) 964-4261.
Lectures are Free. Information: (989) 964-4261
Elementary Schools only - Feb. 26-28, March 1-2 at 9:30 a.m.
Special Lecture Series, “Inside the Music”
presented by Patrick Flynn, Music Director for the Saginaw Bay Orchestra. Oct. 13, Jan. 25 and March 29 at 7:30 p.m. For information, call the SVSU Box Office at (989) 964-4261.
7400 Bay Road • University Center, MI 48710